The chocolate birdhouse

2010-12-20T07:36:00.000-08:00

We hope you all have very lovely Christmas! We are doing great and just enjoying each other for the holidays.
We are so grateful for the greatest gift of all our Savior.

CELEBRATE

2010-08-23T14:54:00.000-07:00

YES!!!!! My bone marrow is clear!!!!!!! Tomorrow will be my last Chemo for now ...YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will go back in 3 months for a check up, I have been so blessed! Now to get on with family,Chelsie's wedding, a certain little boys baptism, Geneology,and oh so much more! Yay! Celebration!!

Blessings

2010-08-05T23:15:00.000-07:00

Here is a little picture of sweet Adeline (she loves the pools) We are so glad you are ok sweetheart! Adeline was in the hospital with a" mystery illness" The doctors never decided why she was in pain and vomiting ....... But after a day in the emergency room, and a nights stay in the hospital , she is doing very well, and back to normal! We love you Addie.

As for the tests , well... there is still a bit of cancerous lymph nodes under my arm.....at least the rest appears to have diminished ...RIGHT???? So.... I had another treatment of lovely Chemo on Tuesday, and will have another one on the 24th of this month....yay! .... I haven't gotten the results of my bone marrow biopsy yet ...so...keep your fingers crossed. ( those bone marrow biopsies are real interesting by the way, I nearly jumped off the table this time!)
I feel like the summer is slipping away from me so fast! Kind of like trying to hold water in my hands..... So , of course like usual, I am trying to capture it on film.....So I have many more pictures to share! (coming soon)
There is so much to love in life! So much to love and embrace, I have so much I want to do, learn , and accomplish! I am so blessed and I feel really pretty well! I am so grateful for every day!

2010-07-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

Well... it has been quite an experience.... I have really been blessed
I have completed my 6 sessions of Chemo , and today I had my P.E.T.
scan to see if it is gone! I will find out next week at my doctors appointment.....
..................I am praying

Our baby girl is 20!!!!!!!!

2010-04-30T19:44:00.000-07:00

Once again can I just say; WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE!!!!!!!!!!!
it really seems like yesterday that our baby Chelsie was running around making all of us laugh! She has always captured everyone's heart , and was full of hugs and kisses. and now, all grown up! A beautiful young woman!

Sweet spring!

2010-04-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

Well, spring is just gorgeous! I have loved to go out and take a peak at the beautiful blossoms. The rain has really visited us, and brought much needed moisture to our dry climate. So everything is greening up nicely, and turning into a peace of heaven on earth! I am looking forward to planting my seeds , and moving around my Lavenders, and Hollyhocks, and probably sneaking and planting a couple of new rosebushes! The birds have been waking us up every day with their beautiful cheery songs , and I am still trying to zoom in with my cameras and catch a glimpse of their sweet little faces. We have wished for sunnier days..... but the skies have been beautiful as well ,with it's splendorous dark clouds. My treatments have gone remarkably well, and I am so grateful for this. I have had two Chemo treatments so far in intervals of 3 weeks . After which, each time I go in every day for 10 days for my Nupigin shots( they help build my immunities from the chemo tearing it down!) During this time I am not really supposed to go out much, Can't get sick now! I am completely bald , which is a bit uncomfortable, but I have been trying to sport my fancy wigs, and scarves! The little boys do not like the scarves very well.... and the wigs are a little tight , and itchy!

We have had such an out pouring of wonderful deeds by so many beautiful people, " Thank You "so much everyone!!! We love you all! Hopefully I can get this thing into remission and pay you all back some day!!!! I would love to!!!

The big Easter Hunt

2010-04-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a nice Easter! We had a great time getting together with those of our family that could come. We also try to get together for an Easter dinner , and agreat big Easter Egg hunt ! All of our kids,and grandchildren, hunt for eggs , and then they trade them in for fun gifts of candy or toys. It has been something we all look forward to , and is always a fun tradition to carry on. Spring has had a hard time trying to come here, one day 60 degree weather, one day 6 inches of snow ....it has gone back and forth like that, but Easter cooperated well enough , and we were able to go outside for the hunt, and have a great time.

