Till We Meet Again--

I'm exhausted and going to bed. We just got home. It is almost 10pm.

Wendy passed away today at 2:10pm. It was peaceful and quiet. She did not struggle at the end. She went very peacefully. No agitation. No gasping for air. Just didn't take another breath. I was on one side of her, Auntie Tia on the other. Shelly, Sheri, and Larry and Nick at the foot of her hospital bed. Auntie and I told her to go to the light. Reach her arms out and keep going. It was okay to go. They asked me to take her pulse. It was faint and then wasn't there.

It was a beautiful thing.

The first thing I did when we walked in the door was go to Christine and just hold her. I just needed to hold her in my arms.

I'm shaking with fatigue. I am going to say my prayers, crawl in bed, and have a good cry.

More tomorrow.

Till Tomorrow

I didn't get any time to catch up.

Russell drove all night to get to his sister's. So now he and Shelly and Sheri are there. Wendy responds well to Shelly. She can get her to take her meds. Sheri and Russell are helping with Uncle Bob and getting Auntie Tia to eat (she has lost a lot of weight taking care of both Wendy and Uncle Bob, even though Jared is there...and from all the worry) and get some rest.

I continue to text her at least once a day. Larry reads my texts to her. She was really on my mind around dinner time at 5:30. So I sent a message with one of my favorite scriptures included. D & C 101:16....all flesh is in My hands. Be still...and know that I am God.

We are His. He is mindful of what each of us goes through. He is our Father. Slow down, be calm, have peace. And remember that He is in charge and has a wonderful plan. Trust Him. It's all going to be okay.

I finished making dinner. The phone rang. It was Larry. He let me know she got the text and he wanted me to talk to her. She wanted to talk to me. I said, Larry. She isn't talking anymore! He told me to talk to her anyway. So I did. All of a sudden I hear this weak but beautiful voice say hi. I had to really get my emotions in check. I hadn't expected to hear anything. He asked me to quote the scripture to her in person and tell her my feelings. Shelly said she tried to open her eyes when I was talking. She wanted to respond but all she could do was try and move her hands up to seemingly get her thoughts out of her mouth but they couldn't come. Shelly said she smiled really big. Larry took the phone back and asked if I would arrange my day tomorrow to come. He says she wants me to come. So Duff and I are going after we get Christine off for the day. I will sit and hold her hand. Tell her how much I love her and that it's all okay.

She is the first of us cousins to 'go' back to our Heavenly Home. When we were all little we were really close. All of us cousins. I feel so blessed that even now in our adult years and all living scattered over the country, when we talk or get together it's like no time has passed. I credit our parents examples of the importance of the family for this. Plus, I just have pretty darn great people for cousins!

Lots To Tell!

My hope is to catch up later this afternoon. Stay tuned. LOTS to tell.........

Wendy News

Talked to Auntie Tia a little bit ago.

As of this morning, Wendy is in active dying transition. No food intake. Choking when swallowing. Little to no fluids. Not eliminating effectively. Extremeties are purple. Pain is always around an 8 regardless of what meds they give her. It won't be too long now.

Auntie is strong. She said it is almost like relief to know it is finally here. Jared is taking good care of Uncle Bob so she can spend what time is needed with Wendy and Larry. Sherry is coming back on Tuesday.

Interesting thing, dieing...

Discomboomerated

I am feeling so much better! When I woke up yesterday, I knew I had turned the corner.

This time of year always gets me 'discomboomerated'. Lots of back and forth traveling to Provo, school, church, the holidays coming (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas) needing decorating and preparations. Fall sports.

HELP!

And yet, I love this time of year. One of my goals this year is to not get too ahead of myself. Enjoy the moments and go with the flow. Be a little more organized. Those seem like contradictions, huh. What I mean is let go of the things that don't matter and beef up what does. Does that make sense?

Yesterday as I was finishing a weeks worth of laundry that was driving me crazy because it's taken me 3 days to do it and I'm usually always on top of the 'dirty clothes', I decided it was making me crazy because I had phone calls I wanted/needed to make that I kept putting off. So I switched the loads of towels and took a time out.

First phone call: to Jenn. It's been a week since her surgery. She has been on my mind, but I wanted to give her some time to get some strength back before calling. No answer, but I left a message. Talked to Kristin later at night who is there helping her recover this first week.

Next phone call: Auntie Tia. Everyone checks on Wendy but I thought I would check on her. I did a lot of listening. She needed to vent, talk, work through the events. I can't imagine her season of life right now. Husband in end stage dementia, and up the street a daughter dieing of cancer. Wendy is declining more rapidly right now. She is hardly eating, has a hard time swallowing, can't get up to use the bathroom anymore, sleeps a lot. Pain level usually around an 8 on a scale of 1-10, ten being the worst. Med changes almost daily to accomodate the pain. In July they gave her 24 hours to 30 days--it has now been 70 days since that diagnosis. It makes me ponder about what the Lord knows that we don't. Larry continues to be difficult. That's probably the hardest part. Wishing she had a more compassionate husband. I think he's been going through this for so long now, that he's already 'moved on'. It is such an easy thing to say how we might act in a similar situation. But none of us really knows until we are faced with it.

