New Years Eve 2015

We really went grocery shopping today...meats, cheeses, veggies...from Sam's and Costco. When we got home I cleaned out the freezers from outside, divided meat, and generally put things away. We are starting our new year with a resolution to finally get our physical selves at the best they can be - weight, fitness, health, etc. The things we did today will go a long way towards helping us achieve those goals.

We relaxed afterwards. Rich isn't feeling very well. My guess is that the initial steroid boost is wearing off and he's feeling the illness.

We asked Bob to meet us at Shoney's for their late nite breakfast bar to celebrate the new year, even though we would be home before midnight. It was good to catch up with Bob. We haven't seen him since we left and it was nice to hear that he'd had a good Christmas.

Rich and I had seen that Shoney's was doing their breakfast bar tonight and spent a little bit of time remembering a New Year's Eve long ago when we lived in Sumter, S.C. Cherstin was perhaps 4-5 years old and so excited to go out to Shoney's for New Years. She saw the bacon and that was all she wanted. I bet she had two pounds all by herself! She went back to the bar over and over and over - all with such glee.

All in all it has been a good year - full of happiness, excitement, and joy. We have three new baby granddaughters, a new Eagle Scout, two new baptized members of the church, Joey and Carlie have moved safely to Alabama, two new soon to be here granddaughters, a couple of car accidents that only injured the cars - not the beloved daughters in them, we have travelled thousands of miles safely, and there have been health challenges that have been borne well and while not yet over in all cases - there are reasons to hope and be grateful. Happy New Year!

New Years' Adam

We were up and moving fairly early as Rich had an appointment with Dr. DiMeo (pulmonologist) this morning as a follow-up. I really, really, really like Dr. DiMeo. He is thorough, concerned, supportive, and very knowledgeable. And, the biggest bonus of all, he really listens to us and doesn't discount for one second anything Rich says about how he feels. When we were up at Wanda and Robert's some of the kids developed ear infections, lung and respiratory coughs, runny noses, and sore throats. I had a good 10 days where I didn't feel great either. I had hoped that he wouldn't get it, and this may very well be something else, but Dr. DiMeo suspects that whatever it is was probably viral and his lungs and immune system just respond by allowing the viral to override and soon the normal bacteria a person is exposed to has full reign. His FEV1 was down somewhat today and so he gave Rich another steroid injection and ordered him on doxycycline and a long prednisone taper. He will follow up with him in two weeks. I'm guessing he'll have a few weeks of trying to get over this, but with any luck, we have caught it early.

Rich had a training appointment at the gym and a therapy appointment later in the day. He decided to go to both but he is tired tonight. Sleep will feel good.

I worked on smocking for Eve's dress and while I did that I vegged on Halmark movies that I had recorded over the course of the month. Rich teases me that he needs to get some screen cleaner for all the "sap". LOL

Tonight I had the opportunity to catch up on what's going on in Karen and Dave Hamblin's family. I count it a huge blessing that Cherstin and Dan found each other and the Dan came with Karen and Dave :) How blessed we are to have such wonderful friends! I guess the kids had to marry so that we could meet them!

I also caught up with Cherstin and Dan for a few minutes. I have been waiting to hear about the results of the MRI that was done on Dan for his back. Evidently there are some bulging discs and he is being referred to the spine center in downtown Anchorage. I'm so hoping that this is as great an outcome as before.

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Worked on Eve's dress, did some grocery shopping, made some leek soup for lunch and Julio came over and made chicken fajitas and watched a movie. Not a very glamorous day...or even eventful, but really a great way to recover from all our busyness.

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We got up early to get the car into Alamo on time as Rich had an appointment for his Xolair shot right after. We made the deadlines, both of them.

Then, headed home and relaxed for a few minutes and Rich prepared to head to physical therapy and I started to get things ready to start Eve's blessing dress. I actually got it pleated. Now I just need to get the smocking and beading done. I wanted to start other portions but maybe I'll just quilt Adam's quilt first...who knows...not me!

Desi called with the news that she's having kidney stone problems again. She and Mike ended up in the ER and at least she got a script for pain meds and urged to get into her dr in the next couple of days.

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Today we left Wisconsin about 5:30 am. We traveled as quickly as we could to Indianapolis Airport to turn in the car and pick up a new one. We met our deadline, just barely.

 

After getting the car we went to Jack in the Box for some lunch and headed home.

 

We listened to Glenn Beck's Miracles and Massacres on the way home. Thanks, Cherstin, for audible! :)

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We tried to pick up and put things in order - at least a little bit - hoping that as we packed the car we would be able to get out early in the morning with little difficulty. Rich helped Wanda take out the tree and she collected Christmas decorations throughout the house...I think she's ready for new beginnings. LOL!

Rich, Mary, and I ran into Madison for a few errands and then hurried back to Wanda and Robert's as Phil and Hannah had arrived. I tried to make peanut brittle but Wanda didn't have a candy thermometer and I'm afraid it was a little, ever so slightly, burned. It was still good...but definitely not perfect.

Robert and the boys came home from their activity at the church and we settled down to watch "The Cokeville Miracle" - it was a movie that was released earlier in the year but didn't make it out to our area and was made by LDS filmographers about a true story that happened in Cokeville, Wyoming. It was really, really good.

Rich wanted a few more minutes holding our newest granddaughter, Eve Lucy.

Aren't they adorable????

Well - Robert and I played our last series of Dr. Mario before I return in a few weeks. It's amazing that we have been playing Dr. Mario for 19 years - every time Wanda has a baby.

 

Christmas Day

I really had a hard time going to sleep last night. I don't know whether it was excitement or what! LOL. By about 2:30 am I think I finally drifted off but it wasn't a restful sleep and it seemed that I was awake off and on for the next several hours. Bekah arrived just about 5:15 or so. The boys (Sam, Mo, and Adam) and Ruth had gotten up a few minutes before she arrived. They were so excited. It seems it wasn't that long ago that our children were in that same place. Rich came wandering out as the rest of the kids awoke. Wanda and Robert were the last to finally appear and I so wandered back in time to the place where it was Rich and I in the same place and I just wanted just a few more minutes of sleep. However, I can only imagine how bone tired they both are with a new baby too.
It wasn't too long and serious gift unwrapping began. I think Rich's hi-light was the t-shirt that Desi and Mike sent him...something about a daewoo. They had wanted to see Rich open it so I facetimed them so they could witness his reaction and I don't think they were disappointed.

Cherstin had helped me purchase an Echo from Amazon for Rich. Amazingly, Robert also got one but his worked. Who would have thought that the power cord was not included for Rich's? He ordered one today.
In the afternoon Hannah and Phil, with the boys, arrived. They were excited to share their day with their cousins. I think it's one of the Lord's tender that these two families live close enough to be in the same branch, to spend time together, for holidays, family celebrations, and just because they're friends. In quizzing them about their "other" cousins - they know of them, know some of them, may even remember a name or two or an experience - but these cousins really know each other.
Robert had purchased a ham, Hannah did cheesey potatoes and a pomegranite salad, and I made 7 layer salad and then we sat down for supper. After all the sugar - it was scrumptious!
We cleared dinner and then we, the adults, sat down an played a few games. Wanda and Robert had given me Banagrams and so we played it. They had also given Rich a game with Jelly Beans - but the kids found the jelly beans! LOL!!! Robert had a game - can't quite remember the name but it is kind of like (but not really) Apples to Apples. And then we ended with a couple of rounds of Skip-Bo. It is one of the things I love to do - play with family. I think I shared with all, at some time during the day, that one of my favorite things about the holidays is the period from Christmas to New Years when we often sit down and play games, put puzzles together, chat, and laugh. When I stop and consider the genesis of my experience with this period of time - I wonder if it isn't related to my first Christmas in Germany - when I had broken my ankle and my brothers and parents spent that time playing monopoly and Flinch (a game very similar to Skip-Bo but introduced in 1905) with me. I love the fact that family takes central stage and spending time together without the stress of life and the rituals and schedules that take the usual precedence are somewhat suspended. This also happened when we had our children as Rich was often off the entire week (or at least a good portion of the time) and we could just relax and enjoy one another. I so enjoyed our Sunday Dinner games when we lived in Denver for the very same reason. Just love it!!!

Christmas Eve

Our day started out with Wanda and I working for a while on her quilt. She is coming along nicely but she is definitely not going to have it done tomorrow. It would be nice - but there are just too many demands on her time. Go figure - a mom of 12, a baby that's only 10 days old, and it's Christmas time!

