Happy Thanksgiving!

Gosh, I don't have time to write anything!

I'm on my way to be with Camille when she has her baby!

These are just a few pictures from the past few days..

Very nice Thanksgiving...so grateful for my family and love them to pieces!

(have lots more to say about that but Kelley is gonna leave to the airport without me!)

See you in 10 days!

What a day...

It started snowing Saturday night and this is what we woke up to Sunday morning. Boy they weren't kidding when they said this storm was going to be a doozy!

We woke up to the sound of Bishop Burns snow blower chugging by our house...Kelley soon joined him and they went around digging people out. The snow was so heavy, there was lots of branches that had broken off....leaving quite a mess, but that will be a job for another day...Today, they just wanted to clear off the driveways so they could get out.

Brian called and said they were canceling all early morning meetings...Kelley commented later that this had been one of his favorite Sunday mornings!

Anyway, he got home just in time to shower and get his suit on and make it to Sacrament meeting.

This was kind of funny...Kelley got this fancy snow blower last year and didn't use it much... mostly just for the sidewalks over at the shop.

So he was kind of struggling with it...seemed more trouble than it was worth...after he finished off our driveway, he parked it and took the good old shovel around to the neighbors to dig them out.

I was teaching the lesson in YW today and it was all about gratitude. For part of the lesson we went around the room telling things we were thankful for. It was a pretty sweet moment. These girls are great...I was touched by the way Maggie expressed her love and gratitude for her mother. She told about how her mom is always doing nice things for their family and for other people. That is so true! Amazing lady! I wished Colleen could have heard all the sweet things she said about her. How cool is it when your kids realize that they DO appreciate you and all the things you do for them! I remember way back when I started getting sweet little notes from the kids, telling me that they loved and appreciated me....those are treasures to me...I have saved every one.

It was nice to have Candice and Kelley in the class with us. I sure love it when she comes!

Kelley had to stay at church all day for tithing settlement so Candice and I snuggled up by the fire and watched 'dirty jobs' all afternoon.

I had been asked by Jenni's cousin (who was doing the program for YWIE) to play the piano for her to sing. She sent me the music last week and man I was struggling with it all week. I can usually figure music out if I have enough time or if I've heard it before. This song had notes written down so low, even when I would count down and figure what note it was, it didn't sound right. I even asked Ann when she came visiting teaching if she could figure out what the notes were. She agreed that it didn't sound right so maybe it was a misprint? So I just made up some notes that sounded good....I practiced a LOT! but still couldn't play it very well...(don't like sharps)

SOOOOOO when I got over to the church to practice with Emily, I told her I would like it if she would play it so I could hear what it was supposed to sound like. She sat down and played it just like it was written...bad sounding notes and all....and about 10 times faster than I had been playing it. Oh man.

She said she had been quite hoarse so she would only be able to go through it once to save her voice, so when I tried to play it like she did...it was pretty much a disaster. I really made a mess of it and she looked at me like 'oh dear!'

She has a very beautiful voice and would have sounded better without me even playing, but she assured me I would do just fine.

I decided I would just play really quiet...I mean this is not about me...it's about her! But then there are several parts in the song in between where she sings where it is all about ME! ...So I just started praying that I wouldn't mess up too bad.

I have to say that there were angels helping me play that song... I seriously felt like my fingers were guided where they needed to go and I played it like she had!

I know it sounds like a little thing, but to me it was huge! Wow! Prayers really are heard and answered! I definitely had an extra "thank you" in my prayers last night.

