COMPUTER ENHANCED FUNNIES

My niece Riana came over and treated Carly to a little computer fun. She has a program where she can add things to faces, change shapes and sizes and do all kinds of funny things. Riana delighted Carly for almost an hour helping her make funny pictures of the two of them. Here's a few of the more normal ones they came up with.

A BOY'S BEST FRIEND

We have the nicest dogs. Tashie (short for Natasha)is so patient with the kids. She lets them sit on her back, ride her, jump on her--just about whatever they want to do and never gets agressive with them. In fact, we are constantly protecting the animals from the children! Lol!

Jonathon loves Tashie and loves to just sit by her or on her. Tashie honestly doesn't seem to mind at all.


The only thing Jonathon is missing here is a pair of chaps and his cowboy hat! Hey, it's not like cowboys actually ride cows, you know! It works! Lol!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

I am incredibly grateful for all the blessings I have; for my wonderful parents and sisters; and my absolutely amazing husband and children. I have the most wonderful family, friends and life! The Lord has been so good to me and I am so grateful.

We had a really nice Thanksgiving Day. My sister Susan and her family came for dinner. Sarah's family stayed home in Idaho this year but we will be with Sarah next week. It was fun to have most of the family here with Grandma and Grandpa. One of my nieces on Rob's side stopped by later after dinner to play. It was a good day all around.

Grandpa is making progress every day. He had a good day today. I think the turkey and pumpkin pie helped! Hee hee! So much to be thankful for! Hope it's the same way at your house! Take care, Nancy

CARLY GOT HER HAIR DONE!

Carly was so excited to get her hair braided. It's the first time she's had someone put braids in her hair and it took 3.5 hours. She did really well, though. I couldn't believe how quietly she sat for most of the time. She never does that for us!

The first picture is of her with her hair only halfway done. The second is of her and Dibabe (Dee-bobby) the girl who braided her hair. Doesn't she look adorable?! Plus, she really likes it--which makes it all worth it! Yay!

Well, Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Hope you have a terrific day!

THAR SHE BLOWS

Wow, out of the blue we got hit with a blizzard tonight. I say out of the blue but then maybe I just wasn't paying attention to the weather reports. Seems like it came out of nowhere. And when I say blizzard, I do mean blizzard! We had winds of up to 55 miles per hour tonight with the heavy snow. Luckily, we had done all our Thanksgiving food shopping and stocked up on what we needed otherwise. Rob had just come in from work when it started, too. So, we all just holed up in here and I made a big pot of broccoli, cheese and chicken soup along with hot rolls. It was yummy. Grandpa even came upstairs to eat with us.

We all stayed in tonight so don't know just how bad it is on the roads now. It's after midnight now. They closed everything early here today and have closed schools and all the universities tomorrow. They even cancelled surgeries at the hospitals. It's been a long time since we've had one like this. Takes me back to the Blizzard of '78 in Indiana. I'm just glad to be indoors and hope everyone who is outdoors stays safe.

Take care everyone and Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

A SHORT GRANDPA UPDATE

Grandpa is doing his exercises everyday. So far he is working on his own with Grandma. We haven't figured out the home PT thing yet. He is doing really well, though. My personal opinion is that he is even better since coming home. I just think there is something about being in the hospital or any type of facility that kind of messes with your system. Grandpa is up and doing things more, talking to people on the phone and working in his office whereas at the rehab center if he wasn't doing PT he was usually sleeping. He just seems more put together now. Of course, part of that is time but I think a good deal of it is psyche as well.

He sure enjoys talking to his friends in Indiana. Don't hesitate to call if you get the itch. That's the best medicine he has!

MY BUCKET BOY

Jonathon was busy vacuuming the floor with Carly's pink vacuum last night and brushing his teeth (yes, at the same time) when he discovered this big black bucket. Next thing I knew he'd put the vacuum down, climbed in the bucket with his toothbrush and made himself comfortable. That's my funny little guy!

We had filled that bucket with Halloween candy and had it in Grandpa's room at the hospital and rehab center for the nursing staff. Now that Grandpa's home and the bucket is empty I've seen it on Carly's head and Jonathon's seat! Wonder where I'll find it next? Probably don't want to think too hard about that one! Lol!

By the way, Grandpa is making progress. He came upstairs for dinner tonight. He is looking good and seems to be feeling pretty well. He likes to hear from all of you so if you're inclined to call, please do. He still has lots of physical therapy ahead but he is working hard at it. More later.

JULIE, THE GREAT ORATOR

Julie, my 16 year old, won a third place trophy today at her multi-school debate tournament in oratory. I am so proud of her. It's only the third tournament she's done oratory in!

One of my friends pointed out that even though she may not have done many tournaments she is a teenager and as such has been practicing debate at home for quite some time! (So true! Lol!)

Well, Grandpa did make it home today and is doing really well! We are so glad to have him here. The kids were very happy to see him and it didn't take long until they were crawling all over him! He's up to phone calls if you want to check in!

SICK, SICK, SICK!

Today was full of sick kids and tired parents. Carly and Jonathon both have bad colds and are running fevers of 100 or more. So, it's been a busy, long day keeping them well and happy.

Grandpa will be released from the rehab center tomorrow at 10:00 in the morning. Mom and I are going to bring him home. Of course, I should actually say that Grandpa and Grandma both get released because Grandma has spent almost as much time there as he has. She just hasn't had to do the therapy!

Well, off to bed for this tired Mommy!

GET THE LADDER BOYS; WE'VE GOT A CLIMBER!

Unfortunately I'm about to start having nightmares of the fire department, long ladders and those words in my future. I told you about Jonathon climbing on top of his and Carly's cute little table. Yah, well that was funny, sweet, cute and all but this morning I left him and Carly in her bedroom just long enough to go to the kitchen to grab a bottle. When I got back--oh, thirty seconds later, Jonathon was on top of her dresser reaching for a picture that is hanging pretty high on her wall. I about fell over. Of course, there was no time for me to do that since I had to grab him and keep him from falling off the dresser.

Sure enough my little, almost 15 month old had crawled onto his sister's tiny toddler bed and up on the side rails and hefted himself up onto the dresser top. He is a strong little booger that one. Don't know what I'm gonna do with him. And I thought I had to watch Carly every second!

I'm starting to understand why my grandmother tied my father to a tree with a very short rope when he was a little boy. (But then, those of you who know him already get that, don't you? Lol!) Well, this is his namesake and he is gonna be a whole lot like him! Think I'm in big trouble! Now where is that rope? Just kidding. Lol! :)

GRANDPA UPDATE

Looks like Grandpa will be coming home on Saturday. The physical therapists who have been working with him say he is doing really, really well! They also say he is a really hard worker. I'm sure he is probably their hardest worker but that probably explains why he needs so many naps the rest of the day. :)

JONATHON'S FIRST SENTENCE

Wouldn't you know Jonathon got in trouble this morning and it turned into his first sentence. We have this really cute, colorful table and chair set that is made for toddlers. It looks like it came out of the Crayola factory. Carly and Jonathon just love it. It's little--like them but still kind of big to do what he's doing with it.

