Kevin's Birthday Bash

Today is Labor Day....also Hooper Tomato Days...and Kevin's Birthday Bash!  I asked Kevin what he would like me to bring to his BD Bash and he requested a layered jello!  Since he suggested it and it was to celebrate his birth I agreed!  It takes hours to  make but he was happy and so I was happy!

 

Larry and I went to the Hooper Tomato Days Celebration and hung out there for a bit.  Our kids had gone over before us.  We mentioned how we didn't have any grands there and before I knew it Kamryn was running towards me and jumped into my arms.  We took her to ride the train and play on the playground for awhile. Kam asked me if this was her daddy's birthday party and when I told her No she asked why we were there then. (cute kid)  After playing with Kam we were found by Ivy.  Trichelle had brought her kids too and so we hung out with them for a bit also.  It was getting hot and I still had a few more layers to get done on the jello so we went home.  Larry worked hard outside and I finished the jello and then took a nap. (I need naps)

    

The  Bash was fun.  Julie loves throwing parties and goes all out!  The kids enjoyed the pool and a few adults did too!

 After swimming the spread of food was put out and we all feasted!  The kids enjoyed the other play toys that are every where.  I loved watching the kids enjoy themselves.  I loved watching Kevin enjoy himself.

 Kevin had quite a few friends show up to help him celebrate his Birthday.  It was fun seeing them all.

Julie was concerned whether we should sing Happy Birthday to Kevin or not since we have had some not so fond memories of singing to Kevin on his birthday.  We decided it would be okay and ended up singing to him a few times.  (the candles weren't lit the first time)  I think Kevin was fine with it.  I am pretty sure this was a good day for Kevin.

Divine Intervention

It's been a year since Jared's "little journey".  Since the time that Jared took a different trail Larry has wanted to go back to the Mountain and walk where Jared walked.  So we all had it planned to go to the Uintahs together and I would visit with Natalie and her family while the boys hiked. (I knew I would cry remembering back on that day)  I didn't go when I found out about Kristen's death.  I felt like I needed to stay and support Jim &  Mesa since I remember seeing them on this Mountain supporting us a year ago.

 Larry and the boys took off on Saturday morning and didn't get too far when they decided it was enough.

 Larry and the boys had seen and "felt" enough of what must have happened last year on August 12.

Even though we knew there was divine intervention......Larry absolutely knew it when he saw the thickness of the trees and many fingers that might have lead our son away into another direction and place.

Jared was told by a leader to follow the river and that the river would lead to the lake.  Jared has said many times that was a "freaking lie".  I pointed out to him that it was that knowledge ....to follow the river...that led him to safety even though it didn't lead him to the lake.  We are so thankful he knew that and had been taught that piece of information.

Larry said these pictures still didn't do the experience justice.  Larry said he would still like to take me but I don't have any desire to see the place of my worst nightmare.  The pictures alone make me cry! :'(

I know it was good for Jared to return to the Mountain.  When it was first mentioned he said: "No...I'm not going".  That has been the only time I have heard fear or resistant come from Jared since this all happened.  I knew that he needed to go back there and face his fears.

 Jared came back with big smiles!  I think he appreciated his dad and brothers seeing what he was challenged with.  It would have been easy for anyone to take the wrong path and to get lost.  We feel so very blessed and always will be for all the prayers and miracles that happened those days.

Kristen Ipson....

Kevin's Birthday

Hey Hey it's Kevin's Birthday Today!  My son is 25 and I sit and think about all the fun times I have enjoyed with this kid.  I love remembering the time he said his best friend was ...... ME!!!  He had the silliest expressions and has always made me laugh.  Kevin has been an easy and enjoyable kid. (all my kids have been enjoyable...some easier than others)  Oh my I love being Kevin's mom!  I love all the memories and good times we have shared.  I love watching him be a husband and daddy.  He's good at both!  I love his determination to get his school done as quick as he can.  I love watching his dreams unfold!  I love MY son!

Mom's Surgery

Today my Mom went in to get her knee repaired after falling last week and dislocating it.  Since she has hurt herself I have had the task of helping her bathe.  I will say it hasn't been so bad but it's because we make "light" of it.  My sister has been spending the nights and helping her get up to go to the bathroom.  She's with mom and dad as much as she can be.  So I thought helping out with baths was something I could do.  My sister wanted to see how I helped her and so one day she came in and while rinsing mom I said: "Now we hose her down".  Hahaha we all laughed and have used the term since.  We refer to the whole bath now as time to "hose" down mom.  My mom told Trichelle that for a nickel she could watch.  Holy Moly we have a good time.

I have enjoyed this time with my sister and parents.  We have had some good visits.  I have seen the love between my parents that I have prayed for my whole life.....it's there....they really do love each other.  My mom has complimented me and hasn't put me or anyone down.  I cherish that!  She loves me too!  I learned yesterday after mom's surgery that my dad use to be the class clown and was out spoken.  I have never known that....the dad I know has always been quiet and submissive.  My dad had a brain hemorrhage in High School and he changed from it.  I didn't know that either.  So I take after my mom and my dad!!!  They were both silly too! (mom still is)

My mom went in to have her knee repaired but ended up getting a full knee replacement.  The Doctor had spent hours (4) reviewing her tests and decided that a replacement might be the better things to do.  People have been praying for my mom and I believe the Doctors decision was an answer to all the prayers.  Dad, Susan and I all felt this was the best decision also.  Mom's knee will be stronger and the recovery should be easier for mom to be a bit more independent.  The surgery went well and mom woke up happy.  She was making me laugh each time someone new came in to help her.  She would question them as to why they were there.  The Aid she had when I left was extremely cute.  He came in with a smile and mom asked him why he was smiling. He said he was happy to see her and was there to take care of her.   I told her to be glad that she didn't get a grumpy nurse or aid.  I felt she was in good hands at the point and that's when I took my dad home.

kayaking....

Larry decided that it would be fun to take the kids kayaking.  We bought three kayaks awhile back and haven't used them.  They have been used by Braxton and the Winters but not by us.  When Jaydan heard about it he wanted to go too.  Originally Larry was going to take the kids while I was at my card class. Larry decided to wait for Jaydan to get off work.  We needed another kayak and so I went and got a youth one before my class that wasn't too expensive.  By the time they left I was home from my class and so Larry suggested I go with them and read....since we wouldn't have enough kayaks for me too.  I decided spending the time with the family even if it was in the car would be nice and it was.

The Dam was so smooth and pretty.  The family had the kayaks off the trailer and in the water in no time!

 I sat in the truck and took pictures.  It's so quiet up in the mountains that I could hear them talking.  At one point I heard Jaydan yell Jared's name.  I guess Jaydan was going to attack Jared and was warning him.  I enjoyed watching others come and go too.

It was beautiful up there.  I was able to read through my next lesson for RS and also a few stories in a book I got for my birthday.

 Before I knew it the family was coming back.  I could tell by their noise that they had had a good time.

They continued having fun before getting out of the water.  Jaydan made sure Jared and Kimi each tipped over just one more time.  Gotta love big brothers!

Larry said it was a really nice ride and wants to go again.  I think we might be getting another youth kayak.

 It was a fun time for everyone.  We stopped at "Chris's" after and ate.  What a fun night with the family!