Jade's Blessing Day

I know that I'm late on this one.  Trying to tell a story with so many precious pictures is going to be hard.

Feb. 7th was a very special day.  Jenny's family (minus the missionary and Candi's family) were here.  All of Tyler's family also participated in this special time.  Tyler gave his precious daughter a wonderful blessing and afterwards, Tyler and Jenny hosted a wonderful lunch at their house.  Jade was the center of attention and all wanted a turn to hold and love her.

Again, another tender mercy of our Heavenly Father is that He blessed us with families that can last forever.  I can't imagine my life without my family around me.  Another addition to this family just expands our hearts and we are given the capacity to love even more.  How wonderful is that??

18th Birthday, Part 2

Now...the rest of the story.....
Sunday is the day our family spends time with Grammy and Grampy.  They provide such a yummy dinner and some fun family time.  When it is someone's birthday, there is a special dinner and family presents afterwards.  There are always pictures! 

Aly was dreading the pictures.  With a swollen eye, she was thinking that she would try and ditch the pictures this year....hear are the results:

The last picture is always with all the cousins doing a "funny face".  I'm not sure when this started, but it surely shows the characters that are in this family.  I love this next picture.  Every single face tells a story.  This picture makes me laugh out loud!!

"No Cake, No Ice Cream.....Happy Birthday"

Using a quote from Brian Regan, this beautiful daughter of ours had great dreams for her 18th birthday.  Wonderful breakfast at IHOP, day spent with friends, Play performance, opening presents....all sorts of fun stuff!
Instead....

This pretty much sums up her welcome into adulthood.  Her first signature as an adult!

Here's a nice recap:

Friday, she spent the day at home with a high fever, chills, all-around aches, sore throat....see the picture?  On top of that?  She has to miss the opening night of the play, Curtains, that she has spent the last 2 months practicing for.  Saturday comes along and instead of a nice breakfast, she has no appetite. 

We eat her favorite strawberry-topped waffles without her.  One of her favorite birthday traditions is to open her presents, which are all wrapped, NOT bagged!

Of course, we can't take pictures of her face because she is sick and barely hanging on to say "thank-you"!!  Her dad and brother had given her a wonderful blessing and we talked about having the faith to get ready, and allow Heavenly Father to strengthen her.  During the day, many friends, leaders, and family help to make her day extra special by dropping off gifts, texting her and leaving all sorts of wonderful birthday wishes on FaceBook.

In the evening, off to the play we go.  The play is adorable, I could actually hear parts in the music, and Aly was able to finish without fainting on stage.  On the way home?  She basically crashed.  It's about 10:30 p.m. and her eye is puffed shut.  I'm pretty sure it's a good case of pink eye, but there are no Urgent Care facilities that are open.  We head down to the ER and within an hour we are out.  On the way to the ER, she laments:  "Can it get any worse today?"  Yep, it did.  But the shot worked miracles and her eye is on the mend.

Maybe next year will be better.  But, I am thankful she has such a positive attitude, that she is determined to accomplish all her dreams and goals, and she can laugh when she really wants to cry.  I can't believe that our little girl is now an adult, with adult goals and dreams.  Aly has so many great talents and characteristics.  We laugh at her need to be organized in every aspect of her life, her lists, her determination to accomplish her goals.  She is such a great example of dedication and devotion to her Heavenly Father.  So many nights, I find her reading her scriptures before she starts her homework...even if that is at 11:00 p.m.  Her faith amazes me.  I absolutely love being her mom!

Happy Birthday, Aly....it's one you will always remember. 

It's been a wild ride...