Jonathon has taken to climbing on one of the chairs and standing up. Then from there he moves to the top of the table, stands up and throws his arms up in the air like he's conquered it--kind of a KING KONG or rather King JON thing! Anyway, we are constantly pulling him off of either the chair or table, telling him "NO!", blocking him from the table. You name it we've tried it. He is just so quick. He gets up there before we know it!

So, I turn around this morning and he's standing on the chair (which I've taken him off of ten times already) getting ready to move to the table. Really loudly I said, "GET DOWN!" Startled, he immediately sat down in the chair and then said, "Get Down! Get get, down, down. My mom was in the room with me and it was all we could do not to bust up laughing at him!

It hadn't even occurred to me that he'd said his first sentence until Mom pointed it out. But hey, two words count. Ask your English teacher. Lol!

SEVENTEEN DAYS . . .

Julie has started her countdown. She looked at me on her way to bed tonight and said, "Seventeen days, Mom." It only took me a second to catch on. Of course, she could only mean one thing--her birthday. It's a countdown she puts us through every year.

Last year was particularly painful as the countdown began because I was conjuring up all kinds of frightening thoughts of what lay ahead for the year, i.e. teenage driver, first dates, boyfriends. Talk about lions and tigers and bears! Well, we made it through the first date, driver's ed and some on the road driving (though we don't have our license yet but that's another blog), and thankfully she is a really good hearted, wonderfully behaved teenager who hasn't come home with a whole slew of boys just yet!

So anyway, after she announced there were just seventeen shopping days left until her birthday, I tried to strike a deal with her. I suggested we just skip her becoming seventeen altogether and stick with sixteen since it worked out so well for both of us. I mean why screw it up when it's working? She wasn't interested. Not even a little bit. Geez, go figure? Kids these days!

OUR WEEKEND

Jonathon and I went to visit Grandpa tonight. Grandpa was snoozing when we got there. He was really tired from all the physical therapy he's been doing. Jonathon got up and gave him a big hug and kiss to wake him up. It was more like jumping up and down on his bed but either way he woke him up! Ha! Grandpa was pretty glad to see him. He has another week of PT before he comes home and then I imagine he will have some home physical therapy as well. He is doing good, though.

Our daughter Sara and her boyfriend went back to Cedar City tonight. It was really nice to have them here for the weekend. We really love this young man she is dating. His name is Stephen and he is so good to her. She is really happy, too.

Rob got called out tonight for work so I am waiting up for him to get home. The little ones are down, so is the teenager so it's nice to have a few private moments all to myself. Yay! Ah, but I hear those dishes calling my name. Darn! Well, I will leave you with a picture of Jonathon enjoying one of his new found pleasures--the powdered donut! Yum!

SHORT UPDATE

Today seemed like a really long day. Carly was really excited about having her big sister in town and couldn't quite settle down. Even though Sara was out running errands Carly couldn't quite get into her nap. She usually naps for 2-3 hours and she was really tired but every time she heard a sound she was sure it was Sara coming back so she would get out of bed and want to get up. I put her back down for her nap 3 different times before she actually went to sleep. Gah!

I'm really glad she loves her sisters as much as she does but Carly without a nap is like a month without sunshine. Actually, it's more like a month of hail storms. She is one cranky girl when she is tired!

Went to visit Grandpa tonight. He is in good spirits, though he is really, really tuckered out. They started him on a new regimine of physical therapy and even though it is helping it does wear him out. I'm pretty sure he will be at the rehab center for at least another week but I will keep you posted as we find out more.

SARA'S HOME

Sara came home tonight. She brought her boyfriend Stephen with her and they are here for the weekend. We are late night talking or this would be longer. Carly was sure glad to see her! She has been asking for weeks if Sara could come over and play. Lol!

THE SURGEON'S REPORT

Mom and I took Dad (Grandpa) to the shoulder surgeon today for his check-up. The Doc thought Dad was doing really great. He got the staples taken out of his shoulder (ick!) And, Grandpa didn't even wince once! Say that five times fast!

The doctor sent us back with some new protocol for Dad's physical therapy. He will most likely be at the Rehab Center for a couple more weeks. He is making progress with his movement--so all is well!

A SHORT UPDATE ON GRANDPA

Grandpa is doing a little better each day. He is sore from the surgery and from physical therapy but he is gaining movement. The pain he is having is also a different pain than what he was having before the surgery. The surgeon told him in the hospital that once he stopped feeling worse he would start feeling better. Lol! So, hopefully that time will come soon.

Grandpa has his first check-up with his surgeon tomorrow (Tuesday). We will be excited to see how the surgeon thinks he is doing. I will put up a note tomorrow telling you how it went.

If you are trying to reach my Dad and are having trouble getting through on his cell phone try calling the rehab center. The number there is 801-614-5700. He is in room 13. He loves to hear from you! Take care.

BREATHE BABY, BREATHE

So, the weather is starting to change here. It's been getting colder for a week or two and we have snow in the mountains now. We are supposed to get some snow on the ground later this week. Unfortunately, Jonathon's breathing is starting to get rough again. The doc said this could happen again this year since he is still so young. We were so hoping he would have a winter free of illness. He still has to have one breathing treatment a day, but when his breathing is this rough we usually end up giving him 2 or more.

I really don't want to have him get sick like he did last year so I am being pre-emptive.
I kept him home from church today. I'm not letting him go to any classes with other little kids where he could catch their germs. I decided not to pull Carly out yet because she loves her class so much. But if she comes home sick at all I will pull her too. I can't have her bringing home illnesses. It's just a frightening thing to have a baby who can't breathe well and have to put him in the hospital. I don't want to have that happen again. It's a bad memory.

Hopefully, we can enjoy the snow from our windows, not catch any bugs and have a happy week and as we are doing so do lots of normal breathing! :}

HAPPY 52nd ANNIVERSARY DAD AND MOM!

We love you so much and are so proud of you! Congratulations on 52 great years! Have a terrific day! Here's to another 52!

CARLY AND JONATHON LOVE VISITING THEIR GRANDPA

Especially since they found out he has a ride they can play with! Actually, they do love going to see Grandpa. They miss having him and Grandma at home. Grandma is staying with Grandpa at the rehab center. She does come home every day for an hour or so but other than that she has been with him pretty constantly.

My babies love their grandparents so much. They will be so happy when they are both back home again. Even more so if Grandpa brings the wheelchair with him! Lol!

MY TOOTHY GRINNY WHINY BABY BOY

Jonathon has been cranky this whole week. He has wanted to be held and comforted all day long and if I even try to put him down he lifts his legs up and keeps them up and won't let me put him down. (We refer to this as "him having his landing gear stuck up.) I've wondered if he was teething or just not feeling good in general--until today when I actually got his mouth opened and my fingers inside. Yep, he's teething. He's got at least three new teeth coming in and they are bigger ones on the bottom and top. No wonder he's clingy and whiny. Guess I would be too.

