Re: Travel Plans

We're planning on leaving after Tyler gets done with work tomorrow, so that he only has to take Thursday and Friday off. We'll get into town probably late Wednesday night. Does anyone know what sleeping arrangements are being made? If there's no room at home, Tyler and I can stay with his family, but I was just wondering what everyone's plans were. I love you all!

RE: Travel plans

We'll be leaving early morning-ish (around seven, not around five) on Wednesday morning. We probably will stop in Santa Clara to see to Grandma and Grandpa Tobler's (Ernest and Cecilia) grave, and then come into Vegas--so I don't know what time we'll be arriving, but probably before Jen and Jeff.

I love you all very much.

travel plans

We will be leaving tomorrow late morning. Jeff will be getting Wed, Thurs and Fri off of work and we will let the kids go to school for a little while tomorrow morning to pick up all of their stuff and say, "see ya for the summer" while we pack the car and then we will be on the road. Hopefully, we will be in Vegas by 4 or 5 o'clock.

Last night, today

Another update. Just a short time after I wrote last night, dad had a bad moment. Not a bad moment in that we thought he was going to die any second moment, just a typical, frustrated dad moment. He kept saying, "I want to go. I want you to let me go. I can't do this anymore, etc." Mom asked if he wanted Uncle Leland and Uncle Steve to come over and give him a blessing to release him and dad nodded. We called them and David (who as you know is in town today) and it also happened that Tony and Sheila were also here with, of course, Grandma Tobler and Aunt JoAnne. (That ended up being nine people all sitting around).
It was a beautiful blessing. Leland and Steve arrived and spent a few minutes together in the living room before Steve anointed daddy and Leland blessed him. Dad was told it was his privilege to go, that he had finished what he needed to do and he could go. I believe dad was very aware of the blessing, for he shook both uncles hands after and thanked them. He has been much, much calmer since then. Much!
Neither Leland, mom or I think it will be as quick as all that, though. His body is still too strong for it to simply let go quite yet. In was late (late) before I went to bed last night, 2 or 3 am. Amy and David stayed the night and I don't think mom slept at all. She has already informed us that she will be staying up again tonight. She had taken one nap and I am trying to get her to take another before that. Even still, we will probably have a few more days of this at least.
Dad's breathing was quite labored this morning. Mom called the hospice and they have taken him off everything but the instant, liquid morphine every 1 to 2 hours. He hardly wakes up even when you are telling him to open his mouth so we can squeeze in the drug. But it has relaxed him and he is breathing easier. The nurse will be by later and mom hopes to ask a bunch of question so we can learn more.
Grandma Pace made it by today. She's walking as well as can be expected considering. I don't know it you have heard, after the surgery on her hip, she broke her leg. They could not cast it, but have threatened her with dire consequences to stay off that leg. She wanted to go out, this Memorial day, to Grandpa's grave and since she'd gone that far, she came here as well. It was slow, with her walker, but once she was seated by his bed dad woke up just enough to make eye contact and say hi. Mom thinks that will help Grandma. Grandma has been so worried that she had not been able to be there for her daughter. She said she wished she'd put off the surgery until fall- but what can you do? Nobody really knew how fast this would be.
Of course, the ward and stake continue to do wonder things. Brother Allred had already come by for dad's lamp then brought it back not two hours later, fixed. Dad put it in the corner where he could see it. Many letters and cards have come, but people have been great not to just show up. It has been a couple of says now where dad did not have the strength to see anyone and everyone has been quite respectful about that.
Know we love you all and we are thinking about you tons. Hugs and kisses.
LaDale

