Hartford Hotel

I AM RANTING!

2011-06-20T18:44:00.003-06:00

NO ONE HAS TO READ THIS--IT REALLY IS ONLY FOR ME
IT WAS ONE OF THOSE DAYS!
FROM THE TIME I WALKED IN THE DOORS AT WORK TO THE TIME I WALKED IN THE DOORS AT HOME

MELISSA IN ORTHO: HAD SURGERY LAST THURS--STILL NOT WELL ENOUGH TO WORK--DOWN ONE!
LAURA IN ORTHO: NEPHEWS IN CAR ACCIDENT OUTSIDE PHOENIX--ONE KILLED--OTHER IN
IN SERIOUS CONDITION, NOT EXPECTED TO LIVE. DOWN TWO!
JESSICA IN OB: DAY OFF--LEFT ONE PERSON TO COVER PHONES!
GLORIA IN OB: CALLED IN SICK--NO ONE TO ANSWER OB PHONES! DOWN THREE!
GABBY AT SWITCHBOARD AND GREETER: BOYFRIEND KILLED IN AUTO ACCIDENT(SEE LAURA ABOVE.)
DOWN FOUR!
CORINNA AT SWITCHBOARD: PREGNANT, ON BED REST, DUE ANYDAY-GENERALLY COVERED BY GABBY.
DOWN FIVE!
GAYLENE ORTHO, OB AND GREETER COVERAGE TO THREE DEPARTMENTS--CAN'T DO IT.
DID PART TIME IN ORTHO, PART TIME IN OB AND ANSWERED PHONES ALL DAY FOR EIGHT DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS, WAS YELLED AT BY A FEW PATIENTS, FORGOT TO DO A FEW THINGS, AND LEFT A HALF AN HOUR LATE FROM WORK!

HOT TUB: NOWHERE TO BE FOUND!!!
CALGON TAKE ME AHHHHHWWWAAAAAAAAAAY!

SLEEPOVER WEEKEND AT NANA's

2011-06-13T21:34:00.005-06:00

I told the kids that I would have a sleepover with them on the weekend after school was out.

Austin, Ashlynne, Andrew...all of them bugged their mom about what time I got off from work, when I was going to pick them up, what were we going to do 'til she got there...all of the 20 questions that come from waiting.

I finally got there and they were all playing and I had to round them up. What the heck--I thought they were waiting for me. So we got pizza, rented a movie--Tangled-- and all but Austin fell asleep before 8:30 p.m. Now that's my idea of a sleepover. None of this staying awake all night. Then Austin fell asleep at 9:15. Wow! Could it have been any better than that?

The next morning they got to eat what they wanted--Pickles, Bagels, Rootbeer, Toast, Potato Chips...whatever they could find, they ate (oh my stomach hurts just thinking about it). I think one of them actually asked for Milk--oh yeah...Andrew!

Then it was off to the School playground to let them run free, exhaust them, played with the neighbor kids, played basketball, and let mom and dad take them home completely worn out.

Then the phone call. Mom had somehow hurt her back and could not walk, RJ had a meeing he had to go to, so I packed up all three kids, took them and Kassie and headed for West Bountiful to see a chiropractor that would see her at his home.

After the return home, we had to wait for RJ to finish with his meeting. By the time they left it was 3:00 in the afternoon. I hadn't had a shower, I got nothing accomplished and I just couldn't get myself in the groove to work on the house.
Afterall, according to Scarlett O'Hara, " Tomorrow is another day."

I took a shower around 5:00, put on my pajamas and popped in a movie and that was how I spent my Friday and Saturday!!!

MISSING YOU!

2011-06-06T21:39:00.004-06:00

Last night the kids had Kassie call me and check to see if they were still having a sleep over on Friday night.
My reply was: "Yes, we are still having a sleep over, why?"
Kassie: "Oh they just didn't want you to forget."
Me: "Let them know I haven't forgotten and let them know I will come over after work to pick them up."
Kassie: "Oh, and Austin wants me to let you know how much he misses his Nana!"
Me: (bawling my eyes out!!!) "Tell him I miss them too!"

Suffice it to say that I like it better this way and I can enjoy them more and miss them more when they aren't running around under my feet. I really do enjoy being with them, but only on a limited basis. I either can pick up and go home or Mom can pick them up and take them home.

It just works out better this way!!!

2011-05-30T21:00:00.005-06:00

A friend sent me this quote the other day and it is very appropriate right now in my life. And these days with the rain, it is VERY appropriate!

"We are basically paddling to stay afloat the best way we know how. With no two of us mustering in the same way, how we do it is more to be understood than criticized.
---Emma Lou Thayne

MATTHEW 24:36

2011-05-22T12:41:00.005-06:00

Once again, the so called "prophet" Harold Camping was wrong. The Rapture, the Apocalypse, the End of the World did not happen. However I did have a haircut in case it did come to pass ( I would have had one anyway--it just happened to fall on the last day of the world). But my house was nowhere near clean enough and my laundry wasn't done and the yard work is always screaming for me to work on it.

I have no doubts in my mind that the Last Days are here, but again Mr. Camping, NO MAN KNOWS WHEN! (it is apparent that he doesn't know his Bible very well)

Wars, Rumors of Wars, Seasonal changes, flooding, earthquakes, tsunamis, disease, famine--you name it, it is happening and all prior to the Second Coming--but again people--unless you are God--you don't know when it will happen.

So all we can do as inhabitants of this Earth is to be good to all men (and women and children--no exceptions!!) keep the commandments, live a good life and and follow the admonishion of Paul---hope all things, endure many things, and hope to be able to endure all things.

That is how I see it and to heck with all of those other goofballs!!

BITTERSWEET

2011-04-28T21:14:00.003-06:00

Kassie and RJ have been looking for a place to live and they found one. They move out this weekend..

I have, for the most part been, thrilled that it was going to happen. This way I don't have to fight for the washing maching, trip over children's toys lying around the house, have a kitchen table free from back packs, diapers, and winter coats, and the list goes on and on.

Now I can get on with my life--clean thoroughly, move furniture, have a T.V. room, and a computer room, find the kitchen table, and have a little more privacy...well, until mom gets home anyway!

When she let me know that they got their place I was thrilled and then I cried!

When she told Austin that they were moving, he cried too!

Those kids have been at our house early everyday for 6 1/2 years--Andrew doesn't remember living anywhere else.

But there is a time and a purpose for everything and it is now time for them to move on, me to move on and mom to move on.

The thing that is making me laugh is that she is very concerned that I will be alright by myself. OF COURSE I WILL BE ALRIGHT--I will just be enjoying the peace an quiet and when they visit--they can go home!!!!

I LOOK LIKE A "BOY"

2011-04-11T22:32:00.006-06:00

PICTURE 1: My heart broke when Austin took the scissors to Ashlynne's hair in November, when Kassie and RJ were in Mexico.
PICTURE 2: Haircut after the shock in November.
PICTURE 3: (in maroon dress) Just before her 5th birthday in March (growing rather quickly.
Today Kassie had a dentist appointment and my brother-in-law, Keith, came down to watch Ashlynne and Andrew while she was at the dentist. When she came home, he presented her with a plastic bag full of hair and said he found the two kids in the computer room with hair all over and that Andrew had cut her hair. We couldn't understand why she had just sat there and let him cut it--then the truth came out!!!
PICTURES 4 & 5: After blaming Andrew for cutting her hair, she came clean and told Mom that she cut it so it would grow faster!!!
I asked her what she thought of it and her reply was "I look like a BOY!"

2011-03-31T20:29:00.003-06:00

Seven months seem like an eternity. It has been a difficult, yet truly humbling experience. I can't thank my family and friends and church family enough for all of the loving support, inspiration, prayers, good deeds, and more that have been done in my behalf.

I am not the type of person that can accept help very easily, I am the one bringing you dinner, the one talking to you about how you feel, the one that helps out if there is ever the need, with no expectation of anything in return, because that is what I feel good in doing, yet I have had to learn to sit back and accept graciously the kindnesses that have come to me over this very difficult journey.

I had to go to yet another viewing of someone that passed away all to young and went to dinner afterward with my old roommate. She came out an asked just exactly how I was doing and feeling and although I have days that I could kick, maim
or otherwise injure someone who is no longer here, I told her that I am really at peace with the entire situation. Yes, I am angry some days, but aren't we all when something like this happens? I have learned to accept what I cannot change. I must go on.

This is not to say, however, that I still don't have days when I cry myself to sleep, want with all of my heart to talk to him about something one of the kids did that he would love, still have to stop and think that I don't have to yell at him to get out of bed to get ready for church, talk to him about how Ashlynne wants to know which cloud he actually lives on, how Andrew holds his picture and finally falls to sleep after a particularly rough day, how Austin would just love to read a new little book from school to him, and the list goes on and on and on......

This is a daily process that will go on for all time, but I amazingly at peace and have come to to rely on our Savior more and more to heal my wounds and broken heart and allow me to take my life one day at a time.

FIRST WEEK

2011-03-18T21:32:00.002-06:00

The first week back on the job brought the following:
Monday--mostly observation and listening, etc. I was sitting in the middle of Melody and Maria and a patient's girlfriend came right up to me and started yelling at me that if they had to wait so long for the doctor, then we had better serve bottled water. When told that she could go to the pharmacy and purchase some or step out into the hall and get a drink from the fountain, she was very put out to say the least. You would have thought I had told her that she had to cut out the heart of her first born the way she acted.

Tuesday: Was in orientation, HIPAA Training, OSHA Training, clinic Goals and Expectations, yada, yada, yada!!! The computer testing for OSHA and HIPAA for two hours. It was an all day affair.

Wednesday: More observation, learning the ropes, learning the computer before official computer training and was hit on by a very small, dirty, Hispanic man (I don't want to offend anyone, but it always seems that these are the ones I get hit on by--I wouldn't even mind it so much if I could just look them in the eye!!!)
Through all of this I am learning a little more Spanish each day! I guess I understand more than I thought I did.

Thursday: Was a very dead day at work. Only 1 1/2 doctors in--wore head phones all afternoon and only had to listen in on 3 conversations, one of which was in Spanish, and played with the computer all day trying to figure it out.
I came home and told Kassie how dead the day was and Ashlynne piped up and asked me if I had been to a funeral all day!!! LOL!!!

Friday: I am not used to being on those phones and at a computer all day long with a break and I have a very stiff neck. Did more computer work and actually did some REAL WORK with patients. Had to acutally answer a few medical assistant questions.

In a few weeks I will go and train on the OB desk and see how they run their side of the building. Then in a month or so--I will be off to learn the medical assisting end of things. I really have a feeling I will never be bored in this job!

BACK TO THE OLD GRINDSTONE

2011-03-13T20:25:00.003-06:00

After 6 long months of searching for a job, the search has finally come to an end. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders, at least 500 hundred pounds worth, and this will be my home away from home.

I will be a receptionist/medical assistant for 2 surgeons, 2 orthopedics, 1 plastic surgeon and 1 pain management doctor. I think I am going to be very busy!
The facility is in West Valley on 4100 South and just east of Bangerter Highway, which is about 4000 West. I was really hoping for something a little closer to home, but I am not going to be too picky these days. Especailly when jobs are few and far between.
A funny thing about it all is that as soon as I said yes to this position, I was offered another one on Thursday. It sounded like a great place to work, but I have bills to pay and they weren't able to pay me what Granger is paying.
So tomorrow morning at 9:00 I am back among the working stiffs! And I am sure after not having worked in an office that busy for a long while--I will be stiff by the time I arrive home.

SIX MONTHS

2011-02-27T21:56:00.005-07:00

My how time flies when you are trying to get a lot of things done, taken care of, looking for work, cleaning out the basement (of which I think is a long process)taking care of children and grieving at the same time. And although it has been six months, it also seems like only 6 days. I told a friend the other day that I would probably be alright in 5 or 6 years and at the rate I am going--I think that is just about right.

This hasn't been the best week, I attended a Funeral/Celebration fo Life for a guy that I went to school with, who at 50, had a heart attack--last Sunday.
I have had two "NO's" to job requests and am completely frustrated right now, and I have been carrying a a heavy burden around for a few days that I really didn't have a good feeling about and all I could think about was what was going to happen.

I know that our Father in Heaven hears and answers our prayers--these prayers were truly straight from the core of my soul and I am sure that I could go on had the outcome been different, but it sure would have been very difficult in light of everything else that has happened in the past few months.

Genette has suffered with breast cancer and is out two years. About a week ago she started to complain of severe back pain and nothing seemed to alleviate that pain. No amount of heat, rest, pain medication, etc., was helping. Finally I told her she needed to see the doctor. After a series of tests that determined no kidney infection, bladder infection, or any of the "back pain" related problems the doctor ordered an MRI--because of her history with the cancer.

Well, a call came from the doctor's medical assistant saying that the regular x-rays
were fine, but that the doctor would call her about the MRI because she wasn't at liberty to say what they reported. Genette told her that if it was bad news, she didn't want to be called 'til the end of the day!

We both sat on pins and needles all day. The call finally came around 5:00.
She has a compression fracture of her L1 vertebrae. Now, although she is hurting and will need to take it easy for several weeks, I have never been so happy to hear a diagnosis like this in my life. She DOES NOT HAVE METASTATIC DISEASE! Yipee!!!!

So with that I will say that I continue to have good days and bad days--not as many bad days, but still enough that I cry a lot.
I cry because:
-- Keith isn't here to listen to Andrew talk up a storm and speak better than Austin and Ashlynne put together,
-- because I am freezing cold at night and can't seem to get warm;
-- because Ashlynne and Austin talk about him alot--especially when mom and dad aren't around;
-- he should be going to Cleveland in the summer to pick up mom with me;
-- his nephew, Billy, is going to be a dad in June and he would be so thrilled;
-- Brighton turned one and he wasn't here to watch him grow;
-- he is not here to bounce my troubles and thoughts off of;
-- he has a ton of family history to do--now I am left taking care of it;
-- because I am still very angry at times;
and a plethora of other things that I can't think of at the moment, but will as soon as I shut off the computer and go down stairs and get ready for bed.

I have a friend that will text me every once in awhile with a quote and today she sent one that truly fits my mood and circumstance.

"Our afflictions don't merely precede the glory, they help produce it.
Joseph B. Withlin
"Press On"

I have to say that I have really been through the fire and I may be producing glory--I just don't know how glorious it will be!

The only thing that I can say at this moment of time is that I have been blessed; beyond measure, with great, supportive friends, family members and others that continue to see me through the tough times. I have a Savior that atoned for all of the circumstances that I am currently going through and if I don't continue to use THAT ATONEMENT in my life--then it is all for not!

BRIGHTON IS ONE

2011-02-27T21:48:00.002-07:00

Yesterday this little guy turned one. He has a huge following of family. So large that the party was held at the golf course dining room.
He is a very good natured baby, a fun little guy and very loved by one and all.
He is the first Grandchild of my sister, Ben's mom and dad and Cory and Patti--so between the Schmardebecks, the Anderson's, the Bennion's and the Walker's--there is a lot of love for this little guy.
Happy Birthday Brighton--we love you lots!

BASSIT BAW HOOOOOOP!

