My Grams

Friday, May 29th--Today started out as a great day. I picked Elise up at school, it was her last day so we celebrated by getting out our brand new kiddie pool, filling it up and inviting some of our neighbor friends and their kids to come over and play. We had been outside for over 4 hours enjoying the nice weather. The kids had a blast playing with their friends and I was enjoying the fun chats with my neighbor friends. At 1:30 pm, my sister, Alishia, called. Even before I got the phone I knew why she was calling, it had been expected. My grandma, "Grams", passed away today. Her health has been deteriorating for a couple of years. Her memory slowly fading. In the last couple of months, she was living in a care facility. Just recently she stopped eating and was growing weaker and weaker by the day. The plump Grams I'd always known now skin and bones. The nursing staff changed her care status to "hospice" two weeks ago, meaning her time was short--as sad as it is to say, the new status came as a relief, she's suffered for so long.

After the call and a cry, I asked Nate if I could leave the kids at home, with him, so I could go to Salt Lake alone, he said that was okay (thanks SO much to my neighbor friends for watching the kids continue to play outside so Nate could work a little longer!). I got a call from my brother, Adam, he said he was heading to the care facility to see her one more time. I debated on meeting him there and still wasn't sure I wanted to see her till I got off the exit. I pulled in and went to her room. She lay there so peaceful, again, I felt relief, she wasn't suffering anymore. My brother and I had a good cry, stayed for a little longer then left to be with family that lives in Salt Lake. For the next several hours we talked about memories of Grams and the wonderful and hilarious woman she was. We also talked about all those loved ones who, we believe, greeted her on the other side of the veil. The person we thought of most is her beloved firstborn son, "Tinker", who passed away when he was 2 1/2 years old. We know her heavenly reunion with all her loved ones has been amazing this day. We also know we will miss her very much.
Grams, my memories of you are many and, mostly, wonderful. As a child, I remember coming down to visit, in the summer, and all the wonderful plans you had for us. I remember going to Raging Waters, nightly trips to 7-Eleven for Slurpees, miniature golf, the backyard swimming pool, going for drives, museums, parks and so much more. For Christmas, we couldn't spend it with you but the packages you sent always showed how much you loved and cared for us. I remember when our family was sealed in the Seattle Temple (9/22/90). You drove up just to be able to be with us on that special day. You loved to give massages (hmmm, perhaps, genetic?) and amazed us all with your strength (she could squeeze your hand hard enough to take you to the ground!--even up until the last couple of months!). When I was living in my own apartment and incredibly poor you'd take me grocery shopping with you and surprise me with groceries for my own cupboard and fridge--something that always touched my heart. When I wanted to move back to Utah to be with Nate, you allowed me to move in with you for 6 months while Nate and I became engaged and planned our wedding--without such generosity I wouldn't have had anywhere to go and we may not have been able to get married when we wanted to.
I could go on and on about Grams but, to sum it up, she was a special lady. She endured a lot of heartache and many challenges in her life yet she could tell the best stories, many of which were knee-slappin' funny. She was a poet, I'm blessed so many of us have her book of poems to be read and treasured.
I love you, Grams, I will miss you very much! Your legacy will live on always!

In memory of: Zetta June Keyes Blackburn

(January 25, 1926-May 29, 2009)

Elise's Last Day of 1st Grade

Friday, May 29th--WOW! Time flies by tooooooo fast! It doesn't seem like a whole school year has come and gone again, but it has. Elise had a fantastic year. She did very well and we're proud of all of her accomplishments. Elise's teacher, Mrs. Mair, was a huge part of the reason she did so well and we're truly thankful for her dedication, kindness and genuine love for teaching and children (we wish she'd teach 2nd grade so she can be Elise's teacher again!). Just like Brady, Elise presented a Willow Tree angel holding a heart to Mrs. Mair.

We have been truly blessed to have such wonderful teachers for each of our kids, we couldn't have asked for any better!

Now the fun begins.......two and a half months before the next school year. What to do? What to do? No really, I have a game plan, I just hope it works without any one of us (me) going insane before mid-August. Ey yi yi!