Update on Dad

David and Amy were here this weekend. They were surprised at dad's condition. At first, I was surprised at their surprise. I guess being here everyday and being around most every moment, has made the change gradual for me and less dramatic. I am overwhelming grateful to have the privilege of being here with mom and dad, for both mom's sake, dad's sake and my own. I would not change this opportunity for the world. I wanted to share dad's condition with you, if you don't mind. If I were not here, I would want to know.
Dad is getting weaker. He becomes quite exhausted with any sort of movement and is sleeping more and more and more. It is getting harder to wake him for his medication. All but the time release morphine in liquid form now and it has helped with the coughing fits. Those coughing fits hurt him the most, so we are all very grateful. We have quite the little routine now, Mom, JoAnne and I and, unsurprisingly, mom does it best. Sometimes I hesitate to tell dad what he needs to do, I mean, he is my dad. It has always been the other way around. Mom has no such hesitations and that is better for him in the end as she orders him to swallow correctly, so he won't cough, or to stop playing with his oxygen tube or to leave the breathing treatment mask on, because it is not finished yet. He trusts her and obeys.
Mom, I think, is doing as well as can be expected. She is sleeping two out of every three nights now, with JoAnne or I taking the other two nights. (p.s.- Thanks to everyone else who took those nights while you were here, especially Brad who took that extra night when we were all sick with the flu.) Mom, who did not (thank goodness) get the flu, has instead been battling a cold, but is doing much better. You know colds- that stupid runny nose hangs on forever. The rest of us are walking on egg shells that we don't catch it also.
Dad still knows who we all are when he is awake enough to notice but he often talks to many others we don't see. A couple of days ago he was talking with Grandpa Tobler and yesterday, while JoAnne and mom were talking, he shook a finger toward them and said clearly, "There was a presence here and we should not talk." They stopped talking. This morning, he told mom there were many great men and women around that she could not see. I believe the veil is growing thin for him. His spirit is being prepared as his body grows weaker. Thank goodness for the plan of salvation and my testimony of it. I hope I can be sensitive to the feelings and impressions around me. I feel so blessed to be here.
We talked today, mom and Kaylene and I about what to expect when dad actually passes. I am glad we can talk frankly about it. I makes me feel safer when contemplating the event. And it will be an event, will it not. Birth and death, the greatest events of our lives.

Re: lighter side

Somehow, I am not surprised I did not figure that out by myself.

RE: Lighter side

Sorry it's taken me so long...ugh I hate early pregnancy. Anyway--the chemical symbol for potassium is K; iron is Fe; and nickel is Ni. Put them together and you get a:

KNiFe.

Ha ha ha.

Re: lighter side

Haven't a clue!!!

Lighter side

What kind of weapon can be made with nickel, iron, and potassium?

(Hint: It's a chemistry joke)

Blessings

Yesterday, Heather had her class plays. She did wonderfully. We have it on tape and will bring it with us for everyone to oh and ah over when we are next together. I had no idea that there were so many kids from the ward in her class. While chatting with one of the other mothers, Mandy Bailey from the ward. I "observed" that she was expecting. She said, yes, she was due in October with a pair of twins. Here is the sad part. They are conjoined twins. Their point of conjoinment is their chests and hearts. Dispite this, the doctors are really optimistic about thier chances of being seperated. I realized how very blessed we all are. All of our children are healthy and happy, perfectly NORMAL children.

Parking at ASU

When I started attending ASU I bought the cheapest parking sticker and was happy. I soon discovered that if I didn't arrive on campus before 8am I might have to wait 30 minutes to find a desent parking place. So I would get up at the crack of dawn and drive to campus, if for nothing else, to get a good parking spot. Well, school has been over for the last few weeks and the first summer classes don't start until next Tuesday. With this in mind I was not expecting to have to fight for parking again until at the earliest next week. I forgot one tiny event, high school graduations. Yesterday was the first. I arrived in the morning just fine, got a choice parking spot and went in to do research. When I left at 5pm the parking lot was full, which never happened during the school year at 5pm, except on game days. I soon say students walking to the area wearing caps and gowns. I realized, "oh yeah, graduation." I see it again today. I expect to see it again tomorrow. That's life I guess.

update

Ah, Ezra, you sure know how to make a girl's day. I miss him. I miss you all. It is definitely quieter around here. Dad actually asked for some background music yesterday evening. Maybe he was missing the sound also.

I am finally feeling a little better. Ugh! I hate the stomach flu also. I am still lightheaded, but hungry, which is a good sign.

The hospice nurse just left after asking a bunch of questions and taking dad's vitals. She is going to try to get the one pill that is the hardest for dad to take in liquid form for him. Hopefully that will be easier for him to down. He says he hurts the worst when taking the pills because it takes so much water to down them and that makes him cough- hurting his back. When she left he said, "I really thought today would be the day I would pass away." Then he shrugged. Well, I don't think it will be today. After the reading the booklet from the hospice about the end of life, I think we have a lot harder things to go through before that. He is starting to talk nonsense again. But, I've learned that will happen and is normal at the end. It is not as bad as when he was in the hospital though. Thank goodness. I never want to do that again! I am so thankful he can be home. I am so thankful we have such a loving mother, that he has such a loving wife. I love watching mom care for him. I love watching their love and trust for each other.

