Martindale News

Life changes

2011-04-23T10:48:00.000-06:00

We are making lots of life changes in the next few months. We are moving after 23 years of living in the same city, retirement, new grand babies, traveling, new home, and hopeful more blogging. The other change is I am going private with my blog, so if you are interested in following let me know by leaving your email address.

Thanks, I needed that!

2010-10-03T16:31:00.000-06:00

We watched General Conference this weekend and were so inspired and touched by the spirit and the messages that we heard. President Monson spoke on gratitude and I feel like recently I have not shown gratitude for what I do have. I have been focusing on what is wrong in my life and not what God has blessed me with. So thanks President Monson for writing that talk and delivering to us. I needed that! I am sorry to all those who I have whined and bemoaned to. Our daughter Celeste told me the other day "mom life is just what you make it". That made me think but I continued to complain some. Sorry Celeste. I now have heard it from a prophet too and have to try to be more grateful. So here are some of the things I am grateful for in my life:

For the creations of God and all His miracles and tender mercies, His Son Jesus Christ that makes it possible to return to our Father in Heaven (Plan of Salvation) Life itself, Family...(Husband, children, grandchildren, parent, siblings etc) though we are very far from perfect I feel privileged to be a member of it. Gospel of Jesus Christ, Health, Friends, Country, Bounties of life, technology and modern conveniences, good music, good books, hobbies and many other things that I have been blessed with.

President Monson said this quote this morning and I love it "Live in gratitude and you will touch heaven". And he said it in a way that only he could say, he paused after the word you. I will try to always remember this. The examples he used in the scriptures helped me realize that I need to do better in being grateful. I love conference I always come away wanting to be a better person. I am glad we have it every 6 months to remind us.

I called to talk to our son Derek today and he said that he went to every session (all 5) at Temple Square. Oh how wonderful and how blessed we are to live in this day.

Grateful for family and friends who leave comments too :)

So now I wait...

2010-10-01T22:03:00.000-06:00

My last post was about the fun we had this summer. Now for the rest of the story...
I started wearing a boot about the end of April this year. The doctor thinks that I have a torn tendon in my left foot. MRI shows there is a problem and so they want to see if they can help and correct it some with the big old ugly black boot. I wore that thing until August and I changed doctors in July. (My first doctor just wasn't very proactive or helpful and I didn't feel confident with his decisions). First visit with new Doctor he did more tests and said yes I do need surgery. Date is set for the surgery and I told by said Dr that I can NOT FOR ANY REASON put my foot to the ground and put ANY weight on it AT ALL. He repeated it at my pre surgery appt too. I got all the "stuff" to help me out during the 6-8 weeks, like walker, wheelchair, crutches and shower chair. Aug 17th I had the surgery. The doctor was really excited about what he found. He said "I have never seen anything like that before, it was sooo cool" Really I am glad that I could entertain you Dr. F. He found that the tendon was not torn at all, there was an extra bone in the foot that was actually growing into the tendon. Well how cool is that? NOT... It would have been better to be born with an extra something else, like metabolism or something like that. During this time Celeste and Joe and little Lizzie were getting ready to move to OK. They left on Aug 20 for their new home. (I mention this because Celeste and Lizzie and I spent every day together and they are greatly missed around here) Doug could only take the day off that I had the surgery so basically I have been home all day by myself since then. Doug has literally had to do EVERYTHING around the house and to help me when he gets home from work. I don't like being a dependent person, but have not had a choice. Doug has been such a wonderful husband and has never complained.

It is a treat when I get out of the house and I enjoy the simple things in life. I love it when I have a visitors and I have been blessed to have good friends drop by once in a while. Tammy (dear friend) has taken me to all my doctor appts every week. I have watched a lot of tv, read a couple of books, crocheted and I learned to knit (thanks Kathleen). Today I sat out on our little patio and watched over the golf course. We have 2 ponds right in front of our house and we can see 4 of the greens and flags on the course. I like sitting out there and watching the golfers. It is fun watching when they hit the ball in the water and they go after it... I know I need to get a life.

I was told last week that I could start to walk in my boot ONLY. Still never putting my foot to the ground without the boot. I was so excited and so started last Sat. During the last 6 weeks my foot has been wrapped with many different dressings and splints and 2 casts. Both casts had to be cut off within a couple of days cause they were too tight. A couple of the wraps were too tight and I started losing circulation in my toes. Well I believe because of that my big toe got infected (on the same foot) and on Monday of this week I went to the same foot doctor (Dr. #2) to have him look at it. The toenail was all infected and he said it was abscessed all around the nail. He determined that the whole nail had to come off. Because it had so much infection he couldn't get the dumb thing very numb. I don't need to tell you how bad that hurt right? Oh wow, I have had 6 children, 4 shoulder surgeries and many other surgeries and never have I had anything hurt like that. So the one day I decided I would try to drive myself to the doctors was that same day the nail came off. NOT a good idea. So it put my healing time back some and now I continue to wait and wait to heal. I have to be better cause in a couple of weeks I am going to meet with our daughters for a fun weekend and baby shower... then off to Utah to visit with family and friends. I have to be better. So I wait (I am trying to be patient) And I am sparing you any pictures.

blog update

2010-08-31T12:51:00.000-06:00

I have really been lazy about updating my blog. I have a good friend that reminded me that I need to write more and tell the good and the bad. I choose to write the fun things that happened this summer.

We did get together as a family in July. Not all the kids were able to make it. That is the challenge of having a large family, it is really hard getting together. We spent a couple of days doing some fun activities in Salt Lake this year. It was the first time where we actually had all 7 grandchildren together. We made an attempt to take a picture but one child was asleep and a couple were just very unhappy. We took the picture anyway.

We also went to a huge arcade with an "all you can eat buffet" for as long as you want. The kids and adults had so much fun. I love to see the grand kids having fun.

We missed having Aubrey, Kyle and Joe with us at the family events this time. We hope that we can all get together for one of the holidays soon. Aubrey and Kyle are expecting their first child (baby girl) in November. So I am sure more pictures will be taken of those fun times. It is nice to have these great times to look back on and look forward to. I love the times together with the family. There is nothing that makes my life happier!!!

My sweet brother.

2010-06-14T01:22:00.000-06:00

I have two sisters, one older and one younger and one younger brother. My brother was a guy's guy. He has always loved motorcyles, boats, trucks, radios, and he lived his life having fun, working hard and loving and taking care of his family. He was the only son, only boy and my dad's best friend... all of our best friend. He loved to make things pretty and green and keep them that way. He used to tease us (his sisters) all the time. He's very handsome and has been told he looked like Tom Cruise. I have been told that I look more like him than I do my sisters, and without makeup I do... I always said that I would have been a better looking boy. He was always laughing and was very funny, his favorite word to say was "flip". Ahh he could make me laugh and was quite the gentleman. I remember when I had one of my daughters and my life was very hard, I got a very sweet card from him, and he said all the right things to make me feel better and make me smile. He was my hero so many times in my life and oh how I love him!!!

So it is with great sorrow and saddness when I learned that he passed away tonight.

I love you Don and pray for peace and God's tender mercies to attend us as we learn to cope without you. May you rest in peace dear sweet brother of mine.

This is Don with his wife Rae Jean when they came for a visit for his birthday in Oct of 2009. It was his first visit to Arkansas and he was so excited to see the beauty of the state. The Old Mill was his favorite place that we visited.

Family picture of my parents and siblings...

An Eventful Summer

2010-06-10T07:51:00.000-06:00

Our house is Sold and the people that are buying the house want to close June 28th. That means we have to move on June 26th. We are busy looking for a place to live. I didn't realize how hard it would be to find a place! It is hard to downsize and live somewhere else. I have some issues about where I live and I guess I might be rather odd or a bit OCD. Is is too much to ask for a place to be clean?
So today the search continues... Celeste, Baby Lizzie and I are out on the hunt again.

Today I go to the Doctor to find out if I have to have foot surgery. An eventful summer!

More exciting news is Derek our youngest son is going to Dubai for 3 months to over see the landscaping for the tallest building in the world. It is an awesome opportunity for him. Way to go Derek!

Happy summer blog friends!

Blog updates

2010-06-03T10:13:00.000-06:00

I have not entered anything on my blog for a long time, not because there isn't anything going on in our life... just haven't wanted to.

I started taking piano lessons a few weeks ago. It has been years since I quit piano lessons. I think I was in 5th or 6th grade. I took for 4 years and really didn't like to practice and I didn't like the dreaded piano teacher. My mother warned me that I would regret quitting... and I do. Julia gave me piano lessons for a Mother's Day gift and I find it exciting to practice and pass off each piece. It is nice to learn the info all over again. Life is funny though, my teacher is one of my Mia Maids that I taught when I first moved here 22 years ago. She is patient with me and all my bad piano playing habits that I have acquired.

Aubrey and Kyle came this past weekend for a visit. We had a great timeand went shopping for Aubrey's maturnity clothes, Aubs and Celeste got pedicures, we went to the new Yogurt shop a few times, went swimming, went to breakfast and had barbeque with friends. It was a nice weekend!

I am sporting a really awkward (and ugly) air boot. I tore a tendon in my left foot. Not really sure how or when I did it. I do remember last summer Doug convincing me to prepare for a half marathon (yes it is the same 1/2 marathon that Doug ran and fractured his leg and was on crutches). I was doing quite well with that and got a little to over active and remember pulling something in the left foot. It has hurt since then and no amount of physical therapy and ice has helped it. Probably looking at wearing the thing for 4 more weeks, then check it and probably do surgery then wear it another 6 weeks or so. So I will sport this all summer. I took it off last night and my left leg is much thinner that the right leg now. Wonder if I could get velcro and use it on my whole body?

We plan on a vacation to Utah this summer within the next month. We are all getting together for a family reunion at our eldest son's house. We are excited to be together again. Hopefully the weather in Utah will stay cool for the summer. I am excited to get out of this heat!!! While on vacation I have some high school friends that I haven't seen in a long time and we are planning a lunch date. I am so excited for that too! Also Julia is moving into her new home in a few weeks so I want to be there to help her out.

Our house is still for sale. The market is picking back up so that is a good sign. We are getting rid of "stuff" and it is so liberating. Celeste and I did a big garage sale a few weeks ago and got rid of furniture and just stuff. Now to sale the house and we will be set! Our plans to downsize will be complete.

Can I just say I love summer, spending time with kids and grandkids, I love sitting by the pool, and I love to eat fresh fruits (melons are my favorites) oh and ice cream/yogurt. More blog info to come later.

Have a great summer!

Power Outage

2010-04-08T06:04:00.000-06:00

I received this email from my aunt a couple of weeks ago. I loved it and laughed so hard. If you have never had a mammogram then you might not appreciate the humor but either way I found it very funny so I thought I would share:

POWER OUTAGE

At my recent assault trial, I offered a plea of "Guilty with an explanation." The judge asked me what my explanation was, so I told my story.

"Your Honor," I said, "I had a mammogram appointment, which I actually kept. I was met with: 'Hi! I'm Belinda!' This perky clipboard carrier smiled from ear to ear, tilted her head to one side and crooned, 'All I need you to do is step into this room right here, strip to the waist, then slip on this gown. Everything clear?' I'm thinking, 'Belinda, try decaf. This ain't rocket science.' Belinda skipped away to prepare the chamber of horrors.

With the right side finished, Belinda flipped me (literally) to the left and said, 'Hmmmm. Can you stand on your tippy toes and lean in a tad so we can get everything?' 'Fine', I answered. I was freezing, bruised, and out of air, so why not use the remaining circulation in my legs and neck and finish me off? My body was in a holding pattern that defied gravity (with my other breast wedged between those two 4 inch pieces of square glass) when we heard, then felt a zap!

Complete darkness and the power went off! 'Oh, maintenance is working. Bet they hit a snag.' Belinda said, and headed for the door. 'Excuse me! You're not leaving me in this vise alone are you?' I shouted. Belinda kept going and said, 'Oh, you fussy puppy...the door's wide open so you'll have the emergency hall lights. I'll be right back.'

Before I could shout 'NOOOO!' she disappeared. And that's exactly how Bubba and Earl, maintenance men Extraordinaire, found me ... Half-naked with part of me dangling from the Jaws of Life, and the other part smashed between glass! After exchanging a polite 'Hi, how's it going' type greeting, Bubba (or possibly Earl) asked, to my utter disbelief, if I knew the power was off. Trying to disguise my hysteria, I replied with as much calmness as possible 'Uh, yes, yes I did thanks.' 'You bet, take care' Bubba replied and waved good-bye as though I'd been standing in the line at the grocery store.

Two hours later, Belinda breezes in wearing a sheepish grin. Making no attempt to suppress her amusement, she said, 'Oh I am sooo sorry!' The power came back on and I totally forgot about you! And silly me, I went to lunch. Are we upset?'

And that, Your Honor, is exactly how her head ended up between the clamps....."

The judge could hardly contain her laughter as she said 'Case Dismissed!!'

Happy Birthday Doug

2010-03-15T06:11:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Doug! I love you and hope that you have a great year. I am so blessed to have you in my life!

I just love how much you love our kids and grandchildren, what is even sweeter is how much they love you!

