Liam

You know 9 months is a LONG time to wait for something.  Especially when it's a little baby.  It's an amazing feeling to watch your children become parents.  I loved watching Robby take on the roll of a dad and it seemed to come natural for him.  I was excited to watch Kristen take on her new roll as a mom.  It was fun to watch her growing belly.  And boy did it grow.  She was BIG.  As the time drew closer they kept telling her she had a big baby.  Dr.'s told Rob and Brittany the same thing and that he would be about 9-2.  He was 9-3!  So I believed the Dr's when they told Kristen he would be 9+.

Kristen asked if I would come in with them while she was in labor.  I told her absolutely.  I was so excited.  Then the last two weeks there was talk of a c-section.  I was sad for a little bit but what mattered most was the health of Kristen and Liam.

I loved watching Lance and Kristen talk together as a couple and go to the Lord and ask for guidance in how to safely get the little guy here.  As a mom of children you teach and teach and hope what you teach and live gives them examples on how to live their lives in depending on the Lord.  I was interested to watch how they were going to take on this challenge.  I told them what I have always taught as a mother, talk to the Drs, make an informed decision and then go to the Lord and tell him what you think is the best way and then listen.  They did all of that and came to what they knew to be the correct decision.  A c-section date was set and we waited what seemed like an eternity for it to get here.

Sept 21, 2012- It was such an exciting day mixed with some sweet sadness as that was the day my mom passed away 12 years earlier.  I like to think she sent Liam down with a final kiss as he made his grand entrance into life .  Kristen and Lance arrived at 9:00 AM and Lori and I decided we should get there no later than 10 saying that just in case the kids needed anything we could help.  I know we were both excited and couldn't stay away plus we were excited to greet this little guy.  I was excited for Lori as this would be her first grand baby and I remember so well the feelings I had as Rob texted us what was happening to them on the day Robby was born.  And then holding Robby the very first time was such a sweet feeling straight from heaven.  So I was very excited for her.

We were sitting in the waiting room, phones in hand with text messaging at it's best.  Out walked Lance and he told me that Kristen wanted to see me.  He said to me, but they told me NO CRYING our your OUT!  I stood up and the tears came.  Lance put his arm around me as we walked to Kristen's room telling me it was all good.  I couldn't hide the tears as I walked around the corner only to see Kristen all strapped up to monitors but she was full of smiles and anxious to get that boy in her arms.  

In some respects I knew the time had come for my baby to become a mom.  I knew she would be an amazing mom.  There were so many emotions all wrapped up into one.  Excitement to meet Liam yet worry that Kristen would be okay.  Back and forth the feelings went.  I was able to stay with her for about 30 - 45 mins or so.  Dr. Dixon called over saying he would be about 15 mins late so that meant I was able to stay just a smidge longer.  

Her nurse was wonderful.  I asked about to expect as far as a timeline.  She told me all I wanted to know, she would walk to the OR, they would get her ready ONCE they heard Dr. Dixon was on his way over.  Now I have complete faith in Dr. Dixon as I saw how amazing he was with Alyse when she had to have her surgery for a cyst.  That was the reason Kristen chose Dr. Dixon because of Alyse's experience and I told her that I thought he was fantastic.  I soon left the triage room and headed back to the waiting room where I told Mike to come on over.  The show was about to start.

Kaitlyn was with Lori and I, and had the presence of mind to look at her watch when I came out to explain what I had learned and the time frame.  I sat down and looked up and out walked Chris Sundstrom, a man in our ward who is an OB.  He walked over to Lori and I and told us he would be assisting Dr. Dixon.  My soul eased as I knew my daughter would be okay.  If anything happened she would have two priesthood holders with her.  Chris told us what would happen as well.  I told him hey take care of my girl okay.  He said don't worry she will be fine. 

 Lance is pretty fast at texting and kept us up to date as much as he could.  Lori got a text that said..  He's here and it's the most incredible thing I have ever seen.  I'm so in love!  We knew Liam had arrived.  By this time Mike and Perry had come and we were 4 proud grandparents and one proud aunt.  Lance came out and showed us pictures.  He ran back in to be with Liam and eventually Chris came out and said everything went well and he is a BIG boy!