I love you all. Thanks for all that you did here.

LaDale (Day-ell for some)

Home

Well, we made it. We had to make to unexpected stops--so lovely to travel with the stomach flu, I think we WON'T invite it on our next trip--but we did it. And when we pulled into the driveway, Ezra said, "We're HOME!"

The babies slept all night last night without waking up, without throwing up, without blowing out their diapers. We've already spent two hours out in the front yard and the park. And Ezra has informed me three times this morning, "This is home, Mom." Yes, sweetheart, I know.

On the flip side, Ezra did wake up this morning calling for "DAY-ell" and wanting to find "Gramma's house". When the phone rang earlier (it was the second counselor in the RS presidency), Ezra handed me the phone and said, "It's DAY-ell, it's DAY-ell, Mom."

And it was hard to leave Daddy and Mommy.

But we are glad to be home. Even if it is just for a little while.

Non-stress tests

I had my first non-stress test today and I just thought I'd let you all know about it. It was interesting, but I can see how it can get a little boring week after week. First, they sent me to Radiology to get an AFI (which, I'm still not sure what that stands for, but basically it's an ultrasound that checks the amniotic fluid). Then they put in a room with another lady who was having a NST as well (although the curtain was drawn, so I never saw her). Then they hooked a couple of monitors to my stomach and told me to just lay there for about 20 minutes. I did just fine with that part, but Katy apparently doesn't like the monitors they put on me, because she moved so much that she dislodged one of them and they lost her heartbeat for a few minutes as a result. The nurse had to come in and find it again and she strapped it down a little more firmly, which Katy didn't really like very much. But she couldn't get away from it after that, so they let me go about ten minutes later because they got what they wanted. I go back next Wednesday and probably every Wednesday from here on out until little Katy makes her appearance. It should be interesting to see how it changes as I get closer to my due date. Anyway, just thought I'd tell you all about it, in case you were at all interested. =) Love you all!

Thanks

I wanted to add my thanks to those already expressed. First, thank you to Bradley for posting about Daddy's release. I enjoyed reading it and I wanted to thank you for putting it here so we could all know what happened there.

Second, thank you LaDale. I can't even begin to imagine what we would do without you. Thank you for making sure that Momma is eating and sleeping and all of that. It helps to know that someone is taking care of her as well. I love you so much and just wanted you to know how much I appreciate you.

And last, I wanted to thank everyone for being such a wonderful family to me. I love you all so much.

Daddy's Release

I was blessed to be able to attend the stake priesthood meeting where Daddy was released. I thought you'd appreciate knowing what happened in that meeting. I have tried to accurately paraphrase the speakers. I have used quote marks only when I'm pretty sure I got down their exact words. Comments in [] are my own thoughts or comments.

Opening Song: Hope of Israel

President Bywater: [He stands and gets immediately to the business of the meeting. He released Michael Dale Tobler, though he found that a difficult thing to choke out. He then called David Clayson who was sustained unanimously. President Bywater then gave a very brief summary of Daddy's past and present medical condition and then explained that he would be receiving no further treatments and that the family was just trying to make him as comfortable as possible at home. President Bywater then read the following statement that Daddy typed up before the meeting.]

It has been a tremendous privilege to serve in the Meadows Stake Presidency over the past six years. I testify of the love that President Bywater and President Clifford have for each member of this stake.

I know that God the Eternal Father lives. His Son, Jesus Christ is our Redeemer and has suffered for our sins. I am grateful for my testimony and hope all that I do for the remainder of my life will be sufficient for Him to grant me His Grace and bring me back to the presence of Our Eternal Father.

I know that continuous revelation is operative in the Restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know of our heavenly father's love. The blessings of living with the restored gospel will always give us the right perspective as we face our challenges in our lives.

President Clayson: When I was called a few days ago, all I could think about at first was Mike Tobler. I don't know him as well as some of you do but I served with him in the Young Mens and that has been a wonderful opportunity. [Pres. Clayton hasn't been part of this stake for very long. Apparently where he lives was added to the stake not that long ago.]

After I while I started to wonder, "Why me?" I went to the temple on Thursday to do initiatory work and to contemplate this new calling. I received there in the temple a strong confirmation that this calling was right.

My mission president challenged all of us missionaries to never stand at the podium without referring to the scriptures. I'd like to refer you to a scripture in Luke 14.

