Grandma Gypsie

Two Sisters

2012-01-30T10:27:00.002-07:00

My baby sister Dianna and I have spend our whole lives together. I do not remember a time when she was not there by my side. And as my Father has pointed out, we do everything together.
While growing up we were inseparable.
We were married months apart.
Had our first child weeks apart.
And now have lost our husbands within the same year.
When Loren passed away I was able to be there for her during the first days but had prior work plans that made it so I missed the funeral. My sister has been away on prior plans during Rob's passing and will miss the funeral but I am so looking forward to her returning home soon to be with me. She may not be here physically for the funeral but I see and feel her every day. She is in my heart.

As much as we are the same, we are so different.

Loren passed away quickly and it was a shock.
Rob passed away slowly and we had time to plan and prepare.
I look at the two circumstances and wonder why.

I keep thinking back to when my grandma passed away. My grandpa gave me grandma's ring and Dianna grandma's necklace. Dianna and I were talking one day and she said she wanted to make the necklace into a ring and I said I wanted to make my ring into a necklace. We both just laughed. I have kept my ring and wear it every day.

You get what you get and you don't throw a fit.
I beleive in my heart, we were given these two similiar trials because it is what is right for us. So much the same, so different and so grateful to have each other.

love you sis

Back to the Gym

2012-01-30T09:23:00.003-07:00

I was anxious to get back to the Gym. I was able to go on Saturday and Sunday, when there is usually no one there but today- there were people there.
I had forgotten about all those new years resolutioners newbies who are now at the gym. Adding to the issue, the lap pool is CLOSED, so all those lappers were in the "girls" pool too.
It was exhausting. First, it makes me tired because for some competitive reason, I try to keep up with them. They beat me hands down every time. Then in additional to the faster speeds, they rough up the water and it is like swimming in a tsunami.
I was exhausted before my 1 1/2 hour was up.
Luckily the three guys in the pool who were doing jumps and taking pictures of each other doing it, provided quite the entertainment to keep jogging at least.
I can only hope they were filming so they could improve their technique, With Newbies it is hard to predict.
A few more weeks and it will all be back to normal.

No- the Master plan is not ruined

2012-01-29T09:42:00.003-07:00

Holly and I have always kept the "big" plan in the back of our minds. We have not gotten to it YET but it is so sweet, we have kept the dream alive.
Here is how it goes:
There are 2 house on the same street across from each other. Holly and I live in one house and Terry and Rob live in the other house.
Holly and my house is clean, there is healthy food, and lots of books to read. We have the grand kids over and spoil them to death, buying everything they want and we do what we want. There is no teasing in this house.
Terry and Rob live in the house across the street with their hunting and fishing crap. They keep diet coke, chips and dip in the fridge. The TV is always on with a football game or a hunting show. They keep crazy hours and do what they want.
Every now and then we get together with the boys and have a date night, we go out to eat, see a movie or drive around.
The kids come over often and we spend hours and hours of fun times with them.
We are one great big happy family.
It is perfect. As close to heaven as you can get on earth.

Sadly now the plan has to be modified a bit. Here is the only change: Terry just has to live alone. Sorry Terry, you can take it up with Rob later.

Dance girls

2012-01-28T17:26:00.001-07:00

Kin's first snowman

2012-01-24T06:30:00.003-07:00

It has been tough to find any snow here in Utah
Looks like the U got a lot more than West Jordan.

Hunter and grandma's conversation in the car

2012-01-18T21:22:00.002-07:00

Hunter was headed home with me tonight after Ambree's dance.

H: Do you have any more treats?
G: YES I do, I have some kisses, do you like them?
H: I do not know let me see
( package of kisses to passed from the purse to the back seat)
H: Can I throw the paper out the window?
G: YES I guess you can ( grandma's always say yes)
H: wouldn't that be littering
G: YES, it would, would you like to put it in my purse
H: Here grandma- ( passing up the foil)
H: do you know what I am going to do?
G: no what
H: tonight when my parents go to bed, I am going to go sneak out into the garage and get in the car and drive to your house, so we can eat some more of the kisses.
G: Yes I would like that. If you drive to grandma's I will share everything with you
H: Even your house
G: YES Hunter even my house
H: I love you grandma , you are the best grandma ever

Grandmas always say yes and this is why

Frodo misses Blue

2012-01-12T08:22:00.002-07:00

Sadly there is no much to do here at home that after Blue destroyed our home, ate the Christmas ornaments, chewed up the gingerbread men, left several loads on the front room carpet, pee'd in the bed, gnawed on grandma Christmas blanket and threw the dirty clothes around while we were at the hospital --- I had to say Uncle.
Brent was taking care of the food and water but the all day and night barking and worrying about Blue was too much. Brent found him a good home but Frodo has been so lonely.
It is not the same and I miss him. I know it makes Rob sad too.
He was a good dog and brought a lot of joy to our family.

Missing Christmas

2012-01-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

Dragons breath Kata master!!!

2012-01-12T07:04:00.002-07:00

Hunters first stripe

2012-01-05T06:01:00.000-07:00

Hunter is the best karate guy around!

Kylers Baptism

2011-12-29T17:30:00.003-07:00

I had falled to mention that during Kyler's baptism there was a slight mishap that I do not want to forget. It seems some soup was put on the stove to warm, but was forgotten and set off the fire alarm.
And since the fire alarm went off, the fire department made a quick trip over to the church to visit.
All of the kids loved it and the fire department was kind enough to give them a quick tour of the truck.
I mention this as Ambree hopes this happens at her baptism too!

4 MORE days of Radiation/chemo

2011-12-29T16:14:00.002-07:00

Today we meet with the Doctor and everything seems to be going to plan. Rob has one more treatment this week and 3 more next week then it will be over. By next Thursday, we will be treatment free. I am looking forward to our last appointment with Dr Schrieve.
Rob is down to 174 lbs and eats hardly anything. He says everything tastes bad, he is full, he is nauseated and just plan does not feel good. His 3 meals per day look about the same.
One chocolate pudding, one applesauce, one peanut butter, one mandarin oranges, one diet coke, one protein drink, one prune juice and one apple or pineapple juice. Thank heavens for single serving size. Sometimes if he is really hungry we add a small bowl of cheerios with sugar and blueberries. It might sound like a lot but when he only eats a spoonful or less it does not add up to much.
Things we will keep doing:
He is back on steroids but after next week we will work to get him off of them again.
He is on a blood thinner shots twice a day for the blood clots in his lungs and legs.
He is on 4 pain pills per day.
He takes an antidepressant which does not seem to be working at all.
PT and OT come to the home 3 times a week.
We are scheduled to for the pain clinic at Huntsman on Jan 11. I am not sure what that means but they want us there so we are going.
We are filling out all the paperwork to see a shrink yet another recommended procedure.
So it looks like our time at the hospital will not be less but just divided in other departments.
We see Dr Cohen and get an MRI on January 30th.
The oxygen has taken its toll and makes it so we are hesitant to leave and get out. Rob's oxygen drops fast when he moves or goes without the oxygen for any period of time. The lower the oxygen level, the higher the CO2 level and you can tell within minutes. It even scared the OT guy the other day when he was working with Rob. The oxygen cord was kinked and since they were working Robs oxygen level dropped fast.
Bed time is early and Rob tries to sleep in as late as possible. He prefers to stay in bed but most days someone comes over and gets him up and moving.
He can get a round the house and do things for himself but that is about it.
We are looking forward to better days.