My Mama. She is worried. Emotional. Does she have what it takes to help my dad? When my mom tells me she's been crying all day, I know she is feeling very burdened. I wish we lived closer so I could help them on a day to day basis more. Good report from the urologist though: prostate seems to be okay. He thinks the recent issues were due to a uti that cleared itself up. That is really good news. My dad was very happy. It takes away some of the kidney complications. Even so, they have decided to stay put and not make the trip out. We are sad :( but totally understand.

The weather is still grossly hot. It makes everyone a little on the grumpy side.

Today is another day on the journey! Off we go---

Can It Get Any Hotter?

I won't even tempt it by asking that question out loud.

Yesterday, my patio thermometer said 112*. I don't know if that is completely accurate, but at least it felt like it. Adrianne said at lunch her car gauge said it was 106*, and I believe that. This always happens at this time of year. September gets it's nose pushed out of shape here in sunny southern California I guess and leaves summer kicking and screaming wanting to be remembered for breaking records and hanging on to every little piece of warmth it can. Congratulations. You did it yesterday!

I often wonder why we don't start school until October and go through until June or mid-July. It would be so much nicer for the kids. And fall sports. Just a thought....

The poor potted plants suffered. I finally brought myself to go out and give them some relief. The experience making my cold-filled head feel like exploding even more. Pound, pounding.

And so the 'windies' will start in earnest this next week too. Those Santa Anas that suck up every little drop of moisture and are an arsonists best friend.

All that being said, everything is green, lush, and lovely here at the homefront. We have one tomato plant still producing, and zuchinni! And the herbs are prolific. I have more mint, thyme, basil, chives, rosemary than I know what to do with!

Grandpa Update

Grandpa didn't get good news Monday at the doctor. His kidneys continue to decline. They are down to functioning at 38%. He is very discouraged. If he gets to dialysis, it will significantly change their life.

On top of that his prostate is giving him new trouble. Which compounds the kidney issue. They were supposed to be here today for a visit. He has to get to the urologist asap and the earliest appointment he could get is tomorrow afternoon. So, depending on what they find out tomorrow, they may still get in the car and come on Friday. We'll just have to wait and see.

His nephrologist sent him immediately to a nutritionist on Monday. Apparently by drastically altering his diet they hope to stop the kidney decline. The damage cannot be reversed, but can hopefully be stopped. Grandma and Grandpa already eat crazy healthy as it is, but this diet is drastic. He has to lower all potassium, sodium, and two other things that both start with a 'C'. His body continues to not produce any vitamin D, but he is taking a prescription supplement for that now.

Give him a call. He'd love to hear from you, and it would lift his spirits.

Notes On Praying

With this cold, I haven't kept up my goal of waking up early. But my intentions of picking it back up are good. I'll let you know.

That being said, we began VTeaching interviews today. 8:30am. At Teri's. That's early, right? That means I had to be up by 7 to shower and get ready. I'm always nervous about them. I always hope I act/react appropriately to information that I learn. When I was driving home I wondered why I get nervous. I pray before I leave my house. We have a prayer together before any of the VTeachers arrive. Pray again with each individual before we start the interview. End each interview with a prayer. And it ALWAYS turns out amazingly, stupendously, AWESOME!

I am so uplifted by the goodness in each of them. And often amidst difficult personal refining. I'm grateful to be among them.

Note to self: don't underestimate the power of prayer. Review words to the hymn, Prayer Is The Soul's Sincere Desire. I prayed to be able to feel good enough to get through the interviews. I had no problem. Once I got home, I got a few scattered things done in between resting on the couch. But my point is, I was blessed to do what I needed to do in the morning with the interviews. I need to remember that the Lord IS in the details. I just don't take the time to recognize it like I should.

It's All Good, Right?

I'm miserable.

I ache all over. I can't breathe well. I wish my head would explode and just get it over with. I could tell last night there was no stopping it. At Mike and Adrianne's all I could do was lay on the floor. I was brave, but not well. I came home and went straight to bed. And didn't even sleep well then. Duff stayed up and quizzed Chris for her biology test today. Nothing sounds good and nothing tastes good. And on top of that I feel pressure. Not just from my head.

Visiting Teaching interviews begin tomorrow morning. I had everything done before I left, except the hand out. I wanted to have it done. I intended to have it done. I just ran out of time. So now I have to do it instead of staying in bed.

