OUT WITH THE OLD...IN WITH THE NEW!

Hard to believe, but here it is. The last day of 2008. What a year it has been! I remember last New Years Day saying I felt like 2008 was going to be a great year. Well, it definately was a year!

The biggest "bad" thing that I can think of happening, was that my sweet mother passed away in June. Not unexpected, but still hard. I still miss her and think of her every day in some way. I find myself whistling more now than I used to. She used to whistle all the time. Maybe she is influencing me from the other side?

We had other realitives who passed away this year. A sister-in-law (ex, but we still claimed her), Cyd in April. Aunt Carol (Roger's aunt, actually and ex also, but again, we still claimed her), a Mortensen cousin of Roger's and my Uncle Glenn.

We didn't have any babies born or announced. We are still at 13 grandchildren.

We did have 2 graduations. Michael from high school and Tanya from nursing school. Tanya passed her AZ boards and is an RN working for Scottsdale Healthcare at Scottsdale Shea. Michael has been taking a welding class at MCC and hopes to continue this next semester.

We've seen 2 nephews leave for the mission field. Curtis going to Disney Land (oops that's Long Beach Spanish speaking) and Parker going to Donesk Ukraine.

Michael has a job working for our bishop. He is cleaning concrete forms and doing some welding. He hates the cleaning part and enjoys the welding.

We had one granddaughter baptized in May. That makes 3 for us.

We had 2 grandchildren turn 1 this year.

Michael got his Eagle Scout award in January.

I have had many long visits with my dad. Especially since Mom died. It feels like he is starting to be doing better. Still misses her, though.

I visit the cemetary often. Never used to do this, but since I live so close, and Mom is almost on the first row, it's easy to go visit her. She has the greenest plot there.

As we wind up this year, we have many things to be grateful for and that have helped to make it a good year. We both still have our jobs. Our cars are generally functional. Our health is reasonable. We have an unleaky roof over our heads. We still have lots of family around us (some we miss like Mary and Linda). We are still hoping that Michael will make the right decision and go on a mission this year.

We have the gospel of Jesus Christ to help us in our journey through life. I have felt the spirit so many times this year. He is truly a comforter. I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have of the gospel and for the light it brings into my life. I pray that this next year we will be able to feel the Spirit more and be able to do better in all that we attempt. I know that we were not sent here to fail. I just have to remember who to rely on.

May you all have a wonderful New Year! And so, until next year...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Well, we made it. We made it to and through another Christmas. And what a Christmas it was! Everyone got more than they expected. Michael had given up on getting a flat screen monitor, but the smiles broke out when he opened it! What a rare treat, to see him smile.

This may be the last Christmas that we have any "children" at home. Hopefully, Michael will be on his mission next year and we are hoping that Tanya will be out on her own.

We are anxiously waiting for the rest of our family to come over this afternoon.

I am hoping that you all had a very joyous and Merry Christmas. May the light of our Savior, Jesus Christ be with you and yours. Until another day...

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

It's been a while since I last posted. I can't sleep tonight (too much pain), so I thought that maybe I could do a short post.

We have our outside pretty much finished up on the decorating. The tree is up and decorated inside. We went artificial this year. Too many allergies. The cat is wreaking havic on my tree skirt!

Sunday was our annual Smith family Gingerbread House/Christmas Party. It was fun. We did our white elephant gift exchange. This year, we went a little more serious on the gifts. They were not silly. No electric toilet paper. No Butt Paste. There were several gift cards and some games. The kids did their left right game with their exchange. They all enjoy it and it is fun to watch them get confused!

Tonight we did some Christmas baking. We made fudge, choc chip cookies, Rice Krispies treats, a Chex mix, and dipped pretzels. I think we are going to do some more tomorrow night. This is where my pain tonight is coming from. Too much fun!

I have all my Christmas shopping done and wrapped and under the tree. It feels good to be ahead of the game this year.

Anyway, that's it for now. Until later...

This 'N That

Don't faint! I decided to post again in less than one week! What is the world coming to?