He Lives

2010-04-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

I Know that my Savior lives , and that He loves me. I know that He Knows,and loves each and every one of us.
-----------Lynda Allred

He Lives
(press to watch video)

Or is it CHOCOLATE ?

2010-04-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I had my 1st treatment on Friday...Mar.26. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous ..... One hears so many horrible stories that have to do with chemo..... Does it hurt? Am I going to throw up the whole time? Chemicals that are pumped into your body like "Red devil" can never be too good right?? Marshall came and sat with me, and everyone equipped me with all sorts of expressions of love.....so nice.... Anything from a neck pillow, mp3 player, reading material, cute socks, the list could go on and on ....everyone has been so kind. And of course.......CHOCOLATE....(which, I will have to say I hung on tight to) You know... the song I grew up with was "Just a spoonful of sugar....helps the medicine go down...." So I knew that would take away any pain .....Right?.... I was also pretty nervous because just 2 days before I had surgery to insert into my chest "The Port" ( Which of course my boys decided would turn me into an alien,........... or pod person for sure! Anyway that was still feeling like I was in one of those old cowboy and Indian movies ...and they yanked the arrow out...LEAVING the arrow head of course! But to make a long story longer.... I was there from 9:30 until 5:00 , and didn't throw up once! Of course I felt a little LOOPY but anyone can handle that right? I took all of the medicine like a good girl should.... and I have really been blessed to feel quite well! Starting the next day , I began my 10 days of shots to boost my now "zilch" immune system......(Hmmmmm...I wonder if I can get the Swine flu again?) So see... I can do this thing!!!
Now just patiently awaiting.......the hairloss...

WELL....... and This is pure EYE CANDY..... this also helps!

Laughter is the best medicine...

2010-03-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

They say...laughter is the best medicine! Well my family likes to laugh a lot! Whoever it might be , that is going through some difficult times...well.the rest of us like to think of funny things ...It makes us all laugh, and we are all the better for it !Recently, when we were contemplating the idea of my being bald....eyebrows , eyelashes and all....Chelsie came up with a great idea of my being able to paint eyebrows on according to my mood! Angry eyebrows , sad eyebrows..etc even unibrows!And in looking at wig options ...well, that is a whole new set of options! Go to bed looking like Lucille Ball...wake up and sport something that Doris Day might wear! Could I even venture back to my old 15 year old self with hair I could sit on????????? Well...I hope so!!! After all, I think I looked my best at well...probably 15! Chelsie picked me up some scarves at the mall where she works , and the other girls bought me a real nice wig . In a flattering "rum raisin" Lovely color! We have all tried our hand at fashioning the scarves.... turbon....pirate....genie....russian grandma....we need a little work!
I am so blessed to be surrounded by a large and loving family......many ,friends, and neighbors, and just so many people who care! Thank you all for your love and support, and prayers.

Looking for silver linings.........................

2010-03-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me ... knows I don't like fights , I guess you could say I will usually avoid them at all costs! So this is pretty uncomfortable for me to be in a fight! A fight with cancer!
I have been looking for the silver lining... I think that sometimes we don't see them for a while....the reasons and blessings for every trial we may have to go through. But I feel a calmness , I know that we walk through all of our trials with our Savior , who loves and knows each one of us. I love life , I love my family , and the gospel of Jesus Christ. So I will put on gloves , and begin the fight with cancer ..to the best of my ability , and I know that I am never alone.

2010-03-06T09:41:00.001-08:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

2010-03-06T07:37:00.001-08:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

WOW! WE feel so GREAT ! Could there really be anything wrong with us????????

Eight is GREAT!