Everyone gets a Festival hat

2011-12-18T11:17:00.002-07:00

This was almost as good as the marshmallows guns!!

Annual Family Christmas Party

2011-12-18T11:12:00.001-07:00

Thank you everyone for coming!

Kyler gets Baptized

2011-12-18T11:10:00.002-07:00

We are so proud of you and love you so much!!

It's a small world

2011-11-30T07:06:00.002-07:00

Warm Christmas Hearts sold last night at Festival of Trees!!!
The tree actually had several bidders and went to silent auction. Surprisingly one bidder was the young couple who bought our tree last year and another bidder was the gentleman who bought our tree the year before.
As a reminder the gentleman who bought our tree 2 years ago, keep the TV but donated the tree to a single mother and her kids for Christmas. The young couple who bought our tree last year, donated it to a single mom with a young son who cerebral palsy.
The young couple won the bid for the tree with a final bid of $4,400.00 !
I think my mom, Sara , Jamie and I were as excited as they were about getting the purchase.
We got to talk to them as they learned about our family and we learned about theirs.
It was a wonderful night!

Kendal's tribute to her mom

2011-11-29T08:10:00.002-07:00

Autumm's first festival tree

2011-11-29T08:08:00.001-07:00

Away in an aquarium

Let Festival Begin-- Tribute to Lorne

2011-11-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

30 Days

2011-11-16T07:13:00.002-07:00

Yesterday was 30 days since the boys took Rob to the emergency room. They went from Preston, Idaho to Logan Regional medical, via helicopter to Mackay Dee and then by ambulance to IMC, Murray Utah. The Biopsy was Oct 17 and the results came back on Oct 19 that he had a high grade glioma brain tumor 4th stage.
Needless to say in those 5 days it was a roller coast of hopes, fears and tears.
We have moved his treatment to Huntsmans Cancer center. Last night Rob took his first chemo pill and today has his first radiation treatment.
We have been showered with family, friends, neighbors, good wishes, food, treats, cards, letter, blogs and love.
Every day is a new adventure. You never know what is going to happen. Some days are bad, some days are good.
But every day is precious and brings new meaning to live and to death.
Is it the worst thing that has ever happened, sometimes. It is the best thing, sometimes.
Am I being carried -- always.
Do I wish it would never had happened, no. Do I wish it would go away, no.
For whatever reason we have this trial before us, I know we have the strength and faith to get us through. And in the end, it is the big picture that matters.
And no matter how long it seems, it is but a blink of an eye.

Thank you Katie for sharing

2011-11-15T05:34:00.000-07:00

You truly have a wonderful spirit Deb. Rob and Family are in our prayers and thoughts. I'm Thankful he has such a wonderful Wife to go thru this with him. I want to share something with you that Im not sure you know about. Maybe you do.

My Mom (laurie) and I were talking and laughing about the past and Rob etc. We were both tearing up and laughing. She said "I remember a time when I had a convo with Rob about religion. He said that he had a "dream" that he thought really was a vision or a message from above. He said he dreamed that people were standing all around him, like in heaven almost. And there was a Higher being or a "judge" type person, that said "who will take this man" and pointed to Rob. Rob then said that a woman stood up, it was wife Deb, stood up and raised her hand high and said "I will take Him!"

My mom said that she remembered this talk with him and not quite sure why. But was comforted by this because she was upset about Robs news of falling ill. She shared it with me and said she thought it would comfort me, that he believed in continuing on and having a purpose here.

Thought it was a neat story and I would share it with you.

Love Katie

Sunday will come

2011-11-14T11:57:00.002-07:00

Two years ago when our house caught on fire, my best Festival of Tree friend , RaeElla sent this quote to me. I found it again today.

“Each of us will have our own Fridays—those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces. We all will experience those broken times when it seems we can never be put together again. We will all have our Fridays. “But I testify to you in the name of the One who conquered death—Sunday will come. In the darkness of our sorrow, Sunday will come. “No matter our desperation, no matter our grief, in this life or the next, Sunday will come.”

Today it means even more to me than it did then.

Ambree practicing for Festival of Trees

2011-11-11T13:49:00.001-07:00

Be kind to all you meet, each of us carries a burden that others can't see

2011-11-11T05:01:00.002-07:00

Handicapped parking has a whole new meaning to me. I was always wondered why there were so many stalls and why in the heck did everyone using them seem fine.
My grandfather had one leg and never used them. He left them for those in need. Sadly now that is me.
We have a sticker and we may look fine but we are not. Shopping is a task, it has to be done but you do not have the energy, desire or time to do it. Then when you finally do, you are anxious, stressed, confused. I take a list but cannot remember where anything is, I want to buy something but it is too far to matter, I get sick to my stomach,I think too hard and then the headache comes. I have to still pay for the items and then people talk to you and you want to throw up. I try to find my "happy place" but there is none. I think about home, does Rob need me, has he fallen, does he need to go to the restroom, has he ventured outside?? I have been gone too long. Nothing you buy matters. I barely make it to the car. So does 20 steps matter -- yes it does.
So when you see someone using handicap parking, best thing you can do is probably give them a hug.

Thank you

2011-11-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass ... it's about caring and
loving your relatives and friends while you can touch and see them, and
they are still among us."

The wreaths are done

2011-11-06T10:36:00.002-07:00

Once again my mom, sisters and neice were able to get together and make wreaths for Festival of Trees. Just look what you can do with all the left overs. We are so excited and had a great day. Even the snow added to the celebration and of course Kendal feed us all!!!!

PS eat your heart out Martha Stewart-- bet you never thought of using the garage door like this!

The DeWitt men

2011-11-04T04:18:00.001-07:00

Trunk and Treat 2011

2011-11-04T03:51:00.002-07:00

Taking Halloween to the Hospital

2011-10-23T04:47:00.001-07:00

Quote from our book in book club this month

2011-10-22T02:57:00.001-07:00

There’s A Land Of Begin Again

When all your troubles just surround you

And around you skies are grey

If you can only keep your eyes on

The horizon, not so far away.

There’s a land of begin again

On the other side of the hill

Where we learn to live & love again

When the world is quiet & still.

There’s a land of begin again

And there’s not a cloud in the sky

Where we’ll never have to grieve again

And we’ll never say goodbye.