Don't you just hate it when things like this happen! So I'm off for the tylenol bottle....

It's Never Too Late For Happily Ever After

Thanks, Duff. "It's" coming. THE cold. I can feel it in my head and throat. That explosive, scratchy feeling. I've been washing my hands and disinfecting every place he's been or touched. I've been 'airborne-ing and emergen C-ing several times a day. I guess sharing the same bed probably doesn't help!

Church was really good. The speakers were a new couple in the ward. Sister Jill began by introducing them: We both lost our spouses: His to a tragic car accident and mine to the tragedy of sin and divorce. I've not quite ever heard it phrased like that before. Their topics were how the temple and how keeping covenants heals you through trials and brings blessings.

WOW. Is all we could say. Along with a whoppin' dose of the spirit testifying to the truth of what they spoke, we came away with two quotes that we want to incorporate:

• 1-- It's Never Too Late For Happily Ever After--after tragedy, sin, repentance, you name it, the Lord wants and offers us Happily Ever After for eternity. Thank you for the atonement.
• 2-- Sometimes the Lord calms the storm. Other times He lets the storm rage and calms His children. Powerful.

Don't those just set you up for hours of pondering?

We could only go to Sacrament meeting today. Came home and ate some roast chicken quickly and Natalie and Robert took us to the airport. We hadn't seen them very much this time, and the car ride provided us some good visiting. Josh and Mere and Miss Darla picked us up in Long Beach and we grabbed Christine at home and then headed to Mike and Adrianne's for family dinner. They made some scrumptious green chile enchiladas. It was so nice to be together and very nice not to have to make a dinner right after getting off an airplane. I guess they call them jets now. Thanks so much guys. Love you!

The Big Tease

The air was buzzing with excitement.

All things Cougar.

Bob went to see an old friend, Barb started a puzzle, and I crocheted pillowcase edgings. A nice vintage touch to the embroidered ones from Aunt Gloria for wedding gifts to my kids. Duff was on the computer reading all things cougar. Shaun joining him.

The game started at 5 and we left at 2:15. Eric Mc C. came with us. It was nice to get to the tent early and snag a table by a big screen to hear/watch any and all things pre-game. They were showing the Utah-Oregon game. Haha! I was feeling smug and confident.

After the first 2 series, I was kind of wondering why the Cougs looked so different in person than on TV the last two weeks. I kept mentally shaking my head as if to clear the fog. It wasn't fog after all. They looked like they had just got out of bed. Tired and groggy. Where were my Cougars who beat Oklahoma and Tulane???

Humble Pie tasted half way decent. I added some ketchup. (Get it: red, for Utah. Haha!)

f-r-i-d-a-y

We arrived in Utah late last night. Shaun picked us up from the airport. Josh and Merezy are at home with Christine, and Mike and Adrianne are their able assistants. Darla did not come with us this trip, and Duff and I both have to admit it is a little weird. She's not on her bean bag perch and the tinkling sound of her 'necklace' following after us is missing. She was less than happy when she saw the small suitcase come out for packing. She knows what that means!

It is absolutely beautiful here. The beginning of fall. Warm days and cool nights. The colors not quite complete, but plenty enough to know autumn has arrived.

We went to Provo today to run some errands. We hadn't been to Costco in a while and needed necessary staples like toilet paper, paper towels, tissue, paper plates. I love this Costco. They carry family things that ours at home doesn't. It is interesting to see the different items. We ate lunch there too. We hadn't done that in a while.

We stopped by Natalie and Robert's cute little basement apartment. It was laundry day. Robert had his last interview with a rep from the JAG core. He said he felt good about it. Natalie looks good. This diet is agreeing with her. You can even see it in her face. The baby has grown a lot in two weeks, and she is still measuring large. She is craving ice cream and can't have it! She said she is thinking about cheating on her birthday. We had frozen things in the truck so could only stay for 1/2 an hour, and then back on our way up the canyon.

Shaun had the cabin spic and span for us. Aside from the wasps and box elder bugs. But this is their season and this IS the mountains after all. We just pull out the vacuum and suck them up.

Bob and Barb got in last night. Great friends from our Westminster days. Our tickets are together with theirs. The excitement is building for the game tomorrow. First home game on the new field! All the commentary and polls say we should win, but you just never know. My throat is starting to hurt. Dang. I was really hoping I wouldn't get Duff's cold, but it doesn't look like I'll be avoiding that now. Hope I feel a little better in the morning.

The Girl With The New 'Do'

Miss Chris

I took her to Felina. At the salon I go to. Elyse is getting married on Saturday and I didn't dare ask if she could come and trim Christine's hair. I sat in the front desk area reading a Country Living magazine. She's 14. It's her hair. Aside from something punk, or turquoise or hot pink, she can choose. We did talk about it on the drive over. She asked for my input. When she was done and Felina walked her to the front, it wasn't anything we had discussed. So I was really surprised.