Ok...that was cool.
I just got a phone call from Ann Dibb...President Monson's daughter! She said she had just returned from Russia and had got to spend some time with K.C.!
She is a counselor in the Young Women general presidency and they had gone over there with a General Authority to train the Young Women leaders in Moscow.
She said she was in Sacrament meeting and spotted these two handsome missionaries and introduced herself to them.
She said K.C. was very sweet and had a special spirit around him. She said he seemed happy and really positive about the work they are doing there.
She talked about the circumstances there...said it is not an easy place to be a Mormon. She said the average life of a man there is 56 years...due to alcohol and smoking and just general lifestyle.
She said Moscow city is very busy...so many people...and it looks like the whole place needs to be polished and painted. Kind of dirty and run down. She said the metro is way, way underground and the people pack in there like sardines. That's how most people get around.
She said that she had know K.C.'s mission president and his wife...they lived in Holiday not far from them and said they were great people.
She was amazed at the way the Elders could speak Russian so well...said the only way they could learn so fast and so well was with the help from the spirit. I agree...so does K.C.
We talked for a while...I remembered Martha telling me that she knew Sister Dibb from when she lived in Connecticut, so I asked her about it. She said "Oh of course...she would give me a ride to work every day!"
She was easy to talk to and very down to earth. Reminded me of the way her father talks to us. She said "I just wanted to let you know that your son is doing a great work over there right now...the people are ready and are searching for something better in their lives. She said when they hear about how they can have happy, eternal lives with their families it gives them hope...something they have not had so much of there.
I was pretty much bawling by now. After thanking her profusely for calling me, we said goodbye.
How great was that ? That she would take time out of her busy busy life to call me and let me know my son was fine? I hope she knows how much that meant to me.
That was a conversation I wish I could have recorded so I could get it out and listen again when I get to feeling sad and missing him so much. Anyway, it sure did my heart good today.
So full of gratitude.
So blessed.

My Dog has Fleas...

So for the past few years, come October-November, Lizzy will start to get this weird looking dry scaly stuff on her ears, and around her eyes and nose.

I know it really bothers her cause she is scratching and pawing at all the time.

Well a few years ago, (the first time she got it) I called Kate and asked her if her doctors out at the horse clinic would look at her. They said sure so I took her out there and they said it is some kind of bug that animals pick up and they treat their horses all the time for it.

They gave me some medicine I was supposed to get her to take... well, what they meant was that I was supposed to wrestle her down and pry her mouth open and squirt down her throat...

When did this become my job? K.C. was still home...he is much stronger than me, but no! She likes you best mom...you do it. What ever.

So after a few weeks of doing this, it would clear up.

Well this year when she started scratching at her eyes, I thought maybe I could just get rid of it with some good flea medicine (that's not exactly what she has, but the thoughts of taking her back to the doctor again left me searching for any alternative. Yes! Taking her in the car is an adventure! (Besides not liking to bath, she also hates riding in the car.)

So I put those drops down her back that are supposed to get rid of any fleas. I don't know what the chemical reaction is, but she got real stinky. It was definitely the flea drops, cause she didn't smell before. For how much she rolls around outside in the dirt, she is quite a clean, un-smelly dog.

Well Lizzy loves me and follows me around where ever I go and sits right next to me. The other night, she was laying right by my feet while we were watching the Jazz game and beside being so smelly from the flea drops, she was really letting stinkers bad too. (Could have been the bowl of popcorn I let her eat, to keep me from finishing it off) Well I had to put my foot down and told her that first thing the next day she was getting a bath. and she must go outside!

(Now normally she is fine to go outside, unless it is windy...which it was, so when I told her to go out, she just looked at me like 'NO WAY!'

We have this strange communication thing and I know she knows what I am thinking, and I can read her like a book. So she must have figured out the only way to get to stay in was to just stay away from me. So... she went and plopped down in the other room, away from everyone, and stayed there for the night. Fine!

Well the next morning, as promised, I said "Lizzy, it's time for your bath"...all calm like so she wouldn't freak out. I started running some water in the tub. Well that did it. She headed right for the back door...now she wants to go out!

Oh no you don't! I tried calling, and bribing her with treats to come upstairs. No way.

So I picked her up like a big sack of potatoes and carried her up into the bathroom. She is not light and is very strong! She did not want to go in there! Once I got in the bathroom, I quick shut the door so she couldn't escape.

Now I had to get her in the tub. I called upon all super-human strength I had and wrestled her into the tub. While I was reaching for the shower head, she made a break for it and jumped out of the tub. So now I had to pick her up when she was all wet! She was fighting me with everything she had, but by now, I was on a mission...I would not let her win this one...she was going to have a bath! So I picked her up, kicking and howling, and got her back in the tub. I held her down with one hand and washed her good with the other. After a good rinse, I let go.