I have my life back (almost)!!!

2010-02-07T06:45:00.000-07:00

Things are looking up and I am finally on the road to having my life back. The doctors are not sure what brought all this on but possibly through a series of events and my already medical condition (brain tumor), something happened that they cannot explain. After talking to about 6 doctors (specialist mind you) I found one that was willing to do tests, he was persistent in the diagnosis and treatment. I am not going to go into all the details but he told me the day he released me from the hospital "Mrs. Martindale, I am giving you your life back". I do not have epilepsy, I am off the high doses (in fact all doses) of the seizure medication. I am to take it easy and go back into things slowly, I will be able to drive, go back to work and function as I did before but not take on quite as much. I have not had an episode for 2 weeks now and have been at home getting my strenth back and basically hibernating to get back to my old "normal".

Now we know that this awesome doctor found all this information out but we realize that I was being blessed to find the right doctor who would listen and take action. Heavenly Father has blessed us beyond belief (yet again) because of everyone's prayers and faith. The strength and support that we recieve is amazing. Thanks to all of you for your love, prayers, food, flowers, notes, visits and phone calls. We as a family felt that power and never wanted to give up even when I was told (by one crazy doctor) that my life was just going to get worse and I needed to deal with it. Prayers are very powerful and we know who these wonderful blessings come from. It was a trial and we look on it as a growing time for all of us! Our family was amazing too, our children were so supportive and just jumped in to help even when it was a difficult and required much sacrifice on their part. We are blessed to have each of you in our lives. God gives us others to not only share in our burdens but to help lift us up when we are down.

Love ya'll and thanks again. whoot hoo, yeeehaa I am back (almost)!

There is a silver lining

2010-01-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

The silver lining to being gimpie and sick is having awesome adult children that will come and help take care of you. I have been truly blessed with adult kids that rally around and help out when needed. These are opportunities to spend time with them and grandchildren that I would not have had if "all was well".
Aubrey gave me a gift that has the words written "The most important things in life are not things". So very true.

I am learning that there is a "new normal" for me in my life. I just have to get used to the "new normal" and help others around me realize what that is and how to deal with it.

Here are some of my new normals: I need help walking sometimes, I need someone to sit next to me at church and realize that I might end up resting my head on their shoulder, I need people to help me with transportation because I can't drive etc. So life goes on and we accept "new normal" and make the best of it.

Just so this is upbeat I wanted to add pictures of some of the silver linings and greatest blessings in my life.

Family that we shared precious memories with last year:

My brother Don and his wife Rae Jean for a weekend visit.

My sister Michelle and her family with Mom and Dad and sister in-law Rae Jean.

Extra special treat was my institute class doing a surprise Christmas Carol visit. Yeah I wasn't dressed.

Family and friends are the silver lining to every life of every day :)

Got any ideas?

2010-01-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready to sell our house. We are downsizing pretty much everything! What do you do with all the stuff you have accumulated over the years. Like: church books (fictional) that have been read and probably won't be read again in this home, wedding dress slips that are in perfect condition, a wedding vale that has never been worn (put those on Craigslist and in the paper and didn't get any response I would probably do better sending somewhere in Utah to sell huh?) just stuff. I keep telling myself that it is "just stuff" so it will be easier to get rid of. It's just stuff that I really don't need. So if you have ideas on what to do with all this "stuff" let me know. (We are having a moving sale as soon as we sell the house) but don't want to put the above items in it.
I am open for any suggestions!

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

We spent a quite evening at home last night. Our friends the Green's came over to help bring in the New Year. Had Derek, Celeste, Joe and cute little Liz here to help celebrate too. Nothing better than family and friends!
Good bye 2009 Hello 2010.

Started the morning off by saying goodbye to Derek as he starts moves to a new state and new job. He has been a life saver for the past month, driving me everywhere and taking good care of the family along with Celeste.

Wishing all my friends and family a very Happy New Year.

Mistaken identity can be dangerous

2009-12-19T06:29:00.000-07:00

This is funny but I have to set the scene up!
So I finally got into the Neuroligist (seizure specialist) on Tues of this week. He is very good and has been highly recommended by many people. He wanted me to be hooked up to a take home monitor for 3 days so they could find out if these "episodes" were seizures or something else. So I came home with this funky nylon cap over my head that covered electrodes that were GLUED to my head. I had a main cord that came down the back of my head and I had a few EKG wires on my chest as well and all of those were then attached to a box that sat in a fanny pack that sat on my hip. Then there was another wire that went from the box to a little monitor that watched me all the time. So when I would have an episode a button was pushed and then it would monitor what was happening and then my family would talk into the monitor giving more information. Anyway it was interesting to say the least and the Doctors office gave me a choice of which cute little bandana that I wanted to wear to cover all the cords and nylon cap up. So now that you have a visual of me with a funky wrap on my head and a cute little fanny pack on my hip, and my friend the monitor sitting beside me at all times you can hear "the rest of the story".

Celeste is here with her baby to stay with me and I am laying on the couch. There is a knock at the door. Celeste goes to the door and a lady dressed as a nurse walks in the house. I don't have my glasses on so I can't see her face. The lady walked up to me and sat down at the end of the couch that I was sitting on. I said hi to her. I looked at Celeste, she looked at me and we were both confused. (we both thought the other one knew who she was) She was nice and friendly and asked how old the baby was. Then she opens up her notebook and says I need to check on you and check your pump. She continued "Crystal was here earlier this week to put your pump in and I need to look at it" I said, "Crystal? I don't know what you are talking about, I don't have a pump? She then said "yes, Crystal was here and put in your pump and I need to check it. I said "Who are you? She stopped and looked at me and said I am from Home Healthcare and I am here to check your pump. Celeste and I gave a blank stare, Celeste said "She doesn't have a pump and no one by the name of Crystal came by this week". She said, Are you Ms. Edwards. No! She pulled out her phone and called her office. She said to the person on the phone, "I am at the house (verified my address which was correct) but this lady says she is not the right person and then she asked me to tell her my name (several times), conversation continues... well she clearly has a medical condition but she says she does not have a pump". Well they finally figured that they were at the wrong house and were supposed to be at another house on our street. Well the poor lady got off the phone and said, "let me explain, then I will leave and we will pretend this never happened". She drove from Jacksonville to get to Conway, called the house that she was supposed to be at, it is our neighbors sister that is staying with her that has cancer and they put in a pump a few days ago. When they verified that they were coming out to check the pump our neighbor told her that her sister wasn't doing well and was very delirous and didn't really know what was going on. (She didn't verify the address though). So when she came to our house, Celeste opened the door, she saw me sitting on the couch with a bandana on my head, and something on my hip that looked like a pump and I didn't know who she was and I denied having the pump cause I was confused... she thought it all made sense until Celeste cleared up who I was and that I in fact did not have a pump and was not the lady she was looking for.

Celeste and I were laughing so hard... she wasn't! She said she was really going to let her office have it for sending her to the wrong house. I pity that poor person that gave the wrong address! She said that in 30 years that she has been doing home health that had never happened.

The more I thought about it the more serious it became. If Celeste wouldn't have been here she would have hooked me up to a pump with some Chemotherapy or something because I looked like a cancer patient and was confused and delirious!
And I got it all on my monitor! LOL
I needed a good laugh just glad it turned out the way it did.

Thanks

2009-12-11T23:14:00.000-07:00

When life gets hard then there is one thing to count on... the Lord blesses you with people around you to bouy you up and give you strength.

Every morning I wake up i tell myself that I am going to try very hard to have a normal day, just like it used to be. Get up and shower, get ready for the day... drive to work, put in 8 or more hours at work, come home make dinner, spend time with hubby and family and read, do hobbies and just be normal again. As soon as I put my feet to the ground I know I Can't MAKE that happen. I have to be careful just walking, have to have someone there to shower, can't drive or work etc... and now Doug is on crutches too so it has made it a little bit more of a challenge for both of us. So we are really a sight to behold. But here is what we have been blessed with.

Gospel... to know the whole plan of happiness and what it is all about

Family... our adult children have flown across the country or driven hours to get here and have helped with every need, they have done things that I thought would have to be done when I am much older and they have been absolutely wonderful! Celeste has come to the house with her 3 month old baby every morning and stayed all day until after 10 pm to help take care of us. Our boys have done all kinds of chores around the house (inside and out) to get our house ready to sell, our kids just rallied around and decided what had to be done and they call daily to check on the progress. My parents call every single day to check in, they have their own health problems and this is when I need to be helping them.

Friends...have visited, called, brought in meals, sent cards and packages, and taken on my responsiblity at church and work. A few of my Institute students came by a couple of nights ago just to hang out and it was some of the best medicine ever. I haven't been much fun to be around lately but it is nice to have people around to bring a smile and help forget your cares. You know how people mention that you are in their prayers. Well, I think that this is how I am being blessed. I can't say that my health is better but having people in my life that care, makes all the difference in the world. I know that this is the time of year where everyone is busy trying to get everything ready for Christmas and yet extra time is given to lift someone elses burden. You know that you are being blessed when you spent the day crying and the mailman knocks and waits at the door until you answer and he hands you a care package from a friend. How did she know? How did any of them know what was needed and when?

Christmas will be different this year. I don't care about the shopping cause I can't do it this year and it isn't important anymore. Christmas will be better because it will be centered around the most important blessings I have and that is family and friends not things that can be bought at any store. I just want to feel the love of the season and have it Christ centered, lots of Christmas music and the "real reason for the season".

I am truly blessed with angels for family and friends. So, thanks to Heavenly Father for placing all of you in my life! All of you have been my blessing and a answer to prayers.

Life happens!

2009-11-30T05:29:00.000-07:00

I have always thought that blog posts were supposed to be informative, but fun to read. I love hearing about other people's experiences and ideas and daily lives. I like happy thoughts and happy blogs. This time I am going to tell about something that is not so happy. Something that is happening in my life that has made a huge effect on everything that I do.
As most of you know in Sept 2005 I was told that I have a tumor in my left sinus area in the brain. It is benign and inoperable. I was told it is the best kind of tumor but in the worst place possible. Any surgery could be fatal, or cause horrible side effects such as damage to all facial nerves and stroke. I have been doing fine except for a few horrible headaches here and there and some other treatments to my face that are symptoms of the tumor.
Earlier this month (Nov 5) I woke up feeling pretty dizzy and off balance. I got ready for work and went to do my job. As I was sitting in the office at work I had a seizure. Of course everyone was alarmed and an ambulance was called and I was taken to the local Hospital and then transported to St. Vincent Hospital and was there for about 3 days. They did many tests and told me to contact several kinds of doctors to . I have the best Neurosurgeon in the world but now I have to add more doctors to help with the symptoms. I called the doctors they suggested and couldn't get in until Dec 21 2009. Good thing it wasn't an emergency huh? I had about 11 episodes in the hospital in St. Vincent but nothing was really done to help me out. I was exhausted from the seizures and it took me a good 2 weeks to get my energy back. I went about 2 weeks without any problems, a slight dizzy spell here or there but I had started working a few hours a day and started driving again. Then Tues the week of Thanksgiving when all my family was here, we were all having fun together and I had another seizure. This time they were more frequent and lasted longer than before. So after having a great Thanksgiving dinner sitting around with neighbors, I had another one, and then another one. It was decided to take me to the Conway Regional Hospital that night. They started me on a seizure medication that very night and they clocked the frequency and time of each one, I had 24 in 4 days but 18 of those 24 were in 20 hours. So they were getting worse and more frequent. Thankfully a Neursurgeon came in and was there when I had a seizure. They have upped my meds 3 x the normal amount now. Now I need to go to be monitored at a hospital soon to find out if there is any damage and what they can do to help me.
This is a life changing situation for us. I should have someone with me at all times and I can't drive. I am probably not going to be able to work at this point. Last night we sat as a family and had to make some hard decisions of what changes have to take place in our lives.
I have hope that things will go well but I also have to accept reality too. At this point prayers are what I need. My sweet family had a special fast and prayer for me yesterday, it was much appreciated.
I know who the Master healer is and have faith that he will heal. Even if that means that things will be different than what I had planned. He is in charge.
I will say that it was wonderful having family here for Thanksgiving! They are awesome. They helped me SO much. I was sitting in my hospital bed not happy that I couldn't be with them and my cell phone went off about 6 times in a row. They all texted me telling me that they loved me. It was awesome. I got visits from them often and the Doctors were willing to release me so that I could watch our little Liz get blessed on Sunday. That was a blessing! I realized even more now that family and friends are the most important thing we can have. Nothing else really matters! I missed Black Friday and all the deals and it doesn't even matter cause all of that is just stuff I don't have to have. This Christmas will be quite with a small group of family gathered around and that is just what I want.
Love ya'll

I am thankful for...

2009-11-08T21:56:00.000-07:00

November is that special time of the year when thoughts are turned to being thankful for our blessings. This past week has been tough and I have had time to reflect on those things are are most important to me.
First of all... my Heavenly Father and His Son who created all. The knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to know who I am, why I am here and what happens after I leave this life is so comforting.
Next... my family. I was blessed to be born in a home with good parents and siblings and to have an awesome husband and wonderful children and adorable grandchildren. My family is my whole life they are my greatest joy!
Next are my good friends, I have really been blessed with many loving, supporting friends of all ages, and backgrounds.
I have been blessed with a good job and employer, and good co-workers.
And then all the comforts of life... home, food, clothes etc.
I have been blessed with good health. When you lose this one you realize just how much you have taken it for granted. I guess that goes for all our blessings though.