BUT...

it is dang cute. She hasn't had bangs since kindergarten! Great choice, Chrissy!!

She was worried her dad wouldn't like it. Quite the opposite. He loved it. But he made the comment when we went to bed that his 'little girl' is growing up, and he's not sure he's ready for that.

(It's been a big week. High School. Seminary. New hair cut.Poor dad.....)

Another Finished Project!

Remember, I have to finish all my unfinished projects before I can start/get a new one?

So as of noon today, I can officially cross off my list another one! YEAH! I am so excited about this. A few months ago I converted our family VHS to DVD's. I made nice covers to go inside the jackets. But the last stage was making labels for the actual dvd's so if one got out of the cover we would know where to put it back.

At the time when I was dubbing, I bought a program to make the labels. Well, me and computers have a young friendship. It paralyzed me to think I might be able to figure this out on my own. I recruited my kids, daughters-in-law, but we just never had the same time to sit down together and get it done. On Monday, with my new-found confidence in getting up early (haha), I took a deep breath and did it!

I actually loaded the program onto the computer. I read the instructions and played around with it and I MADE LABELS!!!!! Oh sure, I made quite a few 'oops', but in the end, I finally finished them this morning. Pictures, text, and all. I even made spines for some jewel cases that have kids orchestra/band concerts, elementary school plays in them, etc. (Once upon a time I had a computer tutor: Lindsey, my Primary secretary. She was so patient with me. She kept telling me I just have to play around with the computer. I am so paranoid about that. She would be so proud!)

Is is okay to pat myself on the back? I'm pretty happy!

Fall Foilage Guide

As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer and colder, biochemical processes occur in tree leaves. The veins that carry fluids to and from the leaves gradually close off, trapping sugars in the leaves. This causes them to change colors. The different colors depend on the type of tree. Here are several common species, with their usual fall leaf color:

• Ash--Yellow or Maroon
• Aspen--Gold
• Beech--Yellow to Orange
• Dogwood--Scarlet to Purple
• Hickory--Gold to Bronze
• Oak--Red or Brown
• Poplar--Golden Yellow
• Maple--Scarlet

(Information from LDS Living)

Even my leaves here in SoCal are beginning to change. They all got a good trim today to get ready for the Santa Ana wind season and winter. They look great with their 'cut'. Speaking of 'cuts', I got a nice hair cut today too. For some reason, the last 6 months my hair just grows like a weed. Even Felina said to me today how much it had grown in 8 weeks. It always feels so good to get it trimmed up.

The Day That The REAL School Routine Starts!

When I have a child in high school, it is not 'really' the start of school until seminary begins. The kids always get that first week of school seminary free. Come Monday of the second week, is the REAL schedule/routine!

And so it was today. This is my 'last one' to go, and I'm really making an effort to get up with her. As I have said before, I Am NOT A Morning Person. Duff wakes up before the rooster crows and is chipper from the first foot out of bed. Not so much for me! Haha! But I'm determined to make it work. I was up at 5:50am. Yikes. It wasn't even light yet. Are you kidding me? But I got dressed first thing and went down stairs. Duff made his homemade waffles which is what Chris had requested for the first morning. I'm not a first thing in the morning eater either, but after about 10 minutes my tummy was speaking to me.

It was our day to drive. So we stopped by and honked for Steph. The church parking lot was just a-hummin' with activity. Then Duff and I went to the lake and did 2 miles just in time to drive back down the street and take Christine and Leslie to school.

I was on a roll! By 8:30am I had had breakfast, made the bed, walked, carpooled, done 3 loads of laundry, hand watered the pots, and cleaned the kitchen. I got a lot done just in a different order of the day.

Checked in with Wendy and Sherry. Wendy is battling some nausea these days.

We began our study of the For The Strength Of Youth Pamphlet for family home evening. President Brennan counseled all the parents to study it with each other first and be on the same page/wave-length/of the same mind with it and then study it with our children. We only did 1/2 of it this week. I had forgotten how specific it really is. He told us last night at the fireside that parents need to agree on the standards and called on fathers to step up in more support of their wives with the keeping of standards and vice versa. This fireside was not just for youth! President Carter told of a conversation he had with a school committee member (we have 9 different high schools in our stake boundaries) who is not of our faith, and how he was very troubled by what he saw at registration. Then on the sophomore and freshman registration days (when parents had to do the driving...) he discovered the source of his frustration: the kids were dressed like their mother/father!

Now I'm completely exhausted from my early start and it is only 9:45pm. I just woke up from falling asleep on the couch. I'm going up to wash my face and brush my teeth and go to bed. Tomorrow morning is coming! Oh help me...

It Starts Tomorrow!

