Elyse's First Birthday Party

Sherri and Steve's youngest child, Elyse.



We have 19 grandchildren and Elyse is the second to the youngest. This is her first birthday party. It's amazing that we have pictures of it, because I was in the hospital and missed it.

Mike had absolutely no sleep that night because we were putting things away in our new condo, and he was still awake at 2:30 A.M. when I went into the living room where he was putting the sound system together in the entertainment center, and told him that my heart was racing.
It only took us a few minutes to decide that we needed to get to the hospital.
It took the doctor and lots of medicine 8 hours to bring my heart rate back to normal. I am wheat intolerant and have blood sugar problems also. I had been eating wrong all week, and earlier that night had a small piece of a homemade cinnamon roll that our new neighbor Pam brought over as a welcoming gift.

It sent my blood sugar up to diabetic numbers, and then dropped to hypoglycemia numbers, and when it fell it took my potassium with it, which in turn made my heart race.

Mike didn't get any sleep while we were in the hospital. In fact, he only had a hard chair to sit in, and couldn't even get comfortable.

He finally went home to get a little sleep at 6:00 and had just gotten to sleep when R. C. Willey called and woke him up, to tell him that they were bringing our new kitchen set. He stayed awake waiting for them, and they didn't show up until several hours later.

Then he came back to the hospital at 12:00 or so, and got me, and then went out to Sherri's for Elyse's party, which started at 12:30.

That's my husband. He's a trouper. Always taking care of everyone else! I'm glad he took pictures, at least I can feel like I was there!

The dark-haired little girl is Sarandon, Heather's daughter.

What A Gift

Why is it that you have to be old to start checking out life insurance quotes? Ok, so you don't really have to be, but every commercial on TV gives the price for the average 45 year old man. Or, if you are a non-smoker over the age of 50. Mind you we fit that age range, but what about my kids. How much more do they have to pay for life insurance because they aren't even close to 40 yet?

There was a really cool moment I saw several years ago. We were at the high school graduation of our nephew. And his maternal grandpa pulled him aside and gave him his gift. It turns out the day this boy was born his grandpa took out a policy on him. He paid the premiums every month of this boys 18 years--and now as a high school graduate, his policy had matured--and this boy actually had an asset in his pocket. He could use this policy as collateral for a home loan if he wanted--I mean, that is planning ahead! I look at all of our grandchildren and even though I know nothing like that is possible with ALL of them, how nice it would have been to be able to do something like that!

Fun Back Yards

I was just over at my sisters house and you should see it! It's a children's MECCA! There are swing sets, climbing toys, trampolines and an in ground swimming pool. It's truly amazing!

I have always been afraid of trampolines, too many kids being injured on them--but the kids all seem to love it. There was a funny moment when one of the kids noticed both the trampoline and the swimming pool. You could just see the gears working inside their head on just how to get the two to work together for maximum fun. Luckily for us, they are at least 100 feet apart--and I'm thinking none of the kids have the ability to work that one out!

Family Night Party

Jake and Amy were there when we arrived. Amy was helping Lisa prepare hordevours while Lisa was busy bustling around the kitchen watching over her homemade pots of chili and vegetable beef soup, and she had a dozen other foods she was finishing. One was caramel corn.

Soon, Chris, Dave and Lydia showed up, and not long afterward was Steve and Sherri and their four children.

Kim, Clint, Zak and Kelsie were expected at 6:30. I knew they wouldn't make it that early. They were at another party at Clint's sister's house, and it's hard to make it to two parties on the same night.

Amy and Jake had a second party to go to and left before Kim and Clint got there. We were lucky though that we were able to visit everyone. The only ones missing were Mike and Susan and their children whom we will spend a few days with next week in Idaho, and Kenny who is in Connecticut. I talked to Kenny a long time on the phone and will be talking to him more tomorrow and the next day.

We crawled into bed tired but happy!

Sickies

I have had a bit of a dip in my weight this week. No, I haven't been using any weight-loss products like ephedrine, I've been sick!!! I know, you are all jealous aren't you! I even had to put off posting my Hawaii pictures for a bit while my body tried to rid itself of the nasties.

I'm usually sick this time of year, more with allergies--but this year, I have a very odd case of bronchitis. I've had it this late before, but there are all of these storms piling up one right after another--so I think I'm in for it for a while to come. But I'll be back when my lungs clear up!

Modern Medicine

This past weekend my grandson got his tonsils out. It was something to be dreaded when my kids were little, but these days it's an out patient surgery. He was home watching tv, listening to one of his ipods and playing video games far earlier than I thought he should even be out of surgery. My the modern advancements in medicine.

I do remember once getting in trouble by a nurse friend of mine. She was talking about just this topic, sending kids home after surgery to recuperate there. I thought that was barbaric. I remember after my husband had knee surgery he elected to go home, and after a miserable night with pain pills that weren't strong enough, we were both wishing he'd stayed in at least the first night in order to get some extra help with the pain. Apparently not the case with tonsils. She chewed my head off as to why it should be up to the nurses to babysit, when the parents are fully capable of doing exactly the same thing at home.

Yeah...I stand corrected!

Punchbowl Cemetery - Oahu

This is overlooking Oahu from the top of Punchbowl Cemetery.

I was in Hawaii during May in 1978, and my sister Jeri and I observed the Memorial Day services that were held at Punchbowl. It was very impressive! There were 6 gun-salutes, speeches were given by prominent people, and many traditional ceremonies were performed.

I loved that every headstone had a flag and a lei on it.This is done each year by the boy scouts. I think it's wonderful!





Punchbowl Cemetery - Oahu

Hawaii - Day Seven - Tuesday

It had been a wonderful week, and we finished it at the north shore. We drove to Turtle Bay Resort which is beautiful. John and Karen used to live there. Wow! How would that be?

