Castle Mom and Dad

Are you kidding!!!

2011-12-04T21:16:00.000-08:00

We had a very nice Thanksgiving. Sister-in-law Sally was so kind as she is every year to host the dinner. I only had to bring 4 pies, cheese balls and crackers and then I put to gather a little craft for all the kids to do. I always hate the in between clean up and pie time for kids, they seem to get board, and they seemed to enjoy to craft. So anyway even though not all my kids and a few in-laws couldn't make it, it was a day I was thankful for family and health.

I maybe had overdone it just a bit the day before, but I still felt like I was healing and moving around better.

Then Friday hit. The grand kids were there, Jodi and Trevor were still there but except for a little tired I was OK.

By Friday evening I started to chill and was running a low fever, then the nausea, then the worst headache I have ever had along with the stiff head and complete in-ability to move it. After a very long night of not knowing what to do finally I said at 4am I have to go to the hospital. I was enable to get in Kim's car due to the head and neck so we actually had to call for ambulance transport.

After all the blood work and IV's then a Lumbar Puncture, I was told I had Meningitis and needed an MRI to look at my back surgical site, which had never looked bad nor had increase in pain. Then after that I was told I needed surgery!!! 2 back surgies 13 days apart.

They kept me extremal sedated, due to the headache, until the surgery.

So I came home on the Dec. 1st. My family has been more than wonderful, with tending me, & helping, Mel took down all the thanksgiving decorations, Jodi finished some shopping, Matt and Jenn tended one night and then tonight Gordon and Jessica came over and did 90% of my Christmas decorating. I am so appreciative for all they've done. I can't forget Kim, he dusted and cleaned yesterday, and has kept the laundry up and things cleaned up, and of-course helped with many activities I couldn't do at first. He even washed my hair in the hospital, it had been 5 days since I could wash and then have the ability to curl. I was exhausted but felt so good.

I would be lieing if I said it hasn't been hard, because it has. I have cried more than I should, I keep having pitty parties and then think about how much worse it could have been. I am tied down to home antibiotics for an indefinite length of time, but I know I have been blessed and watched over and I just have to have faith and be strong.

Time goes on...

2011-11-20T12:29:00.000-08:00

And on and on, and usually the on and on part is great. I've decided the reason blogging is a pain is the picture part, so none this time.

So I took out the calender and will try and catch up.

Jessica had her annual Davis 5k and most of the family participated, even Hyrum did the mud race.

Kim and I took a road trip to Mt. Rushmore and visited Martins Cove twice, . We had a great time just the 2 of us.

The girls had our annual Swiss days trip. The shopping, visiting, eating was as great as usual, but what we thought would be a great condo. only turned out to be an OK one. I'll have to ask more questions next time.

Grandma Hardcastle did her annual Jackson Hole trip. Our family got our own rental home. It was huge, 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, laundry room, 3 different sitting rooms, a great big kitchen with a dinning room table, a great view patio, hot tub, indoor sauna. It wasn't the best year for hearing the Elk bugling, but we did see bears, and other wild life. We can't really spend a lot of time as the whole big family, and there may be trauma now and then, but we love each other and our time together. Grandma is so sweet to do this each year and we all appreciate her so much for it.

We recently had our Stake /Regional Conference. Our visiting authority was Pres. Monson, Elder Jensen, Elder Anderson, & Sis. Wixom. Kim was able to get floor tickets, because of his bishop position, so we got to sit center seat, 4 rows back. But being that close did not guarantee good hearing. Some how the sound system was not so great, but it was still a great experience.

You'll have to go to Mels blog and see the cute Halloween costumes that the kids wore. Hyrum was a Train engineer, with a cute costume made train by his dad, and Kate was a pink fairy, who just was adorable being Kate. I have been working on a Witches costume for a few years and I finally had a year I could wear it, so we had fun at the ward party.

Now how to feel 90 at 54. My back or more specific my right leg has been hurting since April. After tolerating it for a few months, I finally got an MRI and found I had a ruptured S5 disc. I then had 4 spinal, cortisol injections over a 6 week period. With absolute so improvement and new and different problems resulting from it, I then waited 6 weeks to get into a neurosurgeon. He ordered a new MRI and called me at home on a Sat night and said "we have a problem", these are not good words to hear from your Dr., at home, on a Sat night. We meet on Tues, he showed me the MRI and that now there are 2 ruptured discs, S5 & L1 with a bunch of fragments scattered through out. Then another thing you don't want to hear is "I don't know how to fix this until I open you up, which needs to be as soon as possible, so that it doesn't get worse".

So I feel old. I had to use a walker for a few days due to a numb left leg and foot, (feel old) for a few days I needed help getting off the edge of the bed or chair (feel old), I walk with a limp, and put both feet on each step (OLD), I am grateful I have a high rise toilet and a bar on the wall, courtesy of having mom live here, (feel very old). So the topper is...my very sweet visiting teacher who has young children, came by with 3 of them and they had made me GET WELL colored pictures with nice sayings. I wanted to cry because of the thoughtfulness and sweetness, but now I really really feel OLD.

All of this is hard, but a lesson at the same time, I need to be more thoughtful, sensitive, helpful and listen to the promptings that we receive every moment of every day, and serve those around us.

Is the Bishop in.....

2011-08-14T18:17:00.000-07:00

Call him the Bishop. Those reading this know what that means. In the last 4 weeks there has been a lot of emotions running through our home. We did let the kids know when the call came so they have also shared comments and their concerns and love.
Today he was sustained in sacrament meeting and set apart. So much love and concern was flowing through-out the whole ward. I didn't know we would be welcomed and be given so many warm wishes as we were.
Maybe the reason I was surprised is that this area of homes is very close-knit. Some of these families lived here 30 and more years. We are transplants. Our stake was re-organized 2 yrs. ago and our area of homes, 'Park Lane' , was added to this very established ward. But I have made friends and felt accepted ever since the change.
Our current Bishop has served 6 years as the Bishop and another 3 as a counselor. He has sat on the stand for 9 years and has grown to love, understand, help, and support the members of our ward.
Kim feels very humbled and inadequate at this point, but he is a great man. He has the qualities that are needed to serve the Lord in this way. He has a strong testimony of the Gospel and a close relationship with the Lord. He has the humility to know he needs the Lords help to meet the needs of the ward members, and more important he knows the Lord will lovingly guide him.
I hope I can support him and be by his side as much as possible. We are here to serve and Love one another and continue to learn the Lords plan along the way.
We have a strong and loving family, this may change a few get togethers but we all know that by giving service we grow closer to one another and to the Lord.

catch up (as usual)

2011-07-31T06:56:00.000-07:00

Maybe if I just update once a month, & I know that's the plan, then I won't worry so much about NOT BLOGGING more often.

We are truly empty NESTER'S. what ever that means? No baby birds at home, no messes, (ya right), less food in the house, more eating out, wondering around in one's underwear,(too much visual information, sorry), a clean laundry room, less laundry, 2 guest rooms and a grandchild room. empty closets and empty dressers . More time for each other (in theory), anyway the list could go on and on, but it has been nice, I do miss people around, but if you just drop by, call first, remember the underwear and more time for each other!

Our ward has had an huge humanitarian project going, and I chose to learn a new crocheting project and have had some fun with it. I've made about 30 little girl cradle/purses, I'm getting a little better at learning to read directions, but I still need help to get started. MOM and Karen would be so proud.

Kim and I planned a last minute NEW YORK CITY trip. We had a great time. We did 3 days in the city and 3 days up-state. We did all the normal touristy things. Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Subway (Kim became an expert), Time square, Empire State Building, Central Park, Rockefeller Center(outside), Ground Zero, Broadway and the musical Spider Man, (which has it's own fun story), 5Th Ave. and shopped Tiffany's but we forgot to buy anything, we saw the Manhattan LDS Temple, Grand Central Station, Met. Art Museum, and Greenish village, We ate pizza standing at an outdoor counter, hot dogs and pretzels. Watched music groups in the park and subway performing. Then up-state, we went to the Palmyra Temple, Hill Cumorah (they were practicing for the pageant), the Smith family home and farm, the Sacred Grove, the Printing press, the Whitman home, and then up to Niagara Falls and road the boat into the middle of the falls. We drove through Ithaca NY and saw Cornell University and drove along beautiful ocean view country sides. We always felt safe, a little lost at times, had very kind New Yorkers and bus drivers helping us find our way. I was with the man I love, who was always looking out for our welfare and wanted us to have a great time. And we did.

Kim actually took a lot of pictures, more than me, so I am in most of his and he is in all of mine. I really did go on this trip.

Pioneer day my Niece Annie and her husband Ross hosted a fun Bar-B-Q- at their new home in So. Jordon. The food was great and so was the company. Melanie and her family had to go to a family reunion, and Matt had to work, and I missed the kids, but it was a nice day and their new home is absolutely beautiful.

Kim has officially reached Senior Citizenship age, or at least in some circles he now gets a discount. He turned 55. Birthdays get more and more boring, but the exciting part is that we are Still together and that we are Still Around.

An MRI (More Really-expensive Investigations) was done on my back. Since April I have been having numbness and pain in the right leg, thigh and calf, and now it's into my foot and I have numb toes. I keep having spasms that make my first movements very painfully and difficult. So I guess now the next step is to see a Radiologist and then possibly a Neurologist. I have several areas of degenerative spine, (arthritis,) old age crap, just get over it symptoms, and stop all the wining decease.

We moved Jodi and Trevor to Am. Fork into a large, bright, brand new, lovely 3 bedroom basement apt. They sold their home in Syracuse, and Trevor will be starting Law School in 2 weeks. Jodi starts her sort-of-the-same job on Monday in a new locations, with new people in Orem. They go from 2 good incomes to one, lots and lots of space to very little, a 3 car garage to none, to having all their time together to not much at all, having family and friends all around to none, can I make this sound any more depressing. They will do great. Jodi is a great homemaker, loves Trevor and loves making a sweet home environment so this new location will be no different.

I keep reminding her that when I got married I too moved to Prove, with no friends, a new job, a tiny, dark, basement apt. One car, no family, no texting, no computer, couldn't afford long distance calls, a man I didn't know very well, (sounds like an arranged pioneer hook-up) who was very involved and busy with school & with very little money. But like her we had each other, the church, a family that was reachable and that cared a great-deal about us, and the faith that we were doing the right thing.

The grand kids are getting big and even more fun. Kate & Hyrum together had their first sleep-over and I survived. Grandpa took Hyrum on a train ride to visit more trains. I bought them a Tuff Stuff outdoor play set, (KSL.com) which he seems to love. I'm not tiring to by love, I just want them to know grandma's house is funner than just a small box of toys in the corner. When he was taking his bath he kept dropping the soap and after finding it for the 10Th time, he said, "grandma, you are a good grandma". My heart melted. My kids may not say "mom your a good mom" so I'll take it from the grand kids.

These very beautiful flowers were waiting for me one afternoon from my friend, neighbor and walking partner Becky. What a nice surprise, just for being a good friend.

Things to come: New callings, Davis county race, Swiss days, Mt. Rushmore, Jackson Hole, cont. to clean out and organize our home, and figuring out how to be Empty Nester's and handling Old People syndrome. We are a very blessed and fortunate family.

The real reason I hate to blog is adding the pictures, it takes forever and isn't easy. I need a smart computer person to show me an easier way. HINT HINT

2011-05-21T19:53:00.000-07:00

I am never good at getting my pictures in the right order, so once again random shots of the Real Royal Wedding Day.... Jodi and Trevor's day. As the mother of the bride I didn't get too many pictures so I can't wait to see the professional ones along with the photo booth shots by Annie and all the random family shots, I hope everyone will share. Karen already has.

The morning started with everything ready and loaded. Jodi was off getting her hair and make-up done. I know she was feeling stressed and anxious, but I had my time schedule down and ready to fire...... So now just random pictures.

Jodi and a few of her very closest friends, more friends arrived later.

Jessica, Shelly & Colby

Gordon and Jessica

Matt and Jenn

Lots of the Petersen family hanging out in the lobby of the Joseph Smith building. The little kids had fun exploring all the 10 floors, which I know made some moms worry a bit.

Dad, Mom, Bride and Groom

This so far is my very very favorite picture....sorry Trevor that you aren't there, but this is absolutely adorable.

Kate, Melaine, Hyrum and Justin doing the photo both. I was worried people wouldn't want to participate in the fun, but I really think everyone did. Cousin Annie was set up to take every one's pictures as they arrived, and Jodi, Trevor and I put together a lot of different props for guests to use. I can't wait to see the pictures. The plan is that these pictures will make the "sign in book " that Jodi will put together.

This was the set-up before it started.

Out side the temple. They had a room full of people present, that love & support them, for their sealing ceremony. It is a very special feeling to hear the sealing words and to know they can be together for all Eternity.

Steve, Trevor, Jodi and Linda Flint.

Trevor's Mom Janet and Milo Meyerhoffer

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Trevor & Jodi H. Flint.

So now... The Rest of the Story....

2011-05-17T16:51:00.000-07:00

Gaama do you have potty treats....Gampa do you fly air-pains? I love conversations with 2 1/2 year olds. The little man stayed Sunday night, in his room, or as he says it...cometomyroomgaamaandplaycars, it is said so fast I believe it is one word. We had a very good time. I am pretty sure he doesn't get everything he wants at home but at grandmas he not only gets what he wants but things he doesn't even know he wants, but that's how it is supposed to be at Grandmas. We are on-call 24/7 for him and all other little grandchildren that come along.

He can watch one of several movies in his own chair with treats and drinks provided.

You made it!....that was what he said when we pulled into his drive-way. I made it! (I hope he wasn't worried.)
(No miss spelled words, for those who like to tell me.)

So did Jodi. She has remained worthy throughout her young life to have the beautiful opportunity of going to the Bountiful Temple and receive precious gifts. She will soon be married to the man she loves and "likes". We are so very happy for her and pray the best for her future.

2011-05-01T09:54:00.000-07:00

So I have decided why blogging is difficult for me...it's getting the darn pictures downloaded/uploaded what ever it's called and getting them in some kind of order of events.

So there have been a number things that have gone one in the last quarter so I will mention a few, in no particular order, but this is how the pictures came.

Our neighbors, across the street, had their huge front yard tree blow down. It's been more than a week now and it is still laying in the down direction. We are not sure what they are waiting for. I guess the upside is they won't have to mow their lawn or shovel the snow next winter or next week.

Jodi got engaged, the picture of the ring and guy come later, but she had a fun shower this weekend. My sister Karen and sister in-laws Judy & Barbara along with nieces Annie, Haley & Jaycee & daughter Melanie & daughter in-laws Jessica and Jenn did a great job. She went home with months of family tested recipes and ingredients and great pantry supplies.

We had about 30 or so people, both family, friends and new in laws to be. The food was great along with the cute favors that Karen made.

Hyrum and Kate are as cute as ever. It is very difficult to get good "together" pictures, but we keep trying.

Hyrum and his dad went on a train ride to see Disney on Ice, and then that same weekend Grandpa took him on a very extended Front Runner ride that Hyrum enjoyed as long as the thing was in motion. He is getting so big and loves new adventures.

He has also had to give up one of and many many Buddies. He loved buddy, he was his comfort and his friend for 2 years. He took him everywhere, it was a good thing he had so many. The down fall was he used buddy like a Binky, and sucked on the nose. Which, like a Binky made him happy and quite when needed, but we think he was also getting sick over and over again from the Friend, even though they were washed everyday.

His mom and dad had some rough naps and bedtimes, but Hyrum was a trooper and got over the lose. Little kids are amazing

Stuff from the shower, all those bags are stuffed full. I thought I should do my weeks shopping, but since I no longer cook it wasn't very tempting.

Mel and Jodi checking out the recipes.

We had Easter Dinner. The kids still come to Sunday dinner every other week and I was blessed to have them on Easter. For birthday's and Holidays the good china comes out along with a few treats.

Dinner was followed by an egg decorating contest. I sent out an e-mail on Friday and they were all very into it. I guess if I use the word "competition" my kids suddenly get all official and secretive. Remember the pumpkin cutting contest, well at least this was on a smaller scale, but just as intense.

We even had prizes, Jennie came in 2nd with her zebra inspired, last min., using the vinyl scrapes idea. I think some where not happy with that win.

Justin came in 1st with his little Einstein creation. He is so lucky his mother-in-law has no many random craft junk at his disposal.

Just some of the action. to see more go to http://okdarlin.blogspot.com/

Hyrum with his new friend, named George, in big boy pants. It was supposed to help with the ease of losing Buddy and inspire for potty training, neither of which were accomplished, it just became another toy.

The engaged couple, Jodi and Trevor to see more lovie-dovie pictures go to her site.

http://simplysatisfied.blogspot.com/

We've had birthdays with wonderful desserts, lots of dinners and together times, we have more coming. Kim and the boys along with their wives went on a camping backpacking trip and had a great time, again for more pictures you'll have to check out http://okdarlin.blogspot.com/

Jess posted some great pictures of their trip.

Oh and the Ring. We have been do a lot of preparing and shopping. Her dress is beautiful, which was fun to shop for. She got it at the same shop as Mel's and it even came out of the clearance room same as Mel's. I have such smart girls.

Jodi has very cute and specific ideas and hope all her dreams and plans come true. I know they have with the man she has fallen in love with.