We had Stake Conference this weekend. It was really good. Elder Foster of the Seventy was here for it. Last night was the adult session. I often enjoy this part of the conference the most. But this time, Sunday's meeting was the best for me. We did something different for us this time. Instead of having 2 sessions on Sunday to accomodate everyone, there was only one session and we used two buildings and broadcast it in to the other building. So four wards were at the stake center, and three at the Altisima building.

All the talks were about the importance of the family.

Home at noon, and relaxed for the rest of the day. Then--da da da dum de dum! We went to the Seminary Kick Off/Standards Fireside. It was very well done! We found out what class Christine is in and who her teacher is. She is in the 6:30 class. I can't believe she is in seminary now! The messages from the stake presidency about standards were straightforward and clear.

Carpool is figured out and now we are off to bed. I'm hoping I can turn over a new leaf so to speak, and attempt to change my inner clock and go to bed earlier so I can get up earlier. 5:45 will be here very quickly! Wish me luck!

The Cougars Are Out! (Actually: IN)

Rise All Loyal Cougars!


Holy Moly. What a good game. Mike came over to watch it with us. We bbq'd some burgers and I made a potato salad. Also some BYU sugar cookies in an oval shape frosted with white icing with a big bold Y in the center. They were just the right compliment to the win. Mere says maybe I should make them every game for good luck!


Go Mountain West Conference! Let's show them boys just how BCS worthy we are!

This Is The Way We Iron The Clothes...

...so early in the morning.

Well, not the morning exactly. I worked on a bevy of vt items, did some Christmas shopping, and Christmas list forming. Watered. Then made my way to the iron.

I used to send a lot of items to the cleaners. These days I only send the things that absolutely need to be dry cleaned. It's one of the ways for me to cut back during these financial times. No more pedicures, haircut every other month, Darla to the groomer every other month as well, only absolutes to the cleaners. That way I can save here and spend in other places. I've come to realize that I kind of missed the ironing. Not all the shirts and slacks, but the linens.

I have a good sized walk in closet. I had the builder put electrical outlets in it. So I keep my ironing board and iron out all the time. There is a nice shelf that runs down the middle that I can keep my spray starch, spray bottle, distilled water for the iron, and lavender spray on. It's a nice little set up. I get the ironing organized, heat up the iron, and have it all to myself. It is cozy. Just the smell of the heat, steam, and lavender and the sound of the iron. I like the quiet. I am alone with my thoughts. The ironing is methodical. Fold here, spray there, steam burst, move to the next section. I get a lot of thinking done in that closet while I iron. I let out my frustrations, and solve the problems of the world. Well, maybe not the world, but at least my family sometimes. Everything turns out perfect in that closet! I feel so much accomplishment when I see the stacks of cloth napkins and pillowcases, and the tablecloths hanging from the door frame. The ironing is soothing and calming to me.

I have said this before, but it takes me back to the time of my grandmother's mangle, or what they now call a rotary iron. She would just set aside at least a day or two a month for nothing but mangle-ing. It felt almost like a holiday to a little girl. If Mamo was mangle-ing, we would go over and help her. She would do most of the mangleing, but my mom would dampen things and hang or fold them when they came out and were finished. If they had any kind of a crease in the wrong place, they were re-done. I remember the days before steam irons and spray bottles when my mom would 'sprinkle' the clothes with water from a clean vegetable brush dipped in a bowl of water on the kitchen sink and place them in a large stainless steel mixing bowl to keep them damp while she ironed. I could always tell when she ironed, because the house would smell like that steam when I walked in the door from school.

I'd love a mangle/rotary iron. I wish they weren't so expensive. Maybe I could go in on one with someone and we could share it. Could I just please keep it at my house? Any takers?

I'll Never Forget

Today. 8 years ago. The terrorist attacks in New York on the World Trade Center Towers, The Pentagon, and the thwarted attempt that ended over the state of Pennsylvania.

When someone says 9-11, I don't think there is anyone alive today who doesn't have an immediated flashback of where they were that morning. The loss of innocent life. The terror. Insecurity. Shock. Helplessness, and then a strong resolve to not let the events get us down. To pull together and square our shoulders.

I am very grateful for the men and women who today, still defend our country's freedoms. We owe them a lot.

Fajita Football

I love it when we go to our married children's homes. Who cares if they are small apartments? There is something magical about cramming in everywhere. I love to see them in their own element, space, habitat.

Last night Mike and Adrianne invited us over for fajita dinner and to welcome in the first game of the NFL season. Meredith was already there and Josh joined us after work and Webelos den meeting. At first it was just going to be a 'guy' thing, but when Mike called and suggested Christine and I come too she decided she would much rather have anything else for dinner other than the hot dogs I would be fixing for us at home. Truth be told, I love a good hot dog. And they were in the freezer. And easy.