I thank God for my blessings and maybe I won't ask for as much as I usually do but just thank Him and truly appreciate the goodness of life that He has given me!

So what are you thankful for?
Love ya'll!

Dessert Diva's

2009-10-13T15:19:00.001-06:00

Our daughter Aubrey always tells me about some of the things that they are doing in their Relief Society in Kentucky, so I thought I would use one of their ideas. Once once a month the Relief Society ladies get together and visit and eat desserts... YUM! They call themselves the Dessert Diva's, I thought this was a cute name so I am going to use it too. I checked with our Relief Society President and she gave the go ahead. So one night a month we will meet at a different place either a restaurant or a house, so if you have a favorite place to eat at that serves awesome desserts just let me know.

We start our first Diva night this Thursday night October 15th at 8pm at Stoby's.
Pass the word, oh I will need you to let me know if you are going to come so I can get a count and let Stoby's know. Hummmm wonder what Stoby's will think when we all come in for dessert?

Our newest granddaughter

2009-09-09T20:12:00.000-06:00

Liz Aubrey Tribett was born this morning 09/09/09 at 9:53 am. She weighed 8lbs 14 oz and is 19 3/4" long. She is a beautiful and has the definite traits of both family the main trait is "cheeks". She is the apple of her parents eye and is doing just great for her first day in this world. She is really alert and is already lifting her head.
Celeste did a great job and her labor wasn't very long at all and the meds she had made her pretty much sleep through the whole thing. Until after it was all over then she was pretty sore. Celeste and Joe are happy parents and they have started Parenthood out right they are both very "tired". We are all excited to have her join our family. She is our seventh grandchild and we are elated.

Half Marathon???

2009-08-17T11:12:00.001-06:00

In a previous post I mentioned that Doug has been trying to convince me to walk the Conway's half-marathon in Oct. I have said "No" so many times but I went to their kick off meeting (with a poor attitude I must admit). I sat there with all those runners (obsessive runners) and thought no way. Well then a man gets up to tell where all the money for the race is going. It is called the Soaring Wings Ranch. It is a home for abused, neglected teens, kids that don't have anywhere else to go. My heart melted, I figured even if I walk a few miles I can pay the money, put the shirt on and walk as far as I can to help out these kids.

I started the training and now I am on my 3rd week... and I walked 4 miles twice last week. I told the girls at work that I didn't want to walk the race all by myself so they offered to do the race with me. All but one of my co-workers is younger than I am and they are all working to get into shape to do it with me. We all live in different towns so we all have to train on our own.

Last Sat I went and walked with the walking group that is set up to train for the 1/2marathon at the Fitness Center, there was only one woman that was younger than me. The other women were in the 60's & 70's. They walk everyday and are in pretty good shape. And yes I kept up with them, in fact I started walking faster and then the oldest little lady seemed to be having a hard time so I walked with her until we got back to the Fitness Center. What was I supposed to do leave her there in the dust... don't think so. She just kept saying "it is so hot" and it was. The humidity was a killer! The ladies kept reminding me that the Sat walk is for endurance not for speed... so tomorrow I do the speed and I will be doing it on the treadmill.

Amy Routt came and talked to me the other day while I was finishing my first 4 miles. She was cheering me on, it is good to have young, thin, and athletic friends while you are training for something like that. She showed me exercises to do after the walk, and well... they hurt but they helped.

I guess I will keep training and see what happens. Crazy I know, but hey it is for a good cause and if I can lose a few pounds in the process then I will be thrilled!!!

Wish me luck!

Note to self: Watch who I am texting!

2009-07-26T11:50:00.000-06:00

I have been having problems with my mouth getting dry and feeling numb lately. I feel like I have just been to the dentist and had shots, my whole mouth has been very sensitive and I haven't been able to figure it out. I had to teach a class at Youth Conference last Friday and I was worried about being able to speak because of this problem. I thought it was new medication that I had been taking for a couple of months but it didn't make sense that it just started. Doug said yesterday that maybe it was the toothpaste that I was using... hum, I never thought of that but every time I used it my mouth would burn... Dah! He went to the grocery store last night quite late (11 pm) and I remembered that I forgot to put toothpaste on the grocery list. I had just taken my glasses off and was getting ready for bed and thought I better text him to remind him to get some different toothpaste. I text the words quickly "Get new toothpaste please". I pushed the send button and as it was processing I realized that I was sending it to a different number, not Doug's cell phone. I tried to stop it but it showed that I had sent the message. Oh wow, who had I just told to "get new toothpaste please". It was my brothers cell phone. Now you have to know that I love my brother dearly but he lives in Utah and we don't really talk to each other very much, no reason we just are busy and don't visit much. I just wondered what he thought (after not hearing from me for a few months) why I would send him a text telling him that he needs to get new toothpaste. It was late, and I was tired, but I just pictured him and what his reaction might have been to see that message come across his phone. I just sat down at home (all by myself) and laughed so hard I was crying. Doug came home at that time and wondered what was wrong with me.
I did send my brother another text trying to explain but I guess I better call him today and let him know that I don't think he has bad breath, or poor oral hygiene.
And I will watch to make sure I am texting the right person when I send any message from now on!

Trip to Kentucky

2009-07-09T15:28:00.000-06:00

Doug and I took a quick trip over the 4th of July weekend to Kentucky to see Aubrey & Kyle. The drive to KY is beautiful! I have to say that the South is soooo very beautiful with all the green rolling hills. We had a good time with Kyle and Aubs, we went to breakfast at I-hop, they then took us to the 4th of July Parade in downtown KY, it wasn't a big parade but it was fun to see the patriotism of Lexington. KY is a huge horse state so there were plenty of horses and heard some bands play. We didn't stay long cause it started to rain. (Last year our whole family got together in LA and had big plans to go to Disneyland, beach etc. Well it rained the whole time we were there except the day we left to fly home. Doug and I went back out to LA at Christmas of 08 and they hadn't had rain since we were there in May... well it rained most of the time we were there. It rained when we went to St. George UT in Feb too. Ryan (our oldest son) says that we need to market that and find out where there is a drought and see if we could fly to that particular spot so they could get rain. I am beginning to think he is right). Anyway, we went shopping while it rained, then took a couple hours to nap, then went to Saul Good (a very good place to eat), grabbed a ice cream cone and saw a little bit of the fireworks they were shooting off in the rain. (I have never seen that before) Sunday we went to church and met the fine people in their Ward. And it rained most of the day. Kyle made us a delicious dinner and after the rained stopped we took a little walk around their neighborhood.

It was so fun to see their place, how they have decorated their cute Town home. They have an adorable little puppy that is just a ball of fur. He is so much fun and they have worked so hard to train him well. He runs to the door when he has to potty and when we were walking around the neighborhood he would stop at the end of the sidewalk before crossing the street and he would sit until they started to walk. It was adorable. They have a balcony that overlooks a house that has an amazing garden, every where you look you see green plants and flowers and it overlooks a body of water. What a view!

We were only able to stay 2 days but we really enjoyed seeing them, where they live, work and go to school. It is so nice to see our kids as adults doing good things!

On our way home Doug and I stopped and checked out a bit of history at the Homestead of Abraham Lincoln in Springfield KY. Very interesting. It was a short but very nice trip. Oh and no I don't have any pictures. sorry, Aubrey promised she would share.

25th Anniversary

2009-06-21T19:38:00.000-06:00

Happy 25th Anniversary Mom and Dad! We love you and your loving examples. I loved to always see you guys showing your love for one another whether it be sneaking a kiss or holding hands every chance you get. Love you guys! -kids

Weigh in

2009-06-18T13:49:00.000-06:00

I had to go to the Neurosurgeon's yesterday. Everytime I go they do the dreaded weigh-in... and I am thinking, what does my weight have to do with my brain tumor? I stepped on the scale and looked at the nurse and said "I would rather have the shots in my face, than step on these scales"! (I was actually there for the shots in my face and I waited 2 1/2 hours for those blasted shots). She laughed and told me a story about a lady that went to a resturant and when the waitress asked her what she wanted to order she replied, "Well I am going to order 1 chicken breast with a salad, and you are going to mistakenly bring me lasagna and cheescake". I love it, then she told me another one about a lady who got up to go jogging and she thought she would check with her body if that was a good thing to do and her toes were against it 10 to 1. Yeah I know it is cheezy but it is pretty funny too.

I have made it to the gym every day this week, I saw Amy Routt there yesterday, she was on this machine that strengths arms, it helps you do pull ups and push ups. And as Amy said, "it strengthens your core". Well I come from a family that has a problem with bone loss so I figured this is something I could really use. I watched her and it didn't look too bad. I told her that I had never used that particular machine, she offered to show me how to use it. Sure, sounded good. I did it and she stood there and told me how many reps to do of each one. OK, at first it was alright, but of course the more I did, the worse it got. By the time she walked away I was DYING! She said as she walked away, "Just do another set of those". NO WAY! And today, I am hurting, but they say that pain means that weakness is leaving the body. I like that, it helps me get thru the pain. I will go again tomorrow and do that same machine, I will probably change the weights a little bit.

Another funny about the gym, this guy goes to the doctor and is told that he needs to go to the gym and start exercising but start out slowly. The guy gets up in the morning and starts out by driving slowly in front of the gym. Yeah another cheezy one but it is kind of what I have been doing everytime I drive past the Fitness center, thinking I need to get in there. Now I am going IN again.

Doug is thinking about running the Conway half marathon, he keeps trying to get me to do it. I think I am with the 2nd joke, 10-1 saying that I won't. But maybe ?

Our home

2009-06-08T21:40:00.000-06:00

Doug and I like to have people in our home. Joe and Celeste were here for a few months,it was nice having them around. I had to get used to the idea that they were moving in to their own home a couple of miles away. It was exciting to help them get their home ready to live in. 2 weeks ago the big day came and Celeste wanted, no, insisted that they be in their house for her birthday. We all worked hard to make that happen... the house was lonely again.
A month ago I got a call from a lady in Utah. Her son was moving here to start a job with a new company in town. His name is Kirk, he is getting married in July to a girl from Idaho. They are making some big changes in their lives. 1. Moving from the West to Arkansas... for all of you who have made that move you know what a culture shock that is! 2. They are getting married and are coming here directly after their honeymoon... that is a big adjustment too! 3. They are both starting new jobs! No need to say anymore about that one.
He needed a place to stay before he gets married. We were more than happy to have him take the extra space on the other side of the house! He has been here about 2 weeks and has been the perfect house guest!!! His fiance' just flew in tonight and we just met her, what a cute couple and what a great asset they will be to our Ward! She is staying somewhere else in town and is going to go on job interviews, and help find a place to live. It is fun to see how happy and excited they are to make their new life together and be willing to make all these changes at once. If you see him at church say hi. They are a very sweet couple and hopefully we will make them feel welcome to good old Arkansas!

The Miller bunch

2009-05-28T05:58:00.000-06:00

This is a picture of my parents and siblings. (Top left to right) Don, ReNae, Michelle, and myself. (Mom & Dad on the front row). All of my family live in Salt Lake City so I don't get to see them very often. It is always a special treat to visit them. I feel blessed to have been raised in this family!

Meet our grandchildren

2009-05-19T05:53:00.000-06:00

In February we were in St. George and we were able to spend one day with all our grandchildren. It was AWESOME! We love these little cuties and miss seeing them all the time.

Kris Allen Day

2009-05-13T17:57:00.000-06:00

Last Friday Celeste picked me up from work and surprised me with a Kris Allen t-shirt. We went to eat Mexican Food then made our way to downtown and stood on the parade route waiting for Kris Allen to make his way to Toad Suck Square for his concert. There were soooooo many people and cameras from Fox news and all the other stations going up and down the parade route. It was pretty exciting and yes I felt like a silly tinnie-bopper!

Here are pictures of the parade, Conway police, Color-guard, UCA Band, Kris' Family and friends, then Kris. I might add that there were a lot of body guards and police and it made it difficult to get a good shot of him.

After the parade I went to the concert, there were over 20 thousand people and it was very hot, but it was great to see and hear Kris sing. He sang 3 songs and sounded wonderful.

We are so proud of our Conway guy. It is huge for this small town to have him become a star on American Idol. He will go far whether he has the title or not. We all love him.

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T21:49:00.000-06:00

Aubrey called last week to inform us that she and Kyle were coming this weekend for Mother's Day. What a special treat to have one of our children visit at home even if it is for a short period of time. It was fun to sit around with Aubrey & Kyle, Celeste and Joe and just talk and laugh about old times and what the future may bring.
After church I had a 3 hour nap and then enjoyed a delicious dinner that Doug and son in-laws made. Joe made wonderful no bake cookies which are a favorite of mine. The day was topped off with a phone call from each of our children.
Aubrey gave me a tile that had the words "The most important things in life aren't things". How true that is! It isn't the presents that are given but the fact that we enjoy each others company, speak kindly to one another and think of each other and express our love often.
I love my family, the only thing that would have topped the day is if we could have all been together in one place. Maybe another year.