We we to 2 missionary farewells yesterday. The first one was for my nephew Curtis Jarman. The second one was a young man in our Ward that Michael has grown up with, Jordan Shill. Curtis is going to Long Beach, CA, Spanish speaking and Jordan in going to Milan, Italy. Both of them leave Wednesday morning, November 19, 2008.

Both farewells were good. I had a very had time staying awake in the second one. Not because of the speakers, but because I was just plain tired. We went over to my brother Doug's house (which is really my parents house) for a lunch/dinner. They had really, really good Mexican food. I think I over indulged! When we got home, I went to bed. It was only 7 o'clock.

Michael spent this afternoon and evening with Curtis. They have been pretty close for all of their lives. I think Michael is sad about Curtis leaving. But maybe he will be next?

We got our Christmas money from the CU on Friday. Roger took it back to the CU today and cashed it. WooHoo! We can do some shopping now! I just wish I knew what to get for people. Any suggestions?

Today at work, I was observed by my "supervisor". I was pretty nervous, but she didn't rip me apart like I was afraid she would. She actually had more positive things to say about me than negative. Whew! Maybe I will still have a job?

Well, that's it for now. Until later...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM

Today is a first. It is my mother's birthday. The first one since she passed away. She would have been 81 years old. It has been almost 5 months. While most of the time, it feels like the time has flown, there are some days that all I do is think of her and miss her.

I wish that I had a talent for words so that I could make things sound good. But, alas, that is not one of my few talents. Unfortunately, the computer with my pictures of my mom has crashed, so I can't put pictures in this post. I was able to get this one from her obituary.

She was a wonderful person and a great mother. She had many challenges in her life, but managed to work through them. She had polio as a child but was able to overcome most of the effects of that. Although, later in life, she had what they call "post polio syndrome". This brought her a lot of pain. I think, looking back, that she tried to cover up most of the pain she felt. Because of the polio, she had some difficulty walking. But, she didn't let that get in her way.

While she was not "educated" (she dropped out of high school) she was a very smart woman. She ran a couple of businesses with/for my dad. Here she picked up more smarts.

She always told us that she didn't have any talent. She proved herself wrong. Once we were all gone from home, she developed some fine talents. She could paint very well. She loved crafts. She could sing, although that is her talent that she "always" had.

I think the best talent she had was teaching the gospel by her example. She let us know as we were growing up that she loved her Savior and Heavenly Father. She showed us this by the way she put 150% into any calling she ever had in the church. She loved the gospel.

She loved Dad and made him happy (most of the time). She loved having her family around her. She loved to laugh. She loved to sing. She loved life. She loved being a mother and grandmother.

I am so grateful to have had such a loving mother. She taught me the most important things in life. I didn't realize until after I was married and had children, just how much she taught me. There were many times I would call her and thank her for the things she did.

I am very grateful for the knowledge that I have of the "plan of salvation". For the knowledge that I will be able to see her and be with her again. I don't know how I could have made it through these last months without that knowledge.

So, for now, I will say, Happy Birthday, Mom. I hope you have and great day. I love and miss you so much! Til later...

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH DEAR!

On November 9, 1977, my first lovely daughter, Sarah, was born. She entered this world at 9 lbs 2 oz (my smallest baby). She had lots of strawberry blond hair. She was such a cutie and it was love at first sight.

Sarah has always been such a joy in our family. As a little girl, she would line up her "babies" on the floor and put disposable diapers under them. That's how she diapered her babies. She loved to tease her older brothers. She would taunt them with something of theirs until they noticed, then she would take off running.

Growing up, she was kind of shy out in public (definately not at home!). School was her own special social event. I don't remember ever having trouble getting her to go to school. That's where her friends were.

She and her 2 older brothers and her sister were very good friends growing up. They always played well together. I am glad that she still has that association with them now.

Sarah got married at the ripe old age of 19. One day before her 20th birthday. She had found the love of her life on the internet. They celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary yesterday.

