Memorial Park

We went camping at Memorial Park with the Taylors over the 24th and had a really relaxing time!  I'm glad that we have our trailer so that we can get away every now and then.  I like staying close by so that the kids can come and go too.  It really was relaxing and I even saw Larry catch a few Zzzz's while we were gone. (seldom happens...so it's nice to see him relax)  I enjoy camping the way we do...even better when we have power...Larry did get a few generators for this trip but they weren't big enough to run the air conditioner.  I'm glad the nights were cool!

 I loved the camp ground. We were just west of Causey Dam and so the kayaks were fun too. The river was right by us so we could listen to it all day and night.  The mountain and trees were beautiful.  One day I saw two bucks and got so close to them.  It was so cool and made my day.  I walked over to were I saw them and then stopped because they started walking towards me without knowing it at first.  When they noticed they stopped and we had a little staring contest.  I tried not to breath because I didn't want to spook them.  I think someone came up behind me to use the out door potties and the deer moved on.  We only had the little road separating us which was so cool.  I didn't have my camera and so I googled some deer.  The ones I googled were so close to the ones I saw except one of the one's I saw was a little bigger...his body.

We  sat around and talked a lot.  I especially liked sitting in the "Lazy River" and "Chillin".  On Thursday the 24th the river was so cold but the other days didn't seem as bad.  It was relaxing.  I think I even got a little color on my legs which is what I was hoping for.

It's so much fun hanging out with Kim and her family.  Kim and I grew up together and were in the same ward.  We were good friends and she was even in my wedding line.  I have always loved Kim and Kevin and their family.  We ran into them a year ago in the store when we were each preparing for camping and they invited us to join them.  Kim and Kevin reserve big areas to camp at the beginning of the year and invite everyone to join them.  It's great and so nice to have somewhere to go!  Our kids all get along great too and so it's really fun.

We were thinking about selling our trailer since we have enjoyed so many medical bills this year but so far we still have it....we are scraping by.  I hope we will be able to keep it for a few more years.  I really do enjoy the fun we have when we use it.  We play games together and are able to enjoy each other because there aren't the distractions of life for those few days.

Good Times with Good Friends and a Great Family!

Birthday Celebrations

Sweet Kellie took me out for my birthday yesterday.  We went to Rainbow Gardens and had a great visit. We both tried a new item that was on their special for that day.  It was a Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich which was pretty yummy. I love going to Rainbow Gardens and looking around.  I remember I use to buy things there but now everything seems so expensive...it is fun to look though.  It's always fun for me to be with Kellie.  I admire Kellie so much.  She has so many wonderful qualities.  She is a friend that inspires me to be better.

Kellie gave me a cute cup filled with chocolate and lemon-aid.  She even gave me chocolate chap stick. It was the perfect gift.  I had been borrowing Jared's cup that is like this and had I wanted to get me one for myself....now I have one and the chocolate....well, you know...I LOVE CHOCOLATE so it was perfect.

I look at our picture and think: "Kellie is so beautiful...inside and out!"

Today I went to lunch with my mom, sister and Linda to celebrate birthdays.  My mom actually gave all us girls gifts.  She got us each a nightgown.  I love the nightgown's that my mom buys...they are the best and really they are the only ones I wear.  Linda's birthday is in February like my mom's but Linda's mom's birthday would have been today and so she got the gift.  I love this new little tradition my mom started a few years ago.  It's fun getting together and remembering the past and celebrating the now.  When we get together there is no choice of what we will eat...we have baby back ribs.  It's what my mom and Sevam use to always have...so it's what we have!  They are yummy!  I bet Sevam was with us~enjoying this tradition and remembering when her and my mom would come to celebrate her.

My mom is so generous and kind.  She works hard so that she can do nice things for others.  I have tried to do the same.  I love how happy my mom was today..she glowed!  What a fun day!

weekly tidbits

*I took Kimleighel and Jared up to meet their new niece.  They immediately fell in Love with Jordyn!  Jordyn looked more olive skin today....very beautiful just like her sister.  We took her a new born outfit so she had something that fit her.  She's such a cutie.  Kamryn is such a cutie with her.  Kamryn in the age Trichelle was when I had Kevin.

When it was my turn to hold Jordyn the others played Fibber.  Kamryn nose grew and grew...not so much because she fibbed but because she thought others were fibbing.

*I saw my mom and dad and even though my dad isn't doing well he looked and acted so much better than he did on Father's Day.  Justin, Braxton and Jaydan all went up and gave their grandparents blessings of comfort and peace.  My mom told me that she felt her blessing work and how thankful she was for my boys and that they are able to bless her with the Priesthood.  I am so thankful that they are all able to also.

*When I am stressed and feeling helpless I pray!  I pray all day and all night and ......I eat chocolate-this time Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Mini's!