I am also blessed to have a good mom. She is a special person and I love her. She has taught me many things in my life. I hope she had a great mother's day too. I am glad that I have sisters and a brother that live close to her to help take care of my parents as they age and need more attention. It is that cycle of life that just goes on and on.

I am blessed!!!

Family Treasures

2009-04-28T09:17:00.000-06:00

About a week ago I got a special package in the mail from my aunt Jeanette my mom's sister. After my grandpa died in Feb my aunts and mom had the the difficult task of going through my grandparents house and all their belongings and trying to divide what they had between siblings and grandchildren, great-grandchildren etc. The sisters divided the family items between them and then they gave us the opportunity to have some priceless possessions as well. There came a point where there were items that they wanted the grandchildren to have so they put all of our names in a hat, then they would pick up an item and someone would pull out the name and that person got that item.
I was blessed to get some very old and precious books. Some of the books are signed by the author. I also got an old pitcher of my grandmothers, a framed poem that my grandfather sent to his mother (my great-grandmother) for mother's day while he was on his mission in 1933.

One of the greatest treasures is a stone necklace, my aunts had one made for all the grandaughters. With the necklace came a letter telling us where the stone came from. In the early 1950's my grandparents and 3 of the daughters traveled back east to pick up a new car. On their way home they stopped to see the remains of the old Navuoo Temple. They collected a few of the stones from the Temple to remind them of the sacrifice of the saints (some of our ancestors were in that group of saints). Those stones were in my grandparents house and the aunts decided to have the stones made into necklaces for the grandaughters. This truly is a treasure for me. Some women wear a rock (diamond) around their neck that might be worth more in money but this rock has more value to me than any other stone that I could purchase or own.
Included in my treasure box are some letters that my grandma sent to my grandpa, letters that my great-aunts sent to my grandpa while he was serving his mission in 1932. My aunts are in their 90's now and one is deceased.

Opening that box last week was like opening 97 years of history. Looking at their handwriting, reading their letters and the love they had for each other. Realizing the trials they endured made me appreicate my heritage and the legacy that they left.

I will cherish these things for the rest of my life!

Doug update

2009-04-18T13:22:00.000-06:00

My how prayers are answered! Thank you for all your prayers and concern for our family. It makes a huge difference that we have people who love and support us and are concerned. The burden is easier to bare.
Doug was released from the hospital late last night. All the tests they did for a stroke came back negative. Whew!!! It is determined that he had Transient Global Amnesia. It is a condition where you can forget 6 - 24 hours of your life and you never recall it. It is a rare condition, his specialist only sees about 1 or 2 a year. He told us about another case where a lady drove from California to Washington and when she came to she didn't know where she was or how she got there. You function as normal but don't remember anything for a certain time period, ever!
He does remember early that morning getting dressed but his next memory was talking to me. He doesn't remember the conversation but does remember the policeman at his car door and the paramedic making him get in the ambulance and taking his blood.
This condition can be brought about by several different things. Physical activity is one of them, stress, trauma, bad news etc. We don't know what brought his on but it is something that only happens once in a life time. (Thank goodness) It is so weird to know that for 6 hours he didn't know what he was doing. I think he was walking around the whole time and then just got in his truck and then somehow knew to call me. We are thankful that it is nothing serious and now we sit back and appreciate each other, laugh about it some and remember that life is too short to take for granted.

I just can't tell you all that things that went through my mind as I watched him on the bed trying to figure out simple things. I count on him for everything. He is my rock. We will need to do things a little differently now. I will know all the numbers of his phones, not just his personal cell phone and his bosses phone number. I will have a file of people to call if anything happens with numbers. Insurance companies, bills all those things that he does will be done together and the file will be labeled Emergency File with people and places to call if something happens. When things like this happen, the last thing you want to think about is who do I call for this or that and if I only knew ... If it is all there then it makes things much easier.
Thanks again everyone for your support

My dear sweet man

2009-04-17T06:14:00.000-06:00

My husband was on assignment with his job in Russellville for 8 days and was supposed to come home yesterday. I was excited to have him return home and have things back to normal. I tried all morning to call him on his cell phone but there was not answer. He always returns my calls and I thought it was strange that hours went by and nothing. About 1:00 yesterday he called me from his company cell phone (which I don't have the phone # for). I asked him why he hadn't called me and asked him where he was. He was very confused and didn't know where he was or how he got there and he just kept asking me the same questions over and over again. He was laughing and being silly but just kept asking me questions like, did I leave the house this morning, when did I talk to you last, telling me he didn't know where he was. He did not know what day it was, who the president of the US was, who the prophet was, didn't know the names of family members. He did remember my phone number though (thankfully). I kept him on the phone and called 9-1-1 and got the police and ambulance dispatched to the area that he described for me. He as at a walking trail there in Russellville. They got to him as I was talking to him on the phone. He was not happy that I called them and didn't want to leave his vehicle. I had to talk him out of the car for them to be put in the ambulance, (as I was flying in my car with Celeste to Russellville) to meet him at the hospital. When I got there he was in his running clothes with scratches on his legs and he was still really confused and not acting himself. They ran a few tests and determined that he might have had a stroke. They wanted to admit him in the hospital but it was decided to transport him by ambulance to the our town hospital instead, which is where he is now.
Here is what we know, he knew he was done on his assignment and was going to check out of the motel but he decided to go walking that morning (he works out every morning so normal routine). Last night he finally remembered getting his running clothes on and going to the sight but he does not have ANY memory of between 6am to 1pm and what he did during that time. He apparently walked somewhere cause we could tell by his shoes and the marks on his legs. But it is a mystery of what happened to him during 6-7 hours. He does not remember our conversation, he remembers talking to me but not what was said. He kept asking last night what time it was cause he was so shocked that the day was gone and he couldn't remember any of it. Poor thing. Anyway he is at the hospital and many tests are going to be done today to determine the problem.
I love my man more than anything and pray that he will be fine! I don't know how to live without him. This was a huge wake up call of how we take day to day life for granted.
Please remember him in your prayers if you would.
Love ya'll

American Idol Junkie

2009-04-03T08:39:00.000-06:00

I am an American Idol Junkie! I love me some American Idol! It comes on while I have been studying for Institute or teaching on Wed nights. Doug got tired of recording it and so he surprised me with a DVR. AWESOME!!! I flip thru those commercial and the garbage I don't want to watch and get to see the good stuff. A whole new way to watch Idol. I do admit I usually fast forwarding thru Paula's looooonnnnngggg opinions!

This year is extra special cause our very own Conway Arkansas boy Kris Allen is in the top 8! Last year I was for David Archeletta, not only cause he had a beautiful voice but he was from our old home town Murray Utah. I lived just a couple of blocks from his high school and all. It was exciting to watch him get to the end and being the 2nd best. (I still consider him the best but I will say that David Cook sure has done an awesome job with the title).

I am cheering Kris Allen on and voting as many times as I can during the 2 hours that the lines are open. He is our boy this year! Are you with me on this one?

PS. We found out what Celeste and Joe are having but I want her to blog it first, stay tuned.

First fun of Spring break

2009-03-20T21:44:00.000-06:00

Celeste picked me up from work and we went shopping for maternity clothes. I didn't even realized that she had started showing. We had fun picking out clothes for her as she grows through the summer. And I loved looking at the little girls Easter dresses. They are sooo very cute. I love Easter time!
We came home and made some mean Chicken Fajitas. yum! Think I will plant some flowers tomorrow.

Spring has Sprung

2009-03-20T07:52:00.000-06:00

I am so excited for spring, it is my favorite time of year. I love the full blossoms on the trees, the tulips, all the flowers starting to blossom, the smells of lilac and all the blossoms in the air, (I can enjoy it cause I don't suffer with allergies). I have been amazed while living in Arkansas for 21 years at the beauty that abounds here. It is absolutely breathtaking!!! I have never seen so many colors on trees. The dogwoods are like lace with yellow, pink and white blossoms, the Bradford pears are bursting with blossoms (they don't smell the best though), the Azaeleas are vibrant pink and white and the red bud trees are bright purple! It is so beautiful in Arkansas in the spring.

This next week is spring break for all the schools. Some people are going away for the week. My friend is going to ride a train to San Diego, I have Institute kids that are going to Switzerland, another friend leaves for a cruise tomorrow and my brother flies to Hawaii today and ... well I am rather jealous. I want to do something fun. I have to stay home and work but I am going to do something fun! Don't know what but if you have any ideas then I want to hear them. Keep in mind that I work 8-5... I will work in the yard some because I like to do that but I want something fun. So friends, let hear your ideas!

Friends

2009-03-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

I feel blessed to have many friends in my life. When I was younger I seemed to visit with my friends on the phone more. I would take our children to friend's homes and the moms would visit and the kids played. We would go on outings together and just have fun. Now that I am older I find that I don't visit friends much, don't sit and talk on the phone for long periods of time. I email more than anything, or text, but if I go to Facebook I can visit with friends that I haven't seen or heard from for a very long time. (I do like Facebook)
Last night I went to our Relief Society Birthday Dinner and I sat at a table with friends. It was nice to just sit and visit face to face, laugh and talk! Beckie, one of my friends and I were talking about our future plans. I mentioned that in just over a couple of years Doug and I plan to move out West. As I sat and looked around the room during the program I realized that all these people are my friends. Some of them have been my friends for more than 21 years. We have been in callings in the church together, raised our families together, or I taught them in Primary or YW (which makes me feel old). It will be hard to leave here after putting down roots in a small town. Some of my friends are actually friends of my kids. They are adults now, having babies, raising children, doing the parent thing. They have turned out well! My friends are valuable even if I don't see or talk to them all the time. Tonight we are going out to dinner with friends (couples) then I am going to the girls night out. I look forward to these times. I like being with people, with friends and I don't care what age they are. Life is all about relationships isn't it?

Good Tribett News

2009-03-01T20:51:00.000-07:00

Celeste posted a couple of weeks ago in a round about way that she is pregnant. I didn't catch it at first so I decided that I would come right out and announce it (mentioned in my last post too). She is due in September... and we are very excited for them. We will finally have a grandchild that we can see all of the time. Poor child will have to endure a lot of kissing and hugging from grandpa and grandma.
I do feel bad that she is so very sick but I remind her that it will all be worth it and she will forget this bad time. She informed Joe that they are only having one child! I remember saying the same thing. How soon you forget after you hold and love on a new baby. This will be grandchild #7 and we find out in 5 weeks if it is a boy or a girl.
Have I mentioned how fun it is to be a grandma. Well it is the best fun in the world. While in Utah last month there was one day when we got all 6 of our grandchildren together and took a ton of pictures, a few days later 5 of the grandchildren got together and went to a museum and the park. We had so much fun. Then we played dress ups and had a pizza party. It is a day I will always cherish. Those times are very rare so it was a day to remember for both Doug and I. In fact I will say it is much more fun being grandma than being a mom. I love it!

Are you kidding?

2009-02-28T22:49:00.000-07:00

I have been told by a daughter that I am too serious in my posts. I generally like to laugh alot more than I like to be serious. I have another daughter that when you tell anything sad she says "wha wha wha" in a sort of a singing tone. Makes you think you are being a "Debbie Downer" or something so I am going to lighten the post some and hope I don't make anyone sick.
I will mention that when I laugh I can sometimes get out of control and I have a hard time stopping. This made me laugh all last night and today every time I thought about it!

Doug, Celeste and I went to Wal-mart before we went to the church Chili Cookoff last night. We were walking over to pick up some cheese and one of the employee's walked past us (a guy I see quite often). He walked over to the door where they bring out the meat. There was one of those garbage cans on wheels sitting in the door way where everyone could see. He walked over to the garbage can, cleared his throat and started spitting in the can, and he kept spitting, and spitting. I immediately shot a glance at Celeste. Remember she is pregnant and gets sick at the slightest thing. Both our eyes got big and I started to gag some. She took off walking the other way. Like a dummy I was so shocked at what I was saw that I just kept watching this guy. It was crowded and he didn't seem to find anything wrong with spitting and hanging his head in the garbage can. Celeste and I were laughing about it today that we both should have ran over there and started gagging and hanging our heads in the can with him as we puked.
It was gross. I have a friend Katie who blogged about her Wal-Mart bingo card. I suppose that is one she could add to her bingo card now.
I had Doug go to the store a couple of times today and I insisted that he go to
KROGERS! I may convert for good at least in the food section.

Back to normal!

2009-02-24T22:14:00.000-07:00

I am finally back in Arkansas and back to a normal life now. February has been an interesting, and very busy month. I am sure that people at church think I have moved or gone inactive. I have a huge pile at work that will take hours to go through. I have a friend who has been taking my Institute class for a whole month and she deserves a big treat for doing that! I appreciate her so much! I also have a Beehive class that I haven't taught for a month either.
It was great seeing all of my family, immediate and extended. I saw people that I haven't seen in many many years. As good as it was for those reunions, I am soooo very glad to be home. There really is no place like home!
I missed my blog friends!

