We just got word that Heather passed away about 1/2 an hour ago. It was 4:30 California time. I'll post more details and information as we get it.
She fought such a courageous fight with everything in her.
We love her and will miss her. And have learned so much from her example as well as Aunt Coy and Uncle Fred, Cherise, and Scott in how they loved and cared for her through it all.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Good Luck, Josh!
Today is Josh's first day of work at his brand new job! Good Luck! We're thinking about you. Let us know how it went. Yay, for work. Just think: last year at this time you were already back in school!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Today We...
had Chelsea over for a while! These two were really happy to see each other.
Natalie and Robert came up. I helped her sort, section, and put her internship project in the binders. Holy Cow! That was a LOT of work. Robert challenged anyone who would to Wii. They have been saving all their Lexis-Nexis points and got it for FREE today! Anyone in law school, be sure to get in on this program. They have been able to use it for a lot of perks.
The two rick rac receiving blankets I did last week. Yes, you see correctly. He is a "Y" baby, so he needed a "Y" blanket. These were really easy, and really fun.
Meredith working hard downstairs on the items for the etsy shop.
The onsies are darling. Now Adrianne is taking them and embellishing them with vintage embroidery.Nathan came up during the afternoon to hang out with Shaun. We had tacos for dinner. Nate and Shaun went down to Provie for a while and returned with some others to watch movies and play games. Josh and Mere got packed to leave.
Nighty-night.
How Do You....
...clean your computer monitor screen? I've heard so many do's and don'ts. Just what is the right way to do it for a desk top and a laptop?
Friday, August 28, 2009
Can She Will It Away? She's Trying!
Christine is sick with the flu. She is trying to talk herself out of it. The power of positive thinking. It's not working. I finally told her it was okay to have the flu! She woke me up at 1:30 and had lost her battle with nausea. I'm so proud of her! She remembered her childhood lesson of: if you have to 'be sick' and there's a question of whether or not you can make it to the bathroom, sit up and vomit in your lap, blanket. I can clean linens. Bodies and clothes too. But to try and get throw up out of carpet or the sides of the mattress is futile. Good girl!
After she got in the shower and I cleaned the rest of it up she wanted me to braid her hair and lay down with her. By the time I got back to bed it was well after 3. She spent majority of the day on the couch in and out of sleep. She's running a fever as well. Hopefully this will only be a 24 bug.
Simon (the handyman, who we LOVE), came and installed the new kitchen faucet. Funny thing: this faucet and the old faucet at home were exactly the same, just a different finish. I guess they both had the same life span!
Josh and Meredith went to see her grandparents. Cliff had a small stroke last weekend. The doctors told them this is the beginning of the end. He is in his 80's and has had Alzheimers for 20 years. He can still be at home, but nurses are coming in to help and monitor him. Who knows how long that will be, but it just has that 'final' ring to it, and that's hard for Mere. They had a good visit.
Quiet day here since Chrissy is down. Talked to Natalie and her blood sugar tanked very low again today. She called the dietician who changed her morning snack by adding more carbs and her afternoon snack by adding more protein. This will most likely need to be adjusted a few more times before they find the right combination.
After she got in the shower and I cleaned the rest of it up she wanted me to braid her hair and lay down with her. By the time I got back to bed it was well after 3. She spent majority of the day on the couch in and out of sleep. She's running a fever as well. Hopefully this will only be a 24 bug.
Simon (the handyman, who we LOVE), came and installed the new kitchen faucet. Funny thing: this faucet and the old faucet at home were exactly the same, just a different finish. I guess they both had the same life span!
Josh and Meredith went to see her grandparents. Cliff had a small stroke last weekend. The doctors told them this is the beginning of the end. He is in his 80's and has had Alzheimers for 20 years. He can still be at home, but nurses are coming in to help and monitor him. Who knows how long that will be, but it just has that 'final' ring to it, and that's hard for Mere. They had a good visit.
Quiet day here since Chrissy is down. Talked to Natalie and her blood sugar tanked very low again today. She called the dietician who changed her morning snack by adding more carbs and her afternoon snack by adding more protein. This will most likely need to be adjusted a few more times before they find the right combination.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Pot Pourri
Good news. I got a new camera today. It is charging as we speak. After a lot of information and questions, I decided on a Nikon S630 Coolpix. And I even got it on sale at Best Buy. I narrowed it down between the Nikon and the Canon. 7 zoom and 12 megapixels. It is hard to believe that we paid more than double for our current broken Canon 5 years ago and it is only a 2 zoom and 4 megapixels. Wow. The gal who helped me is a photographer and a camera repair person as well as working at the store. So I felt I could trust her judgement.
Before that, we went to the Wilk. Meredith and I went to Beehive Clothing, and to get some ribbon and an outfit for the baby. The guys and Christine went with Shaun to get his new ID, school books, and some Y sweats. We saw the Miyaharas, Koellikers, Gregsons, and Morgan Luedtke. That out of the way, we headed to the other side of campus to the Athletics office. Duff had to meet up with the Cougar Club guy. Mr. V. Ohhhh, myyyy. His office looks out right on to the practice field. That would be an awesome view at your job every day, huh! We ended up leaving with an autographed, framed 5 picture piece of the last play of the BYU/Utah football game, November-2006. Beck to Harline in the end zone. It's pretty awesome, I have to say. Mr. V. asked if we would like to see it from THE balcony. He took us through the coaches conference room out to their balcony where they can watch the practices from. Mere and Chris got a picture that I will have to get from them to post. It was so exciting. We got invited back for the practice tomorrow. I'm not sure how many of us will be able to go. But I think it's for sure on Duff's schedule.
A pick of cupcakes from Sweet Tooth Fairy Bakeshop, and then the guys went home with Kevin B. and Meredith and I finished up our errands. Lowe's for a new kitchen faucet and lightbulbs, BBB for a dvd box, BBuy for the camera, Target for a few school things for Christine, and pre-folded diapers for burpcloths, pj pants for Duff, and then to American Quilting in Orem. Oh, hyperventilate. THAT is a fun store! I'll just take one of everything, and wrap it up, thank you! I've been noticing that felted wool is really in style now. I've decided I like it. We were very good and left after 20 minutes or we could have really been in some serious craft/sewing trouble. Boy, did we miss Adrianne and Natalie.
Natalie is still having some trouble with her blood sugar. She has been very strict with her diet, to the T. But it tanks way too low each day now and she has to pop a hard candy. it will be interesting to see what the dietician says on Monday. I'm sure they will need to adjust things.
The men got the chicken ready while we were still gone and Mere put all the enchiladas together when we got back. I picked and tidied up and sat down to dinner pretty quick. She makes some really good enchiladas. Guys are watching the start of fall football, and I'm headed for a bubble bath in my soaker tub and listen to the crickets.
Before that, we went to the Wilk. Meredith and I went to Beehive Clothing, and to get some ribbon and an outfit for the baby. The guys and Christine went with Shaun to get his new ID, school books, and some Y sweats. We saw the Miyaharas, Koellikers, Gregsons, and Morgan Luedtke. That out of the way, we headed to the other side of campus to the Athletics office. Duff had to meet up with the Cougar Club guy. Mr. V. Ohhhh, myyyy. His office looks out right on to the practice field. That would be an awesome view at your job every day, huh! We ended up leaving with an autographed, framed 5 picture piece of the last play of the BYU/Utah football game, November-2006. Beck to Harline in the end zone. It's pretty awesome, I have to say. Mr. V. asked if we would like to see it from THE balcony. He took us through the coaches conference room out to their balcony where they can watch the practices from. Mere and Chris got a picture that I will have to get from them to post. It was so exciting. We got invited back for the practice tomorrow. I'm not sure how many of us will be able to go. But I think it's for sure on Duff's schedule.
A pick of cupcakes from Sweet Tooth Fairy Bakeshop, and then the guys went home with Kevin B. and Meredith and I finished up our errands. Lowe's for a new kitchen faucet and lightbulbs, BBB for a dvd box, BBuy for the camera, Target for a few school things for Christine, and pre-folded diapers for burpcloths, pj pants for Duff, and then to American Quilting in Orem. Oh, hyperventilate. THAT is a fun store! I'll just take one of everything, and wrap it up, thank you! I've been noticing that felted wool is really in style now. I've decided I like it. We were very good and left after 20 minutes or we could have really been in some serious craft/sewing trouble. Boy, did we miss Adrianne and Natalie.
Natalie is still having some trouble with her blood sugar. She has been very strict with her diet, to the T. But it tanks way too low each day now and she has to pop a hard candy. it will be interesting to see what the dietician says on Monday. I'm sure they will need to adjust things.
The men got the chicken ready while we were still gone and Mere put all the enchiladas together when we got back. I picked and tidied up and sat down to dinner pretty quick. She makes some really good enchiladas. Guys are watching the start of fall football, and I'm headed for a bubble bath in my soaker tub and listen to the crickets.
Tommy's Texas BBQ
A complete hole in the wall type restaurant. In old town Heber. In a quaint, little center of old homes, shops and buildings that have been collected and moved together with gravel/slag and old wooden planks for your walking pleasure. Peachy pink geraniums in old fashioned wooden flower boxes line the boardwalks with an occasional Black Eyed Susan dotting the way. At dusk the white lights outlining every building come on and you feel transported back into time. It is also home to the Snake Creek Grill found in Zagat's travel reference.Wednesdays are all you can eat night at Tommy's. You are not disappointed! BBQ'd ribs, chicken (to die for, believe me!), pulled pork, brisket, green beans, garlic mashed potatoes, cole slaw, cobb corn, and a spicy corn side, rolls, and fresh pies. Last night they had a lone country singer. He was good. We sang along to Streets of Laredo and quoted from the movie The Wedding Planner.