2011-02-13T08:53:00.005-07:00

Andrew loves BASKETBALL. He can spot the smallest hoop on the television, he sees a ball (any ball) and it is a "bassit baw hooooop." n He will sti there watching a baskitball game and be thrilled when someone is dribbling the ball or shooting for the basket. He is in heaven with basketball.
My mom gave Austin a basketball standard two years ago for his birthday and I think Andrew has used it more this past weekend than Austin in two years.
He loves, loves, loves, BASKETBALL.
He will crawl up in the chair to put the ball in the "hoooooop" and play for hours. He will scream and holler and carry on if it's time to go in the house.
After coming in the house, he will stand at the door and cry "hooooop" until I tell him that I will make a hoop with my arms and he can play some more.
THEN HE IS HAPPY!!
So Michael Jordan, eat your heart out--we have a hoopster on the loose and he may just be an NBA star in 20 years!!!!

DETOUR

2011-01-28T20:57:00.006-07:00

I have had to do a lot of soul searching lately and I have really had to push myself to go to the temple since Keith passed away. When I was sent to St. George, I figured I would get there, but the weather really did put a damper on my plans--and I was tired and exhausted from putting in 10 hour days. So I made a promise to myself (or maybe a resolution) that if I went again to Dixie, I would go to a session. and what better way that to so some soul searching than in the temple.
For those of you who know me--know that I don't have a lot of luck when it comes to St. George. The First time I went to St. George on my own, I went to the temple, came out and stepped off the curb wrong and broke my foot! The next time I went, all the power went out from Richfield to Mesquite and we were stuck in St. George in the middle of August with no electricity, so we couldn't get gas, and this meant no air conditioning. It was miserable. The next time I went (with Keith, Mom and her friend Kathy, was to my cousin's wedding in Cedar City (not quite St. George, but close enough) and the wedding and precursor to it was just a comedy of errors. The only saving grace was the laughter we had later. I have to say that my cousin divorced this man and married a much better catch the second time around. The next time to Southern Utah was last month--it rained for 9 days in a row, we were nearly evacuated from the motel I was staying in...but it all turned out good.
Fast forward to this week. I left on Wednesday at about noon and arrived at 5:30--dropped off my stuff to the room, changed my clothes and headed for town. I was tired and exhausted and needed some rest--but I am glad I did it. It was peaceful and a pleasant break from everything that has been going on. It has been 10 or so years at least since I have been there. Although I love the historical background and the lovely design and it is one of my favorites--I still have a very deep love for Manti and always will. I think that maybe the church should have left that one as a live session temple, but then they didn't ask for my opinion. The next place I took advantage of for some soul searching and besides the temple, what a beautiful place to soul search. This place is truly ZION! I love Zion National Park. The weather was absolutely spectacular, I had the windows rolled down and some nice music playing in the cd player and I just drove and drove until I had to pay the $25.00 entrance fee (I may have justified paying the $25.00 if there had been at least 4 people in the car but I am cheap these days) and I turned around and headed back to LaVerkin (what a name) to head North for home. I think I got a little of my dad's love for rocks, but I prefer them in picture form than lying around my yard. So here are a few snaps of my trip to Dixie and Zion NP.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

2011-01-24T20:48:00.006-07:00

Oprah announced today that...are you sitting down for this?...that she has a a half sister! The horror and shock of it all.

Well, I am here to tell you that I have plenty in my family alone, that have step brothers, half brothers and sisters, adopted children, and if you really want me to get into the nitty gritty of it all my mother is:

one of two children (Clair and Gwen..children of Pete and Lucile,)
an only child (raised and adopted by her aunt and uncle (Lois and Al) after her mother's death),
the second child in a family of six (Clair, Gwen, Eileen, Trina, Curly and Buffy-- a step-child to Myrtle (Pete's second wife) and children to Pete),
and then the oldest of nine children: Gwen, Steve,Penny, Barbara, Condalee, Jeff, John, Sally and Sandy!!!

So if Oprah can make a big deal out of being a half sister to Patty What's her name--I have this all on one family line--no kidding. If you don't believe me, I will write it all out for you on paper!!!

This is why I do not watch television. Eat your heart out Oprah! I bet you wish you could claim this family line!!!

I REALLY AM AN IDIOT!

2011-01-22T21:49:00.005-07:00

Two Christmas' ago, Keith went all out for me and it was an electronic Christmas. I got a new digital camera, which has since been sent to the camera heaven in the local junk yard. A new computer, which somehow saw it's better days and should be sent to computer heaven, but I haven't had the gumption to do that, besides, my cousin is taking the guts out of it and I will have the hardware in case I need it--why, I don't know, because we got a huge memory bank and transferred it, but I guess it is the fear of "just in case." I also got a portable dvd player that gets used nearly every week by one of the kids when they don't wnat to watch waht one of the others is watching!
But the funniest one is that I got an MP3 player, similar to the one in this picture. I don't know why I wanted it, but I got it and yes, I have never ever used it. .

Yes, I am really an idiot. I could never get it to work and quite honestly, never took the time to figure it out. And if you are wondering about operating instructions, for some reason, they never came with it. The store told Keith I could come in and he would show me how to download to it, but I never did, and I never did and, well...you get the picture. I finally sat down today and figured it out! Yep--two years and one month later. After all, it is the only thing that isn't broken and seen it's better days. Guess what? I works!!!

Quite honestly, it wasn't that hard, but I guess I just didn't have it in me to figure it out in the past two years.
Here's to some music while I work (if I could ever get a job)!

MILESTONE

2010-12-30T22:30:00.007-07:00

Today I turned the big "FIVE--OHHHH"! Yep, that's right.

My Mom sent me a birthday card about some off the things that weren't happening 50 years ago when I was born. ROTARY DIAL vs. CELL PHONEs and then the Cell phone thing was about getting one call from jail--then off to your cell. SURFING was on WAVES and in WATER not looking things up on the internet, computers started out being the size of ginormaous room in a building to something you can carry and put on your lap....blah, blah, blah! I could go on, but unfortuanatley I am 50 and I can't remember where I put that blasted card.

Things happening in 1960: John Kennedy was elected President of the United States, the First Birth Control Pills were released to the public, Alfred Hitchcock's, Psycho, was released in the theaters, the premiere of the Flintstone's, And the Twist was made popular by Chubby Chequer. Aliminum cans were released for the first time, Ben Hur hit the big screen, the first Atomic Bomb was released in the Sahara Desert, and finally the Weather Satellite and Pacemakers were invented.

That was quite the year.

Most days I can remember anything and everything, afterall there is a 30 year old mind trapped in this 50 year old body that on most days (yes it is my fault) feels 75or older.

It has been rumored that 50 is the new 30, so if I punt or at least lift my foot off the ground I can attempt to be at least 40!!! Oh to be forty again (sigh).

But seriously:

I have to be truthful about this day. It has quite possible been on of the most depressing days I have had in awhile. Not to mention the last 4 months. I haven't bawled this hard for weeks. I haven't been this depressed in days.
It has nothing to do with the number of years that I have been around.

All I can say at this very moment is--I can only hope and pray that next year is a much better year than this past year and that 50 brings more joy--or at the very least--a better outlook to the future!

SILENCE IN SEATTLE (NO REALLY!)

2010-12-07T12:17:00.009-07:00

I have a great friend that works for an airline company that kindly gave me a buddy pass to go to Seattle (actually Sequim and Port Angeles on Bainbridge Island) to spend Thanksgiving with Keith's family.
I got quite a bit of rest and relaxation and much needed peace an quiet.
I was actually good for me to be with them, although there were only five of us, but they are my favorites!
It was a bit stressful getting out of Long Beach to Seattle because of the "BIG, BIG" storm that shut down the city of Seattle with 3 inches of snow--in Port Angles they had 6!!!
But once I got there--all was well.
We visited the "Twilight" town of Forks for any of you Twilight fans. Personally, I have never read the book, so it was just a drive and few pictures for my niece! But the Washington country is absolutely beautiful--there is no wonder that it is called the Evergreen State!
Our nephew, Bill (Billy for family),is stationed in the Coast Guard there on the CUTTYHUNK--yep it's really true (it's the name of an island off of New Jersey somewhere.)
We spent a few hours at the Coast Guard Station where I got some great pictures--the wind was cold and straight out of Canada--which you can see directly Norht of the Coast Guard Station. If the water weren't so cold, you could probably swim there faster than you can drive because of having to catch the ferry!
I love Seattle--It is one of my favorite cities, however, it is nice to be home!

THEY ARE BACK

2010-11-19T23:51:00.003-07:00

This is just for me to vent--and I have been doing a lot of that lately. Especially the past 2 1/2 months, but also a lot this past week!
Kassie and RJ have arrived home and I am done in! I am to old for this full-time mothering.
We once had a patient at Dr. Reiser's office say that being a mother was "SO DAILY" and it was only her first baby! How did other women make it through the day, week or even month. Well, it is daily and in the past eight days, I have had at least one child with me--generally two and sometimes three. I got RJ's mother to come up and watch them for an hour while I went to the grocery store. Isn't that pathetic that one hour seems like a week when you have cabin fever?
I don't really have a lot of patience with children, but I lose my patience a lot more when Austin comes home from school and starts picking fights with Ashlynne and then the crying and whining begin. He listens so well in class and helps the teacher a lot. He also ought to know better than pick a fight with her, because, like Genette (and still like Genette), Ashlynne fights back and can sometimes get the best of him.
I have tried reasoning, bribery, threats, reverse psycology, you name it I have tried it, and still he is ruthless.
Then there is Andrew! Man this kid has really done me in---I really don't remember Austin and Ashlynne being so needy at 2 years old. Maybe because he is the third child that neediness takes over. But he is tough on me and I just want to crawl in a hole somedays without this child--even though I love him. I maintain that he is possessed. He is a little demon. He gets mad, he will head butt you, you tell him no and he will haul off with a nice punch or slap to the face--sometimes he tries to cratch out your eyes--but he is so cute, but at near-fifty he is wearing me out far too fast.
Ashlynne is a little prima-dona. She will sing all the songs, dance all the dances, all while watching herself in the mirror. If she spots lipstick--it has to go on at least ever 2 minutes and she is constanlty checking out the placement of said lipstick in the mirror. I really hasn't helped much in the past week that she now has a "boyfriend", she is much worse when sheknows she is going to see him!!!
Now to Kass and RJ--They cam home, talked to the kids for about 20 minutes, went to their room, started to argue and ignored their children for another 30 minutes, came out to put them to bed and now I can say--it's great to have them home. It is such a peaceful, restful, spiritually enlightening downer when they are home. The sad thing is that it is those three adorable children that suffer and there is no changing them. They are both as stubborn as jack-asses and neither will give in.
So now I have bented and vitched.....I can go to bed in my own bed that I haven't felt in over a week!

BEFORE AND AFTER

2010-11-18T23:52:00.003-07:00

Did I mention that I have had these kids for eight days in a row and one or more at my side, or at least in the near vicinity of my side, while their mother and father did a "pseudo honeymoon" in Cabo San Lucas.

Ashlynne's hair did turn out cute, thanks to that adorable 6 year old brother of hers. I actually laughed about it when it happened. I am not so sure mom and dad are going to feel the same. I know her Grandma Cindy was none to happy about the cutting of the locks. FYI: Mom and dad don't know about the damages yet, so this will be very interesting when they arrive home tomorrow night to see the biggest damage of the week--unless of course the house burns down or a tree falls into the house form the wind! Let's just pray that this all doesn't happen!!

Other things that have happened this week are: Andrew threw a heavy toy at me on Monday and bloodied my lip and it was fat for 2 days. Austin wasn't at all happy with me when I told him "NO" the other day when he wanted something---he felt he deserved it because he is Austin and he picked up his plate and threw his food all over the kitchen! (I wonder why I detest sweeping and mopping all the time). Austin and Andrew have both been sick and having all three home during the day yesterday just about did me in! And although Austin was sick with fever, flu symptoms, etc--he certainly didn't act sick!

Ashlynne went on her first official date with the little boy down the street. Andrew is absolutely in love with her and yammers on about her all day to his poor mother, until she finally gives in and gets Ashlynne down to play or takes her with them to the aquarium. They had a great time and he was actually mad at his big brother for talking to her. I told my mother she may have a wedding to attend when she gets home in 7 months!

Andrew's mother and I have been laughing about this for a week--who knew that 4 1/2 years olds could be so enamoured with someone else of that age. He winks at her, fixes his hair for her, is jealous about her--it is so funny!!! I guess I will have to get her to go to church more often if we are planning on a "Temple Wedding". What's the going age these days without having to have parental consent?

there have been other things that have put me over the edge, but these are what stick out right now and that I can think of at 12:00 at night!

Wish me luck that I live through til tomorrow evening! I told Kassie tonight when she talked to the kids on the phone that I was walking out the door as they are coming in. I think I will leaving Dodge as soon as they return--this is just far too much for one near 50 year old to handle!

THE CATS ARE AWAY-THE MICE HAVE PLAYED

2010-11-14T22:54:00.005-07:00

This 4 1/2 year old has, or rather had, hair down to nearly her mid-back. Tonight, while I was talking to my sister in the living room, the two big kids, Austin and Ashlynne, were in the kitchen being awfully quiet. A few minutes later, my sister headed for the kitchen and much to her surprise,

This is what she found. Austin, a pair of scissors and a sister without a big chunk of hair from the back and from her side. Andrew and Kelson were just observing the incident as innocent bystanders!
I must say I thought is was rather humorous and I wondered when it was ever going to happen and quite frankly I am surprised it hasn't happened earlier, but of course it had to happen this week while their mom and dad are in sunny Cabo San Lucas, Mexico taking a belated honeymoon and attending the wedding of one of RJ's cousins.

Needless to say--Ashlynne will be getting a lot more hair cut off tomorrow, thanks to Austin and his not so adequate haircutting skills.

THE BIG "6"

2010-11-07T14:03:00.003-07:00

Austin turned 6 on November 2nd. It is very hard for me to beleive that this little guy is now in Kindergarten, learning to read and turning SIX. How time flies!
His party was held on the weekend because all of his family is scatered throughout Davis and South Salt Lake Counties.
We had Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Some came where they had to chase each other and step their tail off. At first I thought is was a new version of Pin The Tail on the Donkey and that RJ had gone just a little mad. The kids loved it though. Even the littlest of children. andrew thought it was great just to run, run, run.
They got to hit the pinata and needless to say that a week after Halloween is not the time to fill your children up on more candy, but that is what they did.
Then it was off for cake and ice cream, presents and home to bed--they were exhausted!!!
Happy Birthday Austin...We love you bunches!!!!!

HARVEST FUN

2010-10-28T23:10:00.005-06:00

The day was perfect for a small outing to the Black Island Farms in Syracuse. I bundled Ashlynne and Andrew up and headed North. KoriAnn and Brighton headed South and we met in the middle. It was a trifle windy and a tad bit nippy but we survived.
Ashlynne is our little dare devil who at one point we lost, not that I am a bad grandmother, just that she is faster than I am and outran me to the farm train and was on it and rode around the farm before I could get there. She is quite independent and loves to do things "right now." Not waiting around for her.
Andrew on the other hand likes to explore, but always keeps you within his sites, especially if he thinks something might not seem as nice as he first thought; but then he gets the hang of something and continues on, sometimes having to be pried away and carried off kicking and screaming.

Brighton was definitely ready to call it a day. It turned out to be not such a bad day, a good deal, and I got a free, very large onion and medium carrot out of the outing!
Thanks KoriAnn for inviting us!!!