Saying hello & goodbye

2009-02-18T22:19:00.000-07:00

On Feb 1st Doug and I flew to Utah (St. George) to see Julia and our new grandson Ty Martindale Boone and family. He is a cutie! It was an amazing feeling to say hello to a new grandchild and have them placed in your arms and to feel an instant love for this sweet little blessing from God. He is perfect and I am grateful for the knowledge that he came from a beautiful peaceful place and a Heavenly Father who has an important mission for him on earth. I looked into his sweet little face and watched as he made his little squeaks and cries. I have always been amazed at babies instincts to eat, cry and want to cuddle up to their mommies. Birth of a child is a miracle!

On Feb 9 & 10 we drove to Orem Utah to visit my 97 year old grandpa. He has been a strong, vibrant and active little man and he has always be there for our family. He is a wonderful example of charity, endurance, obedience, hard work and many other great qualities. He became ill and was failing quickly, it was amazing to sit by his bedside and look into his sweet face, much more worn with wrinkles and age but still that instant ability to show his warmth and love. He knew what was happening and he was ready to go. How do you say goodbye to someone who has been there your whole life? Grandpa was there for the blessings of our children, missionary support and he sealed Doug & I and all our married children to their spouses in the Temple. He has been the family Patriarch, and a fine example of service to God and others! He grew tired and we expressed our love for each other and said our final goodbyes. I was having a hard time leaving him and his last words were "It's OK you can go, it will be alright... Heavenly Father took him home this morning, he finished his mission here on earth. It is so comforting to know that grandpa is having the greatest reunion in the Spirit World. Death is a miracle too! I felt the sweet spirit in both the hello and the goodbye!

I love you and will miss you Grandpa Royle!

We have a new grandson

2009-01-30T17:26:00.000-07:00

Julia had her baby boy this morning at 5:30 am. He weighed 5lbs, 14 oz and he 18" long. They have a couple of names picked out but want to see which one fits him best. He is a cutie! He looks like Brooklyn his older sister. He is healthy and strong and does not have to be in the NICU at all. This will be a first for Julia and Nathan to actually take the baby home with Julia and not have to have extra care. The 1 month of bed rest worked! We are heading out Sunday to go see them and spend some time getting to know the little guy. I will blog when his name is set and will send pictures later.
From proud grandma and grandpa Martindale :)

A historical day

2009-01-20T04:14:00.000-07:00

Today is one of those historical days for our nation. I don't want to get all political on this post, I will say that today as we see a new President take office, I for one am praying for our new President and all those who will work with him to guide our country. And I hope he will do a good job. I have been very vocal to who ever would listen (although not on my posts) about how I feel politically and as a matter of fact I got in a very heated discussion last week with an old friend over my views. My friend and I are at the complete opposite ends of the spectrum of where we stand. We have the some of the same moral standards but view this new presidency completely different. So here is what I said to her. "I hope this new president does a good job". Regardless of your political views, why would you want any different? I hope it will be a good and safe "change" that we can count on. Again I pray for our leaders of our country and other countries! I love this country and want the best for it. Even though we disagree on things I believe we can all agree on that and come together to try to make it a strong nation. I hope we don't forget what our nation was based on in the beginning and I hope we will not forget God who gave us all that we have. We also can't forget all of those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms! Join with me and pray for our nation and our new President Barack Obama!

Facebook friends

2009-01-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

I joined the Facebook world in November just for fun. I had heard a lot about it and a co-worker told me how many people she had found from the past and I thought I would give it a try. I did it all by myself and it was really easy... within a day I had 19 request to be friends. I didn't know what to do so I played with it and figured it out, thank goodness it is pretty user friendly. Anyway I have been looking for some high school friends. I found a few and contacted them. It was fun visiting with them but there are a couple that I wrote on their wall and I never got a response. It kind of makes me feel like I did with some people in high school maybe you know the feeling, don't they like me or want to talk to me. Or maybe they just learned how to use Facebook and don't know how to respond. One of the people I wrote to is a guy I grew up with, he was in my Ward for many years. I haven't seen him since I graduated and well... I won't tell how long that has been. But he didn't respond, why? I wonder. When he saw that I wrote did my picture scare him, I don't look like the 18 year old girl that he knew with long blond hair. Oh well!
Needless to say my friend pool has grown and most of them are people in Arkansas and that is OK and most of them are much younger than I am... guess I can say that about the blogs too. But I have noticed that more people my age are catching on and joining. I think some of my kids wanted to die when they found out that their mom was on Facebook. Celeste laughed at me tonight when she saw I was checking out my profile. I asked her, "why is that funny" she didn't respond she just laughed. One of my Institute students told me she thought it was OK that I was on Facebook but she didn't like it when her mom got on it. I laughed cause I am sure my kids felt the same way.
I like it... and I will continue! My problem now is how do you find girls when you don't know their married names? And is it inappropriate to write to guys you knew that were friends? I don't want to look like a stalker. Any comments or suggestions?

Inspiring Obituary, wierd I know!

2009-01-09T11:53:00.000-07:00

I know this is weird, 2 posts in one day but had to share. I was looking in the Utah Obituaries (my great uncle died and was looking for his obituary) and came across this Obituary of a guy I don't know but I thought it was very inspiring and very well written and it had a real "feel good" touch to it. It started with his name and date of birth - date of death, then said this: "When you die your headstone has the date of birth and the date you died. But what is most important is the dash - in the middle". It is what you do with your life that counts, and apparently this guy thought life was great and lived it to the fullest. It also said that one of his favorite saying was "It's not whether you can survive the storm, but rather whether you can dance in the rain". You can bet this guy had a lot of love of family and friends with an attitude like that.
I took the sayings and put them at my desk so I could look at them all the time to help me remember them. I put it along side a couple of others that inspire me, I will share those too. "Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want" and "Brick walls are there for a reason, it shows how badly you want something". They were said by a professor that was dying of cancer and had a family and became very well know because of his positive attitude (I can't remember his name).
I know enough about the dying guys right? But sometimes we learn from how others lived their lives and how they died. Both of these men apparently suffered with a sickness and they endured to the end well. The poor guys didn't know that their obituaries inspired some lady in Arkansas who needed a little lift.
Anyway life is good and I am happy that I am here to live it!!! Now back to work with a smile! (Besides it is Friday)

Puzzles, are they a waste of time?

2009-01-09T04:36:00.001-07:00

Every year during the holidays we break out a puzzle for the family to work on. It has been a tradition for many years and this year was no exception. We were in California for Christmas and Joe and Celeste were staying at our house and when I called home she informed me that she broke out a puzzle to work on. It was one that a friend gave me last year that was reserved for this years holiday entertainment. Celeste and Melanie worked on it and finished it the day we returned. Celeste was so proud to show us the finished product. Well I wanted to do one and she wouldn't hear of putting the same one together again so we took it apart and did one that I bought in Salt Lake City at the 2002 Olympics. (Oh did I mention these are 1000 piece and not real easy)! We sat down and worked on it together, Celeste lost interest and Doug and I finished the dumb thing in a couple of days which happened to be my birthday. Joe & Celeste decided we hadn't had enough puzzle time and they gave me another one for "my Birthday". Joe was proud that he picked it out. It came in a small box, but it had 1500 pieces and it was a picture of colorful hot air balloons in front of a lake. So you had a reflection of everything and it was hard! We finished that dumb thing last night and here is the thing, we worked on it every waking hour that we were not working or sleeping (and it cut into the sleeping time). It is like an obsession like there is a time limit to get it done. Is is a waste of time? My friend Kathleen tells me that it keeps the brain active and helps prevent Alzheimer's. Well that helped knowing that we were contributing to our mental health in a positive way... but really how many hours did I waste? Have you ever watch how people put puzzles together? There are the people like Doug who zone in on a spot and study the color, the shape, and then look and look until they find "the piece" and then pop it right in (which is a real talent and it amazes me) and then there are people like me (who drive others crazy) I look at the color find a piece and start trying the piece all over the space (now I will say that I do consider the shape as well but I have to be moving and trying ya never know unless you try). Both ways get the job done but it seems that the first is more brain usage. Anyway I will say I possibly wasted more time in the last 2 weeks but I had fun! The question is... how long before I will sit and look at it completed until I take it apart and stick it back in the box knowing how much time was put into it. I guess I can look at it this way, Doug and I were together along with Celeste and Joe to get it completed and the TV wasn't even on, that is good family time, right? I will take it down in a couple of days and look forward to wasting more time next year.

Movies at the theatre

2009-01-06T05:34:00.000-07:00

I don't go to the movies at the theatre very much, we usually rent movies and watch them at home snuggled up on the couch with some goodies to munch on, feet propped up and the remote in hand. It seems like an ideal date and there is no one to bother us. You can stop the movie when you need to or just turn it off if you don't like it and it is cheaper. OK I will say that the screen isn't as large but that is not a real big deal to me. And now I feel even stronger about renting after going to the theatre, here is why.
We went to see Marley & Me on Sat. Paid $9 to get in and had to find our seats in the dark ( it was about 15 minutes before the show started) we sat on the second row to the back where no one else was sitting. And waited for the movie to start... just as it started, people came in and of course they wanted to sit on our row, we got up so they could get in, people came and sat behind us, but wait that isn't all... they had the popcorn, lots of popcorn. They chomped on that stuff for more than half the movie. The guy that sat right behind Doug was Very large and he had a problem sitting in his seat, so he leaned forward the whole time and was right in our space. He felt the need to narrate the movie. Example " Oh he is going to tear that couch up! or Oh no not a good idea! Then he would throw his head back and laugh so loud that you could hardly hear the movie. I actually laughed more at him a couple of times than at what I was watching on the screen. He calmed down some at the end of the movie and at the saddest part (the end) he got up and left before the movie was over. OK I will admit that we should have gone to Little Rock to one of the nicer places, but who wants to drive 40 minutes one way to see a movie besides we were meeting Joe & Celeste for dinner in Conway. (which was a lot of fun)
I will say that I did like the movie, the book was better though. There were people in the room with little children and there were some things in the movie that were inappropriate for them to see or hear. Why do they have to put that kind or stuff in movies? But it was a feel good movie, and yes I cried a lot! Doug went with me and he wasn't so moved by it, but he was a good sport.
We will continue to rent instead of going to the theatres!

Happy New Years

2009-01-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

I would like to wish all our family and friends a very Happy New Year. We started the new years eve off well with friends. We had a progressive dinner with a few couples. We met for at each couples house for food and finished it off at the 5th and final house for games (played guys against the girls and it got heated) and snacks and then watched the ball drop. It was a lot of fun and I believe we started a tradition for the years to come.
I have sat at home and relaxed since then. It has been nice. I slept in for 3 days and just did whatever I wanted to. I felt some guilt but my friend Kathleen assures me that there is not guilt in relaxing and I believe her.
Today I am one year older... not really a huge thing to celebrate but I guess it is better than the alternative. I plan on seeing Marley and Me this afternoon and grab a bite to eat and just relax again. After tomorrow it all starts back up. Work, Institute, just life. So for today I am just going to enjoy the New Year and a new day.

2008-12-25T14:08:00.000-07:00

Doug with Elise

Christmas vacation

2008-12-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

Luke and Sydney love brownies.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to wish all my family and friends a very Merry Christmas.

Here is a great Christmas morning recipe I wanted to share, it is yummy!

Pull Apart Monkey Bread

18-22 frozen dinner rolls (Rhoades Bake and serve)
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar, mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup butter melted
2 tablespoon butterscotch pudding mix(dry and not the instant)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Place the frozen rolls in a greased Bundt pan. Sprinkle brown sugar and pudding mix over frozen rolls. Pour on melted butter and add cinnamon mixture and nuts. Cover with foil and let rise overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Invert immediately onto plate for serving and enjoy. Yummy!

The joys of Christmas

2008-12-05T05:14:00.000-07:00

This is my most favorite time of year. I find joy in the small things like Christmas music, Christmas cards, special treats (food), the excitement of the faces of people opening gifts, the simple greeting of "Merry Christmas", the feeling of service in the air, all the parties, the decorations and lights. This is a time when I miss my children being little and getting excited for santa, and the traditions that we had. Oh the memories of years gone by... Here are a few as a child and as a young mother with children.
When I was about 8 my grandpa (who was widowed) came to spend the night with us on Christmas Eve (family tradition). My parents hid our present at the neighbors house 3 doors down. The gift was a Tandem bike for my sister and I. My dad and grandpa went down the street to get the bike about midnight, the story is told of dad and grandpa riding the bike up the street together in the snow and ice, with the bright moon lighting their way, mom tells the story of the priceless sight as they slipped and almost fell several times. Course we didn't know this until a couple of years later after we found out about the real Santa. But I will never forget coming in the room and seeing that blue bycicle built for two sitting there. I will also never forget the look on my parents and grandpa Miller's face as we screamed and danced around it. Little did I know that they had already taken a spin on it before we did. (Mom and dad still have that bike in there garage)
As a mom I remember many Christmas' but one in particular stands out... we lived in Laramie Wyoming. We went to cut down our own Christmas tree in the freezing cold and deep snow. The guys did the cutting and the girls sat in the warm car with the hot chocolate. We got out to tell them which tree then jumped back in the car. We must of thought we had a 20 foot ceiling cause we had to cut the tree down several times to fit it on the car and in the house. We had Christmas a day early (the kids didn't really know the difference)so we could travel to Salt Lake for Christmas with extended family. This was a 6 hour drive in a small Ford Broncho. (seat belt laws weren't in effect and yes we were dumb but it was the only dependable care we had). We made the trip singing, laughing (little fighting) along the way. For some reason I remember just being in that small space with all the people I love and feeling joy and love for each child and a good husband. What else is there? What is your favorite Christmas memory?