12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.

13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:

14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

[President Clayson then bore his testimony of the Savior.]

My wife is willing to support me in this new calling as she has always been. I gave her a blessing when she was pregnant with our 4th child. Though she did not tell me at the time, she has a distinct impression that she would raise the child alone and to be prepared for that. A week later, I was called to serve as the bishop of our ward. She never complained.

President Clifford: "They've stacked the deck with lawyers." [President Bywater and President Clayson are both lawyers.] I'll have to study up on my lawyer jokes.

[President Clifford continued to speak with obvious heavy emotion.]

"I love Michael Tobler."

"I'll miss my friend, but I know that's part of life. I know President Clayson will do a great job."

Mike will get to see President O'Rourke before too long. I'm sure they will have a lot to catch up on and will be very happy to see each other.

"Rejoice in the life that Michael Tobler lived. His sacrifice was sufficient. Can't we all hope to say that?"

President Bywater: I testify with Mike Tobler that continuous revelation is in operation. I'm sure that President Clayson is the Lord's choice to fill this position.

It has been a blessing for our stake presidency to be associated with President Tobler at this difficult time in his life. He has come even closer to his Savior. In our presidency meetings his prayers have become even more sincere and the veil has seemed thin.

You Aaronic Priesthood brethren should understand the order in this church. We needed to take care of this business before the next stake conference. "For all things must be done in order, and by common consent in the church." (D&C 28:13) Remember this day and record it in your journal so that you can remember that this is a church of order.

[President Bywater concluded his remarks with his testimony of the Savior and an admonition to keep President Tobler and his family in your prayers.]

Closing Song: I Need Thee Every Hour.

I'm not sure that I've ever been to a priesthood meeting with more sniffling going on but it was a wonderful experience. It was clear to me that the men of the stake really love Michael Tobler.

When the call, "Drop everything and come," came.

It was easy for me, as I am only one person. Quite simple, in fact, for me to drop everything and come to Las Vegas. But I do admire those who really did drop everything to come- especially those with kids (which is just about everyone). For me, it takes about twenty minutes to pack a bag, then pack my car and leave. Sure there were a few phone calls, a little shopping, but in all, quickly done. I have no doubt it felt like twenty hours for those with more than just themselves to worry about. Yet, you did it and you came and I know that both mom and dad are thankful and touched at the sacrifice you have made and, indeed, continue to make. Thanks. (Hope the last week of school going great for Jacob, Heather and Benjamin- enjoy the last days of first and third grade!)
Of course, I am still here in Las Vegas- for how long, I don't know. At this point, I think I am here more for mom than dad (making sure she eats, sleeps at least every other night- etc). I am so very grateful that at this point in my life, I can be here- that I have the ability to go when I need to go and do what I need to do. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for that.

i wanted to say

I want to say that i married into an absolutely wonderful and loving family. I think it's great especially how those without children yet have helped out the current children who run around at family functions. I think{ and this opinion is strictly coming from me caren} that we should all try and really look out for our kids and be more attentive to them during hectic family functions. Please i don't want to offend anyone. I just think that sometimes it can be overwhelming to look after and take care of other's little ones and LaDale and tyler were so wonderful this last week. I just want to say that even though people are willing to help out so much, i just want all of us to really try and not take advantage of that too much. {if that makes sense} I know it gets really crazy when we are all together and again this is just me expressing my thoughts on the subject. Again i think you all are wonderful and i don't want this to come across as offensive to anyone. Again much appreciation to everyone. I love you guys. I couldn't create a better family to marry into. Lucky for me i don't have to.
love ya caren

Two Bright Lights

It has been a week of very mixed emotions for everyone. I wanted to take just a moment to record some very positive emotions I am feeling. Two people in our family deserve a special callout of recognition and appreciation with regard to all the little people running around.

LaDale, as always, has been wonderful. Having no direct responsibility for any of the children running around the house it would be very easy and natural for her to remain aloof from them and assume the attitude that "it's not my job." I know that I do this far too often! But LaDale jumps in and engages each child in a meaningful way and helps and herds. She does this without ever being intrusive or overbearing. A very difficult balancing act indeed and she does it with aplomb.

Tyler is continually found with a child in his arms. He is perpetually seeking them out and entertaining them and loving them. He has even less direct incentive to seek out this role being an in-law. Yet there he is. The rest of us seem to be doing well to keep track of our own children and here is Tyler keeping track of everyone's children!