2010-02-26T07:03:00.000-08:00

ELIJAH We love you!!!!!!!!!!! You are so adorable!! You have brought so much love and sunshine into our lives!!!!!!! I truly cannot believe how fast you have grown. You are so kind and smart and talented. I am so proud of you!

P.S. My little Chelsie was the fantastic cake decorator!!!!

ROAD TRIP

2010-02-16T22:52:00.000-08:00

Yay! We really did it! We went to see Ike!!!!
We had a great time visiting Ike and Betsey and their cute little family!
I wish I could have just packed the whole family up
What a great place they live in, A darling house, in the beautiful climate of
Northern California! Talk about GREEN Wow! We were really environmentally shocked when we came back home to GRAY! I wish I could do it all over again right now! I miss them all so much!

Grandpa Doug

2010-02-08T11:09:00.000-08:00

I love you dad! It is just too hard for me to put it into words.

we're back!

2010-02-04T07:44:00.000-08:00

Well we are back! We have had a crazy last couple of months.... My adorable dad died, and we miss him desparately. But we are trying to go on , and function.......almost..... So we are here.

Here are some cute pics of my little boys, I have such great kids.

Playing with toys ...(Photoshop)

2009-11-28T23:19:00.000-08:00

Well... One of the funnest inventions of these magical times is "playing with pictures" Who would have ever thought that this would be possible ? "Photo-shop" is just such a great toy!! If I am not careful, I could spend hours playing with this !! And because the imagination is ENDLESS so is this toy! And it is not too hard... My 7 year old can do all of this stuff.... Of course , the boys know way more than me anyway... Pam's birthday was recently and because we didn't take a millionth of the pictures we do now or we wish we had of our childhood, I decided we could concoct some up and that could be just as fun!!! Hence ..anything is possible... ( This is exactly why I don't believe any of the "forwards" I receive with amazing pictures in them!) Who could ever be bored in this new world of ours????

Getting ready for HALLOWEEN!

2009-10-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

Fall is such a beautiful time of year!!! We are officially over the SWINE FLU now over here and have actually survived it all!!! WE are now getting ready for Halloween festivities which is honestly most of my kids favorite holiday! SCARILY enough ! But we try to use the month of October as a reason to do all kinds of fun things!!! We have already painted pumpkins , made cutout cookies ( very messy but a lot of yummy fun!) And we are now in the process of creating Halloween costumes...........Hmmmmmmmm.... I wonder what else we can do?

Don't let summer end!!

2009-08-21T07:14:00.000-07:00

This summer has been great fun , but I just don't want it to end! Every single day has been so busy and especially with the wedding time has gone by way too fast. It seems as though when I was a child the long summer days could go on forever, and we could soak every minute out of it and lay in the hot summer sun forever! Right Pam? We had a great childhood, perfect really. Lakes , and camping, and drive-in movies, and just simply sleeping under the stars. Everything was so simple then. I really am pretty sure that time goes by at the speed of lightening now. I just want it to stop right now so we can relish every minute with the children. They really need to stop growing up. Where is Never Land when you need it?

A Beautiful Wedding

2009-08-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

This one I took while they were dancing at their wedding

Jessica and Aaron photographed by The Color Blue Photography

Jess and Aaron "flying away" Photographed by The Color Blue Photography

Beautiful Jessica Photographed by The Color Blue Photography
Well the wedding is over, it was beautiful and is locked in our memories forever. Our little girl is married, and all grown up. Aaron is a sweetheart and we are happy to welcome him into our family. Jessica looked like the princess from a lovely fairytale , and we hope they live happily ever after!
The wedding was all done in beautiful bright colors , with Chinese lanterns hanging from the trees and streams of brightly colored ribbons. The cake was beautiful , and held together wonderfully even in the extremely hot temperatures ! A little company entitled "A piece a cake" was the artist and baker of that lovely piece of art.
Jessica and Aaron wanted to include everyone so there were several in the wedding party , including 5 little tiny boys and 6 little girls . We're grateful that the weather was beautiful...(always a worry when having an outdoor wedding). Their ceremony was beautiful, with a very sweet bishop who knew them both very well.
Thank you Curtis and Elise for all of your hard work , and the use of your lovely garden home!