Mere and I went into Kimball Junction to the outlets and Walmart so she could pick up a few things for her crafting/sewing. The guys and Christine went to get a shake at the local Dairy Keen, which by the way has been voted best in the state several years and running. Mere and I stopped there on the way home too only to walk in with our shakes and see very disappointed looks on our hubby's faces, because they had lovingly thought of us and bought us some to have with them when we got back! How thoughtful was that?!
Darla has claimed her spot on the big ole bean bag in the great room but got the scare of her life when while laying there Christine decided to 'plop' down on it next to her (it is quite large) and she went flying up in the air!!!! OH! If we only had had a camera and the chance to capture that picture. We laughed and laughed for quite a while.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Check. Check. Check....
Well, she did it. Christine pulled her true, first 'all-nighter'. She is very proud of herself. I, on the other hand went to bed at 11:30, and couldn't go to sleep because I kept hearing her up, and I think the last time I looked at the clock it was 1:20am. The next thing I remember, is her bouncing into my still very dark bedroom at 4:40am telling me it was time to get up. I asked myself WHY, why did I book that early moring flight? I know better than to do that. I'm not a morning person! But I dragged my sorry, sleepy self up and out of bed. Thankfully, I had laid out my clothes last night and I didn't have too much to think about to get ready.Mike picked us up and drove us to the airport. No traffic at all. Why would there be? It was, after all, 5:15am. Duh. I did notice how beautiful the sunrise was. Wow. And to think I miss that everyday. Maybe I should re-think my sleeping habits! Then I could see the sunrise and the sunset each day..... I don't remember much of the flight. Christine and I both fell asleep right up to the landing. Duff met us and he sure was a wonderful sight. He even shaved--just for me! I'm not much of a scruff person.
He took care of:
--Shaun moved and settled. Check.
--Natalie and Robert moved and settled. Check.
--Kitchen faucet. Check.
--Hosting: Kevin, Nathan, and Deanna. Check.
--Entertained: John H. and John O. Check.
I took care of:
--High school registration. Check.
--Orthodontist. Check.
--Mere's birthday. Check.
--Christine's new calling. Check.
--Some school shopping for her. Check.
--Temple baptisms for her, and new recommend for me. Check.
Josh and Mere got here and she has been sewing/crafting up a storm. He has been doing whatever and relaxing. His first job as an attorney starts on September 1st! Pictures to come. Mike and Adrianne are holding down the fort at home. Missing them.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
On My Mind...
Spiffed up a bit of laundry. And then pulled out my sewing machine and made 2 darling receiving blankets for Natalie's baby. I used this tutorial (from my friend, Erin, click on the link) and they turned out adorable and were sooooo easy. I hopefully will be getting a camera by this weekend and then I will take some pictures! It felt really good to have the 'machine' out again. I go in spurts. But this fell under my quest to finish all my un-finished projects, and now I can cross them off. I love crossing things off a list.
Christine went to do Temple baptisms, and I headed over to renew my recommend with a member of the Stake Presidency. It has been on my mind all evening. It was probably one of the very best interviews I've ever had. Growing up, a temple recommend interview in my mind was always about one's worthiness to enter the temple. I was taught that, I did teach that, (to my own children, youth, and Primary children, and to converts). In my 30+ years of interviewing for a temple recommend, I had not noticed that the questions and things we answer are quite two-fold. The first portion is in regards to our testimony, and the next part is in regards to our worthiness. Going to the temple just isn't about personal worthiness all by itself, it's also about testimony. I've thought a lot about the order of the interview. It makes perfect sense that our testimony would be discussed first. Every essential point of a testimony is in that portion. And attending the temple deepens, strengthens, stretches, and grows our testimony. So then the remaining section of the interview quite naturally addresses our worthiness to be at the temple participating in those sacred experiences that does exactly that: increases our testimony and knowledge of God and all things heaven. I just feel like a lightbulb went off and I have so much to learn given this new perspective.
I'm waiting for Christine to get home. I'm packed. She keeps telling me she's going to pull an 'all-nighter' and do her packing when she comes home. It's 11 and I'm ready for bed. I can't do those 'all-nighters' any more. But I do remember how cool I thought I was when I could...and did! Haha...
Christine went to do Temple baptisms, and I headed over to renew my recommend with a member of the Stake Presidency. It has been on my mind all evening. It was probably one of the very best interviews I've ever had. Growing up, a temple recommend interview in my mind was always about one's worthiness to enter the temple. I was taught that, I did teach that, (to my own children, youth, and Primary children, and to converts). In my 30+ years of interviewing for a temple recommend, I had not noticed that the questions and things we answer are quite two-fold. The first portion is in regards to our testimony, and the next part is in regards to our worthiness. Going to the temple just isn't about personal worthiness all by itself, it's also about testimony. I've thought a lot about the order of the interview. It makes perfect sense that our testimony would be discussed first. Every essential point of a testimony is in that portion. And attending the temple deepens, strengthens, stretches, and grows our testimony. So then the remaining section of the interview quite naturally addresses our worthiness to be at the temple participating in those sacred experiences that does exactly that: increases our testimony and knowledge of God and all things heaven. I just feel like a lightbulb went off and I have so much to learn given this new perspective.
I'm waiting for Christine to get home. I'm packed. She keeps telling me she's going to pull an 'all-nighter' and do her packing when she comes home. It's 11 and I'm ready for bed. I can't do those 'all-nighters' any more. But I do remember how cool I thought I was when I could...and did! Haha...
Monday, August 24, 2009
I Can Feel The End Of Summer Coming....sigh
I woke up to the phone ringing. It was the Tupperware lady! She was on her way over to deliver my 'order'. A new lid/seal for my sugar canister and a set of measuring cups. What? At this time of the morning on a summer day???? Christine still doesn't know she came.
I didn't feel so good most of the day. Bad headache, and some stomach issues. Guess I have a touch of the flu. So Chris and I scrapped our plan for some school shopping. We did get some cute, cute basics and tops ordered from Layers on line. Then we went to her room and I bagged and separated while she cleaned out all her drawers and closet. We have a considerable pile for DI and a nice one to take to Utah for Elizabeth (a cousin). The end of the Ltd. 2 era. Sigh. Biggest dilemna: does she keep or get rid of those 'bright' girls camp pajamas??? She won't wear them ever again, but OH! the memories.
This actually ended up being a great alternative to the shopping. Now we know exactly what she needs.
We made and took dinner to a family in the ward. I took Chris with me. Hard thing watching/helping a family member who is passing on.
We had our own dinner of Sunday leftovers, and watched The Closer season finale, along with a gymnastics series she had dvr'd. Glad I watched along with that one! It generated some 'discussion'.
I'm torn these days. I'm enjoying these last days of summer (in spite of the humidity), but find myself anxiously awaiting autumn! How about you?
...missing a camera...
I didn't feel so good most of the day. Bad headache, and some stomach issues. Guess I have a touch of the flu. So Chris and I scrapped our plan for some school shopping. We did get some cute, cute basics and tops ordered from Layers on line. Then we went to her room and I bagged and separated while she cleaned out all her drawers and closet. We have a considerable pile for DI and a nice one to take to Utah for Elizabeth (a cousin). The end of the Ltd. 2 era. Sigh. Biggest dilemna: does she keep or get rid of those 'bright' girls camp pajamas??? She won't wear them ever again, but OH! the memories.
This actually ended up being a great alternative to the shopping. Now we know exactly what she needs.
We made and took dinner to a family in the ward. I took Chris with me. Hard thing watching/helping a family member who is passing on.
We had our own dinner of Sunday leftovers, and watched The Closer season finale, along with a gymnastics series she had dvr'd. Glad I watched along with that one! It generated some 'discussion'.
I'm torn these days. I'm enjoying these last days of summer (in spite of the humidity), but find myself anxiously awaiting autumn! How about you?
...missing a camera...
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Tried to sleep in, but was wide awake, so I finally decided to just get up.
Did some reading. Talked to Duff.
Got the roast in the oven, took Christine to her presidency meeting. Went to church. Worked on some visiting teaching things in the clerk's office. RS was great. Chris was set apart and Brother Drasso gave her a beautiful blessing.
Renewed my temple recommend.
We have been going to bed way too late these days. We better make some changes or we are going to pay for it when school starts and then early morning seminary a week later! Yes, after 5, five, FIVE years 'off', we begin seminary again. Go Christine!
Did some reading. Talked to Duff.
Got the roast in the oven, took Christine to her presidency meeting. Went to church. Worked on some visiting teaching things in the clerk's office. RS was great. Chris was set apart and Brother Drasso gave her a beautiful blessing.
Renewed my temple recommend.
We have been going to bed way too late these days. We better make some changes or we are going to pay for it when school starts and then early morning seminary a week later! Yes, after 5, five, FIVE years 'off', we begin seminary again. Go Christine!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
saturday
We had rain last night. This means that it is so humid today. Yuck! I finally closed the house up and turned on the A/C. Ahhh, relief.
Josh and Mere left to help Mike and Adrianne move some things from her dad's to their place, and went to Patti's to wash and get ready for their vacation trip to the cabin. I got things picked up, clean sheets on beds. Christine wasn't feeling all that great, so we opted to stay home from the ward beach party. Ordered out from El Torito Grill and enjoyed dinner with M & A. Mike talked his sweety into making a cake, and I 'made' myself go get the marketing done. It was 8pm. But now it's done, and all is ready for next week.
