Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Embarrassment Continued
I hate to leave people out, so when Gina emailed me this picture I had to include it. It goes along with this insanity.
Embarrassment Continued
I hate to leave people out, so when Gina emailed me this picture I had to include it. It goes along with this insanity.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The women behind it all
Now that I've gone private I feel like I can blog more openly. It's become more of a family journal now and that's just what I wanted. I've been waiting a long time to write about this and now I finally can!
When I was pregnant with Addie I wanted a girl so badly! Many of you can relate. When I found out it was a girl I instantly knew what her name would be. Adeliade Kay. I love names with meaning and that was the perfect one. Plus, it fits her so well. Adeliade has always been one of my favorite names but after she was born I found it in my family history. Kay has a more personal meaning though. Two women that I admire share that middle name. First of all, Jared's sister, Yvette has that middle name. There is so much to admire about her that made it easy.
(Watch out, Vet! I'm about to get sentimental!)
Yvette is a very strong person in so many ways. I always knew that but she proved it as I watched her with her mom in her last few weeks (she was the only daughter and they were always very close). I remember helping her give Marlene a bath one day. We had to work quickly in order to keep Marlene from getting cold, but not only was she speedy but she was also very gentle.
After Jared and I got engaged we went right over to her house and told her and her husband first. That was only fitting because she was always like Mom to Jared (she is 13 years older). They were so excited and grabbed the calendar to look at dates with us.
Another thing that I love about her is what a great mom she is. If anything can be said for the McCleve family, it's that they have lots of fun! A few weeks before Christmas I took some family pictures of them and on the ride over I watched them laugh and enjoy each others company. She has great kids and all though she may disagree, I always see them obey when she asks them to do something.
I have a funny memory of her and her dedication to all things family. When Jared was called to be in the bishopric we tried to let the family know just incase they would like to come up but figured not many of them would be able to make it because there wasn't much time. He was called at about 9:30 in the morning and our church was at 1:00. We called while Vet and her family were at church so we left a message telling them what was happening. Imagine our suprise when we see Yvette and her five kids walk in to the chapel! They had got home from church, heard the message jumped back in the car and sped to Taylor. And made in less than 2 1/2 hours! I have to mention that they even stopped at the McDonald's drive thru in Payson along the way.
One last thing I will mention (but there are so many more!) is how helpful she is. She is always there if you need any kind of help at all. I have called her with some ridiculous questions (see Mom, it's not just you!) and she is always there and always has an answer!
The other woman that shares the middle name Kay was a young woman's leader that I had when I was younger. Her name was Wendy Nichols. She was always so much fun and loved being with the young women of the ward. I remember one time she called me at home while she was at work to ask me a question but our conversation didn't stop there. She talked and talked to me about this and that. I have always remember that. She made me feel so important. But, the thing was is that she really did care!
Wendy had a great personality. She was super bubbly and always lots of fun. I remember being at a New Years Eve party with her. Our Young Woman's President (a shout out to you, Laurie!) had a party and there were tons of us kids there as well as some of our adult leaders/friends. I can't call them just "leaders" because they were all seriously our friends. Wendy was one of them. I think while we were there we wrote down our resolutions. I wonder what Wendy's were.
Wendy had a hard time becoming pregnant but was eventually successful after many years. I was a Sr. in high school when that happened. Unfortunately, due to complications from toxemia, Wendy died while pregnant. They were still able to deliver her daughter who survived and happens to look just like her!
Both of those women are so admirable. I hope Addie knows what she has to live up to!
Now, onto Kimber. It's kind of a different story but it still has a remarkable woman behind it.
Jared is into guns. In fact he is getting a new one today but he doesn't know it yet. (It's his birthday and it just happens to be a Kimber!) He likes to go down to the gun shop and browse...er dream. One day he brought home a Kimber catalog and when I picked it up I thought that Kimber would be a pretty good name for a girl. But then it dawned on me, it would be the perfect name because I know someone with the name Kimberly that is the perfect person to name a child after.
(Since all of my pictures are still MIA I had to snake this one from another source. The girls and I met up with Kim for lunch when Kimber was a few months old and I was able to snap some super cute ones of them together. But, this beauty will have to do for now.)
During my days at Anasazi, I worked with one of the greatest people I have ever known. Kimberly, or Kim or Kimmy Nuzman, anyway you want to say it, is one of the smartest, strongest, funniest, most charismatic women I know. She has such a wonderful personality that you just can't help but love her once you meet her.
First of all, Kim is beautiful inside and out. She also has the most perfectly groomed eyebrows of anyone I have ever known. She is always dressed so snazzy. She has an eye for colors and things that don't just "match", but "go." That is a true talent and one that I hope to master someday.
Her office at Anasazi was so calming as well, but that is just the way she is. She is so professional but so witty. We spent countless hours (okay, that may be a bit of an exaggeration) reciting movie lines, which is ironic since I hate watching movies. But this is not an exaggeration; we did spend countless hours laughing at ourselves, others and funny situations.
One of the most important things that I admire about Kim is that she is truly genuine. She always keeps her word and means what she says. She is such a wonderful and true friend. She is always thoughtful. In fact I have a little note she wrote me while I was on her team at work that I read frequently to remind me of her and to make myself feel better when I might be feeling a little down.
Kimber's middle name is Ramsay. (Pronounced Ram-sey). We couldn't find the right middle name for her but while sitting in the hospital I said to Jared "what about Ramsay?" We said it a few times and it stuck.
His Granny Hatch's maiden name was Ramsay but after her marriage it became her middle name. She was also a strong woman. I didn't get to know Granny very well while she was alive, but since I have lived in her house for the last 5+ years I think I am getting a pretty good idea of who she was and what she was all about. I'm pretty sure that Kimber is living up to that name. Granny didn't mince words nor did she care what anyone thought. She said it like it was and what she said went. She also loved her kids and was very proud of her grand kids.
Shortly after we moved into this house I had gone somewhere with some of Jared's cousins. After Lynelle dropped me off I started to walk to the back door when I noticed a white Chihuahua on the lawn. I was totally thrown off guard! It ran away and I lost view of it as it went around the side of the house. After I got to the side I couldn't see the dog anywhere! It was gone! I looked up and down the sidewalk, across the street and around the parameter of the whole house but I couldn't see it anywhere! I have always joked that it was probably Granny coming to check in on me and how I was treating her house. The color white was fitting and if she was going to come back as anything it would be a Chihuahua! She just had that personality. The family will understand!
I know this doesn't do justice to the women I have mentioned here but I hope it gives you an idea of how important they are to me. I also hope it helps my girls realize that they have a lot to live up to. If they turn out anything like the women they are named after then I know they will be okay.
When I was pregnant with Addie I wanted a girl so badly! Many of you can relate. When I found out it was a girl I instantly knew what her name would be. Adeliade Kay. I love names with meaning and that was the perfect one. Plus, it fits her so well. Adeliade has always been one of my favorite names but after she was born I found it in my family history. Kay has a more personal meaning though. Two women that I admire share that middle name. First of all, Jared's sister, Yvette has that middle name. There is so much to admire about her that made it easy.
(Watch out, Vet! I'm about to get sentimental!)