Wish I could have someone hold and comfort me all day long when I'm cranky. Maybe next time I'm in a bad mood I'll try keeping my landing gear up. Hey, it works for him! :) Sure love that kid!

TELEPHONE, TELEGRAPH, TELLCARLY

Grandpa called to talk to Carly yesterday and got a lot more than he bargained for. For some reason she decided that it was the day she was going to start answering the phone. When it rang she ran for it. Luckily I beat her to it. She has never had any interest in answering the phone before and I haven't encouraged it because she hasn't really had the full language skills to do so. She could probably do it now but she gets shy and won't always talk or answer.

Well, yesterday she wasn't shy at all. When I answered Grandpa didn't even say hi to me he asked for Carly. She was so happy she ran and took the phone from my hand. She talked to him for a good 15 minutes off and on. I'm not even sure Grandpa got to ask her any questions. Sometimes she actually had the mouthpiece near her mouth and the earpiece near her ear. (As in most of the time she was just holding the phone somewhere above her waist talking to it.) I tried to rescue Grandpa a few times and got a severe scolding from my little cutie pie each time. She let me know the call was for her, not me! Trouble is--she is sometimes a little hard to understand so I was feeling bad for Grandpa. Plus, she would say things she thought he would understand but really only she knew like , i.e. "Your chair right here Grandpa". She was pointing to his lift chair and letting him know it was right in front of her. But he had no idea what she was talking about or why she said it.

I finally thought to pick up the extension and asked Grandpa if he needed rescuing. He did. He asked if he could talk to Jonathon. I gave my phone to Jonathon since I couldn't get Carly's away from her. Poor Jonathon couldn't get a word in edgewise but he listened intently. Finally Grandpa said he'd better go and Carly was heartbroken. My poor little Chatterbox! I comforted her by telling her we would visit Grandpa later. We did and that made her happy.

Grandpa is still doing really good. He is tired from all the physical and occupational therapy but he is making progress. Things are looking up. :)

GRANDPA IS PLUM WORE OUT

Today Grandpa got his first taste of real physcial therapy today at the rehab center and it wore him out. Then later today he had occupational therapy. He spent a good part of the day working his limbs and trying to get himself more mobile. As a resut, he can barely keep his eyes open for the Colts game! You know it's bad when that happens!

I am still surprised at how little pain he is in. It does hurt him when he moves his shoulder but if he is not moving it he really doesn't have any pain.

A special thanks to the Class of 1957 for the beautiful basket planter. It makes his room bright and cheerful and he was delighted to receive it! Thanks so much! Also, thanks for the calls and cards. Those mean so much to my Dad. He's always been a talker and it really cheers him up to talk to you and hear from you. He does love his friends and classmates! You are all terrific! Lots of love to all of you from all of us. More later. N.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Carly Bunny


Scary Julie and BubbyBee


Momma and her cute little Bug


Grandma caught a Bunny!


Megan has a Bunny Sister!


BumbleBubby I am your Uncle! (Bubby with his Uncle Steve)

REHAB'N IT

We just got Grandpa settled in Thatcherbrook. He has just eaten his lunch and is taking a snooze although he would deny it. It's one of those snoozes he takes while watching television where his head bobs up and down and every once in a while his eyes open and he looks around to see if you notice he's been asleep. Lol!

It's really remarkable how well he has done throughout this surgery. It's going to be tough going as he does the rehab but once he get through he should have a great deal of relief from the pain he'd been having.

Please feel free to call or write Grandpa. He loves hearing from his friends and as you know he especially likes talking on the phone! It's great therapy for him! Thanks everyone!

John Carson c/o
Thatcherbrook Rehabilitation and Care Center, Room 13
1795 S. Chelemes Way Clearfield, UT , 84015
Telephone # 801-614-5700

Thanks everyone!

ANOTHER GRANDPA UPDATE

Grandpa had two sessions with the Physical Therapist today and did really well. He continues to say he is not in pain at all--that is unless he moves his arm. Today he described the pain he has when he moves his arm. He said it feels like someone planted an hatchet in his shoulder. Hmmm. I asked if it is a better or worse pain than the pain he had before his surgery. He said it is a different pain. It does seem to me that it is less. However, that's just my initial impression. His surgeon said as soon as he stops feeling worse he will feel better. So apparently there is an expectation that the surgery will cause some pain and after that it will help him quite a bit!

I will say Grandpa really doesn't complain about pain much at all. Hardly ever. We just make sure he takes his pain meds so he doesn't get into too much pain and have to get out of it. His doctor told us to do that.

Tomorrow morning the rehab and care center will go to the hospital and pick him up and take him to their facility. Mom and I will follow him there. Someone has been staying with him at all times. Susan and her husband are with him tonight.

Overall, he is really doing great. The surgeon is really impressed with how well he has done and has asked the physical therapists to work with him not just on his shoulder but to get him more mobile overall. We really like this surgeon.

Happy Halloween everyone! More tomorrow.

STILL DOING GREAT!

Forgot to put this picture up the other day. This was Grandpa in really good spirits as he was heading into surgery. He's usually fairly nervous under such circumstances but he was fairly calm the whole week preceding the operation. We were surprised and impressed.



He was still doing well when I left the hospital today around 5:00 p.m. and I just checked in with my baby sister who is staying the night with him and she said he is now sleeping soundly. It's around midnight. The doc is keeping him on pain meds but he really hasn't had a ton of pain--nothing unbearable. Dad really feels like this surgery has gone a lot better than he expected and even better than the knee surgery which went well. I think they have both gone well.

Nothing more to tell you tonight but I will keep you posted. Take care, Nancy

GRANDPA'S ROOM NUMBER/PHONE NUMBER HAS CHANGED

Grandpa has been on the fourth floor of the hospital and they just moved him to a room on the fifth floor. NO cause for alarm. The fifth floor is actually the Orthopedic floor. They just didn't have room for him yesterday after surgery as they are doing some construction on that floor and as a result have less rooms available. So, today they are moving several of their surgery patients from yesterday to the fifth floor as rooms become available.

Dad is still doing good. He will be released from the hospital to Thatcherbrook Rehabilitation and Care Center at 11 a.m. on Sunday and they will move him to their facility.

For the moment, he is in:

St. Mark's Hospital, Room 5W26
1200 E. 3900 S.
Salt Lake City, UT 84124

His new direct to room phone # is 801-268-7526

GRANDPA IS DOING THE HOKEY POKEY :)

Grandpa had a really good night and is doing great this morning. Okay, so he's not really dancing but he's in very little pain and he just told me it has surprised EVEN HIM how well he has gotten along! WOW! That's some statement from our big ol' worrywart! Lol!