Looking forward to tomorrow. Missing my hubby.
p.s. Natalie found out yesterday that she has gestational diabetes. She starts some managing clinics on Monday after her first day of classes.
Josh and Mere left to help Mike and Adrianne move some things from her dad's to their place, and went to Patti's to wash and get ready for their vacation trip to the cabin. I got things picked up, clean sheets on beds. Christine wasn't feeling all that great, so we opted to stay home from the ward beach party. Ordered out from El Torito Grill and enjoyed dinner with M & A. Mike talked his sweety into making a cake, and I 'made' myself go get the marketing done. It was 8pm. But now it's done, and all is ready for next week.
Looking forward to tomorrow. Missing my hubby.
p.s. Natalie found out yesterday that she has gestational diabetes. She starts some managing clinics on Monday after her first day of classes.
Friday, August 21, 2009
The Clock Is Ticking.....
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Time is not our friend now with regards to Wendy and Heather.
I talked to Sheri this morning and she told me Wendy has changed in the week since I saw her. Last week she had a lot of fear and anxiety to sleep, now she is asking to sleep. She told Sheri yesterday that she can feel the changes in her body as it's shutting down. Shelly is coming in tonight to spend some time with her this weekend. It is a surprise. And will be good for the 3 sisters to spend this time together. Her son Nick is there today with her.
Heather has had significant changes in the last 2 weeks. Go to Cherise's blog to get all the details. But it's not good. In fact after I talked to Aunt Coy and Uncle Fred, it might be that Heather 'passes' before Wendy does. Both are down to pretty much a week or two or a few days. She sleeps most of the time and even misses some of her medication times because they can't get her to wake up for them.
We've known death is coming for both of them. I don't think any of us dared to look at a calendar and count. So now that it is close we change from hoping and switch emotional gears to preparation for everyone. Resignation. Trust. Faith. In a loving Father In Heaven who knows all and loves His children. I'm nervous for them and yet excited. It's made me wonder if I felt the same emotions pre-mortally in anticipation of earth life...
For a little while after both of my phone calls this morning, I just sat on the couch kind of numb. Like I needed to sit and 'wait'. Then it occured to me that what I really needed was to get up and get going! So that is what I'm doing.
Two great women that I LOVE and will miss tremendously. What a blessing to KNOW it's only temporary.
I talked to Sheri this morning and she told me Wendy has changed in the week since I saw her. Last week she had a lot of fear and anxiety to sleep, now she is asking to sleep. She told Sheri yesterday that she can feel the changes in her body as it's shutting down. Shelly is coming in tonight to spend some time with her this weekend. It is a surprise. And will be good for the 3 sisters to spend this time together. Her son Nick is there today with her.
Heather has had significant changes in the last 2 weeks. Go to Cherise's blog to get all the details. But it's not good. In fact after I talked to Aunt Coy and Uncle Fred, it might be that Heather 'passes' before Wendy does. Both are down to pretty much a week or two or a few days. She sleeps most of the time and even misses some of her medication times because they can't get her to wake up for them.
We've known death is coming for both of them. I don't think any of us dared to look at a calendar and count. So now that it is close we change from hoping and switch emotional gears to preparation for everyone. Resignation. Trust. Faith. In a loving Father In Heaven who knows all and loves His children. I'm nervous for them and yet excited. It's made me wonder if I felt the same emotions pre-mortally in anticipation of earth life...
For a little while after both of my phone calls this morning, I just sat on the couch kind of numb. Like I needed to sit and 'wait'. Then it occured to me that what I really needed was to get up and get going! So that is what I'm doing.
Two great women that I LOVE and will miss tremendously. What a blessing to KNOW it's only temporary.
MEREDITH'S BIRTHDAY!
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday Dear Meredith
Happy Birthday TO YOU!!!
Josh surprised Meredith with a Birthday Breakfast.
If she had to choose a favorite meal, it would be breakfast.
He prepared fresh fruit: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and bananas while I made all the crepes. He had cottage cheese, applesauce, whipped cream, powdered sugar, and cinnamon sugar.
He arranged for Mike to come (we missed Adrianne at work), and Mere's family too.
Josh takes after me. More a night person than a morning one. But he was up late helping me with the batter last night and then up early (because we had to beat Meredith up as she is a bright and early riser!)
Meredith usually falls asleep early. But for some reason last night she was up. Josh kept looking at me as if to say: How am I going to get to the store to get all the stuff? Finally at 11pm, I said to him, "I don't have any Advil for Christine. She had a big adjustment on her braces today and is in a lot of pain. Will you go and get some for me? and pick up some fruit so I can make her some smoothies?" He jumped up off the couch and said Sure. Now, Josh is not a natural errand runner. He would always much rather someone else go. Especially at the last minute. So for him to so enthusiastically agree to run a small errand so late at night was a little unusual. Then he was gone for a lot longer than it might take to just grab a pain reliever. She commented on it. Once she fell asleep on the couch, he took her to bed and came back in and we worked on the batter at 12:30am!
It turned out great.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MEREZY.
We love you!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wednesday On Thursday
Clean sheets on the bed before I leave.
Finished my last hemstitched receiving blanket. The really cute one with a blue background and bubbles all over it and a random yellow duckie here and there. I chose a yellow background and crocheted it with a small yellow scalloped edge to complement the roundness of the bubbles and duckies. SO CUTE! And I have no camera for a picture! Although I am getting closer....
Duff took me to the airport. BooHoo! and Yay! all in the same emotion. Leaving people and a place I love to go home to people and a place I love!! Christine and I get to go to her first High School registration today. Tummy butterflies. Then the ward beach party, baptisms for the dead, and back to U-tah for Swiss Days and the last summer fling.
Josh and Mike picked me and Darla up in Long Beach, and the going home traffic cooperated nicely. Pretty much a straight shot with no slow downs. The nicest surprise when we walked through the door: Meredith had dinner just about ready with her trusty assistant, Adrianne! Do I just love these gals or what? Did I hit the jackpot with them? You betcha! It was wonderful. Vegetable medley, pasta with alfredo, tomatoes, and red pepper flakes, and garlic bread. One of those Welcome Home 'comfort' occasions. After we talked at the table way after we finished eating, we moved to the family room and kept talking. The six of us and Darla spread out on the couches and floor.
Mike and Adriannie left around 9:15 to get home and get ready for work today, and right after they left he called to remind us of the scheduled power outage from 10pm--6am for repairs and upgrades. We looked at the clock and realized we had 35 minutes of electricity left. Mere and Christine ran for the showers, Josh and I cleaned the kitchen, and Christine filled the flashlights with all new batteries. I trimmed wicks in the jarred candles. Josh got the lighter ready. Then we all met in my bedroom. I finished washing my face and was in the middle of brushing my teeth when right on schedule everything went out. Not a speck of light in the whole community.
It was quite an adventure. The kids layed on my bed playing with flashlights while I finished my teeth and lit some candles. Had family prayer (which a nameless teenager told me was too long...haha...remember those days...) and Josh and Mere went down to bed. Christine and I did some reading by flashlight for awhile. The outage made her nervous so she slept with me until the lights came back on sometime this morning and then made her way to her room because she informed me I snore. I guess after all these years Duff has rubbed off on me!
So now I'm off to finish paperwork and head to the high school. Oh man. High school again. I think I'm ready...
Finished my last hemstitched receiving blanket. The really cute one with a blue background and bubbles all over it and a random yellow duckie here and there. I chose a yellow background and crocheted it with a small yellow scalloped edge to complement the roundness of the bubbles and duckies. SO CUTE! And I have no camera for a picture! Although I am getting closer....
Duff took me to the airport. BooHoo! and Yay! all in the same emotion. Leaving people and a place I love to go home to people and a place I love!! Christine and I get to go to her first High School registration today. Tummy butterflies. Then the ward beach party, baptisms for the dead, and back to U-tah for Swiss Days and the last summer fling.
Josh and Mike picked me and Darla up in Long Beach, and the going home traffic cooperated nicely. Pretty much a straight shot with no slow downs. The nicest surprise when we walked through the door: Meredith had dinner just about ready with her trusty assistant, Adrianne! Do I just love these gals or what? Did I hit the jackpot with them? You betcha! It was wonderful. Vegetable medley, pasta with alfredo, tomatoes, and red pepper flakes, and garlic bread. One of those Welcome Home 'comfort' occasions. After we talked at the table way after we finished eating, we moved to the family room and kept talking. The six of us and Darla spread out on the couches and floor.
Mike and Adriannie left around 9:15 to get home and get ready for work today, and right after they left he called to remind us of the scheduled power outage from 10pm--6am for repairs and upgrades. We looked at the clock and realized we had 35 minutes of electricity left. Mere and Christine ran for the showers, Josh and I cleaned the kitchen, and Christine filled the flashlights with all new batteries. I trimmed wicks in the jarred candles. Josh got the lighter ready. Then we all met in my bedroom. I finished washing my face and was in the middle of brushing my teeth when right on schedule everything went out. Not a speck of light in the whole community.
It was quite an adventure. The kids layed on my bed playing with flashlights while I finished my teeth and lit some candles. Had family prayer (which a nameless teenager told me was too long...haha...remember those days...) and Josh and Mere went down to bed. Christine and I did some reading by flashlight for awhile. The outage made her nervous so she slept with me until the lights came back on sometime this morning and then made her way to her room because she informed me I snore. I guess after all these years Duff has rubbed off on me!