Our blessings just keep coming.

family weekends

2011-01-30T17:44:00.000-08:00

i will be only using small letters for reasons to be explained later. Kim and i took all the kids snowmobiling up to the bear-river lodge in the Unitas. we went last year and had a ton of fun, this year Karen, wade and Paul joined us.

everyone arrived Friday night, we had tons of food, great company, a fabulous cabin, beautiful surroundings and plans for an early sat. start to get out on the machines, and all was going as planned.

we could not have asked for a more perfect day, blue sky, warm sun, no inversion, warm clothing and the best snow ever.

30 min into the ride, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves then suddenly all that changed. i was probably going too fast, about 30 mph and i saw Justin a-head of me, but he appeared to be moving, when actually he was stopped, i tried to swerve and hit my breaks, but it was too late.

i ran right into him... some of this is my memory and some was told to me at the scene. i remember seeing Justin appear to fly by me, when it was actually me flying, i guess i hit my windshield and shattered it right off the machine cont. over him, and both machines, and hit the snow face first, or left side first, shattering my helmet shield. everyone was there within seconds, i was moving everything but my left arm. Kim was suddenly holding pressure to my forehead and i could feel blood running into my face. i am pretty sure i was shouting, most likely screaming i couldn't move my left arm and wrist and i hurt everywhere, they were all just happy i was breathing, talking and moving body parts.

Gordon was sent back to get help. the helpers arrived in shifts, but within 40 or so min. all the rescue team was there with a rescue sled. they were all volunteers but they were fabulous, they worked as gentle and fast as they could, about another 30 min. getting my arm stabilised, pain meds on board and then getting me on the rescue sled, and then about another 30 min. ride to a waiting ambulance. then a not so pleasant 40 min ride to evanston hosp. the 2 men were ever so nice, we just had a misfortuniate incident.

i know this is a long story, but it's mostly for me.

so after 25 very painful xrays and a cat-scan i was shown to have a very jagged ulna break, with lost of soft tissue damage and swelling. it was also decided after multiple phone calls and conversations back and forth, that i would travel to mckay dee for surgery.

but not before needing to have my arm positioned and placed in a soft cast. i knew at that point, since they couldn't sedate me 100% i was just praying i would pass out. i didn't pass out, but there were lots of tears and moaning, along with hand squeezing.

surgery consisted of a long incision on my under arm with a metal plate placed and screws to hold the pieces together, and some cadaver bones or tissue used to fill in the gaps. i have a very big wrap on it now and will need to wear a sling, and will now have frequent appts. with the ortho Dr.

obviously i am going to be fine, it will just be a not so fun recovery. i have a fabulous and loving family who have such great concern for me & they are willing to help in all kinds of ways.

this whole thing could of been so much worse. when i think about Justin's leg, that i must have hit, i know 2 of us could have been damaged. i will just need to forget how much money we put out for 2 totalled machines, we even had the accident insurance, a broken and bloodied helmet, not to mention all the medical bills. Kim and i love spending time with our family, we just need to spend it in a less stressful ways.

Beginings

2010-12-22T20:27:00.000-08:00

A new and precious member of the family joined us on Dec. 8, 2010. Her name is "Little Miss" for blog readers & for privacy.

A friend of mine took these adorable pictures, this is just a small sampling of the photos she took, she is just staring out and I think she did a great job.

Melanie and Justin choose not to find out if she was to be a girl or boy, so the excitement was tremendous. I took the liberty of being a grandmother and was prepared for either. So little pink dresses, shoes, hair bands and bows were in the baby gift closet just in-case they were needed.

Big brother has adjusted pretty well. Just like Melanie says, It's hard to tell if it's just being two or having to share the attention, but he is a little more emotional and demanding than he was before.

Mel and Justin are great parents, she is blessed to have so many people love her and care for her. We are so grateful she made it here safe and sound and can tolerate all the attention we fight to give her.

Beginings and Endings

2010-12-22T15:03:00.001-08:00

I've struggled with what to write. My life has been very complicated in the last 2 1/2 months. With unbelievable joys and sudden sadness, along with lots of worries and some events that expressions can not be given in print.

I'll start with the endings.

Kim's father Donald Lee Hardcastle passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Dec. 19. At McKay Hospital after suffering a dissected aorta. He became ill Sunday morning and went home from church, and when his wife came home from church with a friend, because Don didn't come back to pick her up, she found that he had fallen on the floor, weak, and couldn't get up. After a 911 call and an CT scan it was found he had a very large & long dissection in the aorta.

After the heart surgeon and cardiologist talked they both shared the possible and very poor outcome with the family. He had already gone into renal failure and he was unable to keep any blood pressure without medication. They were honest and blunt with Don and the kids and then the decision was passed to Donto make. He of-course decided that he would not have the surgery.

His wife & kids were able to say good-by, along with my four kids and a few in laws. He was made comfortable with pain medication, BP meds were adjusted and he went to sleep and passed about 7:45pm.

Don didn't have a lot to say, but he made up for it in his actions and love for his family. He loved and cared for his wife and they were together 55 years. Any time there is a loss there is sadness, remembering and pulling together. And most of all there is relying on the Lord and being grateful for his eternal plan for all of his children.

2010-10-30T18:54:00.000-07:00

A picture perfect weekend. I'll start with the end of the day and work my way backwards...since that is the way the pictures were layed out. Someday I will figure out the picture thing with blogging, for now .....

The Volcom pumpkin by Jodi and Trevor, I am not sure at all what this has to do with Halloween, but each couple got a pumpkin and no rules were attached.

If you cant figure out what this is and who carved it, then you are not really a member of the family. Gordon...Oh now you know, says this is what he thinks about 24/7, driving, fixing, adding too, and being in...Sorry Jess.

The Love birds. Jodi did all the cleaning and preparing and Trevor claimed he did the hard work...what punching a bunch of holes.
Moms cute and adorable painted pumpkin, no messy pumpkin guts for me.

Now talk about pumpkin guts...Jennie was all into it. Matt came later but Jennie had already finished all the work, but she didn't have the heart to throw any of it away.

Justin did a very detailed and great looking head. I am not sure who it looks like, but you wouldn't want to be alone with this guy.

Melanie and Dad made a fabulous dinner of Chili Verde, it was eaten by all and not a speck was left. They did a great job.

You can see the concentration of the artists at work, Gordon and Jennie kept their plans a secret until their work was begun. Jodi was just hanging waiting for the artiest of her group.

More workers and Hyrum getting an early dinner, now this kid has had a fun and very long Halloween weekend.

Modern and up to date pumpkin carvers can't really do their job without having the Internet available, we actually had 2 lap-tops operating at the same time.

Now for the kid stuff. Hyrum playing and relaxing with Simom in the back yard. Hyrum loves playing and running with Simon. They are so dang cute together.

A healthy treat at grandpas office.
SUPER Y. A reading super hero is Hyrums favorite character and TV show. Melanie was able to find him the costume and he has been delighted to tell everyone that he is super Y. He didn't realize he had a cape or what it is supposed to do, but when he was looking out of the 3 story window at Jodi's bank he said "I jump", so maybe he does know what it's for.

Hyrum with Aunt Jodi at the bank, Jodi was Etch from Toy Story 2. All of Jodi's department dressed as toys from the movie.

Hyrum getting ready for the lout of his short little life time. He quickly learned that a few simple words like "Happy Halloween" and "Trick or Treat" could win him hand-fulls of treats, I am not sure what happened to the full bag either.

The pumpkins before the big slaughter.

Hyrum his mom & his friends moms gave the kids a little Halloween party and I was the only grandma that got invited. They made pictures, had stories, ate treats, made candy necklaces and just ran around and ran around some more.

A cute little raggedy Ann and a little UofU cheerleader.

Super Y---Spider man or men---Buddy---& 3 Rexx

A few light-up-eyeballs to make the season bright, oh wait that's Christmas, well they were just cute and fun to make.

Getting ready for the Party

This is where is all began, making Jodi's very complicated and expensive custom for her work party.

I hope everyone had a fun, family filled Halloween. I am so grateful we could get together and have some fun. Even the 3 cousin dogs came to grandmas for the night. Now onto the next family gathering, Travis's Mission farewell.

2010-10-21T15:48:00.000-07:00

25 years is a long time for any relationship. You get used to the way things work, you feel comfortable, the service is what you have come to expect. The office is 2 min. from home, and everybody knows your name...But not any more.

Today I had my regular 6 month dental cleaning appt. Our good friend and great dentist, Dr. Pete(Dr. Peter Christensen) has finally 100% retired. He has been heading in that direction for at least the last 3 years or more. Today his name was off the door, no diplomas on the wall, no sign that says make checks payable to Dr..... The walls and decor were the same, but I couldn't hear his friendly voice or see is smiling face.

Dr. Pete really knew us. He would ask about our family, talk about our jobs, he even tried to get our daughter to date his son a few years back. There was even a rough patch in his life where he was one of my patients.

He was the best dentist a family could ever have. Our kids have only gone to him, they never knew he gave them shots and none of the kids have dentist fears like I do. He would head you to the right person if there was work he couldn't do. He never forgot that when pulling my wisdom teeth there were problems and in the middle of the procedure he personally called my husband told him to come get me and take me to an oral surgeon, who he had already called and made arrangements for me to be seen right way. He would often talk about it and for years he kept apologising.

Melanie has been driving an hour for her appt. since high school. Jodi once, in the middle of an appt. with the new guy, asked if Pete was in the office and wanted to see him and get his opinion he of course came and talked to her. When Matt got a terrible face infection from having his wisdom pulled, from an oral surgeon, he looked at him right away, took a pan0-xray, with charging us called the surgeon, explained the situation and we were seen right away. He is even to blame for Gordon's Valium ear, which is another long story. And every year he would give Kim a free Crest Whitening kit for the auction.

Long story short, we have been very blessed to have such a great family dentist. We are going to miss him and we wish him well.

We also have the same relationship with our family physician...we are a strange bunch.

2010-09-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

There has been life since the wedding, and some of those events have photos, and many do not.

The do nots...I had 25 straight days off work, and I pretty much studied 15 straight days of that preparing for my math exam....and I passed. I was so relieved, that I cried waiting to find out and then I cried when I passed, I am now in my last class and hope to finish soon.

Paul Hardcastle had his mission farewell, and I got no shots of the who family or him. He is currently in the MTC headed for South Korea. We pray for his success.

Travis Latham got his mission call and in Nov. will be headed to Taiwan. He is so excited and we are for him too.

Cleaning out closets and cupboards has kind of been my relief from studying, and I love making my DI pile, almost everyday I add to it and it feels great.

I cleaned my craft room and now the little guy has a little big boy bed and the room looks great.

Now for some pictures, there are a lot, but oh well...

The girls and I and Karen went to
Swiss days again this year and had a great time. We each sent our spouses a picture of ourselves surrounded by packages, but none of our men believed any of us when we told them these were all our own.

How-ever the being exhausted part was real.

Jenni was the real tough one, she held most of them at once.

We had a fun time and I got us a really nice Condo in park city for the two nights.

Jess, LeeAnn, Jenni, Karen, Jodi, Melaine.

Jodi and Karen relaxing before we went shopping again.

My cute and ever so helpful tutor, Abby, sent me a fruit bouquet after passing my math test. She was awesome and I was so grateful to have. It tasted fantastic.

Jessica was incharge of Davis county's 5K. So we all tried to support her hard work and went to the race, and then enjoyed a fun breakfast together afterwards. Here are a few too many shots of the morning. This is the little guy after he finished running his race and receiving his medal.

He was so excited to run. He kept telling all of us "I running, I running" just looking at this picture and I can hear him say that. He was so happy all morning, just being outside and the center of all our attention.

Matt and Jenni after the race, I'm not sure what the face is for, but he says it makes photos more interesting, I guess he right.

Mel and the little guy waiting for his race to start.

Karen and Travis coming in, they still look happy.

Matt and Jenni walking fast, they wanted to run, but if you signed up to walk you had to walk, those were the rules.

Trevor, Jodi and Wade after they ran, and you didn't want to get to close to them, as you can tell.

Jodi coming around the last turn.

Here comes Gordon. We cheered for them all.

Justin did well too. I don't remember the order of runners, but they were all happy to finish.

Look at wade go, want a trooper.

This was Jessica starting the race. According to her husband they were both grateful the day and event was finially over. They had a hudge turn out and Matt even run a price at the give a-way.

Smiles and a blue buddy before the race. Buddy didn't run, but he is always near by.

Jess was all smiles before it started, so I don't know what stress Gord was talking about.

The little guy had a sleep over at grandmas and we went to the park and splash pad, but his favorite is the slide and climbing bars.

He is one tough kid, with no fear at all, I guess my fear of him getting hurt makes up for his lack of it. You would never know this kid had been sick for weeks, in the hospital for vomiting and dehydration. Kids bounch back to fast.

I think this is were I started with the wedding stuff. Matt and Jenni opening gifts after the honeymoon. They have a really cute townhouse and seem very very happy, and my family food bill has gone down drasticly and the family room actually is clean all the time. He doesn't seem to be starving, so they must be doing all-right.

Life is busy, I am grateful as always.

Matt and Jenni's wedding

2010-08-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

The happy, in love and very handsome couple.

Matt and Jennie had a beautiful wedding, with lots of family and friends to share to event with. I didn't get to take too many of my own pictures so I have stolen a few. They are great kids, who are so very much in love. All of the family was there and I kept getting teary eyed missing Mom and wanting to share the day with her.

The happy parents

The family,
Trevor, Jodi,Hyrum, Melanie, Justin, Gordon

Mom, Jennie, Matt, Kim (dad), Jessica

The Boys

The Girls

The little Man, giving high "5's"

The bride and her Dad (Will)

Lots of umbrellas, but no one was rained out.

Later there was a spectacular double rainbow.

We are hoping they won't notice the few that are missing.

We are so blessed to have a loving and close family, and so blessed that spending time together is important.

2010-07-05T15:49:00.000-07:00

4th and other good stuff....

Good food, Jennie made a festive dessert. Gordon and Jess invited all that could come to a
Sunday bar-b-q and it was a very nice evening.

Don't these look like fancy House Slippers, I'm told they are not and that he has a pair in brown. But they do look comfortable.

We all learned a new game called bocce ball and I think Kim and I won, so it must be an old persons game, but the balls are really heavy, so it's a good work out.

Ohhhhh...the loving couple, I'm not sure if Kyle is laughing at them or at his mini TV screen. Dig the groovy sunglasses, he told us he paid a lot of money for them.

We kept moving with the shade, I think Kim is tiring to get a suntan line.

Isn't she cute? Here is a close up of the glasses.

The old folks entertaining the young'un's.

Yellowstone with the Stapher's, Josef & Johanna. These are people Kim met on his mission 32 years or more ago in Germany, and through the wonderful world of face book they have re-connected. They are taking a 4 week Holiday & we meet up with them for 4 days in Yellowstone. Kim was their tour guide and I was....I don't know what I was. I didn't know their language, their city, their friends, their memories, and often I felt like the 5th wheel. They are very nice, pleasant people to be around with great stories and I wish them well on the rest of their trip. My trip highlight was attending the Bar"J" dinner and entertainment. The show was so much fun.

2010-06-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

I had to look at my calender to see everything that has been going on, but going on it has. Going backwards.

Baby blessing of Molly Ardith Binggeli (Haley's and James adorable baby girl).

Hyrum at our house for 2.5 days, we are exhausted. His mom and Dad took a 10 hour CPR & 1st aid class
.

Wedding shower for Jennifer at her mom's, she got some great stuff. (I need a 31 year shower)

Spent the night in the hospital, it's not my esophagus, lungs, stomach, or heart, so back to the drawing board. Some one needs to just be brave enough to tell me it's stress, then I can stress about it.

Jessica's Birthday, 26 I think. The kids said she had a great Bat-B-Q, everything about her is top-notch, Gordon picked a great partner, in fact all my kids have.

Fathers day dinner.

Passed my 8th class, 2 more to go, but I may have meet my match, MATH, did I say I might be stressed.

Taught my Relief Society Lesson, I guess it went well.

Meet Jodi at Park City after she ran the 188 mile (with a team) Ragnar race. She was on some sort of HIGH, must have something to do with 24 hrs. of no sleep and power food.

Work, Work, Work and more work...

Moved Jodi home, tended Hyrum for the weekend again, we must be doing something right or his parents wouldn't trust us so much.

Jerry Seinfeld show, he and the opening comedian act we both great and so much fun, we are definitely going to try and see him again if he comes.

Ate a free (we tried everything)or $250.00(deposit) meal at the Rendezvous lodge and Texas Pride Bar-B-Q. That's were the wedding, dinner and reception for Matt & Jenni will be and we are delighted with the area and food.

Max's birthday and baptism, what a cute little man.

Mothers-day, with the great gift of hearing were are having grandbaby #2

Lots of Sunday Family dinners, work, church, meetings, homework, occasional house work, book clubs, date nights, and being grateful for a full life and loving husband.

Matt's birthday... wait that's where I started...

Big Birthday

2010-05-03T03:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Happy Birthday!!!

This is last years cake and B-day picture

Happy birthday Matt. You have more exciting things this year than you've ever had before and might ever have.

Soon to be married.....

New Job......

New travel......

Now a new house.....

We wish you happiness this year and forever.

Love mom and dad.

2010-04-29T18:25:00.000-07:00

I don’t know what happened to April, literally. It has come and gone and May will probably do the same. A few memorable highlights….