We got word 10-8.  Wow no wonder K had issues carrying him.  She was a trooper.   Lance came out and told us that the grandma's could go back to see Mom and baby.  I told Lori you get to hold him first.  He's your first.  I just wanted to get to my baby and make sure she was okay...  She was loopy but doing great.  And then that sweet baby was placed into my arms.  Heaven was so close I felt I could touch it. 

 It's times like these that you want to drop to your knees and say a mighty prayer of thanks.  We had another healthy boy in the family.  Blessings that are over flowing my life and feeling like I cant even comprehend it all.  I remember feeling this same way when Rob text me that Robby had been born I couldn't leave my computer at the house.  I cried tears of joy as each text message came.  Mom and baby are both well and healthy. 

 Kristen text me to see if I would come and give Liam his first bath and show her how to do it.  I remember so well my own mother doing that for me.  I had flash backs and in my head I could once again stand and listened to her talk to each baby of mine.  Now it was my turn.

 Life is an amazing journey.  I remember my mom telling me how great it was when the babies came.  Being a grandma is an amazing job.  It is like having heaven so close you can peek through the veil.

Mike and I have goals and one of those goals is to serve a mission along side our two grandsons.  Mike had that privilege while he was on his mission as well.  We can't wait until the 4 of us are serving in the Lords army at once.  Until that day we get to spend the time watching our children teach and be examples on how to trust the Lord and know his will for us in our lives. 

AZ trip

Mike and I took a trip last Aug to AZ to see Robby, Brittany and Robby.  It was a wonderful time.  Mike and I were scheduled to fly out of Jax Thursday night but there was extreme weather in Atl so that plan was cancelled.  Mike the ever efficient one and I'm sure following upon heavenly promptings walked up to a nearly empty desk agent and was able to secure seats the following day bright an early.  I then watched as that line grew to well over 20 + people in a matter of minutes.
 
We made our flights and were into Phoenix by 9:30 am their time. We met Rob and Co at the Walmart parking lot to which it was awesome to see their smiling faces again.  Little Robby wasn't to sure about us but quickly warmed up to us.  We put them all in our car and we were off for a days adventure.  My 2nd great Grandfather who just happens to also be Mike's 3rd great grandfather is buried in Mesa.  I have done some family history work on him and his paternal line and I have wanted to go to his place of rest for a long time.  I made a copy of how to find his grave which lead us no where so I ran into the office to which they gave me a map of where we could find him.  And so we did... and a thrilled filled my soul.  This was a good man and I have wondered if he ever thought 127 years after his death some of his posterity would come back to see where he was buried. 

Robby cleaning the headstone

So happy to finally see this in person

Funny to think that Robby is related to him twice!  He is Rob's 3rd and 4th great grandfather and we had with us a 5th generation.   



Rob had been offered a job with Amazon in the Phoenix area and they had found some apartments they wanted to look at.  We went to one and left.  We drove to the second one and this was it!  They had found their new home.  Gated community so when Rob works nights Brittany will be safe.   Nice apartments with tons of room.  No bug and no barking dogs!  Mike and I were able to watch the little guy who entertained us as much as we did him while Mom and Dad filled out paperwork and made plans for the move. 

We picked up Rob and Brittany's car after a shopping trip to Costco and we were off to Miami AZ.  I found Miami an interesting and dusty little town.  It was a bit run down but it's what I always thought a mining community would be like.  Mike and I talked a lot about how AZ is NOTHING like we imagined.  It wasn't flat and brown with nasty reptiles slithering all over.  No it had mountains and lots of green all over.  Phoenix is huge!  Bigger than I ever imagined. One thing Phoenix does have are cactus everywhere and it seems like everything has a sharp point hidden somewhere on that plant.