Thanks so much to the both of you for being such a great example to me this weekend.

Re: Travel plans

We're coming down tomorrow morning. Telima told me they are coming tonight. We probably all want to bring as much bedding stuff as possible. Duh.

I love you all.

Re: Travel plans

Hey, Jen, I thought Samuel decided to leave today. At least he called last night to tell me that--I was asleep, so he talked to Brad. Did he change his mind?

And you're not the only one doing laundry today just in case. I looked at my piles this morning and thought--ummm, if we get a phone call, I'm not going to have any clean clothes to pack for the kids. So, yup, think of me while you sort and fold clothes. I'll be thinking about you!

re: travel plans

I know that David is going this weekend. Samuel and I were going to come on Memorial Day Weekend. Mom said that all of our aunts and uncles were coming this next weekend and I felt we wanted to wait and come when we had three full days. Allways provided I don't have to pull the kids out of school and run. I'm doing laundry today and such just in case.

Travel plans

Does anyone know when they are going to Vegas yet? The reason I ask is that Mema said that we shouldn't come all at once, and my family's schedule is pretty open, so I wanted to plan our trip down to Vegas in between others, if we can. So if you do know, could you give me a call or post it or email or something? I'm specifically concerned with the Arizona crew, since I already know LaDale's plans. I love you all.

Lillian's Doctor's Appointment

Lillian had her weigh-in today at the doctor's office. Two weeks ago, she was just under 12 pounds and the doctor was concerned because she had plataued in her development. Before we poked and prodded to determine an exact cause, he wanted me to stuff her little face with nonstop food and come back today. Well, she gained half a pound in two weeks! The doctor said that if she keeps it up, she may actually make it on the charts before she is nine months old. We are very grateful that she seems to be thriving, finally!

Happy Mother's Day!

To all my wonderful sisters and sister-in-laws and especially our wonderful Mother! I just can't believe how blessed we are to have the mother that we have. She is such a wonderful, caring, loving person and I just hope I can be half the mom to my kids that she has been to me. I love you so much, Momma!

Re: QOTW

Camping- I just love camping even though I have not been camping in forever. It is not something I feel comfortable doing alone- for safety's sake. Maybe it is more accurate to say, I love my memories of camping.
My favorite part about camping was the early morning before the day really started to move. I loved hearing sounds of Daddy getting up and starting the camp fire. Sometimes I would make it out of the tent in time to help him and other times I would wake to hear the crackling of the flames. Who could stay abed after that?

i just wanted to say .....

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

QOTW

I've been meaning to post my answer to this question for a while, and I keep forgetting (and right now I'm distracted by my favorite song on "Between the Lions": "Sven said, "Ted, send ten tents", Ted said, "Sven, sent ten cents", Sven sent Ted, the ten cents, Then Ted sent Sven ten tents" try saying THAT ten times fast.). So anyways:

My favorite part about camping with the family was the "houses" Jen and I used to make. We'd wander up into the trees above the campsite. These trees were not too far apart or too close together, and there was very little underbrush. So we would decide where the front door was, the back door, the kitchen, the garden, the pathways, etc. The carpet was always gold-and-silver (pine needles). It was always so much fun, we could spend hours and hours doing it. Now that I think about it, I'm not entirely certain just WHAT was so much fun, but that's the way I remember it!

Telima, I'm so grateful that Katy is doing so well. Hopefully she won't be TOO big--that wouldn't be too much fun come delivery time. And sleep is highly overrated, trust me.

Updates and such

Hi everyone! I feel like it's been a long time since I last wrote on here, and it probably has, so I thought I'd give you all a small update on our lives. First of all, my latest ultrasound appointment was yesterday. It went really well. Kathryn looks perfectly healthy, measuring right where she should be (and even a little big). They couldn't get a good profile because she was looking straight at us the whole time. But we can tell that she's going to have hair, which totally surprised me. =) I was expecting a bald baby but according to the ultrasound technician, our little girl is going to have hair! The perinatologist said that everything looks great and the only concern is that 2 vessel babies have a higher rate of stillbirths than normal. So, he's going to recommend that every week (starting in about 2 weeks) I go in for a non-stress test, where they hook me up to everything just like I was in labor and monitor the baby for a while. If anything was going to go wrong, they should be able to catch it and by then I'll be far enough along that they'll just induce me, to save the baby. But, everything looks great and there should be no need to worry. For this, we are very grateful.