Ten years ago, Mike and Susan took Andrew who was a year-and-a-half old to Hawaii, and that's where they stayed.

We didn't see any turtles, but the beach is very nice. We waded in the water in our shorts. I should have worn my suit, but didn't. The water was warm and I would have swam if I'd had on a suit.

We then went to the Audubon center and walked a very long way. The grounds with the beautiful trees and all the birds is very lovely. We ate lunch there and a beautiful peacock came right up to us and would have eaten out of our hand if we'd fed it. But we didn't. There are signs warning us not to.

We walked most of the way to the waterfall, which is quite a long way. It's a nice hike and I could have made it. It's not at all steep. Mike's foot was hurting because one shoe was pinching his foot, and we aborted the mission. I realized that it was good because it would have been easy for me to over-do.

Next, we went over to Sunset Beach. I was wading again and whoops! The wave took me into the water. Sunset Beach is known for it's really high waves, but we weren't in high waves. We could see some white water waves a few hundred yards from us, but even those weren't very high. This picture was taken just before the wave sat me in the water.


I might just as well have swam. I was already wet. But I didn't.
In 1976 when Ken and I were at Sunset Beach the waves were huge. They say in the winter months the waves can get as high as 25 feet high. We were there in June and I know the waves weren't that high, but they were way over my head.

We body surfed for hours! It was the most fun! I didn't stop until one wave brought me down with my throat hitting the floor. Then I did a somersaults the wrong way. That was it! I was done for the day.

It totally knocked the wind out of me, and left me with no strength. I sat on the beach and talked to a man who had seen what happened. He told me that one of the military men had just died in about the same place I was, doing exactly the same time that I did. Those waves demand respect. And should be left to the experts.

We left Sunset Beach and went over to Waimea Bay. I was anxious to see all the places I had visited the last two times I was there. And this was one of my favorite beaches. We didn't stay here long because by this time I was really tired. It is a long walk on sand to get to the water, which is a lot of work. Mike and I had already had a big day by now.

We went back to the turtles. They say they come onto the beach in the afternoon. Well, it was afternoon, but they were still in the water.

We went to the little town that had the shaved ice. I think it's Wahiawa, but not sure. Mike and I had shaved ice while at Hale Koa, but this was much better.

This place is famous for the shaved ice. I had the opportunity to compare, and it's true, it's better.



We had a combination of pina' colata, (spelled wrong) and guava. It was very good. We passed on the bakery. I didn't want to get sick again.

Then we headed back to John and Karen's. They had dinner waiting for us. Tenderloin cooked to perfection and vegetables. We worked on genealogy and watched the dancers on TV again. Still routing for Apollo.

We left for the airport at 7:30 to fly out at 10:00. We called John from the plane and learned that Apollo had won. His partner (can't remember her name) has connections to Utah. Lived in Springville, or something like that.

I hoped to sleep on the plane but wasn't very successful. We watched "Something's Gotta Give" I think that's the name of the movie. The new one with Mandy Moore. It was good. I've been wanting to see it. I don't get much out of watching movies on planes though. I'd much rather be in a theater or at home.

We saw "Music and Lyrics" on the way there. I had been wanting to see that one too.
As I said earlier I ate what they gave me on the plane. It's just a lot of junk for anyone. Two Oreo cookies, two cracker with cheese, and raisons which was a good choice for me.

I've paid for that mistake up until now. And this is Saturday.

All In all, the trip was wonderful!

Appetite Woes

I live with so many health problems and allergies it's amazing I'm alive! If I take one bite of dairy--I'm toast! The problem is, the foods that I eat happen to be natural appetite suppressants, so even when there is something that I'd like to eat, that I can eat--I'm not always able to eat it!

This was never more frustrating than during the amazing Luau's in Hawaii! How much food could I have poured onto my plates---limitless! Except--I just wasn't hungry enough to eat anything.

How sad is that?

Vacation Photo's

I have been downloading all of the photo's from our Hawaiian vacation while I sit by the pool. Sadly, I will soon be in need of a bit more notebook memory! How nice technology is, that we can take our work with us where ever we want.

I would really like a memory stick--they make it so convenient to keep all of the photos in one spot--and if I label it and keep it somewhere safe--there is no chance they will be accidentally deleted. I'm really good at that!

Past Thoughts

We just moved, so we really aren't in the looking anymore, but Mike and I were talking about his time in the military. If he were still working at Hill, the time might be coming up for us to look at Outer Banks homes rather than cute little retirement homes in Phoenix.

I have to admit, I love the East Coast. I love moving around, but the Carolinas are just a little too far east for my taste. And too far from my grandkids to get all the visits that we do!

Goin' Large

As all of you know, we recently sold our first home in Arizona and purchased a new one. We love it! That is kind of surprising since we had originally planned to downsize and instead purchased a much bigger house than the two of us need. Sadly we need to price treadmills so that our lone piece of exercise equipment won't look so pitiful in the big room all by itself. Plus, for an even better workout...we have a pool in the back yard. Can you imagine? It hasn't really hit me yet, but we are loving every minute of it!

Colonosopy Woes

As you can see, we are home! What a wonderful trip, and I have SEVERAL more posts to add to show the rest of our vacation. It's taking a while because I'm helping my sweet husband prepare for his colonoscopy tomorrow. The preparation is definitely the WORST part of the entire procedure. He's been taking a new product (I should make him get on and write a colon cleanse review) and I'm hoping this really helps out with his test results.

We come from a family riddled with colon cancer. So much so, that we are all required to have colonoscopy every year. It's not fun, but with all of our kids and grandkids to stick around for, it's definitely something we'll put up with! Till then---back to our vacation!

Hawaii Bodies

I have to admit, as we toured the beaches of Hawaii, I did have a secret desire to find some weight loss pills. No, I'm not overweight AT ALL! In fact, a few pounds probably wouldn't hurt. But when you are surrounded by beautiful women with their bikini bodies, you can't help but think something is wrong with you.

