"Over" Overwhelmed

If anyone gets feeling that life is too busy and they want to slow down--beware! Life is much better busy. Nothing can make you feel your mortality like a good back ache. Words to the wise--Protect Your Back! When I foolishly tried to pick up that box at Target 6 years ago I had no idea how that moment would change my life. I know I have been blessed though because after 2 years, the pain was manageable and you get used to it and life goes on as normal. Until, that is, you are hit again. I didn't see this episode coming and the pain hit me out of the blue.  So, here we go again.
But, in everything there is opposites. I have this rotten pain that makes sitting, standing, working, etc pretty miserable. But, I also have a thoughtful, caring, and amazing family to get me through. We have had meals brought in every night--dad has been loving that cause everyone has even brought desserts. Seriously we have been way too spoiled.
Then, yesterday the door bell rang and grandchildren and their parents came in with cleaning supplies and equipment and smiles on their faces. I was "ordered" to lay down and watch. My little grandchildren each took cleaning supplies and went to work.
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Even the big boys helped willing and I was so impressed that they really know how to clean. They will make someone a great husband some day--way far away some day!
Their moms and dads cleaned everything--stuff that only gets cleaned a couple of times a year even--way better than my Saturday morning cleanings. I lay there fighting emotion--so sorry to be a burden on families that have so much to do in their own lives but a deep gratitude for their love and concern for me. It was truly overwhelming! Thank you so very, very much

March happenings

We got to see Justyn play in the jazz and symphony band concert a few weeks ago. He even had a solo part and did really well. We love to see our grand children s accomplishments.
I have about 10 pictures of him but he is making a face in all of them. I had to threaten him to get this one!
Trav and Allison and family came up for conference also and since it was their spring break, they got to come for Averie's baptism and stay the whole next week. They went swimming and to Cabela's one day with the cousins and then to Jump on it another day and a movie another day and time just playing with their cousins so they had lots of fun happenings. On Friday, they invited grandpa and I to go to BYU with them and that was really fun. We got to see the Carl Bloch paintings--that was so impressive--and then went over to the President Hinckley alumni house.


 We went to eat at the Cougar Eat next. After lunch grandpa and I came home and their family got some good stuff from the bookstore. It was fun to be back on our old stomping grounds. It has changed so much since we were there a hundred years ago, but still brought back lots of memories. We found ourselves hoping we get some grand children that will go to our old Alma Mater.
We enjoyed our time with their family and getting reacquainted with our youngest grandson. I loved coming home from work and holding a baby!
Little Alyssa didn't feel great for some of this trip, but is doing better now. Luke didn't want to sleep here at our house, so Allison got pretty exhausted. Hopefully by the next trip he will have better sleeping habits.
We enjoyed conference very much and wish it weren't only twice a year.
Laura and Olive came and joined us on Saturday and we loved having them visit.

The only regrets I have this year is that I didn't take more pictures. I keep forgetting and my camera is getting dusty! I need to keep the memories, so don't shy away if I can remember to take them.

Baptism Day

Averie had a special day for her baptism. Lots of family and ward members came to support her. There were 2 great talks given by her aunts. Laura gave a talk on baptism and gave Averie a special penny necklace to remind her of the things she talked about and Mary gave a talk on the Holy Ghost and showed lots of things in a tool box to help her remember how the Holy Ghost helps us. Her dad baptized and confirmed her and she got lots of comments written on cards to help her remember her special day.
With her mom and dad



Her  family
And, the combined Hall and Pratt family (Liz sacrificed and took the picture)
Most of  the cousins who came --Luke, Zack and JD are missing (JUSTYN!!!!--this could have been a great picture)

With Nicole, who will be baptized next
And, with her mom


We are so proud of Averie and her decision to be baptized!