Simple evening. Mike at the grill. Adrianne and Meredith crafting for etsy shop inventory. Christine reading. Me, relaxing on the couch. I had been working on reports and paperwork all day and was exhausted. It felt good to be on the couch taking it all in. My heart was smiling. They have a good home. It is welcoming and you feel at ease there.

Fajitas were amazing. And depending on who you talk to, Pittsburgh's win was a good thing. Let's put it this way: Shaun was happy long distance. The other Duffy men--not.

09-09-09

54 years!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad.

St. George Temple.

And this year the numbers of the date look pretty cool!

09~09~09

Have a wonderful day. We Love You Both!

First Day

Today is Christine's first day of High School. No picture was allowed this morning. I guess she really is grown up. No tears for me. A few mom-butterflies for her. She hopped out of the car and off she went.

Darla has been moping. Every year she goes through the first day of school transition too. This is her 11th by my side. She shook all the way to school. Once Christine was out of the car she resignedly lay down on my lap for the ride home.

Got a carpool worked out for seminary and school. That is a BIG YAY!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Happy Birthday to my Daddy.

I love my Dad's hands. They are big and strong. He has always worn a wedding ring. They were the fixers of 'owies' when I was growing up. Such a gentle touch on those booboos. They poked a stern finger on young knees during church as a not so subtle reminder to be reverent. They gave priesthood blessings. They gripped a pen or pencil to write in bold capital letters with a signature like a movie star. They built rabbit cages. Buried birds. Threw a baseball. Painted art and sale signs in grocery store windows. Added on the family room and extended our small kitchen. Bathed dogs in the bathtub. Fished. Washed dishes. Cut huge wheels of cheese. Carved lots of turkeys and hams for holidays. Measured out nuts and wheat. Pumped gas to make ends meet. Polished shoes. Landscaped. They planted and gleaned gardens. And many more things.....

Have a wonderful day. Thanks for everything. I love you!

Little Random Extras...

• Heather to Cherise (unbeknownst to anyone else): "Everyone thinks I'm going to get well and beat this. I know I'm not." She knew. For quite a while.
• Heather to Eric: "How much do you think the Lord will require me to suffer and how hard will it be?" (privately)
• Between Duff and I we have just about everything in our families: marriage, divorce, addiction, adultry, affluence, poverty, sickness, health, longevity, cancer, homosexuality, loss of testimony, excommunication, rebaptism, sin, repentance, mental and emotional illness. As I sat during the funeral and looked around at everyone I love and thought about all the ones who weren't there that I love too on both sides of our families, I was overwhelmed with love and gratitude for Jesus Christ and the atonement. We all have our own journey, our own path tailor made for each of us. I thought of all of us at different places on that path trying to hold on to the iron rod with all our might deviating at times and fighting our way back some finding our way quickly and some longer. I'm deeply humbled by Heavenly Father's plan and that Christ was willing. Where would any of us be without it?
• check back....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL

love, Love, LOVE YOU!

Such a sweet baby then and such a great man now.
Love You Son!

It has been a crazy full weekend, but we just had to celebrate. He wanted an old fashioned roast beef dinner with all the trimmings, so that is what he got. Adrianne made an amazing checkerboard 3 layer cake, Meredith brought an awesome salad. Jan and Ann were still here, so we got it all done early so they could celebrate with us. It was really fun.

tHEY dID IT!!!!!

BYU 14--OU 13

What a great game! Celebrating the winning touchdown above. Hall to Jacobson in the endzone.

After the cemetery, we came home, changed our clothes and headed to Eric and Mayra's for a family dinner. Everyone just wanted to be together. Kids swam, gals visited and watched the pool, and guys were inside cheering on the Cougars (with me, Morgan, and Adrianne too.)

Mayra ordered out some italian food and it tasted good after a long emotional day.

I'll bet the neighbors wondered what was going on with all the yelling at refs and cheering.

We were so completely happy. I have to admit being skeptical about the impending outcome, but they played outstandingly well. The defense was unbelieveable. I loved seeing Bronco a little more relaxed and enjoying things. Did you notice him nicely blowing off the ESPN reporter and going right over to Jaime Hill (defensive coordinator) and giving him the biggest hug?

And how cool was that 2am welcome at the Provo airport! Perhaps a new cougar tradition??? (btw-JetBlue--can you fly us in to Provo airport? I'll bet you'd get lots of takers....)

CONGRATULATIONS COUGARS!

p.s. We dvr'd it before we left and Duff, et.al. have re-watched it already. This one's not getting deleted...

'Till We Meet Again!

Today was Heather's funeral. Jan and Ann and Sherry and Cliss got in yesterday morning along with Aunt Liz and Uncle Wade; we got in last night. Jan and Ann stayed with us.