She has grown into a beautiful person, inside and out. She is such a good wife and a wonderful mother of four. She is very crafty and is a perfectionist in all she does. She is a great cook (I envy her that) and is always looking for new recipes for her family. She takes her callings in the Church seriously and does them well.

I am so grateful that I was chosen to be her mother. She teaches me so many things. She is a natural.

So, on this special day, Sarah, I want to say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" and may this day be special forever. I love you, Mom.

Random Thoughts

Well, I decided that it was about time to write something again. I'm not real good at this blog thing. There hasn't been much to say for a while.

My Uncle Glenn passed away on Oct. 23. He lived in Midland, Texas. He left the Church when he was a young man and joined the Catholic Church. He lived in New Jersey all my growing up years, so I only met him a couple or three times. His wife was a former nun and she passed away in 1990. He has only one surviving son and he is a Catholic priest. So, the Jarman line ends on that branch with my cousin Glenn Michael. He lives in Texas and so we haven't been able to get to know him. He knows nothing about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I find that extremely sad.

Work has been very busy and sometimes crazy. Today, I was working with one of my kindergarten groups and the little girl had two big green globs hanging out of her nose. I told her to go blow her nose. She got up and did it. Then she brings the tissue and puts it next to me OPENED up! I told her to throw it away. She did and came and sat back down. Then I saw that she had green smeared all over one cheek. I about pucked! I was so grossed out. UGH!!

We have had a lot of car problems this week. One car has windows that won't roll up. The other one had a fuel pump go out. Of course we were at the Pointe at Tapitio in WAAAAAY north Phoenix when it decided to stop working! Crazy weekend.

We missed the "state" conference on Sunday because of no transportation. I had really wanted to go. I hear it was very good.

We voted on Tuesday and we are not excited about our future. We have decided that we will try to give our new president-elect the benefit of the doubt. The only good thing about it is that possibly we will get a new governor out of it.

The marriage proposition passed. That was good. Although some are "blaming" it on the Mormons. What, the Mormons were the only Church to speak out about it? I never saw any signs on a Mormon church yard. I saw plenty on Baptists, Catholic, non-denominational, etc. But we get all the blame. Huh!

Well, it's getting late and I need to get to bed. So, until later...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARY LOU!

Today is my "little" sister Mary's birthday. I will be kind to her and not reveal her age. I want to dedicate this blog to her on her special day. I don't have any pictures with just her, but I do have a couple that I don't think she has with some of us.

The Jarman cousins LtoR:
Chris, Mary, Doug, Mark, Alan, Linda, Robie
(We were too poor for shirts!)
1955

Mary and Robie
1958'ish

Jarman Kids
1958'ish

When we were young, (I can hardly remember that far back!), we used to use our imaginations for playing games. In the summer time, when the "monsoon" arrived and we would have wonderful dust storms, we would get our little red wagon and pretend that we were pioneers trudging across the plains. We would place our arms across our foreheads to block out the dust. You probably had to be there.

We also used to "wash" our hair in the wagon using rain water. It's a good thing we had such a good mother, because I don't remember her ever getting mad at us for that. I think I would have yelled at my kids for the same thing.

I remember Mary letting me get into her bed at night when I couldn't sleep. I was a woose and she was brave. I had lots of trouble sleeping even as a kid. When I was scared, she would hold my hand. She was always a better sister than me.

Growing up, we fought like cats and dogs. As we left home and started our own lives, we became very close. We used to get together with our young children and bake or do crafts. It was always at her house because mine was too big a mess!

We both used to work for American Greetings putting out cards. We would get together and help each other sometimes and then we would "do" lunch. We always had such fun!

I miss that closeness now. She has moved to Utah and we don't get to see each other often. Our lives have drifted apart physically, but I still feel very close to her. I have always counted her as one of my best friends.

So, Mary, I hope if you read this that today will be extra special for you. I hope that your pain will lessen at least for one day. May you enjoy the day and hear from all those who love you. I love you.

