Christmas Letter 2008

Dear Family and Friends,

Dec. 2008

For our Christmas Letter this year, we decided to give you 10 reasons why we think you should have a Merry Christmas.

1. Because it finally snowed (in Utah…for those out of state).

2. Because Ryan and Yunuen are in Mexico, visiting family, where it is 60+ degrees and not snowing. (long sigh of envy)

3. Because Marc, who had emergency surgery on a kidney stone last Summer, is finally out of pain.

4. Because I have gone a whole year without a perm and now have a new hairstyle. (that’s a miracle)

5. Because Andrea moved into an apartment last Summer with two of her good friends (for the first time) and loves it.

6. Because Alisha survived a year of different surgeries while keeping up with the demands of little Alexa, and Jarem. Jason was a BIG help.

7. Because Gas prices went down (don’t know how long that will last).

8. Because we have the cutest grandkids ever! Jarem is 4 years old and Alexa will be 2 in April.

9. Because you deserve a Merry Christmas.

10. Because it’s that time of year when we should think of the true meaning of Christmas and how blessed we really are.

Happy Holidays!!!

16 Things of Interest

Andrea tagged me on facebook to write 16 things of interest about myself. I decided to post it for those that like to read my blogs. Here goes:

1. I'm afraid of the dark. It seems like I always have things happen when it's dark outside. One of my earliest memories was a friend (of my moms) dressed up like Satan one Halloween (I was very young) She came to our house and when my mom answered the door...she stabbed her with a plastic pitch fork. Of course it was just an act, but it scared me. I have many other stories that I will have to share another time.

2. I love sewing. I took a class, when I was 11 years old, at the Bernina Sewing Store and have never stopped. The biggest challenge was probably Alisha's wedding dress (along with my own).

3. I love Craft Stores. They have to be my favorite place to shop. I can spend hours looking for new ideas to make. I esp. love to buy scrapbook materials.

4. My treat (and splurge) is a Diet Coke with the melt in your mouth, crushed ice. My favorite places to get one is Ben's Burger Bar and Sonic. I think I've mentioned this one in a previous tag.

5. I use to be afraid of dogs when I was young. Once, I was sewing Barbie clothes with my friend when her brother let his new puppy dog outside. I was afraid of it and jumped up. The puppy came towards me (of course) and I fell into the scissors that I dropped. I think I still have a scar on my hip from that.

6. I also had acid thrown on me. In High School we would have a water fight the last day of school. My Senior Year when I was leaving...a boy came up...threw water on me and said, "gotcha." I thought he was a nerd and just walked off feeling a bit annoyed. While waiting for my mom...I thought...my skin feels like it is burning. By the time she got there...I was in so much pain that she took me straight to the doctor. Third degree burns on my hip (again my hip...Hmmm...).

7. The only soap opera that I like to watch is "General Hospital." I don't get to see it every day, but I like to eat my lunch while watching.

8. I was athletic when I was younger. I loved to play softball, basketball, volleyball (wasn't very good) and I think I would have played soccer if it had been advailable. I also liked Tether Ball and Croquet.

9. I love to play games. That is probably my favorite thing to do on Facebook besides talking to family and friends. I also love "game night" with the family. We've shared some good times. Oh...and I don't care about winning. I just like to have fun and laugh.

10. I was Chava in my High School's musical..."Fiddler on The Roof." It was an awesome experience (so was Santa's Workshop). After the production, I received a scholarship from Weber State College in Drama.

11. I met my husband at an Institute Dance. No kidding! I was actually leaning against the wall when he came up and asked me to dance. Never believed that guys would ask wall flowers to dance.

12. I use to be shy. Most people that know me...don't believe me when I say that I was shy. I think being in plays helped me to get out of my shyness. I gained more confidence in myself and I can pretty much talk to anybody now (except for people that give one word answers).