TOOTHLESS

2010-10-22T20:07:00.004-06:00

It was a quiet afternoon at our house last Sunday. I was taking care of a few things down stairs and actually was trying to nap when Ashlynne came barrelling down the stairs.
Ashlynne: Nana, Nana, the Tooth Fairy gets to visit me!
Nana: Why do you day that?
Ashlynne: Because I lost my tooth at Grandma Cindy's.
Nana: Wow, I didn't even know you had a loose tooth.
Ashlynne: I didn't know either. So now what to I do.

I proceeded to get out an envelope and put her tooth in it, address it to the tooth fairy and seal it so the teeny, tiny little tooth wouldn't fall out.
I also told her that in order for the Tooth Fairy to visit, she would have to put the envelope underneath her pillow when she went to bed.

The next morning, she was crying--
Ash: The Tooth Fairy didn't visit me, Nana!
Nana: Why?
Ash: I don't know!
In walks mom with an explanation from the Tooth Fairy.
Mom: Ash, the Tooth Fairy came to my room last night and said she couldn't find your tooth. Where was it?
Ash: I held it in my hand all night long! (she rubbed it so much that the envelope was nearly worn away for the tooth to fall out)
Mom: The Tooth Fairy said she would come back tonight if you put it under your pillow--because magic is in the pillow and that it is the only way that the Tooth Fairy can pick it up!
Ash: Okay, mommy!
The entire time this conversation is going, Ashlynne's eyes are as big as saucers and can't believe that mommy had a conversation with the Tooth Fairy!

All was well the next morning. The Tooth Fairy made her obligated visit---and will be visiting again soon! The tooth right next to it is lose and as it was in June with Austin's teeth it is the same for Ashlynne, too---right down to the same teeth!

14th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

2010-10-13T23:53:00.005-06:00

My 14th Wedding Anniversary was spent alone--alone without a husband, but not alone.
Goods friends and family made it bearable.

My day was spent by doing a lot of things to keep my mind off of everything that has happened, but it turns out that is not the way the winds were blowing.

I had had a terrible day the day before--Kassie was angry with me because I am not getting on with my life in the speed "she" thinks I should, so I blew up at her. I was already anticipating a bad day for Tuesday and as it turned out, Monday seems have been a tad bit worse.

Tuesday began with running errands for me and for my mom--bank, store, money transfers for mission, all of the fun stuff you have to do to keep a missionary in the field. After all those errands I ran and got flowers to take to the cemetery. When I arrived at the cemetery, to my surprise, I was met with the headstone that was set that very morning. It is very beautiful, but I was totally caught off guard, as were my tear ducts. I truly didn't expect it to be set for another 2 or 3 weeks.

I met a friend, who like myself, lost her husband (20 years ago and she was 33) and has been a a godsend to me by giving me a lot of wise advice and the nice thing about it is that I can take it or leave it--it isn't going to offend her if I don't do something or change something around a little.

After lunch I ran home and got ready to go to the temple. Keith had wanted to get his mother's temple work done starting at the first of the year--but time got away from both of us and here I was--taking care of it on my anniversary--but oh, what a way to spend it. Not only did we get her work done, but we had her sealed to my father-in-law, to her parents and lastly in this particular mix, we were able to have Keith sealed to his parents with some strings pulled through Salt Lake.

When I asked about having him sealed--in my naive mind I wasn't thinking and was told we had to wait a year after his death just like everyone else. I was thinking because he had a current recommend when he passed away he could be sealed, but apparently this wasn't the case. Then when I called the Bountiful Temple (Keith's choice for his mom) the sister asked me a question about my mother-in-law and why my husband wasn't taking care of this. So I explained everything to her and that he had passed away six weeks prior to this. I was trying to come up with dates I could do this and nothing was working out; so this just seemed to be the right day to have the work done. She then told me that because he was a current recommend holder when he passed away, that all they had to do was call Salt Lake, pull his records, they copied his current recommend. On Tuesday I went into the office and there was my little blue slip waiting and ready for him to be sealed to his parents. Along with these sealings, we were also able to seal my father to his parents and a few of Keith's relatives work was done as well.

It was an wonderful experience and though I cried through a lot of it, I was calm and at peace. I was joined by my adorable niece, KoriAnn, her husband Ben, and my three of my Syndergaard cousin's that live close by. They have all be a great support through all of this. I thank my lucky stars, daily, for the opportunity to be related to all of these wonderful men (and their wives) and grateful that we are all one eternal family.

I have should say that I am grateful for their wonderful mother (and my uncle, who passed away 16 years ago) and their other four siblings and their spouses as well. Without their love, support, and influence in my life--I might be a very empty shell. But they have held me together when I have needed them. I love you all!

To Keith: 4040404040....TEAB!!!

DEALING WITH KEITH'S PASSING

2010-09-19T22:44:00.006-06:00

I am not going to lie--this has really been tough on me. This post is for me, but if you feel like you want to get into my life, go right ahead.
It has been a very difficult year for us--Keith was diagnosed with bi-polar disease, his health spiralled out of control, he lost his job, we lived off of savings for nearly 8 months, there was a lot of frustration hanging around the walls of this house and I probably made life a lot worse than it should have been.
And during this entire time, not once did he get angry with me, lose his temper, put me down. But then not only was he a kind, considerate, intelligent man, his common sense had a lot to be desired when it came to a lot of things. I was constantly harping at him to do something about finding a job, getting out, doing stuff with us and only to realize that--although we didn't know it at the time--he was dying from the inside out.
Mental illness is a cruel, cruel thing and it not only affects those it attacks mentally and physically, but those it affects those who are on the outside trying to help. It affects averyone around you.
There is truly nothing I can do to bring him back, but the thing that I can do right now is to be grateful for the time I did have with him and be grateful for the family and friends that have been here to buoy me up at the especially difficulttime and change in my life.
This third week has truly been the hardest on me. Burying a spouse is much harder than burying a parent. And though I have never buried a child, I can only imagine that that would be even worse than a spouse. I never in my life thought I could feel so physically lonely--although lately with his illness, he was rarely with me, but I knew he was in the house somewhere. I have cried daily and apparently, from all that I have read, this is to be expected. Most nights I can't sleep without something to put into a complete stupor, but Friday nght I cried myself to sleep (even with the medication--it wasn't working that night) and all day Saturday, I bawled and bawled and bawled. I never imagined in my wildest dreams what a serousily painful process this is--pain in my mind and a tremendous pain in heart. Kassie told someone that she ran into and was talking about me that I am LOST! Who would have known how lost one can feel during this process.
I am grateful for a kind and loving Heavenly Father that has made me aware of a lot of things in the past three weeks. I am grateful for a Savior that has suffered these things for not only for Keith, but for me, and for all of us. And to know that the atonement of Jesus Christ is there and waiting for us to help us in our lives if we are only willing to allow it in.
I am also grateful to know that during this entire death process that He has made possible for me to removed from myself at the proper times and to be in complete control of my faculties at others.

KEITH

2010-08-31T08:00:00.001-06:00

KEITH BAUER
Keith Bauer 6/26/1958 ~ 8/28/2010 Our loving husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away August 28, 2010 at a local hospital due to health complications. Born June 26, 1958 in Reno, Nevada the son to Roy Sylvester and Doris Jean Thomas Bauer. He married Gaylene Marie Schmardebeck on Oct 12, 1996 in the Manti, Utah LDS Temple. He was raised in Fernley, NV, but always considered Kansas home. He attended Ricks College, BYU, Pittsburg State with a bachelors degree in Nursing. He served an LDS Mission to Louisiana Shreveport and later served in the Mississippi Jackson Mission. He enjoyed traveling, temple work, family history, but his most favorite hobby was that of "Papa" to Bud, his Princess and Boo. Survived by: wife, niece/daughter: Kassie Openshaw-Rodriguez (RJ) Salt Lake, sisters: Tamie Cline (Bill) Umatilla, OR, Debbie (Oliver) Stone, Libby, MT, Alicia Bauer-Lawson, Savonburg, KS, brother: Robert Bauer, Iola, KS, three grandchildren: Austin, Ashlynne, and Andrew Rodriguez. Preceded in death by: father, mother, sisters: Sherrie Bauer and Amber Bauer and father-in-law, Gail Schmardebeck. Funeral services will be held on Thursday September 2, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Grandview 2nd LDS Ward Chapel, 2930 S. 2000 East. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 S. 2300 East, and at the church on Thursday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. prior to the services. Interment: Elysian Burial Gardens. Online tributes and memories may be sent to the family at www.holbrookmortuary.com

CONGRATS TO ANDREW AND TIERNEY

2010-08-12T11:02:00.006-06:00

Meet the newest member of our extended family. Tierney Johanson Syndergaard. Congratulation to both of you. Andrew is our last cousin, on either side of the family to get married. He has searched for a long time for this girl and she seems to fit the bill with him. He is quite the outdoors man: hikes, repels, and more and she can keep up with him. Good for you Andy a.k.a. Cosmo.

The day was spent at the Salt Lake Temple, Gardner Village at the Gathering Place, and Liberty Park for a reception. The day was gorgeous, a little windy and the park was great for the kids, because there are a lot of them and they had some place to run, play, chase, play Red Rover and just have a great time, while the rest of us caught up with each other and enjoyed the outdoors. Welcome to our loud, silly, crazy (in a good way) family!

JANESSA IS FIVE

2010-08-04T22:54:00.010-06:00

This little gal turned 5 today. She is such a fUnny little girl. She has a smile as wide as the Mississippi River, she has a little bit of a raspy smoker's voice and she is full of energy.
It is hard to believe that she turned five today. I remember like it was just a few weeks ago that she was born into this world into a room full of people (noisy people to boot) and she was one of the skinniest, blondest babies I had ever seen!

Her mom threw a birthday party for her tonight, complete with cake and ice cream (thanks Trevor for sharing parts of your cake with me). Austin and Ashlynne had a blast running around the back yard with Christopher, Janessa and Gage (the dog).
Then it was time to go home and as I stepped out the back door and onto stone steps similar to this (except the steps were stone or a stone facade, instead of brick, my foot apparently missed one of those three steps going down and I fell directly into....

this>>>

The dog pail, filled with water, down my hand went into the pail, my purse on the ground, then the pail tips over from my weightiness and fills my purse full of water.
Karyn, Aubrey and Dad Powell are trying to help me out by taking things out of my purse, mostly about 20 pounds of water, wiping them off, deciding what can be salvaged and what needs to be thrown away.

Oh, did I mention that Mom Powell and Aubrey were in the kitchen trying to assist me "from" falling by attempting to catch me while sitting about 10 feet away at the kitchen table. And the pail full of water just happened to be the dog's water pail. Yep, I went straight into it.

I laughed about it later and assured them I wasn't going to bring a law suit against them.
Now that I am home, all of the contents of my purse are lain out on the futon to dry.

So Janessa, I hope you had a great birthday, it will certainly be one I remember for awhile and I probably will not be showing my corpulent, weighty-self around the Powell's home for some time, due to a bruised ego and a bruised hand and hip!

YUUUUUUUMM

2010-07-31T18:06:00.005-06:00

Austin doesn't like corn, much less corn on the cob. Ashlynne likes corn, but not on the cob. Andrew on the other hand.....well, he devoured it quickly and there was barely any breathing in between bites!

LIFE AND DEATH

2010-07-27T10:47:00.005-06:00

Yesterday was quite possibly one of the best and the worst days of my life. Now that is not to say that in the future that something may come up that makes this look easy in comparison, but so far--yes it was one of the worst.

Ashlynne and I got up and went with Greg to MS Therapy and from there we went to the funeral of my former boss' father. He was 93 years old, lead a very productive, long, and prosperous life--he would be what most of us would refer to as a "From Rags to Riches" story. He sold all he had to come to America with his wife and two small children and died a millionaire several times over. He was frugal and was one of those who believed in "waste not, want not" He investigated the LDS Church while attempting to locate a book he had to read for college. In those does books were either put in the dafe for keeping because they were rare and needed to be perserved or the government did not want you to read it--It was a book by Andrew Jensen discussing the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith. He had also been dating a young girl for five years that was a memeber of the church. he loved her with all of his heat, but also know that she would NEVER marry him if he were not a memeber of the church. After much persuasion to the library officials, he took the book home and read it that evening, never to return to his former religion. The branch president at the time waved him off and said that he would last about 2-3 weeks.

John served as a missionary in his beloved home of Norway during World War II, under a lot of fear from the German government, brought his small family to American and raised them in the gospel. He became the Family Patriarch, a Bishop, Stake President, Regional Representative, Mission President, Temple President, Temple Sealer, and at to think that at the wave of a branch president to think he would only last a few weeks.

He was a friend to General Authorities and Prophets and it was with great pleasure, that Elder L. Tom Perry and President Monson were surprise speakers at his funeral. They were amazing--the entire funeral was amazing. The total recall of the brethren is spectacular! I was please to be a part of the service.

Then all HELL broke loose!

Ahslynne and I got home around 2:00 p.m. The the dam burst! the kids decided to have a waterfight in the kitchen, while I was in the other Then after fixing dinner, our neighbor came over to see what he was going to need to lay our flagstone and I went outside to talk to him. When I returned to the kitchen, the kids had had an applesauce food fight (so much for that floor I scrubbed on saturday that you could eat off--now there is food!!!) Andrew is having a tummy problem and had the messiest dieapers all day. Andrew also went into the bathroom and pulled on one of the towels and down came the towels rack/shelf that held all of my antique medicine bottles and piece of coral that I bought in San Diego about 10 years ago. Actually the coral was a little more salvageable than the bottles, and the one bottle that didn't break was a bottle I just stuck up there to add to the collection that wasn't an antique. Austin threw a lamp at Ashlynne that promptly turned into a black eye and with this heat I am sweating profusely--enough to supply water to Niagra Falls--the CANADIAN SIDE (bigger falls if you've never been there)

I am sure that other things were going on and through all of this my voice was altered to about 300 million decibles higher than normal because the kids just won't listen,mind, follow through and they are being BIG FAT STINKERS and have gotten on my very last nerve! So I have had no voice for almost 18 hours.

So now that you know what I go through in a regular day, and that was only the afternoon, I am sure you are very jealous and would love to trade spots with me on any given day, right? I didn't think so!!!

BLISTERING HEAT

2010-07-19T00:38:00.005-06:00

THE THERMOMETER SAYS IT'S ABOVE 80 DEGREES!!!
I REALLY DON'T LIKE THE HEAT--AT ALL!!!
HOW I WISH I COULD BE LIKE THIS LITTLE BOY AND RUN THRU THE FOUNTAIN WATERS WITHOUT A CARE IN THE WORLD!!!
I GUESS I WILL JUST GET SOME ICE COLD LEMONADE AND SIT WITH MY FEET IN THE KIDDIE POOL AND GET A TAN!

IT IS HOT!!!!

CLEVELAND OR BUST (her in the chops---urrrrh!)

2010-07-10T18:42:00.004-06:00

My mother has the same companion for 18 months of her mission. I guess it is better that you go with your spouse because you are used to the idiosycransies and with a total unknown, it is hard to love and appreciate it as much.

This woman has a lot of weird ideas and ways of doing things.

The Peoria Mission closed it's doors as a mission on June 20th. The only thing keeping anyone there was finishing up reports and making sure everything was where it needed to go, i.e. Des Moines or St. Louis. So for nine days they have had no Mission President to really answer to, although if there was a problem they had to call Des Moines, but they were to finish up reports and financial sheets, you name it, it should have been done, but...