*I am so thankful for Priesthood Blessings.....this week all of my boys have been a part of giving or receiving Priesthood Blessings.  Kevin and Jaydan gave Larry a blessing when he was suffering pains from his kidney stone. He was able to sleep pretty good that night.  Justin, Braxton and Jaydan gave each of my parents a blessing because my dad is suffering with kidney failure.  My mom called and told me that immediately after the blessings she felt peace and was calm.  Kevin and Jaydan gave Julie a blessing before she delivered Jordyn.  It was the perfect delivery!  Brad Hodson, Trevor Ward and Jaydan gave Larry a blessing the day after his surgery because he was in so much pain.  Moments after the blessing two huge blood clots shot out of Larry relieving him off all his pain.  He slept good and went to work the next day.  Priesthood Blessing are the Power of God.  They work...they bring comfort!

*I went to lunch with Tammy G.  We enjoyed a wonderful lunch and conversation.  I saw Judy Taylor there too and some interesting things were brought up.  I feel like today wasn't a coincident but worked out the way God wanted it to.  Every day I pray that God will guide me in my life and I am recognizing His guidance more all the time.

*When the boys and I went to the Burger Bar we saw Madi.  Madi is a favorite of mine...she has always been so kind and thoughtful towards me.  I love this girl!

Cupcakes with the Grands!

I love our little cupcake tradition....the kids really like it too!  They love coming to my house to make cupcakes.  They really love coming to my house to play with their cousins.  I know they love it all so I allow plenty of time to make cupcakes and memories while they enjoy each other.

We have to make two batches so that everyone can take some home to their mom's and dad's.  I keep an eye out for cute ways to decorate our cupcakes and this year we had "owls and sun's".  I think they turned out really cute.  When they make and decorate enough to take home then I let them decorate more any way they want.  It's fun to see how creative they get. (I should say the girl's get creative...they really enjoy it)

My grands are at good ages.  They don't need much help and can do most things by themselves.  So much easier than a few years ago. ☺  

We started off the day playing for a little while.  Then we had pizza.  The kids played some more and those that wanted to help with the chocolate cupcakes came and made them and when they were finished the others came and made the yellow cupcakes.  It was fun and everyone got to help with everything.  We ended by cleaning up and having ice cream cones.  Five hours just wasn't enough time for the girls and so they left with each other to continue their play.  I love how they all get along and love being together.

 It's fun for me to send them home with their creations!  I think they like it too.  Oh my little grands make me smile.  I think each one is so cute and wonderful!  I love them all to pieces!  Dang... they are so cute!

Bowling and Burger Bar with My Boys!

During my Birthday Month I have a day with the grands and a day with my girls but I hadn't had a day with my boys except our family cook-out....so this year I decided to change that.  I love spending time with my kids and decided to plan a little time to be with my boys.  I figured it would have to be later since they work and a few have little families.  I had decided that we would get Ice Cream at 9:00. Braxton thought it would be fun to Bowl with the Boys...and so we did both.

We met at the Bowling Alley at 9:00 and bowled a few games.  It was fun bowling with my boys even though I barely made a 100 each game.  You'd think I was a beginner or something.  I think it's because I think too much these days.....should I move my thumb a little?...where should I stand?....should I release quicker or reach out and follow through?....it was obvious I was thinking too much!  Larry was the only one to make fun of me....my boys just smiled. :)

We went to Burger Bar after Bowling and got shakes.  I love my boys and love spending time with them.  I'm so thankful for each child of mine.  Each ones adds so much fun and uniqueness to our family!  I am a better person because of each of them. They each add to the "Happy" in my life!

I thanked my boys for being so good.  They said it was because they had such a good mom.  They know how to win hearts over!

M of M (memory of mine)

While the doctor was telling me how Larry's surgery went we talked a little about prayer.  Dr. Otto (who happened to be the mission doctor in the DR when Kevin was serving his mission there) told me how he prays every day that he will be able to do his best and help his patients.  Then he shared how his nurse or assistant had told him one day that she also prayed for him.  He said he was surprised by that and never thought about others praying for him.  I smiled and told him that we always pray for the doctors....always!  Anyways as we talked I had a memory surface that I shared it with him.  He asked me if I had that written down anywhere and honestly I'm not sure so I am going to save it here.

When Trichelle was a nanny in New York there was a day that I remember praying for her safety not just once but at least twice that day.  The second time I was driving into town and said a little prayer that Trichelle would be safe that day.  I remember that because even at the time I thought it was funny since I had just prayed for that exact thing in my morning prayer at home.  I think I was suppose to be aware that I had prayed again specifically for her safety because later that day or night I got a phone call from Trichelle.  It went something like this.....T: "Mom you prayed for me today didn't you?"  M: "Of course I did....I always pray for you."  M: "But, you are right today I remember praying a second time that you would be safe." T: "I know...because today I hydroplaned on the freeway and went underneath a Semi and I am not hurt."  T: "I knew you had prayed for me!"

I have always believed in the power of prayer.  I have always known that Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers.  My testimony started with my testimony of prayer!  There is power in prayers.  We might not always get exactly what we pray for that we think we need but our prayers are always heard and answered.