Robie.

Birthdays

Today was my birthday. It started out kind of rocky for me. I woke up this morning smelling my mother. I don't know if she was near me, or if my subconscious was playing tricks. Anyway, it made my first thing in the morning rather emotional. This is the first time that she has not called and sung "Happy Birthday" to me.
Then my friend called to wish me happy birthday and to see if I was ok. She said she had a feeling I wasn't. She is too perceptive.

Anyway, I have talked to each of my children. My husband remembered (he wrote himself a note). I got an email from one brother and a voicemail from one sister. My dad called and sang to me and yes, I got emotional again. He has always sung it with Mom.

Everyone at work remembered me (of course, they announced it in the morning announcements!). A friend took me to lunch and we met another friend that we used to work with at Kino Jr. High.

All in all, it was a very nice day. I got flowers, candles, chocolate, scrapbook stuff, and gift cards to the scrapbook store. Sarah made a wonderful meal on Sunday for my birthday and Christopher and Jill made a cake.

I truly am blessed by those around me. I just wish I wasn't getting old!

Well, that's it for now. Until later...

Events of 9/1-9/5

WHEW! What a week! It seems that the weeks that are the shortest are actually the longest. We had Monday off for Labor Day, but the week seemed to be about 2 weeks long.

Didn't really do anything on Labor Day. Roger didn't get the day off. My dryer is broken and I had a HUGE laundry to do! So, I went back to the stone age and hung the clothes to dry. It was a nice sunny day and I figured it wouldn't take long. It took most of the day for 4 loads to dry, OUTSIDE! And, they are STIFF! Oh well, at least they were clean.

This week at work (school) we didn't do much of anything. We are still waiting to start our DIBELS groups, which are small groups of children. We were told that we would start with the Kindergarten classes on Monday. Then yesterday, we were told that that is on hold because the State is getting involved. Who knows what we will end up doing. This next week will be the 5th week of school. We are very anxious to get started doing what we are supposed to be doing!

Thursday, the unthinkable happened at our school. A Kindergarten boy stopped breathing! They were never able to resuscitate him. He had some condition that caused tumors in his lungs. He only had one functioning lung. His life expectancy was only 10 years. Fortunately, the teacher had taken him into the restroom and that is where he collapsed. The whole class didn't see it. There was a real somber mood at school yesterday. My prayers are with his family. Even though they knew it could happen at school, they wanted him to experience as much as possible.

Well, that's it for now. Until later...

College Credits

I am really excited! I talked to someone in records yesterday at MCC. They told me that my credits are good forever. I told her I went there almost forever ago! So, the 2 semesters that I went and actually got grades for are still good. That means English 101 and 102! I sent for my transcripts today. She said it would take about 2 weeks because they are in the "archives" on microphish (sp?). They haven't figured how to get them into the new computer system. Anyway, I've been toying with the idea of getting some more college done. I don't know what I would go for as for a degree. Back in ancient history, I wanted to be a home economics teacher. No way now! So, a lot of my credits probably won't help me out. But, who knows? Anyway, that's it for now. Until later...

This 'N That

*UPDATE*
We were invited to our nephew Parker's mission call "opening". He has been called to serve in the Ukraine Donesk mission. He reports on Nov. 5th. There weren't many dry eyes. This makes 2 nephews for us to go to the Ukraine. Cool!

Well, another week has passed. We started our testing at work. The first day we were spending about 30 minutes per child. That was way too long! Somehow we managed to pick it up so we only were spending about 15-20 minutes per child by the end of the week. This coming week, we are testing the Kindergarten, Pre-Kindergarten and 1st grades. The Pre-K and K should prove to be interesting. They will either take a lot longer because they know some things or they will go really fast because they know nothing.

I was reading the new Ensign this morning. It is always so uplifting. There were so many articles that touched my spirit this morning. Some of them were: "My Father, My Hero" pg. 16; "Toothpaste on the Mirror", pg. 23; "I Do My Part, and God Does the Rest", pg. 52; and the Latter-Day Saint Voices, on pg. 68. They are all good, but these are the ones that touched me the most this morning. Maybe tomorrow others with touch me more. If you have the Ensign and haven't read it, do it.