Loving my Festival of Tree Committee gift

2011-10-17T03:59:00.001-07:00

thank you Wonda for thinking of me and thank you Ruth for making it happen

Things that make the weekend fun

2011-09-27T06:56:00.002-07:00

Tending Luke and having him hold so still and eyes wide open while I sing to him.
Lily putting on her own makeup, dressing up in gown and heels, making lemon tarts and delivering them to Debbie and Whitney.
Lily unable to carry the wooden pumpkin so she used the cooler chest which has wheels to bring the pumpkin out front.
Ambrees best day ever because she gets to decorate the house for Halloween.
The little bear ghost who use to be taller than Lily, now comes to Lily's waist.
Lily helping to hang pictures and clean the house.
Falling off the ladder.
Having Colby stop by to talk
Rob dropping off the trailer to the wrong house, not Matt's house and the neighbor calling the cops to come pick it up
Hunter and his karate gear

What a great happy grandparent day present

2011-09-24T09:19:00.001-07:00

Ambree and Hunter made these cards for us for Grandparents day and I just love them. She slipped in a dollar bill for grandpa and ma. It's that the sweetest thing ever!

Family Party Continues

2011-09-20T16:58:00.001-07:00

Family Party 2011

2011-09-20T16:51:00.001-07:00

End of the summer family party

2011-09-17T14:12:00.004-07:00

Jessie

Reagan

The two sisters Brookie and Lily

Brookie

Jess

I Love Ella

2011-09-17T14:11:00.002-07:00

She doesn't allow love me but she will!

Happy 6th Birthday Lily

2011-09-17T14:04:00.003-07:00

Whew there were a lot of little girls!!
Matt made this unbelievable cake

Lily having a great time!

Here is the new TV-- let football season begin

2011-09-10T07:38:00.000-07:00

Happy 47th anniversary to my dad and mom

2011-09-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

Getting our nails done

2011-08-21T08:59:00.001-07:00

Cousins End of Summer Party at Fun-in-motion

2011-08-21T08:50:00.002-07:00

Baby Lukas

2011-08-09T06:50:00.002-07:00

Grandma, mom and me starts with Boomdocks and Baby Lukas being born

2011-08-09T06:14:00.004-07:00

We all went to Boondocks Saturday monring and spend several hours riding and playing. Then after seeing the baby we headed up to East Canyon for a sleep over.

Red rock Fun

2011-07-27T21:20:00.001-07:00

Why I like Red Rock Canyon Lodge

2011-07-27T21:09:00.004-07:00

Familiar-- we have been going there for years and the cabins are familiar

it is quiet

You can think

we can do things we never do at home that are warm and fuzzy

like roasting marshmallows, making s'mores,

I love having the pool on the porch with the craydads, fish, rocks, sticks, moss in it

It is like our own petting pool-- or aquarium

Love rafting the green river

sleeping in

staying up late at the camp fire

Seeing wildlife

no clocks-- time slows down

Listening to the kids

picking flowers-- throwing rocks

Sunday lesson learned

2011-07-21T20:21:00.001-07:00

As we meet with Church members around the world, one challenge seems universal: having enough time to do everything that needs doing. Among those who have few resources, the need is for more time to secure the necessities of life. Among those who have sufficient, the need is for more time to attend to the niceties of life. The challenge is daunting because time is fixed; man can neither lengthen out the day nor extend the year.
The world is the culprit. As the world grapples with more efficient ways of managing time, it lures us into more and more earthly pursuits. But life is not a struggle with time—it is a struggle between good and evil.
This is the counsel I have for the Latter-day Saints to day. Stop, do not be in a hurry. … You are in too much of a hurry; you do not go to meeting enough, you do not pray enough, you do not read the Scriptures enough, you do not meditate enough, you are all the time on the wing, and in such a hurry that you do not know what to do first. … Let me reduce this to a simple saying—one of the most simple and homely that can be used—‘Keep your dish right side up,’ so that when the shower of porridge does come you can catch your dish full.” 1
The establishment of Zion should be the aim of every member of this Church. It can be safely said: As we seek with all our hearts to bring forth and establish Zion, the vexations of too little time will disappear.
In Zion, The home is no longer a hotel but a place of peace, security, and love. Society itself changes. In Zion, contentions and disputations cease, class distinctions and hatreds disappear, no one is poor—spiritually or temporally, and all manner of wickedness is no more. As many have attested, “Surely there could not be a happier people among all the people … created by the hand of God.” The ancient prophet Enoch labored many years to bring his people to this state of righteousness. Like our day, they also lived in a time of wickedness, wars, and bloodshed. But the righteous people responded. “And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.” 6 . Those who embrace them and govern themselves accordingly become pure in heart. “

Remembering

2011-07-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

Do you remember:
Our dad having a pet monkey.
Going to the parades downtown and drinking hot chocolate in grandpa’s motor home
Riding up to Pinedale Wyoming in the back of grandma’s car
Going to the beaver pond
Putting fish eyes in a glass so we could look at them
Peeking through the hole in the wall to the tub at the cabin
Laying in the hammock at the cabin in pinedale
Fishing all day in the boat wear those ugly yucky life jackets
Going to grandma Micheal's. Sue’s side of the room was always clean, Kathi’s was always messy
The big moose head on the stairs at grandma whoa- buddy
The pink mints we ate at grandma whoa-buddy
Grandma golden hair
The year my Easter basket was hidden on the ceiling and I could not find it but you pointed up to help me
The frogs that were all over the roads at grandma Mikes and we thought they would pee on us and give us warts
Eating birds that our dad killed and finding the metal pellets in the meat
Canning fruit in the kitchen
Grandma Greg’s raspberry jam with the wax on top
Staying in the trailer at Strawberry
When mom and dad rented a trailer and we went to Oregon/Washington and bought items made of Myrtle wood
Walking to Grandview and we loved to pass the wishing well
Playing on the playground at Grandview and through the fence you could see pioneer village before they moved it to Lagoon
Mom cutting our bangs TOO short
Easter dresses, mine was always pink and yours was always yellow but it was the same pattern
Easter hats, Easter gloves
One Halloween when the young men were dressed as ghost but were on their knees on our porch trick –treating and after we gave them the treat they stood up and were huge and ran away
Making valentine boxes to take to school
Mom and dad anniversary where Steve sang them a song and we had put our baby sitting money together and gave them a certificate to eat at Balsam Embers
Terry, Larry, Marty. Cory, Buzzy , Dottie Hanks
Sherri Kanaris
Wanting a cotton candy machine but couldn't’t have one because they keep catching on fire
Mom coming to school and selling saving bonds stamps, buying the stamps every week and putting them in our books
Taking a towel to kindergarten to take a nap on after snacks
Going downtown to grandpa dental office and the nurse who held our hand
Lunch at ZMCI
Lunch at Auerbachs
Keeping all our new school clothes under the bed- 5 underwear, 5 socks , one pair of shoes
Listening and dancing to the song “ the stripper”
Playing the player piano in grandma’s basement
Going Caroling or doing the Christmas story Christmas eve at grandma Greg’s
The red candy lipstick with the gold foil
The small store in a house around the corner from Grandma George that had penny candy
Staying in a tent at the family reunion
Catching guppy’s in the river at the family reunion
The raffle at the family reunion
The year grandpa got a live turkey to kill for thanksgiving and he chopped off the head and it kept running around

For my sister, Dianna... Do you remember

2011-07-13T17:28:00.002-07:00

Every memory I have from the very, very beginning includes my sister, Dianna. I do not remember a time when she was not in my life. I was eighteen months when she was born but I know my mother was talking to me about her long before she came into the world. I can hear my mother telling about my new baby brother or sister and how I was to take care of him or her and how important I would be to them. I know I was in love with her before she was born. We knew each other in Heaven and talked while she was still in my mother belly. It was always the plan for us to be together--- forever.