The printed program was beautiful. Heather's friends put it together. They also set up an amazing display in the chapel foyer when you first came in. I had never seen that before. There was a manaquin with her wedding dress next to a table of wedding pictures. Then down the way another long table with all things Heather--favorites and things that illustrated her life and who she was. They had large, almost life sized pictures of her and her family on easels and it was all trimmed with lavender tulle running through--her favorite color.

These pictures tell an eternal story.

Heather and I at Cherise's bridal shower. This was right after her mastectomy, chemo, and first wig. Heidi gave it to me at the luncheon. During the week she had what she calls a 'freak out' moment when she was certain she would forget her little sister. She pulled out every photo album and package of pictures she had that Heather was in and put them all together so she could look at them often. She found this one. I was so touched she gave it to me!

At Rose Hills Cemetary.

Her burial site is high on a hill right under a huge tree shading the entire space.

Very peaceful, serene, and beautiful.

Everything Heather.

This spray was sweet. It took my breath away.

Scott, Heather's husband dedicating the grave.

Visiting.

All the neices and nephews and her children laying a pink and cream rose on her casket.

Oh how we love you Heather!

A beautiful setting.

Uncle Fred and Auntie Coy.

Parents shouldn't have to bury their child.

BUT--if you have to do that you want to do it like they did. They are such an example of all things good and true testimony.

The Thain Cousins that could be there:

Cherise, Sherry, Eric, Cliss, Ann, Jan, Heidi, Don, Fred Jr.

Christine and Hannah, Heather's daughter. They have a special bond. This little girl has a testimony of the Plan of Happiness. She told her dad at the viewing and family prayer this morning, "Don't worry Dad. I know that that's just mom's body and that her spirit is still alive in Heaven. We'll see her again." As I've thought about it over the last several days, I appreciate Scott and Heather's parenting. They taught her and lived this. I realize their situation demanded it, but I wonder if I've done a good enough job at this. It was lived everyday for 3 years and reinforced by grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins, all on the same page. What family is all about.

Auntie Coy and Uncle Darrell (Fred's brother-in-law)

Flowers from siblings.

Cousins visiting.

Josh, Mere, Cherise (her baby boy is due a week after Natalie), Christine.

Rik King and a granddaughter.

Now, THIS is such a happy post-script!

I knew Rik when he was married to Leisa. He is a convert. They were in my parents ward and my mom and dad took them 'under their wing' so to speak as a young married couple. My dad 'tutored' Rik as a friend and mentor in the gospel and priesthood. They were over at our house often for holidays, dinner, games, movie watching. I remember bathing their boys in the tub and changing diapers. We spent many a time at their house too, bbqing and playing darts. Rik and Leisa moved to Yorba Linda several years later and we all lost track of them.

I learned a few years ago that they had divorced. I was crushed.

At the family viewing, Coy leaned over to me and whispered, "That is Scott's step-dad. He is the sweetest, kindest man." I only saw him from the back. Okay, I thought.

We followed the casket into the chapel to begin the service. I picked up a program on my way in. When we sat down I opened and read the program. As I scanned it I saw the closing prayer was by Rik King. R.I.K. Richard Irvine King. I thought: NO WAY. Could this be? Then I looked over at the pallbearers: Ryan and Rhett King. It had to be!! When he stepped to the pulpit I recognized him right away.

Since the cemetery was an hour away, they wisely held the luncheon after the service and before the trip to Rose Hills. I asked Scott how he knew Rik. He said, "He is my step-dad." Wow.
I found him in the foyer. After 30 years what a fun reunion! He remarried and is strong in the gospel. Isn't it interesting how the Lord is in the details and how things dove-tail into others. After 30 years Rik ends up playing a role in Heather's life. We just never know, do we?

Now I just want to spend a minute about the service.

It was one of the best I've ever attended. All her siblings, father, and husband spoke. It was appropriate, timely, and the music was inspiring. Opening hymn: Come, Come Ye Saints. Closing hymn: How Firm a Foundation. 2 of her favorites. And they were so apropo. Triumphant.

Grab a hymnal and go over the words. You'll be inpired too!

Thanks, Heather.

ALL IS WELL, ALL IS WELL!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEIDRE

Birthday Greetings!

We send our love all the way to Boston and hope you have a wonderful day.

Love You!

Swiss Days '09

The Swiss Flags are out on everyone's homes and you can feel the holiday in the air. Kids are out of school. They are teaching clogging in the town square entertainment area. It sounds happy along with the european alpine music piped through the sound system.