Yvette is a very strong person in so many ways. I always knew that but she proved it as I watched her with her mom in her last few weeks (she was the only daughter and they were always very close). I remember helping her give Marlene a bath one day. We had to work quickly in order to keep Marlene from getting cold, but not only was she speedy but she was also very gentle.
After Jared and I got engaged we went right over to her house and told her and her husband first. That was only fitting because she was always like Mom to Jared (she is 13 years older). They were so excited and grabbed the calendar to look at dates with us.
Another thing that I love about her is what a great mom she is. If anything can be said for the McCleve family, it's that they have lots of fun! A few weeks before Christmas I took some family pictures of them and on the ride over I watched them laugh and enjoy each others company. She has great kids and all though she may disagree, I always see them obey when she asks them to do something.
I have a funny memory of her and her dedication to all things family. When Jared was called to be in the bishopric we tried to let the family know just incase they would like to come up but figured not many of them would be able to make it because there wasn't much time. He was called at about 9:30 in the morning and our church was at 1:00. We called while Vet and her family were at church so we left a message telling them what was happening. Imagine our suprise when we see Yvette and her five kids walk in to the chapel! They had got home from church, heard the message jumped back in the car and sped to Taylor. And made in less than 2 1/2 hours! I have to mention that they even stopped at the McDonald's drive thru in Payson along the way.
One last thing I will mention (but there are so many more!) is how helpful she is. She is always there if you need any kind of help at all. I have called her with some ridiculous questions (see Mom, it's not just you!) and she is always there and always has an answer!
The other woman that shares the middle name Kay was a young woman's leader that I had when I was younger. Her name was Wendy Nichols. She was always so much fun and loved being with the young women of the ward. I remember one time she called me at home while she was at work to ask me a question but our conversation didn't stop there. She talked and talked to me about this and that. I have always remember that. She made me feel so important. But, the thing was is that she really did care!
Wendy had a great personality. She was super bubbly and always lots of fun. I remember being at a New Years Eve party with her. Our Young Woman's President (a shout out to you, Laurie!) had a party and there were tons of us kids there as well as some of our adult leaders/friends. I can't call them just "leaders" because they were all seriously our friends. Wendy was one of them. I think while we were there we wrote down our resolutions. I wonder what Wendy's were.
Wendy had a hard time becoming pregnant but was eventually successful after many years. I was a Sr. in high school when that happened. Unfortunately, due to complications from toxemia, Wendy died while pregnant. They were still able to deliver her daughter who survived and happens to look just like her!
Both of those women are so admirable. I hope Addie knows what she has to live up to!
Now, onto Kimber. It's kind of a different story but it still has a remarkable woman behind it.
Jared is into guns. In fact he is getting a new one today but he doesn't know it yet. (It's his birthday and it just happens to be a Kimber!) He likes to go down to the gun shop and browse...er dream. One day he brought home a Kimber catalog and when I picked it up I thought that Kimber would be a pretty good name for a girl. But then it dawned on me, it would be the perfect name because I know someone with the name Kimberly that is the perfect person to name a child after.
(Since all of my pictures are still MIA I had to snake this one from another source. The girls and I met up with Kim for lunch when Kimber was a few months old and I was able to snap some super cute ones of them together. But, this beauty will have to do for now.)During my days at Anasazi, I worked with one of the greatest people I have ever known. Kimberly, or Kim or Kimmy Nuzman, anyway you want to say it, is one of the smartest, strongest, funniest, most charismatic women I know. She has such a wonderful personality that you just can't help but love her once you meet her.
First of all, Kim is beautiful inside and out. She also has the most perfectly groomed eyebrows of anyone I have ever known. She is always dressed so snazzy. She has an eye for colors and things that don't just "match", but "go." That is a true talent and one that I hope to master someday.
Her office at Anasazi was so calming as well, but that is just the way she is. She is so professional but so witty. We spent countless hours (okay, that may be a bit of an exaggeration) reciting movie lines, which is ironic since I hate watching movies. But this is not an exaggeration; we did spend countless hours laughing at ourselves, others and funny situations.
One of the most important things that I admire about Kim is that she is truly genuine. She always keeps her word and means what she says. She is such a wonderful and true friend. She is always thoughtful. In fact I have a little note she wrote me while I was on her team at work that I read frequently to remind me of her and to make myself feel better when I might be feeling a little down.
Kimber's middle name is Ramsay. (Pronounced Ram-sey). We couldn't find the right middle name for her but while sitting in the hospital I said to Jared "what about Ramsay?" We said it a few times and it stuck.
His Granny Hatch's maiden name was Ramsay but after her marriage it became her middle name. She was also a strong woman. I didn't get to know Granny very well while she was alive, but since I have lived in her house for the last 5+ years I think I am getting a pretty good idea of who she was and what she was all about. I'm pretty sure that Kimber is living up to that name. Granny didn't mince words nor did she care what anyone thought. She said it like it was and what she said went. She also loved her kids and was very proud of her grand kids.
Shortly after we moved into this house I had gone somewhere with some of Jared's cousins. After Lynelle dropped me off I started to walk to the back door when I noticed a white Chihuahua on the lawn. I was totally thrown off guard! It ran away and I lost view of it as it went around the side of the house. After I got to the side I couldn't see the dog anywhere! It was gone! I looked up and down the sidewalk, across the street and around the parameter of the whole house but I couldn't see it anywhere! I have always joked that it was probably Granny coming to check in on me and how I was treating her house. The color white was fitting and if she was going to come back as anything it would be a Chihuahua! She just had that personality. The family will understand!
I know this doesn't do justice to the women I have mentioned here but I hope it gives you an idea of how important they are to me. I also hope it helps my girls realize that they have a lot to live up to. If they turn out anything like the women they are named after then I know they will be okay.
The women behind it all
Now that I've gone private I feel like I can blog more openly. It's become more of a family journal now and that's just what I wanted. I've been waiting a long time to write about this and now I finally can!
When I was pregnant with Addie I wanted a girl so badly! Many of you can relate. When I found out it was a girl I instantly knew what her name would be. Adeliade Kay. I love names with meaning and that was the perfect one. Plus, it fits her so well. Adeliade has always been one of my favorite names but after she was born I found it in my family history. Kay has a more personal meaning though. Two women that I admire share that middle name. First of all, Jared's sister, Yvette has that middle name. There is so much to admire about her that made it easy.
(Watch out, Vet! I'm about to get sentimental!)
Yvette is a very strong person in so many ways. I always knew that but she proved it as I watched her with her mom in her last few weeks (she was the only daughter and they were always very close). I remember helping her give Marlene a bath one day. We had to work quickly in order to keep Marlene from getting cold, but not only was she speedy but she was also very gentle.
After Jared and I got engaged we went right over to her house and told her and her husband first. That was only fitting because she was always like Mom to Jared (she is 13 years older). They were so excited and grabbed the calendar to look at dates with us.
Another thing that I love about her is what a great mom she is. If anything can be said for the McCleve family, it's that they have lots of fun! A few weeks before Christmas I took some family pictures of them and on the ride over I watched them laugh and enjoy each others company. She has great kids and all though she may disagree, I always see them obey when she asks them to do something.