13. I had a December wedding and yet my colors were blue and lavendar. My reception was really pretty with Christmas trees (white) with blue lights and purple bows. The day we were married...it was like a spring day. Very warm and beautiful. The Temples were not opened during the Christmas Holidays except for one day. When we arrived (at the Ogden Temple)...we found out that we were the first to call (#1) with 50 weddings scheduled for that day. I thought that was pretty awesome!

14. I love kids! Children are so accepting and loving. The Bishop of our ward recently called me to work in the Primary. One of the things he said is that every week I have kids come up to me to talk. I hadn't realized that until then. It seems like kids (strangers) even come up to me at stores to say Hi!

15. This is going on with the Kid's theme. I was asked once to go into a class at our elementary school and see if I could get any of them to leave with me. They had been talking about strangers and how to say no and run away. I decided to accept the challenge to help the teacher out. I walked in and asked where the teacher was? They said she would be back in a minute. I preceeded to convince all but one to leave with me...promising that they could see my baby that was in my car (she was actually in a stroller with the teacher). It wasn't hard at all and when the kids started following me down the hall...the teacher appeared and asked where they were going. They told her and then she said..."Isn't this a stranger?" "What have we been talking about this past month." They all looked sheepish. She then told them that she asked me to come in, talk to them, and see how many I could convince to leave. She was pretty upset that it was 29 kids out of 30. She told them I was a good lady. The funny part is that for months (after that) every time one of them saw me...they would say...there's that evil lady.

16. I was in a car accident when I was 19 years old. I hit a parked car on a very frosty morning. I broke some teeth (some have since yellowed) and had stitches in my lip. I was going to an early morning Institute Show for the Spring Show.

Thanks Annie for the opportunity to write interesting facts about myself that some may or may not know about me. I tag anyone that would like to do this. It's was fun and sorry it took so long for me to do it.

Hangman

This is a Hangman game that my friend, Debbie, sent. Hope you enjoy it! You can change Holidays once you get into the game. Good Luck!

In Honor of Halloween

These Pictures were taken at Marc's work, GE OEC. I thought it would help remind us about one of my families favorite holidays.

I hope that all have a great Halloween. I will write more later.

Jokes

My Grandson loves knock, knock jokes. If you know a joke, please put it in my comments. Thanks for those that read my blogs and leave comments.

What Are Your Three?

What are your THREE? I was tagged by my daugher, Alisha.

Three Joys:
1. My Family
2. The Gospel
3. Talents

Three Fears:
1. The Dark
2. Snakes
3. Needles

Three Goals:
1. To do better at exercising.
2. To make memory blankets for my kids.
3. To get through lifes trials.

Three Obsessions:
1. My family
2. Crafts
3. Games

Three Facts:
1. My weight and hair bug me.
2. I love my family.
3. I like to stay up late and sleep in.

I'm not going to tag anyone because I don't think that many read my blogs anyway. Those who do read this are welcomed to do it. :D

Quirks?

Quirks?
The Rules:
1. Link the Person who Tagged you. (mine was Annie)
2. Mention rules on your blog.
3. Tell about 6 quirks of yours.
4. Tag 6 fellow bloggers to do the same.
5. Leave a comment to let them know (or be rebellious like me and don’t!).

I have to eat the crust around the sandwich or burger before I can eat the middle. I like to save the juiciest and soft part of the sandwich for last. It does, however, drip on me...so I wear an apron at home and try to be careful in public.

I can't go to bed unless my bed is made. It doesn't have to be made good (like Military...bounce the coin off), but put together. I don't like hunting for the sheet or blanket. Probably the only part of me that is organized.

I have to have noise around me. I hate hearing silence...so...when I'm alone there has to be music (like CD's and radio) or talking (TV). If I didn't do this, then I would be looking at the clock all day trying to make it go faster.

I love crushed ice. I would go out of my way to get a diet soda at a place that has crushed ice. I like how soft it is. How it melts in my mouth without much effort. I think it makes the drink better than normal size ice. I've even tried many different sizes and crushed is by far the best.

I can't handle cupboards doors or drawers not closed. I find this happens often esp. in the kitchen. I can't sit and see it opened...even if it isn't much.

