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.