Rich and I had a return to make at the Walmart in Dodgeville and so we headed back there this afternoon and also elected to pick up some of the last minute items needed for meals for the next day or two. Rich is finding it difficult to walk any distance due to the pain in his back. I wish that they had been able to do the complete ablation when he went in a couple of weeks ago, but it's coming up in a couple of weeks and I am hoping he'll find permanent relief - at least for the next 4-5 years. I bought some tylenol for him as Wanda had given him some last night and it seemed to help. It's funny to me - I find tylenol a worthless drug but he finds relief. I don't know why but it seems that there are people who do...just not me. He can't take ibuprofen because of the xarelto so I'm glad that the tylenol does the trick.

Rich spent part of the time I was running from Piggley Wiggley, to McDonalds, Quick Trip, and Millers to work out our car situation. He learned that the car won't be ready for us on Sunday. He called about making the rental we've been using a one way drop off in Tennessee but they wanted $360 to do that. He was able to get another vehicle for us to pick up at the airport and drop off in Tennessee for a $160. He thinks that's a better deal, and it probably is...at least there will be less driving.

When we returned, Hannah and Phil and kids were already here. We helped make the two types of shepherds pie that have become the tradition of Wanda and Robert's family. Evidently they had a family discussion a few years ago about what they wanted for a tradition on Christmas Eve and it was decided that it should be Shepherd Pie. A humble meal but special in meaning.

After dinner we gathered in the living room and watched the nativity video and a couple other videos, had Grandpa read Luke 2 and then opened Christmas pajamas. The kids are excited...that's an understatement! Mo had already determined they needed to go to bed at 6 pm so Santa could come earlier, lol. Phil and Hannah headed home with excited boys, the crew here were shuffled off to bed, Rachel made cookies for Santa, I made the blueberry French toast that Rich wanted, and finally the house slumbered in eager anticipation of Santa.

 

Christmas Adam

Long ago (I don't remember when, how, who, or why) it was decided by our kids that the 23rd of December was Christmas Adam since Adam came before Eve. Our family has snickered and giggled over this for years, as if it is some great secret...but they have always been eager to share this special "insight" with others, as if to let them in on the secret. I've had to chuckle several times over the last few days as I've overheard the kids (Wanda and Roberts' and Phil and Hannahs') discuss this clever piece of knowledge. And today is Christmas Adam. And I have chuckled thinking that in Wanda's family Adam came before Eve too! And I'm pretty certain that isn't a new or exclusive thought either! Ha-ha!

Wanda started on her quilt for Robert today. I highly doubt that she'll get it finished in time for tomorrow as she's got a hundred blocks to make...but she has made a huge dent and I wouldn't be surprised if she has it done by New Years. I was fun to work with her again in this capacity. I love that I have the opportunity to share hobbies and loves with my kids.

The therapists were here again, bright and early. Hyrum (and the rest of the kids) had slept in later than normal (usually the school bus is here by about 7:15 so that tells you how early this home is up and moving to get dressed, breakfast, lunches made, signatures, etc.) since there was no school. Wanda had to wake him as his first therapist arrived, but he cheerfully met the challenge of getting dressed, eating breakfast all the while his therapist was beginning to prepare him for his work. By the time I left to run errands as 3 pm he had had three therapists and I have no idea how many more came after I was gone. Tomorrow there will be none and I think everyone is glad to have a break.

Hannah had asked me earlier in the week if Winston and Oliver could come over so that she could go to Institute and run some of her errands. Oliver's best friend is Adam and I know he was delighted to have Adam home to play with as, the last couple of times that we've had him here, Adam has been in school. Winston and Joshua are best buddies too...until Winston tells Joshua, "No!" about something. Inevitably Joshua will dissolve into tears and come running to Wanda, telling her that, "Winston told me, 'No!'" It's kind of humorous to watch.

Rich and I drove into Madison so that I could run a few errands. Traffic was horrendous! Must be the holidays and the fact that it was quitting time. We just decided to head directly to Phil and Hannah's to celebrate Ollie's birthday. We needed to stop and get his card and some money and candy but we decided to just stop in Dodgeville at the Walmart there rather than fight the traffic in Madison. A few years back Rich decided that sending the kids their cards in a small priority box along with some candy was the way he wanted to do things. When we arrived at Phil and Hannah's and gave Oliver his box, he looked a little confused, but Orion said, "Hey, Oliver! That's your candy box!" Oliver lit up and it wasn't long till he had it open and Orion read him his card. He rushed over and said, "Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa!" My heart melted. LOL

Hannah had been going to make tacos for his birthday dinner but things had been hectic for her so it was decided to take everyone out to his favorite place to eat - Taco Bell! The service was great and the boys really enjoyed sitting at the high table. After supper we headed back to Phil and Hannah's for some birthday cake - cheesecake.

 

When we arrived back at Wanda and Robert's, the family was settling in for the night. Joshua and Hyrum were still up and evidences of their Christmas Adam activity were on the dining room table. The two boys were eager to share:

 

Robert and I stayed up to nearly midnight playing Dr. Mario. I need to get some serious play time in! LOL As an aside - some of the sickies are getting better, like Ben, but others, like Mo, who has just slept all day long, are feeling the stress of illness. Wanda sounds awful but she is taking her neb and doing what she can...I love asthma!

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Therapy and more therapy...but Hyrum, Adam, Mo, Ruth, and Rachel all had their last day of school. Ben was sick, so he didn't go. When Hyrum went off to school, Hannah, Ollie, Winston, and Wanda, Robert, Sam, Mary, Joshua, Eve, and Rich and I headed down to Culvers for some lunch. I love their fish and will have it every time I get a chance to before we leave :) Hannah had to bribe Ollie with McDonald's Playplace and a fruit pie to get him to come to lunch, so she took Joshua with them to play for a while.

Robert and Rich went to Walmart in Dodgeville for tires for their new van. However, they ended up not getting them but getting an appointment for them to be done tomorrow. In the meantime I wrapped more gifts and played Dr. Mario with Sam...I hope it creates some memories....

Wanda has developed the same croupy junk the rest of us have. She and Rich had a nebulizer fest this evening...I sure hope he doesn't get it and that she gets over it quickly. On an up note - Ben is feeling better.

Robert introduced me to a new app today - flipchart. So far he is very excited and it is promising...I like the promise of it.

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Wanda's life is ruled by therapists for Hyrum. Day in and day out therapy continues, unabated. In theory it is a wonderful thing (and in reality too) as Hyrum has developed and grown so very much due to the extensive therapy that occurs nearly all day, every day of his life. But it also means that whatever else must go on in the family has to revolve around therapy, and with 12 children, there is a lot that goes on every day. Today there were four different therapist rotating in and out from 8 am to 7 pm. They are fantastic ladies, each trying their best to break into Hyrum's world, and they've succeeded wonderfully! What is also wonderful is that they include whatever other child is in the home, if said child desires. They play games, do crafts, pretend, clean up, help in bodily functions, and are cheerleaders for our Hyrum.

I wrapped and wrapped and wrapped gifts. And while I wrapped and Hyrum had therapy, Wanda took Ruth, Mo, Adam, and Eve to buy sibling gifts. Joshua had fallen asleep but when he woke he was inconsolable. When Wanda got home, Adam was fussing about his ear hurting. Wanda was able to put two and two together and realized that Joshua was probably not feeling well either and he seemed to be running a temp. Robert took the two to Dodgeville Hospital which is also their urgentcare and learned both boys have ear infections and yucky throats. A script for each, a trip to walmart to fill the script and some happy boys returned, took their meds, and life is so much better :)

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Didn't go to church today...Rich did. I just felt yucky and started on azithromiacin...I think I have what Winston has. I'm concerned that Rich may come down with it. I hope not.

I slept and slept and slept, as did Hyrum and Mary. On a positive note...Wanda played a piece in Sacrament Meeting and it went well, the Primary children sang so Ruth, Orion, Moroni, William, Adam, and Winston all sang. I guess Winston wasn't supposed to go up, but he did, and he poked everyone one of his brothers and cousins in the stomach that he was standing next to...and he wouldn't come down either. Hannah was at the piano and Phil was at the back of the children so they couldn't see or get to him. Unbeknownst to Hannah, Oliver wouldn't go up and sing, no matter who tried to get him to go up.

After the meetings, the branch had a Christmas party/dinner. Wanda and Hannah played a duet for that and I bet it was perfect. It sounded great when they practiced here.

Following church everyone converged here for their advent Sunday and I was supposed to give the thought. I hadn't really prepared but I kept thinking about Mr. Krueger's Christmas. Phil found it on YouTube and so we watched it...the church's new nativity video would have been a better choice. Although in my reading today I learned that Bethlehem means house of bread and though how appropriate it was for the Savior's birthplace to be that...and that the star would shine providing direction for the wise men and others to see the true light of the world...and the shepherds to witness the birth of our Shepherd. It amazes me how many layers of meaning there is to this precious plan...if we have eyes to see and ears to hear.