My earliest memories are at the white house. We live downstairs and a nice couple lived upstairs. I remember climbing those stairs and bring my sister along with me. She had my hand and she held the rails and barely made it up every time. But I was not going without her.
In that same house we had a bird. I remember having it outside and the bird escaping – never to return. It was a sad time and we both cried together.
We shared a room in the basement of our new home after Grandma got married. We had 2 of the same beds and 2 of the same dressers—both in brown wood. Some times we had bunk beds , some time they were apart and we would jump over from bed to bed all night long. One day when we were suppose to be in bed we were jumping and having so much fun and making so much noise. We heard a noise on the stairs and stopped—then we heard Ricky giggle and so we kept playing.. Ricky was on our dads shoulder and we both took a whipping” for not minding.
Our room was big and on the wall there was a book shelf full books which we spent hours looking touching moving and playing with. I think that is one of the reasons why we both love to read.
Our cat was Ting-a-ling. She was a Siamese. She was always having babies up in the floor joints above our room. We could hear her crying and then we could hear the kittens.
One time we had the baby kittens outside in the front year and one of the kittens got run over by a car. We were so sad and keep them in our room.
Our life as the 2 girls was short as Ricky was born 12 months after Dianna. He was the perfect baby and we adorned and waited on him. It was better than any doll. Nothing was better than walking him in the stroller and we both fought over who got to push, who go to hold him, who got to feed him, etc.
Out in our back yard was a huge weeping willow, one night there was a storm and it broke a huge branch off that hit the house. We were out investigating it the next morning.
We also had a secret hiding place behind the furnace in the basement. It was a hole in the cement filled with spider webs bugs and junk. Heavens knows how we found it or why we continued to go it but we did.
We use to also have a hut up the street in a grandma ladies back yard. She let us have a card table with a blanket over the top. We loved her snap dragons and use them as earrings.
We spent one summer going to the Lutheran Summer school and made salt rock house, we found over who got to carry the little envelope of money for tithing and sang our favorite song—

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword;His truth is marching on.Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
How about the 24th of July primary parade, where we were dressed up as pioneers and Indians and made the wagon into our handcart. I have a picture of it somewhere.
Or the Halloween when I was going to be Wilma and go the chicken pox so Dianna and Aunt Sandy went out and got my candy for me.
How about all that fruit cake Mom and dad sold for the JC’s that we hated.
And like all children that do not mind, we were told not to get on the bike with bare feet but Dianna did and got her heel cut in the spokes.
And yet another one of our favorite playing places--- Highway 80 before it was built. Remember running across the dirt trying not to get caught?
We loved and thought Dottie brown was beautiful and loved to be with her when she laid out with the turban on her head.
We are at the play ground together on the spinning wheel when mom came to pick up us home and take us home because Cory had passed away.
We loved to go to grandpa and grandma McBride’s first home. Remember seeking down and looking at all of Brian’s drawing. When we attended Brian’s wedding we thought Marlene was a beautiful princess.
How about the time we found a snake in the front bushes and we were told it would not bit us BUT it bite you!
Didn’t you just love it how Caesar bit everyone’s butt as they ran away from the front door.
How about getting that new little brother, Danny, Mr. Sticky yoyo himself. I know mom brain washed us on that one. We were told time and time again how he was the MOST beautiful baby in the world.
Remember make deer prints with our hands at the cabin to tease grandma and she fell for it.

Yes, Dianna--- I remember and cherish every memory

Red canyon Lodge for the 24th

2011-07-13T17:23:00.002-07:00

The beautiful Gorge

The map on how to get there -- though we often miss the turn off and come in the long way-- do not use any car navigation systems!!!!

Fine Dining with all the squirrels and hummingbirds

The sweet cabins
We are headed to Red Canyon lodge for the 24th. It is one of our favorite places!! We love to look for deer. Rob does not like the canoes. We like paddle boats. We feed the fish. We catch and keep the crawdads. We go to the park. We do projects. It is just so fun and relaxing.

Blue baby boy DeWitt

2011-07-13T17:07:00.002-07:00

We are anxiously waiting for Marianne and Matt's baby. Marianne was admitted to the hospital this week and she is on bed rest until that that little guy decides to come.
I have had Lily over for a bit the last two days. She has been bathing, tending, watching, feeding, training Frodo as practice for the new baby brother.
I know she will be a huge help to her mom and dad.
Yesterday, she bathed Frodo for the second time. The first time she gradually took off her clothes as they got wet. This time she took off the clothes and then bathed Frodo.
She combs his hair.
She wipes his face.
It is a full time job and always me to work while she keeps busy.
Then we did her nails.
Watched movies.
I asked her to set the table for lunch. She had napkins, dishes, glasses with straws and she placed suckers in the glasses because I had no umbrellas.
Afterwards she went down stair and dressed up as a princess.
So we had to do her hair and add makeup.
Then the dad came early and spoiled all the fun.
Lily said, " I love my tumbling class but I'd rather be a princess"
There is still no name for blue baby dewitt. Marianne and Matt like Luke.
The boys now call Oreo the goat, Luke.
They think Marianne will not name the baby the same name as the goat.
The goats new name LUKE HUDSON"
Colby took him for a walk the other night and Luke Hudson did great.

Cameron goes to China

2011-07-13T16:53:00.002-07:00

Cameron leaves for China for three weeks in 2 days. Shae had a great party last night at the U for him. We had a wonderful time with friends, family and neighbors. I have no idea where my camera but there were hundreds of picture moments. And the kids-- there were so many I could not even keep track. Including that big kid Brent, who brought about 100 boxes of poppers to torture the kids.

I know how important it is for him to go. It is a great opportunity. But as we said our good byes, I could see in his face that he was hesitant about going. It is a long time from his family and no matter how exciting, wonderful, marvelous it sounds,,, THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME.

Unlike Matt, Brent and Colby, Cameron had not been out of the states ( not counting cruising) and been on his own. It will be a life time experience.

I guess that little kid in the batman suit has grown up.

Or has he???????

I guess Oreo does like us

2011-07-13T16:43:00.002-07:00

It has been a trial having Oreo, the goat join our family. He is very stubborn and I thought he was unhappy here at the DeWitt farm. I hate having him in the shed. I do not like tying him up but pooping and peeing on the patio furniture is not good. Plus his favorite place to stand-- on the table. Yuck!
I have had him loose in the yard for 2 days. He never wanders. He does not leave the back door. I thought he might find the field but nope. He stays on the back porch the whole time.
So today I decided to take him to Gardner village so he could join the petting zoo. There is no petting zoo there.
Then I took him over to the goat farm on 1300 West. Frodo and I got him out of the car and walked around the farm. He did not like the ducks. He did not like the chickens. He did not like the other goats.
In fact he stayed with Frodo and I the whole time. No rope, no collar, he just stayed with us. We went right, he went right . We went left, he went left. We headed to the car, he came over and stood by the car.
What's a girl support to do?
I brought Oreo back home again.
I guess he likes us more than we know.