We didn't spend much time at all in bathing suits. When you're in Hawaii--why on earth would you waste so much time on the beach. There is so much to do and see! Now, if I was a local---a retired local---you'd never get me off of the beach!

Hawaii - Day Four - Saturday

I was so sad to leave the Hale Koa Hotel!

We began the early morning on our lanai of course.

We had birds all over the lanai. They fly there when they see people - hoping to get food. They did too!

I warned Mike that we are not supposed to feed the birds, but he couldn't resist. What does it matter anyway, everyone else is feeding them them. They are going to get people food no matter what. Okay, they won't live as long - but what a life while they're here.

Mike's breakfast for them was cheese and crackers. Hey, it could be worse.

We spent a few hours out on the beach and in the water again for the last time at the hotel.










There was a sign at Diamond Head that said, "Don't feed the birds. It's not a good diet for them." I thought to myself, "It's not a good diet for us. We're not feeding them salad you know."

We ate breakfast out in the beautiful sunshine at the Barefoot Bar that serves food from early in morning until late in the evening.

It's the cheapest place to eat at the hotel, and I think the nicest.

Although, the other restaurants have open areas to the outside too. This one is totally outside. There are umbrellas of course.

We went back to lay on the beach for the last time. Mike didn't stay out as long as I did because he still had red spots and was itching.

Mike checked out at 12:00 while I went back down to the Barefoot Bar and had a delicious chef salad for lunch. I met him at 12:08.

We headed up to Punchbowl, which is the cemetery were our hero's are buried. It was a solemn experience. I talked about this in my Beautiful Waikiki blog and don't want to be redundant. So I'll just say it was beautiful up there.

Punchbowl is at the top of a mountain, which overlooks Honolulu. It's a beautiful site! The bowl is just what is suggests. It looks like a crater of a volcano. I don't know whether it is or not. It's not really a deep crater, just a shallow bowl.

Then we drove out to Mililani Town to see John and Karen. In the picture is John's son Jeremy, his wife Sotia, and their little boy.

They have a lovely home in a beautiful city. Their backyard is small, but beautiful. It's a patio surrounded by palm trees, plants, and other trees. Hawaii style!

They were wonderful hosts. I hope they will come see us in Arizona and Utah so we can extend the same comforts and great food they served us.

They are planning to retire in 3 1/2 years and move to the Portland, Oregon area. That will be a beautiful place to live also.

We went to dinner at Ruby Tuesday's and John paid. I would have loved to have treated them. But he was fast on the draw with the visa. Next time John, it's our turn to treat!

We relaxed that evening. Watched a little TV. Watched the dancers and picked Apollo, as the winner. We found out several days later that he did win.

Karen and I did a little genealogy. She and John have been made the family history leaders in their ward. I hope I was a little help for her. There's a lot to learn when you're new at it.

P.S. A few months later Mike and I were sustained in our ward for the same position.

Hawaii - Day Three - Friday

Day three was on Friday. We ate breakfast on the beach and I mentioned in an earlier blog that we took a long walk to the Royal Hotel, but actually that was today. We did take the same walk yesterday but took even a longer one today. We walked about halfway there the day before.

I was a little worried about taking such a long walk because this was the day we planned to go to Pearl Harbor, and I knew there was a little walking there too.












I did fine. I was too tired by the time we visited the Arizona Memorial to go to the Missouri Memorial. We also hadn't had lunch, so the Missouri got left out. We plan to go there next visit.

I started to tear up on the freeway miles before we got there. It is such a sad place, yet a place that's wonderful to visit. And, it's sacred! They ask you not to talk while on the Arizona. But, no one has to ask you not to talk. You already know it. You feel it! It is the burying place of about a thousand men, including 24 sets of brothers, and a father and son, all still there defending their country.

A sad note: the water is dark around the Arizona. We were told that the dark color is blood. You would think that the water would have changed by now, but because it's a bay the waves just move the same water around. It has been written that the dark color is also oil.











I'm sitting here at home on my computer typing this blog and watching Sean Hannity, Oli North, and Newt Gingrinch who are at the Arizona Memorial right now! I can't believe I missed them by two days! I would have loved to have been there at the same time they were there. Mike reminded me though that the possibility of seeing them was remote. But still!


By the way. I couldn't help thinking of Paris Hilton every time I looked at the Hawaiian Hilton. What a sad life to be that wealthy, have that many opportunities, and then mess up your life, the way she has. It's just sad.

It was about 5:00 when we got back to the hotel. We had dinner at another restaurant in the other tower. Bibas, an Italian restaurant, is open on the grounds. Mike had ribs which was tempting until I tasted his. I had a salad that was great! It was loaded with teryiaki chicken, avocado, crab, and lots of good things I love.

The couple in the picture were people who sat at our table at the luau at the hotel. We saw them everywhere we went. They watched the fireworks with us on the beach.
Afterward, we went to the beach and watched the fireworks that the Hilton puts on every Friday night.

The People in the picture at the right are waiting for fireworks to begin.










The evening ended as it began, on the lanai.

Hawaii - Day Two - Thursday

Please excuse the bed-head hairdo. I was so happy to sit out on the beautiful lanai, that I didn't care what I looked like. It was about 6:00 in the morning, and all I wanted to do was sit there and take in the gorgeous view!











Scottsdale Arizona left a comment on my Hawaii Day One blog. I didn't know a city could leave a comment.

I'd like to leave Scottsdale a comment: Not far from you in Apache Junction is my second home.

I love it there! I wish I had enough money to live in Scottsdale, it's absolutely beautiful!

I feel well when I'm in Arizona, which is wonderful, since I don't feel well in other places.

Day two (Thursday) arrived with Mike and I on the lanai watching the sun come up. What a view! We could see the ocean, large ships, sailboats, young men playing some game by the beach, surfers, surfing the waves, and birds, birds, birds.