I'm going to have to come up with a way to be in closer contact with my dad. Things aren't really getting much better for him. He just wants to go. He is so lonely. I try to call him regularly, but he needs more distractions. I don't get out to see him as often as I guess I should. With me working and our car situation, it isn't easy to get out there. I wish my children would make an effort to visit him (hint, hint).

We got Michael enrolled in MCC. He is in an advanced welding class. It is a 5 credit hour course. He has lecture on Monday nights and lab on Wednesday nights. Each are 4 hours long. It sure does cost a bundle for college now a days! He doesn't qualify for any "grants". Probably because he is a white male. Don't get me started on that!

I have been trying to catch up on some of my scrapbooking. I put a page together yesterday that was from my July Totally T class. I actually put a picture on it! Amazing! I like it enough that I am going to make another to match it because I have other pictures to go with the first.

Well, I guess I've rambled enough for this time. Until later...

Yesterday, we went to our son (Jeremy) and daughter-in-law's (Leslie) Sacrament meeting. They invited us because they were talking. They both gave really good talks. I was very impressed with the words they spoke. I love the song that both of them referred to, "If The Savior Stood Beside Me". We should all remember the words. I truly felt the spirit and at times, had tears. Even Michael said the meeting was good.

After that, we went to see our nephew Parker ordained to be an Elder. What an inspiration he is. His mother passed away in April. He just finished his 1st year at ASU with a 4.0. He is waiting for his mission call (should be here in a week or two). His mother did an exceptional job raising him and his sisters and brothers by herself. I'm sure she is smiling down on him from above.

Today, at work, we started our DIBLES testing. It took us over 2 hours to do one class! We had one hour allotted! We have to do a lot of extra testing this time around. Tomorrow, we are supposed to do 3 classes. It won't happen! We still have 6 to do from our 2nd class this afternoon. So, today we only had two classes to do. Our schedule really needs to be adjusted!

I think I am Olympiced out. I've seen what I really wanted to, and the rest that I would like to see is on at like 3 in the morning. I'll just watch the news!

Well, I need to do something about dinner before someone asks the dreaded question, "What's for dinner?" That always put me in a bad mood. Til later...

One Down, 35 To Go!

Well, I made it through my first week back to work. I work at Kerr Elementary School in Mesa. This is my second year there. I actually started there 14 1/2 years ago. At that time, I worked on the playground and monitered the restrooms. After 4 years there (the last one in a classroom), I went to Kino Jr. High School. I worked in reading and math classes. I was there for 7 years. Then I went to Lehi Elementary and spent 2 years there in a 6th grade classroom. Then, last year, I went back to Kerr. This time I am a "DIBLE" lady. I do testing 3 times a year and based on the results of that testing, I work with small groups. I really enjoy what I am doing. I fee like I am making a difference with a lot of the students that I work with. Generally, I work with K-2 grades. We do the testing with the 3rd graders, but they don't get our help as much.

This past week has been pretty stressful physically for me. I spent most of the week helping out in a kindergarten class with 38 students, 1 teacher, and 1 aide. That was too many kids and not enough adults! So, I and a couple of the ladies I work with, helped take kids back and forth from on place to another all week. Then yesterday, we helped set up a new kindergarten classroom. They have arranged a sub. for a couple of weeks until they can get a fulltime teacher hired. Needless to say, the kindergarten teacher and her aide were very happy yesterday.

Next week, we will start the testing. That will take place for two weeks. After that, we will have our small groups set up and will start working with them. This year, we have our own room to work in so we won't have to keep the kids in their classrooms and try to work there. We are all excited!

We have been watching the Olympics this week, just like almost everyone else! I just wish it wasn't on soooo late every night! I've enjoyed what I've seen for the most part, just wish we were winning more gold!