As for some other updates, it has come to my attention that I've neglected to tell you all that Tyler did receive the teaching job that he wanted in his office. He's considered a Trainee right now, I think, and he's working hard to become a Senior Instructor by the end of the summer. Right now, he's working as a teacher, the secretary, and on the Directory, so he has an extra full load. However, it has assured that he will be able to work full time this summer, which is perfect for us.

And me? Well, I'm doing daycare during the day for Josh and Diane, watching their three youngest children, Thomas, Stephen, and Allison. It's interesting, hectic, and sometimes very frustrating, but it's bringing in about $800 a month, about $400 of which goes right back to Diane and Josh for rent. But that makes $400 extra that I'm making just watching the kids. I'll of course be taking time off when I have the baby, and then we'll see if I take the kids back or not. I had decided that I defintely would, but Diane has recently been looking into asking someone else to take them, starting when I have the baby. We'll see what happens. And, of course, I'm continuing on in Mary Kay.

Anyway, so that's an update on us! Kathryn's doing great, Tyler's doing great and I'm doing great as long as I can get some sleep! =) We love you all!

Thank you all!!!

Dear Family,
I love you all. This has been a very, very long week but it is good to be home. Dad is still pretty much out of it. He eats well and he sleeps a whole lot. But he is not in pain right now and we are very encouraged by the fact that we are going to be starting radiation treatments tomorrow. We will let you know how things are going as they go along.
Love you all.
Mom

The end of School, again

Ah, the end of another semester. Those of you who are closely connected to school will understand the joy that comes from finishing your last final. I fully understand that BYU has been done for a week or 2 (or 3?) but that does not take away from my just finishing my last exam last Monday. My last exam was in a class that I had not understood much of the homework over the previous 2 weeks. This caused me to despair that I may fail the exam and thus fail the class, or at least not get a good enough grade, and thus have to take it again next January. But the test went well. I did most of the exam in a satisfied way and I felt I did not fail the class. I don't know if I have ever felt more happy after an exam then I did after that one. Caren and I celebrated by going out to dinner, with the boys of course.

Now I will be taking it easy for the rest of this week. But, starting next Monday, I will be doing research full time while studying for the quite possibly toughest exam I will ever take in my life, the Physics Comprehensive Exam. This test me on everything I should have learned to get my BS and everything in the first year of my graduate studies. I do have 3 times to take this exam in order to pass. If I fail to get a passing grade by the third try I will be asked to leave ASU and, at best, given a Masters in Passing degree. This is the same as a slap in the face for me. I hope to pass this exam the first time around and I plan on studying for it like my life depends on it, as it really does depend on it. So keep in mind, if I seem easily aggitated around the middle of August, it will be due to this exam. ;-)

I wanted to answer Caren's latest QOTW: My favorite part of camping would have to be the cobbler. This of course is camping with family. When it came to camping with the scouts or others, I really enjoyed the evening full of stars, assuming it didn't rain. We just can't see the same number of stars in the city as we can in the mountains. The stars helped me to realize that we were away from "civilization." That is all.

Disneyland trip update

Just thought I would clue everyone in on the disneyland update. Sorry this hadn't happened earlier, but if the truth be told, this week has been quite a bit more hectic than I thought it would be. Certainly, I thought that if we stayed home in Vegas, I would at home in Vegas. Not so, as I have been spending most of the day at the hospital with Dad so Mom can come home and rest.
The money Caren and Samuel and Jenafer and Jeff sent to help out with the Disneyland trip for mom only went to mom. We gathered it all together along with the money Amy and David, Telima and Tyler, Keryn and Brad and I gave for what we were calling mom's mad money. She was given it in a small card with everyone's name on it and already knows what she wants to do with it. As you probably already know, the first card never made it to Arizona. We are thinking that it was sent to the return address and that would be me in Colorado and since I do not have a husband there to forward it, it will just have to wait until I make it back home to resend it.
Other money- David and Amy- Once I get back home and totally figure it out, I will be paying you back the gas money ($25) and the money I collected for the room (the $20 per person for Dolphin's Cove)- I will also be paying Amy's portion ($35) of mom's disneyland ticket, as well as $35 to Keryn for her portion. Then you just send me both those tickets. Also, David and Amy, you owe Keryn the amount of her Disneyland ticket that David used which is $105.
Okay, I hope that is clearer than mud. I am sorry if there were any misunderstanding or disappointments on the part of anyone. We tried something that did not work out exactly as we had hoped but it was done with the best intentions and to the best of our ability. Thank you for your help, patience and support. If any one has any questions or concerns, please feel free to call and ask. I will try to explain the reasonings behind what we did.
Love you all.
LaDale