Birds love Hawaii. Well, why not? They live in paradise.

We ate breakfast at KoKo Cafe and headed for the beach. Laying out in Hawaii is so easy. If you lay-out other places, trying to get a tan - you watch the clock - waiting for the time to end so you can get out of the sun. Not in Hawaii. You need to watch the time because you don't want to get out of the sun. It's very easy to get burned there.

I didn't burn any of the days we were there and we went to at least 5 beaches. But then, I don't burn! I can burn if I'm in the sun a really long time. But mostly, I just turn brown.

Mike gets darker than I do, but he burns first. He legs were as white as snow and hadn't seen the sun since he was a kid in shorts.

He layed out twice in Ogden before going to Hawaii, trying and brown up a bit. He really should have layed out everyday for two weeks - just 15 minutes a day. He would have browned up nicely.

Instead he tried to do it in two days at an hour a day and was a little burned before we left. He noticed not long after we were on the beach that he had red spots on his legs. He showed them to me, but I didn't know what they were. Several days later Karen my cousin John's wife said they were hives! Poor guy! He's still itching!

After laying on the beach we took a stroll along the beach toward Diamond Head. Mike wanted to get a picture of it. We had walked so far already and by the time he suggested we turn around I told him I wanted to walk over to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

I have always admired it from afar. I wanted to go in it when I was there the first two times, but never had a chance. This time I made it. It is lovely! It has been there since 1927 and was one of the first hotels on Waikiki Beach.

There is another hotel that was there first, but I can't remember what it is.

The sad thing about the Royal Hotel is that it has been gobbled up and nearly swallowed by all the huge hotels that have crowded in around it. You literally cannot see it unless you are on the grounds, and then you see all the tall buildings that sit practically right on top of it.

I could see the hotel clearly from our hotel room 30 years ago, now you can just barely see the top of the pretty pink structure.

I think the Hawaiians made a mistake in letting the hotels crowd it the way they have. Too many of us sell our souls for money. And that's what I think happened here. Trump Towers is going in just a block from it right now as we speak. You'd think they couldn't get one more hotel in there. But it never ends.

After our long walk, we drove to Diamond Head. Mike walked to the top and took pictures. I knew I couldn't walk but stayed in the park there, read all about it, and ate lunch.

Diamond Head got it's name from people who looked down into the crater (it's a volcano) and saw sparkly things they thought were diamonds. They were wrong but the name stuck.

Then we drove over to Hanauma Bay which is a gorgeous bay where people snorkel. I wanted to snorkel badly. Snorkeling was my favorite thing to do 30 years ago. It was something I intended to do this time, but we simply didn't have time. We were expected back to the hotel for a luau. I will return! And, I will snorkel again!

The luau was great! There was pulled-pork from the earth, of course! Mike loves it. I'm not that big a fan. I ate a little of it though. There was teriyaki chicken, and mahimahi. So, plenty of meat.

There was raw salmon in chopped tomatoes and cilantro, fried banana. fresh slices of pineapple, another fruit salad with mango, and a fresh cucumber salad.

Dessert was coconut cake, and another coconut dessert. I'm sure that was not the whole menu. Oh, I forgot the poi, which is a good thing to forget. I didn't have to cheat on my diet at all, because everything on the menu was legal!












I cheated earlier that day during lunch at Diamond Head.

I had a hamburger and ate the bun. Unusual for me, but I did it. I was afraid I had cheated a second time because

I also ate a mango smoothie, that was delicious! I was happy when told that there was no dairy in it. Yeah!

I had to do something during that hour while Mike walked to the top of Diamond Head.


This picture was taken when he returned from his hike to the top.





We had a nice program at the luau with dancers from all the islands.

And the MC was a terrific singer. We didn't learn until halfway through the program that he was a singer we knew. I didn't know his name but recognized the song he had made famous. His name is Glenn Medeiros. Do you remember the name? I didn't think so, neither did I.

He made this song famous when he was just 16 years old:

Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You. We were really impressed after that. Notice how the song comes right to your mind, when you hear, nothing's gonna change my love for you? You can't help it, You just start singing.

At the end of the program I leaned over and told Mike that I had to run to the bathroom, and that I expected him to stick around and buy a CD. I ran! I knew I had to get there first because there was no waiting!

When I caught up to Mike again he told me he couldn't find the CD's. That wasn't going to stop me. I asked everyone who worked there, and finally asked the bartender, who pointed to Glenn who was standing two feet from me. We talked to him and bought our CD. I really like it. It has lots of songs on it I love.

The luau ended late and Mike and I went back to our room, sat on the Lanai for a while. Watched a little TV. And called it a night again.

Hawaii - Day One - Wednesday

We just returned home from Hawaii yesterday.

I was so excited to talk about the fun week we had, but was sick again after returning home.

This is very discouraging. I was sick before we left, felt well the whole week there, and felt like crap after coming home. But, we're just going to talk about the fun first day we had there.


We arrived at 2:30 in the afternoon and spent the first hour and a half getting the rental car, and checking into the beautiful Hale Koa hotel.

We couldn't wait to get out to the beach but it took a while since we didn't know our way around the grounds. Which was perfect, because we had a fun time exploring the beautiful grounds surrounding the hotel.

When I was there in 1976 and 1978 there was only one tower, now there's two.

You used to be able to see out our window to the grounds of Fort DeRussy, and see grass, flowers and trees, and you could see the other hotels along Waikiki beach, and even see Diamond Head.

Now you just see the other tower. You can't see Diamond Head at all unless you're on the beach.

Our hotel room was on the other side of the tower where you can see the Hawaiian Hilton. We stayed in the same tower that I have stayed in the other two times.