So now I'm off to finish paperwork and head to the high school. Oh man. High school again. I think I'm ready...
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tuesday on Wednesday
It was such a beautiful day yesterday. The sky the most gorgeous blue with high clouds. The sun was brilliant making all the colors, especially green, just pop. The temperature couldn't have been more perfect. It was a nice backdrop to sit on the deck and do nothing but soak it up. That being said, I did have to do laundry. Haha!
Duff and I went down to Provo for the BYU sports something-or-other where they sell extra sports wear/shoes/used practice jerseys etc. in the indoor practice field. Then outside in the practice area they had all kinds of booths set up, live music in an amphitheater, beverages, and a very long line for autographs. We got our new posters for the football season for the family bulletin board in the hallway here and Duff scored big! He got an actual football helmet from the team. It has all the scratches, award stickers (on the field and academic), and is pretty cool. It will go in the game room. We were told it was a certain player, but we need to verify that before I put it on the blog. But the initials are D.P. Any guesses???
I learned something new. I thought a football helmet was a football helmet. Oh contrare! There are different face masks, different necklines, different ones for special teams, linemen, receivers. Who knew? It seems that men know, and they know which players by name wear which kind.
I'll have to be more observant.
We had a great dinner at P.F. Chang's and then got cupcakes from the Sweet Tooth Fairy Bakeshop. All was well until 11pm when Robert left for the airport to pick up his sister. Duff went with him and about 1/2 an hour into their departure we get a call that they are completely stopped, car off and everything on Parley's. They didn't move for 2 1/2 hours. I finally got another call from them saying not to wait up it was going to be late. Late translated into 3:30am! There had been a horrible accident that resulted in life flight choppers and the works. On Parley's I've never seen or heard of a minor accident. They are always major ones it seems. Thank goodness for cell phones! In the 'olden days' Deanna would have been sitting at the airport worrying.
Duff and I went down to Provo for the BYU sports something-or-other where they sell extra sports wear/shoes/used practice jerseys etc. in the indoor practice field. Then outside in the practice area they had all kinds of booths set up, live music in an amphitheater, beverages, and a very long line for autographs. We got our new posters for the football season for the family bulletin board in the hallway here and Duff scored big! He got an actual football helmet from the team. It has all the scratches, award stickers (on the field and academic), and is pretty cool. It will go in the game room. We were told it was a certain player, but we need to verify that before I put it on the blog. But the initials are D.P. Any guesses???
I learned something new. I thought a football helmet was a football helmet. Oh contrare! There are different face masks, different necklines, different ones for special teams, linemen, receivers. Who knew? It seems that men know, and they know which players by name wear which kind.
I'll have to be more observant.
We had a great dinner at P.F. Chang's and then got cupcakes from the Sweet Tooth Fairy Bakeshop. All was well until 11pm when Robert left for the airport to pick up his sister. Duff went with him and about 1/2 an hour into their departure we get a call that they are completely stopped, car off and everything on Parley's. They didn't move for 2 1/2 hours. I finally got another call from them saying not to wait up it was going to be late. Late translated into 3:30am! There had been a horrible accident that resulted in life flight choppers and the works. On Parley's I've never seen or heard of a minor accident. They are always major ones it seems. Thank goodness for cell phones! In the 'olden days' Deanna would have been sitting at the airport worrying.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Provident Living for August
Fam-i-ly!
I'm a bit behind, but here we go with the list for food storage/emergency prep/provident living for August.
Go to the sidebar on the left and check it out. Soaps, detergents, and fuel. Yesterday I got a great information page on dutch oven cooking and the coals/fuel for the different temperatures. I'll post it later.
Even though we've only got 2 weeks in the month, put a few things on your grocery list for next week. Planning a trip to Costco/Sam's Club soon? Grab a bag of charcoal! Best place to get it!
Love, Mom and Dad
Sunday, August 16, 2009
--Quiet day.
--Church meetings good.
--No church here next week. All the meetings are cancelled all over the entire state so everyone can go to the Oquirrh Temple dedication. Drat, Christine and I won't be here, but everyone else got their tickets for it today.
--Roast chicken, potatoes, gravy, fresh green beans with butter and garlic, corn, rolls for dinner.
--Razzleberry pie for dessert. The 'razzle' is a combination of raspberries and blackberries. It's a frozen pie from Marie Callendars. You can get it in the grocery store, but I'm telling you, it is AWESOME!
--Shaun and Kevin B. got here safely from Arizona.
--Got a text from Sheri. Wendy had a really bad day today. Very angry. I called Sheri. Oooo. Rough time. This happens from time to time as the one preparing to pass comes to terms with things. It won't be the last time. It ended on a better note.
--Crocheting away. I've tried a new border on each blanket set. I like this one, but it was a lot more time consuming than it looked or the pattern appeared. This is a pink set that I am going to put away in my Gramma closet, but it was just sitting there so I decided to get it done.
--Josh, Mere, Christine got back to California from AZ. They didn't have a key to get in! We need to get one for them.
--Church meetings good.
--No church here next week. All the meetings are cancelled all over the entire state so everyone can go to the Oquirrh Temple dedication. Drat, Christine and I won't be here, but everyone else got their tickets for it today.
--Roast chicken, potatoes, gravy, fresh green beans with butter and garlic, corn, rolls for dinner.
--Razzleberry pie for dessert. The 'razzle' is a combination of raspberries and blackberries. It's a frozen pie from Marie Callendars. You can get it in the grocery store, but I'm telling you, it is AWESOME!
--Shaun and Kevin B. got here safely from Arizona.
--Got a text from Sheri. Wendy had a really bad day today. Very angry. I called Sheri. Oooo. Rough time. This happens from time to time as the one preparing to pass comes to terms with things. It won't be the last time. It ended on a better note.
--Crocheting away. I've tried a new border on each blanket set. I like this one, but it was a lot more time consuming than it looked or the pattern appeared. This is a pink set that I am going to put away in my Gramma closet, but it was just sitting there so I decided to get it done.
--Josh, Mere, Christine got back to California from AZ. They didn't have a key to get in! We need to get one for them.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
True Blue
We got there and sat down and I got out the camera and took one, 1, uno, ichi, ein, picture and was told I had to put the camera away. No pictures today. Not even from a cell phone. Geez, wish someone would have told me about the 'rules'....
We sat in the rain, unprepared, and got soaked. But the team looked good, the new field is BEAUTIFUL, and there was magic in the air. The rain eventually stopped even though the sun didn't come out until we started to leave when it was all done. The by invitation only closed practice for BYU football. The quarterbacks were in green jerseys. 5 of them. They looked good.
The bbq was under the south bleachers and it was wonderful on a cool, rainy, summer day. Side note: is this really August? It looked and felt like October. Burgers, chicken, with all the trimmings. And then ice cream. Of course!
On the way home, we noticed there was snow on the top of Timp! And Snowbird got 3 1/2 inches of snow! Again--what month is this????
(Back to the cabin, naps, grocery shopping, relaxing. Ahhh... Also, this is the day I was baptized in 1964. For some reason, I always remember the date. I like that.)
We sat in the rain, unprepared, and got soaked. But the team looked good, the new field is BEAUTIFUL, and there was magic in the air. The rain eventually stopped even though the sun didn't come out until we started to leave when it was all done. The by invitation only closed practice for BYU football. The quarterbacks were in green jerseys. 5 of them. They looked good.
The bbq was under the south bleachers and it was wonderful on a cool, rainy, summer day. Side note: is this really August? It looked and felt like October. Burgers, chicken, with all the trimmings. And then ice cream. Of course!
On the way home, we noticed there was snow on the top of Timp! And Snowbird got 3 1/2 inches of snow! Again--what month is this????
(Back to the cabin, naps, grocery shopping, relaxing. Ahhh... Also, this is the day I was baptized in 1964. For some reason, I always remember the date. I like that.)
Friday, August 14, 2009
Tee Hee, Tee Hee!
Last night-----
Telephone: rrrring, rrrring.
Duff: Hello?
Neighbor: Mr. Duffy?
Duff: Yes?
Neighbor: This is 'so-and so'.
Duff: Hi! How are you?
Neighbor: Okay. Do you have some gas? A gas can?
Duff: Yes, yes I do.
Neighbor: Well, can I borrow it.
Duff: Sure. Is your car out of gas?
Neighbor: Uh-yeah. Yeah it is. And can you bring it over?
Duff: (teasing) Yeah. But it will cost you $100!
Neighbor: (No hesitation and very agreeable) Oh. Okay. No problem. I know where my mom keeps her money.
Duff gets the gas can and goes up the street. When he arrives, the teenage girl is there with a friend standing in the driveway by the car. They don't know how to get the gas cap on the car open. So they ask him to help them. He puts the gas in.
Friend: (to Neighbor) Is there enough?
Neighbor: I think so. I don't know.
Neighbor and Friend: We have to push the car and get it back in the right spot. It's off a little.
Duff is done with the gas can and closes up the gas cap. Smiles as he listens to their conversation oblivious that he is there.
Duff: There you go. All done.
Neighbor: Oh, thank you. Thank you. How much?
Duff: Ah, nothing. It's free.
Duff comes home, and puts the gas can away and comes into the kitchen. I'm making tuna sandwiches for dinner.
Duff: Is 'so-and-so's' parents in town?