I have a funny memory of her and her dedication to all things family. When Jared was called to be in the bishopric we tried to let the family know just incase they would like to come up but figured not many of them would be able to make it because there wasn't much time. He was called at about 9:30 in the morning and our church was at 1:00. We called while Vet and her family were at church so we left a message telling them what was happening. Imagine our suprise when we see Yvette and her five kids walk in to the chapel! They had got home from church, heard the message jumped back in the car and sped to Taylor. And made in less than 2 1/2 hours! I have to mention that they even stopped at the McDonald's drive thru in Payson along the way.
One last thing I will mention (but there are so many more!) is how helpful she is. She is always there if you need any kind of help at all. I have called her with some ridiculous questions (see Mom, it's not just you!) and she is always there and always has an answer!
The other woman that shares the middle name Kay was a young woman's leader that I had when I was younger. Her name was Wendy Nichols. She was always so much fun and loved being with the young women of the ward. I remember one time she called me at home while she was at work to ask me a question but our conversation didn't stop there. She talked and talked to me about this and that. I have always remember that. She made me feel so important. But, the thing was is that she really did care!
Wendy had a great personality. She was super bubbly and always lots of fun. I remember being at a New Years Eve party with her. Our Young Woman's President (a shout out to you, Laurie!) had a party and there were tons of us kids there as well as some of our adult leaders/friends. I can't call them just "leaders" because they were all seriously our friends. Wendy was one of them. I think while we were there we wrote down our resolutions. I wonder what Wendy's were.
Wendy had a hard time becoming pregnant but was eventually successful after many years. I was a Sr. in high school when that happened. Unfortunately, due to complications from toxemia, Wendy died while pregnant. They were still able to deliver her daughter who survived and happens to look just like her!
Both of those women are so admirable. I hope Addie knows what she has to live up to!
Now, onto Kimber. It's kind of a different story but it still has a remarkable woman behind it.
Jared is into guns. In fact he is getting a new one today but he doesn't know it yet. (It's his birthday and it just happens to be a Kimber!) He likes to go down to the gun shop and browse...er dream. One day he brought home a Kimber catalog and when I picked it up I thought that Kimber would be a pretty good name for a girl. But then it dawned on me, it would be the perfect name because I know someone with the name Kimberly that is the perfect person to name a child after.
(Since all of my pictures are still MIA I had to snake this one from another source. The girls and I met up with Kim for lunch when Kimber was a few months old and I was able to snap some super cute ones of them together. But, this beauty will have to do for now.)
During my days at Anasazi, I worked with one of the greatest people I have ever known. Kimberly, or Kim or Kimmy Nuzman, anyway you want to say it, is one of the smartest, strongest, funniest, most charismatic women I know. She has such a wonderful personality that you just can't help but love her once you meet her.
First of all, Kim is beautiful inside and out. She also has the most perfectly groomed eyebrows of anyone I have ever known. She is always dressed so snazzy. She has an eye for colors and things that don't just "match", but "go." That is a true talent and one that I hope to master someday.
Her office at Anasazi was so calming as well, but that is just the way she is. She is so professional but so witty. We spent countless hours (okay, that may be a bit of an exaggeration) reciting movie lines, which is ironic since I hate watching movies. But this is not an exaggeration; we did spend countless hours laughing at ourselves, others and funny situations.
One of the most important things that I admire about Kim is that she is truly genuine. She always keeps her word and means what she says. She is such a wonderful and true friend. She is always thoughtful. In fact I have a little note she wrote me while I was on her team at work that I read frequently to remind me of her and to make myself feel better when I might be feeling a little down.
Kimber's middle name is Ramsay. (Pronounced Ram-sey). We couldn't find the right middle name for her but while sitting in the hospital I said to Jared "what about Ramsay?" We said it a few times and it stuck.
His Granny Hatch's maiden name was Ramsay but after her marriage it became her middle name. She was also a strong woman. I didn't get to know Granny very well while she was alive, but since I have lived in her house for the last 5+ years I think I am getting a pretty good idea of who she was and what she was all about. I'm pretty sure that Kimber is living up to that name. Granny didn't mince words nor did she care what anyone thought. She said it like it was and what she said went. She also loved her kids and was very proud of her grand kids.
Shortly after we moved into this house I had gone somewhere with some of Jared's cousins. After Lynelle dropped me off I started to walk to the back door when I noticed a white Chihuahua on the lawn. I was totally thrown off guard! It ran away and I lost view of it as it went around the side of the house. After I got to the side I couldn't see the dog anywhere! It was gone! I looked up and down the sidewalk, across the street and around the parameter of the whole house but I couldn't see it anywhere! I have always joked that it was probably Granny coming to check in on me and how I was treating her house. The color white was fitting and if she was going to come back as anything it would be a Chihuahua! She just had that personality. The family will understand!
I know this doesn't do justice to the women I have mentioned here but I hope it gives you an idea of how important they are to me. I also hope it helps my girls realize that they have a lot to live up to. If they turn out anything like the women they are named after then I know they will be okay.
When I was pregnant with Addie I wanted a girl so badly! Many of you can relate. When I found out it was a girl I instantly knew what her name would be. Adeliade Kay. I love names with meaning and that was the perfect one. Plus, it fits her so well. Adeliade has always been one of my favorite names but after she was born I found it in my family history. Kay has a more personal meaning though. Two women that I admire share that middle name. First of all, Jared's sister, Yvette has that middle name. There is so much to admire about her that made it easy.
(Watch out, Vet! I'm about to get sentimental!)
Yvette is a very strong person in so many ways. I always knew that but she proved it as I watched her with her mom in her last few weeks (she was the only daughter and they were always very close). I remember helping her give Marlene a bath one day. We had to work quickly in order to keep Marlene from getting cold, but not only was she speedy but she was also very gentle.
After Jared and I got engaged we went right over to her house and told her and her husband first. That was only fitting because she was always like Mom to Jared (she is 13 years older). They were so excited and grabbed the calendar to look at dates with us.
Another thing that I love about her is what a great mom she is. If anything can be said for the McCleve family, it's that they have lots of fun! A few weeks before Christmas I took some family pictures of them and on the ride over I watched them laugh and enjoy each others company. She has great kids and all though she may disagree, I always see them obey when she asks them to do something.
I have a funny memory of her and her dedication to all things family. When Jared was called to be in the bishopric we tried to let the family know just incase they would like to come up but figured not many of them would be able to make it because there wasn't much time. He was called at about 9:30 in the morning and our church was at 1:00. We called while Vet and her family were at church so we left a message telling them what was happening. Imagine our suprise when we see Yvette and her five kids walk in to the chapel! They had got home from church, heard the message jumped back in the car and sped to Taylor. And made in less than 2 1/2 hours! I have to mention that they even stopped at the McDonald's drive thru in Payson along the way.
One last thing I will mention (but there are so many more!) is how helpful she is. She is always there if you need any kind of help at all. I have called her with some ridiculous questions (see Mom, it's not just you!) and she is always there and always has an answer!
The other woman that shares the middle name Kay was a young woman's leader that I had when I was younger. Her name was Wendy Nichols. She was always so much fun and loved being with the young women of the ward. I remember one time she called me at home while she was at work to ask me a question but our conversation didn't stop there. She talked and talked to me about this and that. I have always remember that. She made me feel so important. But, the thing was is that she really did care!
Wendy had a great personality. She was super bubbly and always lots of fun. I remember being at a New Years Eve party with her. Our Young Woman's President (a shout out to you, Laurie!) had a party and there were tons of us kids there as well as some of our adult leaders/friends. I can't call them just "leaders" because they were all seriously our friends. Wendy was one of them. I think while we were there we wrote down our resolutions. I wonder what Wendy's were.