What I learned from Sundays lesson

2011-06-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

Our unquestioning obedience to the Lord’s commandments is not blind obedience. President Boyd K. Packer: “Latter-day Saints are not obedient because they are compelled to be obedient. They are obedient because they know certain spiritual truths and have decided, as an expression of their own individual agency, to obey the commandments of God. … We are not obedient because we are blind, we are obedient because we can see”

Today is our first meeting for Festival of Trees 2011

2011-06-24T06:53:00.002-07:00

I have taken the day off to attend our first festival of trees meeting. I am having breakfast with festival friends at 9:30 at Primary Children's hospital. At 10:00 they are having happy hour which is

1. Buying logo items

2. Picking out small fry assignments-- ( mine are done!!!)

3. Free stuff from donations

Then we have our meeting at 11:00

Lunch at 12:00

and

then we get to cart it all home!!

When I think about festival I think about all these kids and how lucky we are to have healthy and happy kids in our family. It is really a blessing!

The birthday Party

2011-06-08T19:10:00.002-07:00

Thanks for a great dinner and party. Don't you just love it when the sun finally shines!

Thanks Colby for usig the WENCH and removing the dead stuff

2011-06-08T19:08:00.003-07:00

Thanks Heather for helping!! one of my favorite presents-- slave labor!

Yeah -- A new fence

2011-06-08T19:03:00.004-07:00

Finally after years of being self conscience about bathing in the semi nude, I have some privacy. As I was growing up my dad always insisted that Dianna and I have " tan lines" . Well Rob just happens to not like tan lines and neither do I !!!

For my birthday, Rob finally put up a wooden fence in the back. It is so sweet. We had breakfast in our pajamas on Sunday out on the porch!! And the day tanning just got better from there. Sorry no pictures!

Welcome Oreo to Grandma's Farm

2011-06-08T18:57:00.002-07:00

I have wanted goat for a long time and here he is. Colby and Heather brought him over for my birthday. He is a baby and just left his mother so he cries a lot. He sounds just like Baby Cam and it made me miss the Millers. I was so interested in getting to know a goats personality. But one day one he danced all around the yard and was not interested in being friends. Day 2 I let him out after work and things were fine until Matt and I could not catch him to put him back in the goat house. Luckily Rob had the patience to wear him down and carried him back. Today we have left him in the shed and he is crying. I need to go to Petco and get some stuff so we can handle him better. This will certainly be a learning experience for all of us.

Hunter turns 4

2011-06-04T07:36:00.001-07:00

I have lost all my cameras so I have no pictures from the great party. However being 4 brings it own challenges:

Hunter eating dinner..
Hunter: Can I be done?
Brent: No, you have to eat 4 more bits ( it use to be three bits because he was three now it has jumped up to 4 )
Hunter: How's about you say one more bit and we call it good?

Things I want to remember they said....

2011-05-30T20:19:00.001-07:00

In the front room eating Pez candy:

Kinley: I like red, Kyler likes red.

Grandma: Hunter likes red too.

Kinley: So does my cousin Broccoli ( Ambree)

Waiting in the car for Ambree's baseball game to be over:

Hunter: Do you have a TV in your car?

Grandma: No, I do not.

Hunter: Do you have a show on your phone?

Grandma: No, I do not

Hunter pushing all the button, pulling all the knobs and finds the tweezers.

Hunter: these are sharp

Grandma: Yes .they are you have to be very careful with them. ( I get out to get in the back)

Hunter: Hey, you're not coming around to take these from me?

Small accident happen:

Hunter: Don't tell my dad, he will be mad

Don't tell grandpa he will laugh

Grandma: Can I call mom so she can help us?

Hunter: Yes,she will bring new undies.

Chaos

2011-05-21T08:40:00.002-07:00

Today the world is suppose to end. I do not believe the news.

However 2011 does not seem to be a good year. There is so much happening in the world and at home, that it makes me wonder.
At bookclub we discussed this and decided that the world and our lives are in chaos and I wonder if and when it will ever end.
This last month,

my sisters husband has passed away

my grandmothers basement flooded

Both Rob and I started new jobs

Easter

Mothers day

my great aunt died

Rob lost his job

my uncle moved in with my grandma

yard work to start

my uncle had a major operation

2 new church callings

good friends with bad health

Do we ever get to go back to the simple life?

Missionary quotes By Jeffery R Holland

2011-05-21T08:37:00.001-07:00

Anyone who does any kind of missionary work will have occasion to ask, Why is this so hard? Why doesn’t it go better? Why can’t our success be more rapid? Why aren’t there more people joining the Church? It is the truth. We believe in angels. We trust in miracles. Why don’t people just flock to the font? Why isn’t the only risk in missionary work that of pneumonia from being soaking wet all day and all night in the baptismal font?
You will have occasion to ask those questions. I have thought about this a great deal. I offer this as my personal feeling. I am convinced that missionary work is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience. Salvation never was easy. We are The Church of Jesus Christ, this is the truth, and He is our Great Eternal Head.
How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him? It seems to me that missionaries and mission leaders have to spend at least a few moments in Gethsemane. Missionaries and mission leaders have to take at least a step or two toward the summit of Calvary. If He could come forward in the night, kneel down, fall on His face, bleed from every pore, and cry, “Abba, Father (Papa), if this cup can pass, let it pass,” then little wonder that salvation is not a whimsical or easy thing for us. If you wonder if there isn’t an easier way, you should remember you are not the first one to ask that. Someone a lot greater and a lot grander asked a long time ago if there wasn’t an easier way

I promise that because of your faithful response to the call to spread the gospel, He will bind up your broken hearts, dry your tears, and set you and your families free. That is my missionary promise to you

Lily graduates

2011-05-21T08:05:00.002-07:00

Last night we attended Lily's graduation from Preschool. It was cute and they are still singing the same songs our boys sang when they graduated from preschool. Matt was teasing Rob about attending. I had to remind him that we had been doing this for 30 years. Matt said he did not remember ever doing any of it. I said we do.
So to Matt who always wanted to put on a puppet show, worn and performed in the magician's cape that Aunt Dianna made, here is your song:
I am a policeman dressed in blue
here are the things I like to do
direct the traffic in your town, help to keep you safe and sound
oh it's my job
and I like it fine
no one has a better job than mine
And for Brent:
in the nick, in the nick in the nick of time
that's when kids arrive
not 1
not 2
not 3 or 4
but in the nick of time -- that's FIVE
and for Cameron
There was a snail called Herbert who was so very slow He caused a lot of traffic jams wherever he would go The ants were always getting mad and the beetles, they would fume But Herb would always poke along and sing this little tune Have patience, have patience Don't be in such a hurry When you get impatient, you only start to worry Remember, remember that God is patient, too And think of all the times when others have to wait for you When Herbert was much younger, he often got in trouble Forgetting that he was a snail, he did things on the double He'd crash through every spider web and with crickets he'd collide' Til one day Herbert's father took his speeding son aside As you can well imagine, there's a moral to this tale Some of you may find yourselves behind a creeping snail So if you get impatient and you're easily disturbed Think about this little song and take a tip from Herb
and for Colby who spent the 2 hours on the bus from Disneyland to San Diego, trying to learn this song, and even though all the other passengers will be haunted by it the rest of their lives, Colby still did not memorize it:
Oh she sailed away on a lovely summer day on the back of a crocodile
you see said she hes as tame as he can so I'll ride him down the Nile
well the croc winked his eye as they waved him all good bye
wearing a happy smile
at the end of the ride
the lady was inside and the smile was on the crocodile
and for Jessica,
who made me memorize these songs until I finally did then right
when you send a valentine, that's the time to run
shove it under neath the door
ring the bell and run run run
ring the bell and run
and
knock knock knock sounds like more, trick or treaters at my door
and
I open the door and what do I see
3 scary monsters looking at me
I give them a treat and then they flee
knock knock knock