Me: No. They're gone for a few days.
Duff: Hmmm. Does 'so-and-so' drive? When is her 16th birthday? Do you know?
Me: Not yet. She won't be 16 for several more months. Why?
Duff: I think I just contributed to the delinquency of a minor!!!
Holy Cow.....
Telephone: rrrring, rrrring.
Duff: Hello?
Neighbor: Mr. Duffy?
Duff: Yes?
Neighbor: This is 'so-and so'.
Duff: Hi! How are you?
Neighbor: Okay. Do you have some gas? A gas can?
Duff: Yes, yes I do.
Neighbor: Well, can I borrow it.
Duff: Sure. Is your car out of gas?
Neighbor: Uh-yeah. Yeah it is. And can you bring it over?
Duff: (teasing) Yeah. But it will cost you $100!
Neighbor: (No hesitation and very agreeable) Oh. Okay. No problem. I know where my mom keeps her money.
Duff gets the gas can and goes up the street. When he arrives, the teenage girl is there with a friend standing in the driveway by the car. They don't know how to get the gas cap on the car open. So they ask him to help them. He puts the gas in.
Friend: (to Neighbor) Is there enough?
Neighbor: I think so. I don't know.
Neighbor and Friend: We have to push the car and get it back in the right spot. It's off a little.
Duff is done with the gas can and closes up the gas cap. Smiles as he listens to their conversation oblivious that he is there.
Duff: There you go. All done.
Neighbor: Oh, thank you. Thank you. How much?
Duff: Ah, nothing. It's free.
Duff comes home, and puts the gas can away and comes into the kitchen. I'm making tuna sandwiches for dinner.
Duff: Is 'so-and-so's' parents in town?
Me: No. They're gone for a few days.
Duff: Hmmm. Does 'so-and-so' drive? When is her 16th birthday? Do you know?
Me: Not yet. She won't be 16 for several more months. Why?
Duff: I think I just contributed to the delinquency of a minor!!!
Holy Cow.....
Surprise Traveler
My house is really quiet.
Josh, Mere, Shaun, his friend Kevin, and Christine all went to Arizona on Wednesday. Christine was the surprise traveler since she decided to go see Grandma and Grandpa and Auntie and Uncle Craig instead of going with us to Utah. And they were really surprised, especially Grandpa. It gave him the lift he needed. The doctor is doing a bevy of ultrasounds on him on Monday to see what is going on and maybe discover why he's not feeling so 'chipper'. She and my dad have always had a special 'bond'.
He has all kinds of plans now for them to work on the chickens together, and Grandma is looking forward to a shopping companion!
Tia's Poorman's Cake
Auntie Tia's recipe for Poorman's Cake.
No eggs required!
(Ann--Elizabeth might like this...)
Tia's Poorman's Cake1 cup raisins
2 cups water
Bring to a boil and let stand until cool.
Add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
Then mix in:
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup shortening
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup cocoa (optional)
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Blend together. Pour into greased 9X13 inch pan. Bake at 350* for 1 hour.
(You can also add applesauce or whatever you want!)
Cool and cut into squares and serve plain, or with some whipped cream and fruit.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Day In Wrightwood
Yesterday Duff and I drove to Wrightwood to see Wendy and spend the day. Wendy has courageously battled breast cancer for 10 years. She has now lost the war and will return to Heavenly Father any day now. A month ago they gave her up to 30 days and the 30 days were yesterday. She can tell that everyday a little more strength is gone from her.
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We visited out on Auntie Tia's backyard deck for about an hour after we got there. It was a gorgeous mountain day. Her deck is a very peaceful place. She and Sheri caught us up and needed some time to vent. It is hard when the surviving spouse is not handling things well and takes it out on the family in the form of control of their common loved one.Then Sheri's phone buzzed and she was surprised to see that Wendy had texted her. She told us that means it's a good day if she is strong enough physically and emotionally to text. She wanted to know when Sheri was coming over and she told her she was on her way with a surprise!
When we got there and went upstairs, Sheri went in first and gave her a hug and kiss, and then Wendy realized someone else was in the doorway. When it registered that it was me, you should have seen her face! I wish I could have captured it on film. Her expression was such a contradiction. Happiness, surprise, pain, joy. I went over and hugged her and we both cried.
My cousin Sheri, and Wendy. She is maybe 100 pounds. I doubt it. For pictures she wanted to have her wig on. The best way to describe the physical toll this wretched cancer has taken on her body is this: 1) She looks like a dead woman on a heap of bodies at Aushwitz. 2) The alien in the movie Cocoon. I had heard these descriptions from my parents and from Sheri and Auntie Tia, but it is a whole other thing to see it in person.
There is a little couch across from her chair and we sat there at first. We talked about all kinds of things. Many of them from all our memories when we were little kids and teenagers together. We were pretty close cousins, all of us. At one point Duff told her to come visit us when we were at the temple, and she cried. I got up and went over and sat on the floor by her and held her hand while she wiped her tears. We stayed that way for the next 2 hours.
She finally was too tired to visit anymore and you could see it on her. This meant it was time to say 'good-bye'. We held each other for a long time and cried quietly. Then we took each other's face in our hands and looked in each other's eyes for a good while telling each other how much we loved each other. It was hard to let go for both of us. But she needed to rest.
We got in the car and I just cried. Then I cried some more when we walked in and Auntie gave me a hug. She cried too. And we just stood there for a while together letting the tears come.
When we got back to Auntie Tia and Uncle Bob's we had a refreshing dinner of Taco Salad. Auntie Tia introduced us to Taco Salad, oh back in the late 60's early 70's. The first time I had it was at her house. Her recipe is still my favorite. I don't get to make her version very often, because my family doesn't like it with the french salad dressing mixed with bottled hot sauce. But it is the best!
And then Poorman's Cake for dessert.
Uncle Bob is in end stage dementia. He is sleeping longer and longer. She put him to bed at 10pm and he was still asleep at noon when we got there. I went in and tried to rouse him and he was having none of it. But when we got back from Wendy's house and walked in, she asked him, "Who is that?" pointing to Duff. He said, "Oh, that guy who fixed our floor." Then she pointed to me and said, "Who is that?" And he said, "Oh! That is Cindy," just as matter of factly as ever. I was so happy he recognized me right off the bat!
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Sheri and Auntie TiaMy camera is on the blink. I think it's time for a new one. Any suggestions?
Duff and Sheri.Sheri has been here from Oregon for a month helping her mom with her Dad and Wendy. She will be here until it's all over. Shelly wishes she could be here too, but has to work and stays in touch everyday and is grateful Sheri can be here for both of them. Jared, one of Russell's sons has been here this last month as well helping take care of Uncle Bob and doing the odd jobs around the house and yard.
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Me and Sheri at the end of a great but emotional day.
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Me and Sheri at the end of a great but emotional day.We had a group hug at the car and blew kisses as we drove out. I was exhausted and cried down the mountain.
There is nothing like family.
Eternal family.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Molly Is Dead
One of our favorite of Grandma and Grandpa's chickens is dead. Molly was fine in the morning, and when they went back in the evening she was dead with ants crawling all over her head.
The Peeps have grown, so they had to move them into the Girl's pen, and move the Girls in with the Ladies. A couple of the Ladies are really mean (old age. They need to be stewed!) and I guess as nature would have it, they were trying to establish a 'pecking order' literally. And now Miss Molly is gone. She was one of the sweetest ones ever and layed the most beautiful and delicious eggs.
We won't be naming any more chickens.
The Peeps have grown, so they had to move them into the Girl's pen, and move the Girls in with the Ladies. A couple of the Ladies are really mean (old age. They need to be stewed!) and I guess as nature would have it, they were trying to establish a 'pecking order' literally. And now Miss Molly is gone. She was one of the sweetest ones ever and layed the most beautiful and delicious eggs.
We won't be naming any more chickens.
It's Still Around
Tupperware. I had no idea. My sugar canister/modular mate from the 90's that I keep in the pantry got dropped and the lid (seal) broke. I looked it up online and lo and behold, there it was! And I have a home consultant who lives near me to boot. So I called her up, ordered the lid (which was free), and randomly asked if they still carry their graduated measuring cups, which they do, so I ordered a set in red. I still have my harvest gold/avocado green set. The consultant back in the 70's, when I was building a 'hope chest', took a set in each color and and mixed them alternating each measure with a different color. I LOVE that. If I need 3/4, or 1/2, or 1/4 I know it's avocado green. If I need 2/3, or 1, or 1/3 I know they are gold. It makes it really easy. Whoever thought of making a 3/4 and 2/3 cup measure was brilliant. It makes baking so much faster and easier. They may not be as pretty as the current trend of stainless steel/metal, but they sure are functional.I'm excited!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Where Did The Day Go?
I keep asking myself that question. What did I get done? Not much that can be 'seen' or crossed off on a list. I had a list to cross off and it just didn't happen. BUT...
I did spend most of the day talking. On the phone and in person. And I was tired by the end of it all, but it spawned a great evening/night of thinking. Trying to figure out LIFE and it's complexities and simplicities and Heaven's role in it all.
I've always been a FAIR person. Logical, methodical. 2 + 2 = 4, every time. (I loved math growing up; it's always predictable, has formulas, follows rules with predictable outcomes.) Life is not this way and I often kick against that.