Wendy had a hard time becoming pregnant but was eventually successful after many years. I was a Sr. in high school when that happened. Unfortunately, due to complications from toxemia, Wendy died while pregnant. They were still able to deliver her daughter who survived and happens to look just like her!
Both of those women are so admirable. I hope Addie knows what she has to live up to!
Now, onto Kimber. It's kind of a different story but it still has a remarkable woman behind it.
Jared is into guns. In fact he is getting a new one today but he doesn't know it yet. (It's his birthday and it just happens to be a Kimber!) He likes to go down to the gun shop and browse...er dream. One day he brought home a Kimber catalog and when I picked it up I thought that Kimber would be a pretty good name for a girl. But then it dawned on me, it would be the perfect name because I know someone with the name Kimberly that is the perfect person to name a child after.
(Since all of my pictures are still MIA I had to snake this one from another source. The girls and I met up with Kim for lunch when Kimber was a few months old and I was able to snap some super cute ones of them together. But, this beauty will have to do for now.)During my days at Anasazi, I worked with one of the greatest people I have ever known. Kimberly, or Kim or Kimmy Nuzman, anyway you want to say it, is one of the smartest, strongest, funniest, most charismatic women I know. She has such a wonderful personality that you just can't help but love her once you meet her.
First of all, Kim is beautiful inside and out. She also has the most perfectly groomed eyebrows of anyone I have ever known. She is always dressed so snazzy. She has an eye for colors and things that don't just "match", but "go." That is a true talent and one that I hope to master someday.
Her office at Anasazi was so calming as well, but that is just the way she is. She is so professional but so witty. We spent countless hours (okay, that may be a bit of an exaggeration) reciting movie lines, which is ironic since I hate watching movies. But this is not an exaggeration; we did spend countless hours laughing at ourselves, others and funny situations.
One of the most important things that I admire about Kim is that she is truly genuine. She always keeps her word and means what she says. She is such a wonderful and true friend. She is always thoughtful. In fact I have a little note she wrote me while I was on her team at work that I read frequently to remind me of her and to make myself feel better when I might be feeling a little down.
Kimber's middle name is Ramsay. (Pronounced Ram-sey). We couldn't find the right middle name for her but while sitting in the hospital I said to Jared "what about Ramsay?" We said it a few times and it stuck.
His Granny Hatch's maiden name was Ramsay but after her marriage it became her middle name. She was also a strong woman. I didn't get to know Granny very well while she was alive, but since I have lived in her house for the last 5+ years I think I am getting a pretty good idea of who she was and what she was all about. I'm pretty sure that Kimber is living up to that name. Granny didn't mince words nor did she care what anyone thought. She said it like it was and what she said went. She also loved her kids and was very proud of her grand kids.
Shortly after we moved into this house I had gone somewhere with some of Jared's cousins. After Lynelle dropped me off I started to walk to the back door when I noticed a white Chihuahua on the lawn. I was totally thrown off guard! It ran away and I lost view of it as it went around the side of the house. After I got to the side I couldn't see the dog anywhere! It was gone! I looked up and down the sidewalk, across the street and around the parameter of the whole house but I couldn't see it anywhere! I have always joked that it was probably Granny coming to check in on me and how I was treating her house. The color white was fitting and if she was going to come back as anything it would be a Chihuahua! She just had that personality. The family will understand!
I know this doesn't do justice to the women I have mentioned here but I hope it gives you an idea of how important they are to me. I also hope it helps my girls realize that they have a lot to live up to. If they turn out anything like the women they are named after then I know they will be okay.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Avoiding a call from CPS
There are not a lot of things Kimber is afraid. Well, she is terrified of her Uncle Michael and still hesitates to let Auntie Vet hold her, but other than that she is pretty fearless. She climbs on top of everything. I have found her on the counter playing with the knives. She isn't afraid to get threatened that I am going to leave her behind at the store. That never works. I could go on.
I try to keep up with her in order to avoid any serious harm but the other night she was faster than me.
I had been in her room and when I walked into the kitchen I saw a kitchen chair pushed up to the stove. The microwave light was on and the fan was going full blast. And to my horror the oven was on! Thankfully it wasn't the stove! Needless to say, the knobs have found a new home.
It reminds me of my little brother Judd. When he was about 3 years old, he snuck a knife from the kitchen, crawled under the trampoline, stabbed it and dragged the knife all the way across. It was a while before we had a trampoline again.
Please tell me that is not what I am in store for.
I try to keep up with her in order to avoid any serious harm but the other night she was faster than me.
I had been in her room and when I walked into the kitchen I saw a kitchen chair pushed up to the stove. The microwave light was on and the fan was going full blast. And to my horror the oven was on! Thankfully it wasn't the stove! Needless to say, the knobs have found a new home.
It reminds me of my little brother Judd. When he was about 3 years old, he snuck a knife from the kitchen, crawled under the trampoline, stabbed it and dragged the knife all the way across. It was a while before we had a trampoline again.
Please tell me that is not what I am in store for.
Avoiding a call from CPS
There are not a lot of things Kimber is afraid. Well, she is terrified of her Uncle Michael and still hesitates to let Auntie Vet hold her, but other than that she is pretty fearless. She climbs on top of everything. I have found her on the counter playing with the knives. She isn't afraid to get threatened that I am going to leave her behind at the store. That never works. I could go on.
I try to keep up with her in order to avoid any serious harm but the other night she was faster than me.
I had been in her room and when I walked into the kitchen I saw a kitchen chair pushed up to the stove. The microwave light was on and the fan was going full blast. And to my horror the oven was on! Thankfully it wasn't the stove! Needless to say, the knobs have found a new home.
It reminds me of my little brother Judd. When he was about 3 years old, he snuck a knife from the kitchen, crawled under the trampoline, stabbed it and dragged the knife all the way across. It was a while before we had a trampoline again.
Please tell me that is not what I am in store for.
I try to keep up with her in order to avoid any serious harm but the other night she was faster than me.
I had been in her room and when I walked into the kitchen I saw a kitchen chair pushed up to the stove. The microwave light was on and the fan was going full blast. And to my horror the oven was on! Thankfully it wasn't the stove! Needless to say, the knobs have found a new home.
It reminds me of my little brother Judd. When he was about 3 years old, he snuck a knife from the kitchen, crawled under the trampoline, stabbed it and dragged the knife all the way across. It was a while before we had a trampoline again.
Please tell me that is not what I am in store for.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Helping Hands
I always get my girls help me cook and they love it. Kimber is still learning but still enjoys being a part of the action. Yesterday I let her work on the cucumber with a butter knife.
I usually leave the salad making up to Addie. She loves to cut things so it's the perfect job for her.
Even though my tomatoes might get man-handled
and my cucumbers pieces might all be a different size, 
I never say a word. I just tell her that it's the yummiest salad I have ever seen.
That only lasted a few jabs before I confiscated the knife and replaced it with a spoon and a Jell-o.
I usually leave the salad making up to Addie. She loves to cut things so it's the perfect job for her.Even though my tomatoes might get man-handled
and my cucumbers pieces might all be a different size, I never say a word. I just tell her that it's the yummiest salad I have ever seen. After she was all done she said, "Mom, does this salad look cute?" Cute might not be the right word to most people, but to me it is.