Thanksgiving Holiday was so much fun!

2008-12-01T04:39:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful time for Thanksgiving as a family. Aubrey & Kyle, Celeste & Joe and Derek were here for the Thanksgiving celebration. We stayed up late every night, ate lots of food, played games, laughed, and played Rock Band together. (Yea it wasn't my type of music but it was fun when you were playing it).
They were all here by Wednesday, Brock and Brittany came by to visit. It was interesting to see these same kids that used to hang out together as teenagers many years ago, sit down together as adults talking about jobs, homes, babies and friends. They are all living in different areas doing their own thing in life and being responsible adults.
Thursday was the traditional Thanksgiving feast. Derek, Kyle, Joe and Doug were all helping in the kitchen. It was a first to have all guys in the kitchen with me. They all like to cook and I took advantage of that by giving them dishes to make. The food turned out yummy! Now if I could just get Aubrey and Celeste to like being in the kitchen too. The kid's friends came by and they played Rock Band, it was great being a part of the fun.
The girls went shopping on Black Friday while the guys went shooting. That turned out to be a great arrangement. We all got home about the same time, went to eat at Chicago pizza, which was yummy... came home and decorated the Christmas tree together.
Saturday we went to Little Rock to the River Market and walked around downtown. Some went to the Clinton Library while others went to the Arkansas Museum. Then we went to Macaroni Grill, shopped some more and came home and played all night. We won't be seeing Aubrey & Kyle at Christmas so we did our little mock Christmas and gave them their presents early.
Sunday we had a big breakfast together, then said our goodbye's to Aubs and Kyle. Joe & Celeste went to church and ate dinner with us, then they left to go home. Derek leaves this morning to go back to CA. It was wonderful having them come. The hardest thing is saying goodbye! During breakfast yesterday we were planning the next family get together. Those family times are priceless, and they have to be well planned because of distance and schedules, and expense. Doug and I cherish the time that we spend with our children and grandchildren. This is what life is all about, FAMILY! I am thankful for mine!

Elise Ann

2008-11-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

We have a new grandaughter! She was born last night at 7:55 p.m. California time... She weighed 6 lbs 11 oz. and she is 20" long. Jane (mommy) and Elise are doing well. Ryan (daddy)called last night and was so excited. We get to meet her in a few weeks. It is hard to wait! If you go to Ryan & Jane's blog you will see her picture. She is beautiful.

Mexican turkey?

2008-11-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

Several years ago my parents had some new friends that had just moved here from Mexico. They had never celebrated Thanksgiving before so mom and dad thought it would be nice to have a little Thanksgiving dinner before the acutal family turkey day feast to show off the American tradition. Our oldest son Ryan, (has a great sense of humor and he is a great story teller and I might add he likes to kid with people) was talking to grandma on the phone about their new Mexican friends. He had served his mission in California (spanish speaking)and he was very aware of the Mexican traditions. Mom was asking Ryan for his opinion on what she should do to make the event special. He took the opportunity to mess with her a little, he proceded to tell her that she should have a Mexican turkey. Her reply, "Oh I have never heard of that before". His reply, "Oh grandma here is what you do... You take a turkey and instead of stuffing you fill it full of guacomole and then put tortilla chips around the edges so they can dip their chips in the guacomole dip and eat the turkey at the same time". My sweet mom said, "Oh, I have never heard of that, so how do you make that". Yes she took it hook, line and sinker. He started laughing hysterically and she realized that he was just messing with her. The family has laughed about this for years, including grandma! Can you picture sitting down with a cooked turkey, with a green blob coming out of the inside and then having some crunchy salty chips garnished on the side! OH GROSS!

So the other day Doug brought home one of those holiday recipes that he found in the newspaper. It was for a Spanish Turkey. No guacomole and chips mind you, but the ingredients called for hot peppers inside the turkey. I don't think I will attempt that... EVER!
I was thinking about both mom and Ryan today. Both are at a hospital, mom after surgery and Ryan is helping his wife through the delivery of their little girl. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

All it takes is one phone call....

2008-11-21T14:55:00.000-07:00

All it takes is one phone call to change your plans, your emotions and well.... your life. Yesterday I found that our friend was in the hospital with heart problems. He was just a couple of minutes away from a massive heart attack. (He is a couple years younger than I am). Things like that make you realize how short life is. Then today while at work I got a call from my sister saying that last night my mother got up and let the dog out and went to the kitchen sink and fell. She broke her left leg,it is not a normal type break... she was in surgery today for 4 hours and they had to put pins, and plates in both the tibula and the fibula. She can not move her leg for over a week and can't put any pressure on it at all for quite sometime. She will require 24 hour care. My dad is not in great health so he is not going to be able to take care of her himself.
What do you do when you live 1500 miles away? I do have sisters and a brother but I feel like I need to be there too. Thank goodness my sister has kept me up todate of what is happening on the home front. I feel just awful! I just may jump on a plane and go, who knows. That is what daughters are supposed to do right? I guess we are at that point in our life. (Hey my mothers father is still alive, he is 97 years old and lives by himself. I come from a family where most live until they are 80 + and in pretty good health. I am kind of counting on that you see). So I wait by the phone so that I can continue to get the updates. It just takes one phone call. I am grateful that it was just her leg, it could be worse. But it isn't an easy recovery for someone in their 70's.
So now the phone calls give me updated information. And yes I am thankful for phones! I just like it to be good news each time it rings.

Now for the happier side of life ... We are going to have another grandaughter on Monday. SO I am excited for that phone call, it will change our lives to. That is really mixing the sad and the happy together in just a week. I guess in life it all evens out huh?
Come on phone ring with good news!!!

I have a sickness! Do you?

2008-11-18T20:39:00.000-07:00

Ok I have to admit that I have a sickness! Here goes... and it involves the blog friends. I am a blog stalker. I am at the computer all day at work and when I need a little bit of a break (not too often) I have to check my blog to see who has posted either a comment on my post or posted something on their own blog, I check it at night before I go to bed too. Am I the only one who does this? Is this a sign of being bored with nothing to do or is it just a new novelty and someday I will grow out of this little phase? Maybe I need more things to read. All the sudden I feel connected to people I just casually knew. I don't like listening to the news anymore, too depressing. I would rather blog! (Last night I actually dreamed that the world was coming to an end. So what is my lesson on in Institute this week... You guessed it, the Second Coming. It was not a restful night sleep). Sooo I need some more reading material help me out here. Keep those posts and comments coming, OK?

How far would you go?

2008-11-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

How far does one go to update their looks? There are many ways to make ourselves look younger, thinner, better, but do we know when to stop and just grow old gracefully. Now the simple things like hair color, highlights, some tanning, makeup, maybe the fake nails all help us look nice and maybe help us feel good about ourselves. I don't think any of us like growing old but I can't imagine having not just one surgery... but many to change my looks. I know some who have had tattoos on there lips, their eyebrows, there eye lids, then to follow it up with laysik, eye surgery (which is one that I would love to have I must admit) then the chest enhancement (over sized usually) and then the tummy tuck and the lypo, with botox here and there. How far would you really go to stay young and beautiful? How many of these would you really do? If you had the money would you do just one or maybe two or all of the above.
Now I must admit there are a few of these that I probably need or would consider but I don't know that I would really go that far. I know the tattoo is out for sure.
The reason I bring the subject up is, I saw a friend today that has had all of this done in the last 4 years. To be kind here I will say.... she looked better before and she should stop! She didn't look like the same person... it wasn't natural. I think we should take good care of ourselves but there is a point where we can go too far. She pretty much passed that point several surgeries back. The thought of Michael Jackson comes to mind. Although she hadn't done anything to her nose (at least I don't think). The natural look is more pleasing! So I pose the question again, How far would you really go to stay young and beautiful?

Cute

2008-11-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

I was at work yesterday, checking a patient out and I heard my cell phone ring... I couldn't get it at the time. I continued working and heard my cell phone ding to let me know I had a voice mail. I continued working... Then I finally had a little break ( few hours later) and I remembered the I had a message waiting for me. I grabbed my phone went in a private place and listened to my message. It was my oldest grandaughter Brooklyn, she is 3 1/2. Here is what she said "Hi Grandma, I was calling to say hi. I called aunt Celeste and Bob's (Aubrey)phone, and they are busy too. I just called to say hi. I miss you. I love you... I will talk to you later". My heart melted! How cute! I feel bad that I missed that most important call. How can I ever be too busy to answer a call like that. I tried to call her last night but she had gone with her daddy. I was sad that I didn't get to talk to her when she called. I think this is what the scriptures mean with we are told we should be childlike... Just call someone to say hi and say I love you. SWEET!
The days fly by and children grow up and those precious memories with them are just that, memories. To all you moms out there, no matter how tough the days get being a mom, know this: you have the most important job in the world, with the most important people who will ever come into your life. The time you have to teach and hold them is short, enjoy the journey! Time will march on and they will grow up and leave home to start their own families and you have memories. Make sure they are good memories for them and for you. Nothing else matters but what you can give them. Make each day count and play and have fun.
I am your cheerleader on the side lines. Along with all the other moms that have raised their families. We applaude you! It is worth all the sacrifice that you make. Yeah to the mom's and the grandma's.

a Thankful tag

2008-11-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged again, and since it is a Thankful one I decided to play.
Here are 7 things I am thankful for:
1. Family, (husband, children, parents, grandchildren, siblings etc).
2. For my health and fact that we have modern science to help out with our ailments.
3. A free country to live in. (Hope we can stay that way, it was not free it was paid by many men and women giving the ultimate sacrifice)
4. My religion and the knowledge and testimony of God and Jesus Christ.
5. Grandchildren that make me laugh, they are so cute! Wished I could see them more!
6. Good friends with warm smiles and hearts.
7. Modern conviences... cell phones, cars, dishwashers, washer, dryer and oh I can't forget the COMPUTER to stay in touch with others blogging!
I realize I cheated by naming more than 7 but hey, my blog I can right?
Now I have to tag someone.... Hmmm
Haven't heard from Donan
Lindsee (by the way call me please)
Celeste
Aubs
Carol

B&B spells R&R

2008-11-02T20:46:00.000-07:00

Friday afternoon we took off to Mt. View Arkansas for some fun with our friends. We stayed at a Bed & Breakfast on Friday night. B&B's are much more fun than Hotels. We found out about this nifty little place on an American Airline airplane magazine. Kathleen & I both went on different flights and read the same article. The article talked this place up along with the beautiful setting it is nestled in. The B&B was really neat with great attention to detail to make your stay fabulous. That night we went to dinner in the little town square, walked around and listened to the old folks sit on the porches and play their instruments and sing. (Yes they were older that we were, in fact I was feeling quite young, I am thinking they were in their late 70's early 80's) We went back to the B&B and played Phase 10 until 11:30 pm. I don't think I have laughed that hard for a very long time. My dear friend was losing pretty bad and felt that she had to redeem herself some and just starting cheating. She said she did it in a nice way, which was true and she didn't try to hide the cheating at all. After the game ended the score was tallied and I Won, Brooks close second, Doug and then Kathleen. Keep in mind that she usually wins, without cheating.... I think, I guess we will have to pay more attention from now on.
We got up the next morning to a most beautiful sight of colorful trees on the hills around us. It was a breathtaking view. Something out of a magazine... Amazing!!! We had a wonderful fancy breakfast and then we took a walk around the pond and just took in the view. I don't think I have ever witnessed a more beautiful fall foliage in my life. I know I was almost annoying I just kept saying "Wow look how beautiful". I love landscape beauty... It just makes me feel good inside. I feel like God blessed us with such a beautiful earth and it makes me feel loved by Him. We drove off into the Ozark mountains and saw more beauty. The fall colors were at their peak. We stopped off at Blanchard Springs Cave and took the tour, then went to the Springs for more beautiful scenery. Oh did I mention that I forgot my camera? None of us had a camera, so it will have to be a memory or.... we could go again next year just to take pictures and have more R&R. It was very relaxing, extremly fun and just a marvelous time!!!