Easter 2011

2011-04-27T05:16:00.001-07:00

Hunter

2011-04-12T16:10:00.003-07:00

Our tree climber

2011-04-12T16:05:00.002-07:00

Ambree is just like Jessica. Except the tree has gotten a bit bigger since Jessica was climbing it.

Happy Birthday Ambree

2011-04-12T16:01:00.001-07:00

7 wonderful years!!!

Playdough Master pieces

2011-03-29T17:42:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday Heather

2011-03-29T17:35:00.002-07:00

Thanks Ambree for making dinner and decorating the cake. You did a GREAT job!

Dress up or treasure hunt-- Sundays are the best

2011-03-29T17:23:00.002-07:00

Here are the girls in thier new dress up but the hit of the day was Colbys treasure hunt that he set up in the back yard. We are all anxious for summer!

Battle Los Angeles

2011-03-26T15:28:00.002-07:00

Rob and I are not big movies attenders. It just got to be too disappointing. The movies are too much money, the seats are uncomfortable, the standards of other attenders below par, we down too much overly buttered popcorn and the movies suck. We like Comcast on demand. At home in our own little room, our own uninterrupted space, all we can eat and drink, we can move around and if we fall asleep, we can start it all over again today or tomorrow. Colby and Heather had given us a movie pass and so yesterday at work when it was suggested we see Battle Los Angeles, we went. I was not disappointed. I have been reading about WWII because of my grandpa and what I imagine was displayed on the screen. There was no nudity, no heavy duty blood scenes, no nutcase to make you feel uneasy, and they did not focus on the aliens. It was about people and the decisions they make and why. It was about being more than yourself. It was about the Marines and if you did not already love these young men and women who are out there fighting for us, after watching the movies, you will.
I do not think I have what it takes and I am not sure I ever did. I am grateful for those who choose to serve and defend our country and freedom.
Maybe in our own way, we are all fighting some type of war and their motto rings true to my heart.
Retreat- Hell!

A prayer

2011-03-15T07:31:00.003-07:00

It is hard to sing of oneness when our world is not complete, when those who once brought wholeness to our life have gone, and naught but memory can fill the emptiness their passing leaves behind.
But memory can tell us only what we were, in company with those we loved: it cannot help us find what each of us, alone, must now become. Yet no one is really alone: those who live no more, echo still within our thoughts and words, and what they did is part of what we have become.
We do best homage to them when we live our lives most fully even in the shadow of our loss.
author unknown

I was watching Corina, Corina the other day. One of my most favorite movies of all time. I relate to the young girl who lost mother. I remember the same feelings, words, actions from when I was young. In the movie the little girl states that she wants to die. How well I remember that feeling.
Right after we bought our first home, I served in the Relief Society Presidency as second counselor. During this time, a father of 9 children was out jogging and died. I still remember visiting the wife. She was devastated and keep telling us she wanted to die. It bothered me and I went to my mother and asked her if she had felt the same way when our dad had passed away. She told me that she had never felt that way as she was all that us kids had left and she had a strong desire to live.

I have lost many loved one since my dad and many I miss terribly. But it is that feeling of loneliess that makes me still "want to die". Sometimes the emptiness is so great, so vast that I cannot get past it. I have been doing geneology and the desire is so strong to be with them again. Not only are they missed on this side of the vail but the other side of the vail is just as empty without "us" the us that we were together. I can feel their pull. I desire to be with them.

The world is so dark and I am drawn to the light again and again. I realize I am here on my own mission and will be able to return to my Father, Mother and my brother Jesus when it is completed. I am willing and able to find the path to be what I can become. It is just sometimes, I wonder................

One year ago today

2011-03-10T14:33:00.002-07:00

One year ago today my grandmother passed away. It has been an interesting year and I have learned many new things about her. This last week my uncle gave me all her personal items. I was able to read letters from my grandmother and great grandmother and learn so many things about her life. Here is a small glimpse of her life:
My grandmother was born to Grace Evans,a single mother who had the fathers name removed from the birth certificate. My grand mothers birth certificate name is Geraldine Evans. Soon after Geraldine was born, Grace married AE Headley. From that time forward my grandmother was known as Fern Headley. Grace married to AE Headley was rocking and she left with Fern several times. AE Headley wrote beautiful love letters begging her to return and it looks like it worked. When Fern was 14 her mother died and Fern went to love with her grandmother Clara Evans. However before she could go to her grandmothers, her grandma made her change her name back to Geraldine Evans. When Geraldine lived with her grandparents she found out that her father was not dead, as she had been told all her life , but he was a live. Geraldine set out on a quest to find him and she did find him. There were a few letter between them, her father wanted to get to know her and told her that he had been divorced for years and had search for them but were never able to find Grace or Geraldine. They had only a few correspondences and then he died. Geraldine never got to meet her dad.
Soon after Geraldine become a single mom, who moved to Salt Lake. My grandmother, Jean tended Geraldine's son Greg while she worked. Within 3 years Geraldine was married to my grandpa and was a part of my life for 54 years.

Patent pending

2011-03-10T14:21:00.002-07:00

I have gotten a new job and had to go get a drug test. This is a new experience for me and I will have to say it was NOT pleasant.
First, it is at insta care and everyone there is sick! I take in my little paper and they let me know that they only have one machine so it will be about a 50 minute wait-- in the sick room.
So I go out to my car to wait out the majority of the time, decide I have time to run to the bank and get some money and then once I have money , I decide I need a burger so I pick one up and return to read my oriental trader catalog.
I am called to the back with the rest of the sickies,, told I have to take off my jacket, leave my purse, wash my hands and then given a small cup to pee in and shown the bathroom. The nurse had no bed side mannners at all. She is not pleasant and I am not pleasant back. There is no shelf in the bathroom. I am not sure how they expect you to wipe and still keep the cup in hand. I make it out and hand her my pee cup, it is extremely humiliating and I hate it. She makes me initial the cup and electronically sign for the pee cup. Then I am free to go.
Surely this is is about as humiliating as you can get. what amazes me more is ho wthey treat you like you are guilty before you even pee.
So I have thought of the Drug testing toilet. When you can just pee on the pot and it goes into the toilet which contains the machine to test for drugs. Kind of like a one stop shop without everyone having to touch the pee cup.
I need to start to look for funding.