I'm starting to feel a little "cabin fever". We haven't gone anywhere this summer and I feel like I need to get away. Of course, that won't happen. We still don't have a car that will get us anywhere. Oh, well, that's been the story of our life for like 36 1/2 years!

I got my dad a cell phone a week ago. It is so nice to be able to call and get him now. I programed the phone numbers of his children and assigned speed dial #'s to them and gave him a card with that info on it. So far, so good.

Well, I guess I've bent your ears (or eyes) long enough for now. Until later...

Tag, I'm It. Tag, You're It!

Well, I was tagged about a week ago by Sarah and I am just now getting around to do it.

Rules:Each player answers the questions themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment letting them know that they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answers.

The Five:

Ten years ago…

1. I was recovering from 3 weddings in 7 months.
2. I was about to start working at Kino Jr. High School.
3. I was sweltering in the heat.
4. I was about to be a grandmother for the 1st time.
5. I was getting around much easier than now!

Five things on today’s “to do” list...

1. Get new printer. (done)
2. Get new cell phone for my dad.(done)
3. Get new cable for the PS2.(done)
4. Pick up prescription at Walmart.(done)
5. Figure out what's for dinner.

Five snacks I enjoy...

1. Hard boiled eggs.
2. Cheez-its.
3. Sunflower seeds.
4. Anything chocolate.
5. Fresh fruit or veggies.

Five things I would do if I was a millionaire…

1. Buy a house.
2. Pay off debt.
3. Buy a couple new cars.
4. Put a bunch into savings.
5. Travel and go on a mission.

Five places I have lived…

1 E. Palm Lane in Phoenix, AZ.
2. Euclid St. in Lawton, OK.
3. N. 35th St in Phoenix, AZ.
4. E. Bruce in Gilbert, AZ.
5. N. Summr St in Mesa, AZ.

So I tag:

My son, Jeremy
My son-in-law, Josiah
My neice, Becky
My neice-in-law, Rachel
My granddaughter, Rylie

Results

Well, I didn't win the Scrapbook Olympics. I didn't think I would. I do feel good about the pages that I entered, though. I finished (almost) another page with Mom on it. I just have to put a title on it. Michael is at the computer that I need to use to make it. I have really been having fun making pages with Mom's pictures. I just wish that I had had them sooner so that she could have been here to see them. Here is the one I just finished:




I miss her alot, but the days are getting easier. I don't think that a day goes by that I don't think about her. Even though she was mostly gone for the last 2 years, she was still here.

I went and had a bone density scan this morning. Everyone (doctors) is freaking out because I have passed 50 and I haven't had one! Why should I worry? To my knowledge, there is no history of osteoporosis in the family. It's just another way for them to bleed me of the tiny bit of money we have left.

I go back to work in a week. I am not looking forward to it, but it will be nice to be getting paid again. This has been a short summer as far as time off, but long on lack of money.

Today is Tanya's birthday. I took her to breakfast this morning. I can't believe she is so old! I'm glad I'm not!!

Well, I can't think of anything else to write, so I will just go for now. Til later...

Scrapbook Challenge

So, I took the Scrapbook Olympic Challenge that was made at Scrapbooks, Etc. I made two pages using 3 of 8 of the supplies they assigned. My pages are fairly simple. I entered them yesterday afternoon. Sometime today they will announce the winner. The winner gets $25 in store credit. I doubt I'll win, but I am happy with the results. The first one is my favorite. I made a matching one of the second page with a picture of Uncle Willard. I didn't enter it because it is basically the same as the one of Mom and Dad. It was fun and quite a challenge for me. I don't have a real creative mind. I can copy anything, but to come up with something on my own, is another story. So, here they are:

This one is my parents "engagement" picture.

This one is my mom at about 5 yrs old.