An Update from a Bad Mom

Saturday morning, Ezra refused to eat his breakfast. I had poured him a big bowl of his requested Cheerios, and poured the milk, and set it in front of him. Then I left to fix Mercy's oatmeal. When I got back, Ezra had pushed the cereal bowl away from him and was asking to get down.

"Are you sure? You don't want to eat anything? This is breakfast--if you don't eat, you don't get any snacks or anything else until lunch." I warned him.

"Okay, Mom," he said as he ran off.

Of course, thirty minutes later, he wanted to share my breakfast of graham crackers (healthy, I know). I wouldn't let him. Ten minutes after that, he wanted goldfish. Then fruit snacks. Then rice krispies. Then oatmeal. The whole morning was a battle, with time-outs, tears, and stress. But I held firm. I even felt pleased that I managed to resist giving in.

At eleven o'clock, I decided that it was time for lunch. Ezra, quite excited, asked for rice krispies. I poured the cereal and then opened the whole milk carton--and nearly threw up. The milk was completely sour. I dumped it out and got out the new carton...and then it dawned on me.

Of course he didn't want to eat his breakfast!!!! The Cheerios were covered in sour milk, and I had punished him all morning long because of that. I ran over to him and hugged him and loved him and gave him anything he wanted to eat for the rest of the afternoon.

I am the world's worst mom!!!!!!! (Hee hee hee, I know I'm really not. But, man, did I feel awful!)

new qotw

Samuel, adam and kip are on a father and son camping trip this weekend Sorry, to be politically correct i think it's called the Aaronic Priesthood Commemoration. {Their first ever as of our own little family}. I worry so much. I am a mom and wife.
But i'm sure they are having a blast!

The new qotw is what is your favorite part of camping? {if you have more than one feel free to share}

Growing up my dad would rig up our own little makeshift hammocks between trees while we were camping.
The makeshift hammocks are one favorite thing. The other was my dad playing the ukelele.
{part of my dad's growing up years were spent in hawaii, so he has a ukelele}

Some not so good news...

Most of you know Brittanie pretty well, so I thought I would just post here what has happened recently with her. Most of you know that she was expecting her first baby on May 14. On Monday, she realized that she hadn't felt the baby move for some time and she called her doctor, concerned. He told her to come straight in and they tried to find the baby's heart beat. They couldn't, even after a full ultrasound. They decided to induce Brittanie and yesterday, she delivered her little daughter, stillborn. From what they can determine, the umbilical was wrapped twice around little Cora's neck, pretty tightly, and they think that's what caused her to die. The last time I talked to Brittanie yesterday, she was doing much better than I thought she would be. She and Matt were at least able to hold her. They have decided to cremate her, for various reasons, and I'm not sure what they plan to do with her ashes. She told me they were planning to wait the summer, let her body recover and then in the fall, they'll try again. I just wanted to let you all know, since most of you know Brittanie fairly well. I don't know her address in Rexburg, but I can find it out if anyone wants to send a card or something. If you don't, don't worry about it. Just keep her and Matt in your prayers for a little while.

Happy Birthday

Da da dum dum! Da da dum dum! (Sing in slow, funeral march style and don't forget the slumping shoulders and moaning wails).

Happy Birthday my quarter of a century brother! I hope the day is absolutely wonderful and fabulous and everything you want it to be.

p.s. I also hope finals are not killing either you or your beautiful family off. It's too early for you to die!!

happy birthday Samuel!

I'd just like to say happy birthday to my older than dirt husband! And wish him well on his final today.

We are here!

Thanks to everyone's monumental efforts and good will- we, Keryn, Telima and I, made it in to Las Vegas yesterday afternoon to surprise mom. And she was pleased and surprised to see us. It has already been a great trip and we have only just gotten started. I am grateful that we could come at this point and help out some. We are still working out our plans and putting things in order, so we will have to let you know as the days past what we end of doing. I am hoping that Amy and David are enjoying that wonderful California sun and thanks again, Jenafer, for your sacrifice. I love you all.