The Hilton is one of the first hotels you see when you come into Waikiki. It's very noticeable because of the beautiful rainbow that goes from the top to the bottom on the ocean side of the hotel, and you see another partial rainbow on the opposite side.

We wandered around the grounds enjoying the unusual trees and plants. They are very beautiful, and one of the trees grows so that it makes a little house. The tree grows so it is enclosed at the top, but is open inside. You would be quite protected from the elements except rain would get in of course. The early islanders would have had no problem closing it in to make a home.

We finally found our way to the water, and enjoyed walking along the beach. We didn't wear our suits that first evening.


Afterward we ate dinner at the KoKo restaurant at the hotel. I had siamin noodles that I shouldn't have eaten, since they are made of wheat. But I remembered the noodles were one of my favorite things when I was there before. It's like going to San Francisco, and not having clam chowder and sourdough bread, I can't do that either.

The siamin noodles weren't as good as my memory had them. I did enjoy them, but wouldn't need to have them again if we go again. And, we do plan to go again!












We went back out to the beach and watched the sun setting, which made the sky pink and gorgeous!

We were still not tired even though it was 2:00 in the morning Utah time by the time we went to sleep. I was sure that I would sleep in, but I was wide awake by 5:30 or 6:00.

Mike was out sitting on our lanai, and I joined him. What a beautiful site early morning is in Hawaii!

More Hawaii

When we were in Hawaii a couple of weeks ago, we happened upon a Luau. The participants were wonderful people. They were very friendly and even though we were strangers they invited us over to share their feast with them. We were on our way out to meet friends, so we really couldn't, but honestly, such friendshipping is so nice to see these days. This was one of those gay vacations, I guess like Rosie's cruises, and you know, they looked like they were having a ball. People of all ages, laughing, dancing, eating and just enjoying each others company. I actually felt bad that we couldn't "Hang Loose" with them for a bit, but we were running late.

We met Mike and Lauren just a few blocks away, and we were really late. But you know, this is Hawaii and time just seems to be forgotten, even by the tourists, so it wasn't too bad at all. We ended up having a wonderful seafood dinner, and taking a late evening stroll along the beach.

It really was a wonderful evening!

Going Home

We have been stocking up on wholesale products this past week. Trying to finish furnishing our beautiful new home. It's so fun to have a landscaped backyard to decorate.

We will be heading back up north in the coming weeks. There are somethings going on with our family, and it will be really nice to get a chance to see everyone again and re-connect. It feels like forever since we've been home. Between all of our vacations the past few months, it seems like we aren't ever home either! Hopefully that will all slow down in the coming weeks!

Gwinny's Birthday Party!

The party would have been more fun for me if I hadn't been sick, because they were all swimming at the brand new pool at North Davis Junior High School that I attended when I was 12 -14. Except, that when I went there it was old then, and I am now 66, so by the time they tore it down it was 100 years old! The whole school is new and beautiful!

Most of the family was there, including Heather, Kerry and the girls. Amy didn't go I guess because she just was recently released from the hospital. And Kim and Susan and their families weren't there.

Gwinny had all her little cousins there except for Emily and Ashley who are Amy's and they all had a ball.

Heather didn't have a swimming suit for Sarandon because she thought they had arrived at the end of the party, just in time to open presents and eat cake. Well, there was no holding back Sarandon. Swimming in clothes is no problem. Right? Right!

I told Heather that we would see Sarandon get in the pool one inch at a time. It happened pretty much that way. First she got on her belly and swished the water around with her hands. She had a wet tummy of course. Next, was to sit on the side and dangle her feet in the water. I didn't really see when it actually happened but Sarandon got in more than a inch at a time, because she fell in.

The little kids all had a ball, and Leah cried when it was time to get out. I knew she would! She was having so much fun, and I told Lisa, there is no way she's done.

Bottom picture is Gwinny and Grandma Peggy.

Gwinny, Gwyneth for real, turned 4 years old. Happy Birthday! Gwinny!

Insomnia!

I haven't been able to sleep for weeks now. Even if I take a sleeping pill. It will be 3 or 4 in the morning before I fall asleep. I was so tired last night I was sure I would fall asleep without help and didn't take a pill. I was wide awake until 6:00 this morning when Mike got out of bed, but finally fell asleep until 9.

I got on the web at 3:00 AM to read up on insomnia. Didn't learn much that I didn't already know, but gleaned one hint out of all the articles that suggested that I eat dried cherries to raise my melatonin level.

It said that free radicals often bother us during the times we should be sleeping. I know my system has been out of whack lately. I'm working hard to get my body working right again. I hope I can sleep tonight. I really need it!

Hawaii Trip!

We are leaving for Hawaii a week from today, and I'm sick again! This is very discouraging! Last Sunday I was so sick I had no strength, and just felt all around awful.
Monday, I went to Jeremy at Herbs For Health, and he fixed me up with a few herbs I needed.

I don't know why on earth I did this - but I haven't taken my thyroid medicine since I moved from Utah 6 months ago.

I knew this way one of the problems because I have had insomnia for months now, and two nights ago I got on the web and read about flaky, dry skin. It took me to several skin diseases, and then to hypothyroidism. There is way. Every symptom I had. Swelling of the feet and ankles, dry, flaky skin, itching, fatigue, sleepiness, yet insomnia, and the list goes on.

He also put me on a better food enzyme. The one I was taking wasn't helping me anymore. And he put me on a third one to help relax my muscles. I felt better by the next day, which was yesterday, but by last evening I felt a sore throat coming on. I've heard this is going around, and I really want to be well in a week for Hawaii.

I need to get off here and get to the doctor for a prescription, because I have a sinus infection! I asked in an earlier blog, "What's Next?" Well, I guess I know what was next. I hope this antibiotic knocks it fast!