I'm afraid of the dark. I'm not sure why. I don't have stories (growing up) that are too tramatizing. I did (do) have a good imagination, so maybe that is why I can't sleep without a night light.

It's your turn (when you have time) Ryan, Serket, Hark It's Mary, Anne B., and Tawni to write about your Quirks.

Glamour Shot....NOT!

This is my new hair style. My family likes it (thank you fam.). I have always had perms and so it is hard for me to not have the "frizzy" look. This isn't a glamour shot because I don't have any make-up on. So...if you have time, leave me a comment and let me know how you like my new look.

The Blender of Life

Marc and Jarem on the Dragon Rollercoaster at Lagoon.

I read a poem that a young man put on his blog. It was about life, but he used a blender to describe it. It was very well done and you may read it on his blog, which is:

yellowlives.blogspot.com

The following was something I wrote in response to his blog. I actually went to sleep thinking about it and woke early with these thoughts. I didn't realize how long it was or that it could offend. What can I say...I got carried away. I did, however, feel that I said some good things and so I'm putting it on my blog. Those who read my blog hopefully knows me and understands what I was trying to say. So here goes:

Sometimes when we put too much in the blender, it won’t mix things up properly. Or maybe, you forget to put the lid on (like I did last night) and have your delicious flavors fly away never to be consumed. You may laugh, when the people standing too close watching, run off in various directions. You may be mad because you have a big mess to clean up and sadness…when you realize that you can save some of it, but other parts (that you worked so hard to cut) are lost.

Then another thought came to my mind…what are the most important ingredients you want to keep in your blender? What if one was a spice and she went to an ingredient party and found out that another spice seemed to be the preferred one? Perhaps they had not been “friends” as long as she had to the blender, but got to know each other through some common interests (such as blogging and chatting}, the blender found her to be the flavor of the week, and so he made efforts to use her in the concoctions he made. He even traveled to take her places and when she went to his important event, he took her to taste a delicious ice flavoring that he may add. This hurt the spice that had been his friend for many years. This spice, sat stunned and very sorrowful as a new realization came to her during the comments (made by the new flavor). This caused her much pain and she felt weak and not desirable. The blender was over full, so he wouldn’t notice if she wasn’t in it. She understood that the blender (in her mind was the best ever) wanted many choices and liked watching the colors and flavors mix, but he was too busy and the other ingredients seemed more important to experiment with. So…this spice realized that she was not a priority and went to the back of the spices to over come her sorrowful feelings. Maybe some day, he would miss her and would make an effort to find her. Maybe not...that would be the blenders choice. The ups and down of the Blending life can be like a roller coaster ride at Lagoon (see picture of Marc and Jarem above). Sometimes it can make you feel so good and other times it makes you feel sick. Maybe the blender likes the other ingredients more and then the spice won’t be missed, but allowed to heal and to find a blender who will appreciate her flavor.

In Salsa, tomatoes and onions are great, but cilantro and limejuice add the spice. Last night, ours was missing something, so we added more limejuice and cilantro, but it still didn't have the right taste until we added Salt (Thanks, Yuni). That was the missing ingredient that made it delicious. How many times do we forget the important spice because we are too busy, over-whelmed, or just not thinking?

This could be considered "food for thought" or maybe we should "spice" up our life. (Okay...those were lame) :D

Jarem's Family Birthday Party

Happy Birthday, Jarem! Yesterday the family celebrated Jarem's 4th birthday. It was really fun. Alisha made his Mickey Mouse Cake which tasted really good. Andrea, Ryan, Yuni, Marc, and I went together to buy him Transformers (a big one and 4 small ones). We think he really liked his gifts. It was a great evening and even the pouring rain didn't stop us from having a good time. Thanks Jarem, for being such a special part of our family.

Life

One of the hardest things to do as a parent is to comfort a child that hurts.... especially an adult child. We, Marc and I, are suppose to protect and provide. The older our children get...the more I realize that they have to experience life...the good times as well as the hard ones.