It has been an interesting month with beautiful "high" moments and some "low" moments as well.  So, here is the recap:
The week before Christmas, I started experiencing some stomach "issues".  First, it was just cramping and nausea, but as time progressed, my stomach was not cooperating and eating became quite painful...especially after 2:00 p.m.  We lightly called it the night-time disease.  But since I have a history of stomach problems, we started the testing at the first of the year.  Beginning in January, I had an ultrasound and upper GI series.  These revealed that I had "polyps" in my gall bladder, but nothing that my GI specialist thought was prelude to surgery.  These tests did help to eliminate such diseases as stomach cancer and gall bladder diseases.  Next was an Endoscopy, and then much more waiting.  So, in the meantime, my meals are getting very small and my nausea is a 24/7 thing.  Since I can usually find something positive....I was shedding a few pounds....YIPPPEE!!!!!

Next up?  Brad.  Yes, during this time, Brad was preparing for his own surgery.  On January 29th, he had LASEK performed on his right eye, hopefully correcting his astigmatism.  Since this is more extensive than LASIK, the recovery time is also a little longer.  This was done on a Friday, and we thought that by Monday, I could have my next test, which was a HIDA scan.

Monday, February 1st, I went to my HIDA scan, which was at Banner Gateway - a couple miles from our house - by myself.  Brad's eyes were still sore and recovering.  However, the scan could not be completed due to a "blockage".....duh?  They asked if they could give me an injection of morphine to restrict the passageway and force my gall bladder to light up on the screen, but that didn't work either.  Because of the drug effects, Brad was suppose to come and get me, but I VERY carefully drove home...under the influence of a very nice drug!  That afternoon, we took Brad for his eye check-up and decided between the two of us, we were quite the pair!

Now, not only can I eat one small breakfast, but the pains in my stomach are a little more irritating.  It's starting to cause some concern.  Monday night we patiently wait for the doctor to call and give us information.  Nothing!  Tuesday we are told he has the report and just needs to read it and figure out what to do.  No call.  Wednesday, I'm starting to stress a little. 

Did I fail to mention that in two days, Aaron and Savannah are flying in to surprise the family  AND in four days, our beautiful grand-daughter is going to be blessed??

FINALLY, we get a call Wednesday evening from our GI doctor, telling us that it has become an "emergency" and we need to get the gall bladder out asap.  Fortunately, we know a surgeon.  He grew up with my sister, LaNae.  Our doctor calls him.  Dr. Gray, the surgeon, calls us late Wednesday evening.  Yes, we need to schedule the surgery for tomorrow evening.  ONE day before Aaron/Savannah fly in and 3 days before the blessing.  OK...this is an out-patient thing..right?  Shouldn't be too much....right?

Oh, yeah....it's me we are talking about.  Nothing is ever, ever normal.  Inside, I know this and wonder just what is going to happen.  Thursday, I spend my time cleaning and wondering if all will go well.  Thanks to a beautiful blessing by Russ and my sweet husband, my fears are calmed and we head to Gilbert Mercy Hospital.

We meet with Dr. Gray, and I jokingly tell him that something will go wrong, so he better be prepared.  He tells me he has been doing this for over 15 years and I have nothing to worry about.  Surgery goes well.  Coming out of the sedation isn't quite as easy.  I can't seem to get a grip on reality, I'm as nauseated as I am sore.  Finally, after a few hours, I'm coherent enough to try and stand to get ready to go home.  Unfortunately, as I stand up, one of the incision areas starts to bleed.  Mind you, it's not an "ooze" out of the bandage, but enought to drench my clothes and the sheets.  GREAT!  I lay back down and the nurses stop the bleeding.  45 minutes go by...and we start again....with the same results.  After the third attempt, the nurses call Dr. Gray, who can't believe that it could be that bad.  They persuade him to leave his home (it's now about 10:30 p.m. or later...I can't recall).  He comes down and on the fourth time, with the same result, he informs me that he has NEVER seen anything like this.  He proceeds to give me about 7 seven stitches and they admit me to the hospital.  I'm sick and wanting to go home.  After all....Aaron and Savannah are due Friday evening!

Friday, around noon, I'm discharged.  The nurses take out my IV, and once again, my blood starts to ooze down my arm.  I leave quite a mess for the CNA to clean up! 

Friday evening, Aaron and Savannah arrive!  Their plane from Philadelphia was the last one to get out before the big storm hit!  They were very lucky!!  We are so glad they are here!!