General conference, with great speakers about family and commandments.

Easter.

There was work and meetings, even a night shift which I haven’t done for 3 months, but got called off both my Sunday shifts.

Birthdays, I can’t believe I’m 53 I mean 32 sometimes getting old age is “hard”.

We had family 5K’s.

Pedicures.

Visiting teaching.

Stake conferences, with an “odd guest speaker”, enough said

School, School, and School. I was trying to remember life before school, where it wasn’t on my mind no matter what I was doing.

It rained, snowed, hailed, heavy winds, sunshine & dark over-cast clouds, (o wait that was all today). Capri’s and sandals or sweat shirts I’m so confused.

Sunday dinners with kids, and grandkids.

Book club, again didn’t read the book, but it’s in my pile.

Haley’s baby shower.

House hunting with Matt and Jenn, that was not fun for anyone.

When I sum it all up I guess it was a great normal month, maybe nothing spectacular happened but I had things to do, places to be, friends to exercise with, a grandbaby to love and family to care about, and that is spectacular.

Happy Birthday Gordon

2010-03-24T06:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to our Oldest son, Gordon. We are so proud of all you've become and of the wonderful things you are doing in your life. Hope you and Jessica have another wonderful year together. We love you.
Mom & Dad

2010-03-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

Sad when…

-Cleaning the fridge is better than doing homework

-When cleaning out the said fridge, the “left over containers”, fill the whole top part of the dishwasher….I didn’t take a picture of the garbage can…way to embarrassing.

-Throwing out food is easier than learning to cook for 2, problem is we never know when there will only be 2 for dinner.

-Eating out has become way too easy and convenient. We don’t even want to figure out how much we spend out take-out.

-Growing-up,I mean old “Is Hard”.

3/17/2010

2010-03-17T22:32:00.000-07:00

Lovly day to be alive.

Playing at the park on this sunny and beautiful day

Very happy Hyrum to be outside, climbing and watching other kids play

Kim finally got his new car, 2010 silver Subaru Outback, I think he is pretty excited.

It's what's for dinner, a little jello, and barley on the floor cooked up with a ..............

Little Hyrum in the Pot. He is very helpful ... not...just cute!

2010-03-17T03:39:00.000-07:00

Soft ball anyone (too soft)
Grapefruit (sorry too gross)

3rd boob (missing parts)
Bunch of fatty benign tumor (I’ll take that) I did ask to see it.

After waiting for 7 hours, I guess there were cases that went bad before mine, thankful they were not me, 6 IV attempts, no food or water,(I really didn’t feel hungry, good body reserve), lots of old nursing friends stopping by, then 3o min. from sleep to awake, I was finally home by 9pm.

I have such a great support team, loving kids, family and friends and not to forget the best, a fabulous care-giver husband who had to do a lot of sitting and talking all-day with me, who knew we had too much to talk about.

Thankful it’s over, now I just have to finish a report by Friday, take a test on Friday morning and finish preparing my Relief Society lesson for Sunday. I guess not too many pain pills for me.
The worst part…not being able to pick up and hold my littlest care-giver, Hyrum. He and his mom are coming to baby sit.

2010-03-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

I’m off to see the wizard, the wizard with the scissors and scalpel, o- my- gosh! I keep wondering why again, should I expect this once a year, make plans to be put-out and cut up, I don’t think so! Soon I’ll make a road map of all the scars and see where they lead me.
Awhile back a very large lump was noticed on my left middle back. Finally I had it looked at by my Dr. who sent to a Surgeon, who immediately said it needs to come out, sooner rather than later. It is hopefully a Lypoma which is a benign Tumor, “I don’t have a tumor” funnier if Arnold Schwarzenegger says it. I will be in-and-out without even having eaten French fries and a hamburger. So those are my plans for the day, what are yours?

2010-03-13T18:06:00.000-08:00

3/14/xxxx

Wishing my beautiful daughter a very Happy Birthday. These past few months have been tyring but you are always looking ahead and you know you and your sweet little family have great things in store. One year older is a great thing! We Love You and hope you have a great day!

2010-02-23T18:29:00.001-08:00

Valentines day, one happy kid with one of his favorites uncles. He has the cutest hair cut ever! (The little guy, not the hairy one)

Gordon and Hyrum.

Hyrum's very nice and cute parents ( I have to say that so they will bring him around)

Matt and Jennie, the lovely bride and groom to be.

Gordon and Jess the happy 3 year old newly weds

Jodi and Trevor, the new little couple, he doesn't look so happy at the moment, maybe he didn't like his valentine treat.

Interesting Monday night. I was planning on 3 for dinner and it ended up dinner for 8, do I know how to stretch the soup or what?

We had a 3-some exercising (none of them looked like they needed flatter abs) but they did them anyway.

I'm not sure what is being exercised here!

Gordon working on taxes, I don't think he is smiling.

Matt and Jennie working on Wedding stuff.

We missed the other 3, but we wish them a happy Anniversary and speedy recovery. See you all again on Sunday.

Life is great!

2010-02-10T18:30:00.000-08:00

My day started last night at 9pm.

9:00 PM I was tucked into bed, shower, teeth brush, 1/2 sleeping pill, prayers and alarm set.

9:10 PM remembered I needed two baby shower gifts to take to work. Got up ran around putting together 2 gifts that were equal in quality and expense, but they needed a toy or something, o-well back to bed.

9:25 PM still awake, decided I'd ask Kim tomorrow to stop and get me 2 little baby toys and bring them to me at work. Looked last at the clock about 9:45.

3:05 AM Awoke to what I thought was my alarm (set for 03:45), got up, dressed for work, once ready, looked at the clock and realized I was ready about 45min. early. I have no idea what happened.

4:10 AM Went to Harmon's to buy the little toys for the gifts myself. Went to the middle night door, wouldn't open, went to the south door, sign says use middle door, went back, decided I shouldn't be wondering around alone in an empty parking lot, in the middle of the night, headed to Wal-Mart.

4:15 Pulled over for speeding on Riverdale Road. Told a little white lie, that I was heading to work at the Hospital and was ASKED TO COME EARLY ( the lie part), only given a warning.

4:20-4:45 Wal-Mart, to Work were the real Day began, but I won't go there. :( Home at 7:10 PM to my wonder husband and quit home with no alarms, phones, reports, things bleeding, BP's falling, ER calling, no beds left, my name literally being said by 3 people at the same time, laughing until it hurt, no lunch, very few potty breaks, pulling lines out and putting others in, Dr's wanting to TALK TO THE CHARGE NURSE (never a good sign),great friends and wonderful people working together to do what we do best.

2010-02-04T17:22:00.000-08:00

I do not write as poetically as my daughters, and I certainly do not have as mush to say, but my emotions are getting the better of me today or again as I struggle with school, work, church, home , family, wedding stuff and just day to day living.

School: So much for going at your own pace. 6 months is 6 months, and what isn't done goes as incomplete and is added to next semester, I do think I'll be done, if I pass everything I turn in the next 3 weeks, but the pressure is more than I can stand most days. I do like learning, I just hate dead-lines and pressure and not being able to work the computer like I need to.

Work: Everyday new responsibilities are being added to what I have to do but nothing is ever taken away. I know everyone faces challenges in their jobs, and people rely on you doing what you should, but when life and not death is what the expectation is, then there is just a bit more frustration involved. I know I am not lazy, but I pray everyday that I make it to retirement, and can enjoy life without being so on edge all the time about getting it all right and never forgetting to get it all done.

Church: I have a testimony and this is where I want to be and learning more and more about our Lord and Savior is a focus I want in my life. I can't add a BUT here, so I'll just add that in 3 weeks I have about 25-30 sisters coming over to my kitchen to watch me make Chicken Gnocchi soup, I wish I could just say "NO, not at this time", and not feel guilty.

Home: I don't cook, clean, do laundry, watch TV (much), shop for food or anything else, leisure read for book club, (they still let me come even though I haven't read a fun book for months), O ya book club is at my house this month too. Things just seem to be piling up and getting dusty thus the worry over soup night.

Family: I will never be able to stop worrying about each of them, and that's just what comes with willingly having children and being married. Mel and Justin are hurting right now for a miscarriage, and we all hurt for them too. There is a wedding in the works that I haven't done much of anything for it, but I know they'll tell me when to get my act together on that. Praying for each of them helps with the worrying and being willing to do what ever they might need is about all I can do. Having a loving and understanding husband help too.

Life goes on and I am grateful I can get up each morning and be apart of each day, and able to say thank you at the end of each day.

2010-01-18T17:41:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, Thurs, Fri, and Sat. Kim and I took the kids up to Bear River Lodge in the Uintas and went snowmobiling and stayed in a 5 bedroom cabin. The weather was absolutely beautiful. As we would sit around and talk we thought how wonderful it would be to own a great vacation home like that. But since we don’t I am grateful for the opportunity and the means to just rent one and enjoy the weekend. I was telling the kids that when they were little, money was always so tight, that I never imaged even being able to provide fun vacations like this. We played games, ate well and enjoyed being together and playing with Hyrum. The poor kid probably has such an over-load of attention when we are all together that he just can’t wait to have his space back when we’re all gone.

Hyrum in one of the 3 huge Love Sac's

Up in the loft, it could easily sleep 10 or more people
Boys playing in the loft, Gordon even jumped down onto one of the Love Sac's once and his parent's greatly disapproved

This table sat all 10 of us

Gordon pumping up the tubes that we never did take out

Lots of food in the big kitchen

Hyrum loved the snow and when ever he was outside he only wanted to walk on the snow and hated the sidewalk. Yes he is very bundled up

Mel and Hyrum getting ready for a ride?

Matt and Jennie

Gordon, Jodi and Jessica. We had to go in shifts we only had 6 machines and someone had to stay with Hyrum, so Mel and Justin didn't go out on the first run of the day

Kim and LeeAnn

Relaxing at the home front

Who is under there?

It was a great time and hopefully we can do it again. We did miss Jodi's friend Trevor, who couldn't get away from work, so maybe next time.

MORE STUFF
For the whole month of Jan. our wards Relief Society is in charge of providing Heritage Care Center’s Relief Society each Monday. I have had this opportunity many many times over the years, either with the RS or with the Young Men and Women who help when wards takes turns providing the Sacrament meetings. It’s a great and humbling opportunity for both adults and youth. Last week when we got there a gentleman who we've knew from the 13Th ward was there in his wheelchair waiting for the meeting to start. I knew as soon as I saw him that it had to have been one of the hardest things his wife ever had to do to place him there. She has cared for him for the many years he has suffered with MD or MS and has been wheelchair bond for as long as we’ve known him which is at least 24 years. When she got there and we talked afterwards we both just cried for the situation he is in. There is also another man there who was in that same ward, and his wife was here with him and he has Alzheimer’s and no longer knows who his wife is nor does he speak, but it took all my control to not cry at seeing her sit by him and hold his hand during the meeting knowing that she still loves him no matter what!

My lesson this past Sunday was on the Creation, our eternal possibilities, the Lords plan for us here on earth and being able to Pass the Test and return to Him again. When we stop as see the full circle of life and know of the struggles we have to face and the lessons we must learn it is hard sometimes to remember we choose this opportunity to come here and go through all of this, but the reward must truly be splendid for us to continue only on faith.

28

2010-01-03T19:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Happy birthday Jodi. Your dad and I hope it's a good one. We love you and want you to be happy. I love your SMILE!

2009

2010-01-03T13:40:00.000-08:00

I am not good at remembering what goes on day to day or month to month, but I do know 2009, just like every year, had good and bad.

So in no particular order.

Everyone became a year older and the most noticeable was Hyrum's 1st year. Talking with Mel almost everyday and hearing about what new and fun accomplishment he was making, made not seeing him daily bearable. We had a few (four, I think) sleep overs and on was 5 days long. I find myself talking way too much to family and friends about my wonderful my little grandson, but he is.

We celebrated our 30Th year wedding anniversary, and sailed away on a wonderful Cruise for 6 days. Kim and I had a great time, not just for those six days, but everyday I know how blessed I am to have a great loving husband.

Our ward and stake was realigned, so I was released as the nursery leader and now have the 3rd week Relief Society teacher calling. Kim being on the High Council didn't have to change. I was really worried that we might be pulled away from all our friends, because of where our house is located, but the ones I am closest too came to the new ward too. The new ward has great people and the Church is True in the new building too. I also had been released after 5.75 years as the enrichment counselor before all that happened.

After 15 years of visiting and teaching with the same partner in the old old 13Th ward and seeing the same sisters, I finally stopped visiting in 2 wards. My good friend and partner Judy sold their home of over 30 years and moved to a new home in Syracuse. That has been hard, not only to not see her as much, but also the ladies we visited. They always said they didn't mind that I actually wasn't in their ward for the last 7 years.

I had unexpected colon surgery in May, it took me much longer to recover than I ever dreamed possible, and I now have new empathy for anyone who goes through a major surgery and has PAIN. But I also realized how many wonderful friends along with caring family members that I have and that I need to be more aware of others and their needs.

Matt and Jennie became engaged. What a wonderful and exciting time for them and now they are planning their future together. I can see how much they love each other and respect what the other one needs.

We had an UN-Birthday party for MOM and DAD in Sept. They both celebrated Sept. birthdays and it was a fun party and just a great reason to get together. It was also a full year, in Nov. that mom passed away and she is always in my thoughts and I can see her in my actions.

Jodi meet or re-meet a young man in 2009 and she seems very happy all the time now.I guess we'll so what happens.

I applied for and got hired to a new position at work. This is something I really didn't give much thought to before hand. But once I accepted the job, I then had to start school full - time. They want everyone to have a Bachelors degree in the position and I guess having 2 associates just didn't cut it. So I hope to be done next fall.

I am grateful for every year I have been blessed with and look forward to the new one beginning.

2009-12-27T15:02:00.000-08:00

The last 2 years Christmas has taken on a different feel. Last year mom had just past away, and then no one could come for breakfast due to the terrible snow storm that we had. So this year was to be a big, everyone come eat do gifts and it would be great. Well it was. Almost the whole Petersen group made it up and we ate the traditional scrambled eggs, OJ, Ham and the best and the thing we wait for all year long, home made scones, honey butter and jam. It was a lot of fun. Paul ended up giving the worst gifts ever to the youngest niece and nephew, coats! Not that they were really the worst gifts, but their mom had picked them out because she wanted them for the kids and Paul was the giver who the kids looked at like "what the heck" a coat! Paul said next year he would ask the kids themselves want they want.

It was nice to visit with the family and then as everyone left, Kim and I cleaned up and got ready for the next event.

Dinner for the Hardcastle family. Everyone came and our own trickled back it at some point, they had all left after breakfast to see family on the other side. Then Mel, Justin and our bright little Hyrum came for the rest of the day and night. The evening was nice, again to eat and visit,the little cousins played Wii and the big folks sat around and visited.

Later that evening our kids finially got to open up gifts together, from each other and mom and dad. It was a very long day, but worth the wait. As usual being the one in charge, I gave my camera away so not very many photos were taken.

It is very hard to remember a Christmas with out mom, the season meant so much to her, and most of our traditions come from what she started, each family has added their own, but no matter the generation remembering fun and good times is what is important. We often lose sight of Christ in the gift giving the food the parties, being busy and all the preparation that goes into the celebration, but I know that Christ is present when in is honor family and loved ones share time together in fun, peace, harmony and remembering all who have given so much and gone on before.

Yes there is a small child in that bag, and sometimes not so small of child

Abby and Briggs get to celebrate with the family too (along with Jessica)

Jacey helping with her dad and the scone making.

2009-12-08T08:39:00.000-08:00

Every time I hear Happy Holidays I am reminded of mom. One year I made these glass blocks for all the families, and they said Happy Holidays, she asked me change hers to say Merry Christmas, she hated that everyone was taking Christ out of Christmas and really wanted hers to say that. I made her a new one, and now I have it. I didn't mean anything by making the first one, but she was so determined that it made me think twice and I never say Happy Holidays. Thanks MOM.

2009-11-29T19:25:00.000-08:00

A few of my favorite things:

End of a busy work day

A clean house

Thanksgiving with family

Having my bed made each day (by my husband)

Birthday smiles "The temptation to cuddle him is nearly overwhelming"

Daughters that are happy (sons too)

Christmas lights Organized closets

Completed and accepted assignments

Good memories and a loving family

A husband that is willing to proof read, fix computers, run to the store,fill your car late at night, loves you and the kids and the grand baby most of all, just to name a few of my favorite things.

2009-11-15T15:39:00.000-08:00

I KNOW I KNOW, but what if I were to say nothing has happened? Well that wouldn't be completely true.

*I spent almost 12 hours yesterday on home work and catching up from my busy and fun fill week.

*I am 1/2 done with my second class of the term, (#1 has been completed), * I have actually

*I have bought one Christmas gift for a person on our list, then found out it was the wrong name.

*Took down Halloween decorations, dusted, and put up Thanksgiving decorations, dusting was the most important thing.

*We had Halloween, well I guess everyone did.

*I was able to get, on sale, enough of my favorite lotion for all of next year.

*I gave my 1st Relief Society Lesson, in our new ward. I am the 3rd week teacher.

*Sunday dinners with kids and dogs.

*Have already gotten 100% on this months Visiting Teaching.

*Participated in a 2 day craft fair and sold a lot of the stuff I make.