Halloween and fall time

2008-10-31T05:45:00.000-06:00

Fall is a favorite time of year. I love the crisp air and the beautiful fall foliage, carmel apples, soups, warm clothes... you get the picture. I however am not a huge fan of Halloween. I like to see costumes and how original people are but I for one do not like being scared. Not at all!!! Celeste and Joe came over Sunday night for dinner and they were telling us about a hayride they went on last week that had people chasing after them with chain saws and people walking around a field like they were dead. See, I just don't get it. Paying to be scared is not my idea of fun. I know people that love that thrill of being scared. I have a sister that loves to put on a scary movie all by herself and loves the thrill of being scared. Hard to beleive we grew up in the same house. Oh and I don't like scary movies either. You don't want to watch a scary movie with me. I will scream, dig, yell at the screen, and finally I will get up and go to the bathroom (several times) then come in the room and ask "what happened". I don't make it very enjoyable for others, to say the least! Scary is NOT my thing. I don't like answering the door to older kids on Halloween when they are dressed up all scary. I do like the cute little kids though.
I like pleasant, happy, comfortable things. So this year for Halloween we are doing something fun, and pleasant and what older people do. We are going with friends to Northern Arkansas to see the fall foilage. We are going to a famous cave too, (yes I know there are bats in there but they are more scared of me and I sure they won't bother just little ol me). Now that is pleasant, happy, beautiful and comfortable to me. It will be a change from the normal Halloween but a change I am ready for. Happy Halloween to everyone.

The American Way

2008-10-24T11:37:00.000-06:00

I am proud to be an American!!! I am one of those people that gets choaked up when I hear or sing the Star Spangled Banner or any other Patriotic Song. I fight back tears when I see the American Flag go by in a parade or see it flying in the breeze. I love knowing that we have wonderful young men and women that are willing to fight for our freedoms and sacrifice all that they have for us. Hopefully we continue on with our American ways, our American freedoms.
I know we don't have a perfect country but I don't think there is any other place in the world that offers what good ol' America does. I am proud to live in this country.
I get upset when I see others be disrespectful to the flag, or when the Pledge of Alegience is being said or Star Spangled Banner sung and people don't have the simple respect of stopping what they are doing and simply put their hands on their heart. It really makes me sad, no mad! Anyway, I also feel very priledged to be able to vote in the elections. I will admit I don't know everything about all the politicians and I am not a big political person, but I listen to the debates, read and listen to what I can... problem is everything is contradicted, it depends what you read or watch. Yes I know who I am voting for but I will say that I will be glad when this election is OVER! I don't like mud-slinging from either party. I want to know what they are going to do while they are president or in any other office and it would be nice if they actually did what they said they were going to do.
Lets just say I am sick of the commercials, the phone calls, the mail etc., all making promises they probably won't keep and bad mouthing each otherin the process.
Here is what I know! If we we forget God in America we are in big trouble! We have many examples of the pride cycle and what happens when we think we are too good, or too big to fall. Is it possible to get back to the basics of God, family, religion, integrity, and working together no matter our different ideas? I certainly hope so. I feel it is up to all of us individually to pray for this great country and its leaders. God gave us this country, our Constitution, and the privelede to live here. I want my children and grandchildren to live a good life like I have with freedoms to flourish and carry on as our Maker intended.

And on a lighter note, I will be glad to hear deoderant comercials again! This was not paid for by anyone but I do approve this message!!! LOL

Blue Angels excitment

2008-10-19T21:48:00.000-06:00

The Blue Angles came to Arkansas and we were so excited to see them, we even had our own personal guide, Joe our son in-law. Joe loves airplanes, he seriously knows what every airplane is and what they are/were used for, he even can tell by the sound of the plane what is flying overhead. It really was an amazing show! There were times that I thought my heart skipped a beat as two F-18's headed right for each other flying low and as they got in front of the crowd they would do some fancy turn and barely miss hitting one another. Amazing! After they land the planes the pilots come to an area where they sign autographs and take pictures. It was like watching Rock Stars on the red carpet. It was pretty crazy the crowd they had swarming them.
After the show we stayed and walked around at the Air Force Base. There was a Flight simulator that Joe wanted to go in. He is kind of like a little kid at the fair wanting to go on the rides. It was cute. Anyway the simulator was a enclosed black box that they put you in it, strap you down good and then you tell them which ride you want to go on. The F-16, Grand Canyon F-18 etc. There is a screen in front that makes the scenery look real and then the box your sitting in jerks around and even goes up side down about 3 times. Celeste decided she would go with Joe on the ride, they waited in line about 45 min or more. They shut the door on the ride and as soon as it started going up side down we heard a scream. We heard a few more screams after that. Hummm, I hadn't heard any other person on the ride scream it really seemed like a harmless ride. The people that were waiting in the line and the guy operating the ride were all laughing. It was uncommon for anyone to really scream. When they opened the door and Celeste got out we all were laughing and started screaming. She was a good sport to go with Joe and to have us joke with her about the screams.
It took us several hours to get out of the parking lot so we just killed some time. We dropped the kids off at their house in Little Rock and stopped to get gas. As Doug was pumping the gas, he started knocking on the car window and pointed to the car next to us. There were 4 Blue Angels pilots getting gas right next to us. What are the chances? Doug thanked them for the great show, they were very polite. They drove off kind of like they were in one of their planes. Celeste was upset that she wasn't with us for that part. It as about a block from her house.
Anyway we have played alot the last week. It has been fun. I did clean my house late at night, and the grass has not been mowed for 2 weeks now. Oh well all that can be done another day right?

Rollin on the River

2008-10-18T05:48:00.000-06:00

Every year in October Doug and I go on the Arkansas Queen Riverboat. Doug is on a Credit Union Board and that is where they have their annual dinner along with all the other Credit Unions in Arkansas. Usually we have dinner and a speaker then a short time to listen to some live music. (3 person band and they are pretty good). Last night we went to the annual meeting and I was expecting the same thing. Little bit of small talk with people you only see once a year, cafeteria type food, and I always liked the band. Well last night it was really fun. Not only did my man look really good sporting his shirt Aubrey and Kyle gave him... (I was with the cutest guy there) but we only had 4 couples at our table, and we had a lot of fun. (No boring speaker either) They started passing the ice tea down and we passed and of course they wondered why but no big deal. We ate dinner and then they broke the food down, carried it away and there was the dance floor. Oh we have danced in previous years but it was just to a couple of the slow songs. Last night we danced to the slow songs then they did the "Electric Slide". I didn't know that dance but this cute lady at the table said "Come on Maureen I will teach you". She is much younger and is really good at dancing. I was out there with everyone that already knew the dance. I did learn the moves after a few times of doing them and then I just had fun. I love to dance but just don't do much of it. (Which makes my kids happy cause they think it is funny to watch us out there moving around like old folks). We really had a good time. Some of the people at the table asked what was in my water that I could get out and dance... nothing but H2O. I just have fun in life and at this point I really don't care what others think. Is that bad? Who cares! I won't see these people for another year and maybe their memories are like mine. I am sure I was pretty boring to watch compared to the people on the floor with me that really knew how to move. Doug and I are going to look for dance classes somewhere. Not square dancing though! Hey if Cloris Letchman can do it at 82 why not us? Sorry kids more embarrassment for you!

Institute students

2008-10-16T14:18:00.000-06:00

I just have to brag about having the greatest Institute class in the world! We usually get about 20-25 Institute kids each week. I guess I should define what Institute is first: It is a LDS Church Education Class for young men and women between the ages of 18-30. We are studying the New Testament this year.
Every Wednesday evening I am surrounded by the most wonderful people in a class room studying the scriptures and talking and learning about the Life of Christ. The spirit is amazing and so are they. I have learned so much in this calling, in my studies and in the classroom as they make comments. I cherish my time with these kids. They are righteous individuals with a desire to serve the Lord. I imagine the impact they will make on the their families and the world in the future. They all have the ability to do great things. I feel blessed!

Race For the Cure

2008-10-12T19:31:00.001-06:00

Celeste and I were among about 50,000 women to walk or run the race for the cure. It was quite the experience. No one warned me that it would be so packed that you could not walk for about 2 miles. It was fun though, Celeste and I were side by side during the whole race. Celeste was brave and as we walked across the bridge she stayed on the edge to protect me. I don't like bridges and we were right on the edge. There was a railing there but you could see the water right below us.
There were women that were dressed really crazy, some were really quite weird but they were having fun so I guess that didn't matter if they were crazy.
Here are some pictures to capture the day. We spent the rest of the day with Joe and Celeste. We went to I-Hop in LR and then did some widow shopping. It was nice to play and spend time with the kids.

pictures of our family & most recent trip to Jules

2008-10-12T18:32:00.000-06:00

My One week vacation

2008-10-12T00:15:00.000-06:00

I was lucky to get away on a one week vacation and visit our daughter Julia in St. George, Ut. She and her husband have 2 adorable little girls and Julia is expecting a little boy in Feb (we hope he waits until Feb to be born) We had so much fun going to parks, playing in the water in our clothes, having picnic's and just playing and getting to know each other. Courtney is 1 1/2 and she hasn't known me at all. I haven't been to their home since she was born. We have been able to see them for a few days here or there but she would cry cause she didn't know who I was. I felt awful, here is this lady that wants to hug and kiss her and she was scared to death of me. This visit changed all that! It only took her one day to warm up to me. She couldn't say grandma so she called me "nice". She would point to me and call me "nice". It melted me! When we had family prayers they would say thanks that grandma could come and visit and she would say out loud "NICE". Adorable child. In the South we choose what grandparent name to be called by, I may change mine from grandma (isn't that original) to Nice.
Brooklyn who is 3 is quite the big sister too. We sang songs together with the actions, told stories, played dress ups and just had fun, did the things that grandma's and grandchildren are supposed to do. I didn't want the week to end. Julia and I enjoyed some time together as well. We went to a Huckleberry Finn Musical outdoors and we did some shopping and got a rasberry shake that equalled about a gallon of ice cream in each of our cups. As much as I love ice cream there is no way, no how I could have finished it or even eat half of it.
Then it was over and back to reality! But at least we have the memories and they think I am "Nice". I love being a grandma!

Tagged by Janae

2008-10-10T09:16:00.001-06:00

I have been tagged a couple of times so here goes my attempt to do this right:

7 things I can do:

1. I can laugh at almost anything and once I get started it is hard for me to stop.
2. I can be a fun grandma!
3. I can be with my husband at anytime, anyplace and love it.
4. I can drop off to sleep very quickly.
5. I can eat ice cream anytime and I eat it pretty fast too!
6. I can multi-task pretty well.
7. I can tread water and float in a pool for a very long time.

7 things I cannot do:

1. Can't see my kids and grandchildren all the time whenever I want
2. Can't run a marathon and don't ever want to
3. Can't play a musical instrument, I play the piano but not very well, I should have practiced more as a child.
4. Can't do a cartwheel anymore
5. Can't remember names of songs, movie stars, movies etc
6. Can't shop and buy whatever I want
7. Can't eat what I want without gaining weight

7 things that attracted me to Doug (this part was easy to fill out)

1. His voice (we spoke on the phone first to set up a blind date)
2. His patience
3. His kindness
4. His sense of humor
5. His willingness to live righteously
6. His integrity
7. His smile and beautiful blue eyes

7 things I say the most:

1. It is hot in here
2. It is cold in here (must be a hormone thing)
3. Instructions for oral surgery: "Nothing to eat or drink four hours before your appt and your driver will need to stay on the premises during the surgery.
4. Repeating a sentence for my husband again (he has a hearing problem and doesn't always hear the first and sometimes the second time)
5. We or I am going to be late
6. I am sorry
7. Thank you

7 Celebrity Admiration's (not in order of importance)

1. Richard Greer
2. Harrison Ford
3. Sean Connery
4. Julia Roberts
5. American Idol contestant
6. First Presidency and 12 apostles
7. Lucille Ball
8. Meg Ryan

7 Favorite foods

1. Ice Cream (any kind)
2. Pastries - Cinnamon Rolls
3. Mexican Food
4. fruits & vegetables
5. Chicken
6. Salmon
7. Hamburgers

7 People I tag

1. Aubrey Moon
2. Celeste Tribett
3. Veda Charlton
4. Jane Martindale
5. Katie Slade
6. Cindy Stepan
7. Tammy Booth

Kids Birthdays

2008-09-26T14:07:00.000-06:00

We have 6 children. 3 boys and 3 girls... I know it is like the Brady Bunch (except I gave birth to all of them). Out of those 6 children, 3 of them have their birthdays in September. Now that is what I call planning. Aubrey had a tribute on her blog of Derek. It is his birthday today. He is a pretty great kid. I give my tribute to him as well. You won't find a better human being in the world than Derek. SO to you Derek, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON! I love you!
Jaren and Aubrey have their birthdays in September too. Jaren on Sept 1 and Aubrey Sept 14th. They are pretty special too. I love all my kids. Each one brings joy to our lives. I feel like it is a real privilege to be their mother. It seems like the years flew and now they are all gone and I call them long distance, or text message to keep in touch. Thank goodness for email, cell phones and the ability to send pictures and messages. It is better to be with them though. It is hard to have them so far away. But I do wish the 3 of you a very happy birthday. Love ya lots

I want a new style

2008-09-26T08:14:00.000-06:00

Do you ever watch those TV shows where they take a person and completely redo their look? I want someone to nominate me! Ok, here is the problem... I noticed that they don't have people on those shows over 45 years of age. (Back to the previous post about getting old) Here is what I want. Well first I know I still have to drop a few more pounds (another 15 to be exact) but I am at the point of, do I dress to old or too young, kind of in the middle thing. I go with my daughter to shop and she puts clothes on and looks like a Barbie doll, of course I realize she is 22 years old and I am not. But then I put something on and there is a silence and then well... a giggle or we just bust out laughing. Not fun. Am I required at my age to wear nylons to church or can I go like others and wear bare legs (NO TAN mind you)? Now for the hair style. I get very frustrated with hair. I know what I want, I will take a picture in and say I want my hair like this. "Sure I can do that" they say. I don't say I want to look like her I say "I want my hair to be cut like this". Here is what one of my hairstylists said to me after cutting my hair. I looked at the picture and told her that it didn't look like what the picture showed, she said "I didn't bring my MAGIC WAND". Are you kidding me? Needless to say I moved on to another stylist! I keep trying to find someone who can do my hair the way I asked to have it done. I think I have pretty easy hair. I have about given up! I want a neat style. Not funky.
The other day I googled short hair styles and I could not believe what came up.

