As we made plans for the weekend with Nikki and her family to join us to partake of the spirit of General Conference we added a few additional plans as well. We shared the food menu responsibilities for Sat and Sun and we planned a quiet activity to complete as we watched conference. The spirit in our home was strong as we heard the voices of our new prophet and apostles. We witnessed the mantel upon our new prophet, Thomas S. Monson. My testimony was strengthened and validated with the knowledge that I am a member of the true church of Jesus Christ on the earth today. I am grateful for the modern technology which allows their faces to be in my home and speak directly to me and my family. What a wonderful weekend it was to be given such glorious and inspired messages.

During this time we, as a family, shared in good food, laughter, and creativity. The jokes and wit kept a smile on my face for 2 solid days as I listened to my daughters create and bond with one another. Included in this post are some of the photos of the weekend. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Wizards, faeries, dragons, and magical creatures came to life before our eyes, even our eyes (inside family joke) *insert much laughter here*. Our next project will be to provide faerie houses for shelter and atmosphere for our magical friends.

Just What the Doctor Ordered

Today was one of the hardest days since surgery. My leg has been swollen and very stiff. When I stand gravity causes my leg to weigh 30 pounds more than normal. And wouldn't you know it, I'm out of pain meds. (But I have a secret supplier.)

Therapy has been going well, but has left me stiff and sore. This morning at 7:45 therapy began. At 9:15 I had my post-op exam and had 17 staples removed. I was given orders from the physicians assistant to get different TED hose and a cane, which I will be using for the next 4 weeks. Isn't that a depressing thought? TED hose and a cane??

Varce was with me today and we headed off with our list of things to accomplish. The first 3 stops were in vain. We had been given bum information. So Varce brought me home, hooked me up to the CPM machine, and then he left for work. Ty was shopping with Nikki and I would have a few minutes of peace and quiet. The doorbell rang, which I ignored, then the phone rang. There was a delivery at the door. So I unhooked myself and answered the door. What a wonderful surprise to brighten my low spirits! The doctors and staff, who I value as friends as much as coworkers, had sent me a nutritious lunch. It couldn't have come on a better day. How grateful I am to be surrounded by such thoughtful people.



It wasn't long until my home nursing staff returned. And she was just as happy to be able to partake. What a refreshing and light treat for the infirm and those who care for me.

Tyia has been valiant in every way. She anticipates my needs, knows my thoughts, and understands my desires. She fluffs my pillows, fetches pills, food, and water, changes the linen, keeps me supplied in DVDs, fixes dinners, tends 3 dogs, and keeps the laundry up. She's going to be a tough act follow. She has set the bar high for me. Especially while Varce is working long hours in another outage. She has gone above the call of duty. She even sleeps with me despite my snoring and tends to my needs through the night.

Thank you Ty for being such a special daughter and friend. My heart is full with gratitude for the blessing you are in my life. And thank you Varce for your never ending patience and willingness to help me even when I know you are so tired. I share my thanks with Heavenly Father daily for my loving family, my parents, and my friends. I am very blessed.

It is done!

March 18, 2008 @ 10:30, in the Scottsdale Healthcare my left knee was replaced with a titanium plate and a zirconium socket. Mom said that as I go through airports now I will set off alarms!

The surgery went fine, and although I am terribly sore, and limited in every way, including my thinking (due to pain meds) I have not regretted doing it. Every second clicking on my bedroom clock is reasurring to me that the seconds are getting me closer to full recovery.

I can not express enough my love for my husband and daughter Tyia, for every second of round the clock care and concern. During my 4 days in the hospital, and now at home I have every thoughtful thing done for me. Meals, body lotioned, hooking me up and taking me off the CPM machine, medication on time, water bottle always cold and full, iPod ready with relaxing, sleeping music, and music to do physical therapy to, clean eyeglasses, help to "potty" and to shower, opening windows, closing windows, photo slide shows, books to read, sudoku books, tapioca pudding, fresh fruit, and I could go on and on.