*Passed ACLS which is a big deal to me, and no one else.

*Bought nothing, for the first time ever, at Kim's scout auction.

*Didn't finish or start the book for Book Club this month, but will go and visit anyway.

*HAD HYRUM FOR 5 DAYS. (With the help of Jodi and Kim on the days I had to work). Cryed a little on the day I had to give him back.

Fall Weekend of...

2009-09-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

(Stay tuned to the end) or just jump right to it...

All 26 members of the Hardcastle family were present.

Tetons, you know what they look like (Kim did take some great shots, just not me)

Hidden Falls,2.2 miles above Jenny Lake

Elk and Bugling and freezing at 7am to hear them.
FamilyLakes

Beavers (actually building dams)

Black Bears playing. No pictures but they were seen 3 times in the same place throughout the day.

Hiking

Fall Leaves

Eating /Way too much food.

Driving (again 22 mpg)

Lovely Condo accommodations . Thanks to Don and Charlene (grandma and grandpa)

Hyrum playing

Relaxing AND

*****Matt and Jennie getting ENGAGED****

What a great weekend. Thanks again to the whole family and especially to grandma and grandpa for the great time.

Un-Birthday

2009-09-19T08:33:00.000-07:00

Who needs a reason for a party or just a get together? I guess I do.

Yesterday, the 18th, was mom's b-day. Ever since I had written it on my calender, at the first of the month, I have just kept thinking about it and what to do to celebrate her. So a few weeks ago I decided to have a birthday party in her honor. After inviting everyone, Hallie reminded me it was also dad's b-day on the the 16th, so we celebrated both. Dad has been gone 40 years so it was a date that wasn't fresh on my mind like mom's, so I really appreciated the reminder.

We had cake and ice cream,played a few games, visited and learned more about our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Almost everyone came. We did miss the 4 who couldn't make it and I wish them well.

But thanks everyone for humoring me and helping me celebrate the people who have ment so much in my life. Not just those who have passed, but everyone who is a part of my life. I love you all.

2009-09-14T05:54:00.000-07:00

I never think to take before and after pictures, but this would of been a good one.

I am not one who usually panics over the news or pending predictions, but for some reason I am a little worried about this pending Swine Flu Pandemic thing. I had to go to a meeting at work where it was explained to us, as health care providers, what will be expected of us should Utah be hit, and I guess there has to be a certain number of people involved for the 'Pandemic Switch" to be turned on. But Utah is in the top 10 states for the real thing.

So I am no excerpt and I"m not trying to scare anyone. But back to my before and after.

I have been shopping the case lot sales, going to the church cannery, buying extra at Sams club, and trying to plan better and only buy the things we actually eat. So all these new treasures have landed at the base of my stairs and actually causing a saftey & fire hazard. So this Sat. I dug in and totally cleaned out my cold storage unit and pantry and organized what I had. I had to throw out 2004 spaghetti O's, old applesauce's, dry hash browns, which I actually moved from the old house to here, found some good stuff tucked in the back and decided I never need to buy church cannery beef stew again, in fact maybe we'll have that instead of cake and ice cream at the family B-Day party. So my only word of advice, plan to have enough food and personal necessities, and of-course baby stuff, just in case you get stuck at home for 7-10 days and are not allowed to leave. But now my shelves are so clean and organized I might just have to show everyone who enters, you'll just have to imagine the before mess.

My weekend before. There have been some rumors about the girls weekend/Swiss days/shopping/park city stay event going on. The only true ones are; I did win Phase 10, I did have a great time and laughed so hard I was sick, did spend a lot of money with not a lot to show for it, I did have fun with Karen, Melanie, Jodi, Jessica and Jennie, I'm not good at the "spaz" game, and yes everyone should bring PJ's to a slumber party. All that other stuff I take the 5Th. But can't wait for next year.

So grateful for family, fun and the opportunity to provide for our needs.

800 plus miles

2009-08-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

30 hours and about 800 miles later we are home again. Kim and I wanted to "just get away" so we planned a little 2 day trip. It actually ended up being only 30 hours. Kim forgot he had to give a High Council talk at 9am Sunday so we cut the trip short.

1st. The Titanic Exhibit in Idaho Falls. It was a very interesting and sad at the same time. You were given a Boarding Pass as you entered with information about who you were and why you were aboard the titanic and at the end you find out if you lived or died. Kim was the famous Margaret Brown, unsinkable Molly Brown, I'm sure the older generation have heard of her, she lives, I was Jane Carr, traveling alone, back to the USA, only to finish up some business and then to return to live in Ireland with my family. I didn't live. All the way through the exhibit you read stories about those who survived and those that didn't. A Mother who stayed behind because her 2 boys, age 12 and 14 were considered to be men and were not allowed to go with her on the life boat. Wives who chose to stay with husbands, men who paid to board life boats and then sail without being full.

Great stories.

Next onto West Yellowstone, where we ate dinner and went to the musical Guy and Dolls. It was a lot of fun. The cast members were very talented and had such great energy. I at least knew the story, from seeing the old movie on TCM, Kim didn't know the story, but he loved the play too. Besides the acting and singing the costumes were amazing. I honestly thought it would be more like a high school musical or local theater, but they were very professional and I would love to go back and see another play sometime. Finally to bed. I had only slept 3 hours that morning after working all night so I was exhausted.

On to Old Faithful. It's been years since I've seen her erupt. I guess it's a her, only hers erupt, right? A few buffalo, other stops of interest and we continued home. A shake stop at La Beaus and then home.

I dose off a lot, Kim drives all the time, we got great gas mileage, from 19.6 to 24.6, lots to talk about and times of silence, making plans for family, and then plans for ourselves, that's what "get-a-way" trips are for and that is just what we did.

Just fun

2009-08-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

Great weekend. Friday Mel and I went to a bunch of Parade of Homes homes in salt lake and then Kim & I got to tend Hyrum. He is crawling and getting all around and is so happy to get the things he wants when he wants them. He is getting big and even cuter, if that is even possible.

Sat Kim and I ran errands together. We don't usually do that. We seem to be going in different directions most days, and Sat. we were just heading in the same places all day. Then later in the evening we went to our old wards High Priest dinner. It was so nice to sit and relax and visit with friends, friends that most of whom are now in a differnet ward(our old ward). Then we went to our new wards High Priest dinner with another couple. It was great. Almost everyone there came up and introduced themselves to us, I won't remember their names yet, but they were all so friendly and kind and there are a few people who I actually know, one is a good friends sister, and another is a gal I knew from my college dorm life. I'll say it again, I want to handle this with grace and maturity and know that everything will work out.

Moving onto Sunday. Kim and I went to the 9am session of the Oquerrh Temple Dedication service. It was packed, and worth the hour wait. (I just got there early). There were a few talks directed to the youth about Temple Preparation, but I must be young at heart because I felt like they were for me too, in staying worthy to always be able to attend and receive the blessings that the Temples offer.

Then it was Kid Sunday. Which is what is says on my calendar. But what it means is everyone comes for dinner and I love it. The noise, the mess,the clean up, the food, the baby, the dogs, the conversations, new news, updates, teasing, jokes, remembering stories, or at least retelling them, who's doing what and going where, and planning our girl get-a-way weekend. It is what we do, and I'm sure most families have the same weekend stuff, but this is my family and our rituals, and they make me happy, and the Lord wants us to be happy.

Got change?

2009-08-14T19:20:00.000-07:00

Never ending changes.
The weather, our hair, our weight, wall colors, family size, cars we drive, money we spend, money we save, decorating, vacation plans, mood, clothes, work, friends, our memory, price of gas, things we must have, addresses, habits, the list goes on and on.

Things that never change. The truthfulness of the Gospel, our love for family, change, 1st day of spring, (except leap year), and holiday dates. This list isn't as long.

Someone told me while visiting teaching last night that you can tell how mature and graceful someone is by the way they handle change. I have given this a lot of thought today because change is all I seem to be experiencing at the moment.

I am changing my job and my responsibilities, I will stay with my old job and also do the new one as needed and this is a huge change. I will be continuing my education starting on Sept. 1st. no more lazy days off and playing games on the computer. We have changed our internet provider, so I had to change my e-mail account and learn how to run our new TV remote. I recently left my comfortable ward calling in the RS and became the nursery leader. But Sunday will be a really big change. We are having our ward boundaries changed. All the wards in the stake will be realigned. I am 52 years old and have never been in a ward that needed to be divided. I have loved this ward and have made a lot of friends in the 7 years we have been here.

I exercise with a very good friend, in the ward, and we have been just sick and worried about this. We are 100% sure our little subdivision will be moved into a different ward. but the advise I got last night has helped me remember, the Church is True, no matter what building we drive to or who we sit by. I want to be one who is graceful and mature and know that this change was inspired by the Lord and I can flow with the changes and be happy.

Melt down

2009-08-06T12:47:00.000-07:00

Melt down. That is what I had a few days ago, a melt down. I go through my days reading other peoples blogs and thinking I don’t have anything that needs to be said, and this probably doesn’t need to be read, but I need to write it anyway.

About a 6 weeks ago I had a friend say to me “you really should apply for this new job” and then gave me a brief description of what it was all about. I hadn’t heard about the position because I had been off for 6 weeks for surgery and had only been back to work for 3 shifts. So I left work at 5:15pm, went to a play, in SLC, at 7pm, and by 11:30 I had applied for this job, the deadline was Midnight. Needless to say I really didn’t give it much thought.

Within 2 days I had an interview set up, 2 days after that interview I had the second one arranged. One week later I was hired for this new position, new department to the hospital , new computer system to run the department and by accepting this position I was also committing to finish my nursing degree with a bachelors degree, (I have 2 associates but it is required to have a bachelors).

I have been in training for 2 weeks. Now remember this is not nursing practices that I am learning, that would at lest be building on things I had a base knowledge for, this is all computer interactions and multi tasking with every department in the hospital, along with every Team Leader for each department and making decision as to where that patient will be placed and how fast that needs to happen. There is so much more to it than this but to try and explain it all would cause a melt down here at the key board. But after each training day we all leave just over-loaded with too much information and they keep telling us, “it will come, just relax”.

So now, I have applied to the Western Governors University, which is a non-profit on line university, to complete my degree. Tuesday night I had to take a qualifying test on line for acceptance. They said allow 2 hours to complete, it took me 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete, the questions were not easy and the essay question took me 30 minutes just to come up with an idea for the topic they assigned. I was so tired and frustrated that by time I was done I was asking myself, “why was I doing all this, did I need a new challenge in my life, was I trying to make my life more difficult, weren’t things going along just great, I Loved my schedule (that has been totally thrown off kilter). I love the people I work with, SO WHAT AM I DOING”?

Thus the melt down that night. Could not sleep, could not turn off my brain, could not relax, crying, worrying about the future of my church calling, time spent with family, Sunday dinner with the kids, working an occasional night shift, ( I really don’t care about that), not working with my friends as much, having a Dr. get mad for a decision I’ve been instructed to make, taking too long in getting the patients placed, trust me the list goes on and on. Just typing this has made me tear-up.

So here I am, with only about 10 years left to what has been a good career, doing something so new, so out of my comfort zone, my knowledge scope, trying my very best to develop skills, that until 6 weeks ago, I didn’t even know existed. I want to do my best, to prove to myself that age doesn’t matter in the learning realm, that I can be put out of my comfort zone and be OK.

So if you are trying to do something that seems hard, give me a call and I tell you good luck, relax and it will come and my favorite “If I can do it anyone can”.

JOY

2009-07-02T19:20:00.000-07:00

I could only imagine the joy of being a grandparent until 7 months ago, and I can't imagine a life not being one now. I am sure it was the same for being a parent, where you just can't completely explain the love for another human being, but somehow this feels different. It's very hard to explain, but it is wonderful just the same. I can't give thanks enough!

Birthday Girl

2009-06-25T19:26:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Jessica

We love that you are in our family and that you love Gordon so much. We can see how happy he is.

Happy Birthday!

One lucky girl

2009-06-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

Again it's been forever since I blogged.

I am finally feeling human again. I returned to work 2 weeks ago today and the incision is very sore at times, but I'm good. I have a better understanding of pain and how it affects people differently. I could never understand how someone could say they were in a lot pain, and then in a few min. be asleep, or just wake up and say they needed a pain pill. Pain pills DO NOT TAKE AWAY ALL THE PAIN, they only dull and make the pain TOLERABLE. So I will be more understanding and empathetic.

I Love and Love my grand baby. He is so cute and fun to be around. His little personality is showing through. We had a weekend over-nighter a few weeks ago and at church he was very picky about the toy he wanted, only the book, nothing else would do. He sits up and giggles, and rolls everywhere he needs to be. His smile is contagious. It would just be nice to be a little closer in distance, but I'm not complaining.

Music to my ears was when after Jodi had been in her own place for a week or so, she called to ask where something had been put, because Mel and I had done most of her kitchen and bathroom unpacking, so I told her where it was and my comment was " I am so glad you still need me", he comment back was "I will always need you and I am just not saying that, I will always need you", I just about started to cry, I still need my mom and now she is gone, so I am glad to be needed even if it's just to fine the Ibuprofen.

We have a joke about Kim and giving him gifts, he just doesn't get excited, or at least show excitement. And this fathers day was pretty close to normal, but I do want to Kids to know who couldn't be to dinner that he cracked a bigger smile than usual and said "what have you kids done" and I think that was very close to actual excitement, so way to go! He is the best and he deserves the best.

I have to give him a special thanks for his constant love and support during this whole surgery recovery thing. He has put up with a lot and never complained. he was always making sure I had what I needed and wanted to help when ever possible. He was cleaning and doing the laundry, which he does a lot of anyway, he shopped, cooked, ran errands, wanted to buy new furniture (which we barrowed instead), listened when I cried and was scared and was just so encouraging when I would get down, he even offered to take my primary nursery class for me, but that was taken care of. Kim has always been a much more giving and compassionate person than me, and I have often worried that that when we are old a crazy that he will be a better care giver than me, and now I know he will. So I need to learn from him and give back as much as is given. But now that I think about it Kim has always been this way, so I guess I am one Lucky Girl.

Simple Fun

2009-05-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

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.

At least you can keep the foot

2009-04-23T03:13:00.000-07:00

On our last day of the cruise I started to get a little sick, left sided low abd. pain. By time we finally got home my re-occurring Diverticulitis was flow blown again and off I went to the Doctors office where he agreed that was my problem. I have had this happen, now 4 times, over the last 3 years so I knew the road I was on. First I would have to take a couple of antibiotics, but one of them was made by satin himself called Flagyl. It can make you sicker than the illness, constant nausea, dry and metallic tasting mouth, and gut pain . But this time I was told it was time to see a surgeon about possibly having the infected piece of colon removed.

I have had other disposable organs removed, hysterectomy, gallbladder ,appendix and tonsils. I wasn’t so sure the colon was considered disposable. I guess the Lord gave us these types of body parts just to mess with us here on earth, because it sure seems like a waste of effort just to give them back in the here-after.

1st surgeon visit I was informed I was still infected, and needed a CT scan to make sure, and was put on more of satins pills and come back in one week. I did as I was told. My version of what I thought would happen yesterday at the appt. You are still infected (the pain is still present ), you need IV antibiotics and then we’ll talk about surgery (in my own time frame). The real conversation at the appt. You are still infected, I don’t think this is going to heal on it’s own you need surgery ASAP, before it gets worse and ruptures. Tears. More satins pills.

Then I was put on the conveyor belt of admission preparation. I was asked every personal question known to man, gave my blood, and my $$$. So Monday I am having a partial colon resection. And to add insult to injury I have to have a 2 day bowel prep, also devised by the devil, and clear liquids for 2 days. No birthday cake this weekend at the 2 parties.

So about my foot. As I was waiting in pre-admission a little older man was wheeled into the area and his wife sat down next to him and he said “not very good news it is?” she said “at least you get to keep the foot.” I am losing another disposable organ, one I am reassured I will do fine without, not one I wouldn’t do so well without. So as we all know “It could be worse” and count the blessing you have, and I have many.

Final note to self, get a perm today and anyone want to buy a ticket to Florida for next week.

2009-04-04T21:50:00.000-07:00

This morning bright and early I headed out to a locally owned grocery store, Kent’s, for their Early Bird special. I actually needed things they had on sale so I knew even if they were busy it would be worth it. I have always liked their meat, cheese and produce.

Well all of Roy must have wanted to save some money too because we were all there. I got there 90 min. after they opened and the parking lot was packed, but one funny story was in-order to get a shopping cart you had to wait outside the door and help someone leaving the store, load their groceries, and then take their cart. I didn’t mind this at all and I visited with the women and we joked about the situation as we loaded her car, and I got my cart.

It is a very small store, very organized but very crowded. My shopping took about 45 minutes, and my line wait was 45min. But I visited with the women in front, and the couple in back and we would move each others carts if we wanted to go get more items, remember is was a great sale

.
Second funny story (or at least interesting), as I was leaving there was still a cart shortage and people waiting to help you to your car, plus now the store had a couple of young girls out their helping too, to make sure the carts came right back. So a very very large 30ish man asked for the cart, followed the young gal and I to my truck and stood with his arms folded while she and I unloaded the 2 heavy water boxes, the big box of frozen chicken breasts and all the other heavy and multi bags of stuff, (I even took all my reusable bags), he didn’t left a finger to help us, just watched. What a gentleman. I am sure he didn’t want to get in our way or intrude on our fun at all. You can come up with your own conclusion.