Man she went flying out of that tub like a rocket! She shook a few times, thoroughly soaking me and the whole bathroom, then I dried her and brushed her good and let her free!We were both exhausted and the bathroom was covered with fur....yes that is fur on the door.When I was telling my friends at bunko that I hadn't given my dog a bath for about two years, they looked at me with shock and horror in their faces....'what? I give my sweet little doggie a bath every other week!' HA! I tried to explain why, but then just started laughing...you would just have to be there.

A few things from the past few days...

I have been late to institute class the past few weeks, so I've missed that time when Brother Wilcox talks to us. When I walked in though, there was a very somber feeling in the room. He gave the lesson and didn't mention anything unusual, but you could definitely see the change in his face...so full of sadness.

Wednesday, when I went to class, Brother Gibbons was there substituting for him. He told us about Brother Wilcoxs' wife. She has an inoperable brain tumor and after some radiation, they have seen there is no way they can stop the tumor and have just put it into God's hands.

So very sad for him. He always talks about her and what a strength and joy she has been in his life. He attributes everything he is to her influence on him and just adores her. She would come to many of his classes and sit with him on the stand. Then when he would get up to talk, she would watch him with such a look of love in her eyes, well it was just one of those things that really touches your heart.

I know I'm just one person in the hundreds that come to his class every week, and he doesn't even know me, but after having him teach me, inspire me and lift me up for the past 10 years, I feel like he is a friend and an angel to me.

Kelley noticed this article in the paper yesterday. I will definitely be getting this new book he has written... 'What the scriptures teach us about adversity' In the article he talks about his wife and what she is going through and how he feels like what he learned while writing this book was given to him to help them be able to get through this trial.

I try to imagine what they are going through, but the feelings scare me. How quickly your life can be turned upside down. I don't know what I would do without my good husband. He is everything to me.On a happier note... for our young women activity, we all met at my house and I taught them how to make pie crust.
They each made their own crust and after a little practice, all did great on making a pretty fluted edge.I had wanted to do pumpkin pie, but thought it would take too long to bake them all so I just bought some instant chocolate pudding for them to fill them with. When Marlene came, she was telling us about this instant pumpkin pie pudding she had just bought a whole bunch of it and said she would let the girls use it, so she went and got it. The girls mixed it up and filled their pie shells. It was really yummy! (I got to clean out the bowl!)I think the girls had a good time just talking and laughing together.

Plus...I think they were kind of proud of how nice their pies turned out! And they did it all their selves!

I sure love these girls
They did great and it was a fun night!

p.s....thanks too to my sweet husband who made a nice fire in the fireplace so we could have a warm cozy night.

About a week ago, I got a call from Brenda. She thought it would be nice if we all got together for Stacey's birthday. I am so glad she took the initiative to do this! She is thoughtful and kind like that.
For years, we would always get together and go to lunch for each of our birthdays...without fail. Then it seems like everyone just got real busy and we let the birthday's go by....
I was happy to help Brenda call a few people and soon we had it all arranged.
So last night we all met at the Olive Garden. Everyone was able to come which was pretty amazing...everyone except Charlene. She has moved to California. Miss her.
Anyway, it was just wonderful to get to spend two hours laughing and talking and listening to what was going on in each of these dear ladies lives. It's so nice to be able to talk to these friends and know that they are going through a lot of the same things that I am.
We each have our own challenges, joy's and sorrows, but basically we are each just trying to raise our families the best we can. Seems like it doesn't matter how old your kids get, they still are the center of your life and where your heart lives.
Makes me sad to hear of struggles and heartaches some are going through...I thought things were supposed to get easier once the kids are all grown up! nope.
Also, we are all pretty much falling apart. We're all about the same age and starting to go through menopause. It's somehow comforting to know that I'm not the only one who is having hot flashes, losing my sight and hearing, and can't remember what I did five minutes ago! It's nice to be able to laugh about it and commiserate with one another.
I can just picture the seven of us twenty years from now... sitting around the table, laughing and talking...gray haired and wrinkled, but still full of spunk and fun and love for each other.
Kind of reminds me of the little poem...."Make new friends but keep the old...one is silver, the other gold." These women and their friendship are a treasure worth much more than any gold to me!