Palisades State Park, Memorial Day Weekend

Thursday to Monday, May 22nd-26th--We were blessed, and I mean BLESSED, this year with great weather! Of course, that is my own opinion, as others might disagree entirely. The weather was cool and we had plenty of rain as well but I LOVED it. The only thing I regretted was not packing enough pants, jackets and long-sleeve shirts. When it got too cold, we'd grab blankets and cuddle.
This year we didn't make it in time to rent the hybrid camper we got last year and that was a huge bummer. Instead, we rented another tent trailer. This one was larger in size and had a little more storage space than the one we rented a few years ago. It served it's purpose but once you've had a trailer with a full bathroom it's hard to go back to one that has nothing---oh, and that walk to the campgrounds bathroom at 4:00 am, with a full bladder, in the pouring rain, is horrific! Hopefully, next year we'll get on the ball a little sooner and rent that hybrid again......OR have one of our own (please, Nate, PLEASE!).
Anyhoo, the kids enjoyed the open grass, playing all sorts of games and enjoying many activities. We decided to share dinner nights with my sister, Alishia, and her family. The first night I finally got to crack open that propane-powered crock pot I was so excited to get for Christmas and well, things didn't go as well as planned. We ended up having burnt crock-pot chicken that wasn't even close to being edible. The heat got way too hot. Unless you were watching and stirring it the whole time, it would burn---which totally defeats the purpose of a crock pot! Needless to say, there's a few things we have to figure out before it gets used again. I'm still excited about having one and being able to use it the way it's intended.
On Saturday, we drove into town for the Snow College Scandinavian Days (I think that's what it's called). We watched the parade and Elise caught tons of candy and made sure there was enough for Brady, who stayed back at camp with dad. Then we were off to walk around all the various booths and find things to buy that we didn't need but wanted. Elise and I eyed the very-popular glitter balls and she just had to have one! Luckily, for her, she had money to buy one---they are $8.00!!!! She picked one with beautiful purple glitter. I got one for Brady too, he had some money as well and I knew he would want one. For him, I chose orange glitter (he loves that color!) and inside it also had a smaller ball that lights up when you bounce the ball. Elise was in heaven with her new ball, and Brady was too! I found some friends we were camping with, Heidi Salazar and her daughter, Danica. They were selling vinyl signs and such and also Miche Bags--which I want so bad and was able to strike a deal (woohoo!). I bought a very cute tile sign with stand and will have to wait for my Miche Bag till September (my birthday) since it was pricey enough I couldn't just buy it but Nate said I could have it for my birthday. I'm fine with that, it's just SO long to wait!
After leaving the booths we went over to our new favorite discovery--Tin Plate Pasta. We ate there for lunch and then brought some back for dinner for the guys that stayed back (because they didn't want to shop). It was delicious!
Mostly, the rest of the time was just visiting and enjoying the company of family and friends. Nate took the kids on a hike, which they really enjoyed. On Sunday, we were happy to have a few hours of great sunshine so we got out the kiddie pool and the kids enjoyed playing with their glitter balls. Then my brother-in-law, Shad, let Nate, the kids and I take his motor boat out on the lake and we had a great time looking at fish and traveling all over the lake. The only crappy thing about this trip was that I hurt my shoulder and it was inflamed with Bursitis the whole time--even Alishia's Lortab couldn't help all that much (she also had Morphine but I was too afraid to take that stuff!). I spent a lot of time icing it and taking the maximum dose of Aleve and Advil I could take. At night I would take some sleeping pills too and that seemed to help.
It was a great camping trip, as always. It just never seems to matter what the weather is like. We always have a good time coming up to Palisades State Park with family and friends. I look forward to next year!!!

After we dropped off the tent-trailer to the rental place I decided I needed to go visit my grams at the care facility. A few of us had a feeling she might not make it through Memorial Day weekend but she did and I was so thankful to sit with her for a little while and just talk to her. She was sound asleep, even snoring, but I wanted to be with her, perhaps for the last time. She was grasping her favorite stuffed animal "puppy spot". For a few months now, she's even believed "puppy spot" was a real dog and treated it like one--sad but precious all at the same time. I brought my camera and took some pics of her sleeping peacefully. Little did I know, this picture really would be the last picture of her alive.....

Once we got back on the road we made it home in good time and as we looked back to check on the kids, this is what we found....

I think they had a GREAT time but we all needed to catch up on some serious sleep! They got a head start........LUCKY!