After thought. I have not banned Wal-Mart as many others have, it’s not my favorite place to shop, but they are usually cheaper and have a large variety of non grocery stuff, but it is so nice to see other stores and especially little local guys, still able to compete and make a difference in our ability to save money, and stock up.

I am grateful that in this “recession” we are still able to work and provide for our families needs and as Kim and I have often joked, as we have needed to purchased new things for our home, we are “doing our part to help the economy”. And I continue to pray that everyone will be able to do the same.

Travel Log

2009-04-01T16:24:00.000-07:00

Warning: Could be boring!

Kim and I got home Sunday night from a 7 day Western Caribbean Cruise. We went on the (Bed creature, different each night)

Serenade of the Sea. We really had a good time. Having never done this before we weren’t really sure what to expect or how things were done, but there are people at every step of the way to make you do it right and never get lost.

We spent a night in San Juan before we boarded the ship and that was pretty uneventful. We did wander around a little on old San Juan but we didn’t see or really do anything. But once we boarded the ship we did a lot of wandering. They are huge and this one carries 2800 passengers and 900 crew.

(rooms looked like RV trailers, but they were very comfortable)

Each day we went on a different adventure and if that didn’t take all day, you could always shop. Shopping is something they want everyone to do. Especially shopping for diamonds. I have never seen so many Jewelery shops.

We went snorkeling on St. Thomas, which took me a little getting used to. I haven't done it since Hawaii (24 years ago) but it was fun. I don’t think we saw as many colorful fish and coral here but it was still a good adventure.

The next day we took a tour bus into the hills and all around St. Lucia to see the Pitons mountains. We also saw so much poverty and unemployed young adults and men, the homes were the size of many of our garden sheds, or single car garages. Everywhere we went people were trying to sell “stuff".

We couldn’t decide what to do on Antigua,

so we took a cab with some other people and went to a very beautiful beach and just hung out for the day. Kim was able to eat some authentic food, which just the smell made my mouth burn and eyes water, so I just ate his coleslaw. I have to admit I have never seen Kim just relax and hang out at a beach before so I kept asking him if he was bored and surprisingly he always said "no."

We split up on St. Maartin, because I didn’t want to go Scuba Diving.

(Kim getting on the ship just in the nick of time from Scuba Diving)

Kim went and had a good time and was able to “breath under water” something I do just fine above the water. But I went to the shopping area and learned how to ride or drive a Segway or people mover. I was totally surprised how fun and easy it was. We had one women chicken out, she kept telling her husband she wasn’t coordinated enough and just walked away. It took a little getting the hang of it, but after just a few minutes I had it down and off I went. (famous beach, where movies are frequently made, I don't know what movies)

We went on a 4X4 adventure on Barbados to see the Green Monkeys and other tropical forest type animals, and on the way there our guide told us all about the Real-Estate and how much everything cost and where famous people stayed and owned homes and got married, it was interesting but I’m not sure it was really the Island Tour speech he was supposed to give. He did however live up to the 4x4 adventure part by taking us off road through a sugarcane field and factory and about knocking all of us of the back of the truck. Not so fun! (Milton and Mary)

(watching Kite Surfing)

All in all I had a good time, I loved spending time with Kim and eating fancy dinners and having waiters remembered your name and meeting new people. Jodi said on hers they were Mormon magnets, we were not, and as far as I know we never meet or ran into an LDS person, but trust me I kept looking for signs, like no liquor in one or both hands, clothing that night be considered semi-church appropriate, the obvious “lines” under the clothing, but we still really enjoyed the people we did meet. (dinner companions and waiters)

2 single ladies at our dinner table cruise at lest 2 times a year, they have been doing it together for 15 years, since their husbands both died, and had done this same cruise 5 times, only because they love the ship, shopping and beaches. That seems a little much for me, but to each their own. We had a few nights of great entertainment, we never ate until we were sick, and never slept in.
I am grateful for the opportunity to go and be with Kim, to not worry about home and work and everyday things and just be together, but I was also glad to get home to my kids and baby.So Happy Sailing for the next time.

.

We're Off

2009-03-20T04:44:00.000-07:00

I have failed to mention that 3 weeks ago I was released as Enrichment Counselor in the Relief Society.

I have had that position for 5 years and 9 months, and 3 presidents. The whole presidencies was released. I thought I might have a hard time, but once my last birthday social was over, last Wed. I have been so relieved and ready to move on.

By moving on I mean being able to sit and listen to a lesson without thinking about what I'd say at the end, or looking at the faces of the sisters and wondering if anyone needed help or had needs that we should tend to, and trying to remember what my next week work schedule was so we could plan our meeting and visiting evenings, always thinking about what my next lessons topic would be, and always planning for the next enrichment night.

Well enough said about that but my relief was very short lived, because before the Sunday of the big release, I was called to be the Nursery Leader!!!!! Yes ME!!! So for the last 3 weeks I've been with the kids. So far so good? I sure I'll have stories. The first week one little girl said "oh my ears hurt" as the boys were running and screaming, I totally agreed.

Now to the things I won't be doing for the next 9 days. Getting up at 0345, and working 12 hrs, washing dishes, preparing meals, answering the phone, planning a lesson, banking, grocery shopping, exercising, (oh wait I don't do that much now), blogging, visiting with our baby, (oh too sad), e-mailing, anyway the list goes on and on, but the things I will be doing will be new and exciting and in warm weather and I just pray I don't get sea sick. Kim and I are going on Carribean Cruise for our 30th year anniversary.

I am grateful we have the time and money do go off on a new adventure and see new things and that I have a personal travel agent who knows his way around the computer and the Fodors Tavel book.

Happy Birthday

2009-03-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

I hope an early birthday wish is better than a late one, because I won't be home on Gordon's real day, the 24th, and we wanted to wish him a great day and lots of fun and adventure in the year to come. Thanks for being such a great son and fun to be around, even if we don have to leave the room now and then.

You are a great son, brother, uncle and husband. Happy Birthday.

Happy Birthday

2009-03-14T08:21:00.001-07:00

So I’m coming out of my month long silence to wish Melanie a Happy Happy Birthday. She mentioned a blog or so ago that a lot has happened in her 2 year old marriage, well even more has happened in her 29 year old life and I am so grateful for her being part of our family and bringing such special people along for the ride.

Dad and I love you very much and we are happy with your choices and are looking forward to the future for you and your family.

Happy Birthday Love MOM and DAD

2009-02-15T07:10:00.000-08:00

Kim and I have been married 30 years (2-15-79)The commercial say’s a lot can happen in 5 years, well even more can happen in 30.

Here is some of what happened.

30 anniversaries, none were forgotten
30 birthdays, 1 was forgotten
4 children (and all that goes with that, blessings, baptisms, sports, plays, musical recitals, surgeries, illness, school activities, happiness and heart aches)
1 grandchild
7 jobs, counting college years
2 weddings
2 in-law children
6 addresses
2 homes, 4 apartments
2 major remodels
100’s of small ones
9 cars
4 dogs , 2 birds, 1 cat (for a very short time), the rest are too many to count, bunnies, fish, garbles, lizards, frogs & turtles.
1 missionary
7 college graduations (counting in-laws)
1 over seas trip
2 beds
6 family funerals
4 surgeries, 1 ablation, 1 major illness
Countless diets, vacations, church callings, paint colors, DVD players, computers, bills, TV’s, concerts, visits to the temple, relatives weddings, fights and make up’s, the list could go on and on.

But no matter all the stuff that has happened and the things that have come our way I am most grateful for ONE husband and ONE true love that has changed over the years to get stronger and more meaningful. We may have not know each other long before we got married, but what I know about Kim now could have never been foreseen, so I am grateful we took the chance and started our lives together. Thanks for 30 years with more on the way.

Old Fashioned and not PC

2009-02-09T22:08:00.000-08:00

I was told my thinking was Old Fashioned today, see if you agree.

Me, My Friend (MF) and young divorced girl living with another young man (YG).

Me and MF saying how great grandkids are and just little babies in general,
YG I don’t ever want to have kids, I have never really thought I would and can’t see me ever with any.
Me, did you feel like that when you were married?
YG Yes.
Me, Does the boy you are living with feel the same way about kids?
YG I don’t know we’ve never talked about kids before.
Me Don’t you think that is a conversation you should have just in case you were to get pregnant?
YG I dont' know, I’m sure we won’t have any.
MF LeeAnn I think you’re thinking too old fashioned . The End

Next conversation, new people. I can’t even remember what was being discussed, but my comment was “Well that’s not a very moral thing to do” the next comment made was “wow you never hear that word any more” meaning moral, me,” well that explains a lot of our society’s problems then doesn’t it”.

Years and years ago I was talking to a young gal who’s husband had gotten in trouble for looking at Porn at work and she didn’t see the big deal, her comment was “as long as he’s coming home for the real thing what difference does it make”? I don’t remember the whole conversation, but she basically told me she wasn’t a Mormon so morals and right and wrong weren’t the same for her, I remember telling her that the Mormons didn’t have the corner on values and morals. Right and wrong were taught and expected by any and everyone no matter the religion. Not just the Mormons believe in a pure heart and mind and right and wrong and having proper morals. She truly believed that had nothing to do with what her husband was doing.

I may be just rambling, but I get really bothered by tip-pie toeing around people who, in my mind are living in-moral lives. I know that everyone is entitled to live as they want with whom they want, but I guess I in turn can say what I want in conversation.

One more story. A 19 yr, old gal living with a 28 yr. old man with 3 children & 2 x wives.
She is unofficially engaged.
Me when are you getting married
YG We don’t know yet, we are trying to buy a house first and pay off some debt
Me I bet your mom is having a fit over this
YG no why
Me. His age, his kids, his x wives
YG no she is really excited for me, it’s just all you other women who give me a hard time
Me and my thoughts…. You can only imagine, and I am sure they are the same as most of yours. No wonder so many kids are messed up, we don’t have any family fiber holding us together anymore. Too many adults are only thinking of themselves and what they want and their happiness.

When I look at our new families and the young married kids in our ward who are doing it right and have the Lord as their center and have strong moral values and teach it to their children I am so grateful we have some who are trying and trying very hard to keep the family fibers tight and centered on the Lord I am so very blessed to have good examples all around me to counter the ones who are confused in how to live their lives.

Blessing day

2009-02-02T09:06:00.000-08:00

Sunday was so much fun and I have to admit, it was much funner as the grandma and not the mom. I don't remember a lot of specifics of the day that our children were blessed, but as a women who worries way too much I am sure I was more focused on the clean house and having enough food. But as the grandma I got to just help with the house cleaning, food preparation and really enjoy the baby and the event. Justin gave him a very special blessing that came from the spirit. Baby H is smiling now and seems to enjoy being played with and having silly noises made at him, something Jodi and Grandpa do very well. I think they missed their calling and should have been baby photographers. Melanie and Justin did a very nice job at all the preparations and are also doing a great job as the parents, we are very proud of them both.

The cameras were going most of the day, the pround mom and very proud real grandpa (the one the bibs about)

The food was great and plenty for everyone
Great aunts and uncles and Matt & Jenny along with some second counsins came to celebrateGrandpa Scott Lafeen

I got a little emotional a few times really missing my mom, one of baby H's great grandma's who I know got to meet him and was there in spirit. It was just one of those events I couldn't share with her and make her a part of. The term "Life Goes On" keeps being said in my head and I hate it and will never say it to anyone out loud, because it doesn't make it any easier.

I love being a grandma and am so thankful for the many opportunities that await me.

Happy B-Day

2009-01-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

2009 Birthdays have started and Jodi gets the first Happy Birthday Song of the family.

Only this year she isn’t here to be sung to. Happy Birthday Jodi and we hope you are having a fabulous time on your cruse. I hope somehow they, the cruse people, find out it is yours and Shelly’s B-Day today(Jan 7th) and they do something special for you both.

Thanks for being such a great daughter & sister, granddaughter, friend, young women’s leader, church member, aunt, sister-in law, cousin, niece, dog tender, money saver, banker, home decorator, scripture & Ensign cover to cover reader, blogger, stiletto wearing, exercising girl. All those things and more make you a very special person who has great potential and a fun future ahead.

Love you and Happy Birthday!

New again

2009-01-03T17:34:00.000-08:00

There is just something quit and serene about having all the Christmas taken down and the house cleaned and the family pictures back out , the furniture rearranged, the gifts all put away, the treats finally being eaten or taken to work to share (and get ride of). I have always loved getting all decorated for the Christmas season, looking at the new and old decorations, the lights, the feeling you get thinking about the season, but I am here to admit, that after 30 days or so, I love taking it down.

I spent about 12 hrs. Fri. doing just that, and was exhausted at the end of the day. Jodi came home and finished getting ready for her big trip, and was feeling a little better, in her lower back area, after a few pills and an hour long message. I am excited for here to go on this cruse with her friends and hope she has a great time.

I am looking forward to a new year, I will never forget the memories of the last year. The hard times and the good. The things that stayed the same and the ones that will be forever changed. The new adventures that await us, and hopefully there will be many.

I get teased constantly for having talking walls, but I found a quote ,that for some reason , I really liked and after all that went on with mom, the house, & the baby it just seemed fitting.

“It’s not about waiting for the Storm the Pass, but learning to Dance In The Rain” our character and who we are is built by the situations we are part of, I want to learn to Dance in the Rain and become better for it, instead of hiding and waiting for better times to eventually come. We are here to be tested and we don’t all need “A’s”, but we need to have tried our very best.

I am thankful I am still here and can still work hard to become a better person, one that my family deserves and that my Father in Heaven is waiting to see.

One for the record book called memory

2008-12-26T19:33:00.000-08:00

"How was your Christmas"? I have never really liked that question, and it is asked 100 x the first day back to work or when you see family and friends. I am not sure if it means "what did you get" or " did everything go as planned", or just what. So how my Christmas?

It could of been worse. I don't mean that it was bad at all, but it could always be worse. If you read Jodi'shttp://simplysatisfied.blogspot.com/2008/12/traditions.html,Kim'shttp://castawaydreams.blogspot.com/2008/12/god-blessed-usevery-one.html and Mel's http://lafeenfamily.blogspot.com/2008/12/merry-christmas.htmlyou will see that the weather and the growing children did change a few of the family traditions that we have spent 30 yrs. creating and that mom spent 57 yrs. creating. I know it would have broke moms heart that we were not all together as we have always been, but the only thing that is certain in life in that there will be change.

Our family talked about the many times we traveled in terrible snow storms to be at moms for breakfast and the second Christmas morning of gift giving, but I would always ask the kids if they would rather stay home and play with their new toys and see friends or go to grandma's and grandmas always won out, so Kim and I would pack 'em up and head 'em out and over the hills we'd go to grandmas house on the big day, with many a silent and verbal prayer, that we'd make the trip safely. But those are great memories that we will all keep forever, and that keeps us a strong family.

So back to "how was my Christmas". It was great and I was reminded of how loved and blessed I really am. Everyone knows how bad our weather was, and how cold and windy it got as the day went on. I was to work until 10pm and I got a phone call telling me that Kim was coming up to clean off my car and follow me home, because the roads we so bad and icy. At first I told him I'd be fine but I did give in (I actually had no choice) and he came and not only cleaned and de-iced off my car, but that of a co-worker too. Then he, Jodi and I followed each other home. I felt so much love from that one, not so simple, act of kindness, that my heart has truly been over filled with gratitude and gratefulness.

I am so thankful for his love and forever thoughtfulness. So I did have a wonderful Christmas, how was yours?

Time flys

2008-12-17T07:06:00.000-08:00

As usual I haven't been good at updating the events of our lives.

GORDON Graduated from College.http://okdarlin.blogspot.com/2008/12/so-now-what.html He didn't want any fan fair and fuss made, that's just him, and he wouldn't do the ceremony at all, so we went to dinner as a family and told him we were very Pound of him and just celebrated quietly. He has worked very hard and was always doing homework, but he also was able to work full time, get married, buy a house and get it running, do family and friend activities and tolerate 2 dogs & not go in debt for school, (and pay for it on his own). He is the 3rd child of 4 to graduate and we are happy for all of them, and #4 is working towards his degree right now. It really is a great feeling to know that education is important to our family.

Melanie and Hyrum had another baby shower given by her inlaw side, and it was a lot of fun, but one thing for sure baby H. will be very well dressed for the next 6 months and could sleep in his new toy chest if needed.
We really did finish our kitchen remodel and here are a few pictures. We love the new area and it just opened up the whole space and made having people over so much more relaxing. We had thanksgiving and then the Hardcastle party here already. I did lose some decorating space and have had to find new spots for things, but the eating and visiting area is no much better.

had already stared to move things out

old wall now gone

In decorating for Christmas this year I only put up one tree. We were trying to remember & I think it's been about 13 yrs that I have always put up two, but the work and rearranging it would of taken this year just overwhelmed me for some reason. I hope this isn't a sign of things to come, because I also sent out no cards, did not make a Christmas crafts for all our families, they just got Almond Roca and an ornament (12 total), visiting teaching sisters (7 total) just got treats, no decorations, I still haven't made any English Toffee, I don't think I have ever missed a married yr. doing that, I have made no Cheese Balls, they both were Mom's favorite and I just can't bring my self to make them, I did buy all the ingredients, but they just sit in the pantry. I only got 1 new nativity set this year and it was moms, but I gave 1 away, and actually got rid of 2 more that were old and damaged. I am not feeling depressed, just indifferent and not very excited by the season, which I am usually very very excited. It might be the remodel, it might be Mom being gone, it might be I just want to spend time with Baby H. or that certain things still make me cry. It might be that I haven't been giving enough service to others and everything has been too self centered and about me and my family this year and I need to give more and think of others. Always in the past Kim and I have done our own little Christmas service to others, and we haven't even talked about it this yr. so tonight we will decide who and what and maybe things will start to feel better.