Before they headed to Cleveland they wanted to go to Columbus and do a session in the Columbus Temple, because this temple is not in their district. They made appointments to be there at 9:00 this morning, but....

Sister Homer is the ultimate of ultimate passive aggressive persons and this is the telephone text conversation that I have had with my mom beginning Friday and I will probably hear more before the end of the night (Sat)!
this is a bit lengthy, but it is FUNNY!

Gaylene: Have you left Peoria yet, or (joking) are you still sitting at the office waiting for her (Sis. Homer) to finish?
Mom: (6:10 p.m.) Yes, I am still at the office. this is completely ridiculous. Her office looks like a tornado hit is and she keeps finding more to do. I don't think I would ever consider going on another mission. Now she is outside, hammering keys to bend them so they can't be used and she still has a stack of papers 6 inches high to shred. I'm sure not being tolerant of my fellow man, or in this case, woman!
Gaylene: Breathe in thru the nose, out thru the mouth. What time are you supposed to report to the mission home?
Mom: I lied, she has an entire box of shredding. She doesn't want to throw anything away and keeps going through the SAME papers, trying to decide if she should send them to Des Moines, or shred them. What is God trying to teach me? If it is patience, it's not working. My stress level is off the charts.
(on reporting to the mission home) Sometime tomorrow.
Now she is talking about not leaving until tomorrow and shipping the shred pile to Cleveland and shredding it there. The other day she told me how I need to be more organized!!! (are you kidding me)
Now she just wants too find someplace to burn them!
Gaylene: Dang, I was driving and and you were too quick. I wanted to say, "Can you spell F.I.R.E.? And ask her to look at herself and ask who is calling the kettle black? Is the car packed? Does she realize it is almost 7:00 (CST). Obviously you are not going to make the 9:00 session at the Columbus Temple.
Mom: No, the car isn't packed and now we are BACK at the office. Can I come Home???
Gaylene: The house is really messy right now, Sorry!
Mom: And you think our apartment is spotless? She has "droven" me nuts many, many times, but I think today is the epitome!!!
Gaylene: She has "droven" you nuts? That is very poor English.
Mom: that's more extreme than "Driven."
Gaylene: Ohhhh!
Mom: (7:48) We are still at the office!
Gaylene: It's almost 8:00--Tell her it is time to leave---NOW!!!
Mom: She is not done yet.
Gaylene: Tell her "YOU ARE!!!"
Mom: (8:08) We are going home now.
Gaylene: Good Grief Charlie Brown!!
Mom: I fell asleep at my desk and put a big groove from the edge of the desk in my forehead!---Oh...I lied, she is still puttering. And singing while I seethe!
Gaylene: Should You Fell Inclined To Censure and/or Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words to Each Other!
Mom: these are the kindest words I could think of right now, without swearing, of which I haven't done for 5 months. I slipped once.
Mom: (10:30 p.m.) I am still in Peoria. Love you!

Saturday, July 10th, 2010
Mom: (9:24 a.m.) Good Morning. Would you believe that the brakes on the car have been squeaking for 3 months and she has decided this morning that she needs to have them checked before we leave. No the car isn't packed, Yet.
Oh yeah, I forgot. She "FORGOT" to shred the office records. So now we have to find a place.
Gaylene: I get the feeling that you won't be making the 9:00 session in Columbus or any session at all for that matter.
Someone needs to talk to this woman about procrastination and organization.
Mom: (1:22) We are still in Peoria.
Gaylene: All I can say is "OH MY H$%%!!! What is this woman's problem?
Mom: Everything is in the car, my half of the car has half of her stuff--so really I only have one quarter of the car. I am STILL sitting in a HOT car waiting for her to say goodbye to an... (there was a broken message here and it didn't come up)
Mom: (2:00) We are in the car headed to get the brakes checked.
Mom: (2:21) We are really on our way---after we stop at Walmart for a road map, but she took the wrong exit, so I really don't know where we are going.
Gaylene: Give me her phone number. I am going to call her and tell her just what I am thinking right now!
Mom: she doesn't have a cell phone. Remember the office phone she had, she never turned on and anyway, besides, she doesn't like modern conveniences.
Gaylene: Good thing. Tell her she is now the subject of my next blog entry. Unbelievable!!!
Mom: (2:37) I have been up since 4:30 a.m. and I am totally exhausted. Not to mention I haven't had an actual meal since our friends too us to lunch on Thursday. I figure I might lose weight after all.
Gaylene: Well, she is so organized and procrastinated for so long, unlike yourself (laughing out loud to myself) Tell her you need to stop somewhere and get a burger or something. It's the least she can do for you!!! How long is the drive to Cleveland again?
Mom: Eight hours
Gaylene: So you should get there around Midnight or Two a.m. sometime. Oh the lucky Sorenson's (Mission President)
Mom: We are going to the apartment--the Birklands will be waiting, and waiting, and waiting for us!!! Oh my..., she forgot to shred the Financial Papers--but she pulled a can of tomatoes and some oatmeal out of the dumpster--what gives there?
Gaylene: Should I call the Birkland's and warn them?
Mom: Nah! Let's surprise them. The problem is that she comes across as being very knowledgeable and efficient to others! And she makes sure everyone knows I am very inept. She is so passive aggressive. She didn't believe I read the road sign correctly because we were going south instead of east. So...she got off the freeway and went down a road for about two miles before she could fine a place to pull over and read the map and guess what she said? Oh the road does go south! (Duh!!) Now she is taking pictures of the road signs WHILE SHE IS DRIVING!
Gaylene: Well I guess you must set everyone straight about the two of you. Maybe you will get there before you have to head to church tomorrow.
Mom: It doesn't start until 11:00 So we might make it, maybe?
Gaylene: Don't hold your breath.
Mom: I hold my breath every time we get in the car and go anywhere.
Gaylene: You may be blue before you get there.
Mom: Or dead!
Hopefully they will make it in one piece and pray for mom to have more patience, because she just may kill her or bust her in the chops.
One day I will post all the weird and strange things she does, just so you can get a glimpse of what mom lives with.

VACATION, REALLY ?

2010-07-01T23:22:00.007-06:00

We all know how I feel about senior missionaries! They are spoiled rotten to the core and they know it, especially one Sister Schmardebeck and her companion, Sister Homer. And she will laugh about this!

The Illinois Peoria Mission officially closed its doors yesterday at 5:00 p.m. Apparently, Des Moines took over all of their missionary info a week or so ago, and St. Louis took over all of theirs on Monday. What to do, what to do?

Mom went into the office to day to finish up some last minute things and do a few things for Pres. Erickson (who left for home this morning) She went into her computer program and apparently the Church offices had shut some of the programs down and when she called to ask what she needed to do about it she was told that she and Sister Homer were officially on VACATION (what?) until July 9th when they officially become missionaries serving in Cleveland, Ohio.

I don't know about you, but I know of no missionaries that get a vacation (unless of course you are a SENIOR!!!).

So their plans are to head for Nauvoo again, on Saturday. Come back for their last Sunday meeting in the ward they are assigned to. Then head back to Nauvoo again on Tuesday for the Nauvoo Pageant, and more Nauvoo time, and maybe just one last temple session. Are you seeing a theme here?
Now my question really is this, The President is gone, so does this mean that the Cat is away and the mice will play? In all honesty, I think sister Homer will truly keep her in line!

FUNERALS

2010-06-29T12:54:00.006-06:00

Yesterday, my friends and I set out, extremely early, for the Twin Falls area of Idaho. Hazelton to be exact. Our friend, Cherri, is from there and her father passed away on Father's day from complications of prostate cancer and bladder cancer. He has had a terrible go of it and this was a blessing for he and his family.
I was very impressed by the entire funeral, the services, Old glory flying in the breeze, the mature, former soldiers and the 21 gun salute (they were right on que), Taps (the bugler what incredible), and finally I have to say that this sight truly brought tears to my eyes nd a warm fuzzy feeling to my heart. What a tribute to a soldier who has passed on to the other side. I don't know if there is an official name for the rifle, boots and helmut stuck into the ground, but if there a soldierr out there who has served and passes away, I think this should be at every service. Talk about a reverence for patriotism.

Mr. Christopherson and his twin brother served together in the same unit (I believe) in the Pacific Theater in Okinawa. They were SeaBee's and quite honestly I don't hear much about the SeaBee's anymore. Rest in peace and comfort and know that your heroism, service and patriotism will not be forgotten by some.
Robin Boyd, Gaylene Bauer, Cherri Christopherson Woodland, Joyce Anderson and Coralie Monson

TOOTH FAIRY and TEETH

2010-06-22T22:51:00.005-06:00

I have to say that life isn't dull around our house. Especially with some doosies that Austin (5) comes up with.
Sunday night he lost his second tooth in as many weeks. And with the loss of that tooth, he has given me a few things to laugh about and be very angry about.
Now for those of you who have seen the "Tooth Fairy" movie with Dwayne Johnson, you will understand this, if you haven't, like me, then it was pretty funny.

The real TOOTH FAIRY came to our house the other night/morning and Austin had said he was bound and determined to stay awake and catch her. I asked him why he thought it was a "HER" and his response was--"It just is. So I will stay awake and I will catch her."

Monday morning rolls around and down he comes into our room, thrilled to death that the tooth fairy had left him $3.00 (the going rate when I was a kid was $.25--what's with that?).
Austin: "Nana, look how much money the Tooth Fairy left me."
Me: "Wow, that's a lot, did you catch the toothfairy?"
Austin: "Yes, and she was about this big (showing that she was about an inch tall with his thumb and forefinger)."
Me: "Wow, that is very little. How do you know it was a girl?"
Austin: "Because boy's DO NOT wear tutu's."
Me: "Why do you think she is so little?
Austin: "Because she uses shrinking toothpaste."

At this point I am thinking to myself that this kid has an incredibly vivid imagination. Shrinking toothpaste, boys don't wear tutu's...etc.
I am thrown by his knowledge of the tooth fairy and think I have to text my mom, sister and his mother at least about his five year old knowledge. I get a text back from Kassie--he got that from the "Tooth Fairy" movie--the tooth fairy uses shrinking toothpaste to get "small". Phew, I am a little more relieved that he didn't come up with it on his own, however, I did think it was kind of cute.

LATER THAT DAY.
Ashlynne and Austin are fighting and one of the things that I continually tell them, and they continually ignore is that they have to keep their hands to themselves and not touch the other person. They are 4 and 5 and don't know how to keep their hands to themselves.
Ashlynne was doing something to pester Austin, so he reached right up and pinched her pretty hard on the sternum~enough to leave a small bruise. Arrghhh!!
I confronted him with this and his response was: "Well, Ashlynne bit me!"
Me: "Ashlynne bit you, let me see."
Austin: "Here, see my arm!"
Sure enough, there was a nice big bite on his arm, just above the wrist, with fresh saliva and everything--down to the two teeth missing from the bottom row of teeth marks. That little beast had bitten himself and blamed Ashlynne for it, all because he didn't want to get in trouble for having pinched her.
So Urrrrr! Some days, I know, are going to like this more and more until they grow out of this phase!

FEARLESS FOR A FEW MINUTES

2010-06-20T23:49:00.005-06:00

We were invited, last night, to a swim party for my nieces's cousin's son's first birthday party (you got that relationship strait, right?). the party was helad at Murray Park's outdoor Pool and it was a private party, so the entire grounds were taken up by just party people. It was a very nice place and in all of my years I have never been there.
When we got there and situated with floaties, beach ball and food austin and Ashlynne were ready to dive in (pardon the pun). Ashlynne is 4 years old and completely fearless. She just doesn't have a fearful bone in her body. She decided it was time to check out the water slide. Austin on the other hand is all about safety and wants to stay near the ground--just in case he falls. Ben saw Ashlynne head for the slide and decided to catch up with her. I was headed to the pool to catch her when she came out, but alas, I found her clinging to Laurie (KoriAnn's other cousin) for dear life. Apparently when she got to the top, there were people in the way, so she butted in line (Note to self: teach children about butting in line and how rude it is and that they have to wait their turn) She started out going forward, according to Ben, but then by the time her little body got down that slide, it had twisted around and she had no idea where she was going. She freaked out, she wanted her Nana.
It took some time to convince her that if she went with an adult, that she wouldn't get turned around again, so she finally consented and went down with KoriAnn.
Austin on the other hand still wasn't having anything to do with that slide and was perfectly content to stay near the ground level and play with all the cousin's near eye level. He loved the waterfall balls and just hanging out.
This was also Brighton's first swimming experience. It excited him so much, he threw up three times. So off came his swim stuff and on went his PJ's and he was fast asleep in his Aunt Joyces arms.

It was nice of Brooke and her family to invite us and I have to say that I was pleased with the pool, so we may just have to go there again. Fun was had by all and Happy First Birthday Shane!!

NOT REAL CRAZY ABOUT THE POOL

2010-06-18T00:08:00.002-06:00

Last year during the summer, Andrew was only 6 months old and really too young to know what the pool was all about. He didn't mind having his feet in the water and splashing away. This year is a bit different. He loves the water, but he is not real crazy about being in the pool. If he had it his way, he would just like being splashed on or run through the sprinklers and play with his BAW (ball). Yep, he's got nothing nice to say about the swimming pool.

SHINGLES

2010-06-15T00:27:00.003-06:00

The diagnosis is in---FINALLY--SHINGLES I didn't want to show what the gorrie details looked like of real shingles so I chose a nice roof shingle instead.
Yep--that's been the source of all of the pain I have been in for a little over a year.
I woke up in June last year in severe pain. I thought I had slept crooked. It didn't go away, didn't go away and didn't go away!!!
I tried everything. Ibuprofen, Aspirin, A few Rx Narcotics, Muscle Relaxers, Heating pad (as a matter of fact, I still sleep with it on all the time, you name it, I tried it!!!
Last August (2009) I was teaching a Primary lesson and after I was finished I was in so much pain I drove myself to the emergency room. The fear at that time was the return of my Kidney Cancer. NOTHING--all good!! Yay no cancer.

In September of 2009, I finally gave in and saw my obstetrician--someone I trusted, and if I had to have a hysterectomy, face it, I was 48 years old and ready to get rid of everything. Besides, he was getting ready to serve an LDS Mission as a mission president for three years and if it has to come out--get it done now. NOTHING--as a matter of fact, the tests from that showed some previous problems were getting better. Woo hoo!!

In December and MRI was done. This turned out to show that I have a bulge in one of my discs--thankfully not L4-L5. It is up higher and allows more mobility than if it were those two. I also have an anular tear (what ever that is). But again no problems from that. So NOTHING--again!

This year I have had another CT scan--nothing, but because it was somewhat abdominal, they decided for colonoscopy and upper endoscopy would be in order to rule out Colon Cancer and/or Ulcer! Again, NADA, except a polyp that could turn cancerous--so thanks to my wonderful family history of colon cancer--I am now a candidate for colonoscopy every three years, rather than every 5 or 10!

So, back to the drawing board. I saw the doctor about 3 weeks ago and she said "I think it may be shingles". But, again, no other regular Shingles symptoms. I like to keep them hopping. I have always been a bit ATYPICAL. The only thing I have had for this entire year is the pain, but the pain is where most shingles would occur--one sided, back to front, inside pain. And I had absolutely no rash--go figure.

So, this pain is a neuralgia (nerve related from the shingles) and I will hopefully be getting some relief on Friday after an epidural injection is done. I have also been started on a prescription that is given for seizure therapy, but is also given for nerve pain, such as shingles! Right now is is giving me a headache and I can't sleep.