I got to spend a real nice weekend with mom.

Not too long after I got there, the phone rang and it was her physical therapist...Tom... who said he would he was on his way over. Mom was not very happy about that. We have recently found out that if DMBA (her health insurance) is going to pay for her home health people to come in, she needs to have a physical therapist come in and work with her several times a week.

I talked with mom about it and she knew what the deal was and said she would go along with it.

He was not exactly what I had expected... He was a really big man...probably about as tall as Kelley, but was a lot heavier. He was really nice and helpful though. He had talked to the home health ladies and they had some ideas of ways we could make mom more comfortable. Then he helped mom do a bunch of exercises. Arm and leg exercises that she did easily. Then he had her stand up and sit down ten times, just holding on to her walker. This was hard for her, but she was able to do it. Then he had her stand up tall (most the time she is pretty bent over) and raise her hands over her head and down...just keeping her balance. It was pretty amazing to see the transformation. She could stand perfectly straight and really balance pretty well. He had her hold on to his shoulders at first and he held her around the waist to keep her from falling...then he pretty much let go of her and she could do it on her own! We were laughing cause mom said the neighbors were going to talk if they were peeking in her window and saw her 'dancing" with this man! By the time he left, I think she had decided he wasn't so bad.

Kelley came up Friday night and worked on the bathroom. Sanded and patched again...then let it dry overnight so he could sand it again. It's ready to put up the trim and paint! So grateful to him for all of the work he has done up there. It means a lot to me.

Kelley loaded up the big stereo cabinet and took it down to Candice. Mom was glad she could use it and it opened up a lot more space in the living room. Kind of tight with the piano in there.

Candice was really excited to get it and called Grandma and thanked her for it We were sitting there eating our lunch and a deer walked right by the window. I tried to move real slow so I wouldn't scare them and got my camera. By the time I got outside, she had found all her friends! It's way too early for the deer to be in her yard, but when I walked up around the pond, I could see they had been hanging out there for a while. I thought it was pretty cool, but mom was cussing them. She said they eat all her shrubs and poop all over the place.

I could see where they had eaten her little trees. We will have to wrap them up with net to keep them out.

They stood there and looked at me for a minute, then took off and jumped over the fence. Such beautiful, graceful animals...I don't know how anyone could shoot them!


Saturday was such a beautiful day...unusually warm for November so I loaded mom up in the wheel chair and we went for a walk.
Then she sat outside with me while I worked in the yard a bit...pulling up the dead inpatients and and trimming back the hostas. I put the cushions on the lawn chairs in the old house and pulled the chairs in to get them out of the weather.
I think she enjoyed being outside and getting some fresh air and sunshine. When I first suggested going out, she said "Oh no, it's too much bother for you...I'll just watch you from here" I told her it was no bother at all! and it really wasn't!
We had a chance to talk about some of her memories of neighbors as we walked past their houses. Other than the Knowles, she is about the only original owner still there in the neighborhood. Everything has changed so much. The new subdivision across the street has made it a busy street now.
Going into her yard though is like entering a different world...the trees block the noise of the street and it's peaceful and quiet. Even in it's slightly run down condition, it is still so beautiful there. I'm sure grateful for that haven I was able to grow up in.


Later that night after mom was asleep, I tried to organize K.C.'s emails. I have just been printing them off and sticking them in a folder randomly. They were not in any order though so I tried to sort them out by the dates. It was pretty cool to go back and read them again. He has grown so much in many ways over the past 16 months! It's pretty amazing to see what a mission can do with a person's life.
We turned the clocks back Saturday night so I was awake pretty early. I got all the last minute things done, then about eight, went in by mom. She seemed really good and strong and was able to walk around a little without me holding her.
I fixed her some breakfast and sat with her while she ate...It was fast sunday for me. I'm pretty sure she asked me thirty times why I wasn't eating. "It's my fast sunday mom." Then she would say that she should be fasting too. I told her she probably shouldn't since she had to eat to take all her pills...and that Heavenly Father understands. My mother is such a truly good person. I hope to be even one half the person she is. When I went to leave, she said "When you go, the house will be empty like my heart" That makes it pretty hard to leave her ...sure do love my mom.