Brady's Last Day of His 1st Year of Pre-School

Wednesday, May 20th--Today, we said "good-bye" and a huge "THANKS!" to Mrs. Petersen for doing such a wonderful job of being Brady's pre-school teacher. Brady gave her a cute Willow Tree angel holding a heart.
This was the first of many big hurdles for us, as Brady's parents. The first couple of weeks were quite a worry as we wondered if his diabetes would be stable throughout the 2-hour pre-school day. We were blessed to never have any problems the whole entire year. Mrs. Petersen took time to learn about the disease and be aware of signs and symptoms related to low/high blood sugar as well. I pray we are as lucky with every teacher Brady will have in his life. If you live in the area and are looking for a pre-school I HIGHLY recommend Learning Dynamics Preschool. It is the best, in my opinion!
Brady did a great job this year and learned so much. It's amazing! We look forward to seeing what his 2nd year of pre-school holds for him.

Happy Mother's Day!

Sunday, May 10th--I had fully planned on sleeping in but my shoulder hurt immensely (it's been doing that a lot lately---I need a massage and probably an x-ray) so I got up, popped some pain meds, and started the day. Nate and the kids wished me a very "Happy Mother's Day" and then Nate cooked up a delicious breakfast while the kids helped clean up a little. After breakfast I took a loooooong shower and then got myself all purdied up for church. The kids and Nate got dressed and then off to church where all the moms got some treats and plenty of Mother's Day well-wishes. I was so happy today was such a beautiful, sunny day too! We got home and proceeded to get the house cleaned and ready for my sister, Alishia and her family to come over for dinner. Once we were done cleaning, I should have layed down for a nap but I decided to play our new Wii game, "Legos Indiana Jones". Very much like "Legos Star Wars", I am addicted to this game so I play it whenever I get the chance and today I got a small window of time where the kids were playing nicely and Nate was watching TV downstairs. Usually, I don't play video games all that much but these two are my video games weakness!

Anyhoo, Alishia and her family came over and we BBQ'd steaks and chicken. We ate them with baked taters and salad then Alishia made delicious brownies. We topped them with mint chocolate chip ice cream, hot fudge and whipped cream. Delectable! It was a fabulous Mother's Day meal!

I got some fun gifts from my family: a giftcard (perhaps another Willow Tree figurine will be purchased!), food storage cookbook, beautiful roses and some very touching cards. Elise brought home, from school, a beautiful homemade plant holder with grass inside. She had also made some paper flowers to stick inside. A few days ago I was at Robert's Crafts and found a heart wreath I had seen around Valentine's Day and had wanted it really bad but it was too expensive. Well, it was 50% off so I finally bought it and I LOVE it. I guess that was my Mother's Day gift to myself. he he

I am so blessed for the family I am honored to have. I have two beautiful children that bring me joy every single day of my life. I have a husband that makes me feel so special and loved. We all have our ups and downs, good days and bad, but we love each other immensely. I thank my Father in Heaven on a daily basis for my wonderful family. They are my world, my everything.

Thank you, Nate, Elise & Brady, for making Mother's Day, 2009, so wonderful and special! I love you all with all my heart and soul!

Elise's 1st Baseball Game

Saturday, May 9th--Our morning was kind-a crazy. Brady's t-ball game was first and then in the middle of it, Elise and I headed over to her game area. Elise is on a team that does machine pitch so she doesn't really get to practice hitting. I was actually worried she would strike out every time but she proved otherwise! At first, Elise looked a little nervous playing her first game. She did a great job listening to her coaches and doing what they asked of her. She played outfield the whole time. When a ball came close to her she'd run to get it. She got to bat 3 times. The first time she clipped the second pitch and then the third she hit it hard and got to 1st base. I was cheering loud! It was awesome and I could see how proud she was of her accomplishment. With the other kids hitting, she managed to run all the way to home base. After this positive experience, Elise seemed to gain a lot more confidence and did really well the rest of the game, considering this is her first time playing baseball. Her second time at bat she struck out, mostly because she seemed to be standing a little too far from the base. And the third time at bat she, again, clipped the second ball and then slammed the third ball all the way to third base. It was so cool! Nate got to see that one and he had the face of a very proud dad.