Robert, Sam, Moroni, Adam and I played several rounds of Dr. Mario prior to bed. Good memories!

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Well - some of the things I got for Wanda and Robert yesterday were probably not my favorite choices when I got here to see them. So, after dropping Sam off at a members' home in Mt. Horeb for a scout activity, we headed back into Madison. We stopped at Sam's to see what they had...went to pick up fabric to finish Adam's quilt at Joanns, did our laundry, took the gift that we found for Joey to the FedEx to ship, went to Costco to exchange some things, lost my Fitbit, went back to Costco because someone turned my Fitbit in, then went back to Walmart and Sam's. Finally we headed back and learned that Phil and Hannah were headed to Wanda and Robert's.

I think I'm coming down with whatever Winston has/had. My throat is sore, ears are bothering me, and I just feel miserable. I'm wondering what tomorrow will bring. I'm hoping Rich doesn't get it!

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Today we tried to finish up all our Christmas shopping. We decided that though tires weren't a very glamorous gift, Phil and Hannah could probably use them more than anything else we might come up with. We met Phil at Walmart and had some new tires installed and I think he's pleased. Hannah and Phil had promised Orion and William that they would have lunch with them but Winston really wasn't feeling well so I went over to their home and sat with him and Ollie for a little bit. When Phil went to meet Orion, and Hannah had come home from william's, Rich and I took Ollie out for lunch at the Taco Bell. He seemed to like that.

From Dodgeville we headed into Madison to check out the Costco. We purchased a few things and headed back to Wanda and Robert's where Phil and Hannah had joined them for some dinner. We chatted for a little while and even played a few games while the kids watched Christmas on Sesame Street. Memories, memories, memories. How fast these little ones grow up.

Hannah texted me just a little bit ago that they had taken Winston in to the ER when they got back to Dodgeville as his temp was spiking. Bot of his ears are infected and his mouth and throat are terrible. They gave him a steroid injection and another course of antibiotics. I sure hope this round works.

Crazy, Crazy, Ca-RA-zy!!!!

It has been crazy even by Husted standards!

This morning we took Kevin the female cat, to the vet. She had cried all evening the night before and all night long. Ruth and Mary had recognized she wasn't using her paw and when Wanda tried to check it she really wailed and hissed. A couple of days ago I had broken up a cat fight with her and a neighborhood cat but hadn't seen any evidence that she'd been injured. Well, the vet wondered, as we had, about the possibility of a broken paw but after she had administered some pain meds and then finally put her out, she was able to ascertain that it was an abscess, probably due to a puncture wound from the fight. Her temp was 4 degrees high and so they put some ice packs around her and then went to work in the wound. They cleaned it out and injected 4-5 syringes of iodine fluid into it and then put some antibiotic right into it, gave her an antibiotic by injection, gave her rabies and another shot, and an oral antibiotic and we were soon on our way.

We return rend home and found that Hannah had dropped off Winston and Ollie so that she could go to her ob appointment, and Wanda's friend, Finau, along with her daughter and grandson, we're waiting to see her and Eve. Winston was obviously not feeling well - running a temp and flushed. I just held him and he drifted off to sleep...until it was time for me to take Wanda and Eve to Eve's dr. appointment. She's doing beautifully and we raced over to Culvers to pick up a sandwich and show Bekah Eve.

We flew back home to drop off food and the run to the high school to pick up Rachel so that she could make it to her orthodontist appointment in Madison. Wanda was able to get Robert to pick them up so that they could get Rachel to work in Barneveld and I flew home to pick up Rich so that we could go to Ruth's orchestra concert.

We returned from the concert in time for supper and just as we'd eaten Phil called needing help as he'd had a blow out on his way home from work. I left to go rescue him. He needed to fill his spare with air and then changed the tire. I followed him home just to be sure that all was well with the spare and it was. :-)

I got home, brushed my teeth and sat down to swatch some news but it wasn't long before I knew that my crazy day was going to catch up with me. Crazy days are good...but I'm tired....

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For whatever reason, I had a headache that wouldn't stop today. I'm wondering if I forgot to take my morning meds...but I can't remember. Anyway, by the time I got back from running errands with Rich, I just layed down to see if it would stop. I slept for nearly four hours. Robert had fixed dinner, the kids were needing to head to mutual and activity days, and Wanda and Rich and I just sat a talked. Hyrum had a rough day at school (he threw up) and needed to come home early. I went down to sleep pretty easily and I hope he sleeps well tonight.

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Our day seemed to be busy trying to find hardware for the crib so that when Eve came home she would have a bed. There was a part, some little nut thingy, that had broken, in fact four of them were broken. We visited local shops for them but we ended needing to go in to Madison to Menards. They had them! Win!!! While there we went to Sam's for some cookies because Wanda had forgotten that we needed cookies for Hyrum's school party.

We got back in time for me to shower and get ready to go to Hyrum's party. While we had been gone Mary and Sam were managing on the home front. A therapist had been here to work Hyrum and then he needed to have lunch and get on the bus to school. Hannah had dropped off Winston and Ollie so she could go to an ob appointment. And Rich spent the afternoon putting the crib together.

Mary and I went to the school for Hyrum. What a sweet and tender program. As soon as Hyrum was off the stage he came down and said, "I go home!" There were lots of parents and grandparents, lots of noise and activity, and some confusion, and Hyrum seems to need the comfort of routine and familiarity. He ate a couple of cookies and did a craft and we headed home. I was so glad to be able to attend. It is just amazing to me to see his progress.

Rich was nearly done with the crib by the time we got home, but he was missing a screw - yep! - back to the hardware store...but we were able to find one similar enough to the original at the local store. Another Win!

Once Rich got the crib together I washed it down thoroughly and vacuumed Wanda's room. Rich took Rachel to work, and the other children helped me get the house picked up while another therapist worked with Hyrum.

We were just eating dinner when Wanda, Robert, and Eve arrived. The kids were so thrilled to have them home, especially Hyrum and Joshua.

We picked up after dinner and then Rich and I drove over to Mt. Horeb to the Culver's to see if Bekah was working. We were able to see her and have a couple of minutes, but the place was jumping so we eventually left and came home. Rebekah is trying to work nearly full time, carry a heavy load of classes, and deal with all the stresses of adult life on her own. Phil is extremely impressed with all her dedication and effort. So are we.

Baby Eve Lucy Husted

Eve was born this afternoon, December 14, 2015, at 4:37 p.m. She weighs 8 pounds and is 20" long. She is very mellow - at least at this moment.

 

What a cute little thing with such a round, chubby, face!

 

We, Joseph, Mary, Ben, Sam, Ruth, Mo, Adam, Joshua, Rich and I headed to the hospital in Dodgeville to visit Wanda, Robert, and of course, Eve. The little boys were so excited. Mo and Adam could hardly contain their excitement. This little girl is going to be loved and protected!

 

Wanda had gone into the hospital for an induction at 7 a.m. It was a very long day for her, I'm sure. However, they were able to get a good epidural in and I am so glad there was some relief, instead of the difficulty that she had with Joshua.

It was fun to see the texts flying from everyone in the family (Felicia, Desi, Cherstin, Hannah, Joey, Robert, Carlie) as we all waited for news of her birth. I think it's such a wonderful blessing to live in a day and age when technology allows us to have such a "front row seat" and share these special times together...in a way.

While we waited we cleaned, cooked, shopped and waited...did I mention waited? Lol

Hyrum had his therapy and Joshua managed very well. Mary and Sam were therrific help to me and it was fun to be with them all.

Wanda's visiting teacher brought dinner and Robert's counselor and his wife and daughter brought a pie and gift. And Phil and Hannah and the boys came to dinner.

 

Indianapolis...and Bust!

We were up by 3:30 this morning to hit the road bright and early. I figure we had about 2 1/2-3 hours of sleep. I had gone to bed with every intention of getting a good night's rest but started getting text messages which kind of blew my plan. One of those texts was from a childhood/teenage friend whose father had passed away. Jerry Swander, her father, had been a counselor to my Dad when he was bishop of the Kaiserslautern Ward in Germany. I wish I lived closer (they're in the Ogden area) so that I could attend the funeral. I texted Mike, Derk, Brad, Jim, and Chad to let them know and gave them contact info. I hope they'll be able to make the funeral.