Now that you have read this boring entry and know all about my pain, I am sorry. I Really am keeping this mostly as a journal for myself. That's the best way for me to remember.

VISIT WITH AN OLD FRIEND

2010-06-08T22:23:00.007-06:00

I have been in contact with a friend of mine from Bryner Clinic (a long, long, time ago in another life) through Facebook. She found me a few months ago and we have been in contact since.
Debbie was my first offical room-mate when I was 19 years old. I needed to move out of the house. I worked with her. She said she needed a room mate and here we are some 29-30 years later.
Debbie and Her husband, Paul, were married on my 20th birthday, had two children and and later moved and now live in Eastern Virginia in a small town, that touts a Walmart(and that apparently is a big day in town). They live four hours from Richmond and 2 1/2 hours from Washington D.C.
I used to babysit her two kids for them when they wanted to get out for a breather and she wouldn't let a lot of people watch her kids for her unless she trusted them. Apparently I was trusted.
She sent me an e-mail the other day that she would be in Utah far sooner than she anticipated. Paul's step-mother had died very unexpectedly and they would be here for a few days. And a few days it was. They flew in Saturday and flew home today.

So on Sunday I took a little trip by myself, because that seems to be the story of my life these days, ALONE. I love Cache Valley and I really wish I didn't have the physicalproblems holding me back (weather mostly and asthma--terrible in the winter because of inversions) and I would move there in a heartbeat.
I met She and Paul at his father's in downtown Logan and from there we went to Paul's brother' and had dinner and just sat and talked.
It was good to get away and to talk to someone that was far removed from what has been going on in my life and someone that could it see different perspective, begin far removed from the situation.
After the guys got ready to head to the mortuary, we drove around for a little while and I took her back to their hotel room where she changed and then I dropped her off at the mortuary.

It was great to see her and we are planning a few things for girls get-togethers for a year from now and maybe, just maybe, I will catch a lpane and go visit her for a week or so and spend some much needed quiet time on their little beach ant their home in nowhere Virginia.

Oh, I finally gave in and cut my hair. I really have never liked long hair on me--I perfer it short and it's easy to maintain and it's not as hot! HALLELUJAH!

WIDE AWAKE AT 4:30 A.M.

2010-06-04T04:46:00.003-06:00

this is me right now! I can not sleep. I have a full day tomorrow (rather today).
I have read, played on the computer, read some more. Any suggestions?

SUMMER AND GETTING OLDER

2010-06-02T23:52:00.004-06:00

Summer at last--the kids can go outside without the threat of getting wet and my flowers popped right up as soon as the sun started to show a little bit more in the past few days. I love African Daisies and here is a picture of some pretty lavender and yellow hybrids that I bought at K-Mart of all places. Lavender and yellow and blue and yellow are my favorite color combinations. So you can probably understand why these appealed to me.

Last week our little Austin (5 1/2), who is not so little anymore, graduated from Pre-School and loved every minute of it and can hardly wait for school to start (in three months), graduated to a larger shoe size than 18 mons.--13's. He is now in big kid shoes and today he lost his first tooth after biting into an apple. Not only did he lose his tooth, but the tooth right next to it is loose as well, and he is thrilled the Tooth Fairy will be making an appearance.
He asked his mom if the Tooth fairy would be able to get in their room without waking all of them and since "I sleep with my hands under the pillow, will he try to move them and wake me up then, I would really like to get a good look at him."
It seems like yesterday that he was cuddling (he was the only child who cuddled)in the rocking chair and here he is with one tooth gone and another on the way out.

IT'S JUNE

2010-06-01T22:34:00.002-06:00

It has been a very cold and rainy Spring and yesterday was the unofficial start to summer. I myself am waiting for Summer to begin. Since it has been cold enough to keep the furnace on but only turned way down, I was very surprised this morning when my house got down to below 64 degrees and my furnace kicked on at 8:00 this morning.
What's up with that?

SANPETE COUNTY

2010-05-30T22:25:00.005-06:00

Every year our family, mostly the girls, goes to Sanpete County where my mother's family is from.
If you don't know where Sanpete County is, is is in South Central Utah and is the home of The Manti Temple in Manti, Snow College and Scandinavian Days in Ephraim.
This year my mother was feelong bad because she couldn't make it from Peoria, Illinois in the mission field to be here. She told my niece that she has only missed 4 times in her life and this owas once and she will miss it again next year because she won't be home until July.
Our first stop took us to the Little Acorn outside of Spanish Fork--before the canyon drive to take care of one unhappy little Brighton. He is happy as long as the car in in motion, but put that puppy in idle or stop altogether and he is not a happy camper. This picture was after a nice bottle and a chnge of a messy diaper.
We drove up Spanish Fork Canyon to the Thistle/Price turn off. There we were met by the downed railroad arms. Waiting, Waiting, Waiting!!! In all the years we have been down there, I am not sure I have ever been stopped by a train--or at least one while I have been driving.
Oh we weren't stopped by a train, we were stopped by about 8 of these little yellow--train/railroad fixer upper do-dad's that would drive by and then the next one would come along, maybe 10 minutes later--those arms never went up and we were stuck. It was worse than getting stuck behind the Sanpete sheep herds. At least you can drive a little at a time. Traffic was backed up for over a mile waiting for these train wanna be's.
In Sanpete county there is Horseshoe Mountain that was tipped with a lot of snow this year, thanks to Mother Nature. It was beautiful and I always feel like I am at home a little bit when I see this mountain.
KoriAnn said it wasn't the same as it is when gram's is with us and she was right. But we did all of the things that we alsways do, such as stopping at the Spring City fresh water Spring that has been running since before the pioneers discovered it in 1859. The water is so fresh and "COLD". We generally fill up a few jugs of water and bring them home.
After delivering the flowers to my grandparents and great grandparents graves we headed south to Ephraim to the Scandinavian Festival, where the first thing we do is head for the Swedish Meatballs and Cucumber Salad. It is a delicious meal and we wait all year to have it.
The picture of all of us at the Festival--just before leaving. We were tired--cranky, and the weather had us putting on and taking off our jackets every five minutes. First it was hot, then it was cold and then it would start the vicious cycle over again.
The final picture is one of my favorite things to see in Mt. Pleasant where a set of my great-grandparents are buried. Every year for Memorial day, they put up two more flags on the roads to honor those veterans from Mt. Pleasant that served and have since passed away or lost their lives in war conflicts. It make my heart swell with pride as our Wonderful Old Glory waves in the breeze in this tiny little town. Memorial Day to me is honoring and remembering those who have gone before us, those that have lived through the trials an tribulations of life, who gave up their lives for their children, their country, their family--whatever their cause.
Memorial Day is remembering our past. In this tiny little cemetery where my Syndergaard Great-grandparents are buried, lies a woman (Gene Rowe Syndergaard), my great-grandmother, that lost both of her daughters and one son, who lived for over 50years as a widow when her husband died of a heart attack working hard out in the fields to provide for his family at the young age of 49 and lost her home in a terrible fire. This amazing woman eeked out a living for the sons that were left behind and lived on a pittance until her death in 1981 at the age of 98. But through all of this, Grandma Syndergaard never lost her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and even though her failing health kept her from doing a lot, she stll managed to make it to church every week and would start walking if my great uncle wasn't there to pick here up.
So happy Memorial Day to all and I hope you will take the time to remember those loved ones that have gone before and the stories that have be handed down through the generations.

CHRISTMAS IN MAY--NO REALLY!

2010-05-24T18:10:00.004-06:00

I went to the Jordan River Temple on Sautrday afternoon to do a session. This is the scene at the temple at 5:00 p.m. Sunday was spent in bed, but the next scene is Saturday and Sunday in the mountains. The final scene is Christmas in May at Sugarhouse Park and Research Park at the U of U--yes it is May 24th and it was snowing big flakes of snow this morning and laying on the trees and lawn as though they were laying in wait for the Jolly Old Elf to deliver some gifts.
The only thing delivered was several downed trees and wet lawn and an afternoon of 58degrees and a wish list for summer to officially to begin on the weekend and a promise of good weather.
We'll see about that!

SPRING IN UTAH

2010-05-22T23:07:00.004-06:00

It has been said that if you wait for 10 minutes the weather in Utah will change. Well it did that for sure today. I witnessed, myself, three different seasons. It started out with rain last night and through the morning. I looked up in the mountains and it was snowing on Olympus Cove, the weatherman said there was a possible chance for hail--I didn't see any, but that doesn't mean there wasn't any and tonight the skies were clear blue with puffy clouds wondering where their next destination is.

So Welcome to Spring in Utah

RAINING CATS AND DOGS

2010-05-11T23:07:00.006-06:00

I love the SNOW, I love the RAIN. I love how fresh and clean it makes everything, but enough is enough. I am beginning to think I may have to build an ark here pretty soon. I was talking to our neighbor yesterday and we decided we probably will be alright since we are on the bench. The water should wash downhill from us. But remember we live on Lake Bonneville and it used to cover A LOT OF GROUND!!!I just pray my house will float.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2010-05-08T19:52:00.002-06:00

Here is wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day.
My mother's day present was Kassie and RJ mowing and edging the lawn. I was Soooooo happy! Thank's you two.

FRIENDS

2010-05-05T23:22:00.004-06:00

*The friends in your life are like the pillars on your porch.
Sometimes you lean on them, sometimes you brace them up,
and sometimes it’s enough just to know they are standing by.
--Anon

Can I just say that I have some pretty amazing, wonderful friends, and for the past few weeks I have been the recipient of a lot of love and prayers and my friends have just been there to listen, advise, for what ever I may need.

Words cannot begin to express how I feel because of the generosity of my friends and their genuine thoughtfulness,kind words and deeds. I wish there were better words than just THANK YOU because I would certainly use it right now.

I can only pray that I may be as good of friend as they!!! I love you all.

BRIGHTON'S BLESSING

2010-05-02T22:33:00.005-06:00

Today was Brighton's baby blessing and anyone who was anyone was there!!
Koriann has an untraditional family--Mom's, dad's and step mother's and Ben's family too! So there were a lot of us. There were also a lot of the family that bore their testimonies at church and didn't allow for the ward members to bear theirs. But it was a quick meeting. Especial Grandma W's estimony--pretty hilarious!!!
There was a luncheon at Grandma and Grandpa Walker's in Perry and the house was packed like sardines. It's a good thing they remodeled and made a bigger kitchen.
I told her Grandma Walker that I hadn't seen that many people in one place since their wedding--and it wasn't held in her home.
It was a nice cool day for a blessing and enjoying a lot of exteneded family!!!!

The pictures are of:
Brighton Cory Anderson
KoriAnn Bennion Anderson, Cory Bennion and Brighton Anderson
Cory Bennion, Ben Anderson, Brighton Anderson and Brad Anderson--Sons and Grandpas
Schmardebeck Clan

TOUGH LOVE

2010-05-01T02:46:00.002-06:00

Sometimes intelligence does not equate with common sense and this afternoon I found out that all common sense flew out the window at my house. Now I am having to deal the Tough Love card and my heart is just breaking in two and I wonder if I will ever get it back to one piece! .

5 HOUR BLACKOUT

2010-04-27T23:31:00.004-06:00

I fed the kids early tonight. Not alot to think about when you are fighting a migraine and haven't had a lot of sleep. We only had Spaghetti-O's--but at least I fed them. It was a long day for both mom and dad. I was having a terrible day keeping my temper in control and lost it a few times. Then at 5:30 when I went to fix soup for Keith, RJ and me--the power went out.
I can generally entertain myself by reading or crocheting or the like, but with the pseudo-migraine and a not so great night's sleep, I was trying to entertain Ashlynne (4) and Andrew (16 mons). Reading just seems to be an impossiblility with these two. We played ball, we chased each other around the front room, we even went outside and played on the lawn, but the wind was horrible and I can still taste sand and dust in my mouth--it is terrible.
Later, Ashlynne decided I should play the piano--so until the light got so bad, I played some Primary Songs with them--along with the helping hands of the 16 month old--we are great as a duet!!!
I got a call from RJ at 8:30 and he wasn't going to make it to pick up Kassie at work. I put the two little ones to bed with Keith and took Austin with me.
We made a Pit Stop at Smiths for Emergency candles. What a rip off--4 candles in a package and 6 packages and a few other things and it cost me $70.00. I think I am going to have to make a trip to Big Lots or the Dollar Store for emergency candles. When we got home, I found the butane lighter and lit a few candles.

Austin thought it was the coolest thing that the wind took the electricity away--but then try and explain why you can't have toast and even worse--explain to his mother, the 23 year old, why the washing machine doesn't work without electricity. All it has to do is rotate with the water. Yeah! with the help of electricity!!! Duh!

Austin then thought it was a good time to write a letter to Grammie. So we sat down and wrote a letter and told her what was happening. He thought it was a great adventure to write a letter by candle light. Then he drew a cute 5 year old picture of her. He said he wanted to tell her just how much he misses her and that he loves her very much. So he said to me, "Nana, just tell her what I just said to you!"

The power came on 10 minutes short of 5 hours. It was quite the adventure. Now it is time to go to bed and help my psuedo-migraine from becoming full blown.

MY WEEK IN REVIEW

2010-04-24T22:23:00.013-06:00

SUNDAY NIGHT/MONDAY MORNING 12:10 a.m.: Flooding of the basement number one that lead to the first ER visit with Keith's hand that included the smashing of his pinkie, ring and middle fingers of his left (and dominant hand--now we are the proud owner of a gold wedding band that has been cut in half)
MONDAY MORNING: The Sewer Cleaner Outer People (as Ashlynne called them) were here
thanks to our wonderful nephew Ben and his handy dandy knowledge of plumbing people and their equipment.
TUESDAY MID-MORNING: a nice little trip to the park to get the kids out of the house and play in the freedom and wide open spaces
That resulted in emergency room visit number #2 when Keith tripped on the cement--holding Andrew and trying to avoid Andrews head from crashing into the cement bench at the park--covered his head with his hand that he hurt yesterday morning and dislocated his index finger of the same hand--but he saved the baby--Woo hoo!!!

TUESDAY NIGHT: brings more mayhem! As Keith is preparing for bed--he goes down stairs and is shocked (electrically) because he is barefoot and the basement is flooded again!!! Great!!!.... I call my nephew at 11:00 at night. I will be on it first thing in the morning. (Let me also say that my basement isn't near as clean as the one shown in the picture I posted)
WEDNESDAY MORNING: I have an assignment at Welfare Square for the bakery and having only had a shower last night, I felt I was alright. The guy comes out to review our flooding problem and has to go down to the city for plans of the sewer lines and get Blue Stakes on the case. Have I mentioned we are in a downpour right night and they can't dig until it lets up--no water tonight!!!
THURSDAY MORNING: The Blue Stakes Guy and the Backhoe arrive at 8:00 a.m. and the Kids find that it is very great entertainment--especially when they are digging up roots that are bigger around that the hitting end of a baseball bat!! And mind you they are digging up my perfectly manicured lawn (yeah, right!!!)