I am going to be more specific than usual in my being thankful, and I am thankful that Kim and I both have good jobs that at the moment are very secure and we can feel safe in knowing that our livelihood's can remain stable for now, and that if need be we can help our children and others if they needed it. I have a testimony of tithing and in giving back as we have been so much.

Off Work

2008-12-03T21:45:00.000-08:00

When we were planning on Mom coming to live with us, I had asked for 3 weeks of FMLA so that I could get her settled, get the help that would be needed, and just get our life together going. Well I didn't need those 3 weeks for that reason anymore, but my boss said do what you want, so I took the time anyway, with all the intention of going into work each week, NOT!

I have enjoyed this time so much. I have been able to spend a lot of time with Mel and Hyrum. I was able to stay for 2 days when they came home from the hosp. and they have in turn been to our home 3 times, I got to go with them for his adorable baby pictures too.

I was able to have thanksgiving dinner at our home with the new kitchen/great room dig. I have gotten a lot of my Christmas shopping done, and all the decorating too, with the help of Jodi who also had taken some time off work.

I've been able to clean and get a few things organized with the new kitchen, We even cleaned all our blinds which is an amazing task, because I hate cleaning blind.

Our bi-weekly Sunday dinner was fun, we ate, held Hyrum and watched Gordon cut his own hair with the help of Matt.

Now everyone has gone back to work and school, except me, and I still have plenty to do and get ready for Christmas. I work this coming weekend, but then another week off after that. We will be having both our family Christmas parties next week and we will be starting to work more on mom's home which is something I am so not looking forward too.

Live goes on and I am thankful for the season of Christmas with all the traditions and also remembering what was sacrificed by the Savior for us.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T17:08:00.002-08:00

Thanksgiving was a wonderful day full of family, food, good conversations, and just a plain nice time. We hosted the "my side of the family" dinner. But, seriously I hardly cooked anything. sisters, brothers, in-laws all brought the best food ever, some great new items and some true standards. The great Slush/sprite mom always made was there for starters with cheese and crackers to wet the appetite, then the sit down dinner. The new open kitchen and front room or great room was a real treat this year, so that we could all be together and visit more. I used Mom's old cloth napkins, something we haven't done in over 10years either.

But I have to share a phone call I got that morning while preparing for the day. Hello,(me) Hi how's it going? Good how are you? I just wanted to call and wish you a happy thanksgiving and tell you I love you. Well thanks, (me). Is everything going OK? So far. Good, I just wanted to know if you are going to go pick up Angie? I think you have the wrong # (me). O my goodness I was trying to call my daughter and must have dialed wrong. That's Ok, I hope you have a great thanksgiving, (me). You too, thanks. So you might guess the rest, I started crying. I was just touched and thought of mom, she loved the holidays and the family and everything that went along with them. I also had a little mom breakdown on Wed. when I was preparing the stuffing, something I have never done without her here. I was told it turned out Ok.

I asked my brother, I wonder how long the "I need to call mom" syndrome lasts, He said "I hope forever", me too.

Baby H news. He is still cute as ever, and like we all predicted Much more alert. He and his mom have hardly slept, and they are still working hard on getting the feeding thing down. I love to hold him and look at him and give little kisses on his warm soft head. Being a grandma and grandpa is going to be GREAT and I am so thankful we are at this point in our lives.

Happy to be called...

2008-11-23T05:46:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa! We would like to introduce the newest member of the Family...Hyrum Scott L. he was born at 0209 on 11-22 weighing in at 7lbs. 7oz. and 19 inches long. He is the cutest thing we have ever seen and with a head of beautiful golden brown hair and at this point is very very content, I will assume that disposition might change. Once it was decided he needed to be born he came fast and furious. Both mom and dad appear to be doing well, just very very tired from the long night.
We already love him and we love his name and who he is named after, "little grandpa", as Mel always called him.

So welcome to world little guy. It won't always be a great place to be, but you having loving parents and a big extended family who will do their best to show you how to be happy and that you are loved by them and by your father in heaven.

I am so grateful you are here and made it safely.

Happy but sleepless

2008-11-15T06:53:00.000-08:00

Maybe sleep is over rated, but I have always heard you can die from sleep deprivation, and it is used as a form of torture (our own).

It must run in the family, because I can’t stay asleep. I can go to sleep really quickly, even if there is noise in the house, a kid playing guitar right under my room, a football game at the high school, and Lindsay Buckingham too loud in the Family room, but stay asleep, no fat chance. I start waking up about 1am and usually watch every hour. It doesn’t matter if I have to get up at 0345 for work or have absolutely no reason to get up at all. My brain just won’t turn back off. Kim thinks I have forgotten how to sleep. I don’t know what that means, but most mornings he finds me at he computer typing, crying, cleaning, rearranging something, or resting on the front room couch (that is actually more comfortable than my bed on sleepless nights).

I know I worry too much, about everything, getting super sat. crap done, cleaning my dusty but beautiful new kitchen, paying for my dusty but beautiful new kitchen, going through mom’s stuff, where are her rings, who wants her clothes, what is actually in the cedar chest, why can’t I get up and go to the gym any more, why doesn’t Matt go to church anymore, when will this baby come, who is coming for thanksgiving dinner, why can’t I sleep?! Sometimes you just think your brain is going to explode. O well I’ll be tired tonight and tomorrow I work so life goes on.

But Friday I had the best girls day-out ever. I had a RS pres. meeting on Thursday night and we started talking about the craft fair I wasn’t taking part in this year and 3 of us wanted to go and I knew another gall who wanted to go so the 4 of us had such a fun time. We went to the fair, to lunch and a couple of other stops and laughed and talked and ate and shopped and it was great. Those kind of days are far too far in between, but such a great shot of energy.

I am so thankful for friends and family, and being busy enough that I have plenty to think about and not be board.

Good habits

2008-11-14T06:39:00.000-08:00

I am getting so excited, our remolding is almost completed. I will soon be able to clean and me wanting to clean you know it must be bad. I haven’t had a lot of time to post before and during pictures, so soon I’ll just post them all. But as the work has progressed my first thought each time has been “I need to call MOM”. I can not tell you how many times in the last week or so I have had this thought.

With each item completed in our home, when I bought Get Smart (she would have loved that movie), when Jessica showed up at our house in some kind of full blown allergy reaction and we thought we’d be taking her to the hospital, when Mel had to go get checked out at the hospital for her swelling and high BP, Justin wanting the boys to start working for him, when Jodi’s date had to cancel again and why and some of her frustrations right now. About my gift from my co-workers, about what a great job both my girls are doing in their Young Women callings. Matt’s hair cut and getting a car and how well he's doing in school. Jennie’s new internship. Gordon’s house and what he’s been doing to it, Kim’s funny scout auction and what sold for what $$$, the list goes on and on. I don’t know how long this lasts, maybe forever, it’s actually a nice feeling mixed with sad emotions.

I am grateful to know that some habits, (50 year old habits) are hard to brake.

A beautiful day for our beautiful mom

2008-11-14T05:24:00.000-08:00

This is a little late but it’s taken me awhile to get some of my feelings out.

Last Saturday couldn’t have been any more beautiful. The sun was shining, the weather was perfect, the friends were many and the words spoken were comforting. As family we all know how special mom was, but we were reminded that it wasn’t just to her family, but to many more. Her example of dealing with trials and hardships was a great example to so many. But also her friendships and just plain listening to friends and new acquaintances was so easy for her. One cute little aide, at Highland wrote a sweet letter to us about mom, I’ll share some of it here. ‘I grew to love her so deeply , we had many wonderful times together. My daughter loved her also, and would always ask if she could come and see your mom….she loved unconditionally and keep a positive outlook on things….I feel very grateful to have known her and to have shared so many special and wonderful times with her.”

We all say sweet and comforting things too those who have had a death ,and never have those comments meant so much to me. “I’m so sorry for your loss, what can I do for you?” These are words we all use when ever any tragedy hits. But even those simple words mean a lot coming from people who truly care.

I have thought so much about the Here After and I can not image losing someone so close, rather it be a parent, spouse, or child and to believe that this is it. Never to know that person again, or to see them and to think they might actually just be in the ground, cold and gone. We are so loved by our Father in Heaven that he never wanted to loose any of us, so his plan to return to him and for us all to be together again is the most comforting feeling of all. Our pain is meant to be felt and to be a part of our growth and tears can be a good release and talking with others who also share the same loss helps too.

I am so grateful for my brothers and sister, we are 5 who have grown to 25, and are still growing, and the best tribute to give our faithful, enduring, loving mom is to remain a strong family, close to one another and to the Lord.

Baby Lafeen and mom shower

2008-11-06T08:46:00.000-08:00

The rest of My Weekend.

Sat we had a baby shower for Mel. It really turned out ot be a lot of fun. Our invitations were of the rubber ducky theme and that became the whole shower theme.

Kim and I gave them the stroller and car seat, but all her aunts, grandma and family were very generous. Her baby (he/she) will have plenty of blankets, onsies, new born diapers, toys and even a kid computer.

It's fun getting to get a new baby and not have to go through any of the suffering before hand, I think they call that "Grandma", I even got a gift that day, my sister in-law Judi gave me my own umbrella stroller, that was so thoughtful.

April helping with gifts

Rubber ducky treats

Ducky cookies

Ducky Husband playing with the new toys

Karen, with her one hand, made this adorable baby supply cake full if diapers, spoons, Binkies, onesies, and other great stuff

Some things are hard to say

2008-11-04T15:17:00.000-08:00

I want so badly to post about my weekend, but I am having a hard time concentrating on what I should say. Everyone else Kim, Mel, Annie, Jodi, Judi, Jessica & Haley have written such beautiful things about mom, that I need to just give it some more time.

At some point I would love to share what all happened in those early hrs. but it is just too close to my heart right now so I'll have to wait for the right time to share it. Mom was such a fighter and she worked hard right up until the end with every breath she took. She was so peaceful and looked to so comfortable. There was never any set diagnosis given for what was happening on those last few days, but End of Life is what I'll call it. It has to happen to all of us at some point she just had such a strong heart, not just physically, but emotionally too, that leaving us behind had to have been heard for her.

I will always be grateful for the time we spent together, not just the last few months but forever, she has shaped my life by her constant example in everything she did. In her home life, her mothering skills, her testimony, her actions in the Gospel, her dedication to the Lord, her love of grandchildren and family and traditions and togetherness. My one hope right now is that we will continue all the traditions and family togetherness that she started.

Good by for now, be happy and walk with ease, holding hands with dad and visiting with family, give our baby a kiss and watch over us with care, and we will try to continue to make you proud and happy remembering all that you taught and shared. Love LeeAnn

Where to begin?

2008-11-04T04:06:00.001-08:00

I found this unentered post from way back in June about mom, thinking it had too many medical terms I didn't enter it. I will start with it today and continue from there.

The amazing grandma pulls through again, or at least that is how it appears. Mom had been fighting a long battle with vomiting for some strange reason, but because of that she became very dehydrated and weak, and then her comedian level (blood thinner drug) became too high and for some unknown reason she became a GI bleed (gastro-intestinal bleed). Now keep in mind I have seen this happen to strong healthy people for one reason or another and it just totally wipes them out, so just image what it does to someone who already has no strength reserve, is already weak with very limited mobility, who hasn't eaten without vomiting for weeks, has lupus and then gets pneumonia on top of that and here we are. MOM.
I have been very grateful for the care and attention she has received at Alta View Hosp. The very kind nurses and attentive support staff have been fabulous and they really like mom and what they are doing, because I can tell. Even the transporter was so kind to her and us. Her Dr.s knew when it was time to bring in another specialist and they seem to have worked well together. She would have only gotten better care if she had been at my Hosp. On my floor.
Being in the care of others can be very humbling and scary. Many of your rights seem to have been taken away along with your privacy, but they have been able to help her keep her dignity, and have been great with us. I know how very hard it is to care for really sick people, not just the pt. but the families also.
We have a great and supportive family. Every time mom is sick or any of us need something I thank the Lord we are 5. I thank the Lord for my 4 and I hope and pray as the years progress that I will earn their love and respect and therefore dedication as mom has earned ours. She never missed a sporting event, musical, football game, marching band, choir event, dance recital, basketball game, teacher conference, or anything else over the years of being a single parent, and she taught us the 9 Be’s; honest, clean, smart, humble, involved, true, still, positive & prayerful. I have a love of the gospel and a love of family and I owe it to her example. So for a mom who had to be a dad too I love you and pray for you and wish you a Happy Fathers -Day.

Lists

2008-10-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

I have always been and hope to always be a list maker. It has kept me organized and usually running on task for many many years. It can also cause great anxiety when I can't get everything done that's on the list, but I will usually just put in on the next one. This week is so crazy and my list has been moved up to an agenda form. I had to start with Sunday after work, which is usually a day I don't need a list, but like I said this week is crazy.

They are starting destruction of my kitchen and front room on Wed. But before that I have to finish cleaning out all the cupboards and move all the furniture. The front room is done, but we added redoing the hall bathroom to the list, so this weekend Kim installed a new toilet for mom and Jodi prepped and painted and so now I just have to decorate and get it out back together.

But tonight Monday I have to go out to Mom's place and do a few things with Karen and then I am staying the night with Mel to actually baby sit an unborn baby. That will be fun, then home Tues. and tons of shopping and organizing for the soon to be baby shower,and getting us some food we can eat without a kitchen to use, then Wed. we have a funeral of an dear friend who died too young of cancer, and later that day a staff meeting, then Thurs. work, and back again to salt lake for a meeting for mom, back to baby sitting the unborn and Friday making the food for the shower with last minute stuff and back home again to hopefully enjoy the nothingness of my home and new big space and make sure they are doing what I want done. (the contractor will probably be glad I'm gone a lot).

So right now I had a minute while I wait on the dryer and lunch so I thought I'd do an update. I hope this project won't take too long and I will soon have some before and after pictures, but not today. Kim and my kids have been fantastic about this whole thing and I love them tons. They each take a project and help so much. I am grateful for the many blessings I have and the opportunity to have mom come stay with us.

What I did on my weekend vacation

2008-10-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Kim and I went to Las Vegas for the Jimmy Buffet concert. You might remember I surprised him at fathers day with the tickets. I think I might have teased him about his excitement, or lack of, when he got the gift, but it more than made up for my lack of excitement at the concert.

I just don't do LOUD, maybe it's an age thing, but I'm pretty sure it's just a me thing. I had said to Jodi before I left, "Jimmy Buffets music is mostly mellow, so this shouldn't be too loud, right?" I could not have been more wrong. I did have a good time though, I just wish he'd played more songs I was familiar with. I think Kim had a good time. In Kim's blog he made mention to the people and their actions that we saw over and over again, but I must admit the people around us, at the concert, us were very entertaining.

We had a group of 4 couples just to the right and down one row that I could have watched all night. They came pretty sloshed (? real word), but every few min. one of the group would leave and come back with 2-4 packs of beer or mixed drinks and a big gulp size cup of Jello shots for everyone. Then they would leave and probably take a bathroom break. I hope they were good friends because some of their touchier feelie actions, to wards each other, could possible be embarrassing the next day if they weren't. The other thing I thought, it was a good thing they were in the cheep seats, because they won't remember the concert in the morning and they spent 4 times the ticket price on over priced beverages.

We had a great place to stay. A friend, who didn't even get to come, got our group free condos with her mom's time share, so that was great.

I'm not sure I can top that gift for next fathers day, but I'll have to try.

You know the famous saying what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, well I'm grateful that the ickie feeling I get in Vegas leaves me, once I leave. And the only money we dropped was at the Outlet Mall.

No pictures

2008-10-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

Last night after a very busy day at work I hurried home to change and get to the church to watch the Road Shows. I couldn't believe how many people at work didn't even know what they were. So I explained that all the wards in one stake would get a theme and then in a short time produce a mini play, using the youth and a few adults where needed. They would then take that show on the "road " and perform at all the different buildings in the stake, we only have two. I remember as a teenager that these were so much fun and seemed like a lot of work. But putting up and taking down props and just hanging out with your friends in that setting was a blast.

All the leaders got the theme 10 days before the shows were to be performed. I was amazed at the great ideas and the music they each came up with. Their theme was "On my way to slay Goliath". I do have to admit that our ward should take the over all Prize. They had the best scenery, costumes (most of which came from my Halloween bins), a fantastic script and song lyrics. You could hear them the best and understand every word they were saying and singing.

The couple that was put in charge and just moved into the ward 2 weeks before they got the calling. And boy did they magnify their calling.

Some of the shows were a little painful to watch, but the whole idea of getting away from the crap of the world for one night and seeing good kids and caring adults coming together to do nothing but entertain and have fun with each other is so refreshing!