We were able to put the last few things in the van and we pulled out of the driveway about an hour after we got up...pretty darn good for us! lol

I tried to get a little sleep knowing that I would probably be driving some, but it didn't come easily. The van seemed kind of "jerky" - like it was missing or something. At first I kind of thought that Rich was tired and driving erratically, and he was tired, but I don't think it was his driving. When he turned the wheel over to me I could really feel that there was something going on. At this point we were about an hour out of Indianapolis. We had driven through the city and were going to stop for a bite to eat and to top off the gas so we back trackrd through some city roads and the van was clearly not acting right. A few times I could hardly get it to move from a stopped position. We found the Jack In The Box and had some lunch while we discussed what we thought we should do. I wondered if we ought to head back home and trade vehicles but Rich was for trying to get to Wisconsin, knowing that Phil and Robert have a good mechanic here. However, Rich also investigated the possibility of a rental and we thought we'd get him behind the wheel to see how it felt to him. We drove over to the place that had replaced the transmission in March when I was there for the "Time Out For Women" with Wanda, Hannah, Mary, Rachel, Selma, and Hailey and it didn't take more than a couple of minutes for Rich to decide that we probably ought to rent a car and find another Aamco dealer...which is exactly what we did.

Needless to say, it was a huge deal buster, meaning that we had planned on being at Wanda's by about 4 and we didn't pull in until 10. However, I am very grateful that we were able to arrive here safely, that the transmission has a warranty, that the dealer will be able to look at it tomorrow, that there was a vehicle available to rent, and that we'll be here for the baby.

When we pulled up Joseph, Ben, Sam, Adam, Hyrum, and Mary gave us big hugs and helped us unload. it is amazing we had so much stuff in the car!

Well - 5:30 comes early and I need to hit the hay. Nighty Night!

Wheeeew!

Well - we're packed and ready to rumble - at o'dark 30! Need to hit the hay!

News - Mike is walking more and sees his surgon on Monday. Felicia is doing much better in comparison to the last few weeks that have had such a worrying effect on her because of the terrorism threat. And - I'm going to bed - after I brush my teeth!

The Labors of My Day - Friday

It was a busy day. I always think of my Mom when I say that. When she was pregnant with my brother, Jimmy, she was confined to bed much of her pregnancy due to a placenta previa. She hemoraged twice, was hospitalized several times, and obviously needed a C-Section to have him. The entire last half of the pregnancy was dicey and I am pretty sure that she kept much of her fears and worries to herself in order not to scare us. I was nine at the time and Dad was Bishop. The ward members pitched in a lot to help but in reality, Mom had to let everyone help because her situation was so dangerous. It seemed to me that Mom's bedroom, rather than any other place in the house, became the hub of our home and Mom would read to us, help us with homeword, and spend time with us...and we all wanted to be there. Mom would later say that one of the precious lessons that she learned was that work was a real blessing and having something to do gave life purpose and opportunity. As she laid there, day in and day out, I know that she would have given anything to be able to cook a meal, throw in a load of laundry, clean the bathroom, or bathe a child. She crocheted, knitted, wrote, and tried her best to put on a brave face and nurture us from her bed, but all that was a pittance in comparison to what she would have liked to be doing. She would tell us that having things to do, being busy, was the best.

Anyway - my day was busy. I found myself dreaming last night about my missing angel tree gifts and when I woke I dressed and headed to the store to see what I could find to remedy the situation. I found a few things and then returned home to wrap. I was especially concerned about getting Joey, Desi, and Felicia's packages in the mail and we were able to accomplish that! Hallalujah! Rich and I also checked out a few other stores for the last of the gifts and was able to finally find the last few items at Target, on sale no less!

When we got home I cleaned out the fridge and divided the things that needed to find a home between Bob, Julio and Greenhalgh's, delivered them and returned home. By then it was nearly 10:30 and I was exhausted. I sank into my chair and promptly fell asleep only to find that Rich was putting together a Shark vacuum cleaner that he bought me for Christmast because I wanted one???? Hmmmm....I didn't know that! lol!!!!

The Labors of My Day - Thursday

Today Rich had a fitness training appt and I had a lunch date with "The Old Ladies' Playgroup". It was fun to get together with my group and we are all going our separate ways for the holidays.

When I got home Rich was able to get wrapping paper and ribbon out of the attic so that I could start the process of gift wrapping pajamas...and I got all of Joey's family's wrapped and started Desi's. We are frustrated that so many of the things that we have purchased on line still haven't arrived. All of Cherstin's family, ordered on the same day, was delivered several days ago. But I am still missing things for the angel tree gifts that we had ordered, as well as things for Desi's family and Joey's family. We are left waiting to see if things will arrive tomorrow and if they are then we're going to need to remedy that before we leave town. We were going to leave tomorrow but, at this point, I think it'll have to be Saturday.

I went with Sue Urbach for RS visits this afternoon/evening. I had a great time visiting with Sue while we travelled and we also had fun visiting some of the sisters that we saw. I love getting to meet these ladies and spending time with them.

After I got home I went back to wrapping and Rich went to Wal Mart. He was looking to try and get some of our missing items but I think it was just too much for him, so I will undertake that portion tomorrow.

My Labors of My Second Day (Wednesday)

I must have been really, really tired as I slept in after Rich had gone to therapy. It felt really good! However, it didn't take me too long before I was up and moving. I dressed and headed downstairs to clean the kitchen and get things ready to finish a few of my craft projects.

I was well into my cleaning when Rich got home and we headed out for our hair appointments. I wanted a few changes and so Wendy (my stylist) listened and came up with a hair style that is kind of a mixture of two or three that I had googled for shorter hair. I'm hoping I can keep up with it. So far...so good.

We returned to Oak Ridge, ran the car through the car wash, and headed home for some dinner.

I had wanted to get some wrapping done this evening but my paper and bows are in the attic...I guess I need Julio....

The Labors of My Day...

Today was very, very, very busy and I'm pretty sure that since I survived it I may survive the rest of the week! The pressure of the day was relieved somewhat when Rich was able to reschedule our hair appointment for tomorrow...Yea! But, I had my scripture study group and our R.S. Progressive Dinner and lots of cooking and running around to prepare for it. Needless to say - I'm so grateful that it is all over!

This morning I taught my "Old Ladies Playgroup" in our Scripture Study Group. We had mapped our the generations from Adam to Abraham last week from chapter 6 and 8 in the Pearl of Great Price and from the early chapters of Genesis and Rich had helped me graph them again in preparation for my class, so I handed out the graph and then discussed the first 8 verses of chapter 6 about Book of Rememberances and handed out some material and talks about journaling and personal and family histories, along with genealogical data. I challenged us all to write the "labors of our day" each and every day until we get back together after the New Year. I also handed out some ideas about the kinds of things we might want to include in our own books and encouraged/challenged us to write more in depth about one or two of these topics weekly. Charlene had been given a journal to do that by her daughter and she has been faithful and been doing it, so she read from one of her entries. I read a couple of my blog entries and we talked about all the ways that we can record, especially since some of us have some difficulties with getting things down on paper at this time. I especially loved verse 5, "And a book of remembrance was kept, in the which was recorded, in the language of Adam, for it was given unto as many as called upon God to write by the spirit of inspiration;"

When I got home I didn't have but a few hours to get rice, enchilada casserole, green tossed salad, salad dressing, 7 layer dip, and beans prepared for the dinner. I also needed to get the van packed and take desserts to the Toblers, the dip to Turks, and the rest to the Whites. I then hurried home, changed, and headed to the church to pick up riders. All in all I think it turned out quite nicely. We had about 30-35 ladies and Bishop Tobler gave a beautiful Christmas message too.

I came home and just vegged for about an hour and then headed upstairs to collapse.

All in all - my labors of this day have been good. =)

The Labors of My Day - Thursday

Today Rich had a fitness training appt and I had a lunch date with "The Old Ladies' Playgroup". It was fun to get together with my group and we are all going our separate ways for the holidays.

When I got home Rich was able to get wrapping paper and ribbon out of the attic so that I could start the process of gift wrapping pajamas...and I got all of Joey's family's wrapped and started Desi's. We are frustrated that so many of the things that we have purchased on line still haven't arrived. All of Cherstin's family, ordered on the same day, was delivered several days ago. But I am still missing things for the angel tree gifts that we had ordered, as well as things for Desi's family and Joey's family. We are left waiting to see if things will arrive tomorrow and if they are then we're going to need to remedy that before we leave town. We were going to leave tomorrow but, at this point, I think it'll have to be Saturday.

I went with Sue Urbach for RS visits this afternoon/evening. I had a great time visiting with Sue while we travelled and we also had fun visiting some of the sisters that we saw. I love getting to meet these ladies and spending time with them.