Mother's Day Barbeque

We will celebrate Mother's Day on Saturday this year because we are having a barbecue at Mike and Susan's house in Syracuse, which will be the last party held there since Mike is living in Idaho, and Susan and the kids will be moving there as soon as school is out. Mike needs to leave here by 2:00 PM on Sunday to get back to Idaho and be ready for work on Monday.

It will be nice to be with everyone. I missed Elyse's birthday party because I had just gotten home from the hospital. So I missed seeing the family. We've been here over 3 weeks and I haven't seen any of Sherri's family yet.

Heather and the girls were here visiting yesterday. We had a very nice visit. I invited her to the barbecue also. It will be wonderful to see everyone. I'm really looking forward to it.

Cari is bringing her friend Elene. It will be nice seeing her again.

Trying To Keep Up

This technology thing has finally started drifting away from me again. It felt like it took me forever to finally get caught up, and now in a world of Blackberries and netbooks I'm finding myself getting farther and farther behind.

I'm sure my grand-daughter would love to get me into "texting" but you know, I'm not that great of a typist on a regular keyboard, I can't even imagine how I'd do on something so small. I wouldn't even be able to see the screen without my reading glasses on. How old does that make me?

Freaky Weather

Do you remember when Lance Briggs (Chicago Bears linebacker) crashed his car on the side of a road? There were Ferrari parts everywhere. The one thing that wasn't around...another driver. I always wondered how people end up in single car accidents. But last week, it happened to our neighbor. He was driving along and a gust of wind just sort of picked him up and tossed him to the side of the road. His car isn't totaled and he wasn't hurt, thank heavens, I just never really realized this could happen. Especially when cars weigh so much. The fact that they can just be picked up and tossed aside is amazing.

Retirement

We have just finished up the final move in for our new home. I was looking into a life insurance lead so that we wouldn't have to add it to our new mortgage. That way it's nice and easy to pay off.

Aside from the additional financial movement with the new house, I must say, retirement really is a wonderful time of life. From kids to grand kids there really just isn't a better time of life. I remember being a little leary of this time in life...but it really was much ado about nothing!

Angels Among Us!

Pam and Joan are our angels. They came and helped us paint all day long on Tuesday.

Well, Pam did leave about 1:30 and Joan about 2:00 to take care of their elderly mothers. Then Pam took care of her husband Dee, and both returned to our home at 5:30 or 6:00 to help us finish painting. Pam brought a salad that was delicious. I've been eating it ever since, (not the same one. I bought the ingredients to make it.)

Lisa brought over pizza and as I mentioned in the last post, I ate the pizza when I wasn't supposed to, which added to my blood sugar problems.

I'm very grateful for such wonderful friends. When Pam found out about my trip to the hospital, she immediately asked if I needed anything. She and Joan would have been right over.

Yoo Hoo--Anybody home???

Helloooooooo? Anyone?? Alrighty--I'll just claim that the door was open--and I let myself in!

This is Robyn--You know--the Genki one---I'm here on my Auntie Peggy's site to see if I could find her! I used to talk to her daily when she lived in Arizona--then last week--they up and moved to Utah--and I haven't heard from her since! Do you see that poor little shrimp boat post down there?? That was written over a week ago!! A WEEK!!! PEGGY WHERE ARE YOU????
Ok-well, since I'm here I might as well make myself comfortable!!

Kelsie--how you doin' girl?? I figure you read your grandma's blog-so I thought I'd give you a shout out! How's your mom? She's a cool lady--so listen to her!! How's school going?? Ok--since you probably don't know who I am--I will let you go!

Mike and Susan--so happy for your scheduled move! Rexburg is wonderful, and what a great job! My dearest friends are in Rexburg--he teaches Eastern European Language at BYU Idaho--hey, you may end up neighbors!! Good luck with your move--and if you do get horses--I'm soooooo there!! Congrats!!!

Kenny--how you doin'? It sounded like you had a nice trip-to much running around between states to truly call it relaxing--but I hope you had a good time!

Chris--It was fun talking to you on the phone--you need to give Pegs some pictures of Lydia--so we can actually see what the little munchkin looks like!!

Alrighty---I'll let myself out--but I can't guarantee I'll lock the door on my way out--so if I don't hear from Pegs soon--I may just have to come in lookin' for her again!!

All Our Company has Left

We are alone again. The house feels empty!

Chris and David left on Saturday, and Kenny left this morning (Wednesday). It was a lot of fun having them here. We enjoyed it immensely!

Kenny and I played pool several times, walked through the park (Rancho Mirage) where we live.

We shopped for clothes, went out to breakfast at Village Inn Monday, and had lunch Tuesday at Los Gringos, Locos, and local Mexican restaurant we love.

He said all day long yesterday, "I don't want to go home." He was dead serious, and it made me feel bad, because I didn't want him to go home either.

He mentioned coming back for Christmas, but Mike reminded him that we would be in Utah for Christmas this year. That worked for him too. He definitely is coming back here though. He loved it!

Drip System

Everyday, Mike and I have projects to do around this house. We are trying to get it ready so everything is done by the time we leave for Utah.

Today's project was the drip system. There are seventeen plants that need water. Mike and I planted Twelve of them ourselves in the last month. We hadn't had time to tie them into the drip system because we were not done with the painting project.

Finally the drip system and the paint project are done, Thank Heavens!

For several weeks now I have been watering the new plants by hand. That was a lot of trips to the sink. We do have a hose I could have dragged around. But, it was more fun carrying water I guess.

We got three sides of the house done this morning, and now Mike is out doing the east side. I was so hot and sweaty working out there - that I had to come in and take a second shower. He told me not to worry about helping him with this last side since it is small, but I feel guilty, and should be out extending a helping hand.

The drip system isn't really done yet because what we did was send a line to each plant. That is done. But, we have to fix the system so that the trees are watered once a week, and the plants, two to three times a week, and 2 gardenia plants need water everyday.

Our maintenance man John will be over to help us do that part.