Yeah right, who wears their hair like that. You would have to be in Hollywood and on some kind of drug to be able to look in the mirror and really think it is an attractive look.

And no I don't want streaks of blue and purple in my hair either. Or my hair to hang in my eyes or stand up like I am scared all the time.

I guess I want age appropriate too, but not old appropriate! I believe after a certain age long hair is not appropriate. I know that is probably not popular but it is just my opinion. I don't like to see older women with long flowing hair. Mine is getting long now and it is time for a change. Long hair seems to pull me down, accents the lines and makes me feel droopy and old. SO I am getting a new cut. Have to find another decent picture and someone who will listen to what I want and perhaps make sure they brought their magic wand!.. So what do you think of this style. Now remember I am not asking to look like her (which wouldn't be bad) but rate the cut and see if it is Me (even without any magic)!

Up all night

2008-09-21T10:21:00.000-06:00

A couple of days ago our Relief Society had a over night retreat at Petit Jean Mountain. I was excited to go and get away and just spend time with the ladies at church, getting to know everyone better. We had so much fun! I was in charge of games on Friday night. We played Telephone Charades, where you act out an event for 5 individuals one by one and by the 5th person the event is really messed up. The rest of the room chooses the event and knows what the clue is and then you watch as it gets totally messed... and by the time it gets to the last person they have no idea what they are doing and they adlib the whole thing. It is pretty halirous! All the ladies were great sports and went along with everything they were asked to do. After the games most of the women retired to their beds. We had 2 houses that we had rented. About 10 of us did not want the party to end so we went to the second house and talked, laughed and some cried util about 4:30 am. I don't think I have ever laughed so hard in one night. It felt good to just laugh!!! We were woke up by laughing from the early retirees and the smell of breakfast. The new Mission President and his wife came and spoke to us for a early morning devotional.
I enjoyed the experience and the new friendships that were devoloped. Sometimes we just get so caught up in the busy life that we don't take the time to have fun, even with the people at churc that we see every week. I love these ladies. We are all at different seasons of our lives. (As per my previous post, I was the oldest crazy one to stay up late) but we have the love of the gospel in common. And the sisterhood we share as Relief Society sister.
It was great fun having Celeste with me on this retreat. She has moved out of the ward but was very much welcomed back into the fold. She is a pretty fun girl and it was great spending time with her.
I look at life differently than I used to. I want to enjoy life and not sit by and know that others are having fun. Sometimes it takes a problem in life to wake you up and help you realize that life is short and each day is precious and needs to be lived. You know those three words I keep seeing around "Love, Laugh, Live" It is true. I don't want to be a watcher but a doer.
To those ladies, thanks for the memories and the fun.

Old?

2008-09-19T11:33:00.000-06:00

What is old? I keep hearing my kids and others say "They are pretty old ya know maybe 50 or 60". Watch it! I represent that comment. The 50 part not the 60's yet. It is amazing how I don't feel old but then you go to the mirror and there it is. A reflection of a much older person than you remember seeing staring back at you. I don't like it! The process of getting old is not fun. I have started paying attention to all those comercials that I used to laugh at. Now I care about which medicine to take for the ailments or irregularity. Gross! I had to go to the doctors the other day and he told me the reason that am experiencing a certain problem. At the end of his explanation I said "So you are telling me that this is AGE related". He said "We never say that, this is for those who are wiser and smarter than most people" I laughed, "Age related" I said. He just smiled. The question is what do you do about it? Nothing but excercise, eat right and pray that you hold out for as long as possible. I have noticed when we go out to eat with friends the conversation turns to ailements, doctors, surgeries and of course another subject, our kids (that is for another post). I have to force myself to exercise! I always feel better when I do but it is hard to get the body out of bed and go to the gym. I always need a push. Like Doug asking me if I went that day. Course as some of you know that my man is training for a half marathon in Oct. I am pitiful compared to him. Looking in the mirror sometimes gives me that boost to visit the gym or just going by how slugish I feel. So the next time you see me, help give me that little push and ask me, How is the gym these days? Hopefully you will get a smile and not a glare.

Humor

2008-09-17T21:16:00.000-06:00

I love to laugh! I love humor (clean humor). I work for an Oral Surgeon and we had a patient come in a couple of weeks ago that needed to have a tooth extracted (pulled). The patient was from another country (India) and perhaps did not understand completely but none the less was funny.
The patient was told 2 weeks before his surgery date that he had to have 3 teeth pulled. One of the teeth was the upper "eye tooth" (you know the one that looks like a fang). Well he had worried about that one tooth being extracted. When the Dr. came in to start the surgery he asked the Dr. to promise that he would not lose his "eye sight" if that tooth is taken out. Because of course it is called an "eye tooth" and it is connected to his eye sight. He was serious! The Dr. promised that it would not affect his eye sight. He came back a week later and said that he wishes that he would not have had that tooth taken out cause he thinks he has started having weaker vision. PLEASE! I kept my cool until he left and then I had to go in the bathroom to laugh. Try talking to him about that when he calls to ask questions about his eyesight without laughing. That is what the hold button is for right?
I had another lady call the other day to schedule an appointment to have her gall bladder "tooken out". I told her that this Dr. is an Oral Surgeon, she still didn't get that word "oral" she cared only that he is a surgeon. Oh dear, she said she didn't care if he just pulled that sucker out through her mouth it hurts so bad. And my jaw dropped. What exactly do you say to that? People are funny!

Empty nesters

2008-09-17T12:19:00.000-06:00

We have been "empty nesters" for about 3 1/2 years, but it hasn't been too bad cause Celeste and Joe have been living in the same town. We could see them at church or just call and invite them to eat with us at any given time. It didn't make the empty nesters seem so bad cause they were close. Anyone who knows me well knows that I love having family around. Kids and grandkids are my life. Well that all changed a couple of weeks ago when Celeste and Joe decided to move to the "big city". Oh it is only 35 minutes away but it is a stark difference from having them a couple of minutes away. Happy for them but it has not been fun!
Good thing we have fun things to look forward to. I am going to visit Julia and family in a week for 7 days. Julia is expecting their 3rd child and she and I can use some fun time to visit and prepare for the new baby. AND we are planning on spending Thanksgiving with some of our kids at our house. Whoever can get away is coming. And Christmas plans are in St. George with Ryan and Julia's families and anyone else that can come. Jane will be having their new little girl in November so we will be adding to the family 2 more babies. YEA! Thank goodness for Families & Holidays.

Grandkids

2008-09-17T11:16:00.001-06:00

These are our grandchildren at Aubrey and Kyle's wedding on Aug 1, 2008. They are adorable! Oh how we miss seeing them often. Good thing for internet!

Look what I can do

2008-06-08T19:30:00.000-06:00

I learned how to put pictures on my computer and put them on my blog. Here it goes! These are some picture from our California trip.

California family fun!

2008-06-03T21:30:00.001-06:00

Memorial Day Weekend was sooo very fun for our family. We have long awaited the time for our family to get together again. Ryan and Jane opened up their beautiful home in Los Angeles to all 16 of us. They are perfect hosts. 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms to accomodate the family.

All of us went to Disneyland and had a really great time. It would have been better without the rain. I still laugh when I picture Ryan & Jane, Julia and Nathan sitting in the little Dumbo ride with all their children in the pouring rain trying to look like they are having fun. What parents don't do for their kids. It was great to spend a few days together again.

Aubrey brought her fiance' and so he got a extra dose of what he is marrying into. Poor guy.

Somehow even though we all live far from each other we have been able to find a way to spend time together here and there.

As you know I am not real technical or quick in these new ways of communication but I am loving the text messages. I find it easier than calling and chatting. Now I am working on the digital camera. I need to get some pictures on this blog cause it is boring without pictures. I know I am old fashioned but I am working on getting updated. I rely on my children to help me out with these things!

upcoming wedding

2008-05-08T13:57:00.000-06:00

Our daughter Aubrey is engaged to be married in August. It is exciting to starting making arrangements for their special day. I met the groom- to-be last month for the first time. He is a keeper! They will be married in Salt Lake and then have an open house in Idaho (where he is from) and then another open house in AR... It will be a busy summer. We are excited for a new son-in-law.

Rain Rain Go Away

2008-04-04T13:29:00.000-06:00

There is nothing like a rain storm in the south. It isn't rain it is like someone just dumped an ocean on you. I have never seen torrents of rain like I have here. Sometimes it doesn't just stop with rain but it adds other features to the storm. Like Tornados! Living in Arkansas has been interesting, in the spring we always gear up for Tornado weather. Our family has been here for 20 years now and I have never been fond of hearing the warning sirens go off. The whole family runs and hides in a small space waiting for the destruction to hit. Being transplants from the West we really haven't experienced a tornado, yes we have seen the destruction on tv and as we drive around but never have we been in an actual tornado. We have had sirens go off and the kids (sometimes Doug and I) would run to the window to look.... not a smart thing to do in tornado weather.
Last night I heard that there was going to be some rough storms. That always makes me nervous. Define rough storms.... TORNADO!!! I sat and watched TV stations tell were the tornado activity was and Celeste kept calling me. I told her nothing to worry about it is in Little Rock, Bryant and heading for Cabot and Beebe. Looking up during our conversation they show a little swirl coming from Morrilton headed for Conway. It was 8 miles from the town. Sure I could hear the thunder and see the lightening but that happens all the time. Doug was already in bed asleep. The tornado was at Toad Suck 3 miles from us and headed our way. The tv screen flashed red with the warning the sirens went off and fear set in. I never moved so fast in all my life. I ran in the bedroom, threw the covers off of a very sleepy husband and yelled "Get up we have to take cover, get in the laundry room"! His response was "What are you talking about, the sirens haven't gone off." (My dear husband has railroad ears and doesn't hear alot that goes on) I grabbed his arm, the phone and 2 king size pillows and ran to the laundry room, sat down and waited.... Our 24 hour emergency kits were in there and I knew we were kind of ready. We waited out the storm for about 10 min. then it was gone. The whole central part of Arkansas got pounded last night. This is not the first time this year we have had a tornado and I suspect it won't be the last for the spring. The last time (when 13 people were killed Feb 5, 2008 I got in my car and went to the church.... NOW that was scary and dumb. I learned something, better to stay home than go out in that wicked stuff. I have a new respect for mother nature! Can I just say I don't like this part of living in Arkansas... The tornado is gone but the rain and flash floods are lingering. The bright side: When (if)it all dries up we will have a beautiful green summer!

Grandchildren

2008-03-14T13:20:00.000-06:00

I have to say that one of the most rewarding relationships is being a grandma. I had no idea how much fun it would be! It would be so fun to live closer to our children and grandchildren so that we could see them often. We live many states away from each other so we communicate over the phone. Of course the young ones don't have a clue who we are when they see us but it doesn't take long to get that bond going after being with them a short time. Today our little 3 year old grandaughter called me at work and said "Hi grandma, how are you doing?" then she sang one of her little nursery songs for me. It was adorable! We miss not seeing Luke, Brooklyn, Sydney and Courtney on a daily basis. Thank goodness their parents see fit to send pictures and call so we can keep in touch. We have a big family trip planned to Ryan & Jane's home in Los Angeles so that we can spend time together and Disneyland is on the itinerary...
I haven't been there for 25 years! There is nothing like family!!!

Hello

2008-03-07T09:29:00.000-07:00

My daugther Celeste set me up on this. I have really loved reading Jane & Celeste's blog and going into their friends to see their fun set ups. This is all new to me but what fun it has been reading others. My friend Pam sent me her blog last year and I read hers daily. She is a fantastic writer and really adds her personality to her blog. Ryan and Jane have famous people they see all the time since their move to LA. Their pictures of the family are fun to see since they live so far away. One picture is of Ryan with a mohawk, I am sure I won't be having any pictures of Doug cutting our hair like that but it was fun and to know that it was a short lived style for our eldest son! In an effort to keep us all close and entertained maybe we can share some fun experiences to the blog world. Celeste trys hard to keep Doug and I in the 21st century and up to date on what is cool. So thanks Celeste! Julia has expressed a desire to set a blog site up, go for it Julia, would love to see the pictures of the kids. Derek, Aubrey, Jaren have Myspace pages so I go there often to see how their doing. Guess that is getting outdated cause all the posts are last year... this is the new upcoming thing now.

Hope you enjoy!