After I got home I went back to wrapping and Rich went to Wal Mart. He was looking to try and get some of our missing items but I think it was just too much for him, so I will undertake that portion tomorrow.

 

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It has been a crazy, busy, wonderful, challenging last few weeks. Sometimes I wonder how there can be so many things happening at once and then how blessed I am to live today. I am so grateful for modern medicine, modern media and technology, and modern transportation. I am over the moon grateful for family. And I am humbled and grateful for the knowledge I have of the restored gospel and my Savior.

The Saturday before Thanksgiving I was at Costco getting gas. As I picked up the nozzle I felt a pinch and thought it was just "a pinch" and hung on until I couldn't anymore. When I opened my hand, I realized I had been stung by a bee (or other yellow/black flying insect) on my left ring finger. It hurt like crazy. I was able to get home and put it on ice but the stinging and itching was intense...and it started to swell. I had a miserable night and it just continued to swell. Playing organ the next day was really tough and I kept it on ice, kept taking Benadryl and using hydrocortisone - to no avail. The next day Rich took me into to the Walgreens pharmacy to get it checked out at their little clinic. They prescribed some steroids and good antihistamines which helped immensely. By the Thanksgiving I actually had a hand back!

On Wednesday (before Thanksgiving) Rich and I headed down to Joey and Carlie's for Thanksgiving. We had such a good time. The kids are growing like crazy and so much fun to be around. Gideon is wrestling and has a practice every day. He has some bruised ribs at the moment but seems to be taking them in stride, nevertheless. Glory loves to sing and seems to be a songbird nearly every waking moment. While we were there Joey and Carlie presented the kids with an early Christmas present - an electronic piano keyboard - and Glory loves playing and she loves singing while she's playing. It was fun to watch her and Scarlett playing together (Scarlett playing her flute) - it brought such sweet memories back to me with our kiddos. Levi wrestling too and loves playing his computer games. And Reah is such fun...always drawing, playing, and loving. The whole family was involved in the thanksgiving dinner preparations - Scarlett had baked pecan pies (she must have known they were my favorite), Carlie made apple pies, Joey made sweet potato pies, and I don't know who made the Oreo pies but they were gone the first night. We had ambrosia salad, corn, potatoes, gravy, cranberries, turkey, relish trays...seems the food just kept coming and it really was yummy!

On Friday Rich and I spent the majority of the day shopping for pjs...didn't get it all done...but came home and spent the evening playing phase 10 with Carlie, Joey, Rich, Scarlett, and Glory. The next morning we headed to the temple with Joey ands Carlie on our way home. I enjoyed that immensely.

 

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So - today was a difficult day in some respects - Desi called earlier with the news that the hopeful prospect for Marci yesterday was not what they were hoping for. In fact, the pathology report showed that the cancer in Marci's colon originated in the breast and it has matastitized to the colon, and as such, was automatically staged a level 4. She will be meeting with drs and specialists and I'm afraid she is in for the fight of and for her life. My prayers are with her and her precious family. I wish I could do something for her...but have no idea what that may be except for my prayers and fasting.

Rich had a busy morning with therapy, labs, and training. I, in contrast, did dishes, practiced the organ, and did some reading. This evening we took the missionaries out to dinner. We went to our favorite Mexican place and it was yummy, as usual.

I learned that my brother, Mike, was released from the hospital last night. I'm hoping he continues to gain strength and that the pain begins to subside.

Today is Wanda and Robert's 21st anniversary. It is so hard to believe that they have been married for that long! Truly it seems as if it were yesterday, but that is obviously not the case! lol. I talked with her this afternoon - meant to wish her a happy anniversary but got sidetracked as she told me about the events of her last few days. She and Robert purchased a new (to them) mini van this past weekend and in an unfortunate series of events she rear-ended another vehicle and it appears that their new van may be totalled! She ended up spending a precautionary 4 hours at the hospital being monitored because of the accident, and gratefully, all is well with Wanda and Eve. Her saga didn't end there though! Last night their basement also flooded and so you can imagine what that has meant in time, energy, and resources! I also learned that they will probably induce Wanda approximately a week early - so I guess I'll be heading to Wisconsin a little earlier than I had supposed. Happy Anniversary, Wanda and Robert!

The events of this past weekend in Paris just keep fueling the airways. Last night two Air France planes were diverted to Salt Lake and Halifax on reports of bomb threats. And, this morning there was a shoot out in France that lasted 6-7 hrs and resulted in the death of two reported terrorists. The issues with the refugees continues to pose problems and the world is in turmoil. It is the subject of conversations everywhere and is unsettling, to say the least. I feel like I need the wisdom of Solomen at this point. I hate the idea that the only way to defend against this insanity is to kill everyone, but it doesn't seem that hearts are capable of being turned. The threats continue to grow and ISIS has sent warnings that Washington, D.C. and NYC are next. They already brought down the Russian airliner a couple of weeks ago and I have no reason to doubt that these lunatics are intent on doing just what they say they're going to do. Obama and the Congress are at odds and the media just keeps things broiling. I know there are reasons to hope but you can certainly understand the angst that is abroad in the land. So - how do I feel? What should I do? I don't trust the President of the U.S. at all...he's proven himself to be an outright liar...again and again. His sympathies seem to lie with the Muslims and the terrorists...and his entire advisory board seems to echo his sympathies. I actually feel like this is a secret combination at the highest level of my government and I find the Republicans feckless and weakkneed - if not duplicitous. I struggle to try to determine the truth of these matters and to know where/who to trust - besides the Lord. Too often I feel like we, the American people, are pawns in a big chess game or puppets with our strings being pulled...not unlike how I felt about the economic crises of 2007/8. Surely our constitution is hanging by a thread...I just wish I knew what I could do to advocate for the right.... Obviously it would help if I knew what the right was in this matter! Amazingly I don't feel consumed with fear or doubt about the outcome...just don't want my children and grandchildren to have to live through this stuff. I would sure like them to know the idyllic world I grew up in and to have the carefree world of a child.

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Today was a really nice day. I had my little "institute" group this morning and afterward our group had some lunch. We chatted about all things politics and of course about things at church. We are a group with pretty solid conservative creds and the situation with the bombings and terrorist attacks in Paris last Friday, along with the disgusting press conference of Obama's at the G-20 summit yesterday only served to fuel our discussion and frustration with the direction of our country and the obvious anxiety over next years' presidential election.

On a happy note - Desi called with the news that everything seems to be going well with her new little one at this moment. And, the news that her friend, Marci, may not have a nefarious type of colon cancer, rather a carcinoid that may be actually a much better type to be treated and eradicated and that would not be a result of her breast cancer. There has not been a complete diagnosis yet as the pathology is not yet in...but it is hopeful nonetheless.

Rich went with me to the church to practice the organ this evening. I sure appreciate his continued supportiveness. I sure got a good one when I got him!

This evening we've just relaxed and enjoyed the time together. There are some not great things about getting older...but spending time like this is not one of them:)

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Today was pretty quiet. I have found that each time I return from Alaska it seems to take me several days to acclimate...just bone tired and seem in need of endless sleep. I found myself returning to bed in the afternoon and taking a long nap and then going to bed early too, all after having gotten up late to begin with!

A friend, Rebecca Turk, called this afternoon asking if I would like some fresh dill. Rich and I both went over and harvested dill and other herbs, and just chatted for a couple of hours. It's fun to be with friends and I'm delighted to have the herbs to dry.

We went to dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Gallo Loco...the crazy rooster. The food is always wonderful and they service very quick. It was no exception tonight, except that I think every living soul in Oak Ridge must have been there.

Today and this evening the airways are filled with the stories of multiple terrorist attacks in Paris. Just today Obama had declared that ISIS was contained...how did he ever get elected??? So far the news is that there are about 140 killed and hundreds more injured. President Hollande of France has declared this an ISIS attack, and ISIS has claimed responsibility. So much for "the JV team". In the meantime I'm guessing that the college aged, self absorbed, "brats" protesting across the nation for free tuition, tuition forgiveness, race, and $15 per hour minimum wages will be angry at ISIS because they've been kicked off the front page! Oh my! This is going to be a long, long next few days!

"Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety-Jig"

Got up early this morning to shower and do my final packing to leave for home me today. It has been a wonderful three weeks and, it is terribly sad to leave, and, very exciting to go home!

Dan and I left about 3:30 a.m. Cherstin had gotten up to say, "good-bye" and I woke up Enzo just as we were leaving too (by accident)...I'm afraid there was probably no going back to sleep easily for both of them!