Tomorrow's project will be to sprinkle Amaze all over the gravel to keep down the weeds. We have to sprinkle it in with water.

We were planning to plant some cacti that the neighbor wants to get rid of. Mike doesn't really want to transplant cactus, but is willing to do it for me.

I decided yesterday that I don't want to do it either. I had a perfect spot for one of the very large cactus's, but after looking at the spot, I realize it won't fit.

There isn't another spot for it that I can see. The rest of the cacti isn't really what I want in our yard. They do have one that I want, and it turns out that it is the only one they want to keep. I think we'll wait until fall and plant the ones we want.

Painting The Arizona Room

Mike and I are still painting! And, we're getting sick of it! Mike got up early and finished painting the outside of the home. We are finally completely done with that job, except for the little touch-up's we keep finding.

While he was finishing that job, I started painting the Arizona Room. I was hoping to finish it today, but was not really planning to push to get it done in one day. I am amazed! It's done! And, It looks beautiful! Well, it's done except for the trim that is. I'll probably start on the trim as soon as I've had a little rest.

Kenny will be here tonight at 11:00 PM. We'll get home at midnight. I hope to have the Arizona Room done way before dinner. It will be nice for Kenny to see everything painted.

Chris and David got here two days ago. We're having a good time with them here. David is taking some Real Estate Investment classes in Phoenix.

It just happens that the classes are at "The Point" which is a resort that our friends Steve and Karen used to belong to. I've played tennis there with Karen, and later after their divorce, Steve took Mike and I there to dinner and to a dance.

I was sure it was the same place except that it looks so different. It took me a while to realize that of course it is different! It was 16 years ago that Mike and I were there, and 20 years ago since I played tennis there.

David's class is at the Hilton Hotel which wasn't there in 1991. The resort we were at was a little higher up the mountain.

Mike's New Favorite Site

Car and truck accessories make life so much nicer. We were even excited this past Christmas to receive a steering wheel cover as an elephant gift at our annual family Christmas party. Who would have thought we would not only LOVE the gift, but get a ton of use out of it.

My husband Mike found a site that is your one-stop shopping store for all and any car, truck, SUV, or van auto performance parts accessory needs or wants. Want to hitch up your recreational vehicle and go? Well, you can buy the hitch here too.

No Hot Flashes For Me

I wrote several months ago about how hormones are vital to our health! And anyone who reads my blog knows how I love talking about health issues.

I am old enough to have been through most symptoms that are associated with hormones and the need for progesterone creams.

The odd thing is that I have never had a hot-flash in my life! I wonder if it is because I had a hysterectomy at age 28 and the doctor told me that I had just gone through early menopause. I did still have to take hormones though to avoid vaginal dryness. Which I think is a second possible reason for not having hot-flashes, and the other symptoms that are related to needing hormones and progesterone cream. I was talking hormones and one of those hormones was progesterone cream.

Swimming Parties

Our granddaughter Emily's birthday is today. Mike and I will be going to her party in about an hour. The celebration is in her (very beautiful) backyard, where swimming will take place and lots of other fun.

They don't have a large pool in their yard, I suspect a child's pool is where we'll find them when we get there. So pool floats won't be necessary. I love that when you live in Arizona, you can sit around a pool nearly year round. It certainly makes little girl birthday parties pretty easy!

I won't join in any swimming, (not that they want me to) but I do intend to raid the garden while I'm there! Amy has the most beautiful garden, filled with great food and all kinds of herbs. Healthy stuff, I like to eat!

My Bad

I was just going to enter a picture on the previous post, but then I remembered that all of the photo's are on various compact flash cards upstairs, and I decided that I will sit down next week after everyone has left and add all of the pictures. That way you can see the house, and the fun we had with family and friends over the coming days! So look for me next week, and I'll fill you in!

We Are In

I was sitting up in my room earlier working on the laptop when my legs started to throb. This isn't anything abnormal, it just means I needed to get up and walk around a bit. So I walked myself on down the stairs and decided to have a seat at the desktop to surf the net, how odd!

We are finally all settled into our beautiful new home, and have a line up of guests coming around in the next week to stay and visit with us, so it was a rush to get the house unpacked and put away. What an exhausting job! I always vow I'll never do it again, and then find myself doing it 18 months later. Not this time I hope!

Our Last Trip

Mike and I have certainly tried to make all the rounds while we were in Utah. We spent time with Riverdale friends Friday night. Saturday night we had dinner with Chris and David, and then went to the Salt Lake Production, Savior Of The World. Sunday and Monday we spend with all our children. Tuesday we spent with my brother Mike, Cari, Joey and Brandi, and baby Austin, and Lisa's family. Wednesday we went to Brigham City, and visited with Kim's family, and that evening we went to Mike's brother Ray's church where about 50 of his family members meet for an after Christmas party. Whew! I'm getting tired telling about our travels.

Thursday and Friday were spent in Rexburg Idaho with Mike and Susan and the kids. We had a wonderful visit. I'm grateful for their hospitality, and especially grateful that Mike was able to take my hubby Mike and me through the Rexburg Temple on a personal tour.

The Rexburg Temple open house is going on right now for the whole month, for people to go through the temple who are not LDS, and of course many members will be taking advantage of taking their children through.

If you are not LDS and wonder what the temples are like inside, just watch for a new one that is under construction. As soon as it's completed there will be an open house and you will have an opportunity to go inside.

It was a wonderful experience, and made our trip complete.

Technicals Of Technology

I sent my husband up to the drug store this afternoon for a couple of items that we were out of. We just moved and not quite all of my boxes are unpacked. Because of this, I find myself missing some important items while some "not so important" items are flourishing!

So he heads off to pick up a couple of items, and when I say a couple of items I really do mean TWO. He was gone for over an hour and we live around the corner from the store. I made a joke about forgetting that we moved and going back to our old house--turns out POS system wasn't working, and they were having to look everything up manually to get the price.