On Monday my mom arrived and now her name it on the "I Am So Grateful For..." list. No matter how old we are, there is no one who can do for you what your mom can do. Even if it is just knowing she is in the house, but she is here for ME. She has been through this surgery and has complete understanding. Dad, thank you for sharing her with me. It means more than you know to have her here.

The loving phone calls from my brothers and sisters. They are short phone calls, and I thank you so much for that. At this time, that is all I can handle. I know I am in your thoughts and prayers. I don't need to hear words to know that. I love you so very much.

My friends, my ward family, and neighbors, you are so wonderful. Your thoughtful meals, and get well cards, (those who have had this surgery are especially sympathetic and understand). I can not comprehend how great you all have been. I am so very blessed!!!!

Don't "Walk Like An Eyptian"

Tricia, Terri, Kristina

Amanda, Mary

Varcel, Tyia, Vicki

I am sick and tired of limping, gimping and hobbling! Surgery is March 18th. Am I afraid? Terrified!! We even did our wills this weekend. (Sorry kids, but I am a realistic fact facer...is that a real word?) So, if you want something, speak now or forever hold your peace.
For those of you who know me well, know I hate to shop. I can do Cost Co, and Michales and sometimes Walmart. But that is about it. I hate to spend money, I hate to wait in line, and I hate to make decisions. I also hate (my, that is a strong word, but you know what I mean) all the people who totally stand in my way. They don't know I am ready to have an anxiety attack and run them over with my cart, however, if they would look into my eyes, I am sure they would move.

Well, as usual, I am being overly dramatic, but it is kind of true. So, Friday, after EKG, blood tests, chest x-ray, and seeing the doctor, and applying for a temporary disabled person parking pass I decided I better get a few things. Walmart usually is the "one stop shop" I prefer. Things like "regular underwear" to be worn in the hospital, a couple of pajama pants to wear to therapy, a few t-shirts, some flannel (to crochet edges on baby blankets while I recover) shampoo and that sort of stuff I thought I was all set and headed home. I had done pretty well in crossing off the things on my list and was happy about accomplishing so much. But when I got home I had the best surprise of all. My house was still clean!

It is the little things in life that truly makes me happy. And a clean house is something I don't enjoy very often. With 3 dogs playing in and out the doggy door all day, I sweep everyday, and it never looks like it. It is like having triplets!! Toys, food, leashes, carseat halters, treats, treats and treats. (Most people have canisters for flour, sugar, etc. Not me. I have Greenies, Bisquits, and Rawhide sticks!) I had put the dogs in their kennels when I left and when I came home, my house was still clean. The floor shinned, the carpet still had the vacumm marks (does the word vacumm have two u's or two m's or two c's or does it really matter, because you know what I mean). There wasn't any dishes in the sink, or crap on the bar. It made my day!!

Tyia is off to snowy Idaho for Laramie's wedding and she took Ozkar with her. So the house is quiet, (and clean). I sure do miss her. She is so fun to have around, and a wonderful Cinderella.

So, during this quiet, clean house time, I have been able to ponder on some of my favorite people. Some of the things that are special in my life. To count my many blessings. I have the best, most supportive family. My husband, my children, my friends, my co-workers, the people in my ward, my neighbors...the list goes on and on. To each one of you, please know how important you are to me. Your examples to me help me learn each day. Your energy, your faith, your encouragement, your understanding, and most of all, your love. I am so grateful to you.

Above are a few, and just a sprinkling of recent photos I have to share. Each person I know has influenced my life. But, these few individuals are currently helping me grow. Teaching me to think "what would Jesus have me do?" Helping me to stay balanced. To reach deep inside myself and find the strength to not let go of the "iron rod" and to remember our eternal blessings. I love you, each of you, very much.

Traveling for the good of our kids

Last weekend was a blast! We spontaneously decided to hook up to our 5th wheel and headed for San Diego. With 3 adults and 3 dogs, we packed more for the dogs than the people. Kennels, toys, grooming equipment, food, snacks, leashes, car-seat harness, etc. And every minute was an adventure.