The surgeon came in to see him a couple of hours ago and was even thinking of releasing him to the rehab center today but apparently there are some rules about how long they need to keep him in the hospital. So, it's looking right now like it will be Sunday morning before he goes to the rehab center.

He's up to taking phone calls today. I would probably call the hospital phone as I think it will be easier to understand him. I just talked to him on his cell phone and it was a little hard to hear him and understand what he was say saying. I know your calls really cheer him up and make his day! Thanks everyone! We love you!

THE GRANDPA UPDATE

Grandpa is sawing lots of logs right now and has been for a couple of hours. Think it has something to do with pain meds. He actually isn't in a ton of pain. It is mostly coming across to him as pressure in his shoulder instead of pain but the doctor wanted him to start the pain meds so he can stay ahead of any real pain that shows up.

He was able to eat a sandwich and drink a milkshake about an hour and a half after coming out of recovery and keep them down without any problem. He just seems to be doing really well.

He will probably be more awake and able to talk tomorrow. His direct phone number to his room is: 801-268-7473.

They only plan to keep him in the hospital here for two days and then will send him on to a rehab facility for a couple of weeks. For anyone who wants to send a card, I would send it to him at the rehab facility. We think he will be transferred there this coming Saturday. The address and info is below. Thanks so much for all your prayers, love and support. My parents and their children appreciate it so much!

John Carson c/o
Thatcherbrook Rehabilitation and Care Center
1795 S. Chelemes Way Clearfield, UT , 84015

GREAT NEWS!

Grandpa is up and dribbling and dunking a basketball on a full court press! O.K., maybe not, but he is awake, wide-eyed and alert, not in a lot of pain and doing really, realy well. The doctor just came in and saw him and said he planned to keep him in the hospital a couple of days. They will start his physical therapy tomorrow in the hospital and then when he leaves the hospital they will send him to the same rehab center he went to last time. Please keep the prayers going. Love you all, Nancy

DAD'S OUT OF SURGERY!

The surgeon just came and talked to us and said everything went well. He said it took a little longer because Dad is a large guy. (Who knew?) Lol! Anyway, he told us his shoulder was pretty messed up with arthritis but they got it all replaced and once he stops hurting he will feel better. Ha! Sure hope so! Anyway, Dad will be in recovery for the next hour and a half and then will be moved to a room. When we get room info I will post it on here. More later.

TWO HOURS AND COUNTING

It's been two hours and Dad is still in surgery. They said it could be as long as three. Please keep the prayers coming. We will keep you posted. N.

SURGERY HAS BEGUN

It's 7:40 a.m. here and they just took Dad into surgery. They told us it could take anywhere from two to three hours for the operation. Dad was a little nervous but not a lot. He was in really good spirits, laughing and joking with the nursing staff. He seems really upbeat. We are hoping the day goes really well. I will update you as soon as he we hear anything. Prayers please. Thanks, Nancy

TODAY IS THE DAY

Dad has to be at the hospital for his shoulder replacement surgery this morning (Thursday) at 6:00 a.m. His surgery will begin around 7-7:30 a.m.. I will post an update on here as soon as he is out of recovery and in a room. He would sure appreciate your prayers on his behalf. We all would. Thanks so much for your love and friendship. Nancy

TWO DAYS AND COUNTING

We went to the hospital today to get Grandpa pre-registered for his surgery and to do some pre-bloodwork. Jonathon went with us and thought he should be able to run all over the place. Grandpa played block and tackle with his wheelchair. Jonathon was not so sure he liked that and tried to outsmart the wheelchair several times. He didn't win. Grandpa is Good!

Everything looks good for the surgery on Thursday. We should get a time tomorrow evening for certain but it looks like it will be early morning. I will post it on here along with the hospital info as soon as I know it. Night all.

MMMM MMMM GOOD

Grandma made the best dinner tonight. She made homemade Italian Beef and homemade potato salad. Julie made homemade buns to go with the beef and it was a yummy meal. That all tasted so good I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies to wash it all down with. Lol!

We had a nice Sunday and even managed to grab a short nap! We are counting down the days now until Dad's shoulder surgery. He seems in pretty good spirits and has been exercising to strengthen his legs so he can get around better.

No snow today except in the mountains. They are threatening that we will wake up with it in the morning. I have decided to worry about it when I see it. :)

SNOW WHAT?

It's been a rainy day here and supposedly we are going to have snow by morning. I don't know that I'm quite ready for that yet. It's been getting a little colder here day by day. It's 47 degrees right now so I guess anything could happen. I know it's the end of October but it's still just a little too early for my taste. :)

THE BABIES LOVE THEIR GRANDPA!

I actually had to go grab my camera when the kidlings started crawling all over Grandpa the other night. Up and down and up and down! It was like he was the latest jungle gym. I was afraid they were going to annoy him or hurt his shoulders but he seemed to like the fact that they were fighting over who got to sit on his lap! It was pretty funny to watch.

ONE WEEK TO GO

Grandpa's surgery is a week from today. He is doing really well and we are looking forward to having him in less pain. His shoulders have caused him so much pain for so long; his left one much more than his right. Hopefully, this surgery will immediately decrease his pain and give him more movement in his left shoulder. :)

We are getting the last details together and will keep everyone posted on where he will be and what time his surgery is on the 28th. Take care. N.

MY WORN OUT BOYS

My guys were playing around and got tired out. I snapped this just as Jono was about to nod off. Pretty cute, eh?

MY FAVORITE DIVAS

This is my dear friend Taylor with my darling daughter Carly! Taylor moved away and it's been over a year since I've seen her. She got to come visit and we had a grand time! Carly loves her. They are both girly girls~Lol!

HAPPY (LATE) BIRTHDAY AUNT SALLY!

My Dad's sister Sally had a birthday this weekend. Happy, Happy Birthday Aunt Sally! We LOVE you!

The weekend got away from us! Our daughter Sara came home and brought her new boyfriend to meet us. YAY! He is a terrific guy and we had a great time with both of them. It was a lot of fun!



Dad's surgery is just a week away now! Keep him in your prayers, please. More info as we get it. We will keep you posted. N.

MISS ME?

Thought so. Just dropping by to say hi!

CARLY IN HER NEW TAYLOR JOELLE

Carly got a new skirt and headband today! They are really adorable and she was so excited to put them on and dance around in them. I bought them from Taylor Joelle. It's a great company that has adorable clothes for babies and toddlers. If you are a parent or grandparent of kids in this age range you should go look at their stuff. www.taylorjoelle.com

They have a hot buy every week that is really priced low and they don't run out like other companies do. I just love their stuff. Anyway, here is Carly modeling her new outfit!

OH, HAPPY DAY!

Today was the day Carly put two and two together and really figured out what she was supposed to do on her potty chair and she did it TWICE! I even let her wear pull-ups! She was so excited! Okay, probably not as excited as ME!