This past month we have witness a child having health problems, another that's discouraged and over-worked, and yet another that feels like she has given up hope on a guy friend that she really likes. Their problems are ones that we (as parents) can't fix. I have agonized and wondered what I could do. Each time, I feel that all I can do is give comfort, many hugs, tell them I love them, and pray.

Pres. Hinckley once said, “Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.” How is that possible when problems seem to be so burdensome? Andrea and a roommate of hers decided to take a class on studying the scriptures. She mentioned how much peace this has given to her. It didn’t take away her disappointment and anger, but it has started the healing process.

The Bishop recently told me about a talk that was given at BYU Education Week (2oo1-2002) by Elder David A. Bednar. It’s entitled “In the Strength of the Lord,” and talks about the Atonement. It also talks about prayer and how we should ask to give us the strength to endure the trials and adversity. It has brought much peace into my life as well as Marc’s. I recommend it to anyone who may be struggling.

I hope that my children will always know that we Love and care about them. I hope our Testimonies will be strengthened during our time of need and that we can focus more on Christ. I hope this Blog doesn’t sound too down. It is just my feelings and well…as it has been said many times (at least from my parents)…sometimes life is hard, but worth it in the end.

Exciting!

When ever I get a phone call from my ward, I always get a sick feeling inside me. A week ago the telephone rang and I saw the "dreaded" number. At first I didn't want to answer it, but I did (hoping it was for Marc). I was dead wrong! It was for me. The call was asking if I would meet with the Bishop after church. Oh great!

Church was so long (not really, but felt like it) and after 10 years of serving in the music, the Bishop decided to extend a teaching calling (in the Primary). I was very surprised. Part of me wondered why I had been so worried. I appreciate this opportunity to be able to teach again. I always dread change, but this is good and something I really needed.

Swimming Lessons

Baby Contest

Beckond

This is Ryan's Band called Beckond. They work really hard together to do original songs. I'm excited and hope they can earn enough money to make a CD soon. These pictures and video were taken at So. Ogden Days. The video just gives you idea of their sound. I need to have Ryan help put on one of his that has the whole song. Stay tuned. :D

Congratulations Yuni!

I want to thank Yuni for letting us enjoy this evening with her. The English Language Institute graduation was really nice. It was last night (Tues. July 29, 2008) at the University of Utah's Saltair Room. Yuni looked beautiful and we are all very proud of her. The following are pictures that Marc took of the event.

I'm sorry, Alisha!

Alisha commented that I forgot to mention her in my Music Blog. I am really sorry. I thought I had mentioned everyone.

I am blessed with a daughter that is not only beautiful, but sings like an Angel. She also plays the piano and the organ. She loves music and has followed my foot-steps by teaching piano. She even has more students.

From the moment she was born (as well as Ryan and Andrea)...music became a very important part of her life. I appreciate her willingness to share her talents. I'm very grateful for a musical family.

So Jason and Yuni won't feel bad. I am really glad that they both are musical and love it as much as we do.

***Side note: This is a picture of Alisha and Alexa (at a baby contest that I will post on a later date)

How Many Years?

We decided to do something different on Marc’s birthday and put all the candles together. As you can tell by the pictures….it could have been a big mistake. The flames went a lot higher than we ever would imagine. Good thing that Jason didn’t drop the plate and that Ryan was quick getting the pictures. It was truly amazing. A huge flame, but didn’t stop Marc from blowing it out.

Happy Birthday (in June) and I wonder what the flame will look like when you are 70?

I Love Music

One thing I really enjoy is listening to Andrea play the piano. I didn't realize how much I missed it until last Saturday when she came to visit and sat down and played. She sure knows how to make those "ivories" shine. It was great!

I’m very happy that my family loves music. Ryan’s playing in a band right now and they do a great job. I’m so happy to be able to support them and see their progress. I love the songs they write, but my favorite is the one about my Dad. I hope they will be able to keep it up and someday make a CD.

I love hearing my kids sing. They all have great voices and now I get the privilege of hearing my grandkids. In Wal-Mart, Jarem breaks into “I Love To See The Temple.” Boy did it tug on the heartstrings.