(Please pardon the look on her face. Kinda creepy.)
Helping Hands
I always get my girls help me cook and they love it. Kimber is still learning but still enjoys being a part of the action. Yesterday I let her work on the cucumber with a butter knife. I usually leave the salad making up to Addie. She loves to cut things so it's the perfect job for her.
Even though my tomatoes might get man-handled
and my cucumbers pieces might all be a different size, I never say a word. I just tell her that it's the yummiest salad I have ever seen.
That only lasted a few jabs before I confiscated the knife and replaced it with a spoon and a Jell-o.
I usually leave the salad making up to Addie. She loves to cut things so it's the perfect job for her.Even though my tomatoes might get man-handled
and my cucumbers pieces might all be a different size, I never say a word. I just tell her that it's the yummiest salad I have ever seen. After she was all done she said, "Mom, does this salad look cute?" Cute might not be the right word to most people, but to me it is.
(Please pardon the look on her face. Kinda creepy.)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
I can't believe I am about to do this
Yesterday was my good friend, Monica's birthday. It got me thinking about how long we have known each other and about all of the good times we have had. We've been good friends since I was about 12 and she was 13, although we've known each other longer than that.
Now, to show her how much I love her, I am going to embarrass myself just as much as I am going to embarrass her. For every incriminating picture of her, there will be one of me.
This is when were helping our "triplet" pick out her wedding dress. While Gina had the store owner distracted, we took over. So stupid. 
We have done some insane things, funny things, wild things, stupid things... you name it, we've done it. We would say that we were "Partners In Crime" and I'm pretty sure that phrase was appropriate. We also claimed to have telepathic abilities. One time she "sent" the name of a certain person to me to show our other friends that we could do it. Thankfully they didn't catch on that she more or less gave me enough hints to guess it and get it right. But we fooled them. I also can't tell you how many times we have watched "The Sandlot" or how many times we watched Oprah (back when she was more appropriate) over the phone. Or how many times we would be on the phone with each other, put in the same movie and get our VCR's to play both movies simultaniously. Those were the days.
Now, to show her how much I love her, I am going to embarrass myself just as much as I am going to embarrass her. For every incriminating picture of her, there will be one of me.
Now to prove our insanity.
I don't even remember the story behind this. Thank goodness.
This is when were helping our "triplet" pick out her wedding dress. While Gina had the store owner distracted, we took over. So stupid. This is what I can't believe I am doing, I can't believe I am about to share the following pictures. I'm pretty sure we promised each other we would put these in a vault and bury them in the center of the earth. Sorry Monica, I didn't keep my promise.
I'm not sure which is worse, my outfit, my shoes or the fact that we even agreed on these poses! We split these proofs and I believe there is also one out there where we are on the phone with each other. That was probably very appropriate. But honestly, did we not have the good sense to tell the photographer to get a clue!?
There are many more where those came from but I'm stopping here. I can't bear it anymore. The rest of the pictures (and including the originals of the ones used here) will now go into that vault I should have invested in a long time ago.
Now I know that it looks like all we did was goof around but we had also had many cherished moments. She has been a true friend and one that I know is always there. In many of my darkest, saddest or loneliest moments, she has been there. For example, at Marlene's visitation to my complete and utter surprise, in walked Monica. She was just there to give me a hug and see me for a quick minute, but that minute proved our friendship.
I love ya, Monica! And Happy Belated Birthday!
I can't believe I am about to do this
Yesterday was my good friend, Monica's birthday. It got me thinking about how long we have known each other and about all of the good times we have had. We've been good friends since I was about 12 and she was 13, although we've known each other longer than that.
Now, to show her how much I love her, I am going to embarrass myself just as much as I am going to embarrass her. For every incriminating picture of her, there will be one of me.
This is when were helping our "triplet" pick out her wedding dress. While Gina had the store owner distracted, we took over. So stupid.
We have done some insane things, funny things, wild things, stupid things... you name it, we've done it. We would say that we were "Partners In Crime" and I'm pretty sure that phrase was appropriate. We also claimed to have telepathic abilities. One time she "sent" the name of a certain person to me to show our other friends that we could do it. Thankfully they didn't catch on that she more or less gave me enough hints to guess it and get it right. But we fooled them. I also can't tell you how many times we have watched "The Sandlot" or how many times we watched Oprah (back when she was more appropriate) over the phone. Or how many times we would be on the phone with each other, put in the same movie and get our VCR's to play both movies simultaniously. Those were the days.
Now, to show her how much I love her, I am going to embarrass myself just as much as I am going to embarrass her. For every incriminating picture of her, there will be one of me.
Now to prove our insanity.
I don't even remember the story behind this. Thank goodness.
This is when were helping our "triplet" pick out her wedding dress. While Gina had the store owner distracted, we took over. So stupid. This is what I can't believe I am doing, I can't believe I am about to share the following pictures. I'm pretty sure we promised each other we would put these in a vault and bury them in the center of the earth. Sorry Monica, I didn't keep my promise.
I'm not sure which is worse, my outfit, my shoes or the fact that we even agreed on these poses! We split these proofs and I believe there is also one out there where we are on the phone with each other. That was probably very appropriate. But honestly, did we not have the good sense to tell the photographer to get a clue!?
There are many more where those came from but I'm stopping here. I can't bear it anymore. The rest of the pictures (and including the originals of the ones used here) will now go into that vault I should have invested in a long time ago.
Now I know that it looks like all we did was goof around but we had also had many cherished moments. She has been a true friend and one that I know is always there. In many of my darkest, saddest or loneliest moments, she has been there. For example, at Marlene's visitation to my complete and utter surprise, in walked Monica. She was just there to give me a hug and see me for a quick minute, but that minute proved our friendship.
I love ya, Monica! And Happy Belated Birthday!
One Last Christmas
If you attended the funeral, then you have heard this letter, but since I don't want to forget any of it, I'm documenting it here. Though Marlene's last few days were rough, the Lord still blessed us in ways that will never be forgotten. Tender mercies that meant so much to the family.
This is a letter written to the family from a Hospice of the Valley Massage Therapist. (I hope that the family doesn't mind me sharing this.)
A Real Christmas Gift
Deb Bursell
December 22, 2008
I gave her a massage today. She is very sick from ovarian cancer and actually at the very end of her fight. The sun has set so the room is dark except for a small dim light that is on, the music is still playing soft and soothing. I look at her in her bed and notice how peaceful she looks even with those sunken dark eyes and bald head. I start to put my things in my bag when she speaks up, "Merry Christmas to you" Awkwardly I say "Merry Christmas to you, " I reach out and touch her hairless head. I admit I'm at a loss of what to say. "Well as merry as it can be" She starts to cry as she says. "I just want to experience Christmas one more time, I want just once more to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child, because of His birth I will be able to experience the resurrection." I lost my breath with those words and nearly fell to my knees. I waited for a minute as I tried to grasp the power of her words. It was a real Christmas gift. All I could say in reply was Thank you.