The roads weren't too bad, even considering the snow and ice. I hope that Dan made it back safe and sound...and I bet he did.

I got bag checked, through security, and down to the gate in record time...duh! It was 4 in the morning! We boarded soon after (a completely full plane) and then we sat on the Tarmac for probably 45-60 minutes due to needing to de-ice the plane. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they de-iced it - but did they need to do that with us on board? Or could they have done it while we were boarding? Perhaps not. I don't know. But we were late getting out and I felt anxious about people on board that had connecting flights in Seattle.

Each leg of the trip was fraught with extreme and longs periods of turbulence. I've flown in the winter before and never experienced anything like this! They had been so bad flying into Minneapolis that when we left there, a new route was charted for Nashville to avoid them as much as possible, according to the pilot. Anyway, the flight from Anchorage to Seattle was no different, except that we'd been sitting on the Tarmac all that time, it was early morning, and I was sitting behind three children (ages 5-8 maybe). As the turbulence stretched on and got rougher, I felt nauseous! But the kids behind me were having a very difficult time and finally one of them just erupted - all over the cabin, seats, and the passengers in front of them...me! And as luck would have it, I packed all my clothes in the bag I checked. We all just cleaned up the best we could and I hoped that I wouldn't smell too bad for the rest of the day and all the other passengers I would be onboard with!

On my Seattle-Minneapolis leg I was able to select a movie to watch. I chose "Still Alice". I had read the book while Dad was struggling through Alzheimer's and I had enjoyed it and learned and thought a lot about what it must have been like for him. I had wanted to see the movie when it came out, but it didn't come here...so I enjoyed it on the plane. I found myself moved to tears at the struggle and wishing that we'd had an earlier diagnosis for Dad, and that Mom could have been there in those early stages so that he could have expressed the range of emotions to someone on that deep, intimate level when you're in such need. I tried to talk to him about it but I think there is always this parent/child relationship, that you want to protect your child, when you're functioning lucidly. Dad would share sometimes, often really, but I'm under no illusions about how much he must have missed Mom...and needed her.

On each leg of the trip delta thanked the veterans of our country, and especially any on our flights. They also handed out pieces of wrapped chocolate and led those of us on the aircraft in a round of applause. I am grateful for all who've served too. Thanks!

I also learned today that Mike, my brother, is having 7.5 hrs of surgery, with two surgeons, on his back. He's going to need lots of prayers!

I arrived home (Nashville) at almost 10 p.m. CST. It is wonderful to see my sweetheart again. He had brought Julio with him too and it was nice to have the company and catch up on the doings here and share what's happening with our little family in Alaska. But, we definitely had to stop and get a bite to eat at "Jack" before heading out of town. We were back home by 2:30 a.m. EST and finally dropped into bed by about 4...it's nice to be home!

 

"Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety-Jig"

Got up early this morning to shower and do my final packing to leave for home me today. It has been a wonderful three weeks and, it is terribly sad to leave, and, very exciting to go home!

Dan and I left about 3:30 a.m. Cherstin had gotten up to say, "good-bye" and I woke up Enzo just as we were leaving too (by accident)...I'm afraid there was probably no going back to sleep easily for both of them!

The roads weren't too bad, even considering the snow and ice. I hope that Dan made it back safe and sound...and I bet he did.

I got bag checked, through security, and down to the gate in record time...duh! It was 4 in the morning! We boarded soon after (a completely full plane) and then we sat on the Tarmac for probably 45-60 minutes due to needing to de-ice the plane. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they de-iced it - but did they need to do that with us on board? Or could they have done it while we were boarding? Perhaps not. I don't know. But we were late getting out and I felt anxious about people on board that had connecting flights in Seattle.

Each leg of the trip was fraught with extreme and longs periods of turbulence. I've flown in the winter before and never experienced anything like this! They had been so bad flying into Minneapolis that when we left there, a new route was charted for Nashville to avoid them as much as possible, according to the pilot. Anyway, the flight from Anchorage to Seattle was no different, except that we'd been sitting on the Tarmac all that time, it was early morning, and I was sitting behind three children (ages 5-8 maybe). As the turbulence stretched on and got rougher, I felt nauseous! But the kids behind me were having a very difficult time and finally one of them just erupted - all over the cabin, seats, and the passengers in front of them...me! And as luck would have it, I packed all my clothes in the bag I checked. We all just cleaned up the best we could and I hoped that I wouldn't smell too bad for the rest of the day and all the other passengers I would be onboard with!

On my Seattle-Minneapolis leg I was able to select a movie to watch. I chose "Still Alice". I had read the book while Dad was struggling through Alzheimer's and I had enjoyed it and learned and thought a lot about what it must have been like for him. I had wanted to see the movie when it came out, but it didn't come here...so I enjoyed it on the plane. I found myself moved to tears at the struggle and wishing that we'd had an earlier diagnosis for Dad, and that Mom could have been there in those early stages so that he could have expressed the range of emotions to someone on that deep, intimate level when you're in such need. I tried to talk to him about it but I think there is always this parent/child relationship, that you want to protect your child, when you're functioning lucidly. Dad would share sometimes, often really, but I'm under no illusions about how much he must have missed Mom...and needed her.

On each leg of the trip delta thanked the veterans of our country, and especially any on our flights. They also handed out pieces of wrapped chocolate and led those of us on the aircraft in a round of applause. I am grateful for all who've served too. Thanks!

I arrived home (Nashville) at almost 10 p.m. CST. It is wonderful to see my sweetheart again. He had brought Julio with him too and it was nice to have the company and catch up on the doings here and share what's happening with our little family in Alaska. But, we definitely had to stop and get a bite to eat at "Jack" before heading out of town. We were back home by 2:30 a.m. EST and finally dropped into bed by about 4...it's nice to be home!

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Today I spent quite a bit of time working on genealogy. I started out thinking I would just try to clear off my desk by getting my family files that I have been working on put together. As I started to do that I wanted to finish up the Google search I had been doing about the Oregon State Hospital. There have been quite a few articles written by the newspapers in Portland about the hospital. I finished the searches and then read more thoroughly the obituary of Emmett's brother, William. The obit says that he had a sister living in Washington by the name of "Side Ingrham". I knew that the 1870 census listed an "Eliza Waterman" and that after Robert Waterman, Eliza's mother, Frannie Elizabeth had married a Jacob Ingraham...wondered if the census taker had just thought Eliza was "side" and she had never married and just been known as an Ingraham...or even adopted.

That sent me searching for Eliza Waterman and/or Eliza Ingraham. I was pretty excited to find a marriage record for Eliza's daughter, Grace. Surprisingly Eliza also married an Ingraham - a Joseph Ingraham! And another interesting thing was that they all lived in a town just a very few miles (like 3-4) from the town my mother was born in! And, further searches netted the family in the census records too. I am pretty excited about that. Tomorrow I will try to do a few other searches but I'm becoming quite certain that the Emmet Bainbridge at the state hospital is indeed Rich's great-grandfather.

 

Emily Sweeden Sammons

Last Thursday (September 17th) I took a phone call that shocked and rocked my world. It was Bill Sammons with the news that his wife, Emily, had just passed away.

Emily has been such a good friend to me and helped me make the transition here in Oak Ridge - to call it home. She had been on my visiting teaching list when I first came here and I invited to go to the gym with me. She became my gym buddy and we often attended water classes and worked out together. She eventually became my visiting teaching companion and when I was in town we faithfully went to visit our sisters, without fail. She loved the sweet ladies on our route and was anxious that we get there early in the month so that they wouldn't feel like we weren't just doing our duty, but that we really cared and had their best interests at heart.

I was invited to join the Old Ladies Lunch Bunch (aka The Old Ladies Playgroup) and Emily quickly helped me feel a part of these wonderful sisters, many of whom are a decade or more older than I am, and all are longtime, even lifetime, residents of Oak Ridge. That group has transistioned into a gospel study group and friendships have blossomed because of our time together doing things that support our interests and needs.

Emily is the mother of Tish Valdez, mother-in-law to Julio, and grandmother to Wiley, Mariea, Bella, and Lili - tremendous friends since we moved here, that we love and enjoy. She is also mother to Victor, David, and Matthew, and grandmother to numerous other children that I only know of...but sometimes I feel like I know them because of the things that Emily would share.

Emily was fiercely loyal. She was brash, courageous, fearless, bold.

Her husband said, "She came into this life as a whirlwind and left the same way." That is such a profound description. The hole she leaves is deep and wide. I'm so grateful for the knowledge I have of the plan of salvation and the resurrection. Truly, I feel about her passing as I do about my Mom and Dad - she has just gone into the next room and while I can't see her, I KNOW that she's there...waiting, working, loving, teaching, supporting on that side of the door AND on this side too.