Lunch with an old friend

2011-03-03T18:06:00.002-07:00

I had dinner tonight with my friend Maria. She had recently tailored Rob's new suit and I happened to mention that Rob was talking about stopping by to thank her and show her what a great job she did.
She was anxious for him to stop by and when her did, he could he bring some of those red hot poker plants from the back yard and a shovel.
I was laughing and could hardly wait to tell Rob as he is a little in debt to her for the rush job on the suit.
Then Maria remembered that her furnace filter needed to be changed too and could I send him over.
It just made me laugh!
Who know what the list will look like by the time he gets there!

Lacey the Horse

2011-03-03T18:01:00.004-07:00

Grandma: laughing, laughing, laughing
Kyler: My mom and dad do not think it is fun. They are not laughing at all. My mom hates it.
Grandma: laughing laughing laughing
Kyler: Grandma they really are not laughing
Grandma: Does Kinley like her birthday pony?
Kyler: oh yeah she loves her so much
Grandma: do you like Kinleys birthday pony?
Kyler: oh I really love the pony too
Grandma: laughing laughing laughing
Big smile
Grandma: kyler can you pinch the ponies ear so grandma can hear it sing
Kyler : yes
Grandma: laughing laughing laughing
Yes, being a grandma is great. You can buy what ever you want. Revenge, payback or what ever you want to call is Bliss!

One year anniversary

2011-03-02T18:16:00.002-07:00

It has been one year since the fire/ repair and we moved back into our house. I would have to say it has not been an easy one and we have not come very far. But we are finally getting back to our lives. Losing the sale of our home was not that bad and really we did not lose any personal items in the fire so that was good. Three months plus in a hotel was okay. But we were depressed and had lost all confidence in ourselves and could not find it, as we faced one trial after another. I lost my job. My grandmother passed away. There are always family issues that do not allow the heart to heal. And even though we kept our personal circles small and did not venture out much, it seems there was not much good happening around us. I got a job but neither of us were happy at work. It was one tough year. And I didn't realize how bad it was till Thanksgiving when the kids made dinner here at the house and I had no cornstarch. It was the straw the broke the camels back. We decided to pull back together.
I have a new job, Rob is looking for a job, we have made new commitments to ourselves and others. We want 2011 to be better. We want to be better and we are the only ones who can make it happen.
We lost one year of our lives. I do not know where it went but that is going to change and this year hopefully will be the one that will be unforgettable.
I thank my lord, my brother Jesus and my wonderful husband for getting me through it. Without them--- who would care and want to even go on.

Happy 3rd Birthday Kini-bell

2011-03-02T18:09:00.003-07:00

How did you grow so big so fast???
And what a special day.
March 3 turning 3
We hope it turns out to be a lucky day for you!!!
And since all you want for your birthday is PINK
Grandma and pa got you something extra pink!!! We can hardly wait for the party!

Sisters

2011-02-21T16:09:00.003-07:00

Conversations of a six and five year old.
Brookie: What if we went to the store and meet a boy five year old and a boy six year old.
Lily: ugh?
Brookie: The the boys liked us and we liked them.
Lily: ugh?
Brookie: And then they asked us out
Lily: ugh/
Brookie: HEY WAIT! How would they pay for the date?
Lily : ugh?

You are my valentine

2011-02-21T08:47:00.001-07:00

All dressed up and stuck at home

2011-02-20T13:12:00.003-07:00

It was the sisters ( Lily and Brookie ) sleep over this weekend and it has been packed.Lily came with a list of things she wanted to do. Friday night we had Kayden and Ryan so we went to the gym to go swimming ( check off the list) then to Gecko's for ice cream, scones and burritos ( in that order too) It was was busy night so it was no suprise that it was 10:45 pm before we ever got to bed. Then the sisters were up and going around 4:30 am. Obviously Mcdonalds is not open that early so we watched cartoons till 6:00am and headed over. Two hours at Mcdonalds ( check off the list) then we headed home. We cleaned the house, painted nails ( check off the list ), played with all the cushions off the couch ( check off the list ) and finally headed out to go shopping. We went to Smith so the girls could go to play land but Lily cried so I ended out staying out side the door for the whole hour. Then when I tried to move the cart around the store, it was almost crippling as it was too much for my finally mended knee. So we grab one jar of mayo and left. We then headed to the dollar store. The dollar store was easier as they left me to shop. Lily picked a flute, baton and a potted plant. Brookie picked a new purse, socks and notebook. When we got home Ambree and Hunter were here and although we wanted to go to a movie, we ended up going out to dinner. Then home to bed about 8:30 and painted our toe nails ( check off the list )Less than one movie later, they were asleep. Only up twice during the night, once for a drink and another time with a bad dream. Then up agian at 5:30 this morning. I was up cleaning but turned on cartoons for them. When they finally came down , we gave Frodo a bath ( check off the list ) had breakfast, pancakes for Lily and eggs for Brookies. Then they played while I worked on dinner. I thought I had planned it right and put them and their dolls in the bathtub while I finished off. I get one out of the tub and do her hair then turn on the TV. Another one out of the tub, do her hair and instruct them to both watch TV while I get ready for church. I am running a bit behind so I send Rob ahead to save seats. I get ready in record time ( 1/2 hour) and when I come out of the bathroom ready to put the final touches and leave --HELLO- they are both sound asleep in the bed. No one is going to wake them up and dog gone it, I wore them out so I am not going to let them sleep for their parents. So I am here alone and the girls are asleep-- hey wait I am not quit along as Cameron is here looking for his coat and he gets to see way more than his coat. Serves him right for being so quiet. I am loving it.

San Diego California

2011-02-09T20:45:00.006-07:00

Wow_ what a fun weekend. Arrived in San Diego on Friday night. Stayed that night in the hotel to eat and rest up for the weekend. Saturday morning, arise early and swim, free breakfast and then down to Seaport Village for the day. The weather is perfect and we just enjoy ourselves. First cruise ship we see, we want to be on it! There are face painter, musicians, impersonators, vendors, boats, planes, stores and restaurants. Best stores-- Pirate and the shell shop! Good food and plenty of sun for every one. When we have had enough time in the sun,we head home for a nap before going to the gaslight district for dinner. Not often you walk 1 1/2 miles to eat.
Sunday we go to Balboa park and visit the international village and spend the day getting to know all the countries, people and food. Head back to the hotel for the Sunday siesta.That night we head to Old Town and have dinner. Monday I have to work at the convention but as soon as I am off, we take the ferry over to Coronado for dinner and shopping. Tuesday, I have to work and then we head home. It was short and sweet.

Words that make me happy.