Smiles of Summer

2009-07-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

Fun at Annies and a tiny new baby

2009-06-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

A brand new baby

2009-06-27T15:41:00.000-07:00

We are so happy that baby Adeline was brought to this world safe , and sound.
Mommy and baby are doing great! We love her already , and she already belongs and seems so familiar.
What a sweet baby she is , and of course, everyone adores her! She likes to gaze around and watch everyone. She only pouts a little when she is hungry. Annie is such a sweet mommy and her daddy and brother, and sisters just can't get enough of her! Everyone gathers around to talk to her when she is awake, she is such a little blessing.
It will be great to get the family together in August . I just wish I could hug my very large family all at once I love them so much!

Soaking in summer!

2009-06-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

OK so ... I meant soaking and SOAKING!!!!! We have literally had enough rain to live in the rain forest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE have been swimming in our pool once! and went to the city .. pool once. Both days were fairly cool and ended up pouring rain at some point.... We are loving the moisture..but would have rather had it in March????? or april maybe???? ..............I think we need to be playing those little " here comes the sun" music by the Beatles maybe...... Where is that cd.................
On the other hand who needs to drag the hose around and water? No not I... That is a plus right ....not to mention my peas and lettuce and well ..... whatever I want to transplant... It is a great time for that!

Family Roses

2009-06-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

FUN IN THE SUN!!!(well....clouds)

2009-06-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

Zoodle 2009!!!!!

2009-06-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

Aren't they adorable? And Maddie is as pretty as the tropical flower!

Animals and animal prints!

Oh how we love a trip to the zoo!!!! The animals, the fun, the picnic by the zebras, and of course the carousel!

Sunday gathering

2009-05-25T23:07:00.000-07:00

Family Fun!

2009-05-13T00:56:00.000-07:00

April in the ZOO

2009-04-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

Oh how we love the Zoo!!!!! It was a wonderful day...beautiful weather! We had a yummy picnic. The animals were so fun to see! My favorites are the elephants and the giraffes. Well the zebras and the tiger are great fun too. The train ride is always refreshing , but aren't the kids just so adorable???

Happy Birthday Chelsie!!!!!!

2009-04-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

Chelsie!!! I can't believe you are all grown up now!!! 19!! And BEAUTIFUL! We are so very proud of you. We are so blessed to have you. I remember a time many years ago ( you were only 18 months old) when we didn't think you would make it.But thankfully, with many prayers you were finally diagnosed right , and after surgery you healed ...and look at the flower you have blossomed into! We love you Chelsie. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

All together again!!!

2009-04-07T11:20:00.000-07:00

Marshall and I are so lucky!!!! We were able to have all of our kids and their families together Yes!!!!! It was soooo much fun getting reacquainted with our little grandkids! We were finally able to meet little Abe for the first time ! He is already 3 months old!!!!!!!!!! Everyone had a crazy good time. At any given time we had a housefull of kids and grown ups . 9 grand kids and then our two young boys 11 kids!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and then our grown up kids and spouses and boyfriends ....Our house was full of blessings!!!

A Passion for Children's books

2009-03-25T08:20:00.000-07:00

So... Have I ever told you how much I love children's books?????
My favorite thing is to read books to my kids. Just this last year we
have rented nearly 500 books! I am determined to have my children
love reading , and realize that a book can take you anywhere. Being
the visual person that I am though... I must say that I am smitten
with the illustrations , and if they are not appealing ...well..then the
book has to be fabulous in a different way or I may overlook it. My
older son and I now of course, enjoy the unillustrated chapter books
together. Our favorites there are of course Harry Potter books, Alex Rider series, Island of the Blue Dolphins, Bridge to Terabithia, The Roald Dahl books, Little House, Where the Red Fern Grows, There are so many great ones. We love the Dk Eyewitness books too ( I still love those humorous, or heartwarming, children's picture books though!)