Yesterday I noticed that Marc had his guitar out. What a great way to relax and improve a talent. I enjoy watching him play.

I watch piano students as they accomplish music that they never thought they could play. It’s fun to see the “light” that comes into their eyes when they understand and enjoy their lessons.

How can we ever get tired of good music? It makes a movie scarier and puts commercials in your mind. It can help heal a broken heart or make us hyper and full of energy. It can soothe our spirits and make us feel closer to our Heavenly Father.

I am so grateful for music.

All You Need is Love!!

All you need is love TAG!

I think that everybody needs to feel like they are loved, so I am doing this tag I got from my friend.

Here are the rules:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember! If we're only blogging friends, write about a post that is most memorable. If you don't have a blog and don't know how to sign in, please comment as anonymous.

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll be sure to write one about you... either on your blog, in my comment box, or I will email you back!

3. If the memory happens to involve my husband, please include him!

4. If you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all

☺ Okay, let's see what you've got!

Never a Dull Moment

This week was an eventful one. Marc had surgery on a 3-mm. Kidney stone and Andrea moved into her new home.

On Friday, July 11, 2008, Marc and I had plans to see Ryan in a performance with his band. They were playing in Salt Lake with other local bands. In the early afternoon, Marc called and told me that he had a kidney stone and would I please come and pick him up. He drives with a car pool and had not driven that day. I did and on the way home, his pain was so intense that I called our doctor and we went to his after hour’s office. He confirmed the kidney stone after a urine test and sent him home with painkillers in hopes he would pass it. Marc was so nauseated that he threw up many times. He drank a lot (which is what the doctor instructed), but by Monday things didn’t look any better. We then went in for a CT scans which show the size of the stone as well as where it was. He told us if he wasn’t better (by Weds.) to go to a specialist...Dr. Reynolds. I didn’t quite understand how we could just show up at a specialist, so I call Dr. Reynolds’s office Tuesday morning only to find out that he would be in surgery on Weds. and we would need to go in that morning. We went and Marc’s surgery was scheduled for 5:30 PM the next day (Weds.).

The next day Marc had his surgery. The kidney stone was larger than the opening and trying to get the hole bigger made it tear. The good news is that Dr. Reynolds was able to get the stone out. The bad news is how big the tear is and so the healing process will be longer than normal. Poor Marc! He has been in so much pain and discomfort. Yesterday I thought things were better…only to have him throw up again. He needs to go to work on Monday, but I don’t know how he will do it right now.

On Thursday, Andrea had made arrangements with Ryan and Jason to help her move her big things. I watched Alexa, while Alisha and Jarem helped also. It was really cute to watch Jarem, because he was really into helping. I appreciate all their help and I know Andrea does too. Her home is only about 1-½ miles from ours and she will be living with two of her best friends, Julie and Janel. It is a perfect size for them and I’m really happy for her. Friday, I had to help Andrea get things settled so she could sleep there. This meant that I was away from Marc most of the day. I felt so bad, but there was nothing I could do, but call and check on him.

In the meantime, I have been trying to catch up on well-needed sleep. That has been hard because Marc’s been having rough nights…but hopefully in time….I will get caught up. Yesterday (Sat.), Laree Petersen brought a casserole and yogurt and our two neighbors (Christianson and Volk) mowed our lawn. The Christianson's even brought goodies. I feel so blessed.

I missed Ryan’s concert, Andrea’s appointment, and two of Alexa’s appointment (oh…did I tell you that she got a spider bite?). I felt really bad, but did the best I could under the circumstances. The week has now ended and today marks the last time Andrea and I will do our calling in church together. I will miss her as well as my calling. I’ve been doing it for 10 years and so it will be a big adjustment, but it’s time. On to new adventures and hopefully getting more organized. Maybe even a bit more sleep!

Blog Award

I want to thank Annie for giving me a blog award! She definitely deserves one, in my opinion! I think she is one of the best bloggers that I know of. Thanks for thinking of me!