While we were at the scrapbook store, there was a bad accident in front on University. A guy hit a light pole and the power went out in the store. Tanya took off running to see if any of her newly aquired nursing skills were needed. Unfortunately, there was an off duty fireman and a respiratory therapist there too. When the police got there, they made everybody move back because the pole was split and could come crashing down. The guy hit at least 3 other cars (we're not sure about a forth one, but it's possible). Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt. We had to leave the items we were going to buy at the store since they had no electricity. I guess we will have to go back today. Oh, no, not that! Gotta go for now.

A Month Later

Well, I decided it was time to post again. It has been difficult to even think about it for the last month. Things are getting a little easier for me each day. The viewing the night before the funeral was easier than I thought it would be. At least until my cousin and his wife brought in the casket spray. I took one look at it and the dam burst! They were absolutely beautiful! We had told her that Mom's favorite color was all the colors in the rainbow and the brighter and more vivid the better! WOW! She did a wonderful job! It was perfect! I'm sure Mom liked it.

Speaking at Mom's funeral was definately harder than I thought. I guess things went well. I learned some things about my mom that I didn't know before. When she was about six, they went to different churches. Whenever anyone asked her what church she belonged to, she told them she was a Mormon. She didn't join the church until she was about 13 or 14!

My dad is very lonely now. I think that is the hardest part for me at this point. I try to at least talk to him every other day if not more often. I don't have a car much, so it's hard to go see him very often. He didn't realize how difficult it would be after she was gone. We all know it was best because she was in so much pain and in such poor health. But, until it happens, you don't realize the hole in your heart!

It was good to see some of my Aunts and Uncles that I haven't seen in years. We had some good visits with lots of memories being talked about. I think everyone in the family was there except for a grandson who lives in Washington and a sister who lives in California who is in poor health herself.

Here are a few pictures:

My sister Mary, Me, Dad, my sister Linda, brother Bob, brother Doug

Aunt Carol and Uncle Karl

Rick and Mary

Well, I think that's it for now. I go back to work in 2 weeks. The party is over!

Almost There

Today was a very choice experience. We were able to perform the last earthly service for our sweet mother. We dressed her for her funeral tomorrow. How awesome! There were the 3 sisters, the 2 sisters-in-law, 10 granddaughters and 2 great-granddaughters. It was such a sweet exprience. I have never participated in the dressing and preparing of someone for a funeral. I used to think it would be weird. But, after today, my feelings have changed. Mom look so beautiful and peaceful! Her earthly body is finally pain free. She is such a wonderful person and her spirit was in attendance with us. The feelings were so tender in the room. Tonight is the viewing. We will be leaving soon. Tomorrow is her big day. Until then...

Rough Few Days

Mom as a toddler

Mom with her parents

Grandma and Grandpa crouse

Mom, Dad holding me, Doug and Linda
Mom and me Mother's Day 2008

So, we (my bros, sis', and Dad) have been meeting to go over plans for Mom's funeral. Things are not necessarily the way that I would like them to be. I guess my family has to deal with grief with joking about things. We get WAY off track while we are trying to brainstorm. I guess the problem is, when we are all together, we only have half a brain! I have gotten a lot of ideas for my talk. I haven't really decided if I'm going to actually write it out, or if I will just leave the ideas and go from there. I spent this morning scanning a lot of pictures for scrapbooking. I want to make some pages of Mom to have on display at the funeral. I don't know how many I will get done. Tomorrow we will be dressing her and making her beautiful for the funeral. It still seems surreal to me. Even though I've known this time was coming sooner rather than later. I am so grateful for her life and the many things she taught me by words and example. I am glad that my children were able to know her and that they have good memories of her. The funeral is Thursday, June 26, 2008 in Gilbert, Az.