HELP, I'VE BEEN SHOT!

I took Jonathon to get his last first year shots today. Yes, I realize he's almost fourteen months old but the pediatrician's office has been out of one of the shots for awhile. They also wanted him to have a flu shot. So, finally they had the final shot and the flu shot in! Yay! Well, Jono didn't think so but he is all protected now so we are happy!

While we were there, I figured we might as well have Carly get the flu shot as well. She wasn't so sure about it. I told her she would get a band-aid. That was a pretty good sell until she actually got the shot. It happened so fast, though, she wasn't sure what hit her. Afterwards, she kept saying "Mama, she pinched me. That doctor pinched me." I said, "Yes, but now you won't get sick." At that point she agreed with me. She's such a funny little girl!

DAD'S SURGERY UPDATE

Dad's shoulder surgery is less than three weeks away now. He will have an entire shoulder replacement and will spend a couple of days in the hospital and then go to a rehabilitation center for a week or two. I will do my best to keep you posted on here about his recovery.

He has been riding an exerise bike every day now for a couple of weeks. He is trying to strengthen is polio leg before the surgery so he can get around more easily without assistance. He is up to two miles a day now. Yay!

His surgery will be on October 28th. We don't have a time yet but will let you know as soon as we get details. All prayers on his behalf are welcome! Thanks everyone.

DEATH IS NOTHING AT ALL

Death is nothing at all

I have only slipped away into the next room, I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Call me by my old familiar name; speak to me in the easy way, which you always used. Put no difference into your tone; wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, and pray for me. Let my name be forever the same as it always was, let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it always was; there is absolutely unbroken continuity.I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. ··· All is well.

--Canon Scott Holland

One of Dorothy's children read this poem at her funeral yesterday. I had never heard it before and I loved it. So amazing to think about our loved ones being so close by. Heaven is not so far away. It never has been. :)

TILL WE MEET AGAIN

I lost someone so dear to me this week. Dorothy Bramhall was a second Mom to me and she left this world really suddenly, without any notice. That has left a big hole in so many of our hearts. Thank you Dorothy--for everything. I love you. Till we meet again.

MAYBE NOT TWO GOING ON THIRTY, BUT DEFINITELY TWO GOING ON SIXTEEN . . .

So today Carly, at two and and a half tried to push me out of the driver's seat insisting, "No, I drive Mama." She almost managed to even steal the keys from me. I don't know what I'll do when I"m not tall enough to hold them over her head anymore...

JUST A COUPLE THINGS

So after three days with red, swollen, itchy, goupy eyes I am in full surrender to the dreaded Pink Eye! Please, Oh Please, OH PLEASE go away! I really had no idea how nasty this pink eye crud was.

Luckily we had so many people who already had it in the house we had the medication for it. We did pick up some other over the counter helps but I searched online and found that one of the things that helped the most was to lay down and keep your eyes covered with a warm wash rag as much as possible. I think that has helped a lot. This afternoon my eyes started to clear up some and the goupiness went away. They are still somewhat itchy and red but I'm hoping by morning to be able to consider putting my contacts back in and actually eyeing my makeup bag! That thought makes me almost gleeful!

Jonathon has become really mouthy. When he is unhappy he lets you know it. He is so funny. He just turns up the volume and lets you have it. And Carly can't get away with anything anymore. She used to push him around a little or punch on him here or there. We had to watch her closely to keep her from doing that. Not anymore. He just gives it right back to her now. Tit for tat. That little boy is not so little anymore!

Grandma and Grandpa are doing fine. Grandma leg has been bothering her so she is going to a chiropractor for a bit. So far I think he's only managed to move the pain around. But at least it doesn't hurt in the same spot anymore. Lol!

GAH! NOW I HAVE IT!

I thought I was doing so well at keeping my hands clean and staying away from the pink monster but tonight I realized I had it. I'm so frustrated! This is the first time I've ever had Pink Eye but I've been around lots of people with it and it looks like the most miserable thing! Aaaarrrrggghhh!

Well, I'd write more but I can't see through all the goup in my eye. I know . . . GROSS!

DON'T THINK . . . DO!

I learned tonight that a very dear friend of mine passed away last night. Even though she was being treated for an illness, she was not expected to pass away. It was very sudden and I'm in shock. Her husband, children and grandchildren are as well. I don't think you are ever prepared to lose someone no matter the circumstance. Wow, just such a shock. And would you know, I had her on my mind all last week and meant to give her a call. You have to listen to the still small voice inside you or you will have regrets. Don't think--DO! Gah!

We are infested with pink eye at our house. So far it has just gotten the kids. We are crossing our fingers and washing our hands a lot! Julie has it the worst right now. In fact, I have to keep her home from school tomorrow. Her eyes are so red and swollen and I'm sure she is super contagious!

Jonathon was downstairs with Rob and Steve tonight and the girls and I were upstairs. All of the sudden we heard him and Megan looked over at the stairs and saw him almost at the top of the stairs. He had climbed up to the second from the top stair all by himself. He is getting really brave. That frightens me!

CONFERENCE WEEKEND

It is General Conference Weekend here. That is when our church leadership speaks to all of the church members world wide from Salt Lake City. It happens twice a year. Once in April and again in October. We watch it on from home on TV but some members in different states and countries have to go to their church buildings to watch it via satellite. We learned today that there is going to be an LDS temple built in Indianapolis, IN. We are so excited!

It's been a really nice day here. Still very, very warm. Our leaves haven't started to turn yet. Things are happening late here.

We have three people in the house with pink eye now. Julie, Carly and Jonathon. The rest of us are washing our hands non-stop and keeping them away from our faces. Hopefully, that will help!

Grandpa is still on track for surgery. We are getting ourselves psyched up for that. Nothing else is new here and that's probably a good thing! :)

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

Grandma and Grandpa pretty much hung around the house today. I forgot to mention that yesterday they did a bunch of gardening. Well, Grandma gardens and Grandpa is the artistic director. He has the eye for what he wants done. They put in a gorgeous flower garden this year. I don't think I ever did post a picture of it. I need to go take one while there are still a few plants blooming. We had all the garden spots laid out but just hadn't had the energy or time to do anything with them. Then Grandpa and Grandma showed up and they made things happen. So pretty!

We went all different directions this evening. Julie went to a football game. Rob and I went to a mission reunion in Salt Lake. Grandma and Grandpa were going to babysit for us but big Sis, Megan, ended up staying and watching the babies so the Grandparents could keep doing their thing. The kids were in bed when we got home.
It was a pretty nice evening.

One day down and twenty-seven to go until Grandpa's surgery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Have a great Saturday!

WE HAVE A DATE . . .

Okay, truth is we have had a date for awhile. But, I actually heard Dad tell someone today that he is having surgery on his shoulder on October 28th. So, YAY! It looks like he is going to go ahead with the surgery! We have kind of been in limbo, not knowing whether or not he would.