And we did get to experience Christmas with her one more time. Christmas was her favorite holiday and her favorite time of year. She put so much time and energy into it. You should have seen how she wrapped. Oh, my goodness! I told her so many times that people would pay her a lot of money if she would wrap their presents. She wrapped everything, no matter the size, teeny tiny or huge! I wish I had a picture to prove it. Every year her living room was filled with gifts. And by filled, I mean FILLED!
She was very into traditions. She was that way all year long, but especially at Christmastime. On Christmas Eve we would light the driveway with luminarias, she called it Santa's Runway. On Christmas Day we had the same meal every year; ham and turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, fruit salad, shrimp cocktail, brocolli and homemade cheese sauce, homemade stuffing and more.
She loved watching the kids get excited and open their gifts. Every single gift was bought with purpose and meaning. She knew each of her kids and grand kids so well and always made sure they got gifts that were just right for them, whether it was jewelry, art sets, books or whatever.
But that last Christmas morning I will never forget. I will never forget walking in the door and seeing her sitting up on the couch, waiting for the grand kids. She looked bright, I don't know how else to explain it. She had a glow about her. It was her day! She raised her head to look at me and said "Merry Christmas!" I said the same and gave her a hug. It was the beginning of a great day.
Her sister, Kathi, bought her a new outfit for Christmas. It was a red velour outfit. It was bright and just right for Christmas. I couldn't get over how good it made her look and I made sure she knew it. A day or two after her death I was cleaning her room and while making the bed I saw the red outfit. None of her other clothes affected me when I saw them, but when I saw that red outfit it truly made me miss her. Maybe because it symbolized the end of something so wonderful; Christmas with Marlene.
I will be forever grateful that we were blessed to have that last Christmas with her. There was so much joy and love that day. I know it will never be the same, but thanks to her we have wonderful traditions to carry on with our families.
This is a letter written to the family from a Hospice of the Valley Massage Therapist. (I hope that the family doesn't mind me sharing this.)
A Real Christmas Gift
Deb Bursell
December 22, 2008
I gave her a massage today. She is very sick from ovarian cancer and actually at the very end of her fight. The sun has set so the room is dark except for a small dim light that is on, the music is still playing soft and soothing. I look at her in her bed and notice how peaceful she looks even with those sunken dark eyes and bald head. I start to put my things in my bag when she speaks up, "Merry Christmas to you" Awkwardly I say "Merry Christmas to you, " I reach out and touch her hairless head. I admit I'm at a loss of what to say. "Well as merry as it can be" She starts to cry as she says. "I just want to experience Christmas one more time, I want just once more to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child, because of His birth I will be able to experience the resurrection." I lost my breath with those words and nearly fell to my knees. I waited for a minute as I tried to grasp the power of her words. It was a real Christmas gift. All I could say in reply was Thank you.
And we did get to experience Christmas with her one more time. Christmas was her favorite holiday and her favorite time of year. She put so much time and energy into it. You should have seen how she wrapped. Oh, my goodness! I told her so many times that people would pay her a lot of money if she would wrap their presents. She wrapped everything, no matter the size, teeny tiny or huge! I wish I had a picture to prove it. Every year her living room was filled with gifts. And by filled, I mean FILLED!
She was very into traditions. She was that way all year long, but especially at Christmastime. On Christmas Eve we would light the driveway with luminarias, she called it Santa's Runway. On Christmas Day we had the same meal every year; ham and turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, fruit salad, shrimp cocktail, brocolli and homemade cheese sauce, homemade stuffing and more.
She loved watching the kids get excited and open their gifts. Every single gift was bought with purpose and meaning. She knew each of her kids and grand kids so well and always made sure they got gifts that were just right for them, whether it was jewelry, art sets, books or whatever.
But that last Christmas morning I will never forget. I will never forget walking in the door and seeing her sitting up on the couch, waiting for the grand kids. She looked bright, I don't know how else to explain it. She had a glow about her. It was her day! She raised her head to look at me and said "Merry Christmas!" I said the same and gave her a hug. It was the beginning of a great day.
(It's strange but she made that face a lot in her last few weeks. Maybe I never noticed it before.)
Her sister, Kathi, bought her a new outfit for Christmas. It was a red velour outfit. It was bright and just right for Christmas. I couldn't get over how good it made her look and I made sure she knew it. A day or two after her death I was cleaning her room and while making the bed I saw the red outfit. None of her other clothes affected me when I saw them, but when I saw that red outfit it truly made me miss her. Maybe because it symbolized the end of something so wonderful; Christmas with Marlene.
I will be forever grateful that we were blessed to have that last Christmas with her. There was so much joy and love that day. I know it will never be the same, but thanks to her we have wonderful traditions to carry on with our families.
One Last Christmas
If you attended the funeral, then you have heard this letter, but since I don't want to forget any of it, I'm documenting it here. Though Marlene's last few days were rough, the Lord still blessed us in ways that will never be forgotten. Tender mercies that meant so much to the family.
This is a letter written to the family from a Hospice of the Valley Massage Therapist. (I hope that the family doesn't mind me sharing this.)
A Real Christmas Gift
Deb Bursell
December 22, 2008
I gave her a massage today. She is very sick from ovarian cancer and actually at the very end of her fight. The sun has set so the room is dark except for a small dim light that is on, the music is still playing soft and soothing. I look at her in her bed and notice how peaceful she looks even with those sunken dark eyes and bald head. I start to put my things in my bag when she speaks up, "Merry Christmas to you" Awkwardly I say "Merry Christmas to you, " I reach out and touch her hairless head. I admit I'm at a loss of what to say. "Well as merry as it can be" She starts to cry as she says. "I just want to experience Christmas one more time, I want just once more to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child, because of His birth I will be able to experience the resurrection." I lost my breath with those words and nearly fell to my knees. I waited for a minute as I tried to grasp the power of her words. It was a real Christmas gift. All I could say in reply was Thank you.
And we did get to experience Christmas with her one more time. Christmas was her favorite holiday and her favorite time of year. She put so much time and energy into it. You should have seen how she wrapped. Oh, my goodness! I told her so many times that people would pay her a lot of money if she would wrap their presents. She wrapped everything, no matter the size, teeny tiny or huge! I wish I had a picture to prove it. Every year her living room was filled with gifts. And by filled, I mean FILLED!
She was very into traditions. She was that way all year long, but especially at Christmastime. On Christmas Eve we would light the driveway with luminarias, she called it Santa's Runway. On Christmas Day we had the same meal every year; ham and turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, fruit salad, shrimp cocktail, brocolli and homemade cheese sauce, homemade stuffing and more.
She loved watching the kids get excited and open their gifts. Every single gift was bought with purpose and meaning. She knew each of her kids and grand kids so well and always made sure they got gifts that were just right for them, whether it was jewelry, art sets, books or whatever.
But that last Christmas morning I will never forget. I will never forget walking in the door and seeing her sitting up on the couch, waiting for the grand kids. She looked bright, I don't know how else to explain it. She had a glow about her. It was her day! She raised her head to look at me and said "Merry Christmas!" I said the same and gave her a hug. It was the beginning of a great day.
Her sister, Kathi, bought her a new outfit for Christmas. It was a red velour outfit. It was bright and just right for Christmas. I couldn't get over how good it made her look and I made sure she knew it. A day or two after her death I was cleaning her room and while making the bed I saw the red outfit. None of her other clothes affected me when I saw them, but when I saw that red outfit it truly made me miss her. Maybe because it symbolized the end of something so wonderful; Christmas with Marlene.