At this point in my life I usually try not to tell Heavenly Father how to answer my prayers or what to do as I pray.  I usually ask that I can have understanding and accept His will and that I or whoever I am praying for will have peace and feel His love.  I say "usually" because even though I try to do this there are times that I simply can't help but plead for my will.....like when those that I love hurt and are experiencing pain (any kind of pain)  I plead for the pain to stop....I can't think clearly enough during those times to just ask for peace and acceptance....but usually it doesn't take long and I remember to pray that I  or those suffering can accept His will..... I do have faith that things will work out no matter what the outcome is.  I really do have Faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and Their Will!

Got Pain?......Larry Does!

Larry started having pain on July 5th while we were at Jerry and Darinda's.  He was pretty sure it was kidney stones.  The pain would come and go and when it came it was very, very painful.  Larry would double over because of the severe pain.  I saw his jaw quiver as he cried because he hurt so bad.  More than once he was curled up in a the fetal position trying to find relief from his intense pain.  It was heartbreaking to witness. I felt so helpless.  He did everything he should have.  He had our boys give him a blessing.  He went to the Doctor and got some pain reliever and another medicine that is helpful to passing kidney stones.  Even doing those things he would double up and about die because of excruciating pain.  After a week he went to the ER where he had a CAT scan to see the stone and to see there was only one but that it was lodged by the bladder.  He thought he was passing segments of the stone but later found out he was passing blood clots instead.

I stopped by his shop before taking the kids up to meet their new niece, Jordyn.  He said he was feeling good and told me that he hadn't taken any pain meds since the night before.  I left and hadn't been gone a minute when I got a text from him saying: "Oh my Attack. MAJOR!"  Then he called me barely able to breathe telling me to come get him and take him to the Urologist.  He couldn't wait until the morning to see him because he was suffering so bad.  I turned around and we drove right to the doctor.  When the pain started Larry took 3 pain killers and by the time he got in to see the doctor they had kicked in and he was feeling okay.  The doctor was great....my kids even really liked him.  He told Larry that he had a few options but the best would be to have the stone removed immediately.  He sent Larry over to the Hospital to get prepped for surgery.  (not the same hospital that Julie and Kevin and Jordyn were at...darn it)

A few hours later Larry was in surgery having Ureteroscopic Stone Removal done.  During the surgery the doctor uses a scope that goes in the ureter.  A wire basket is inserted through the tube and removes the stone.  The doctor went in the first time and couldn't see the stone because Larry's bladder was so swollen.  He had to use a larger scope and try again. This time he went directly to the stone.  When this happened he looked at his nurse and asked her if she had been praying for him.  She smiled and nodded yes.  Then he was able to remove the stone. The stone was smaller than expected and smooth.  It was about the size of a BB. (small but deadly)

Part of the surgery is to put a Ureteral Stent in.  This is a soft plastic tube with holes in it.  It helps drain urine into the bladder.  One end goes in the kidney the other in the bladder.  It helps the Ureter to heal.  A string is attacked to it that comes out of the body so that it can be removed after about 4 days. The problem with having this in is that you feel like you have to pee all the time, but you are not able to.  Frustrating to say the least.

After about 8 hours we left the hospital and headed home.  We got home around 11:00 pm.  Larry went right for the "throne" and stayed there most of the night.

I felt confident that Larry would feel so much better after the stone was removed.  Boy was I wrong!  He still had extreme pain but totally different from the kidney stone.  At 1:00 am he was moaning and rocking back and forth because he hurt so bad.  At that time I went searching for an all night pharmacy which I finally found in Layton.  I was gone for an hour getting him pain medicine and also another medicine to relieve the pressure from his bladder.  While I was gone he was screaming to release the built up pain he was experiencing.  He told me that and I did hear him when I got home.  I felt so bad. 

When I was driving home from the pharmacy I continued praying for my hubby.  I wondered why our prayers weren't being answered the way we wanted.  I was reminded of all the times our prayers were answered the way we wanted and thanked Heavenly Father for those times.  I asked that He would help me understand why Larry had to suffer so much.  I was having a hard time understanding....I was so tired since I had been up since the night before...and this just wasn't making sense to me.  Then a few hours later I read this post that a friend had on Facebook...

Elder Holland 2001....."If He could come forward in the night, kneel down, fall on His face, bleed from every pore, and cry, "Abba, Father (Papa), if this cup can pass, let it pass," then little wonder that salvation is not a whimsical or easy thing for us.  If you wonder if there isn't an easier way, you should remember you are not the first one to ask that.  Someone a lot greater and a lot grander asked a long time ago if there wasn't an easier way."

I know that because I have witnessed the suffering of my sweet hubby that I have a "little" better understanding of the suffering that our Savior went through for each of us.  I know that Larry understands better as well.  I don't understand why we need to know all the things that we are taught but I do know that in the long run they are good for us.  This experience has been one of the worst experiences of our lives...maybe the worst.  But because of it we are closer to our Savior and Heavenly Father and we do understand better what He went through.  Knowledge can be so Painful!