I am so glad he is deciding to go ahead because it is so hard to watch him in so much pain. Both of his shoulders are bad but his left one is the worst. So, that is the one he is going to have surgery on first.

Once Dad has this shoulder fixed, Mom needs to have surgery to repair her torn rotor cuff in one of her shoulders. Yep, we are falling to pieces here. Luckily, we have a repair shop right around the corner! Lol!

BAD NEWS FROM THE ALLERGIST

I took Jonathon to his allergist Tuesday and they did a food panel on him. We were specifically testing him for a milk allergy. A huge surprise came out of that appointment--Jonathon has a severe peanut allergy. The doctor told me we were SO lucky to have been testing for the milk allergy or we might not have caught this until there was an incident. Gah! How frightening. It's serious enough he can't even be near peanuts or peanut butter and has to have an epi pen with him at all times.

There is a twenty percent chance he can grow out of it. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping for that. In the meantime, we will just keep him away from anything peanuty, I guess and hope for the best.

IT FINALLY HAPPENED . . .

I'M OVER THE HILL! But it was sure fun getting here. Lol! Just a few pictures from my birthday party. Had lots of fun with family. Love you all!

GIRL'S NIGHT OUT

Did some running around earlier in the day with Rob doing errands. Then left late afternoon with some neighbor friends for a planned outing. We went to dinner and then to a women's church meeting. It was a nice evening out. Rob, Julie and Megan babysat.

Mom and Dad went to visit Susan and her husband, Russ today to celebrate Russ' birthday. They spent several hours there and got to see their girls as well. They had a good time and made it home safely.

Not much else going on here. That's all folks . . .

WERE IN TROUBLE!

Yesterday, I got up a little later than usual and looked at Carly's room to see any signs of her being awake yet. I didn't see any so I started to quietly walk by her door to let the dogs out when I heard this not so little voice say "You guys got to sleep all night long!" Apparently she had been awake for a while and had been trying to get our attention to come and get her out of her room.

I hadn't heard her until just then and she was losing her patience with us. She is such a crack up! Sometimes I can't believe she is only two and a half! She is so bright! She is not going to let us get away with anything--ever! Darn it all! LOL!

GRANDPA'S CARDIOLOGIST VISIT

Grandpa went to his cardiologist today and got a clean bill of health. He gave him a green light for his shoulder surgery, too. I think Grandpa is starting to feel a little better about going ahead with that. We hope he will because Grandma can't really do hers until he does his. At least it wouldn't make sense to. She could just re-injure herself all over again trying to help him if she did. If he has his surgery he should be able to use his arm to help get himself up and down better and not need so much help.

Grandpa has been walking on the treadmill several times a week trying to strengthen his polio leg. He thinks if he can strengthen that leg he will be better prepared have his shoulder surgery. I think he just wants to feel like he is more able to move around on his own before one of his limbs is temporarily not working. Makes sense to me.

Made some taco soup for dinner. Even Jonathon liked it. That's pretty good, I think!
Well, better get some sleep. Night all.

I took Jonathon to his allergist today. We are pretty certain he does have a milk allergy. His allergist is going to do a food panel on him but has to wait until next week. We started him on vanilla flavored soy milk tonight. He took that better than he took the soy formula we tried him on when he was tiny. Man, he just hucked those bottles across the room. He wouldn't even touch those ones after he tasted them. He did drink the vanilla soy tonight, though. Yay!

Hopefully, we have found what has been making him so sick. I sure hope so! That would be SO GREAT! Cross your fingers with us. We sure need him to be healthy this Winter. He had such a rough Winter last year.

We got a lot of rain this afternoon and the temperature cooled down quite a bit. I can feel Fall starting to hit us. Haven't seen any leaves turn yet, though. I'm sure those are just around the corner. Can't wait!

HAIR TODAY . . . GONE TOMORROW

Grandpa got out for a haircut today. That's about the biggest thing that happened around here. We actually are a pretty boring people. I think that may be a good thing.

A SLOW MONDAY

Didn't get a whole lot else accomplished today but I did make a good dinner. I made barbeque boneless pork ribs. I slow cooked them in the crockpot and served them over rice. They were really good.

I went to the gym tonight for the first time in weeks. It felt good to lift some weights and get back on the treadmill again. Hope tomorrow my body thinks it was as good an idea as my mind did today! :}

JUST STOPPING BY TO SAY HI

Haven't shown my face for awhile! Hi everybody!

JUST SOME STUFF

Grandma and Grandpa got home safe this evening. They had a good time and got to see Sarah's kids play their football and volleyball games.

Jonathon is saying new words. He will just suddenly repeat things we say. In fact, he is saying little phrases like "I love you", too. I can't tell yet if he is retaining many of them or not. He has said "I love you" several times so I know he has that one down and he usually want to give you a kiss when he says it, so he seems to understand something about its meaning.

He is also getting more teeth. Not a happy process. But he looks so darn cute with his little toothy smile.

Carly is getting so tall. Everyone asks me if she is four. She is only two and a half. Although, I will say she is two and a half going on thirty!

Lately, whenever I go run errands I've been letting Julie drive us. She just barely got through her driver's ed class. She is doing O.K. but I did have to buy a box of hair dye tonight. I'm thinking we need some more parking lot practice time. :)

REPORTING IN . . .

Grandpa and Grandma went to visit Sarah, Rich and the kids the last couple of days. They wanted to go to each of the kids sports games after school. Actually, I think one of the games is tomorrow and they will head back when that is over. Sarah lives about two and a half hours away. I think it's good for Grandpa to get out once in a while. I'm sure he will come back exhausted but it will do him good to have a change of scenery.

We watched a movie tonight. It was an old one. So old our kids hadn't seen it. So, not really, really old--not as old as our kids would have us think anyway. I mean, Sandra Bullock was in it but I think she was in her twenties. It was called "The Net." I hadn't seen that for years and it was actually a pretty good show. The kids even liked it.

The little ones are missing their Grandparents. Glad they will be back soon. Night all.

WHERE'S THE BALL GAME? I'M ALL SET TO GO!

Jonathon loves this ball even though it's bigger than he is! He loves to carry it all over the place. It just looks hillarious when he does it!



But just so you know, he is wearing something! Lol!

I KNOW IT'S ONLY SEPTEMBER . . .

and it's still 95 degrees out but you've got to plan ahead a little, don't you? It's a little big for him, but I think it will work. He does seem to like it! I think I will call it "The abominable snow-baby outfit!" Lol!

HUMOR ME FOR A MOMENT . . . THIS IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

Here's an opinion piece by Chuck Green who writes "Greener Pastures" for the Denver Post Aurora Sentinel...one of the more liberal papers in the country. Additionally, Mr. Green is a life long Democrat...so this is rather a stunning piece...

THAT DARNED GEORGE BUSH!