My little cousin, Wendy is dieing. A horrible, excrutiating death from breast cancer. She is just going from one 24 hour period to another. It should be any time now. It's been 10 years. I'm going to see her and my Aunt and Uncle and Sheri (a sister) Wednesday. I talked with them tonight. Over 2 hours. She has other hard things going on in her life. I wish she could just go with peace, but there are other things on her mind. I figure, even in death we somehow pull ourselves up by the bootsraps and get through it.
Heather is not well. The cancer has grown. In March they told us she would have until the end of the year. Well, it's August. Quite a bit closer to the end of the year. And I don't think anyone has dared to count. Hope comes naturally I've concluded. It is the salve that helps us cope and make it to the next mountain.
Mike is doing well in school, but is discouraged on the employment front. There will not be a 'new company' for him to work at. Lots of VC's looking for a place for their start up money, but no institutions will lend for day to day operations. Not in this economy right now. So he is off looking for something, anything to help Adrianne keep them afloat. She is working so hard and carrying all the financial burden right now.
That being said, Duff is out looking for work as well. It will be a big change for him/us to work for someone else after almost 20 years of working for yourself.
The country seems to be going to he@# in a handbasket. Scary times. I do find a bit of comfort though in 'seeing' that these are latter-day prophecies being fulfilled right before our very eyes. And feeling a little excited, if I could even use that word, at being a part of those times. We've heard for a lifetime now that these are the winding up times so shouldn't we be excited? Yes, albeit with some butterflies in my tummy!
I have friends losing their homes. Good people. None of whom live extravagantly, just victims of the current time. One dear friend told me about it at church, quietly. She needed to finally tell someone. When she said the words, I just felt like I'd been kicked in the stomach. How can this be? Where will they go? Selfishly, I need her to be there. A stalwart. Someone that inspires me even without saying a word or having a conversation. Just knowing she's there.
Shaun is getting ready to go back to school. He has had a good summer. Taken and finished 5 classes with A's. But he is leaving and the mom in me worries. This illness, spawned by the devil himself, is stable, but can rear it's ugly head when you least expect it. It keeps me up at night with parental worry. So I've been trying to figure out how God does it. How does He parent specifically? I hate the process of stretching/enlarging faith. I like it when it's done for a while, but not the process. I guess no one does, even though it's essential.
My parents are getting older. They are not handling the Arizona heat very well this summer. My dad has not been feeling well, so my mom is taking him to the doctor on Wednesday. Her fybromyalgia is acting up.
So now I'm off to say my prayers and go to bed. I have a lot to talk about with Heavenly Father. I'll feel better in the morning.
I did spend most of the day talking. On the phone and in person. And I was tired by the end of it all, but it spawned a great evening/night of thinking. Trying to figure out LIFE and it's complexities and simplicities and Heaven's role in it all.
I've always been a FAIR person. Logical, methodical. 2 + 2 = 4, every time. (I loved math growing up; it's always predictable, has formulas, follows rules with predictable outcomes.) Life is not this way and I often kick against that.
My little cousin, Wendy is dieing. A horrible, excrutiating death from breast cancer. She is just going from one 24 hour period to another. It should be any time now. It's been 10 years. I'm going to see her and my Aunt and Uncle and Sheri (a sister) Wednesday. I talked with them tonight. Over 2 hours. She has other hard things going on in her life. I wish she could just go with peace, but there are other things on her mind. I figure, even in death we somehow pull ourselves up by the bootsraps and get through it.
Heather is not well. The cancer has grown. In March they told us she would have until the end of the year. Well, it's August. Quite a bit closer to the end of the year. And I don't think anyone has dared to count. Hope comes naturally I've concluded. It is the salve that helps us cope and make it to the next mountain.
Mike is doing well in school, but is discouraged on the employment front. There will not be a 'new company' for him to work at. Lots of VC's looking for a place for their start up money, but no institutions will lend for day to day operations. Not in this economy right now. So he is off looking for something, anything to help Adrianne keep them afloat. She is working so hard and carrying all the financial burden right now.
That being said, Duff is out looking for work as well. It will be a big change for him/us to work for someone else after almost 20 years of working for yourself.
The country seems to be going to he@# in a handbasket. Scary times. I do find a bit of comfort though in 'seeing' that these are latter-day prophecies being fulfilled right before our very eyes. And feeling a little excited, if I could even use that word, at being a part of those times. We've heard for a lifetime now that these are the winding up times so shouldn't we be excited? Yes, albeit with some butterflies in my tummy!
I have friends losing their homes. Good people. None of whom live extravagantly, just victims of the current time. One dear friend told me about it at church, quietly. She needed to finally tell someone. When she said the words, I just felt like I'd been kicked in the stomach. How can this be? Where will they go? Selfishly, I need her to be there. A stalwart. Someone that inspires me even without saying a word or having a conversation. Just knowing she's there.
Shaun is getting ready to go back to school. He has had a good summer. Taken and finished 5 classes with A's. But he is leaving and the mom in me worries. This illness, spawned by the devil himself, is stable, but can rear it's ugly head when you least expect it. It keeps me up at night with parental worry. So I've been trying to figure out how God does it. How does He parent specifically? I hate the process of stretching/enlarging faith. I like it when it's done for a while, but not the process. I guess no one does, even though it's essential.
My parents are getting older. They are not handling the Arizona heat very well this summer. My dad has not been feeling well, so my mom is taking him to the doctor on Wednesday. Her fybromyalgia is acting up.
So now I'm off to say my prayers and go to bed. I have a lot to talk about with Heavenly Father. I'll feel better in the morning.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Start Of A New Week
Quiet, quiet this morning.
Had to be up early to bake 26 potatoes for the YSA conference luncheon. All the YSA in the state were meeting in regional stake centers for a conference. They had coordinated it so that all the talks, food, workshops were the same for everyone. Each ward had assignments. Ours had potatoes. Big Costco ones, cut in half lengthwise, rolled in equal parts salt and pepper, wrapped in foil, baked and taken to one house where they then put them in big coolers and drove them to Irvine. The house was smelling like Sunday Dinner by 8:30am! I thought about what a blessing that I have 2 ovens and one is convection. Most people don't have that, and I do, and look how I could help with that modern convenience. I reflected on how I take that for granted and shouldn't.
Meredith is in Texas visiting her sister, Kristen. So Josh has been spending time over here and bringing Erik, her brother, who he is 'chaperoning' while the rest of the family is vacationing. Erik has cross country camp/training. BTW- I should add that he is the leader of the high school team. A very, very good runner. Shaun is getting ready to go back to school, so the dinner request was for crock pot pork chops. I obliged.
I've posted the recipe on this blog last year some time. It's easy and delicious. A take on something Linda Lu made 20+ years ago in my mother's kitchen on a Friday night. I can still see her searing the pork chops in the pan at the stove in the corner. She added the soup and finished it off stove-top. I adapted it for the crock pot so I wouldn't have to leave the stove on during 3 hours of church. And it's been a favorite ever since!
[OH! I can just see that stove in the corner of the Torrance house. With all the pencil marks on the door jams to measure how much the grandkids grew everytime we came over? Does anyone have a picture? I'm all of a sudden missing it badly.]
Mike and Adrianne are soaking up every delicious minute they can spend with her sister Apryl's family here on vacation, and we missed them for dinner.
Church was good. Christine was one of the youth speakers. Her talk was on Righteous Family Traditions. She did a great job, completely writing it herself. I received a lot of compliments on it. Josh came to hear her. Guess who walked in and sat right in back of us? Devin and Jill Hymas with their family. They are good friends with a family in our ward and visit at least once a year. At first it was very awkward. None of us knowing quite how to act. Devin is my brother's ex-wife's brother. I've known their family since childhood as we grew up in the same area/stake. My brother's marriage and divorce is an extremely sad tale. It pains me to the very core at the path of Greg's life and how it influenced Denise and the kids, and our whole family actually. I always really liked her and thought how lucky he was to have married her. Oh, life and it's outcome from the choices we make.
But now it is easy to see them and talk. We can hug and catch up without any awkwardness. I'm glad. They are really good people.
The talks and lessons were good. Julia's talk was on how to know/have a testimony of the gospel. It was great. For a congregational hymn we stood to sing The Spirit of God. This is not one of my favorite hymns. It's not that I don't like it, but it is long, not an easy one to sing, and if you've ever had to lead it you've had your arm workout for a week! It's a great special occasion song--stake conference, general conference, MoTab, temple dedication. But today after Julia's talk, and the act of standing, I looked around at the congregation and thought about the words and how we are all just trying to do our best in this mortal life to make it 'back'. How the Lord's design is that we go to church by 'geography' and that we learn and grow from each other with all our differences and similarities and one day we will sing and shout together with the armies of heaven. I got goosebumps. It was one of those experiences that comes to you in an instant that in 'real time' would take a few minutes.
Apple Pie for dessert.
Had to be up early to bake 26 potatoes for the YSA conference luncheon. All the YSA in the state were meeting in regional stake centers for a conference. They had coordinated it so that all the talks, food, workshops were the same for everyone. Each ward had assignments. Ours had potatoes. Big Costco ones, cut in half lengthwise, rolled in equal parts salt and pepper, wrapped in foil, baked and taken to one house where they then put them in big coolers and drove them to Irvine. The house was smelling like Sunday Dinner by 8:30am! I thought about what a blessing that I have 2 ovens and one is convection. Most people don't have that, and I do, and look how I could help with that modern convenience. I reflected on how I take that for granted and shouldn't.