The winner of this award must follow a few rules:

#1 - You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award, whether for creativity, design, interesting material, and/or also contributes to the blogging community, no matter the language.

#2 - Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.

#3 - Each winner has to show the award and put the name and link of the blogger who has given him or her the award.

#4 - The winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of Arte y pico blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award.

#5 - The winner must show these rules. So the following 5 are the winners I have chosen, in no particular order:

Alisha

She's my daughter and tries to blog with two little kids that keep her very busy. She does a great job and deserves this award. She tells fun things (and not so fun things) that are happening in her life. I love the pictures and you can tell why I'm such a proud gramma.

Rye

If you ever want a good laugh, then read Rye's "A Family Legend" Blog. No matter what he writes about, it will keep your interest. His abilities are out-standing and deserving of this award. His wife also has a blog that is in Spanish. She too is very deserving of this award.

Anne B.

This is a dear friend who actually started blogging before me. She helped me to set up my account. You have to be invited to read her blog, but she has wonderful pictures & stories of her family. She is a real inspiration to me.

Serket

I don't know this young man, but I really enjoy reading his blogs. He writes about movies and books. He tells interesting facts. Some of his blogs are about his life...which I really like. I hope to meet him someday.

Jewels

She's a good friend of Annie's and is like a daughter to me. She writes about her dreams... which can be hilarious at times (like most dreams are). I can feel her excitement, disappointments, etc. in her writing style. I thank her for sharing her thoughts.

Now it's your turn! Make someone's day (specifically five other people) and give them this award. I suppose this is like one of those chain letters. But I can't promise that you'll find your true love in 5 days or that you'll receive a life changing phone call in 10. I can promise that it makes the recipient feel special...so, why not? Spread the love, people! And thank you for the enjoyment you've brought to myself and others!

The End of Another Chapter

Thursday, June 19, 2008, my parents’ property was sold. I was told it would be the last time we could go there. I went and took these pictures. Keep in mind that my Father built this home. It raised us kids and kept a roof over my parents’ heads the sixty plus years they were married. Because it wasn't built when the city required certain codes...the house will be torn apart. Even though the house was small...it holds wonderful memories. The apple tree had a swing in it. I spent many hours curled up in the apricot tree reading books. The attic was kind of creepy (because of the spiders), but was also a secret hiding place. I would take my dolls up there and have "tea" parties. The poles on the front porch were fun to swing on and my friends would have contests to see who could go the highest and farthest. Before my parents replaced the garage, there was a basketball hoop at the back where I spent many hours playing. We also had a pole with a tetherball. We always had a big garden. I learned how to plant (and weed) and also how to can the vegetables that we grew. There is nothing like homegrown food. It was a bitter/sweet day for me. I'm grateful that the property is finally sold, but it is the end of another chapter in my life.

Family Fun!

Memorial Memory

Last Saturday, Ryan called and told us that they were buying a new bed. They have been using Alisha’s old bed and decided to buy a new one since they were on sale. They needed our help and the use of the truck. The last little while, we have been working outside and around the house, so the truck was loaded with trash to go to the dump (go figure). We hurried and went to the dump, washed the truck, and then headed to Salt Lake City.

While at the store, Marc and I noticed a Lazy Boy Rocking chair that was on sale. We have been looking for one and so we knew it was too good to pass up. When we left, we not only had the new bed, but also a huge box with the chair in it.

After helping Ryan and Yuni (get their new bed in their apartment and the old one out and in the back of our truck), Alisha had talked to me earlier saying that she wanted her old bed to use in a guest room that they are finishing in their basement. The weather had been stormy and so we needed to get it into a protected environment, so... the solution to the question concerning what to do with the bed was to take it to Alisha's. I called, but they weren't home from running errands, so we decided to go to the cemetery (first) since it was Memorial Day weekend.