And a side note to Jodi's blog. The idea that marriage has become such a political issue is sad. Rather you have any religious back ground or believe in God at all, marriage is between a man and a women, that is the only true way for lives to continue. That is why it was created. Even those who want it differently know that for people to progress or procreate they must follow natures (God) plan. Science nor man can change that one simple fact. Families can consist of many different components, we all know that, but the creation of those people still had to come from man and women, and the man/man & women/women families can never change that one simple fact and I am sure that is very hard and sad for them to understand.

We must continue to be loving and tolerant of those who choose a different life style , but they in return must also be loving and tolerant of those of us who are trying to follow Gods commandments and his plan for all of us here on earth.

I am grateful for fun nights and great discussions.

Happy Birthday

2008-09-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

Lots of little events make for a busy and nice weekend.

Friday Karen and I, with some help from Mel started to clean out and really just reorganize stuff in mom’s basement and try and decide what family might want and what should be garbage an DI. We just sort-of moved piles around. We did decide that her Cedar Chest will have to be emptied with her . It was suggested that the contents be brought to her so she can tell us what things are and why she saved them, and then possible write it down and take pictures of things.

That night we had he belated Birthday Party at the Old Spaghetti Factory for MOM. Most everyone was there. We were missing 5 grandkids & 1 great grandchild or we would have been complete. The food was great, the company even better and the cake was Yum.http://nothingbundtcakes.com/ It was also nice to see mom out of the care center for a change. She looked very nice in her new clothes and done hair. I hope she enjoyed herself too. Happy 75!
Sat. Kim worked long and hard in the yard. He is moving big rocks and has dug out a ton of dirt and has laid landscape fabric to put smaller rocks on top of. As we age our yard is becoming more and more weed free, because we don’t like to do yard maintenance and when I say we I mean him. I don't do yard work!

Jodi, Jessica and I went down to the Relief Society Conference in Salt Lake. Our stake like many others were given tickets. It was a very good and spiritual conference. The sister speakers gave great talks, but I must admit that Elder Uchtdorf was my favorite. He is fun to listen to and seemed easy to relate to and his stories made you laugh. I was glad we could go together. We did miss Mel, but she wasn’t feeling up to the night out and we did do a lot of walking to and from, my blistered foot is proof of that.

Funny story ! Our ward had a Wedding reception that night and the parents and girl are friends of ours so I really hated missing it. But Kim had said that he’d go, which meant, alone. I was supper impressed and very appreciative. I’ve had to go alone before, but I’m not sure is he ever has. So here’s the funny part. Our neighbor and friend, his wife was also going to the conference, called Kim and they went together and there they ran into a bunch of other ward member men, wifeless, and they apparently had a very nice time. Kim even told us the Wedding colors and what the refreshments were. Impressed again. Kim said he felt a little “gay” caring the nicely wrapped gift bag, but he was able to quickly hand it off. So REAL MEN aren’t afraid to step out of their comfort zones and do nice (feminine) things.

I am grateful for family ( I am sure I’ve said that before)

Faith

2008-09-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

I always have to be so vague about things from work, it can be so rewarding at times and yet so devastating too it’s nice to be able to vent . So a few of the events in this story are not told.

A fairly young gentleman had a routine procedure that showed he needed surgery the next day and after arriving to our unit he had a “routine panic attack” according to his wife. I have never seen anything like it and 3 of us were trying to help him calm down and care for the problems that it was creating. While trying to help him relax he kept looking at me a pleading for me to help him, to not let him die, telling me he was going to die, he also kept thanking me for being there and talking with him. I felt so helpless. The medications I had given him were not helping and he just couldn’t get control of his breathing and settle down. After about 45 min. I was needed in another room and left. After coming back in a bout 5 min. he suddenly seemed relaxed and his wife said he was feeling better, I knew something was wrong and the Dr. had just walked in and we quickly turned him and he was gone.

He was literally worked on for the next 10hrs and eventually passed away after major life saving techniques were performed. All of us that were evolved in the case felt so bad and it was talked about for days and others kept asking us about it. These kind of things cause all of us to wonder and think about “what really happened”, we know what was found later, but you are always left with what could we have seen or done differently. But it comes back to the same answer, Nothing more, it was not in our hands any more.

We all know this life is temporary. Everyone I am close too understands that at some point we will be in a better place, it’s just the getting there that is so hard to understand. We want to ask why, when, how, why me, why her, why him, why does it have to be so hard? I try so hard to remember to only ask for “help to understand without knowing why, help me to have patience with out all the answers.

I have had more tears flow the last few months than I can ever remember. Just ask me the wrong or maybe the right question and they start to flow. I believe they are not so much tears of frustration and sadness but of my own lack of understanding and willingness to let the Lord be in control and let his spirit guide me and help me along the way and stop trying to figure out all the “what ifs’ ,can I do it all and can I keep everyone happy and well cared for”? Kim tells me I need to stop worrying about all the maybes .

What I do know for sure is that when I remember the answer to my pleading prayer I suddenly feel calm and that things are going in the right direction and truly everything has fallen into it’s proper place. I guess my trial, right now, is to remember that the Lord truly is in charge and I need to have Faith to let him guide me. And that insight is what I am grateful for.

no more to say

2008-09-23T17:43:00.000-07:00

I don't even have to make a comment, the girls have done a great job and covered all the events. I know how great it was for me to have all my adult kids with us, so I am sure it was a great feeling for Grandma & Grandpa H. as well. Our place ws so nice and the company was even better. Hopgully we can all amke it next yr. too. Thanks to the grandparents. http://okdarlin.blogspot.com/ http://www.simplysatisfied.blogspot.com/http://lafeenfamily.blogspot.com/

Letting go

2008-09-03T17:43:00.000-07:00

We have been doing some deep cleaning and rearranging in our house, again, trying to make changes in the room assignments and space. We keep saying we aren’t real pack-rats, and we’ve only lived here 6 yrs, and we’ve rearranged the bedrooms 4 or more times already and had a basement flood which caused a great clean out, but we are doing it again.

I have had my cedar chest since high school graduation. It is very outdated and truly holds no sentimental value anymore. It has over the years, but not now. It is in good shape, very out-dated with the type of wood, color and ornate scroll work and hardware. So I’m going to try and sell in or DI it. There is very little left in it also. So what do you do with that kind of stuff? I am not looking forward to going through my moms and deciding what to do with the remaining items in hers. So I’m not going to make my kids do it when I’m gone.

There are baby blessing clothing, both the girls and the boys, and they are going into Melanie’s. Both of our year books and high school and college diploma’s. They have found a shelve and the inside of an old personal journal. I’m sure to be later discarded.

My primary Bandello, something anyone under the age of 46 has never heard of, a baby sweater given to mom, by Bevan, made by someone in Australia for me as a baby, my wedding garter, both of our many graduation tassels, some white hankies given to me over the years, cards from Kim, (only the ones with very sweet and personal stuff written in them), my personal quit book I had as a child for church and then the 2 I made my children. All of these things I can’t seem to get rid of so they have found a new home and I can see them more often and when I get tired of cleaning around them I might toss them myself.

But the one thing I am the most silly about is this jacket. My grandma Chipman made it for me when I was probably 3-4 years old, I think my sister had one too, and it was probably for Easter. I don’t actually know how long I’ve had it or why I have it, but it has a tag that says “Made especially for you by Grandma Chipman” in the collar. I cannot give this up. My daughters will have to decide when I am gone what do to with it and for that I am sorry. There is just something about that tag that tugs at my heart in the most emotional way that can’t be explained. But as long as I’m around it will just keep moving from place to place, hopefully a good many more years.

I am grateful for good memories even if they seem silly and make me cry just thinking about them.

1-2-3-Smile

2008-09-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

This was a whirl wind and family weekend. It actually started on Thursday night with a Family Photo shot with the hubby’s side of the family. This is s very painful event for many but it is done so seldom that you would think it wouldn’t take on a life of its own. The reasons this is done so rarely have been many. Hard to schedule a time, people who are pregnant, or on missions, some who just don’t want if done or pregnant again and on a missions again, so the fact that once again we have a pregnancy it was done anyway.

I am sure we will have some great pictures to choose from. The gal was very cute and seemed to be doing a really good job, so I am sure we will. Working with a big group could be stressful, but she didn’t seem stressed at all. This is all grandma H. wanted for her birthday, so we were happy to oblige.

Then Fri. & Sat. the girls and I went to Swiss Days in Midway. I am not so sure Mel, Jod, and Jess love the crafts but its fun to get ideas, and just be together. Jess and I both only bought one thing, Mel got 2 and Jod was saving herself for Park City. I hope they had fun, even though it was tiring and hot and a lot of walking for bad knee girl and prego girl it was nice to get away.

Sunday was Sunday. Busy with church and then family dinner. We had our power go out about 5:30pm but that didn’t stop our evening. It did not go one until Monday morning at 0427, just as I was getting into my car to go to work. I had put my makeup on by flashlight and had to do my hair at work. It was funny to see our neighborhood suddenly light up everywhere, because no one ever knows which lights are still one when the power goes off.

Then Mon. I labored on Labor Day at work, while Kim labored at home. Cleaning out our junk room. We have a contractor coming over Tuesday evening to talk to us about poss. Remodeling! Yes you read me right. Remodeling. Something after the last house we said we’d never do again. We need to make a few changes in order to make life for Mom/Grandma a little easier in the event she will be coming to live with us again. So we are already starting to clean out and rearrange rooms. So after I got home I started in too. It feels so good to go through stuff and get rid of things. It’s usually stuff we’ve held onto way too long, and we don’t even remember we have them.

The one good thing came out of tonight’s cleaning was I finally took all the 72hr. kits I made 3 years ago and put them in backpacks for the 4 of us who still live here. I got ride of the expired food and added some fresh and we each now have our own actual pack, not just a box with everything in it.

I’ll have to update soon after we talk with the contractor.

I am grateful for a busy life that teaches me patience and organization.

friendly response

2008-08-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

I am in no way qualified to agree or disagree with a recent family blog about the picture of George Washington Praying at Valley Forge.http://ohhonestly.blogspot.com/ I have not researched the man or his religion beliefs at the time the prayer might have taken place. But as Kim stated who knew what he might have been feeling at the time when he and his men were in a fox hole with no future in sight.

But I can tell you what I know about human nature in time of struggle and fear. I have seen people who put their cigarette out in the ER parking lot, and staggered through the door after having a few too many or a cocaine fest , and want everything done to ease their chest pain or shortness of breath. And as soon as they are able they ask for their priest or a priesthood blessing.

Fear does a lot of different things to people. Good people and many who might have thought themselves not so good. The Lord doesn’t want us to be fearful all the time, but he does want us to be humble and submissive, especially when we are in need of his help and love. George Washington may have felt confident about his own strength and abilities and knowledge of the Lord, but in times of great need even those who may appear the strongest can go weak in the knees, and fall to them for help.

I will continue to look at my picture and be grateful that even the strong and mighty have been humble enough to pray.

Now is the time

2008-08-20T07:59:00.001-07:00

For some reason I have this week off, I don't remember asking for it, we didn't have anything planned, but when it appeared on the schedule I was happy to take it. So each day I've tyred to plan some thing different to get done. Monday I went to Mom's for about 2 1/2 hrs . We had planned to cont. working on her life history, which we had started when she lived with me, but a friend of hers and Melanie came by, so we visited with them for a while and then we worked on the history. It was nice to just sit and talk and learn things I had never heard before and many I had, but I just kept typing and we had a nice time.

Then 4 of the 5 siblings meet at a Mortuary, of Mom's choice, and made pre-funeral arrangements. That was strange. I have never looked at caskets before, never knew the difference between a sealed and non-sealed vault, prices of opening and closing the ground, never really thought about the needs and wants for the arrangements, the prices for everything that goes with a "nice" funeral. Flowers, cars, open, closed, glasses and jewelry on or off, how many people, the prices even differ if it's a weekday vs a weekend. It was very overwhelming, but Karen and Paul have gone through this before and handled and took responsibility for most of the details. One thing about doing it now, when we really have no idea when it will be needed, is that you can do it in a relaxed fashion and even joke at times.

But this whole thing really got me thinking. Kim and I need to do this now, make and pay for most of the arrangements before it becomes necessary, and our children won't have to do it, or one of us in a stressful and hurried situation. Just the money alone is overwhelming. I asked the man helping us, what do people do who don't have this kind of money readily available and we were told it just has to go on credit, "because we can't reposes a casket, once your in it it's yours". So who knows maybe that will be our next "big expense". Plus Kim said then he could pick out the pine box he wants with nothing fancy, and believe it or not they have them.

Tuesday was a little lighter, I made a new porch decoration for fall, cleaned house a little, went visiting teaching, finished some vinyl orders, just hung out and later buzzed Gordon's hair for him. Not sure what today we'll bring, but I'm just back from my gym, and I have to go shopping.

Lots to be thankful for, but I love that I have brothers and sisters,who are so smart and that I am not alone in making these very difficult decisions for my Mom who we all love so very much.

A little Culture

2008-08-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

So the comments have been made that I don’t blog often enough. Too Bad!

But this weekend was fun. We had a little USA History and Country rock history last week, and this week we had even more. Sat. Kim and I went to the Capitol building to see the Declaration of Independence on display. The crowds were amazing and the wait was 2 or more hours to walk right up to it for a photo shot, which we opted not to do. We did see it however and it was great just to see the little video they had made and also the amount of interest there was. We stood behind a great scout leader with his troop for awhile and I thought “what a great leader to take his time out and spend it with the boys“. We did wonder around the new building and went into the Supreme Court room and the Senate and House chambers. We did get to see the Declaration, we just walked up on the side of the roped off area and again from up above. So we’ll just have to use our memories as our photo.

Then we were off to the Monet to Picasso exhibit at the U. I was able to see my first and up close real paintings by some very famous artist. My first Vincent van Gogh and all the others. It was a good experience to see them, but my only problem is I can’t walk that slow. My back was killing me by time we were done. I guess I could have just left Kim and looked at a faster pace and moved more around the crowds but I didn’t. The art and the bronze statues were great to see .I was glad we were able to go.

The little out of place video of Winner takes is all is a mystery as to why it is there. It was downloaded a month ago with the blog entry “Winner take s it all“ and it would not appear and then suddenly there is was so enjoy.

I am grateful that I can enjoy a little piece of history now and then.

The Winner Takes It All

2008-08-15T18:55:00.003-07:00

part of the scene

On my own again

2008-08-12T07:59:00.000-07:00

I am truly on my own, and I'll see if I like it or not, I am already a little lonely.(before)

Last Friday Kim and our boys and his brothers Ryan and Greg and nephew Paul left for a 7day back packing trip into the Wind Rivers. They had this in the works for months and months. They all seemed pretty pumped for the adventure, I just call it work and dirt. They have done this a few time before and last year Kim couldn't go because of his back, so I know he was pretty excited. They are planned home late Thurs. night.

Today Jodi left for Girls camp. Now hers I could handle, they are going to a private cabin on Bear Lake. They too having been planning this for a while, but their food and gear doesn't have to be carried on their back for miles and miles and they have showers. Now that's my kind of girls camp.

So it's me and Simon for a few days. I'm sure we can handle it. But I really do hate the quit at night.

I have to go back to work tomorrow after being off for 18 days, so that should be a trip too. I am so thankful that we all have so many opportunities in our lives and we are blessed to have great people to share them with.

Vacation over(again could be boring) pictures to come

2008-08-06T07:45:00.000-07:00

I’ll wrap up with days 3.5 through 7. We went out to the deadliest Civil War scene of the war. Stones River. We were able to see a little reenactment of one area and how the men would move and what happened to them, the little movie was very good and very moving. It’s hard to believe when war is so devastating and so destructive that we would do it on our own land against our own people. But it also reminds us how far some will go to protect what they think is right. We also went to the cemetery of all the soldiers who fell that day, on that spot, were buried.

Then we went to the Hermitage. Home and Plantation of President Andrew Jackson. We learned so much about what a great man he was before he became Pres. and after. He was on the Battle field at age 13 and never did stop serving his country. His wife died during his run for pres and never did serve with him. He became a very wealthy man before he ever became pres. And was smart in all his actions, and always very kind, along with his wife, to the salves he had. He only had two adopted sons, one white and the other and Indian boy he found and sent home from one of his battles. The Indian boy died young and then the other would lose all the family money only 11 years after Pres. Jackson died. This had to be my favorite stop, so rich in history and preserved as it once was. Even the house, the furnishings, the paint colors the bed linens, light fixtures, everything is the original. If it wasn’t for the heat we could have stayed all day.

On to the Gaylord Opryland and the National BSA convention. This place is amazing. I have never been in one place this big under one roof. It is just a maze of rooms, shops, restaurants, conventions halls, waterfalls, hidden walkways, 6 acres alone of the water and green atrium. Anyway the meals have been fantastic, the shows professional, the productions are Hollywood style the Scouts really know how to put on a good show. This is my first National Convention. They only hold them every 10 yrs. So 10 yrs. ago Jodi had just needed her 3rd appendix follow up surgery and so I could go. One night we were entertained by Josh Turner a new and I guess well known country singer; he was really good and put on a great show.

The spouse brunch was so much fun. We had a special speaker, Dr. Kevin Leman, who is a family and children book author and psychologist and also a great comedian about family, kids, husbands, wife’s and just life. It’s so fun when someone can take the normal and seemingly stressful parts of life and make them funny and normal at the same time. We laughed so hard we were hurting.