Obama is victim of Bush's failed promises
Greener Pastures Column -- 5/ 15/10
Barack Obama is setting a record-setting number of records during his first year in office.
Largest budget ever. Largest deficit ever. Largest number of broken promises ever. Most self-serving speeches ever. Largest number of agenda-setting failures ever. Fastest dive in popularity ever.

Wow! Talk about change.

Just one year ago, fresh from his inauguration celebrations, President Obama was flying high. After one of the nation's most inspiring political campaigns, the election of America 's first black president had captured the hopes and dreams of millions. To his devout followers, it was inconceivable that a year later his administration would be gripped in self-imposed crisis.

Of course, they don't see it as self-imposed. It's all George Bush's fault.

George Bush, who doesn't have a vote in congress and who no longer occupies the White House, is to blame for it all.

He broke Obama's promise to put all bills on the White House web site for five days before signing them.

He broke Obama's promise to have the congressional health care negotiations broadcast live on C-SPAN.

He broke Obama's promise to end earmarks.

He broke Obama's promise to keep unemployment from rising above 8 percent.

He broke Obama's promise to close the detention center at Guantanamo in the first year.

He broke Obama's promise to make peace with direct, no precondition talks with America 's most hate-filled enemies during his first year in office, ushering in a new era of global cooperation.

He broke Obama's promise to end the hiring of former lobbyists into high White House jobs.

He broke Obama's promise to end no-compete contracts with the government.

He broke Obama's promise to disclose the names of all attendees at closed White House meetings.

He broke Obama's promise for a new era of bipartisan cooperation in all matters.

He broke Obama's promise to have chosen a home church to attend Sunday services with his family by Easter of last year.

Yes, it's all George Bush's fault. President Obama is nothing more than a puppet in the never-ending failed Bush administration.
If only George Bush wasn't still in charge, all of President Obama's problems would be solved. His promises would have been kept, the economy would be back on track, Iran would have stopped its work on developing a nuclear bomb and would be negotiating a peace treaty with Israel . North Korea would have ended its tyrannical regime, and integrity would have been restored to the federal government.

Oh, and did I mention what it would be like if the Democrats, under the leadership of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, didn't have the heavy yoke of George Bush around their necks? There would be no ear marks, no closed-door drafting of bills, no increase in deficit spending, no special-interest influence (unions), no vote buying (Nebraska, Louisiana).

If only George Bush wasn't still in charge, we'd have real change by now.

All the broken promises, all the failed legislation and delay (health care reform, immigration reform) is not President Obama's fault or the fault of the Democrat-controlled Congress. It's all George Bush's fault.

Take for example the decision of Eric Holder, the president's attorney general, to hold terrorists' trials in New York City . Or his decision to try the Christmas Day underpants bomber as a civilian.

Two disastrous decisions.

Certainly those were bad judgments based on poor advice from George Bush.

Need more proof?

You might recall that when Scott Brown won the election to the U.S. Senate from Massachusetts , capturing "the Ted Kennedy seat", President Obama said that Brown's victory was the result of the same voter anger that propelled Obama into office in 2008. People were still angry about George Bush and the policies of the past 10 years. And they wanted change.

Yes, according to the president, the voter rebellion in Massachusetts was George Bush's fault.

Therefore, in retaliation, they elected a Republican to the Ted Kennedy seat, ending a half-century of domination by Democrats. It is all George Bush's fault.

Will the failed administration of George Bush ever end, and the time for hope and change ever arrive?

Will President Obama ever accept responsibility for something... - anything?

(Chuck Green is a veteran Colorado journalist and former editor-in-chief of The Denver Post.)

NOT YET

It's been a busy day. Got the stains out of the clothes. Still working on the couch. Big frowny face :( . So far not much luck but hopefully with time we will figure it out. Kind of bummed about that. Think I'm going to rename my 2 1/2 year old "the destroyer." This little girl is so curious I never know what she is going to do next!But I'm starting to think I should be frightened. Very frightened. Lol! Just kidding.
Hopefully, Jonathon will be my mild child!

MY NOT SO FUNNY DAY

Had a funny story to tell you from church today. It will have to hold for a day or so. I have a not so funny (probably somewhat funny to you)story that happened tonight I'm still frustrated over and I need to vent.

This evening Carly came walking in from the front room to the family room and I heard Grandma ask her why she was so wet. I was in the kitchen so I looked over to see what she had done. Now, this is not an unusual question for any of us to ask her, mind you. She loves to take her sippy cup and when we aren't watching shake it out on her head or clothes. She has even poured someone's regular cup of water on her. She's a crazy 2 year old so not much surprises us. I said not much.

Pretty soon Jonathon rounds the corner and he is wet, too. I asked Carly if she had a cup of water in the front room and she told me she did, so I asked her to bring it to me. I wasn't prepared for what happened next. She went in the front room and came back with an small empty bottle of blessing oil. It's consecrated olive oil for healing the sick. My husband and my cousin had given Julie a blessing about an hour earlier because she has been sick. Apparently, Rob forgot to put away the vial of oil. It probably only had 4 or 6 ounces in it BUT those 4 or 6 ounces were now all over my two kids heads and clothes--OR SO I THOUGHT. And wouldn't you know it, they both had on brand new clothes.

I soaked up what was on their heads (luckily, oil won't hurt their hair) and got them out of their clothes and changed. I put Carly in a time out that actually turned into a nap! Yay! Then I thought I'd better go in the front room and make sure she didn't get any on the carpet. I turned the corner and realized she had missed the carpet BECAUSE she had been on the couch when she poured it on them. Our fairly new couch had several large oil spots on it. We had it stain treated but I'm not sure it was treated for oil!

I called Mom in and we discussed the possibilities and I decided just to try steam cleaning it with the regular carpet/furniture cleaner soap first. That did not work. So, I just looked online and it says that once it's dry to try putting baby powder on the spots to let it soak up the oil and then vacuum it up when it drys. If anyone has any better ideas, please let me know. I am really, really frustrated over this one!

So, when do the terrible two's end? Please be gentle. Don't say three or five. Let it be the last day they are two. Oh please, oh please, oh please!!!

GOD BLESS THE HEROES OF 9/11

So many heroes came out of the woodwork that day. So many rose to their potential as human beings. Too many lost their lives. We can never forget what happened to America that day and especially to those who lost their lives and their loved ones. We must remember so we can keep something like this from ever happening again. We can't allow this type of event to be politicized. If we do, we lose and they win. It was terrorism pure and simple. God bless the Heroes of 9/11. Let's Roll!

SHORT UPDATE

Grandpa has had a few days that have been pretty pain filled. His shoulders are really hurting him. You would think that might make him think he needs to have a shoulder replacement done but what the heck do I know. :/ Anyway, he has not felt like doing much or even coming upstairs much. So, hope he gets to feeling better soon.