We are definitely spoiled by technology!!

Apples To Apples

My sister has been looking into a franchise opportunity this past year. For some reason, she is thinking Carmel Apples are the way to go! I'm not sure what movement she's made on her venture--it seems the economy slowed down quite a bit right before she needed to decide. We don't live in the same state, and we don't talk all that often.

I have been watching the news a lot lately, and there are a couple of industries that seem to be holding steady, even with the economic uncertainty. The cheaper "fast food" type places are doing better because people still don't want to cook--and they think it's more fiscally sound to go out to a less expensive dinner. Sounds good to me---I just wonder if she'll be open to the idea of changing her plan!

Baby Fun

After all of the grandbabies this summer, I am all shopped out! I don't have to set foot in a baby store until the birthday's start rolling around again this year. I make it sound like I'm really put out, huh! The reality is, there is nothing I would rather do than shop for wholesale clothing at the cute little baby shops. It's the one thing I miss from my own kids.

Anyway, we got each grandbaby a couple of cute outfits and a fun toy to grow into. I hope their parents like the selections we picked out, I personally think they'll love them!

My Year

I have started a new weight loss pill! I know, it's the standard New Years resolution, but hey, when it's a good one-why drop it!

I've said it before, and I'll say it again-this is a year for getting myself healthy. Thin isn't too bad of a consequence either, but really what's the point of getting thin if you are sick afterward.

There is a chance that if I drop weight too quickly I could wind up with a serious case of aspartame poisoning, so I have to do it slow and carefully. But hey, like I said--this year!

Genetic Problems

Do you know anyone with cerebral palsy? It can be a devastating disease that can be avoided so many times. When I was growing up there was a couple just up the street from us who both had this. Because they knew they could most likely pass it on to their children, they made the choice to adopt. They adopted two really sweet kids from Colombia and you know, handicapped or not, they did a really great job with them.

I have always worried about some of the genetic disorders we could have passed on to our kids. So far, we've been pretty lucky. Genetic testing...it's just not something you think of when you are planning a wedding!

Immigration Reform

Living in Arizona, one of the key items we'd like to see addressed with this new presidency is the need for immigration reform. Every year you hear of many illegals that get disoriented in the dessert on their hike to freedom and they end up dying. As much as I am for securing our borders, I do feel for these people and their plight. Arizona is definitely a place where an immigration attorney can make a difference.

I know we have a pretty wonderful country. I've thought that my whole life. I understand why people are dying to get here. It just breaks my heart how often it actually happens!

Lovin' Technology

I wrote in an earlier post, that I was looking for notebook computer memory. I finally found some online that is pretty inexpensive, and I'm hoping we'll soon be back to normal where computer speed is concerned. These let you download images and documents to these cute little sticks. Since I'm not too experienced with them, I want to make sure you can't damage them. I would hate to put all of my photo's on them, delete the photo's off of my hard drive, only to have something go wrong with my stick! Anyone else notice any problems??

Getting Some Rest

I don't know if you would really call it resting after we got back from Idaho, but we at least made an attempt to slow down.

The weather has been cold! In fact, friget cold! It has snowed a few days while we've been here, but for the most part, we were able to get right back inside and get warm going from home to home. Today the sun is shining and even though it's cold outside, it's very pretty, and the blue sky and sun shining through our windows makes it feel toasty and nice in our condo.

Mike has done some running around today, looking for cheap car insurance but for the most part I have stayed inside and have gotten some closets and drawers cleaned out. We cleaned our a storage shed last far just before we left and even though we put things away, I felt we needed to concentrate on some better organization. It looks very nice!

Grand Children Sleep Over

What were we thinking?????? No, actually it was very fun! We had seven little grandchildren under the age of 8 in our small 1000 sq. ft. condo over night! Whew!

We normally have them over in smaller groups, but that couldn't be arranged this time. We just didn't have enough days.

They ate pizza for dinner, but really was not interested in eating. They wanted to get right to the part of playing games or watching videos. The girls: Emily, Anna, Gwynny, Ashley and Leah all decided on watching Shrek The Third. They had all seen the movie, but it was the choice of all since it was the latest movie out.

The two boys: Quincy and JJ stayed in the den and played something. I never did go in and find out what they were up to. They came in to check on the girls every so often, and invited them to join them in their games, but I put a stop to that. We had five little girls content and happy, and I didn't want that messed up.

The girls slept on the floor wrapped up with blankets and the boys were on the spare bed in the den. They didn't go to sleep as quickly as Mike and I did, but at least they didn't cause any trouble, nor keep us awake.

They were at our home until after noon the following day, and they were good and found some quiet activities to play. We only had one problem and that was that we didn't take good enough care of our new wood kitchen table. One or two little girls had spilled water and the finish is ruined in two places. I hope we can figure out how to fix it when we get back there in the spring.

Mike's brother Darrell who lives in Washington came by to visit. He brought his trombone, and let all the kids have a turn blowing into it. It was a nice day.

The Last Three Days!!

The last three days of our trip were spent visiting friends we hadn't had a chance to see.

We had a nice visit with Dubby and Carolyn at their home, and hurried off to have dinner with Jesse. Jesse is our late son Brian's best friend. We will stay friends with him for the rest of our lives. He is like a son to us.

We ate a wonderful dinner at The Texas Roadhouse, Mike and Jesse had steak & ribs, and I had salmon as always. Delicious!

Earlier that day we visited Mike's sister Eleanor, along with our daughters Chris and Amy. Eleanor was happy to see us, and we have a wonderful visit. I'm looking forward to seeing her as soon as we return to Utah.

That last three days was busy with finishing up shopping we needed to do, and taking down the Christmas decorations.

We have loved our vacation and are looking forward to getting back to Arizona in the nice warm weather and getting back to normal.