Just so you know (those that read this, but do not know me), I am short. It is hard for me to get in and out of our truck. When we went to the cemetery, we had to park across the street. This is where my mom and dad are buried. It is built on a hill and so it has some steep parts. Without thinking…I opened the truck door and proceeded to get out…not realizing that we were not close to the curb and there was a sharp incline. I basically “fell” out of the truck. I let out a yelp and Marc ran around the truck to help me. My pride was damaged as I looked around and saw a man at one of the graves. I worried that he saw me. Luckily I didn’t break anything and with Marc’s help…we walked over to my mom and dad’s grave. As we were leaving…I started to laugh, because I noticed the bed and chair in the back of our truck. Now how many times have you gone to take flowers to a gravesite and had a truck (with a bed in the back) growling through the cemetery? This was truly a first for us. I laughed! Marc's grandparents are buried in another area, so not only did we go to one, but two cemeteries. It just seemed so funny and helped with my body that was now feeling pain.

We delivered the bed to Alisha’s house and enjoyed a short visit with them. They have a fun, play area out back and Jarem wanted to show it to us. It is a sweet swing/slide set (see picture below) with a rope/rock climbing area and a tire swing. To top it off, they have sand underneath where Lexi really enjoyed herself. I was amazed watching Jarem. Last year he could hardly climb the ladder to get to the slide and this year…he’s all over the place. It was also fun to see Grandpa go down the slide with Jarem on his lap.

After leaving, we both decided we were really thirsty. Marc stopped at a near-by convenience store and they had 64 ounce drinks for only 99 cents. What a deal! We bought one for each of us and an extra one for Andrea (who was home). Marc handed two of them to me and kept one on the seat next to him. They were big and awkward. He asked me why I wasn’t drinking mine. I shifted the drinks to try and get a straw into one when... the cup flipped over and dumped all over me. I was sopping wet and had ice cubes stuck to my clothes. At this point I thought I would burst into tears until Marc said…”Well…you won’t be hot on the ride home.” That made me laugh. In fact, we both laughed all the way home. That was our Memorial Memory and one I will never forget!

Moral of the story....don't go through cemeteries with your truck loaded with furniture and never buy a 64 ounce drink when you have no place to put it... unless you need a cold bath and a good laugh!

Empty House

This was where I grew up in South Ogden. My Dad built the back part of the house first and then (with the help of my older brother) added the front part before I was born. It was a small, 3 bedroom house with only 1 bathroom. My dad and mom lived there most of their married life. After my mom passed away, my dad moved to an Assisted Living Home. He never wanted us to sell the house while he was alive. He always thought he would return to live there some day (which never happened). The memories in that house are too many to mention. It was filled with lots of music, singing, laughing, the smell of fresh bread baking, being squished as the family grew bigger and most of all....Love! It taught me that it doesn't matter what type of a house you have as long as it is filled with people you care about. That love is what changes a house into a home. Now the house is empty. The roof is caving in and the foundation has huge cracks. It's a miracle that there has never been a fire because the wiring is old and out-dated. It will have to be torn down and until that happens, the rodents have adopted it as a local motel. It makes me sad, but without my mom and dad there... it is just a house. A house full of wonderful memories. A home that I will never forget.

Changes

I've really gotten into putting pictures on my blog, but today I felt like I should share some thoughts. Annie is gone on tour this week. The house is quiet. She's always gone during the day because she works, but she's home every evening. Last night I missed her. It made me think at how fast life goes. It won't be long till Annie moves out whether it be with her friends or if some lucky man comes along. Either way...Marc and I will be alone. This is a scary time for me. I love noise. I like the TV on when I'm alone because it feels like somebody else is here and makes time go quickly.

Different Chapters in our lives can seem hard and over-whelming when we know they are fast approaching. Sometimes we feel alone and it seems like it will be the hardest stage yet. I've had those feelings every time one of my children has moved out. At first it seems so strange and they are obviously missed and then other things fill in and life gets really busy again. With both Alisha and Ryan, I have found happiness in seeing them with their own families. Seeing what they are doing and watching the challenges as well as the triumphant times.

Yesterday Ryan dropped by to share a new song that he made up on the guitar. As I listened to his wonderful voice full of expression and love...I thought...this is what makes this stage in my life so worthwhile. Just the fact that I can listen, counsel, encourage, and just "be there" for my family makes me happy.