Angels...

A few random things that have reminded me of how blessed I am to have such wonderful people in my life...
I went up to vote on tuesday and sitting there at the desk was Bryan Bryant... Haven't seen him since K.C's farewell. Then Hatsumi came in and gave me a big hug. It was great to talk to them and get caught up on what all of K.C's friends are doing. They all love Hatsumi and all still keep in touch with her. Bryan told me it had been one year now for Blair and he had gotten an email from him that morning that was pretty amazing. Blair has always been kind of to himself and sullen. Bryan said it was like he had a light turned on and he was filled with joy and a positive loving attitude. Pretty cool what serving the Lord will do with your life! Anyway, it was great to talk to them.
Tuesday night, I was getting the toaster out of the cupboard to toast our hamburger buns and my wonderful chopper was sitting on top of it. I got the toaster out but the cord got caught on the chopper and pulled it out too. It was like slow motion as I reached up to stop it from falling on the floor, the top came off and the blade came flying out and sliced my hand. Seriously, what are the chances of that happening? I hollered and grabbed my hand which was now full of blood. Kelley came running up to see what had happened and quickly cleaned it up and wrapped it up tight to stop the bleeding. After a minute, he says, well we better look at it to see if it needs some stitches. I unwrapped it and when I looked at it, I could feel myself going down...black spots...knees buckling.... Kelley caught me and carried me onto the couch and sat by me till I felt better. Gosh I'm a boob! I don't handle gross stuff very well at all...either on me or anybody else....I was really a mess when Kelley cut his fingers off...I was the one who had to lay in the bed at the hospital when he was being treated...I try to do the mind over matter thing but 9 out of 10 times, it doesn't work for me. Sorry K.C....I'm sure that 's where you got it from.
Anyway, I was just feeling really grateful for Kelley and that he was there to help me....and that he can always make me laugh and feel better.
I got a pretty good slice on my hand, but it will fine...I am having a new feeling of love/hate with my chopper though...have I done anything but love and praise you since I brought you home??? Why?????
Could be the way I stack things up in the cupboard.
Yesterday was my dear friend Stacey's birthday...took her a little gift, but she is the one who always gives the gift of making you feel special and loved...always concerned about you and what's going on in your life...so grateful for her.
I needed to get my temple recommend renewed, so during YW, I slipped out. I got to visit with Dave first. He is a pretty special man. After he asked me all the questions, he asked me if I wanted to bear my testimony...well sure! A sweet reminder that all of the questions I had just answered really were true and that is what I believe!
Dave told me he had been reading K.C.'s emails and was touched by the love that K.C. showed to Kelley and I. He said he wished he had a boy just like him. Well that just made me start to cry. Dave and Earlene have not been able to have any children. I told him I wished he did too...he would be such a good dad. I know there will be children for them in the next life.
Then I went to see the Stake President. Can I just say that I love president Child? What an amazing man he is....he asks me about each person in my family...seriously...he remembers each one and where they live and wants an update on how they are doing...even asks about my mom...how does he know???? Anyway, we talked for a while, then he gave me some good council before we did my recommend. He is also one of those people who is so sincere and makes you feel very loved....p.s. he sends his love to Katie, Camille and Candice.
We found out Tuesday that Martha's dad had passed away. She has been in Idaho with him off and on for the past 6 months...then lately, just staying there. He has had Alzheimer's for awhile which has been pretty hard on Martha because they had such a close relationship and he didn't even know who she was the past few months. She has a brother who lives in Jerome who has been there with her to help care for him.
I got a call from Martha this morning and she told me all about what she had been through these past weeks, caring for him and watching him slip away. Such a hard thing, but what they had been praying for, for him to be out of his misery.
Martha has got to be one of my all time favorite people. She was one of the first friends I made when we moved here. We hit it off right from the start... I felt a kinship with her that I think was developed long before we came to this earth. We have served in about every organization together, and have always been there for each other...one of those people you can always depend on. She's the kind of person that is just easy to talk to and be around....and she has a great sense of humor. How could you not love this lady? Anyway, I was so glad to talk to her....she is a great example to me of selfless love and dedication to her father. Wish I could be there for the funeral but it's clear up by Twin Falls. She told me she had been thinking of me and what was ahead for me, my sisters and my mom. Don't really like to think of it, but I know it's inevitable. This just makes it seem more real.
I got a sweet call from Olivia last night too.."Thanks for all the nice things you sent me! I love my kitty purse and it's full of circle treats!...and the bracelet is so pretty!" Wow that just made my day! I've been feeling kind of blue thinking about Christmas without her, but I know we will have time together in January. I know Camille and Kellen are doing all they can do to get through this difficult time. Camille's attitude is always so positive though and is a good example to me of how I need to be. Thanks too, to Candice for always cheering me up...so lucky to have her.
Reflecting over the past few days sure makes me see just how truly blessed I am...Listening to Bro. Wilcox yesterday this thought stayed with me. God does know us and hears our prayers...but it is usually through one of his "angels" (that's YOU) here on earth that they are answered. I believe there are angels among us...