We really thought baseball wouldn't be something Elise would be all that good at but she proved us wrong. Great job Elise! We think the team won but I'm not sure they kept track of scores.

A Pre-school Tribute to Moms

Friday, May 8th--Brady's WONDERFUL pre-school did a small little program for Mother's Day. Each teacher taught their students 2 songs and then the children sung them to all of us moms. It was SOOOOO adorable! They sang them twice and with the cheesiest smiles on their faces. And, as you can see, even sitting down, Brady towers over his friends but they all sounded great singing the special songs for us moms. Brady's teacher, Mrs. Petersen, presented all the moms with cards our children made with their handprints stamped and a very touching poem (I cried!). Then we each got a raddish plant the children have been growing for a little while. It was a great start to a great weekend! Thanks Brady! I hope you still sing those songs to me when I ask. Oh, and I'll make sure to say "Pwease!"

Way To Go, Elise!

Monday, May 4th--As Nate worked on the yard, Brady and Elise were riding around on their bikes tonight. I sat on the porch watching them and enjoying the nice evening. For a while now, we've been trying to encourage Elise to take her training wheels off and learn how to ride her bike with just two wheels. She hasn't been very willing until tonight. Of course, it took a little bribing (Nate offered to take her to the Chevron to get 3 treats) but she let Nate take the training wheels off. She didn't want me to help hold her seat while she peddled so I gave her some encouraging words to help her figure it out on her own. It didn't take long and she was finally riding on two wheels--at first with a fearful look on her face and then eventually, a huge smile. I was on the sidewalk jumping up and down (imagine that, I really was!) and cheering her on as loud as I could. It was an amazing sight to see! Based on all the other neighbor kids, Elise is a little late in learning how to ride on two wheels but, just like in every other major milestone in her life, it had to be in her own time and we've learned it's best to respect that about her rather than push her too much. We're SOOOO proud of her! She rode for a long time and then when it was time to come in, she asked if she could practice again tomorrow. I happily said, "YES!"

Brady was so amused by Elise riding on two wheels, he asked if we would take the training wheels off his bike too. There's plenty of 4-year-olds in our neighborhood that ride on two wheels so I took them off and let him try. He was willing to let Nate or I hold onto his seat as he peddled. Tonight just wasn't his night to get it down. He had trouble balancing and got frustrated so we called it a night. I know he's not giving up but it'll probably take a little more time for him to get the hang of it.

It was a great night! I'm so proud of both my kids. They are such a blessing and joy to us!

Below is video of Elise riding. For some reason, it turned out really bright. Not sure why but enjoy watching her first little "trek" riding on two wheels!

Brady's 1st T-Ball Game

Saturday, April 25th--Brady had his very first T-ball game today. He's on the Bullfrog Team and it's a team of 3-4 year-olds. As usual, he's taller than all his team-mates but gets along well with them all. His coach, Coach Anderson, is quite dedicated and seems to enjoy coaching these little balls of energy--I'm amazed by his patience! Nate went to the store and got Brady and Elise some mits, a T-ball stand, a bat and some balls to practice at home. Elise is playing on a different team, the Bees, and she has yet to have her first game.

It took a while for Brady to get use to hitting the ball but he does pretty well now, he's a lefty (Nate said it was not easy finding a left-handed mit!). Brady's coach places all the kids around the bases and when someone hits they all run for the ball and pounce on each other to get it. Once one of them get it they can't remember to throw it to 1st base so they stand there with a huge smile on their face. It's so funny! After a few more games, I'm sure they'll finally get the hang of it. In the meantime, it's quite entertaining! Todays game started at 10:30 am. I brought some light blankets because it seemed chilly outside. Once we got to the field it was FREEZING! We put Brady's jacket on underneath his team shirt. Elise, Nate and I bundled up as best we could as we watched.

We think Brady's team won but we weren't exactly sure anyone was keeping score. It was fun! We look forward to more games. Usually, there will be 2 games a week, one for Brady and one for Elise. That also means 2 practices a week. Elise practices on Tuesday nights and Brady on Thursday nights. I haven't minded it at all, it gives me a chance to read or do crossword puzzles and just enjoy being outside---except when I don't remember to bring a warm enough coat or heavy blanket and I end up freezing my toosh off!