My theory is just have fun reading!
Above are a handful of books we have liked ...but there are soooo many more!
I love the creative ones, the hilarious ones, the ones that really help you learn about science and nature ...and the books that make us cry!

Donning the green!

2009-03-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

Oh yes! St. Patricks day arrived here too! WE wore green ....(except Marsh, he actually wore green by mistake earlier though!)WE listened to celtic music all day long ....Irish Lullabyes, Celtic instrumentals, and of course Kate Rusby! We read some Leprechaun stories, and even went over the history and folk lore. Lime muffins were on the menu along with limeaid and homemade Irish potatoe soup( I even through in some broccoli for the green!)! Well... I'm pretty sure that along with our mixture of Swedish , Scottish, English and Danish ancestors there is an Irish line right??????

Woo Hoo Fun outside!!!

2009-03-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

YES! The out doors is our playground now!!! Talk about CABIN FEVER!!!!
It may only last a couple of days ... but hey grap it while you can RIGHT?

Betsey's Birthday

2009-03-20T13:18:00.000-07:00

We love you Betsey! We couldn't ask for anyone sweeter than you for a
daughter-inlaw ! And you are the best mom ever to your kids! We miss your smile around here so much. Can't wait to see you soon.

Arianne turns 4!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-02T20:17:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Arianne!!!! We love you sooooo much!
You are so adorable , spunky, and sweet! We already miss you.
You are a real fairy princess. Thankyou for being in our life !

Happy birthday Elijah

2009-02-23T12:45:00.000-08:00

Ok , Elijah ....... Who said that you could EVER grow up!!!!!!!!! You are amazingly darling, and extremely talented! We just love you so much! Where did those last 7 years run away to???? Thankyou for being such a sweetheart !
Elijah wants to be a movie maker when he grows up. His favorite thing to do right now is build with Legos and draw. Spaghetti is his favorite dinner, so that is what we made for him.

Valentines fun

2009-02-17T07:51:00.000-08:00

Well ....we like to make Valentines, and frosted cookies for Valentines day. We also like to pretend it's the beginning of spring around our house. We have hopes of sunny days , and spring flowers , and seeing green sprouts on the trees around this time. However... we do not live in California, and we have been receiving snowstorm after snowstorm! But I promise that I caught each of the girls trying to leave the house in flip flops or toe less 4 inch heels last week. Chelsie went to the store in shorts!!!Anyway, We all hope you had a Happy Valentines Day!And that maybe you received some flowers ,if there weren't any in your garden !

Happy Birthday Ike!

2009-02-16T14:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Ike! Where did those last 30 years go? Wow!!!! My first little baby and now ...well we love you so much Ike, You are such a great man, and we are all so very proud of you.You made it too didn't you? You are an artist living your life's dream in a place which was always your destiny. You have a beautiful sweet wife, and 4 darling little children of your own!! You have always been a wonderful ,good, son and all of your little sisters and brothers have always looked up to you. We miss you!

The girls meet Katy Perry

2009-02-11T08:37:00.000-08:00

It was an exciting night for Natasha , and Chelsie who won a radio contest where they attended Katy Perry's concert, and then got to meet and visit with her.They said she was very nice and friendly to them, and even complimented Chelsie on her nails, which are done by Jessica.(another daughter of mine). she willingly signed autographs ,and they had a good visit.

Sunday best boys!

2009-02-10T10:19:00.000-08:00

Aren't these guys handsome? It is so fun to have such cuties that dress up every sunday. What would we do without them? Marshall bought these latest sunday best clothes for them , because they both decided that white shirts are what they needed to where to church. What good boys!

Baby Lily's first Birthday!