Sunday, February 4th is the blessing day of our Jade!  It is a beautiful Sabbath day with all our family, all of  Jenny's family together to celebrate this special day.  I'm able to walk into Church and enjoy sacrament meeting.  We all met afterwards over at Tyler and Jenny's for wonderful food and company.  I grew a little tired, but was so grateful for the strength given me to enjoy this day.

So this last month of events has left me with the wonder of how very blessed I am.  While I struggled with what could have been wrong, I kept asking my Father in Heaven to strengthen my faith.  Did I trust Him enough with this next struggle in my life?  What if it was life threatening?  Did I still trust Him?  Every time I asked myself these questions, I knew that I did.  No matter what, I wanted to be the type of daughter that trusted and believed that my Heavenly Father would love me, give me strength, and provide a way to "endure all things".  But with each new obstacle, there was always a tender mercy waiting for me.  Tender mercies that I recognized?  A worthy husband and brother-in-law who took the time to give me a priesthood blessing and the great comfort that brought, a husband who put his own discomfort aside to take care of me, a surgeon that just happened to have time in his schedule and I knew from past surgeries (he put in and took out my port), Aaron and Savannah's plane coming in on time and their desire to help in any way, inner and physical strength to be in attendance of the blessing of our sweet grand-daughter, and most of all, the most wonderful family.  In every way, I love them all!

Am I Learning?

A new school year has started and both girls are involved with balancing school work, school assignments, church responsibilities and of course, the social scene.  Me?  This semester I am not going to school.  This was a very hard decision to make.  I have enjoyed the sense of accomplishment that finishing a college class brings.  But it is not to be.  I'm going to learn in other ways. 

As I have contemplated what might be in store for me, I have come across two ideas:  One is from Julie Beck, as she gave a commencement speech.  Yes, she was talking to graduates of a University, but I took her words to heart:
"The Lord has a plan for you, you have responsibilities which you have already been taught, the Atonement of Christ will help you overcome, and the Spirit will guide you... 'Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding' (Proverbs 3:5). Remember that the Lord has helped you before and He will help you again. As President Hinckley often said, 'It will all work out.'"

Even though I'm not in school, I've decided that each month I am going to "learn" something that will benefit my family and give me a sense of accomplishment.  My first 3 months are already decided:
January is the month of creativity. 
February is the month of journals and record keeping.
March is the month of organization.
(I will keep you posted on this)


I love the following scripture found in D&C 88:119:
Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.

It seems like my faith is always being stretched.  Because of this, I am learning to pray more earnestly and to prepare every needful thing.  I always tell my girls that I say the following words to my Heavenly Father each morning....sometimes in the afternoon and always at night.  It is a good motto when life throws a curve-ball!
"I love you.... I trust you!"

My Year in Review

This is the time of reflection, of goals and of gratitude.  Yes, I could berate myself for NOT accomplishing all those goals I wanted in 2009...you know, the weight not lost, the exercise not completed, the walls in my house not quite the way I wanted...blah...blah...blah.  But what about all the things I DID accomplish....all the blessings that came my way, the sweet moments, the spiritual growth, the testimony strenghthend, the family relationships developed?  Don't those count?  I think so.  So my post is one of reflection, one of gratitude, and especially....one of happy thoughts.  (you can click on the underline to refresh your memory)

In January I started back to school.  I was nervous and anxious about my math classes.  I realized that I needed glasses and that age does get in the way of progess.  At the end of this year?  I've taken all the core math classes I need and received straight "A's" for my efforts.  Not bad for a beginner!

February brought another birthday to our youngest, Aly.  Everything she does reminds me that she is our last and many say my favorite...but I will argue that point vehemently!  Our relationship - mother/daughter - is one that I cherish.  We don't always see eye-to-eye, but after all...she is a teenager!

March brought about another birthday. Need I say more?  But I am always thankful for another year of being healthy.  I know this is a tender mercy and I thank my Heavenly Father daily for His healing power.