This is kind of how I felt about Halloween this year.

Usually one of my favorite times...this year was just kind of gloomy.

A friend of Candice's commit suicide last week and his funeral was Saturday. Very sad how drugs took a person's life and crushed all his hopes and dreams till this was the only way he could see out of the pain. Such a terrible waste.

Candice, Mikal and Meg came over for a while before they went to the "celebration of his life"

I was glad for the way the parents told about him in his obituary. They didn't sugar coat anything and hopefully opened some eyes to the pain and heartache drugs will bring into not only your life, but to the people who love you too.

Anyway, it was good to visit with them for a while before they went to the funeral.

plus....they helped me get the popcorn balls all finished and bagged up!

It was cloudy all day and as if on cue, just when it was time for the trick or treaters to start out, it started to pour. We had some of the regulars come with umbrellas, but not nearly as many as other years. It's always fun to see the kids in their costumes...it's gotten to be mostly grand kids of friends now....the neighborhood has grown up! I love to have my kids friends come by with their own kids to say hi and have a popcorn ball. It was good to see Jamie and her cute girls. She said she was at her aunts and they wanted to come by and see grandma's old house. She said they feel kind of homeless without their old home to go to. Oh how I miss the Larsens.

All the Burns and Smith's family's came by...Kara is a hoot! ...she had us all laughing. She stayed and visited with Candice for a while.

A bunch of the neighbors braved the weather for their popcorn ball..."oh and can I get one for my sister and my mom and my brother who is on a mission..."

It was a fun night, but I was sure missing enjoying the fun with Olivia. Sigh...

Yesterday, we went up to get the boat and bring it home....and naturally that would involve a little fishing.

It was pretty cold when we first got there...frost all over the dock and the boat, but as soon the sun came out, it warmed everything up and it turned out to be a beautiful day!


Little bit of snow on the mountains and the leaves were all gone but still so pretty up there.

We all caught 3 fish...not hardly any competition going on...

(now they were adding up the size and weight of each fish to say who the "winner" was)

HA! Those two kill me! but always make me laugh!

I have been reading this book Katie gave me when we were in Mexico called "The Shack" and finished it while we were fishing. It's a story about a man who has very sad tragic things happen to him in his life, then he gets to spend a few days with God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost. It is a sweet story of how he learns to forgive and let God's love heal him. A very good book with lots of good insight on our relationship with our Heavenly Father. I recommend it to all.

Pulling the boat out of the water made the summers end feel final. Kind of sad....I don't know if we will keep it at Strawberry next year...the fishing was good...catching...bad!

I think we will try some other places....