All in all this has been a fun time. There are a lot of spouses who I really like and don’t get to see very often and it was nice to just be with Kim with none of the normal stressors of life bugging us. Now back to the real world today, and I’ve heard the animals are still alive and Matt got a new job, so Roy here we come. I am blessed to have gotten to come and have such a great time.

More to come

2008-08-02T05:47:00.000-07:00

Day 3: We traveled out to the country side to see an old Estate and gardens but it wasn't as old as were thought only the early 1900's and the gardens were beautiful but it was so hot you couldn't spend too much time in them. But we did learn a lot about the Faberge artiest and his famous eggs. There is a collection of some of his work in the home, mostly cigarette cases and flowers but a couple of eggs.

We just drove around the country side a lot today. We found there to be a church on every corner and then one in between. Some took up blocks and blocks. None of them have the same name, and you can sure tell who has the bigger population and money due to the size and ornateness of the building. Mormons and Catholics are no where to be found. Even miss Garmin had a hard time finding a church. We are having a good time and tonight, Day 4, we check into the Grand Old Opry Land Hotel and convention center, we have our tips ready. Today were are going to an old battle field and General Jackson's home. We are grateful for good old southern hospitality.

Travel Log

2008-08-01T07:07:00.000-07:00

(Warning could be boring)
Day 1: Travel. Salt Lake to Denver lay-over no problem. Then on to Chicago, we were not supposed to have a lay-over, but we were told something was wrong with our plane, (on the ground is a good time to hear that) and so we had to get off and had about a 30min. wait for a new one. Finally into Tennessee.

We got our cute little car, PT Cruiser, can we say old folks car? It has really been a good little drive, according to Kim anyway, it has great leg room and our tires must have that right air pressure because we are getting pretty good gas mileage. Gas here is about .50cents cheaper.

Day 2: Mammoth Caves, in Kentucky. Kim had prearranged and booked out 2 tours. We had two very long and fun tours of the Mammoths cave, named because it's about 367,m known, miles of cave. We only saw about 3miles at two different entrances. It was different than any other cave I've seen. There were hedge rooms and some very tiny areas, walk-ways that took a good back and some very tricky body movements to get through. There were straight up stairs and then straight down and so not to look like a wimp you just kept moving. In some areas we were walking more than 200 feet above the floor. Being inside was always a pleasure, because of the cool air, once outside all you have to do is blink and the humidity makes you sweat.

It's been fun having the Garmin, but a few times she didn't like the little side trips, like the spooky old cemetery Kim found, and the car ferry ride. But all in all she's done well.

One side comment. Did you know that only in Utah Polygamy is LEGAL? We meet someone who totally believed that. We did set him straight and he said he appreciated the information. More to come. I am grateful that I am seeing more of our great country.

52 great years to you

2008-07-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

(cake frosting melted in the Car)

52 and going strong. Happy Birthday to Kim. Gordon said Sunday, that we don’t seem that old to him, compared to some of his friends parents. What a great compliment.

(about 2)

We had Birthday dinner Sunday for Kim, along with his parents all the kids and the dogs, and all the chaos that goes with that. It is always a great time when everyone is here. It gets a little loud with too many conversations at once, but great all the same.

Back to Kim. He is such a hard worker and good provider, we may not have become millionaires yet, but we seem to have everything we need and most the things we want.He has so many good qualities, he seldom gets mad, usually very calm, doesn’t really care about what other people think, not a big complainer, (unless were on the road),very smart, granted a lot of his information is seemingly useless information, but he knows it none the less, he loves to study, anything & everything, and loves to read anything he can gets his hands on, and is always reading and studying the scriptures too. He is a great example and teacher. He makes tons of comments in Sunday School and usually Jodi and I have to give him the “be quiet” sign.

He is all about the outdoors and hikes almost every single day. That is his choice of exercise. He hikes one of the local trails everyday for lunch, and if he can’t get it in during the day, then he’ll go in the evening. We’ve always had a standing disagreement that I don’t know which trail he is on, and so if he should get hurt or die how would I be able to come help him, but his comment was, “Well if I’m dead it won’t matter”, so my come back has become, “Well I need to come get the car”. He loves nature, the Lord, his family and me. Happy Birthday to a great man, son, father, and husband.

I am so grateful and blessed to have such a great Husband and friend.

Winner takes it all

2008-07-27T19:40:00.001-07:00

I have been "put in my place" about the Dark Night movie, mostly by my kids but a few others also. I really think I got it, but they are insisting that I didn't. None the less, it was dark and a little too evil for me.
Moving on. Mamma Mia was so much fun, my family said they don't have to see it because they know I"ll buy it. They're right. I can't wait. I have always been an ABBA fan. And that has never been a popular thing to be, at least not in my house. I have all their Gold Cd's and my I-pod/shuffle had all their songs already.

Jodi her friend Shelly and he mom Ann went late Fri. night. Jodi told me I couldn't sing along, and if I even hummed she'd give me "that look". I couldn't help but tap my foot. It was so fun to see all the dancing and singing and how great of shape all the "older actors" are in.

It's too bad that the whole premise of the movie is about a young girl who has no idea who her father is and neither does her mom. But they have a great time trying to figure it out. It's light, it's fun, you smile all through the movie and you know they had to have a great time filming it and being is such a fantastic setting. It gets 4stars and during the song "winner takes it all" Meryl Streep should get an award.

I am grateful again for choices, a better one this time.

Better choice next time

2008-07-22T09:13:00.001-07:00

I have to share some movie feelings. Kim and I don't go to R rated movies. That doesn't mean all the PG13's we've seen are worth the viewing either, but we are usually pretty picky about what we see. We really like to go to movies. I think we are making up for all the years when our kids were young and to go anywhere we had to get sitters.

Back to the movie. We went to Dark Night. Should have been titled "Evil". Should have been rated "R" for rotten, plus I could have skipped it. When I think of Bat Man I think of good over coming Evil, the bad guy being dealt with and a happy ending. Isn't that what make-believe is all about. Getting to see great strength, power, new gadgets, superman speed, fast cars, and men in tights. The guy gets the girl and the bad man is out of the way. I guess there is a reason I don't go to shot-em up and slit their throat kind of movies.

I think I was mislead about this movie. Good does not over come evil. Evil wins. People die who you would not usually see die, at least not in the type of movie I thought this was. (I can't give too much away) just encase some still want to see it. No new gadgets just sick stunts. A few fast cars, but just way way too much killing. No men in tights, just really bad make-up.

I haven't been this disturbed by a movie in a very long time, in fact I can't even remember when I was. This is 2hr and 20 min. of slow, demented, horror. People in our audience actually clapped and cheered at the end. I couldn't even figure out why. The last scene is truly evil winning, who cheers for that? Enough said, it gets 1/2 stars from me for good acting, because the actors make you hate them. Next is Momma Mia, I know I'll love that one, Abba already fills my I-Pod

Positive ending to our date night. I have been on a quest to find the best Pot-Stickers with the best dipping sauce. I may have found them, but not both at the same Chinese restaurant. The best sauce for sure so far is at Golden Jade, on Harrison Blvd. in Ogden. This a a tiny hole in the wall, restaurant where you are served on paper plates or take out containers. But their service and food is fantastic. I liked to Pot-Stickers, but loved the sauce. The best Pot-Stickers so far has been at the Mandarin in Bountiful, again great food, ceramic plates but more money. So now I just have to find a place with both. I will enjoy the search.

I am grateful I have choices is life.

What a difference a year makes

2008-07-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

One year ago today, Sunday, we were in a whole different place. Kim had awaken that morning and had a very sore back; he even went home from church because the pain was so bad. The next few days were just the beginning of his nightmare. Each day seemed to get worse and then we sought out the wrong kind of help.

Well long story short, after 2 months of very limited and painful mobility, therapies that didn’t work, 3 days in the hosp. with possible surgery as an option, 6 weeks of home antibiotics with a PICC line, Kim was on his road to recovery. He is an amazing man. He worked so very hard to get his strength and flexibility back. I remember how excited he was to go on his first hike in 4 months, to be able to start his Yoga and get some bending back, and to try everyday to stand up straight. He was so crocked his ties hung sideways instead of straight down.

Kim is 99.5% straight. I can still see just a slight tilt, but he has come so far to get back to normal. He is a dedicated man to everything he sets his mind to and this was just one more thing he has been able to overcome and concur. He may be just an inch shorter, but I love him very much and he will never be small in my eyes.

4th

2008-07-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

Ok I haven’t forgotten how to Blog. But I just haven’t had a ton to say.

Happy 4th or now the 5th. We had a nice day. Mostly relaxing and visiting, but there was some action stuff by some family members. Kim, Matt, and Justin did a very long and exhausting hike which started about 0530. They hiked to the top of Mt. Olympus, something Kim and Matt have never done but had always wanted to. They all came home very tired, but they all said it was worth it and not as bad as they thought it would be.

Mel and I went stroller shopping and may I just say, babies butts and their rides are treated with a lot more respect than any baby I ever had. I really haven’t looked at this stuff so close before, but my-o-my you’ve come a long way baby!

Then the festivities began. I reserved Kim’s office area again and we had great food, fun entertainment, mostly provided by the young and those who are young at heart, nice conversation and a few mighty wind blusters.

The rock climbing wall is a favorite by the little kids, including Jodi. I think they don’t have as much weight to haul up the side so the work load is easier. Paul tried the tight rope; Gregg tried some kind of climbing post.

But then the water slid came out and the wet and wild fun began. Those who were the young at heart (Paul) showed us a good time. The big boys, Justin and Matt, had to learn ways to no burn their knees. The little kids could run, body slam and slid to the end without fear of damaging any vital body organ. Matt wasn’t to luck when he and the yellow post became friends. And the rest of us just laughed and tried to stay dry..

We were sorry that the rest of the family couldn’t make it, but we hope we can all be together next year and carry on the Family 4th tradition. We really missed mom and wish her well in her rehab stay. I am always grateful for any reason to be together as a family, so the 4th was a great day.

Happy Fathers Day

2008-06-17T07:10:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot to finally spill the beans about my Secret. Fathers day was a really nice Sunday. We went to church were Jodi gave a Sacrament talk about The Faith of Our Fathers and she did a really great job and also a really nice tribute to her great dad. I don’t think she gives herself enough credit when she talks because she just talked 3 months ago and both times they were very good talks. Jodi was also put in the new Young Women’s Pres. As the 1st and 2nd councilor. We have a very small YW’s group.

Gordon and Jessica came to our meetings also, then we just went home and got ready for our
Bar-B-Q , played with the dogs, relaxed in the shade and waited for Melanie and Justin to come.

Anyway back to fathers day and the big Secret. I was able to surprise Kim with tickets to one of his many favorite singers. Jimmy Buffet. He is coming to Las Vegas in Oct. and a friend of mine who knows he loves his music was also waiting to get tickets for her husband and so she called me when they went on sale and got all our tickets. It was hard to wait to tell him, but I was really excited.

Now I know men have a different way of showing their excitement, but the build up was so great for me, and I had told a few people, and just could hardly wait for him to see the tickets. A little excitement in the voice, or face, or something would be nice. He did say he was excited to go and thanked me , but I think my kids were waiting to see my reaction more than his, because he doesn’t show any reaction, so I got a little disappointed and hoped he was really surprised and excited. He said he is both. But when you get the same reaction to new Levis and a shirt it’s hard to tell.

I am so very grateful for a great husband who has been a fantastic father to our children, and shows us all the time how much he loves us.

I Shook the hand...

2008-06-13T20:29:00.000-07:00

Today was just as busy and crazy as everyday seems to be a work, and we had just received a pt., at our door step literally, who I knew nothing about, who had come by ambulance from another city, and the paramedics and the pt. were at my desk waiting for a room, and I was at the end of my rope. I couldn't say the things I wanted, and quickly made some phone calls to find out what was going on, and as kind and professional as I could I put him in the only room I had open at the time. I was so ready to scream at someone, anyone for putting all of us in that spot. As I was walking back to the desk I saw, down the hall, Elder L. Tom Perry and his wife.

I was suddenly humbled. And so totally out of my character I really wanted to shake his hand. So I quickly went to the other hall where they would be coming down and started walking towards them and I just put out my hand and said Elder and Sis Perry what a pleasure to meet you both, and they, with warm smiles took my hand and just said thank you, by then everyone at the desk was watching me and I suddenly felt a little awkward but he just asked about who he was there to see and I told them what I could and just added to have a nice day.

So the point to my story is how good I suddenly felt, nothing had changed with my very horrible day, but I had changed. I was honestly a little charged for the remaining few hours and I was so careful of the things I said and my actions, almost as if I might be being watched. Well dah, I am being watched not just by the people around me, but by the Lord, so why does it take a quick, little experience like that to make me act differently or at least be more conscience of how I act? I will have to answer that for myself by myself.

I am grateful for my little experience and even more grateful for my personal insight.

Sunday best

2008-06-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

When I was little we had 3 pairs of shoes. Not because we were poor, but that’s all we needed. We had our play shoes, our school shoes and our church shoes. We also had our play clothes, our school clothes and our Sunday clothes. Never would our mom, or me with my kids growing up, mix up the three. At least until they could make their own decisions and they knew those decisions wouldn’t meet with my disapproval. I would hear more than once “I hate Sunday clothes”, but at least they knew the difference.

We grew up with some poor families and they might have had only one pair and one clothing change and everyone understood, but that was still not the norm.

I am not going to be politically correct here. So where are all the Sunday Clothes and what has happened to the pride of dressing to show respect for being in our chapels, the house of the Lord on Sunday and worshiping there?

Not every little boy needs to be in a tie or little suit, or little girl in a fancy dress, but I do know that a little pair of dress slacks are no more expensive than Levis. So when I see kids in Levi shorts and colorful flip-flops and play tees I am very disappointed in their parents and I know that they are not teaching their kids what it means to be in the House of the Lord, and to show respect by our appearance.

I won’t get into the adult female wearing good old flip-flops to church on this blog, because we know how the church feels about those and especially if worn to enter the temple. Now if your 8-9 months pregnant and nothing else fits be my quest.

I am grateful that my mother taught me that showing respect to our Father in Heaven is done in many different ways.

Not yet ready for AARP

2008-05-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

Once again I have been a blog slacker. There have been some things going on in my life, and I’m sure most will be boring, but that’s my life.

I did discover today I’m not as old as I thought. Karen and I took mom to her esophageal scope (EDG) today and everything was sort of OK, she was some irritation in her stomach, but no real reason for the constant vomiting, (Yuck). But afterwards we got her home and I made her lunch and then a salmon loaf that she wanted for dinner that night., (Yuck again). But anyway I went to open the can with , what I thought was the can opener, it’s called Lids Off. Well it’s not a can opener, it only takes lids off of jars. So needless to say I about broke the thing trying to then get the can out of it. I finally called the manufacture and he said “this happens all the time”, but only to idiots. He explained to me what to do, but it would take two people, well I was only one person, so after about 15mins of really working hard, my exercise for the day, it finally came off.

Then I found the real can-opener, another hand free gadget and got the top off the can, but the dang thing wouldn’t stop running , the lid was off and stuck in it, and it just kept going around and around and around. I made the whole casserole and it’s was still running. I finally went out to the garage and found some pliers to flatten the top so I could get the stupid lid off.

So I’m not quit read for the senior citizen gadgets yet, but when I am I will be ready.

A few past family events. Matts B-Day dinner and cake. Jessica’s graduation. Mothers day dinner at Paul’s with mom and a very nice dinner. Memorial Weekend, Kim and I went on Friday and did all the family greaves, Sunday we had a great time at the cabin with the Hardcastle family (see Melanie’s pictures), then Monday we all went as a family to see Indiana Jones., and Bar B-Q. It was a lot of fun and as always I am grateful for my family and love being with my kids, and just hanging out together.

Night out

2008-05-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

Last night Kim and I were invited to a nice young couples for dinner. We had a little drive, but we arrived right on time. The house smelled great with dinner cooking in the oven. The lasagna was served warm with garlic bread and a fresh salad. We had strawberry shortcake for dessert and everything tasted great.

The host cleaned up and we then played a fun game of charades (it had an actual name and game parts but I can’t remember the game name). But it was fun to be silly, laugh and use our imaginations.

All in all it was a great night out and we were blessed by the company we shared.
It is so nice to be with other adults and eat, play and enjoy just being together, and it’s even nicer when they are your own children. Thanks Justin and Melanie for a very relaxing evening.

2008-05-12T12:57:00.000-07:00

On many a Mothers Days I would find something to feel guilt about. I would attend sacrament meeting and all these wonderful things were being said I would soon feel inadequate, not just as a mom but a wife and daughter too. Well I am who I am and I try to do the best I can. So no more guilt. You’d think I was see a therapist or something. I can’t remember everything I have ever given, I can’t recall the special things that have been said or the sayings on the cards, but I can remember the things that make me the happiest and most of those things don’t even happen on Mothers Day.

I am most grateful to be a mom and a wife, and I will be sappy for a moment, but I have a great family who go out of their way to make me feel special. Thank you!!!!
The kids got their pictures taken professionally by Annie and I love them all, these are only a few, and Kim got me a soon to be grandma and grandpa rocking chair.

Even though I had to work this year it was a great day and I Love the family I have been blessed with. Happy Mothers Day to ME.