Meredith is in Texas visiting her sister, Kristen. So Josh has been spending time over here and bringing Erik, her brother, who he is 'chaperoning' while the rest of the family is vacationing. Erik has cross country camp/training. BTW- I should add that he is the leader of the high school team. A very, very good runner. Shaun is getting ready to go back to school, so the dinner request was for crock pot pork chops. I obliged.
I've posted the recipe on this blog last year some time. It's easy and delicious. A take on something Linda Lu made 20+ years ago in my mother's kitchen on a Friday night. I can still see her searing the pork chops in the pan at the stove in the corner. She added the soup and finished it off stove-top. I adapted it for the crock pot so I wouldn't have to leave the stove on during 3 hours of church. And it's been a favorite ever since!
[OH! I can just see that stove in the corner of the Torrance house. With all the pencil marks on the door jams to measure how much the grandkids grew everytime we came over? Does anyone have a picture? I'm all of a sudden missing it badly.]
Mike and Adrianne are soaking up every delicious minute they can spend with her sister Apryl's family here on vacation, and we missed them for dinner.
Church was good. Christine was one of the youth speakers. Her talk was on Righteous Family Traditions. She did a great job, completely writing it herself. I received a lot of compliments on it. Josh came to hear her. Guess who walked in and sat right in back of us? Devin and Jill Hymas with their family. They are good friends with a family in our ward and visit at least once a year. At first it was very awkward. None of us knowing quite how to act. Devin is my brother's ex-wife's brother. I've known their family since childhood as we grew up in the same area/stake. My brother's marriage and divorce is an extremely sad tale. It pains me to the very core at the path of Greg's life and how it influenced Denise and the kids, and our whole family actually. I always really liked her and thought how lucky he was to have married her. Oh, life and it's outcome from the choices we make.
But now it is easy to see them and talk. We can hug and catch up without any awkwardness. I'm glad. They are really good people.
The talks and lessons were good. Julia's talk was on how to know/have a testimony of the gospel. It was great. For a congregational hymn we stood to sing The Spirit of God. This is not one of my favorite hymns. It's not that I don't like it, but it is long, not an easy one to sing, and if you've ever had to lead it you've had your arm workout for a week! It's a great special occasion song--stake conference, general conference, MoTab, temple dedication. But today after Julia's talk, and the act of standing, I looked around at the congregation and thought about the words and how we are all just trying to do our best in this mortal life to make it 'back'. How the Lord's design is that we go to church by 'geography' and that we learn and grow from each other with all our differences and similarities and one day we will sing and shout together with the armies of heaven. I got goosebumps. It was one of those experiences that comes to you in an instant that in 'real time' would take a few minutes.
Apple Pie for dessert.
The Season's Fashion Footwear
...well just about every season here in southern California.
This is what my entry-way looks like pretty much everyday these days.The happy days of SUMMER!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Garage Project
Duff and I finished this garage project this week.
For years, I have been frustrated and annoyed with all the summer pool and beach towels left on the garage or laundry room floor. Wet, sandy, stinky. I had an idea to put hooks on a small wall in the garage leading into the house. The materials have been sitting in a workbench drawer for a couple of years now. In my effort to complete all of my unfinished projects, it was time to get this done!
.jpg)
Duff went to Lowes to get some garage paint. Just good old white in a semi-gloss. He painted the wall to give it a fresh face and he hates to paint, so I was really appreciative..jpg)
Then I sanded and painted the wood bars. We measured, leveled, and nailed them into the studs, and added the double hooks alternating the spacing..jpg)
What a difference. We cleaned out all the shoes on the shelves.Now the space at the garage entry is clean, tidy, and no more errant towels!
(I've been working on visiting teaching most of the day. There are many changes and many to contact. I learn so much from these conversations or email replies. We have good women who do good things. Duff took the grocery list to the store so I could get the laundry caught up and work on the vt.
I made a new recipe for dinner--Green Chile Pork for burritos. It was awesome. I'll include the recipe in another post.
Natalie called early this morning. She needed to talk. I think the reality of having this baby and all the first time unknowns are hitting her. I clearly remember the day that happened to me. I was walking down the basement stairs at Walker Bank in Provo where I was the head teller. The anxiety I felt at truly raising a child hit me like a ton of bricks. I stopped and caught my breath and pushed back the tears. At this point in a pregnancy there is no turning back. Not that I would have anyway, but I was feeling painfully aware of the parenting responsibility that I had no first hand knowledge or experience with yet, and wondering if and hoping that I/we could really do it. It is SO much more than having a cute baby, playing dress-up/house with them. There are grand eternal perspectives and covenants which carry with them great stewardships. I don't know if I helped her feel any better, but she seemed much more calm and ready for the future. They have a difficult one ahead of them this next year: new move, baby, and last 2 semesters for both of law school. They have a good school schedule worked out so they can take care of the baby after he comes and still finish. They will do it--they are both strong that way. It will test them, and they will pass the test. A couple of weeks ago at the cabin, I was getting dinner ready for the next wave of guests. I needed help. I looked over at her on the couch, watching a movie with her cross-stitch project spread out all over enjoying her simple little life with this tiny life moving inside of her. I opened my mouth to ask for some help, and then stood there and closed it. These moments will be few and far between in the future. I just let her have it. It will change all too soon.
And before we realize it, it will pass on to another generation.)
Friday, August 7, 2009
Take Me Out To The Ballgame
Tonight we went to the Angels Game. They got wupped by the Texas Rangers: 9-5.
The Rally Monkey didn't appear.
But the company was great. We went with Bob and Barb. I'd forgotten how good their tickets were. Just to the right of home plate, 3 rows up, behind the net. You can hear the ball when it's pitched at 99 miles an hour. Yeah... Bob and Duff were more into the game. Barb and I cheered but did a good job of catching up conversation.
Before we knew it, it was 10:35pm, top of the 9th, Angels playing not so good, so we all decided to call it a night.
***Low and behold, who was in the barbershop quartet singing at the 7th inning stretch: Jack Waller from our ward. His group was standing on top of the dugout. Love those close harmonies.
For Christine
Reason, Season and Lifetime
People always come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.
When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty,
or to provide you with guidance and support,
to aid you physically, emotionally, or even spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend to you, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they just walk away.
Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.
When people come into your life for a SEASON,
it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.
They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.
And like Spring turns to Summer and Summer to Fall,
the season eventually ends.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway);
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas in your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
~©Brian A. "Drew" Chalker~
People always come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.
When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty,
or to provide you with guidance and support,
to aid you physically, emotionally, or even spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend to you, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they just walk away.
Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.
When people come into your life for a SEASON,
it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.
They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.
And like Spring turns to Summer and Summer to Fall,
the season eventually ends.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway);
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas in your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
~©Brian A. "Drew" Chalker~
Saying Goodbye To Chelsea
Chelsea's family moved Wednesday. When they moved here one year ago, they kept saying they were only going to be here for a year, but everyone campaigned hard to talk them into staying. Alas, the job assignment moved them back to Utah. Christine and Chelsea hit it off immediately and hallelujah(!) she had a close church friend at her school. Our ward has two completely different school districts in it and we are in the little corner that is the different one.
The Blodgett house was all packed up, so Chels came after YW and spent the night with us. Her dad picked her up in the morning.
For some reason, their PE sweats have some significance. I was asked to snap a photo. Chelsea proudly went by Utard.
One last goodbye. Tears. Hugs. Promises.
The Blodgett house was all packed up, so Chels came after YW and spent the night with us. Her dad picked her up in the morning.
For some reason, their PE sweats have some significance. I was asked to snap a photo. Chelsea proudly went by Utard.
One last goodbye. Tears. Hugs. Promises.We'll miss you Chelsea!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Josh Got A Job!
All the hard work is starting to pay off.
Josh got a job today! With a law firm in Costa Mesa. He starts September 1st.
Congratulations! Counting down to Bar results in November....
Sister Fisher
While I was in Utah, I got an email that Sister Fisher passed away. She was Sister Walker when she died, but she will always be Sister Fisher to me. This wonderful woman lived in my neighbor hood and was in my ward. She taught me in Seminary one year. She had a hard life but always smiled. She loved music. She had dyed red hair. She wore glasses. She was tender and she was strong. When she got her false teeth she had to come over to show us! Her teeth had been so bad, and it was a long time and such a blessing when she could finally afford them. She taught me how to cut an angel food cake. We were celebrating birthdays in early morning seminary and I was asked to cut the cakes. We had one angel food and one 9 X 13. I was having problems with the angel food. Observing, she came over and lovingly said, "Oh I learned a trick for this year ago. Can I share it with you?" Then she showed me how to 'saw' through it with a serrated knife. Bingo! Everytime I serve an angel food cake I think of her. Interesting how we are such a combination of those who have been a part of our life....