I will be forever grateful that we were blessed to have that last Christmas with her. There was so much joy and love that day. I know it will never be the same, but thanks to her we have wonderful traditions to carry on with our families.
This is a letter written to the family from a Hospice of the Valley Massage Therapist. (I hope that the family doesn't mind me sharing this.)
A Real Christmas Gift
Deb Bursell
December 22, 2008
I gave her a massage today. She is very sick from ovarian cancer and actually at the very end of her fight. The sun has set so the room is dark except for a small dim light that is on, the music is still playing soft and soothing. I look at her in her bed and notice how peaceful she looks even with those sunken dark eyes and bald head. I start to put my things in my bag when she speaks up, "Merry Christmas to you" Awkwardly I say "Merry Christmas to you, " I reach out and touch her hairless head. I admit I'm at a loss of what to say. "Well as merry as it can be" She starts to cry as she says. "I just want to experience Christmas one more time, I want just once more to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child, because of His birth I will be able to experience the resurrection." I lost my breath with those words and nearly fell to my knees. I waited for a minute as I tried to grasp the power of her words. It was a real Christmas gift. All I could say in reply was Thank you.
And we did get to experience Christmas with her one more time. Christmas was her favorite holiday and her favorite time of year. She put so much time and energy into it. You should have seen how she wrapped. Oh, my goodness! I told her so many times that people would pay her a lot of money if she would wrap their presents. She wrapped everything, no matter the size, teeny tiny or huge! I wish I had a picture to prove it. Every year her living room was filled with gifts. And by filled, I mean FILLED!
She was very into traditions. She was that way all year long, but especially at Christmastime. On Christmas Eve we would light the driveway with luminarias, she called it Santa's Runway. On Christmas Day we had the same meal every year; ham and turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, fruit salad, shrimp cocktail, brocolli and homemade cheese sauce, homemade stuffing and more.
She loved watching the kids get excited and open their gifts. Every single gift was bought with purpose and meaning. She knew each of her kids and grand kids so well and always made sure they got gifts that were just right for them, whether it was jewelry, art sets, books or whatever.
But that last Christmas morning I will never forget. I will never forget walking in the door and seeing her sitting up on the couch, waiting for the grand kids. She looked bright, I don't know how else to explain it. She had a glow about her. It was her day! She raised her head to look at me and said "Merry Christmas!" I said the same and gave her a hug. It was the beginning of a great day.
(It's strange but she made that face a lot in her last few weeks. Maybe I never noticed it before.)
Her sister, Kathi, bought her a new outfit for Christmas. It was a red velour outfit. It was bright and just right for Christmas. I couldn't get over how good it made her look and I made sure she knew it. A day or two after her death I was cleaning her room and while making the bed I saw the red outfit. None of her other clothes affected me when I saw them, but when I saw that red outfit it truly made me miss her. Maybe because it symbolized the end of something so wonderful; Christmas with Marlene.
I will be forever grateful that we were blessed to have that last Christmas with her. There was so much joy and love that day. I know it will never be the same, but thanks to her we have wonderful traditions to carry on with our families.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Our Greatest Tools
One of my favorite memories created in the last few weeks was holding Marlene's hands. I don't think I will ever forget how they felt were or how soft they were. So many times all she wanted was someone to hold her hand.
One memory in particular sticks out in my mind. Her good friend, Pat Despain had come from Heber to see her. She wasn't able to stay as long as she would have liked, but they had a good visit. When Pat was done Jared walked her to the door and I went to sit by Marlene when I saw she had tears gently rolling down her face. I grabbed some tissues and wiped her tears. Marlene asked me to sit with her and hold her hand. I'm not sure how long I was there but I know it was for a while. I remember her telling me how much she loved me, as she always did, but even more so in the last few weeks. I told her that I loved her so very much as well. Her reply surprised me. She said, "sometimes I don't think I deserve it." I said, "no, no, no. Don't say that." I can't remember what I said after that but I am sure I tried to reassure her that she was worthy of it. How could she not be?
Another memory happened after we had taken her to the Hospice House. It was the Sunday before she died. She was pretty much gone. It was me, Jared and his older Burt and maybe even his sister, Yvette in the room. I was sitting on Marlene's bed holding her hands in mine when I decided to speak up and talk to her, thinking there was a chance she would hear me.
I said, "Marlene, think of all the things you have done with your hands. All of the roses bushes you have planted, all of the babies you have held, every meal you have made, every tear you have wiped, every kind note you have written to a friend, every phone number you have dialed to call and check on a friend or to check on us, every present you have wrapped." Then Burt and Jared chimed in with some of their memories like playing catch and things such as that. I wish I could remember the whole list. I then told her they had been her greatest tools and that they had served their purpose. I remember holding them to my face and kissing them.
It got me thinking about what I am doing with my hands. Who am I serving? What do they get done through out the day? Do they ever get to do anything fun? Do I take care of them as if they were my greatest tools?
Just another life lesson I hope will make me a better person and that I never forget.
One memory in particular sticks out in my mind. Her good friend, Pat Despain had come from Heber to see her. She wasn't able to stay as long as she would have liked, but they had a good visit. When Pat was done Jared walked her to the door and I went to sit by Marlene when I saw she had tears gently rolling down her face. I grabbed some tissues and wiped her tears. Marlene asked me to sit with her and hold her hand. I'm not sure how long I was there but I know it was for a while. I remember her telling me how much she loved me, as she always did, but even more so in the last few weeks. I told her that I loved her so very much as well. Her reply surprised me. She said, "sometimes I don't think I deserve it." I said, "no, no, no. Don't say that." I can't remember what I said after that but I am sure I tried to reassure her that she was worthy of it. How could she not be?
Another memory happened after we had taken her to the Hospice House. It was the Sunday before she died. She was pretty much gone. It was me, Jared and his older Burt and maybe even his sister, Yvette in the room. I was sitting on Marlene's bed holding her hands in mine when I decided to speak up and talk to her, thinking there was a chance she would hear me.
I said, "Marlene, think of all the things you have done with your hands. All of the roses bushes you have planted, all of the babies you have held, every meal you have made, every tear you have wiped, every kind note you have written to a friend, every phone number you have dialed to call and check on a friend or to check on us, every present you have wrapped." Then Burt and Jared chimed in with some of their memories like playing catch and things such as that. I wish I could remember the whole list. I then told her they had been her greatest tools and that they had served their purpose. I remember holding them to my face and kissing them.
It got me thinking about what I am doing with my hands. Who am I serving? What do they get done through out the day? Do they ever get to do anything fun? Do I take care of them as if they were my greatest tools?
Just another life lesson I hope will make me a better person and that I never forget.
Our Greatest Tools
One of my favorite memories created in the last few weeks was holding Marlene's hands. I don't think I will ever forget how they felt were or how soft they were. So many times all she wanted was someone to hold her hand.
One memory in particular sticks out in my mind. Her good friend, Pat Despain had come from Heber to see her. She wasn't able to stay as long as she would have liked, but they had a good visit. When Pat was done Jared walked her to the door and I went to sit by Marlene when I saw she had tears gently rolling down her face. I grabbed some tissues and wiped her tears. Marlene asked me to sit with her and hold her hand. I'm not sure how long I was there but I know it was for a while. I remember her telling me how much she loved me, as she always did, but even more so in the last few weeks. I told her that I loved her so very much as well. Her reply surprised me. She said, "sometimes I don't think I deserve it." I said, "no, no, no. Don't say that." I can't remember what I said after that but I am sure I tried to reassure her that she was worthy of it. How could she not be?