Life has slowed down. I don't walk the fast pace that I use to. My body doesn't feel the same. Health issues are more real. If I fall.... it hurts me more than one day and yet, I can take time to enjoy the little things. I can enjoy my family. I can do things that I never had time for. Even with all the adversities, Life is good.

They say when one door closes another one opens and hopefully that will bring on new and exciting changes. Those of us that are beginning to open new doors...just know...that you are not alone. Life does go on. It may change a little, but you can always find a bright spot in any situation. Sometimes you just have to dig a little farther.

I was honored when Alisha asked me to make Lexi's Blessing dress. It was fun to make something special to remember that day. Isn't she adorable!

Today, while we were at Alisha's doctors appointment. Jarem started grasping his stomach and was bent over in pain. We were so worried esp. since it happened so fast. He wouldn't let me or his mom touch him. Luckily Dr. Church was there and could see him. I think the receptionist could tell that something was wrong. It ended up that he can not tolerate iron in his vitamins. We felt so blessed that is wasn't something worse.

Check out my Slide Show!

1st Birthday

Happy Birthday, Lexi!

Today is Alexa's first birthday. She has red hair and blue eyes and a smile that lights up her whole face. She crawls, walks around furniture and says "Hi!" and waves “Bye-bye.” She loves music. One of her favorite things to do is to play their toy piano and sing in the microphone. She has three top teeth, and 2 bottom teeth. She loves finger foods and Strawberries are her favorite. Lexi loves her brother and he is good at making her laugh. Alisha said that she bought some birthday balloons and Lexi loves them. She also likes to talk on the phone and push the buttons.

We are going to celebrate her birthday this Sunday with the extended family.

Christmas 2007

This is last years Christmas poem that we sent to family and friends. We try to take turns writing one and it was my year. Enjoy!!!

Uhrey 2007 Christmas Poem

Thanksgiving just ended and now soon we’ll hear
The joyful cries that Christmas is near.
So once again it is time to wonder
Some changes in life that make us ponder.

Jason, and Alisha are still in Farr West.
“Baby Alexa” was born; that makes it the best!
Jarem is three and loves the new addition.
Now if only potty training would complete this rendition.

Ryan and Yunuen moved from Mexico to Salt Lake.
With school out of the way, a job they must take.
Ryan works as an Interpreter and Yuni at a bank.
They are such a blessing. For this we give thanks.

Andrea lives at home with old Mom and Dad.
She works as a Pharmacy Tech., for which she is glad.
Playing for the Institute Choir, it will be her last year.
She’s not sure she’ll be sad or if she’ll give a cheer.

This year, Lanae’s father passed away.
It was a bitter/sweet time on that cold January day.
Although it was sad to lose someone she loved.
Her joy is that he’s with her mom up above.

Marc continues to work at GE OEC.
His long hours make it hard to see the family.
The FDA closed down production, causing much stress.
But he still has a job, so we feel very blessed.

We all have church callings, and thus it is clear
That our Testimonies of Christ are sacred and dear.
His sacrifice for all has been shown in many ways.
So be happy, have good cheer and enjoy your holidays.

“MERRY CHRISTMAS”

Love,
Marc, Lanae, and Andrea Uhrey

Easter 2008

Easter was fun this year. Everyone gathered at our house for dinner and special treats. Jarem and Lexi looked for eggs, while the adults had a trivial test (written by me). For correct answers, one of the kids would go down and find treats in the basement where Dad hid them. Jarem went down with them several times. At the end, there were two clues to find the ultimate goal.... the Easter Basket. Alisha found it this year (it was on the back porch). We learned a lot about Easter customs and symbols. I even stumped Marc on a few of the questions. The rest of the evening was spent dividing the goodies, having dessert, and doing taxes.

Cute!

Taken in Feb. 2008

Lexi's hair finally grew long enough for pigtails.

Jarem and his sun glasses.

I loved how he posed for this picture.