Since we are cutting our stay by 3 days and coming home for Heather's funeral tomorrow, my only chance to get to participate in Swiss Days was early this morning. So I was up and out of the cabin by 7am. It doesn't even start until 8, and boy was I shocked when the streets were already full of parked cars! I thought I was beating the crowds. NOT. Well, maybe a little. So I parked in our usual space in Nancee's drive way on 1st south and walked to Town Square. The walk is always like it is the first time. The old red brick houses trimmed in white with summer flowers and vegetable gardens over flowing. White picket fences, and the irrigation ditch running curbside, except there is no curb, but little bridges crossing from the sidewalk to the street. The trickling water is happy and just makes you want to take your sandals off and stick your feet in.

This morning the grass was dewey and the dampness tickled my toes. It was cool, but I braved it without a sweater. It will be warm soon enough. Familiar booths greeted me. My first stop: the iron works booth. I could take one of everything. But this year I settled on a witch's broom and some planter/pot art. I can stick those in my suitcase, but I have to figure out a way to get the broom home on the airplane or else I'll have to leave it until the next time we drive.

New discovery: Dowdle Folk Art puzzles. Oh! so fun. I am a big Charles Wysocki fan, and these are very similar. It was hard to choose because I limited myself to only one, but I settled on All Hallows Eve since Halloween is coming sooner than we realize.

The rage this year are the minky blankets. Several booths of those. That was hard to choose too. They had sooooo many in sizes from twin to baby softies and burp cloths. I finally decided to get a couple of softies (little ones to take in the car, stroller, etc.) for the coming baby. This particular booth had a deal going: buy 2 get one free. So I have some extra for my Grandma's Closet.

Now I'm back, cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, and changing sheets so we can fly out this evening.

Bye, bye Swiss Days until next year!

Let's Try That Again...

Kristin rotated it on her computer and resent it to me. Now you can see just how good they are!

I'm telling you, I took the picture straight on, it loaded onto my picture file straight on, but for some reason I could not get it to post straight!

Thanks again, Kristin!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILLIAM

Happy Birthday To You-

Happy Birthday To You-

Happy Birthday Dear William--

Happy Birthday To YOU!!

Have a great day, you cutie. And remember: BYU rules! Uncle Don is so happy you cheer for them now and not that 'other' school. We hope you have a lot of fun in 1st grade!

Swiss Days Cinnamon Rolls

The sign up sheets went around Relief Society on Sunday. I figured since I'm here I might as well help out, so my name and number went on the slot.

I was on the second shift of the day. 9am to 1 pm at the Cannery on Main Street. It is a little old fashioned apricot brick building.

This place is quaint and fun. There is a kitchen that you could do just about anything in! Swiss Days bread is a staple at the RS booth during the weekend. It is a traditional Swiss braided recipe. Here are the cords so you can practice how to braid before you get your hands on the dough!

Another specialty for Swiss Days are the Braetzlie cookies. They are a kind of almondy shortbreadish pressed cookie done in an iron thingy. Kind of like a waffle iron.

One long wall in the cannery kitchen. It is all labeled and ready to go.

This island is full of bread pans for the Swiss Bread.

A trash barrel, clean of course, full of flour. Can you imagine that?

I thought my shift started at 9. I got there as the first shift--from 6am-9:30am--was finishing. Lucky me. I got in on the last of the dough making and rolling out. Here was my pan of rolls. I learned a new tip or two! The yeast bread queen, Elvira P., is in our ward here and was 'in charge'. She is a spunky, white-haired woman, probably early eighties, who is still going strong! She ran circles around all of the rest of us. When she was young, she was a school cafeteria worker and still knows her way around a kitchen cooking for large groups.

Ovens and proofer. That proofer was awesome. Can I get one?

Hot out of the oven.

Elivra mixing the icing. She has her own special concoction and has to get her hands in on it to test consistency and make sure it's all combined even at the bottom. She has a hair net on, but it's not too far off from her real hair. She has been doing this for more than 20 years! She is also the RS chorister and knows her music! If we don't sing it just right, we have to do it over!

Amazing amount of icing in the huge mixer.

Marna and Judy icing. After the hot rolls cool, they are cut apart from each other. Then iced, back on the stackers to set, then packaged. We did 32 dozen cinnamon rolls today. And as you can see, they are of the LARGE variety.

Elvira insists the only true way to ice a roll is to use your hand as a paintbrush. I have to say--I'm converted. It's the best way. I won't go back to pouring or using a knife.

The hands get pretty messy. But we all enjoyed taking a lick or two when we were done before we washed up!

Counting and getting ready to package.

For the life of me, I can't get this picture to stay rotated. I even took it straight on, but for some reason when I upload it it turns. So you'll have to swivel to get a good look at these yummy babies! Just smell them, okay! And get a good idea of the size. There are only 24 on a whole sheet pan.

Wrapped and into the gigantic freezer until Friday morning!

We worked straight from 9-1:30pm by the time we got the kitchen all cleaned. I was exhausted, but happy. We got to divide up the rejects and take them home. Yes, if they don't pass Elvira's inspection they don't get sold!