2011-02-09T19:05:00.002-07:00

When Kyler was small we loved to play with Play dough and the easiest thing to make were worms/snakes. Sadly unlike his grandma Kyler does not like real worms or snakes and so we had to come to an understanding,
Grandma: Kyler, do worms have eyes?
Kyler: No, snakes have eyes
Now I have Kinley and this is her favorite saying
Grandma: What do dogs eat?
Kinley: dog food
With Lily is goes
Granda: How is Ella?
Lily: she is fine.
I love talking to them like this as it is our special code but love it more when Kinley asks, Grandma what do dogs eat? Or Lily tells me Ella is fine without me asking.
Ambree is always asking me to tell me a story about the boys. I have many but for some reason just can't remember them all. But I am trying. So when Ambree says, Grandma tell me a story, I will have one.

You are my sunshine

2011-01-31T20:58:00.001-07:00

Cameron dresses up as the kids -- BATMAN

2011-01-31T20:49:00.003-07:00

4 pictures are worth a billion words

Decorating cookies for friends and family

2011-01-31T20:25:00.003-07:00

The sleep over

2011-01-31T20:13:00.002-07:00

Magic gardens, planning peanuts, dress up, popcorn and movies, TREATS

Ice Fishin Bear Lake 2011

2011-01-31T20:03:00.003-07:00

Family tradition to head to Bear lake and fish.

This year it was not frozen but it was beautiful and cold.

The rooms were great, swimming was fun and the kids were a riot!

WHEW-- I lost the bid

2011-01-31T10:33:00.002-07:00

Last week Kyler was over and his parents would not let us go to the store and buy a toys, so we did the next best thing and went shopping on e-bay. He wanted a Lego Xwing toys and it is easy to find on the Internet than shopping. Well ,we won and we were both excited! So last night he was anxious to get back on line and be yet another WINNER! We were bidding away on a few items and I was showing him how to do it. We were the highest bidder, we lost the bid, we needed to bid again, it was all so much fun! And he was an extremely fast learner. Then the other grand kids came over and joined us in the computer room-- a lot of stuff going on. Little did I know I had taught Kyler so well that even though I was away from the computer, he was busy bidding on other items---HELLO-- Brent noticed and I immediately logged off.
Today my in box is filled with YOU ARE CURRENTLY THE HIGH BIDDER!! I have no idea how I am going to explain this to Rob. Luckily the highest bid he has out there is for $18.00 and someone just out bid us! Whew. I guess this week, will find out just how lucky I am.

Making Cupcakes for Colbys birthday

2011-01-18T18:15:00.002-07:00

BUT where is COLBY????

He is in Hawaii for his birthday

Luckily it does not bother us, we decorate cupcakes and eat sprinkles as fast as we can!

Lesson learned

2011-01-18T17:29:00.002-07:00

It was 16 years ago. Our new neighbor, Lohra had moved in with 2 small boys and expecting a baby girl. I was anxious for the baby as Lohra was an excellent sharer. Lohra had gone to the hospital and I was left home tending the boys. I was instructed to bring them up when it was time to have the baby. We got the call and headed up, arriving right on time for the birth. The boys were in the room with their mom and I kind of hung off to the side, a little embarrassed to be in involved in such a personal family affair. Even after having 4 boys of my own I was still not all that comfortable with the whole birth process. As soon as Mickelle ( baby) was born Rennie ( dad) brought her to me. She still had the veil over her face. I had never experienced anything so beautiful in my life. It was so wonderful. She looked at me with those beautiful blue and we have loved each other ever since.
After spending time with the family the boys and I head home. On the way the boys put me through a tough interrogation. They are asking all the sex, delivery and baby question in the book. Many I do not have a answer for! I am reserve. I take my time to answer correctly and try to give as little information as possible. I am thinking- WHERE IS THEIR MOM AND DAD! It is an extremely long drive from LDS hospital to West Jordan, Utah. I am doing good but have not even addressed these questions with my own kids so many questions require some time to process. After all I have 4 boys so Rob was up, not me. They will not let up and make me answer all the questions. I am exhausted when we finally get home. I think I have done well. They have stopped talking about it ( thank heavens) I do nothing to encourage any other discussion and go to bed.
The next day Lohra and the baby come home. I rush over after work to see them. While I am holding Mickelle, Lohra says to me. " I am so glad the boys got to see the baby born. They took it so good, they have not even asked any questions" ARE YOU KIDDING ME! I tell Lohra about the drive home and let her know that they did have questions- MANY of them and that I answered them all. She had no idea it had happened. The boys had said nothing . I had tried to block it from my mind as much as possible. It was a lingering nightmare. Now I have to shared it all with her and even she is amazed at their many observations and conclusions.
So if I have learned anything then it would be that when parent says " they have not talked about it, they have not said anything, they have acted like nothing happened..... we think they are fine. They are not. Please do not wait for the child to say something-- talk to them, ask them. I am a firm believer that if you do not want to know the answer then do not ask the question but this is not true for small children who have just gone through a major/minor event. Please talk to them, please ask them. They have the thoughts and are waiting for the opportunity to talk about it. Hopefully they will find the right person and that person is you.

Hunter goes to the Monster show and brings home the best truck

2011-01-08T21:43:00.001-07:00

So sad that Christmas is over

2011-01-08T21:36:00.014-07:00

It's all taken down now
and my house feels empty

Sisters

2011-01-08T21:31:00.002-07:00

They both have blonde hair
they both have blue eyes
they both have freckles
they are both missing teeth
they both have pierces ears
same shoes size
same clothes size
same height

Movie review

2011-01-06T15:54:00.002-07:00

So it has been cold and we have been watching a lot of movies. Some are so bad!! There are none that are great but I thought I would post a review:
THE OTHER GUY- NOT FUNNY , TOO MUCH DUMB STUFF
THE AMERICAN- NO-NO-NO THERE WERE ABOUT 5 WORDS AND TOO MUCH NUDITY
WALL STREET- HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS GOING ON- FELL ASLEEP
SORCERER'S APPRENTICE-- GOOD ONE- WORTH WATCHING
KNIGHT AND DAY- WHAT A WASTE - FELL ASLEEP
EASY A - TRIED TO BE CUTE BUT SIMPLE
A TEAM- YUCK FELL ASLEEP
LAST AIR BENDER-- LIKED IT
INCEPTION- WATCHED IT THREE TIMES STILL NEVER SEEN THE WHOLE MOVIE AND HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS ABOUT
TOY STORY 3 - LIKED IT BUT ISN'T A BIT DARK FOR KIDS?
SALT- LIKED IT-- JUST LITTLE SLEEPING-

Maybe I am not seeing as many movies as I thought. But it sure looks like I am getting some great naps!

Heavens Blessings

2011-01-05T06:08:00.003-07:00

Congradulations to Lily and her mom and dad
they let us know last night that they are expecting a baby!!!

New Years day at the aquarium

2011-01-03T17:36:00.002-07:00

This is a great place. It was like being on vacation. A little pricing for how small it is but hopefully it will grow!

Kyler and Kinley sleep over

2011-01-03T17:28:00.002-07:00

Kinley tends herself and played downstairs. She loves to lock Frodo in the toy roo. Kyler put together his transformer and helped grandma. He even made the swedish pancakes for Breakfast.
They are so fun to have!!

I love rag mops

2010-12-30T10:11:00.003-07:00

Yes I have always loved rag mops but Kinley takes rag mops to a new level.
But for a boy, Hunter has the cut I LOVE!