catch up (as usual)

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

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....

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.

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

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

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.