Another memory happened after we had taken her to the Hospice House. It was the Sunday before she died. She was pretty much gone. It was me, Jared and his older Burt and maybe even his sister, Yvette in the room. I was sitting on Marlene's bed holding her hands in mine when I decided to speak up and talk to her, thinking there was a chance she would hear me.
I said, "Marlene, think of all the things you have done with your hands. All of the roses bushes you have planted, all of the babies you have held, every meal you have made, every tear you have wiped, every kind note you have written to a friend, every phone number you have dialed to call and check on a friend or to check on us, every present you have wrapped." Then Burt and Jared chimed in with some of their memories like playing catch and things such as that. I wish I could remember the whole list. I then told her they had been her greatest tools and that they had served their purpose. I remember holding them to my face and kissing them.
It got me thinking about what I am doing with my hands. Who am I serving? What do they get done through out the day? Do they ever get to do anything fun? Do I take care of them as if they were my greatest tools?
Just another life lesson I hope will make me a better person and that I never forget.
One memory in particular sticks out in my mind. Her good friend, Pat Despain had come from Heber to see her. She wasn't able to stay as long as she would have liked, but they had a good visit. When Pat was done Jared walked her to the door and I went to sit by Marlene when I saw she had tears gently rolling down her face. I grabbed some tissues and wiped her tears. Marlene asked me to sit with her and hold her hand. I'm not sure how long I was there but I know it was for a while. I remember her telling me how much she loved me, as she always did, but even more so in the last few weeks. I told her that I loved her so very much as well. Her reply surprised me. She said, "sometimes I don't think I deserve it." I said, "no, no, no. Don't say that." I can't remember what I said after that but I am sure I tried to reassure her that she was worthy of it. How could she not be?
Another memory happened after we had taken her to the Hospice House. It was the Sunday before she died. She was pretty much gone. It was me, Jared and his older Burt and maybe even his sister, Yvette in the room. I was sitting on Marlene's bed holding her hands in mine when I decided to speak up and talk to her, thinking there was a chance she would hear me.
I said, "Marlene, think of all the things you have done with your hands. All of the roses bushes you have planted, all of the babies you have held, every meal you have made, every tear you have wiped, every kind note you have written to a friend, every phone number you have dialed to call and check on a friend or to check on us, every present you have wrapped." Then Burt and Jared chimed in with some of their memories like playing catch and things such as that. I wish I could remember the whole list. I then told her they had been her greatest tools and that they had served their purpose. I remember holding them to my face and kissing them.
It got me thinking about what I am doing with my hands. Who am I serving? What do they get done through out the day? Do they ever get to do anything fun? Do I take care of them as if they were my greatest tools?
Just another life lesson I hope will make me a better person and that I never forget.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Warning! If coffins are not your thing then don't read this!
I know that I keep posting about my time in the Valley and about my Mother in law's death, but I want to document these things so that our family can remember. Plus, I want to do it while it is still fresh on my mind.
Believe it or not, Jared and his brothers (with some help from their cousin) made this.
They said that their Mom's proudest moment would have been when they walked into JoAnn Fabric's to pick out the lining. They are probably right!
It took about 100 man hours to complete and they did it in two days.
Jared said that is was such a pretty thing to put in the ground and cover with dirt, but that his Mom didn't deserve anything else but the very best.
Jared said that is was such a pretty thing to put in the ground and cover with dirt, but that his Mom didn't deserve anything else but the very best. 
Every single piece was made by hand, with the exception of the hinge of course.
Not that it really makes a difference, but it is really cushy and comfy! I pressed on it with my hand but Jared actually got it in and closed the lid. That's where I draw the line!
Warning! If coffins are not your thing then don't read this!
I know that I keep posting about my time in the Valley and about my Mother in law's death, but I want to document these things so that our family can remember. Plus, I want to do it while it is still fresh on my mind.
Believe it or not, Jared and his brothers (with some help from their cousin) made this.
They said that their Mom's proudest moment would have been when they walked into JoAnn Fabric's to pick out the lining. They are probably right!
It took about 100 man hours to complete and they did it in two days.Jared said that is was such a pretty thing to put in the ground and cover with dirt, but that his Mom didn't deserve anything else but the very best.
Jared said that is was such a pretty thing to put in the ground and cover with dirt, but that his Mom didn't deserve anything else but the very best. Every single piece was made by hand, with the exception of the hinge of course.Not that it really makes a difference, but it is really cushy and comfy! I pressed on it with my hand but Jared actually got it in and closed the lid. That's where I draw the line!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Our first white Christmas
...partly because we are never home on Christmas Day.
(Please note that since Jared is out numbered 3 to 1, all of his presents were wrapped in bright pink Hannah Montana and baby blue Disney Princess wrapping paper. Poor guy. He needs a son.)
(Please note that since Jared is out numbered 3 to 1, all of his presents were wrapped in bright pink Hannah Montana and baby blue Disney Princess wrapping paper. Poor guy. He needs a son.)We finally got one! It might have been January 4th, but it was still a White Christmas for us! Since we weren't sure how long we were going to be in the Valley with Marlene, we decided to leave all of our presents at home and just celebrate when we returned. I am so glad we did it that way! My girls deserved it! They were such troopers over the 3 weeks we were there that they deserved a reward. I have to admit that it wasn't easy trying to tell Addie that Santa would be coming once more (he always stops at Grandma Hatch's house, too) since she was so good while we were away. I had a really hard time putting all of the presents under the tree and trying to tell myself that it would be fun to do it all over again. But when Addie came in my room to wake me up and let me know that Santa came and put a bunch of presents under the tree, it was totally worth it. She got some new hair clips in her stocking and when she opened them she screamed "ahhhh! clips!" And it was like that with every present.
Even Kimber got excited. 
She loved her new jammies and had to try them on right away.
Even Kimber got excited. She loved her new jammies and had to try them on right away.This picture makes me laugh. She got a set of twins and was so excited! But if you know Kimber at all, you know she isn't very gentle. Here she is beating them with Addie's rolling pin from the cooking set she got.
Here are our stockings. Marlene made them and kept them at her house, but requested that we take them home after this Christmas. Each year she fills them for every person in the family (that does not including the presents she buys for each person that won't fit inside). She made around 30 of these! They are done completely by hand and each one takes between 80-100 hours to complete. In 2002 she had four to complete. That was huge year for her, 2 new grandkids, 2 new daughters in law, a new high school to move into (she was the registar at Queen Creek High School for 12 years) and so much more. I don't know how she did it!
Each son or daughter in law got to pick their own and then each mom picks one out for their new baby. Now it's all up to us girls to keep the tradition going.
Addie's was done while Marlene was undergoing Chemo. Many times she would take it with her and work on it while the Chemo was being administered.
Kimber's was done while Marlene was undergoing Chemo as well. One of the side effects that came with that round was neuropathy, meaning she had no feeling in her fingertips.
Take a closer look at the detail. Every single peice is cut out of felt and sewn on. It is truly a labor of love!
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