Kattie is moving out of a house she has been renting, into her own condo. It is not very big, but man oh man is it classy! Granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, hard wood floors. It is freshly painted....oh to be single again.... aghump..... she must down size her belongings, but the end result will be fabulous. We made a couple of trips with our truck from the old place to the new place, and decided it was time to play. We took our two dogs, Tyia's dog, and Kattie's dog to the beach. What a joke. Barking. One word sums it up. Barking. They played in the water, barked, romped on the sand, barked, saw other dogs, barked, saw us, barked, saw people, barked....


We had to bathe and dry 4 dogs and hoped the sand didn't clog the drain. Sorry Kate, that was not the best way to break in your new kitchen. But it was worth it.

Oliver was a good sport even after working all day at the bank, and still found time to come and see us on Saturday. Then on Sunday we all met and went out to breakfast. It is so fun to see my grown adult children. They each have their own lives, and success and trials. But I am so proud of them. They have wonderful relations with each other. They love to be with their parents, and we love to be with them. They make us laugh, and keep us entertained. I love them dearly.

On this weekend we were able to hook up with Vicki and Colin. That was a memorable evening. Varcel is a good sport and lets me rib him when he doesn't really know where he is driving but continues on the road as though he does. We all had a good laugh... you just had to be there.

My knee continued to hurt most of the weekend. Colin gave me a drink of Bazi and it lifted my spirits and my energy. I took some again at night and actually slept very well. I have not been able to sleep more than 1 1/2 hours without waking up, in the last two months. The pain in my left knee wakes me up so much during the night, that I can hardly function during the day. But I felt so much better after drinking just a couple of ounces. I am a believer in it!!! I don't usually take "energy" drinks and that stuff. But this is different. I could feel it in my body within just a few minutes. It is all natural, and so good for us. I recommend it highly! I brought home a bottle with me, and everyday I feel better. My knee is not improving, but it seems more tolerable due to the fact that I can sleep better. If you want to know more about the product I will happily give you a taste and you will know for yourself how good it makes you feel within minutes. After you taste it, we can talk and I will tell you more. You have to experience it for yourself. I believe in it enough to sell it.

I saw the Orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Yacobuchi, last Tuesday. He informed me that it was time to do surgery on my knee. So, Knee Replacement it is. He referred me to another surgeon who specializes in replacements, by the name of Dr. Buhon. I will see him next Friday. But I understand he has a 2 to 3 month waiting period for surgeries. I am going to keep looking for a suitable surgeon and hopefully have it done sooner. I can not go on like I am now. I can hardly walk, and I am never out of pain. This growing old sucks! So if anyone knows a good surgeon for knee replacements, please let me know.

p.s. Happy Birthday Jane (and Barbara)

Eating out with 3 generations

Tonight we went to Surprise to Madiso's basketball game. Then out to eat at her favorite resturant. I am not above arm wrestling in public. Game on. Thanks kids for a most enjoyable evening.

How appropriate for us to have the chance to bear our testimony the day following the funeral of our beloved prophet Gordon B. Hinckley. My testimony of a living prophet in this modern age is firm. When people ask me how I know that he is a real prophet, I have to ask a question back to them. If God thought it was a needful thing to have a prophet in the olden days, and the days prior to the birth of the Savior, then why wouldn't God want to have one on earth now? I wonder if those people who lived on the earth when Abraham and Nephi and the early prophets lived had the same attitude of scepticizm from so many. I can only say, I know the Prophet lives. President Thomas S Monson is now a mortal man, who has prepared himself and lived worthy to be ready to serve the Lord, and all of us at this time. This I know to be true. Although mortal, he is ordained to this calling. What a joy it is to witness the change in the leadership, and to know that nothing in the church, or the gospel has changed. The church, its teachings, our beliefs remain the same.

When I got the phone call I felt joy. The reunion that must have taken place in heaven must be so grand. No media, no halftime extravagance, no fireworks, just an inner happiness! An eternal joy that can not be matched or bought on this earth. Truely the meek will inherit the earth.