My Mom

This has been one of the most difficult days of my life. My dear sweet mother passed away this morning at 7:29 at the age of 80. I had already said my good-bye's to her and I thought that I was prepared, but the heart stills cares. It was very hard to see her lifeless body lying in bed. I don't know how to act right now. The last few years were very bad for her. Her health was terrible. She broke her right hip 2 years ago, she had 11 mini strokes 1 1/2 years ago and pneumonia a little over a year ago. Last July we thought she was leaving us, but she managed to rally back. In fact, in April she seemed to be getting better. I was able to have some nice visits with her. Then the last 3 weeks she started to decline. We were brought together to say our good-bye's this past Tuesday, but she hung on for a few more days. I have missed her for several years, but now it's even worse. I know she won't be there. She requested that I and my sisters Linda and Mary tell her life story. It will be so hard to do that. But as my mother's last request for me, I will do my best. She was a great woman. She suffered a lot and had to endure much. Most of it graciously. She was always there for me with a listening ear when I needed her most. We became good friends. She had a strong testimony of the Gospel and a love for our Savior. She helped pass that on to me and right now, I am very grateful for that knowledge. Dad seems kind of lost right now. He tries to be funny to cover it up. I feel so sad in my heart for him. I am glad that she is finally out of her pain and discomfort. I love Mom and I miss her, but I also know that I will see her again. That's all for now.

Summer School and Sisters

So, I started back to work yesterday, summer school. I am working in a 2nd grade class. We have a whopping 8 kids! I work 3 hours a day, Mon-Thurs. My husband asked me how my first day went. I told him the 3 hours sure seemed like 5!

Today was better. The kids had library. They did a water cycle experiment. They read. I cut and pasted. The teacher I work with likes to "wing it".

My "little" sister from Utah is in town. Her son, Dan, tried to do his own lobotomy while riding on a quad.




He also managed to break a couple of bones in his neck. fortunately for his wife and 7 children, he will survive. Update: Dan has a bleeder in his head and is now back at the trauma center for surgery.

Anyway, I picked her up on Sunday and took her out to Gilbert to visit our parents. Our Mom isnt doing very well. On Sunday she had started doing a little worse. We had a good visit with Dad. Mom was out of it most of the time.

Then yesterday after I got off work, I picked up Mary and took her to lunch. We went to Pete's fish and chips. She loves it and can't get it in Utah. We were able to have a very nice visit. We hadn't seen each other in about 1 1/2 years, so we had a lot of catching up to do. She will be leaving this weekend.

While we were at Pete's, we saw one of our nephews that we haven't seen in forever, Chris Meeker. He was there with guys from his work for lunch. We had a nice short visit with him.

Well, I think that's about it for today. Until next time....

Yard Sale

So, I think I figured out how to get this going again. Today has been a busy day. I spent most of it sorting and going through my scrapbook paper. We are going to have a yard sale on Saturday at my dil Leslie's place. I have WAY too much scrapbook stuff and little room for it here, so I am going to part with some of it. I might gather up some other stuff too.

Michael went on his Super Activity yesterday. Things are kind of quiet around here. I finished a book last night called Sarah's Window. I don't remember the author. It was ok, but not great. I started The Good Guy by Dean Koonz this morning. It already is intriguing. I read his book The Husband a while back. It was really good.

Well, that's all for now. I can't think of anything else worth writing.

Busy May

So, my super sweet daughter, Sarah, finally showed me how to do this thing called blogging. I've wanted to do it for quite a while, but I'm mostly technology challenged. It's a good thing I have intelligent, modern aged children.

Between birthdays, a baptism, Mother's Day and graduations, we have had a very busy April/May. Our 4th grandchild Layna, turned 8 on April 29th and was baptized on May 10th. We are very blessed with the family we have.

We were among the lucky families to have a graduate from High School. We got to attend in the Westwood gymnasium. The down side was the kids didn't get to see all their friends graduate. The up side, we only had to sit through 1/2 the speeches and 1/2 the names. It will definitely be a graduation to remember! This was our 5th (and last) child to graduate and the only one to be rained out.

Two weeks before he graduated, our youngest daughter, Tanya, graduated from Nursing School. I'm excited for her in her new role. She is currently working at Scottsdale Shay Hospital in pediatrics.

I won't take up any more time for now. I'll post again (if I can remember how to) on another day. I will never be as good with words as my children, but I will do the best I can. I will also try not to embarrass them too much. 'Til then...