Joy Kempton Fisher Walker
August 13, 1927 - July 22, 2009
Joy Kempton Fisher Walker of Torrance, CA, died July 22, 2009, after bravely battling a series of illnesses. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a respected educator and a pillar of activity in her church. Joy was born in Los Angeles to Lawrence and Ada Kempton. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she was loved by her step-father, Dougal Baird. She had two brothers, Johnny and Norman Kempton, and two step-siblings, Bob Kempton and Jean Ann (Joe) Suderno. She was also the doted-upon oldest granddaughter. Joy married Anthony Fisher on February 10, 1947, and they were the proud parents of six unique, independent children: Linda Joy F. Guyan, of Torrance, CA; Gilbert A. Fisher, of Torrance, CA; Steven D. (DeeAnn) Fisher, of Clearfield, UT; Bradley K. Fisher, of Hemet, CA; Kathrine F. Strube (William), of Mesa, AZ; and Cheryl F. Fansler (John), of Clearfield, UT. They divorced in 1961, after which Joy resumed her education, earning her Bachelor's and then Master's degrees. From 1965 to 1995, she taught at Walteria Elementary School in Torrance, where she was loved and respected by peers, students and parents. Joy was a skilled seamstress, fashioning clothes and costumes for her children and others. She was known for her beautiful crocheted afghans. Actively supporting humanitarian efforts, she also donated many handmade warm caps and quilts. She also designed head pieces for the West High Drill Team, and served as a chaperone for the West High Marching Band, walking the parade routes and spraying the students with water to keep them from overheating, and joining them on a trip to Europe while daughter Cheryl was a member. She loved music, and served her church as both chorister and choir director. She encouraged all of her children to develop and pursue their talents. She also served in the church for many years as Relief Society President, where she was known for her tireless dedication and compassionate service on behalf of others. In 1986, she was blessed with a wonderful companion and sweetheart: widower Hermann Walker. They married November 22nd of that year, and were still "on their honeymoon" 22 years later. With this marriage, she became step-mother to four sons: Michael H. Walker (Marion), of Redondo Beach, CA; Ronald F. Walker (Dawn), of Riverside, CA; Dennis E. Walker (Lynne), of Stone Mountain, GA; and Thomas R. Walker (Carolyn), of San Jose, CA. All four Walker siblings treasured their new Mom with all their hearts, as she was truly a Mom in every sense of the word. Joy was Hermann's biggest fan during the years he sang in the Southern California Mormon Choir, and they enjoyed many years of serving together in the Los Angeles Temple. Joy was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and first husband. She passed away on July 22, 2009, at Torrance Memorial Hospital, and is survived by her beloved Hermann, their combined 10 children, 29 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 28, at Gamby Mortuary, 25001 Narbonne Ave., Lomita, from 4pm to 8pm. The funeral service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 22605 Kent Ave., Torrance, on Wednesday, July 29, at 10am. Interment will be at Millville Cemetery, Cache County, Utah.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Heather Update
Go to Cherise's blog to get all the details leading up to my post.
Overview: Heather had seizures again last week that put her back in the hospital with earlier than expected testing. Today she had gamma ray/knife surgery. I talked to Cherise during the lacrosse game hoping for some news. The surgery started several hours later than they expected and she was still in it.
Cherise called later tonight to let us know the results were not what any of us were hoping for. The cancer's progression was a lot worse than anyone realized. They called the cancer 'smart'. I don't like that cancer can be 'smart'. It kills people. It should be 'dumb.' Anyway, it responds to the chemo well for a few months and then wises up and finds a new way/place to invade. There were so many lesions today they could only do part of them. Depending on how she does they hope to try and do another surgery. The doctor doing the gamma said there were so many lesions on her brain stem he didn't know how she was even walking, etc.
Not the news we had all been hoping and praying for. And as if that isn't enough, Cherise has now found some breast lumps. She is the same age as Heather was when she found hers and pregnant. She has had a cyst before that was benign and they are hoping for the same result. She has an appointment on Friday with a surgeon/specialist. Let's keep our fingers crossed!
Overview: Heather had seizures again last week that put her back in the hospital with earlier than expected testing. Today she had gamma ray/knife surgery. I talked to Cherise during the lacrosse game hoping for some news. The surgery started several hours later than they expected and she was still in it.
Cherise called later tonight to let us know the results were not what any of us were hoping for. The cancer's progression was a lot worse than anyone realized. They called the cancer 'smart'. I don't like that cancer can be 'smart'. It kills people. It should be 'dumb.' Anyway, it responds to the chemo well for a few months and then wises up and finds a new way/place to invade. There were so many lesions today they could only do part of them. Depending on how she does they hope to try and do another surgery. The doctor doing the gamma said there were so many lesions on her brain stem he didn't know how she was even walking, etc.
Not the news we had all been hoping and praying for. And as if that isn't enough, Cherise has now found some breast lumps. She is the same age as Heather was when she found hers and pregnant. She has had a cyst before that was benign and they are hoping for the same result. She has an appointment on Friday with a surgeon/specialist. Let's keep our fingers crossed!
Here We Go.
I think I'm up for it. I will be up for it.
We started in with lacrosse again. There was a high school game tonight, and Earl had us bring Christine to make introductions to the coaches. She stood on the sideline with the team during the game. She had so much fun.
When we were walking back to the car, she said, "Gosh, I missed it this summer and I really like this." So, here we go! It really is a fun sport.
(She spent the day at the beach with Meredith and Adrianne and Nie's sisters and kids. Mere dropped her off at the field where she changed cars and changed clothes. She had beach silt all over her and felt totally uncomfortable in clothes, but she looked great and didn't let on at all!)
We started in with lacrosse again. There was a high school game tonight, and Earl had us bring Christine to make introductions to the coaches. She stood on the sideline with the team during the game. She had so much fun.
When we were walking back to the car, she said, "Gosh, I missed it this summer and I really like this." So, here we go! It really is a fun sport.
(She spent the day at the beach with Meredith and Adrianne and Nie's sisters and kids. Mere dropped her off at the field where she changed cars and changed clothes. She had beach silt all over her and felt totally uncomfortable in clothes, but she looked great and didn't let on at all!)
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
15 years
We moved into our house 15 years ago today.
It's been a good 15 years. Ups and downs, but there's no place like home, to borrow a phrase from Wizard of Oz. It has been a gathering place for our families and friends and the kids friends. It is often a revolving door (with a revolving pantry!) and we like it that way. Not many even knock. They know they are welcome.
Our kids graduated from highschool here, earned eagles here, YW medallions, lived here before getting married, laughed, cried, made mistakes, learned, cleaned garages and bedrooms, fought, apologized, weeded the garden (which they hated), had religious experiences, took out the garbage, and on and on. During it all they grew into the awesome people they are now.
Thank You, lot 12 of the Estates. If only your walls could talk! ......on second thought, maybe not!
It's been a good 15 years. Ups and downs, but there's no place like home, to borrow a phrase from Wizard of Oz. It has been a gathering place for our families and friends and the kids friends. It is often a revolving door (with a revolving pantry!) and we like it that way. Not many even knock. They know they are welcome.
Our kids graduated from highschool here, earned eagles here, YW medallions, lived here before getting married, laughed, cried, made mistakes, learned, cleaned garages and bedrooms, fought, apologized, weeded the garden (which they hated), had religious experiences, took out the garbage, and on and on. During it all they grew into the awesome people they are now.
Thank You, lot 12 of the Estates. If only your walls could talk! ......on second thought, maybe not!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Back To The Usual
--I'm tired. We came home when we did so we could have our first Sunday of the month dinner and FHE with the kids. I'm glad we did. It was really nice to be together. Gosh, I love them all.
--Laundry. A ton. Always after a trip.
--VT. Meeting with Teri for the routes and districts. It ended up that we had a lot of changes to make. Now I have a lot of computer work to do. It's all good stuff.
--Clean and tidy. Enough said.
--Re-group. Before I opened my eyes this morning, I had to stop and think about where I was! It's good to be home, except Midway is having all the summer storms days in a row that we were hoping to experience. I'll have to live them vicariously through Natalie's phone calls.
--Laundry. A ton. Always after a trip.
--VT. Meeting with Teri for the routes and districts. It ended up that we had a lot of changes to make. Now I have a lot of computer work to do. It's all good stuff.
--Clean and tidy. Enough said.
--Re-group. Before I opened my eyes this morning, I had to stop and think about where I was! It's good to be home, except Midway is having all the summer storms days in a row that we were hoping to experience. I'll have to live them vicariously through Natalie's phone calls.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Dinner and FHE
Putting a lasagne together was easy to do after being gone and being on the road all day yesterday. I got 2 pans done in the morning and in the fridge. Adrianne had dessert this month, and brought an awesome layered yellow cake with homemade chocolate frosting from scratch. Mike will NOT eat chocolate frosting from the can and as the marvelous wifey she is, she happily obliges him. Meredith brought the garlic bread. She used sourdough bread and it was delicious. Duff put a bagged salad together. We ate in the dining room on the blue china.
We enjoyed having Mike, Julie, Aaron and Nick over. Nicky's shyness wore off after a little while and he was all about every kind of ball we had. His little songs just melt your heart.
We had FHE after they left to go back to the beach house in Newport they've rented for the week. Duff turned the time over to Shaun for his lesson on 'Living After The Manner of Happiness'. He has been learning some things about this from the scriptures. It was a good lesson. Natalie and Robert are back for school and he leaves in 2 weeks, so we will be missing them but will keep meeting with everyone else and relish every second of it. Who knows where life will take them in the future, so we need to make the most of what we have now.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Driving Home...
We drove home today.
Ten hours.
For some reason it didn't seem that long this trip.
I finished crocheting another blanket, took a nap. Before I knew it, the drive was done.
Everyone was here to see us and visit, except Nats and Rob, who are now back in Utah.
3 weeks is a long time to be gone.
We all missed each other.
Tomorrow is dinner and FHE with the kids.
Ten hours.
For some reason it didn't seem that long this trip.
I finished crocheting another blanket, took a nap. Before I knew it, the drive was done.
Everyone was here to see us and visit, except Nats and Rob, who are now back in Utah.
3 weeks is a long time to be gone.
We all missed each other.
Tomorrow is dinner and FHE with the kids.
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