2009-02-10T09:07:00.000-08:00

Little Lily had her first birthday! She looked so darling, and was so happy. Candace baked her some very special cupcakes with polka dots and little Lilly loved them! She received a lot of very cute presents including some fun books! She loves to look at books and squeal with delight and point to all of the babys. Pizza and bread sticks were served with pop. It was a fun night. I can't believe these little ones grow up so fast! And yes she can walk! So she made the one year walking deadline. We love you Lily.

Sundance film Festival 2009!

2009-01-18T16:02:00.000-08:00

Liz and Chelsie being the stars they are.....

So evidently Chelsie was spotted as "Katy Perry" 6 times up there......it is getting to be a regular occurance for her lately!

Can I even name the stars the girls got pictures with? I don't think so!!!!! Patton Oswalt or "spence" from King of Queens... Mark Harmon, from Freaky Friday and NCIS....Demi Moore, They met Ashton Kutcher, Gaby Hoffmann from Now and Then, and Sleepless in Seattle...Wesley Snipes, Tom arnold, Frankie______, Paris Hilton, Jack Nicholson, Alan Cumming,Daniel Franzese, and somebody fron E.R..... well every year they have a list like this! So they never miss Sundance Film Festival in Park City Utah. The backdrop of the town and the mountains are truly BREATHTAKING !

My silly girls....plotting their next paparazzi photo!!!!

Ewan McGregor with Chelsie and Candace, they are big fans of his!I think it's great when the actors take the time for their fans...

This huge doggy was following every one around and was evidently needing a star photo as well . So Natasha took a photo with him.

Natasha and Candace in one of the transport busses in Park city.

Just posing..................

Ashley Judd with Chelsie and her friend Liz. She was way nice to them and talked with them.

Well, i love his song too! this is the guy that sings"Hey there Delilah" Tom Higgenson from The Plain white T's

Pictures in winter

2009-01-10T10:35:00.001-08:00

I get anxious for flowers and sunny weather....I'm pretty sure I can get the S.A.D.(seasonal affected disorder) pretty easily any time the sun goes behind the clouds let alone in winter!!!!!!!! But there is always beauty around when you seek it...right?I love to watch the birds and the sunsets.... I have a great window for viewing the sunsets, and well... they are usually pretty spectacular! My bird watching is usually from the help of my ZOOM camera... it may be a little poor quality when viewing a bird from a window to my backyard tree ...but it helps..........

Elijah was tagged

2009-01-06T09:03:00.000-08:00

Swimming is the best!!!

Levi and Elijah are best buds!

Elijah and his two nieces Maddie and Abby, and his nephew Malachi! He has 6 other nieces and nephews!

My three sons! Elijah and his brothers Isaac and Levi

Lego building is a favorite thing for Elijah!

Especially with Dad!

Elijah was tagged quite a while ago.....before the accidental deleting of my blogs...

Elijah is a wonderful child (of course) He is beautiful and great fun! Here are 5 unique things about him...

1.He is the last of eight children!Not many kids can say that these days!!! He has a brother who is 23 years older than him...quite a span there!

2.Elijah was practically born with a crayon in his hand...literally ! He would choose drawing over absoloutely anything else ...not unlike his oldest brother! Elijah definately has a gift.

3. He has 9 little children that call him uncle Elijah! 3 of them that are his own age!!!!!

4. He is quite a little fishy , and stays under the water more than above it when he is swimming.

5.He is quite a little actor almost to the extreme.... When he decides to be a monkey for instance it could last for days........just ask his siblings.......

Elijah is so lovable , and being the youngest of so many he really can do no wrong?????

He would like to tag; Abby A., Greyson E., Lucy S., Malachi D., and Madeline Y.

Our sweet little grandson!!

2009-01-03T18:04:00.000-08:00

We are so happy that little Abe was born!! What a blessing from above!! Mom and baby are doing fine after an eventful delivery! What a way to ring in the new year!!!!!!

Wonderful Wintery White

2009-01-03T16:06:00.000-08:00

A handful of Christmas pictures!

2008-12-30T22:23:00.000-08:00