Megan came today and got our kitchen table for her apartment. She sent me a picture on her phone and it looks pretty good there. We are having our new one delivered tomorrow. Spent this evening doing a nice clean up--floors and all, so it would look good in it's spot when it arrives. Kids(and dogs)have a way of crudding up the floor so it needed a good cleaning. Lol!

I will take pictures when it gets here tomorrow and show you what it looks like! Night all.

JONATHON'S CUTE FACE

Just thought you might need a reminder of what a cute face this little guy has.

MY LITTLE DRAMA QUEEN

Carly keeps surprising me with her words and language skills. Most of the time I have no idea where she picked up a word or phrase she uses on me. She is with me most of the time so my guess would have to be from some of these cartoons or kid shows I let her watch that are meant to teach her things.

Anyway, lately when I have asked her where something is or where she put something she doesn't even stop to think about it. She gets a really serious look on her face, cocks her head sideways for dramatic effect and says (as if she has been coached by an acting coach) "Mama, I can't find it ANYWHERE!" Now, mind you, it doesn't matter what it is I've asked her about. Seriously, I don't know where she picked that line up but she uses it every time without thinking twice. She might know where what I've asked her is, but this answer is lots more fun! Ye Gads! That's my DRAMA QUEEN!

AND BACK AGAIN

Like a ping pong ball. Hubby headed back to the Bermuda Triangle today. More work to do. Luckily, I got a call tonight and he finally had success. Sounds like when he leaves this time he may not have to return for awhile. Yay!

Had a migraine today and of course, the kids were on one all day long, especially Miss Carly! Although, Bubby has this new sound he likes to make that sounds like a wounded Rhinoceros. That does not mix well with a migraine--at least after about the twentieth time. It's a good time he's so darn cute.

Gotta take some more pictures and post them on here. The kids are too cute to not be showing you right now. Can't keep them all to myself. That just wouldn't be fair. Maybe tomorrow. :)

HOME AGAIN

Loved having a little get away but it is always so good to come back home. I missed my wee ones and even my not so wee ones. The temperature had dropped from near 100 degrees when we left to around low 60's when we returned. Mom made a pot of chili for dinner and some cornbread. Uncle Steve came up and we ate and then played a new game. It's called "FACT or CRAP". It was pretty funny. You read off different supposed things that have happened and everyone has to decide whether or not they are fact or crap. Sometimes you really wonder! We even got Grandpa to play! Then we had homemade brownies and ice cream for dessert. It's been a busy weekend.

Hope everyone had a nice Labor Day weekend!

WORST MEAL EVER

Rob and I ended up out of town for a second night in a lovely place I now like to call the Bermuda Triangle. Lol! It's a long story but it seems like every time we come here there are problems that suck us in and keep us for longer than we planned.

Anyway, we finally went to get some dinner tonight and one of the only places that seemed decent was a Wingers restaurant. I've never been crazy about their food but figured it would be okay. We went in and seemed to be one of the only couples in the place and it wasn't long until we were the only ones left. It took forever for them to pay any attention to us or take our order. Then, even longer until our meal came. Rob almost had us get up and leave it took so long.

When our food finally came, it was horrible. Rob had ordered soup and a half-sandwich. He was supposed to get a club sandwich and clam chowder. His club sandwich was a couple of thin slices of turkey, a couple of tomatoes and lettuce on two half pieces of normal white bread. (That sounds like a turkey sandwich to me.) His soup was all in a clump in his bowl. There was no soup to it--it was more the consistency of mashed potatoes.

My meal was a Salmon strip with a baked potato and broccoli. Kind of hard to mess that up. Well, not for them. The baked potato was cut in half and had been baked more than once--so much so it was gray inside. It wasn't even warm. I put butter on it and the butter didn't even melt. I took a bite and it tasted old. Ew! The broccoli looked plastic and was cold as well. I could tell the potato and broccoli had been heated in the microwave but had probably been done before they cooked the Salmon. The Salmon didn't have much flavor either, though and was just barely warm. I could only eat a few bites of it and I love Salmon.

Now, I'm not that picky and I don't usually whine about food or restaurants. I can't remember ever telling a waitress the food wasn't good. But this was the worst meal I have ever been served in a restaurant. We both left most of our meal on the table, paid the bill and then told the waiter we weren't happy with the meal. He said he would tell the cook. (Big deal, eh?)

I am just telling you this because if I were you, I would stay away from Wingers! Blech! Bad food, bad service and no service recovery!

TOOK A TRIP

No, not a fall, just a trip with hubby today. We are in Nevada, hopefully just overnight. He had a bit of work to do here and thought it would be nice to have me come along. It has been nice. He has been working most of the late afternoon and evening but he took a break for dinner and we tried out a restaurant he'd been wanting to try here for a while. He usually does takeout when he is on his own so it was nice for him to go into a sit down restaurant and order a meal and enjoy it. Come to think of it, it was nice for me, too. We had a good time together.

Julie and Grandma and Grandpa are watching the little ones and Megan stopped by to give them a break. Hopefully, they are being good for them. I felt a bit guilty when I left today because Carly was sobbing and grabbed me around the legs and pleaded "Mommy, don't go ANYWHERE, PUHLEASE??" Wow, if that won't give you the guilts, nothing will!

Thankfully, Jonathon doesn't have enough words or understanding to say anything like that yet! One child guilting me is plenty, thank you! Ye Gads and no thank you! :)

WENT SHOPPING TONIGHT

and found a new dining room table we liked. Came home and measured and then took Grandma back to see it. Decided we liked it so we bought it. They will deliver it next Saturday. We are excited. I will post pictures when we get it. That's the only excitement here for the day. :)

DISAPPOINTING DAY :(

Went to Grandma's Dr. appt. and found out she does have a rotor cuff tear and will need surgery to repair it. I guess the bright side is that they can repair it and eventually she will feel better. They gave Mom a cortizone shot a few weeks ago that has made her shoulder feel a little better so the Doc wants her to wait until that wears off and she is in serious pain again to schedule her surgery.

Dad went along and promptly announced to the Doc that he was cancelling his surgery. Susan and I were both there for the appt. and were able to get some answers from the surgeon for Dad that made him feel more comfortable with the recovery and rehab process. Before we left, Dad did reschedule for late October and we are hopeful he will keep that appointment. His pain is pretty significant and that limits his movement and ability to do much, so it worries us when he talks about not having the shoulder surgery at all.

He needs all the POSITIVE reinforcement he can get right now. So keep your "success" stories and happy calls coming. Have a nice night and day! :)

ANOTHER DOCTOR APPOINTMENT

Tomorrow (Thursday) is Grandma's appointment with the shoulder doctor to find out the results of her MRI. Cross your fingers and say a prayer with us! Gotta hope there is some good news here. We are hoping she hasn't torn her rotar cuff but are afraid she has. Anyway, we will let you know what the doc says as soon as we know.

Nothing really new here. Kids are growing fast. Carly's words are getting bigger. Jonathon's balance is getting ton's better. Other than that, things are pretty normal. More later. :)