Emily - I hope and trust that you have the answers to your concerns and can rejoice in the love of the savior now. Until we meet again....

 

The Supreme Court of the United States

This past week has been a very discouraging and disappointing week for our country.  In a 6-3 decision Obamacare was upheld and essentially became the law of the land...unless congress ever has the intestinal fortitude to do what it was elected to do, and overturns it.  More than 30 states had objected to the use of federal governmental subsidies to people in the states that elected to not set up exchanges.  Obamacare had been written to exclude the subsidies as a way to "blackmail" the states into setting up the exchanges.   However, they had been given the subsidies anyway and when the states objected the suit made it all the way to the court.  For the second time the Federal Government lied about the bill in oral arguments and you would have thought that would have counted...but it counted for naught.  I can only conclude that Obama has "something" on Chief Justice Roberts or he really is a wolf in sheeps' clothing.  The  2010 and 2014 elections were both landslide elections putting Republicans in the House and Senate with a  mandate to overturn Obamacare, but, as yet, the Republicans are worse than the Democrats.  The Democrats enacted the awful piece of legislation without a single vote from any Republican, changed the rules of the Senate to do it, and against the will of a majority of the people...and twice the Republicans have ignored their mandate and cowered in their halls, fearing that the Democrats and press will label them bigots or hate mongers...or they too are wolves in sheep clothing!  I am so saddened by this decision and what it means for my children and grandchildren.  My father used to warn that our freedoms are being eroded every single day and I used to just smirk and think it was an over-exaggeration...but as I have gotten older I see ever more clearly what he meant and I realize it is happening much faster than when he was worried about it!  Free markets could have addressed all of the concerns regarding our health care system, but the truth is, the Democrats have been trying for a single payer health care system for decades and with Obama they got it!  It is nothing more that socialism but our electorate and youth are so ignorant about what socialism is that they cannot even see the dangers.  It's kind of like we, as a nation, are the frog swimming in the pan of water on the stove...slowly we will be boiled to death and we will have been oblivious to the dangers that lurked just below our pan.

As discouraging and disappointing as the decision on Obamacare is, the 5-4 decision on gay marriage literally changes America in an instant.  Our culture has been rapidly changing and in many ways this was predictable.  Sadly, there was a time in our history when our institutions actually aided the Lord, the Churches, and the righteous in creating a culture, laws, and environment that supported right, morality, goodness, and the Lord.  And, truth be told, this has been eroding for a long time but the momentum has gathered such speed that I doubt we, as a nation, will ever be able to return to the Lord, except for when He returns.  Perhaps this is the hastening that has been foretold.   I  don't know how things will go in the interim...I just know how it ends!  The sadness I feel is deep.  To the bone.  The fear I feel for us as a people is equally deep.  And the worry...oh it is sooooooo much easier to be young and oblivious and inexperienced and idealistic...unable to see the danger.  The trouble is that being young, oblivious, inexperienced, idealistic, and so trusting just makes one all the more vulnerable to the wiles of Satan and his minions because the dangers are so cleverly disguised, so unseen, so hidden, so lied about, so dangerous, so devastating...and so difficult to come back from.

It is fitting that this decision happened 20 years after 15 prophets had issued "The Family - A Proclamation to the World" with this,

"WE WARN that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

WE CALL UPON responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society."

I have often wondered and pondered how Noah must have felt as he heard the rain descend and what must have been wails of regret and sorrow from those who chose to not heed his prophetic warnings...or Abraham and Lott when Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed and Lott's wife was turned to salt.  And more importantly how must our loving Father in Heaven felt?  I think an incorrect understanding of our Heavenly Father and the Savior is becoming a real detriment us.  Often one hears that the Lord is all about love, as if there are no consequences for choices that are contrary to his divine laws.  It seems that those who wish to believe that God is all about love somehow believe that we can do whatever we want with impunity and cry foul when we suffer the results.  We are like petulent children, throwing awful temper tantrums, wanting what we want but not wanting to experience the bad results, then blaming the Lord for the injustice of it all!  LOL!   Or, as if because we think something else is a better idea or that there is a big enough group who concur with us, then we can change the Lord's mnd orr declare thhat somehow the results wont happen!  Oh our hubris!

Today I spent most of the day at the sewing machine.  I got a lace band made, the hem of the skirt done, and the lace and tuck strip for the yoke.  Tomorrow I will construct the bodice (back and front), the placket, and put sleeves in.  That should leave me with the tuck bands for the skirt and probably a couple of lace insertions, then buttons and the dress will be done.  I still have the slip and bonnet to do...but so far so good.  This has been easier than Heidi's and I don't really know why, unless it is because I wanted something unique for Heidi and I had already done a dress for Abby and Ellie so I didn't want it to resemble either of theirs.

I've been singing,
       "There was a little house in the middle of the woods.
         A little old man by the window stood.
         Saw a rabbit hopping by,
         Knocking at the door.

         "Help me! Help me! Help me!" He cried
         Or the hunter will shoot me dead
         "Come little rabbit, come with me!
         "Happy we will be!"

Noah loves it and tries to do the actions with me.  He loves it so much that whenever I sing it to him he begs for the "bunny song" again and again.  I bet I could sing it 30 times in a row and he'd still ask for it! Lol!

I started blogging a few nights ago and fell asleep in the middle.  Rich saved it, I think, but don't know how to find it....I really wish I was more tech savvy!!!  I guess I'll just have to put the last few days in tonight's post and hope Rich knows what he did, which I'm sure he probably does.

Friday morning we drove down to Salt Lake City with the express desire to go to the aquarium, zoo, and catch some time with my brothers.  Rich had booked a hotel room at the old Hawthorne Inn, now La Quinta, so that we could make wise use of time.  I had called Brittany to see if she was interested in going to the zoo with us but she suggested the aquarium as temps were expected to be near 100.

The kids traveled really well.  It wasn't until the last half hour that Noah started to get restless.  We stopped in Evanston for some lunch and then headed on in to Brittany's.  Noah was glad to be out of the car and to meet Leah, Eli, and James.  He was especially glad to meet their dog! Lol!

We got to the aquarium and really enjoyed their exhibits and the air conditioning!

We met Derk, Julia, Brad, Alexis, and Erika for dinner at the chuck-a-Rama and enjoyed catching up on everyone.  Mike and his brood were at Lake Powell, Jim was in Idaho of course, and Chad and Ronnie had another activity planned.  It would have been nice to see them all but on short notice, it was great!


After dinner we checked into the hotel and Brittany and the kids, and Derk and Julia came over - Brittany and the kids went swimming with Tom and Noah and Rich and I spent the time chatting.

The next morning we tried to get to the zoo but by the time we got there (just 1/2 hr after opening) the line was huge and the temps were already soaring.  We decided to go across the street to "This is the Place" and we rode their train, visited Brigham Young's home, and Noah rode a pony.    We then headed to Costco for gas and a bite to eat at their eatery.   Then drove out to the distribution center and spent a couple of hours...nothing we do is done quickly! Lol!  Since we hadn't seen Brad and Alexis  at the hotel the night before, we stopped in to say good bye and finally headed home.  All in all it was a lovely trip and I was glad to have seen family too.

Yesterday was Father's Day.  It was a lovely day at church, the speakers were great, the lessons were good, and it was nice to commemorate our Fathers.  I find these holidays bitter-sweet in some ways.  I miss my own father and am sad I don't have him here.  And I love the fathers in my life - our sons and son-in-laws, my brothers, and especially Rich.  I don't have words to describe my great love and appreciation for them...they are truly my super heroes.   How richly blessed I have been to have them in my life.  And I can't even begin to describe my love and appreciation for my Heavenly Father and the savior.

Yesterday we talked about trying to go down to Salt Lake today.  We thought about the zoo and a few other things we might be interested in, including having dinner with any of my brothers and their families, if they were available.  I called my brothers and made arrangements with Derk and Brad for dinner. Chad already had plans since we were just then connecting.  And I suspect Mike and his brood are headed to Lake Powell.  I also called Brittany to see if she might be able to join us at the zoo.  She said she'd be delighted but suggested the aquarium as temps were expected to be near 100 degrees.

So - with those plans made we got up this morning, finished some last minute packing, and we're out the door by late morning.  Noah was asleep within 1/2 hour and he slept all the way to Evanston, where we stopped for lunch at a "Subway".  We got to Brittany's by about 2, relaxed a little and then headed to the aquarium.  It was so much fun to

Today we ventured northwest of here, through Green River and then due north, to the Seedskidee National Wildlife Refuge.  It was ok but nothing to get all that excited about.  It was about a 45 minute drive through pretty country and the road crossed the Mormon, Oregon, and California Trails several times.  In fact, for the Church's 150th birthday they built a replica of the ferry that Brigham Young and company had built to ferry the pioneers over the Green River.  It was still on the property and there were benches that lined the path to the ferry that had been donated by descendants of the pioneers.