THURSDAY NIGHT: I head for bed with a little nausea and stomach pain and go to bed thinking I have just had an exhaustive week--oh but wait, there is more!
FRIDAY AM: I wake up with a full, blown on case of INFULENZA--fever, N/V/D (all the unmentionable tummy stuff) and body aches that would have put any one to shame that hadn't worked out in a month of Sunday's. I was in pain and I was in bed for the duration.
SATURDAY: The fever broke early this morning but the body aches are still there--I have debated about whether to go to my friend's wedding. We'll see how I feel at noon. The wedding is at 2:00. I am glad that if I do go it is a very casual affair. Wear jeans the invitation said. I wore khaki slacks and I felt over dressed. The groom dressed in a polo shirt and levi shorts and the bride was in white capri pants,ruffled blouse, denim vest and flip flops.
My what a week I have had and I hope to never have to do this one over again--good riddance!!!!

2010-04-20T22:19:00.004-06:00

Let me preface this by saying, I know it is only Tuesday but I have had the week from He!!...
The weekend last week began by getting to puppy sit our favorite puppy, Sophie. She is adorable and she loves kids. Andrew wasn't scared this time and he loved playing with her. Austin sometimes forgets she is a dog and thinks he can play with her the same way he plays with his dad, sister and brother.

Sunday night--early Monday morning at 12:10 a.m. I heard an interesting sound in my basement and was awakened by a crunching sound. I got up and went to find the source of the sound when I walked into puddle of water in my basement. Now this is not really unusual for us--it generally happens every 6 months or so. Well, the source of the noise was Keith trying to get the electric auger to break up those blasted roots in the sewer--I hear a scream and go traipsing through the water barefooted where I find Keith screaming in pain. The auger has flipped him with his hand in the out-take valve--he is stuck and has to reverse the auger just to get his hand loose. Just a note of interest: he didn't have his gloves on about 5 minutes before this happened. Some little prompting told him to put on his gloves. Thank goodness he listened.
The auger had crushed his hand and by all indications he had definitley broken it.
At 12:30 we are heading to the emergency room--where he is x-rayed. The circulation in his ring finger is being cut off, so they decide he needs to have his ring cut off. After the x-rays, he is cleaned up and told it is a contusion and abrasions and there is no break! Yay--I am so happy. We are in and out of the ER in 2 hours--yes T.W.O. HOURS! It was a record. But I get home and can't get back to sleep.
That morning, a little later that 3:00 a.m., I have to get someone here to go into the line and figure out why the auger won't work. The men come, dig a little hole in my front yard, becuase they don't know why the auger didn't go down and send a camera down and find loads of tree roots as big around as my thumb. Afterall we live in a wonderful neighborhood--generally peaceful and quiet, but those trees sure do a number on the sewer system.
Jumping to Tuesday. Keith decides we are going to take the kids to the park for lunch. It is a lovely day--shorts weather, a light breeze and at the park there is space to run and play.
We were down in the playground with the kids and he had picked up Andrew. He tripped on the cement and down he goes--baby and all. He curls himself around andrew and skins his knee--bashes his hand (the one he hurt yesterday morning mind you) and keeps Andrew from falling against the cement bench with his head.
He says to me that his fingers must have gotten hurt again and when he brings it up, his index finger is in the shape of a spoon--concave, not convex! So if he didn't break those puppies yesterday--he was doing his darndest to break something today.

By the end of today, his left hand (yes, he is left handed) is all bruised and bleeding. Pinky, Ring and Mid fingers from the auger. Pointer finger is dislocated and has to have a shot to put it back into place. And he has a sprained right wrist.
I would say I would be happy for this day to end, but there is still an hour and ten minutes left in this day--so, please, please, please hurry and end swiftly.

(Just a side note: Keith just came up and told me we are under water again--the day didn't listen)

NEW PICTURES, HA!

2010-04-17T13:36:00.003-06:00

I am trying to get group picture of all of my mohter's great grandchildren and one very young grandchild so we can send her gift for Mother's Day. What a joke that was. Six children: ages 6 weeks, 16 mons, 2 yrs, 4 yrs, 4 1/2 yrs and 5 yrs was quite hilarious in itself. I had no problems with the 6 week old. Brighton was happy to just be held. Now the 16 mon. and 2 year old were a different story all together. It was complete mayhem and I just had to post the absolute best group shot I could get of all six of them.
I thought I would still send it to her so she could decide for herself what she is or isn't missing.

SPRINGTIME, FOR REAL I AM SURE!

2010-04-10T14:52:00.006-06:00

I would like everyone to know that really I don't hate Spring. I love the colors and the smells and freshness of Spring. I cherish Easter and the significance it brings to our lives.

But for me--I guess it is time to stock up with THIS! This is what Spring is about for me. So for now--I am pretty sure it is here for real this time, even if we have a minor snowstorm here and there for the next few weeks--the pollens have begun their annual ritual on me!!!

APRIL FOOL'S DAY

2010-04-02T00:52:00.005-06:00

Yesterday, April Fool's Day, was to say the least quite a day! This is a lovely winter's day just outside my front window. The day before, the kids were outside playing...WITHOUT THEIR COATS... riding their bikes and scooters.
Who says that Mother Nature doesn't have a sense of humor, espeically when it is Spring is Utah.

GOOD DENTIST vs. BAD DENTIST

2010-03-26T23:50:00.005-06:00

This past week has been every eventful. Kassie's huband, RJ, was having a lot of pain, due to the fact that he has never had his wisdom teeth out. OUCH! But, they were looking for a dentist and they found one they liked. After a thorough examination, the dentist thought he could take care of the wisdom teeth, but x-ray's proved otherwise. His teeth were horribly impacted and he had to see an oral surgeon. They liked him so well, they booked Austin and Ashlynne for a dental exam and cleaning.
Well today was the day--not only for the cleaning, but also for the oral surgery. And they were booked at the same time. At two different facilities. So I loaded up Ashlynne and Austin and headed to the "GOOD DENTIST" and Kassie loaded up RJ and headed to the "BAD DENTIST". And by this, she was trying to get her children psyched for the dentist by saying, he was only going to clean and floss their teeth and not do anything like daddy was having done (oh great, now they are scarred for life when it comes to a "bad dentist (anyone that has to do surgery on your mouth).

They did great, however, the bad dentist will be making his way into the mouths of two children very, very soon. Because of their age, 5 and 4, they have to have IV sedation. Great--a needle. Try telling Austin he has to have a shot. Ashlynne is the brave one.
The cleaning was a breeze. The hygienist allowed them to "Vacuum" their own mouth and let them pick their favorite flavors. She was terrific with them and I was so glad it was a good experience the first time around.
Now--brush those teeth at least twice a day so you don't have to have your "NINE"---count them, 9, cavities filled between them (Austin with 4 biggies and one medium and Ashlynne with 4--) They each have a cavitiy for the amount of years they are. This is just terrible.
But the bright note to all of this is, RJ has 18 cavities and as soon as he heals from today's surgery (oh and have I mentioned that this guy has never had any sort of surgery, severe illness and is otherwise healthy), he has to have cavernous teeth taken care of!

TEMPLE CLEANING ASSIGNMENT

2010-03-22T22:33:00.005-06:00

Today was our stake's temple cleaning assignment. Wow, what an awesome task. I have now seen places in the Salt Lake temple that most people don't get to see and will never in their lifetime get to see---such as one of the elevator shafts--yep I saw the inside of an elevator shaft at the temple. Not much to it, other than grease, pistons, cement walls, a car--yep a regular old' elevator shaft. Now, how is that for excitement. And you were going to be so very envious.

No I didn't have to clean the shaft, however, one of my assignments was vacuuming the temple workers (male and female) locker rooms in the deep basement of the temple and they happened to be doing a five year hydraulic test on it. Not only that--upstairs someone accidentally tipped a bucket of water over, twice, it ran down the elevator walls, and flooded one of the elevators with water on the BRAND NEW CARPETING put in three months ago. Now how is that for exciting!!!

I vacuumed for 3 1/2 hours--man am I sore. I stared at the soft sage green carpeting for most of that time. We cleaned the huge laundry room. Every home should have at least one of theses washers and dryers in their laundry room. Salt Lake Temple has 6 industrial size-- I am talking HUGE--washers and 6 MEGA industrial size dryers. Mangle irons, flat irons--you name it. Sewing machines and hardly anything on the floor after a day of work.

Next came the Clothing rental area and then the Brides room. I never thought I would finish that room. At least I didn't vacuum up any brides. In all the years I have been going to Salt Lake Temple, I have never once been in the brides room. I was married in the Manti Temple and never saw it until today. I can now claim that I have something from there--two bobby pins--to hold my hair back--it was driving me nuts. And it was HOT!! I really worked up a sweat!!!

When our group was finished with our chores, we were escorted on a small tour of the temple. It was SPECTACULAR to say the least. We were taken to places in the temple that most patrons never EVER see.

There are Tiffany Glass murals, Old wood (that hasn't EVER been painted over) that is just spectacular and in pristine condition, staircases, antique desks, mouldings that can never be duplicated because people just don't do that type of work anymore, James Talmage's apartment (where he stayed when he was writing Jesus The Christ), piantings, light fixtures...etc.

I would suggest that if you ever get a chance and your group's supervisor can be persuaded to take you on a tour--DO IT! Or if you have a family member that is a temple worker. DO IT!! It is a chance of a lifetime.

The four hours went by very quickly. It was so peaceful and serene; and there are blessings to be received by serving in the temple and it makes you feel good by just serving the Lord.

PEEPS

2010-03-21T22:14:00.005-06:00

For those of you that know my family, you know that Easter is mine and mom's favorite time for candy. And by candy, we mean PEEP's--not Peep's as in People--PEEPS as in Marshmallow Peeps! Yep these are the best. Especially when they have gone hard! Mom likes them rock solid--I like them just barely hard, with a little softness left.
Mom called tonight to let me know that one of our family friends had sent her a care package in the mail and in it she found PEEPS--she was overjoyed! Thanks Cannon's you made her day and week complete!!!
Little does she know that the Kids and I sent PEEP's this past week and she should be getting that supply anyday now. So she is set for a few weeks. And she won't have to share--Sister Homer won't eat sugar of any kind!

Several (25 at least) years ago, I dated a guy that asked my sister what he could get to put in an Easter basket for me as a gift. She told him that if you really want to make her happy--just buy PEEPS's--no chocolate--just PEEP's. So that is what he did. I came home and found a HUGE basket at my doorstep full of Easter grass and PEEP's. I was thrilled.

When I went to find images of PEEP's I found that there is a PEEP's fan club--lol!!! I may have to join and put mom's name in too!
So if you want to make me or my mom really happy--buy us pure sugar and softness--"PEEP's" for Easter.
Happy Easter everyone!

SPRING!!!!

2010-03-15T23:01:00.006-06:00

I am not a big fan of Spring, only in the fact that I can't breathe! My allergies love to flare to the highest volumes of sneezing, runny nose, and itchy watery eyes and I can't enjoy it as much as others.
But, I love the new color of flowers (when I can smell) , I love the fresh air (when I can breathe), and I love that the kids can now get out of doors and not have to be cooped up in the house. They can run, jump, play ball, be free without having to come up with something else to do in the house.
Even on the coldest of sunny days--these kids were itching to get out and do all of this!
It was Ashlynne's birthday on Saturday and she has been dying to get out an ride her new scooter. Austin got one for Christmas, and has been so desperate, he has begged me to ride it in the house (oh the joys of having an island in the kitchen they can chase, run or scoot around!
If the big kids are outside--Handu wants to be right there with them, doing what big kids do! Too bad he can barely walk or we would have him on a trike, but the wagon will have to do for a little longer.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLYNNE

2010-03-13T20:38:00.005-07:00

This little missy in all of her Princess glory turned 4 years old today. She is a joy in my life, my little shadow. She is all girl with just enough Tomboy in her to put her big brother to shame. She is a daredevil that loves to dress up, loves to sing, dance, mimick what her brother is doing, be the mom to her little brother and she has an infectious laugh that cracks me up. In this first picture on the chair (I hope) she is wearing the Princess Necklace that her Grammie sent her from the missionfield. She was thrilled to get a package in the mail addressed to her and that SHE GOT TO OPEN IT!!!
Showing off her "Pearls and Jewels" from Grammie.
Blowing out her candles on her Princess and the Frog Cake.
She was thrilled she got a Pink Radio Flyer Scooter and a Hannah Montana Guitar
did I mention she got a Hannah Montana Guitar and headphones that sort of does a "karaoke type thing with headphones" (curse you Whitney, Mike, Jasmine and Lizzy). We may be sending her to your house very soon! With the addition of this Guitar--she now can play and dance to her Hannah Montana CD (that is truly played at least half the day).

She was exhausted by the end of the day and was thrilled with all of her presents. Most of them clothes, because she is outgrowing everything she has.
Happy Birthday to our little Princess. We love you loads and loads.

I AM HAPPY FOR:

2010-03-12T21:41:00.001-07:00

Spring, Flowers and the Fresh Outdoors!!!

I AM HAPPY FOR:

2010-03-11T19:08:00.001-07:00

Small treasures and small pleasures!

I AM HAPPY FOR:

2010-03-08T22:58:00.003-07:00

Missionaries, especially funny Senior Missionaries that call nearly every day and want to talk to the kiddos!!!

I AM HAPPY FOR:

2010-03-05T23:20:00.003-07:00

For relatively happy grandchildren and the fun they have with Keith and me!

I AM HAPPY FOR:

2010-02-28T23:22:00.003-07:00

I am happy for Religous Freedom and Spirituality and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I AM HAPPY FOR:

2010-02-27T21:15:00.003-07:00

I am happy for 4 hour breathers from home that included going and holding a sweet little spirit straight from heaven and just holding, and holding, and holding him, until I had to turn him over to mommy to feed--that's how being a grandmother should be. Have I ever mentioned that I just love to hold little babies?

I AM HAPPY FOR:

2010-02-26T21:57:00.002-07:00

New born babies, especially when they are related. We have a new member of our crazy mixed-up family. Brighton Anderson was born this morning at 4:44 a.m. by C-Section. He was 6 lbs. 3 oz. and 19 inches long and is very blonde.

I AM HAPPY FOR:

2010-02-24T22:14:00.002-07:00

Nights out with Ashlynne all by ourselves--just us two girls, a movie and some popcorn! Oh, and we ran into one of our neighbors.
When she is without Austin trying to impress him and without Andrew, trying to be his mom, she is a very calm child, but around those two, she can't decide who she wants to be (it must be tough being that middle child).
We went and saw the Princess and the Frog and she was a little frightened by some of the stuff in it and wanted to go home halfway through. I convinced her to stay then she fell asleep right after that, but woke up at the happy ending and then clapped.

I AM HAPPY FOR:

2010-02-22T21:20:00.000-07:00

Relatively quiet days--2 in a row!

I AM HAPPY FOR:

2010-02-20T15:01:00.003-07:00

My cute niece, KoriAnn: who started out in this life as a 2 lb. 9 oz. preemie 24 1/2 years ago will become a cute little mommy to baby Brighton sometime in the next 3 weeks. It was her baby shower last night and she was overwhelmed with gifts and quite frankly she was exhausted when it was all over!

Quite Time: When 5 children under the age of 5 are being so noisy,screaming and zooming around the house like cars out of control it is time to have a bit of peace and quiet!

I AM HAPPY FOR:

2010-02-18T21:19:00.004-07:00

Nap time.
When Austin and Ashlynne were smaller, we would take a nap every day. Now that they are older they don't want to, but Andrew NEEDS to. RJ was home today, so Andrew and I took a nice nap and RJ took care of the two big kids!