April was a great month and one of my favorites.  So many fun things....Prom...birthdays - we celebrated Jacque graduating from the teen's and Savannah.  I am indeed blessed with daughters I love.  Someone just recently laughed at the way Jacque and I disagree.  It's not much of a fight.  Better..... I find myself enjoying every moment with this beautiful daughter.  Savannah?  She is extra special to keep Aaron so happy and content.  Their life over on the East coast is so exciting...I love their updates!!  But my favorite?  This post and the news that Jacque had been accepted into the ASU's nursing program!  Another blessing!!

May finished up another school year for everyone.  On to an exciting summer of working, school, and a little leisure time.  Another blessing?  My crazy sisters and one amazing mother and our celebration of Mother's Day

June and July brought a little different schedule for some.  Brad kept working.  I went to summer school and the girls worked and had a few vacations.  Our favorite vacation is our bi-annual trip to Mt. Graham, where we spend a few days close to heaven.  This year, Brad and I brought up a pop-up tent to sleep in.  It was easy to set up and fun to use.  For the annual hike down the Mountain on Labor Day...this was the brave group!

We also had fun up in Utah, where Jacque and Aly spent a few days with Aaron, I spent a few days with Pam and we enjoyed the 24th of July Parade, and our family joined up back together to go thru the Oquirrh Temple Open House.  It was beautiful!

In August, we all started back to school.  Really....Aly, Jacque, myself, Tyler, and Aaron.  Aly's LAST year of high school and Aaron's LAST semester of college.  We also celebrated the birthday of our newest father-to-be at that point - Tyler!  No matter what we are doing, Tyler can make us laugh.  He always agrees to one picture that he isn't laughing or making someone else laugh.

September brought another trip to Mt. Graham, the beginning of Nursing school for Jacque and Homecoming for Aly.  My favorite post is the lesson I learned about obedience. I'm so thankful for a prophet/prophets that have admonished us to keep a supply of food necessary for emergencies!  The month flew by!

October brought another family birthday - Aaron - who is a million miles away.  (It seems that way)  We always trust Savannah to give him our birthday hugs and pamper him with all his favorites for the day.  It was also "Fall Break" and our 'baby' decided to go on a road trip with her friends to California.  They had a blast and came back in one piece.  All is well!!

I think November was a prelude to how busy we were going to get to finish out the year.  We celebrated Brad's birthday pretty low-key.  Also, Jenny's birthday, who was getting pretty anxious to deliver her beautiful baby girl.  We enjoyed a Dr. Suess shower with all our family and friends.  Jade will not have to wear the same outfit for about 6 months!  And of course Thanksgiving...a time to count our blessings!

December, was by far the favorite month!  Aly went to Winter Formal looking like a princess.  And then, we welcomed a princess into our family.  Jade Weech made me a Grammy!  Oh, what a wonderful blessing she is to everyone.  I really enjoyed Christmas this year.  In all the craziness, I was able to find peace and feel the love of my Savior in my life.  We had family time, surprises, baked all sorts of goodies, shopped together, and truly enjoyed this special time of year.

I look thru the last year and realize how much the Lord has given to me.  I am grateful for my family, extended family and friends who make my life wonderful in so many ways.  I know that we all have trials, struggles, and uncomfortable circumstances that stretch our faith.  But I have seen and felt my Savior's love in my life many times.  I know He loves me.  I know that I can trust that whatever I have to face is what will help me to return to live in His presence.  I wake up each morning realizing that I have another day to be better, and to improve not only my everyday actions, but my thoughts as well.  This past year has shown me how much my Heavenly Father loves me.  I hope I can show my love to Him each day as well!!

(Hey....this is like a newletter/Chrismas Card!)

Jade...Photo Shoot #2

The answer is YES!!
Another blog about my beautiful grand-daughter.  She is my favorite right now. We have an amazing photograher to capture these beautiful images.   I'm very blessed and
Yes, Jade is THE most beautiful of them all!

Did I mention I LOVE being a Grammy???