After driving around Phoenix and checking out the sites and looking for possible places for Robby and Brittany to live we headed up to Miami.  The drive up to Miami was pleasant and provided us with new tops of conversation. It was what I had in my head.  A little mining town.  Lots of dirt and rocks.  But it had in it 3 bright spots for us.  Robby, Brittany and Robby.  We were so excited to be with them again and see this new part of their lives.

We had a blast with Robby, Brittany and Baby.  Robby took Mike and I on a tour of the mine he was working on. That was pretty interesting.

 One thing I found out was that Rob sometimes had to drive right by their house and he would toot the horn as he drove by.  Loved that he did that.We went on a walk in the evening which was fun.  We loved getting to know Robby as he had changed so much from when he was a baby. 

 What a cute little guy...  Such a sweet soul...  And he put up with me kissing him all the time.  We had so much fun playing with him.  He stole our hearts once again!

Now everyone pretty much knows I have bad knees.  They were feeling pretty good on the trip.  Robby and Brittany told us about some cliff dwellings that were near by.  Mike and Rob decided to walk up to them one morning early.  I bit the bullet and decided to go with them as well.  I am so glad I did it.  It for 1 gave me a sense of accomplishment and being able to do something I didn't think I could! But I did it!  Thank goodness I had two of the best walking buddies alive.  They stopped when I needed it and let me sit and rest my knees. 

 They encouraged me the whole way.  The uphill climb was hard yet alright physically and the things we were able to see were amazing.  It made me think of how many things we let go by us because we don't want to do something or it's to hard or we just don't have time.  Life lesson learned here!   Check out some of the great sites! Oh and tired of fighting with blogger on how to get the pictures two to a level. 

We all drove out to another site one evening.  Check out these baby blues!

It was a sad day when Mike and I drove away.  I miss this cute little family every day.  I wish they lived closer.  My life would be perfect if that was the case.  But I tell myself that life doesn't revolve around me and my wants.  I am so proud of the life they have created.  Our trip to AZ was amazing.  Since we left Mike has been back to help Rob and Brittany move into their new apt.  Rob started a new job and is learning the ropes.  I couldn't ask for a better Momma for Robby.  Brittany is a great mom and wife.  I'm so glad she's apart of Rob's life and our family. 

Life as it is

So as of yesterday I have lost a total of 35 lbs since I started over a year ago.  Ya for me.  It hasn't come easy and I have worked for each of those pounds.  I have bounced around from number to number and revisited those darn pounds more then I care to remember.  There are times I wish I would just wake up and the weight would leave in groups of 5 or 10 lbs but that isn't how it is.  As Eve so perfectly put it...  "we will pass through..." meaning I will eventually get there.  But this is a great time to learn and to enjoy and it is so important to enjoy this experience. 

Each morning at 5:30 am you can find me in the lap pool swimming for an hour to an hour and half.  It has become a great and fun part of my day.  As I swim each lap, the water rushing back and forth over my body, and I feel the muscles in my shoulders and legs moving together to help me get from side to side I marvel at the strength that comes with each stroke.  What I have enjoyed most is the freeing of my mind and allowing me to think about other things and ponder upon the good and bad in my life.  How to change things in my life or what needs to be changed.  I have been able to listen as I talk to Heavenly Father.  I have heard many profound thoughts in the quite of the water as he directs me in what I need to do. 

Mike has been coming with me to exercise.  He stays inside while I head to the pool.  It's nice to have someone to drive back and forth with and gives us a bit more time together.  There are so many things we have to live for and be healthy for.  And there isn't anyone else I would rather take on this journey of mine then Mike.

I have learned so much along this journey and I know I am not done learning.  I have learned and am still learning how to be control over my body.  How to live in the present and to be accountable for what I do and take into my body.  How to be master of my moments.  These have been  lessons long in coming.  But I have been able to grasp the pieces as they have come my way.  Piece by piece.  Sometime it takes time to figure out where that puzzle piece goes.  But it is slowly coming together.  It will take time to see the grand picture awaiting me.

I am truly happy I have ventured down this road.  So my journey continues and I'm excited to see what it will bring. 