I AM HAPPY FOR:

2010-02-17T21:37:00.002-07:00

I AM HAPPY FOR: Computers and Internet.
Talked to mom on a chat line tonight. It was a fluke she even got on. They have a weak WiFi area in Peoria--which is strange because it is such a big college town.

SO SAD

2010-02-16T23:24:00.003-07:00

In my unloading time--I spend it on the computer playing stupid mindless games on facebook. I have gotten a little better, I used to do Farmtown and Farmville for Me, Mom, Keith, Genette, Karyn and Kassie. I have sold 6 farms and now I only do 3 farms. I went from 3-4 hours to an hour and a half. I generally do this at night to unwind and yes, I know what the General Authorities have said about mindless games, but I am not gambling, taking drugs, or watching pornography, I am just unwinding from my life.

Tonight I went into Keith's facebook account and someone had signed up to be his friend. These days, he is having a difficult time with his eyesight (senile cataracts for the over 50 crowd), as well as a few other things going on in his life, so I was checking out one of the people who wanted to be his friend--she actually just wants him to be a Farmville Friend, but when I read the little blurb about her self thinking it might be someone from school, it said, "I am the mother of 4 and have 8(9) grandchildren. Life is boring, Wish It Would End."

Truly, how sad is this? I feel sorry for this woman. Nothing can be that terrible. No matter how awful I feel my life may be at times--and for those of you who know me well--life isn't always peaches and cream at my house, life isn't so bad that I wish it would end. There are days when I wish the day would end--QUICKLY! But never my life. I have too much to live for.

So on that note, I have to come up with something that I am happy for each day and will try to post it!

So today--I am happy for 3 adorable grandchildren who make me laugh.

CHANGES

2010-02-14T21:54:00.005-07:00

There are always changes, changes and more changes! I got new doors for the hallway rooms this week. I figured it was time since the original doors and door knobs were locking you in or out of a room or not working at all and were completely unable to be repaired ever again. So after 65 years of working for this house they quit. So we got new doors and new handles. I guess this means I need to paint the hallway. now--I have opted for a light sage green with white doors, or should I go with a white hall and sage doors? Decisions, Decisions!

Mom called this week and said that the church was going to announce this past weekend that there would be changes in the mission field and to the mission in Peoria. As of the end of June there will no longer be an Illinois Peoria Mission. It will be consolidated into 1 of 3 other missions, Nebraska Omaha, Iowa Des Moine or Missouri St. Louis. Well now what? President Erickosn will be headed home at the end of June and will also be closing this mission. Where the missionaires are headed is anyone's guess. She is a bit scared of where she will end up. When she told me on Wednesday, she said Pres. Erickson told them 2 missions, St. Louis or Des Moine, however the Church news said Omaha as well. She told me with her luck, it would be Omaha. So please pray for her to be sent to St. Louis or Des Moine! My personal preference would be St. Louis!

Other changes are that Keith did lose his job on Friday--but deep down I knew it would happen and so did he. He just has to get out and pound the pavement starting tomorrow! And luckily for us he qualifies for unemployment!

Oh, and one more thing, as I sit here typing away, I look over at the futon that is holding my great grandmother's antique Grandmother' Clock (like a grandfather clock, only smaller) and wondering how I can get Ashlynne to stop jumping on the furniture. It is sitting there waiting to be fixed because as she was jumping last night--she jumped, hit the shelf above the couch and lnocked it off and broke it! I have told her a million times, as has her mother, her father, and her papa and she just will not stop! And this is what happens. I am sick about it. It doesn't work and it hasn't for 23 years, however, I love the look of it and I love antiques, so therefore I display it! At times I really miss the sound of the chimes. It brings back feelings of the comfort my grandparents gave to us and what a great time we had in coming up here and being around them--it is a strange feeling, but they would have turn 100 years old last year and it is still hard to believe that they are gone. Grandy for almost 23 years and Grandpa for 13 1/2. But it is nice to know we can hold them in our memories.

Things will get better, but when? One can only pray for soon!

EMOTIONAL

2010-02-08T00:54:00.003-07:00

Sunday's generally are because I am a little more laid back. But, this one was different. Today was ONE OF THOSE DAYS! Today was the Sunday I was to do sharing time in Primary and I felt guilty because I didn't have to prepare anything--I'm not in the presidency anymore. It felt odd to sit through Sunday School and Relief Society without moving around and telling children to Sh! or to fold their arms and be reverent or taking someone to the restroom or sending them off to class or listening to the music. During Sunday School from down the hall I could hear the new song for this year-- "I Know My Savior Loves Me"-- and had a difficult time holding back the tears. What was I doing there?

During Relief Society Debbie C got up and bore her testimony and I cried through that. After RS, Jacob Z, said hello to me and he is a newer member of the ward and I nearly lost my tears then too. What is the matter with me?

I was invited by a friend to come out and talk while her fiancee' had a Super Bowl party to catch up with life and when I left the house, there in my mailbox was a heart shaped muffin and Thank You notes from a family of three children in the ward. As I said earlier, I was having an emotional day and that just sent me over the emotional roller coaster hill a little more. I sat in my car and bawled my eyes out.

I know that time really does heal all wounds, and not that I was wounded, I just felt out of place in a place where I had been forever up until 4 1/2 years ago.
I will miss Primary, but I also know those children are in good hands. The Lord would not call women who were terrible to teach those sweet children.

Alright, now I just have to buck up and go about my regular business and get back in the RS swing of things.

WHAT A WEEKEND

2010-01-31T23:24:00.002-07:00

The weekend began on Friday cleaning my house (well mostly Kassie cleaning the house) so that I could host a Scentsy Open House. If you know me, I really do not like to give parties, but Kassie bugged me so much about it, I finally gave in.
the house stayed relatively clean for 24 hours. then It's back to the normal kids bringing out toys, undressing in living room, leaving their clothes in living room, not playing with their toys in living room, tripping over toys in living room.... you get the picture.

Saturday I got up early (well early for me) and went to Ogden to get a haircut from a girl my niece knows. She did a great job, but unfortunately they are moving and not sure where they will be.

The Bishop and one of his counselors wanted to visit with me and I had to be home by 1:00. I pulled in the driveway at 12:58 p.m. But the Bishop couldn't come then, so I puttered around the house until 2:30.

When the Bishop arrived, it was to let me know that our Primary Presidency was being released. This wasn't a shock for two reasons. A few months ago, Debbie (the President) and told us at a meeting that she felt that we would probably be released in a few months. It was just one of her feelings that she had, know one had said anything to her. Just a hunch. And when Deb has a hunch, it is generally right on. Then when mom went on her mission, the bishop asked how long our Presidency had been serving. This mother's day would have been 3 years. I have been in Primary though for 4 1/2 years ( I think--if I did the math right) 1 1/2 as chorister and the other as Second Counselor.

When I was called to this position, I had a struggle with it. Partially because I really don't get along well with small children in groups. I do much better with a one on one situation. and face it: Kids today have got far more knowledge and faith than we had when we were their age. Or at least it seems that way.

I felt overwhelmed by this calling, I still struggled to the end, but in the end, I have grown to love those children and only wish what is best for them. It is difficult to see the children that were three when we moved in grow up and move into young women's.

So as one of our ward member's pointed out to us: When the Sacrament program comes up in the fall, we can sit back, relax and cry at all they have learned.

I am grateful for the friendships I made and will still have, I am grateful for the growth that I had in Primary (the second time around) and I am grateful for the gospel teachings and all that we continue to learn daily and the strength that comes from knowing that we belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

MY NAME IS FLORIST

2010-01-26T22:38:00.003-07:00

Mom called last night all excited. It had been a busy week.
They had moved from the Mission Home to their apartment. Had gone to the Thrift Store (which by the way is Sister Homer's store of choice to shop). On Saturday had had a baptism and had gone to the laundromat afterwards to dry a comforter that Sister Homer had purchased from said thrift store. As they were making themselves comfortable a lady asked them who they were representing by their name tags that they were wearing.

And so it begins. Their first contact--without really contacting! You know they say it's a great place to meet people--the laundromat and the grocery store!
The woman introduced herself as herself as "Florist" not Flora, or Rose, not Daisy! Her father loved flowers so much he wanted to capture the entire gambit of flora, So the poor woman was stuck with Florist! Only in America could we get away with a name like that!

They struck up a conversation, they told her who they were and she actually said that she had one of "Your Books" at home. And that she was interested in finding out more. So they told her the elders would contact with her and so the proselyting begins!

They will be serving in the Peoria Ward--15 miles from where they actually live, and will be helping with the re-activation of less active members and helping them adjust back into the LDS circles.

Way to go Sisters!

I REALIZE IT ISN"T CHRISTMAS ANYMORE

2010-01-17T23:12:00.001-07:00

For those of you that have had issues with your computer, please bear with me. My computer is having serious issues right now. I can't download any pictures to the blog, I can't change the background and I am very frustrated. As soon as I get this problem taken care of, I may return to a somewhat normal posting habit! I said "may"!

MY COUSIN'S POST--VERY FUNNY

2010-01-08T21:43:00.002-07:00

From my cousin's post. She is so hilarious and should write a book about some of her experiences.
Ben my true cousin), Carly, and their three and a half children live in Las Vegas while he finishes up Dental School and start to embark on their journey to Kentucky for Orthodontic School. So if this goes on in Las Vegas, imagine what will happen in Kentucky. I can hardly wait!

Friday, January 8, 2010
Oh Dear........

Yesterday I was swimming laps when a lifeguard called me over to the side of the pool and asked me "ummm your not having your baby right now are you?"

Yes sweetheart, I went into labor this morning and couldn't decide whether to call my doctor or go to the pool, so here I am just having a baby and perfecting my backstroke.

Seriously people, I think we previously established that you can expect these kind of comments from the shoppers at Walmart but I thought I was pretty safe at the local YMCA.
I've never been bothered there before, in fact one of the reasons I was there was because generally it's quiet, you can always have a lane to yourself and it's a good place to have a little peace to think.

I pulled off my swim cap just to make sure I had heard her correctly and when I could see that she was serious I just smiled and said "No honey, I'm not having a baby right now.....but I'm pretty sure I met your mother at Walmart the other day."

DID I MENTION?

2010-01-06T12:18:00.002-07:00

For my birthday I receive 6 wonderful books-- and I have 10 downstairs waiting to be read as well.
When will I have time to read?

RESOLUTIONS?

2010-01-05T17:13:00.004-07:00

I don't make resolutions because I never abide by them. So if I think to myself that oh, it's the first of the month rather than the first of the year--something may get done.
Since mom is going on an extended trip for 18 months, Kassie and I have decided to try and get the men in the house (grown men that is) to rinse off their dishes and put them in the dishwasher--NOW--not in three days or when one of us does it! Do you think it will work? who knows?
Reading my scriptures on a more than once or twice a year basis. I figured I would begin on Sunday and so far, so good. But then it is only Wednesday.
Picking up after everyone when something happens and not waiting til evening to get it done. We'll see about this one--sometimes I am just far too tired to walk to the next room, let alone, pick up a toy or piece of paper the kidshave dropped or left out.
This is a very short list and there are thousands of things that need to be worked on or done--but I will start here and hopefully build on it.
Happy New Year!

CHRISTMAS MAYHEM AT OUR HOUSE

2009-12-29T22:02:00.002-07:00

I love Christmas, but this year was a bit different for us. My mother left for a full-time mission on Monday December 28th. So Christmas was sort of taking a back seat while we got her ready. Unfortunately--she had no gifts to open, because they had all been given to her earlier so we weren't trying to figure out how things worked in 3 days.
I did have one present for here, however in all of the confusion it has taken up residency in a spot other than where I thought I put it! I have no idea where it is--I even cleaned in the general area two days before and then on Christmas Eve--but to no avail---I just can't find it and just don't remember where it is!

Back to Christmas--it was a day filled with visitors, new friends, and toys coming out every crack in the woodwork and wrapping paper filled almost every garbage can in the house. Our recycling can is pack to the hilt--with no budging and still have quite a bit of stuff to stuff in there. We are going to have to double dip on the garbage tomorrow---as soon as they empty them, pack them up an take them across the street for another round. Even all of neighbors bins were full and they have no children!

On Sunday, Mom gave her farewell talk on Service. She did a great job and was completely overwhelmed by the fact that the back doors to the chapel had to be opened for more guests! She was totally honored.

It was nice to see--even if only for a few minutes--cousins that we haven't seen since the last wedding, I think it was Jenny's, but not sure. Cousin's children we have never met or seen or only saw when they were babies and then they were off to their various homes and families--after all it was the Christmas holiday and they had other places to be.

I promise when she comes home, we will have an open house and it will be in the summer and can be outside and we can talk for hours!!!

I hope everyone's Christmas was wonderful and that you and your families have a Prosperous and Happy New Year!

Computer not working

2009-12-29T21:59:00.003-07:00

I am sorry I haven't posted pictures. My computer and I are having a breakdown. It will not bring up any of my pictures. So I am only posting information mostly---because I am a terrible journal keeper and this is a good way for me to remember.

So until I can get the computer fixed--no picture--drats. For some reason though they will post to facebook, so check them out there if you are interested!

ONE YEAR AGO! !

2009-12-20T22:16:00.005-07:00

A year ago on December 19th, Andrew Russell Rodriguez made his way into this world. he was 6 weeks early and he wasn't going to wait a moment longer.
Kassie had been in the hospital for pre-term labor on four different occasions. This girl has her babies early and there is no getting around it. The only one that complied with regular term limits was Austin and she didn't have other children running around, so she was on complete bed rest. Ashlynne made her way into this wonderful world at 29 weeks.
But our little Handu made his way in, kicking and screaming, with no problems associated with preterm babies. He was 6 lbs and 6 oz., with a full head of hair, a strong grip on the fingers, and ready to go home the following day.
This year has been pretty eventful with him though; Two and a half weeks after his birth, he ended up in the hospital with seizures, of which he has outgrown thankfully. He was also hospitalized for RSV with a collapsed lung and pneumonia a few months later. But through it all he has not slowed down on the eating and drinking and growing.
He is 12 months old and is in 18 month clothes. He is the joy of our lives (as well as the other two). He brother loves to wrassle with him and play with him and his sister loves to give him kisses.
This child loves his Nana and would love nothing better than to be held all day long. He loves to be read to and he adores music.
For his birthday party Sunday night, the family gave him an Elmo plane and he was thrilled. How many one year olds do you know that have their own airplane?
We have enjoyed having him in our family and wouldn't trade him for anything in this world.
Happy Birthday Handu, we love you to pieces.

INSPIRATIONAL AND FESTIVE WEEKEND

2009-12-13T22:01:00.009-07:00

This weekend was filled with a little of everything. From going to my one and only holiday concert of the season to listening to one of my favorite Apostles at Stake Conference.
Friday night mom and I headed to the Salt Lake Men's Choir for a night filled with music and fun at the First Baptist Church across from East High School If you wonder what the Salt Lake Men's Choir is, it is a choir made up of primarily gay men--however any men are invited to be a part of it. I have friends that I went to High School with that invited me to it and I have to say that it was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. They were incredible
Saturday morning took us to our ward Christmas party with homemade soup, breadsticks,
rolls, cakes, fruit and Santa. The kids loved it. They aren't afraid this year and wasted no time in getting up to his lap. I looked up and actually saw Ashlynne on his lap before I could take out the camera--so I only got one of her. Austin acted as though he was carrying on a conversation with a long lost friend. And for the decorations: Oh I couln't believe it--they were cylinder cardstock, glues together, with small plastic cups set inside and battery operated tea lights set in the cups, with very simple decorations glues to the outsie. Juniper branches down the table with burlap underneath. Simple. Simple. Simple.
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Saturday evening was our Stake Conference Adult Meeting and we were saturated with the spirit of Elder Vaughn Keach (our Regional Authority for the 14 stakes in our area) as well as one of my all time favorite apostles, Elder Robert G. Hales.
This man has a presence about him like no other, the trials he has been through, the people he has rubbed shoulders with, the stories he tells and he sense of humor is very dry and funny. This man has lived on the brink of death and still comes back with the humor to allow others to identify with him. He would begin to end his talk when he would say " I think this merits a story". I did that about four times.
Today's talk from Elder Hales was of a more spiritual nature, but more to the point and direct on what we need to do to get back to the basic gospel principles.