We had seen that the refuge was supposed to have deer, moose, elk, etc. and we were hoping to see at least "de moose" as Noah calls them.  We did see some prang deer and a bald eagles nest with a couple of eaglets...but sadly...no moose.

On our return we stopped at McDonald's in Green River for a late lunch.  Everyone was very hungry and thirsty.  Noah played a bit and then we headed home via a car wash.

This evening Noah threw up...the second time in three days.  My guess is that he has some kind of bug and the candy he had tonight just didn't settle well.

I'm in the midst of reading a book by a dr from John Hopkins about gut flora.  It's pretty interesting.  I think I'd like to try some of his suggestions.  There is sound research to his protocol and I'm wondering if it would benefit both Rich and me.  However...I'm just starting it so I need to read more.

Today I worked on Georgia's dress for most of the afternoon and early evening.  I wish I knew what I was going to do....  Decisions! Decisions! Decisions!

So far Georgia seems very mellow.  She and Heidi could be twins in that arena!  I think Felicia is bracing for a change as she nears the two week mark.  It remains to be seen what she'll be like.  I don't know either but I can certainly understand her anxiety as Noah changed substantially about that time but they moved then too!

While Felicia and Tom took Noah and Georgia out to the park to fly kites this afternoon, Rich and I watched a movie, Against the Sun, the true story of three navy guys who are adrift at sea for over a month during WWII.  It was good and I was glad to be able to watch it while I sewed.

I guess I need some tech lessons, especially if this is going to become a habit😉!  I think a pic here or there would be nice.

Today Felicia and Tom took Georgia in for her check up.  Things are looking good and the Venus issue isn't getting any worse.  That's good news, although they will be keeping an eye on her for a few months.

I worked some on Georgia's blessing dress.  I love to create as I go along but sometimes I wish I knew what I was doing before I did it.  I need to get hopping on it as it will takes some time, regardless what I do.

We had major thunder storms today...and will again tonight.

Poor Noah threw all his dinner up just a few minutes ago...Tom was the perfect target...and so was the bed.  It may be a long night.

Sweet Sabbath...

Today was Georgia's first day at church.  She slept through it all😊!  It was fun to go to Felicia and Tom's ward and put faces to people we hear about once in a while.  Tom taught Sunday School and did an excellent job and Felicia conducted Relief Society...it is always so fun to get a peek into your childrens' lives!!!

We came home and made sandwiches for lunch and Tom and Felicia tried with all their might to get Noah to take a nap...they were successful for about 1/2 hr.  But I took one!  It was disturbed by heavy rain and massive lightening and thunder.  The cliffs here are green...I'm sure all the rain has something to do with it.

Tom grilled hamburgers and brats for supper and Felicia made Rich a spice cake and we sang Happy Birthday again.  They also presented him with a biography of the a Wright Brothers.  I think he was quite touched.  We've been to the Wright Bothers bicycle shop in Ohio...maybe we'll take the opportunity to go to Kittyhawk now!

Desi called tonight to wish Rich a belated Happy Birthday.  I know he appreciated her call.  We continued to text for a few minutes afterwards.  I hope this week will be as productive as possible for she and Mike!!!

The Big Sixty-Six!

Today is Rich's 66th birthday.  It was a bit anti-climactic, I think.  Although peaceful in a good way too.  We woke to a call from Felicia asking us to come to the hospital ASAP.  I dressed quickly but Rich wanted a quick shower, so I woke Noah and got him dressed while Rich showered and got ready.  When we walked into Felicia's hospital it was obvious that there was something they had been hatching.  In a very large box there was a very, very large donut with maple frosting and inscribed with, "Happy Birthday!  Old Fart!"  I think he was pretty surprised.  We sang happy birthday and then  all of us had a piece of the donut...even at that there was half of it left to come home with us!  It was super special and I know it meant a lot to him to be remembered.

We hung around for about an hour and then brought Noah home, via the Dollar Tree.  I picked up, vacuumed, did a couple of loads of laundry and Rich and Noah watched Tarzan AGAIN!  Lol!

A little bit after we got home Felicia, Tom, and Georgia arrived.  I think Noah will be glued to them for the next few days.  It has done very well but it is obvious that he's missed his Mom and Dad.

We did a late lunch at Cafe Rio.  It was nice to get out a little, I think, for Felicia. The food was good and we were so full that no one wanted any supper, even though we'd planned on doing brats and hamburgers for Rich's birthday dinner...well save that for tomorrow, I guess.

I had been wanting to get Rich an Alexa Blue Tooth but hadn't known how to go about getting it, especially since we've been in transit.  But it is something I want to get him as I think it's something he'll really enjoy.  I wish I hadn't been so hesitant...now he knows what I would have liked to do but its never as good as having done it!!!  One of my reasons is how much he listens to music.  It seems he has dozens of homemade CDs with music for all moods and occasions.  It is one of the many things I love about him...he has a song for EVERYTHING!

As I watch him with Noah I am reminded of him as a young father...always excited to be with his kids, patient, kind, and supportive.  He has always been able to live in the moment and to enjoy the little things...to teach without being preachy, to correct without rancor, to love without condition.  He has always put us first...and we have always been able to rely on him.  What great qualities for a husband and father!!!  I love him so and look forward to many more birthdays...I wonder if we have birthdays in heaven?  Happy birthday, Sweetheart!

So...I've made this resolution many times before...but I hope to try and blog every day.  We all know how this has gone before...but perhaps it doesn't hurt to try again.

Today we dressed and I quickly made a trip to the local Walmart for some groceries as Felicia had signed up to take funeral potatoes and a tossed salad for a funeral...before she had Georgia!  Actually it was probably that commitment that brought on labor! Lol!  So I made the potatoes and salad and took a quick shower.  Tom came home and we put the food in the car and ran it to the church and then Rich, Noah and I followed Tom to the hospital to see Felicia and Georgia.

I had the opportunity to sit and rock Georgia for a little while.  Felicia is looking good and will probably be discharged tomorrow morning.  Georgia has a few worries but we're praying that they'll turn out to be nothing at her screening tomorrow morning.

Rich and I brought Noah home to try and get him to take a nap...but that was a no go.  He watched the animated Tarzan and the Curious George movie and then we headed back to the hospital and then over to Green River for some dinner at the McDonalds play place.  We thought Noah would be all tuckered out...but as soon as he would start to doze off he'd jerk himself awake.  Tom just walked in and has taken our little man to bed.  Hopefully with his daddy home he'll give in!

My Mom

Today is a very special day...it is my Mom's birthday.  She was born June 11, 1931 in Ethel, Washington.  She left this earthly existence nearly 11 years ago and it seems I mourn her passing more each day.  She is perhaps the person who had the greatest influence in my life, in helping me become who I am today.  She is the voice in my head.  She is the great example of compassion, love, kindness, and wisdom that I aspire to emulate.  She taught me doctrine, sewing, crocheting, cooking, mothering, grandmothering, forgiveness, understanding, and discipleship.  How I wish I could relive her last year...how I wish I could give her the kindness, understanding, patience, love, and devotion she so deserved and I have learned so late.  The truth is, I can't go back.  It is my biggest regret.  All I can do is to try and live in such a way that I might honor, in some small measure, the legacy of all she was and is, all she taught, all that she blessed me with, and all she means to me.  Frequently I ask my Heavenly Father to tell her how much I love her and wish that I could talk with her.  I hope to live worthy enough that someday I will have that chance.  Happy, happy, happy birthday, Mom!

Today I also celebrate the birth of our grandson, William.  He's six years old today.  He loves learning.  He is so kind.  He is tender-hearted.  And he is all boy!  Yesterday his Momma texted me that he had asked if we could come for his birthday.  Ahhhh!!!!!!!  I just love that little guy!  He is growing up way too fast!

Today we also celebrate the birth of our newest addition, Georgia Marie Bibber.  She was born at 8:30 this evening and weighed 7 lbs. 1 oz. and is 17.5" long.  She and her Momma are both doing well.  Her brother, Noah, struggled for a little while as his parents left, but a trip to McDonald's for fries in Green River seemed to help him and he was able to come home, get in his jammies, sip his bottle and drift off to sleep.  He will be happy to see his Daddy in the morning and take a trip to see his Mommy and sister.