When does time slow down?

So I find myself in May and wondering where in the heck did the months go?  When I think back on what has happened I smile and chuckle and think we have a great life.  So much is going on (perhaps that is why life is slipping by) and I keep telling myself that's a good thing. 

Mike continues to be busy with work and church.  I wonder how he does it sometimes.  He has a lot on his shoulders and that is part of why I love him.  He just keeps moving through life no matter what is placed before him never once does he complain or do shoddy work.  He is over the 7 stake Youth Conference this year.  That is in July and I know he will be glad to have that over with.  I try to help where ever he needs me to and good thing he has capable people to help him.  His trips to California are slowing down.  I don't like that either one of us travel.  BUT it is what it is and I keep finding in all of this we are blessed over and over again.  Our believe our children are blessed as well. 

Mike has been gone and will be gone this stint for 10 days.  Bryan and Michelle are out on really their first vacation and I am thrilled they finally get to have a real vacation.  One that isn't tied to Tallahassee areas or Gainsville areas.  So that left me and the girls in town.  I am thankful for my girls!  Alyse came over on Wednesday and swept and washed my floor and took the trash out for me.  She suggested to me that we eat Sunday dinner together.  She said corn was on sale.  That's a great reason to get together if you ask me.  Corn is yummy here in the south.  As we sat down to dinner our table was filled with roast, potatoes, corn, carrots, and salad.  When we were done our table was still filled with roast, potatoes, corn, carrots, and salad. 

Saturday Kristen came up and we dyed swaddle blankets.  Because we live here in the south and it is hot here during the summer and fall months it would be hard to swaddle a newborn in anything heavy.  But they have these cute and nice gauze swaddle blankets you can buy for $15.00 a piece.  Yikes...  thats a lot of money for one blanket.  So after doing some research on Pinterest (I LOVE YOU) I found a woman who bought fabric and dyed her own.  So I chatted with Kristen and we decided to give it a try.  I figured we could get 4 blankets out of 5 yards of fabric.  So I took the plunge and purchased cotton bubble gauze online.  It came and I wasn't sure I had made the right choice.  I almost sent the 10 yards back and got a thicker fabric but after reading a review from their website a woman said it was perfect for swaddle blankets.  So I washed it and fell in LOVE with it.  We cut the 10 yards of fabric up on Saturday (Kristen picked the colors she wanted) and we were off to the dye fest.  We dyed 9 blankets and a bunch of onsies.  So fun and they turned out great.  BUT to those who might want to do this... we discovered that Rit Dye... packets leave blotches.  Dylon packets are WONDERFUL as was a packet called Tulip. 

Anyhow, I have had a great time with my girls.  They have made sure I was doing okay and hung out with me while Mike has been away.  I love my family.  My children are the best there is. 

Robby and Brittany made it to AZ and are unpacking and creating a new home for themselves.  Rob starts his internship today.  Well this week is his training and then he officially starts next week.  I know they will quickly see the wonderful person he is and will be eager to keep him on.  I am sure they will find friends soon and quickly settle into this new life of theirs. 

So how great is my life.  Even with the bumps that happen because we live on this earth we are truly blessed by a loving Heavenly Father. 

The joys of being NAN!

We had some visitors these past 10 days and it was truly heaven!!!   I had a blast with Rob, Brittany and Robby!  What a delight this little man is!  I loved listening to him talk.  I couldn't kiss him enough! 

 

Driving Grandpa's car

Always a happy little man!

I love little mouth shapes as they talk!

I love this picture

Precious Savior Dear Redeemer!

I love Easter time.  It always puts things back into perspective.  I feel sad for people who don't see the real reason for Easter.  I had a co-worker who asked me on Friday "so do you have any special plans for tonight?"  I quickly clued into (always wanting to show/testify/be an example that I believe in Jesus Christ) what she was asking.  I said well I'm going home to clean BUT I am remembering the very sacred and important event that happened today!  I told her that on Sunday at church we would be celebrating Easter with song and talks.  She asked if we might have an Easter Breakfast and I said no but that they where having an Easter egg hunt for the kids on Saturday.