Today brought a good snowfall and with snow and children come snowballs, snowmen and wet, wild kiddos. It was good for them to have Janessa here to play with them and get wild with--which is usually the case whether it's in or outdoors.

IT'S UP!

2009-12-09T22:45:00.003-07:00

Woo Hoo, the tree is up!!! This is a first for me because it was so late this year. Generally it is up on Thanksgiving weekend or at the latest the first weekend in December.

We kept it simple though because of the near one year old who is beginning a few steps and that I quite possibly won't have any help getting it down because Mom will be gone.

Merry Christmas !

BAHHH-HUMBUG

2009-12-02T12:52:00.009-07:00

At this time of year, though it is supposed to be a time of "Good Cheer," "Holly in My Heart" and all of that stuff, I have a tendency to turn into a bit of a Grinchy Ebeneezer Scrooge! There I have said it. Yep this is me--especially when it comes to decorating the Christmas Tree. Keith has decided this year, since mom will be gone next year, that he wants a real tree. Fine with me, I love the smell, but I don't enjoy, in the least, putting on the lights and I get really angry and testy when it comes to doing this. "Now why not have Keith put them on you may ask,"? When it comes right down to it. The tree will go bare before he gets the lights on any tree and Andrew will have graduated from college with a PHd before he gets those lights on (Andrew turns one the 19th of December).

Now as you know, I love my husband, however, but when it comes to the not so important things, such as the lights on a tree or new kitchen chairs (which by the way I get to go out and purchase because he didn't keep up his end of the bargain--truly he never does), and also some very important stuff as well, he is a procrastinator, with a capital "PROCRASTINATE" and these letters bolded and capitalized with a size 200 font--it wouldn't begin to make you aware of how much he procrastinates and it would make it that much more frustrating and I don't see it ever getting any better or anything ever finished.
So thus, we have an artificial tree with the lights already strung on, so that Gaylene, a.k.a. Ebeneezer Grinch, doesn't have to worry about getting herself in a huff, getting angry and hating everything about Christmas because someone nominated me years ago to do the lights.
I truly hope that others are not as grinchy as I am and that everyone has a WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON

THANKSGIVING PRE-SCHOOL STYLE

2009-11-25T00:39:00.008-07:00

I am apologizing to Liz at the beginning for these pictures. Hopefully she got a little bit more serious picture of the Austin and Kyle while they were learning about the Pilgrims and Thanksgiving--but Austin wasn't about to let me get away with a semi-decent picture of his pilgrim hat he made in pre-school. So Liz, I am so, so, sorry he wouldn't pose like a nice little 5 year old!

When I took the pictures he really wasn't interested in talking about why they made the hats and just what the pilgrims represent in this country, but yesterday it all came out--He told me about the Pilgrims and John Smith and the Indians, but I think he was more interested in the fact that they had rifles and went "deer hunting" as he called it! I don't know what Liz told him about Thanksgiving, but I can assure you she DIDN'T go into the "deer hunting methods" of how we get our Thanksgiving Turkey! But, gratefully, he wasn't graphic about shooting the turkey.

I know that I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to live in this wonderful country and have the ability to worship in a religion where we aren't persecuted in the way my pilgrims forefathers were. I am very truly thankful for the family and friends I have in my life. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

ILLINOIS, PEORIA MISSION

2009-11-13T01:02:00.005-07:00

Sister Gwen Schmardebeck has been called to the Illinois, Peoria Mission. She will be entering the Provo, Utah MTC on Monday, December 28th. She had been praying for some time to really serve in the Nauvoo Mission. And I think she was a bit disappointed.
When she opened her call, she just had that small look of disappointment, not a lot, just a little. Because I believe she was thinking that she would have to serve here in Salt Lake because of what one of the missionary department people told the bishop, due to some of her physical limitations. I asked her if she was going to tell me where it was or if she was going to let me read the letter from the prophet. When she handed it over, I think she may have been more excited than she let on, but at the same time disappointed. And entire mission away from where she really wanted to serve.
The missionary department sends a booklet of: Who your Mission President is, a map of the Mission, what clothing to wear, what to take, etc.
When she handed me the map and I looked it over I told her, unless Nauvoo was a separate mission in and of itself, it was in the Peoria Mission. Wow, did her eyes light up in a hurry! I got on the internet and looked at the area and found that it is not it's own mission.

So, Sister Schmardebeck will be serving in the Illinois, Peoria Mission, which includes Nauvoo, Illinois--right where she has prayed for a year to be serving
Congratulations, Mom. You will be doing a great work, for a good reason and we will be blessed for you having given up 18 months of home life for mission life as an Office Specialist In Peoria, Illinois.
Now it is time for me to panic and be overwhelmed. That is only "6 WEEKS AWAY" YIKES!!!

HAVE I MENTIONED?

2009-11-06T00:21:00.002-07:00

Have I ever mentioned how much I hate being sick? I am the type of person who, if I am sick, can only tolerate one, maybe two days max. I am now headed into day number 5--count them five days. Fever, body aches, n/v/d (abbreviations for other not so pleasant symptoms), Yep it's the flu. Not only have I had it, but Keith, Kassie, Austin, Ashlynne and now Andrew have had or now have it. Mom and RJ, so far, are the only two who have yet to catch this nasty bug. RJ lucked out because he has been was out of town.

So I am going to just mention a few things that send me a little over the top (Sorry for the bad attitude, but after being sick for this long, I am entitled!)

1. Being sick for over two days.
2. Procrastination of others.
3. Not being able to do the things I did 10-15-20 years ago because of physical limitations.
4. Being very impatient.
5. Sick grandchildren--all three at the same time.
6. Being pre-menopausal! That being said, you can only imagine!
7. A house full of several people and no one seems to realize that things need to be picked up, put away, or washed. Or my personal favorites: not hanging up bath towels after they are used or changing the toilet paper roll when it is empty. Do people pealize that you don't die from changing the toilet paper roll!!
8. A car that needs to be turned over to the junk yard, yet need to wit 'til next year to get a new one.
9. The leaves not falling off of the trees fast enough--because I know with all of us being sick, we probably won't get around to them before the first big snow! Generally they are off the tree no later that the 1st of November. Here we are approaching the 7th and we still have a large fully established tree full of leaves.
10. And finally, have I mentioned not having a camera that works because the brand new one that I bought after the old camera was dropped and broken the night before Kassie's wedding had to be sent to Virginia to be repaired, because someone bumped into me and I dropped it while I was taking pictures at the wedding. Big time swear word!!! (for now we are useing my mom's that we barely figured out how to use and there is a reason that it was so inexpensive---it takes terrible picture)

Now that I have gotten that off of my chest--I feel a little better, not much, but a little. Feel free to let me know just how you feel or not. I promise I won't laugh, I will only commiserate with you and I won't even be offended if people don't write any comments, I just needed to blow off steam!

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY AUSTIN

2009-11-02T09:39:00.002-07:00

It is very hard to believe this, but Austin is five today. I remember distictly the day he was born. I remember putting my hand in his tiny little fingers and him just squeezing sooooo tight. I thought he might squeeze it off, he was sooo strong. He had a boatload of hair (I wish I had a scanner to get his baby pictures on the computer). This little boy is athletic, funny, loves his brother, plays ball, tolerates his sister (most of the time), adores his Papa, loves to give babies kisses, loves to learn new things, loves dinosaurs, spiderman, and anything soldier or military related.
He is a joy to have around, loves doing things with his dad and papa. He loves to laugh. He has a very hardy laugh that comes straight from the belly. And at any given time of the day he will come up to you out of the blue and say to one of us, "Nana ( or whoever he may be talking to), I love ya! I love ya a lot!" And we love him a lot too.
We acutally celebrated his birthday yesterday because his dad had to go out of town for work this week. Unfortunately, today, he is sick! (Good thing we did it yesterday).
We hope you have a very happy birthday Austin. We love you loads and loads!

HALLOWEEN 2009

2009-10-31T23:53:00.002-06:00

These are just a few pictures of the kids in their costumes for Halloween this year. Austin is in Soldier Mode and his birthday is on the 2nd and he wants everything Soldier Related--including his cake. Andrew used his costume as a booster for propping his bottle up so he wouldn't have to hold it. Ashlynne was a cute little witchy poo.
Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!

CANDID WEDDING PIX

2009-10-30T00:28:00.012-06:00

The centerpieces
the Sign in table
The bouquet
Our little Princess Ashlynne
The Cake
RJ getting Austin dressed for the ceremony
Austin pulling Andrew in the wagon
Ashlynne, the flower girl
Kassie, the bride
Bishop Roger Anderson, Kassie and RJ (reciting his vows)
Kassie Dancing with Andrew
Ashlynne and Karyn Dancing
Kassie and RJ
The Centerpieces lit
Cutting the cake

BRIDALS

2009-10-26T21:08:00.009-06:00

These are the bridal's I took of Kassie and some of my personal favorites! We went to two different places and did a one hour shot at Evergreen Park and 20 minutes at the First Pioneer Encampment block. I don't think I did too bad for an amateur.

I will post some candid's as soon as I can get Genette's disk, since I broke my brand new camera a half an hour before the wedding. I only got a few shots of them getting their hair ready and then I was bumped and it fell to the ground. Lucky for us, Genette had her camera there.

And when I say brand new--I mean I hadn't had the camera for 24 hours---because my other one broke the night before (it was on it's very last leg). So I got the replacement Friday night, worked on the camera all night trying to figure it out, and what happens--the lens was out when I was bumped, it fell to the ground--lens out and all, and it wouldn't go back in and it wouldn't take ANY pictures of any kind. And sweet Lesa Taggart(our photographer and friend) was there and even took a looked at it and didn't have a clue what to do. So I have to send it to Virginia to be fixed.

Enjoy the pictures and I will post candid's as soon as I can.

WEDDING SHOTS

2009-10-25T20:19:00.006-06:00

Kassie And RJ finally did it! Yep--6 years later, it is official. They are Mr. and Mrs. Ronald James Rodriguez as of October 24, 2009. These are just a few of my favorite engagement shots that we took in September. I will post Bridal's tomorrow and later wedding photos.

AUTUMN IS HERE!!!

2009-10-21T00:25:00.008-06:00

On Tuesday's and Thursday's I take Austin over to my friend Liz's (sp?) for preschool and while he is at preschool, I bring her daughter, Alison, home with us. If the weather is good we walk both ways, even little Alison, who is 1 1/2, walks. Not that it is that far. By Salt Lake street standards, it's only a block and a half, but for someone her age, it's a long way, but she is full of vigor and energy and she is always excited to come and see Andu! It is also fun to watch Ashlynne with her. She becomes a little mother to her.

It was a little drizzly today, but we still walked through the leaves and the girls loved every minute of it. They were truly enjoyed themselves running and kicking and giggling in the leaves.

Keith decided to joined us in taking Alison home and to pick up Austin(although were were quite a ways ahead of him before he caught up with us). We took a little longer route in coming home and found a few surprises. The leaves with all the color, I found under a pine tree. The red fire bush is just down the street from us, as well as the bushy grass---I don't recall ever seeing grass turn colors with the season, but this was certainly interesting.

I enjoy the turning of the leaves, the crispness in the air and the coming of winter. Yep, I said it, winter is coming and I am thrilled. I love winter.

13 YEARS AND COUNTING

2009-10-10T18:01:00.004-06:00

Keith and I will have been married this coming Monday, October 12th for thirteen years and counting.
I will tell you that it hasn't been the easiest road I have taken and sometimes not the funnest road either, and for all of my complaints, I really do love this man with all of my heart and soul.
We have our ups and downs, out fights and making up and through all of this, he still loves me. I am really not sure why, but he does. I am very grateful to this wonderful man who is very kind, gentle and compassionate, and is very even-tempered. Something I really don't think I possess.
He is extremely quirky,odd to a fault sometimes, and has some very strange ideas about some things and if you really look hard into this mans soul you will find that he was born, as I was, in the wrong generation. He is a child of depression parents and he acts as if tomorrow will be the day when he should have saved something like a plastic bag, a piece of foil, a throw-away carton, a pair of shoes (that even any self-respecting pioneer wouldn't buy from DI), or a piece of paper.
I know I scream and rant alot (outwards and inwards) about his stupid little habits, good and bad, but I guess those are also the reasons I love this guy.

Happy Anniversary. I love you Keith.

WEDDING WOES

2009-10-07T22:41:00.006-06:00

So these two are FINALLY getting married after 6 years and three children. I don't make any excuses for them other than they are really slow and that they should have taken care of all of this a long, long time ago. But I also wouldn't change those adorable kids of theirs for anything.

Here is what's happening in our world.

We have thrown this thing together in essentially 2 months--with about a week and a half thrown in there that we changed dates and then decided that they weren't going to get married after all. All things considered--it hasn't been too bad--except Kassie, she rants and raves at EVERY LITTLE THING! She doesn't do well under pressure of any sort.

RJ's boss told him two weeks ago he had to go to Vernal to do a project for work and would have to stay until it was finished. Well, he hasn't left yet and now he is set to leave next Wednesday and be gone until the day before the wedding. He hasn't gone to look into his Tuxedo! That, I agree is a bit stressful. But everything is pretty much in order other than minor things that have to be done closer to the day.

I went to look at the place that RJ rented and I am SICK--but that is where he wants it, so I have got to become a wizard overnight and decide how to decorate this lovely "DUMP". Anyone with any suggestions!

He rented it because it is "BIG" and can handle his entire family. The family is huge--They are from the hispanic community--so they are related to almost everyone and their reindeer! It is also a place where they can drink, because if they can't drink, they won't have fun according to RJ. As for our family and Kassie's family, there may be about 25 caucasians in attendance. I am a little frightened at what may go on--especially in the neighborhood that it is in.

And the Mexican Community has very different traditions than us "Melting Pot" Scandahoovian, German, English, traditionalists have.

If the Maid of Honor/Best Man leave the side of the Bride/Groom, they can be kidnapped by anyone in the family--okay....the Hispanic version of Chivaree! Not a big deal (they have three children for Pete's sake!) But if the cake is left by itself with no candles around it (2 for good measure) then the cake can be stolen!
What the heck! I have never heard of this. They also have a dance ritual where you have to pay to dance with the bride or groom and then the money goes to the couple at the end of the night--I have been to weddings that have done this before---but this sheltered Mormon Community that our family and her family is from, they don't get it--we don't bring money to our weddings--unless it is in a wedding card!

So what to do about a few things. If anyone has any great ideas on how to make the dump look like it has been turned into a less than horrible eyesore--I am open for suggestions. Oh did I mention, there is no money left!!! So I really need to become that wizard, or where is Samantha Stevens when you need her?