I love being able to share what I believe every chance I get!  I made this for the big picture on Face Book-  I think I'm going to love that new big picture thing! 

There are no words to express my gratitude for the precious blood that was shed for me.  I can only hope that my life will be a testimony to him of how I feel and the gratitude I have.  I know my Redeemer Lives!

pain! Pain!! PAIN!!!

I woke up Wednesday March 21, 2012 with extreme jaw pain.  I knew my mouth must have hung to one side during the night.  I mean it must have been glued down as I turned.  I have had this before and figured it would go away!  It didn't!  I said in my head you big sissy!  Give it a day or two.  By Saturday I was still in pain and I called the walk in clinic.  They didn't do much but tell me most likely TMJ so eat soft things.  DUH I figured that much out.  That following Thursday I was calling the Dentist for an appt to see if I had another issue like an abscess, all my teeth on the right side of my mouth needing root canals, jaw cancer.  After all what might cause me to keep having this pain for more than a week.  I called the Dr that I was referred to that deals with TMJ-  Closed for a week!  Booooo!! 

I visited my dentist that Thursday morning and he took x-rays, poked and prodded the teeth on my right side.  I don't do the dentist very well as my gag reflex seems to be outside my mouth. (In fact when I went to the walk in clinic the Dr said here let me show you how to do internal mouth massage.  I said ya I can't do that I have a bad gag reflex.  She said oh you'll be fine.  I put my finger in my mouth and immediately started to gag.  She stood back and said, ya you can't do this!) After taking gagging x-rays the Dentist came in and said, Ya I see nothing!  I'm in the dark but you need to go see Dr. Woodruff.  I thought dang I was so looking for a way out of this pain.  I said no root canal, abscess?    He said nope!  So he told me to take 600 Mil of Ibuprofen 3 x's a day.

This leaps me forward to today- Tuesday April 3rd.  I woke up with hardly any pain and that was after I forgot to take my pills before I went to bed.  I feel swollen and a very very mild ache.  What a great day!  Yesterday I had to go to Jury Duty.  I'm pretty sure telling them I was in pain all the time from the TMJ they decided my service wasn't needed. 

I have pain most of the day with my knee but these past 2 weeks have been horrible.  I have thought many times about people in the world who deal with constant pain.  I can get relief on some occasions and that helps.  I can see why people do drastic things in their lives to try to get relief.  All's I can say is I am sorry they have to deal with that in their life. 

It has caused me to ponder  upon the scripture ...all these things will give them experience... and that when we experience things in our lives those experiences help us feel compassion for others who have to deal with X daily.  Yesterday morning as I was getting ready to leave for work I said a prayer and asked Heavenly Father that if He could make it so I could get some parking spaces up close to the buildings I needed to be in that I would sure like that.  Could he also stay the pain in my knee and jaw so I could function for the day.  I told him it would mean a lot to me if he granted these blessings today. 

I drove to my first work spot and found a parking place right in front of the school.  I was able to proctor testing students by walking up and down the rows without much pain.  My jaw pain wasn't to bad yet.  I called to find out that I had jury duty (I thought I should have prayed they wouldn't need me but oh well) and then called the TMJ Dr. to make an appt.  She told me she had an opening tomorrow and could I make that.  I told her YES YES YES!  Then remembered I was headed to jury duty so I had to turn it down.  She promised me she would put me at the top of the cancellation list but the next open appt was a month away.  I walked to my car and drove down to the courthouse.  I drove to the parking deck and looked as each spot was taken but one close to the front on the other side.  I said out loud "THANK YOU Heavenly Father!  I know this is from you!" 

Yesterday I was the recipient of many tender mercies and blessings.  I know I have been touched by the divine hand of my Father in Heaven once again stand humbled at His love and kindness.  

What If???

Have you ever thought or wondered "what if"......  and then put different life choices after that what if?  I was driving to work yesterday and the thought came to me..  what if -Mike and I hadn't chosen to come to Florida for a job transfer?  Where would we be and what might our children be doing?   Florida living has been such a huge part of our lives.  I almost feel like we've grown up here.  This is our home.

 I know there are people who say you shouldn't ever play the what if game but I think it helps us see for one - how blessed we have been and how important choices are and how important it is to make those choices carefully.

My life has evolved by making choices-  What if I hadn't gone to Ricks College a zillion years ago?  I wouldn't have ever met Mike.  I would have missed out on some of the great friends I have now and my life would be totally different.  I view going to Ricks as a fluke on my part.  I was in a car with some girl friends and we were all talking about what we were going to do after we graduated.  One of the girls said, I'm going to Ricks College.  I said what?  Where is that?  She told me it was in Idaho and I said, hummm maybe I'll go there.  I don't even really remember filling out a college application but I do remember getting the acceptance letter AND telling my mom I was going to ID for school.  She had no idea I had even applied.  What if I hadn't been in that car at that time?

Interesting to think about while driving in the car... but it also makes me over joyed with most of our choices-  There are always the What if's that I ponder upon and think... that would have changed our lives for sure.  After Mike graduated from BYU he was searching for a job.  He applied at 2 different places.  1. EDS and 2. The FBI.  He went for 2- job interviews.  EDS sends him through multiple levels of interviews.  FBI said your pretty young come back when you have more experience.  EDS- offers him a job.  FBI changes their mind and asks him to come back in for another interview.  Mike said- Sorry already have a job.  Mike and I talk about that choice.  What if Mike had gone back to the FBI for that second interview and they had offered him a job?
 But I always come back to we have been very blessed in life and am so thankful for what we have chosen and where we are now.   BUT I still wonder...  WHAT IF????  :-)

Drive by picture taking

One of the best parts about working in Orlando is seeing the temple ALL the time.  I haven't made  it inside as much as I would have liked to but that's a different story.  One evening about dusk I was driving by the temple and it looked so beautiful.  I pulled over to the side of the road and took these pictures.  I love to see the temple and how it makes me feel.  I could have a horrible day and when I see it or drive by it the feelings that come from this building heal my soul. 

This one was with the window up- ignore the weird colors in the sky

I'm thankful that I came from a family who loved the temple so very much.  My dad was the stone mason for the Oakland Temple and my mother worked for years as a temple worker in the Oakland temple.  I am thankful that Heavenly Father has put such holy places on this earth at this time of life.  Oh how I love to see the temple and go inside as well!

Recording/Pondering thoughts

I found this on another blog and thought it was wonderful... 

“We may think there is little of interest or importance in what we personally say or do – but it is remarkable how many of our families, as we pass on down the line, are interested in all that we do and all that we say”

~ Spencer W. Kimball

I've been running another blog for over two years, it's called Tuesday Tell All, and I've decided to incorporate it into this one, so I can be more organized.... hopefully. This was the reason for the blog:


In the last few years both of my parents have passed away, with my father being the most recent in, Feb 2009. There have been key events, like getting married and having babies, that have happened since my mum passed away six years ago, and there were so many questions that I had for her especially during my pregnancy, that I never thought to ask. This blog was created to give suggestions for topics that could be included as part of my personal or family history, and hopefully yours. I will post a new topic every week. Feel free to leave comments with your thoughts about the subject on this blog, but more importantly, simply record or share your answers in any way you wish. You can see the original 'Tuesday Tell All' blog that this blog is inspired by, by clicking here.

Below are a list of topic ideas for recording/pondering or sharing your thoughts on:

• Share a moment that you will never forget when someone has shown kindness to you, or that you have done something for someone else that has affected you.
• How is the world now different from what it was like when you were a child?
• What has been your biggest fashion mistake. Post a picture if you dare!
• Do you remember your great-grandparents? What do you know about them?
• What is one of your favorite recipes?
• What are so me of your favorite things to do, or go to, close to home?
• What are the 5 words that matter most to you, and why?