August 24, 2014

Hello my sweet boys!

I hope it is alright that I am writing one letter to the two of you!  I guess if you don’t like it, I can always write one and copy and paste the other…but that is so much work. J  I am sitting here on the deck under the gazebo.  There are a few clouds, but it is late enough that there is no sun and the breeze is to die for!  Best of all…it is quiet!!!!  I sure miss having a quiet house!  You don’t realize how nice it is until you no longer have it!  With Gpa and Ellen here, the TV is ALWAYS on and Ellen never shuts up!  I don’t know how Gpa deals with it.  It drives me up the wall!  Ha,ha

Gpa is doing pretty good.  He is improving everyday!  It is still hard for him, but he is working to get better!  He is continuing to go farther with his walking!  In fact, on Thursday or Friday (can’t remember which) we went to Costco to walk around.  It was a good thing that I grabbed a wheelchair though.  He thought he would not need one, but I knew better.  He made it to the back of the store and then fizzled out.  He tried to walk a few more times, but really, he had reached his limit!  He was so exhausted, he could not even eat…it would be too much for him.  I did get him to eat a yogurt, but that was about it.    I felt so bad for him!  He has continued to try to walk around the house.  At times, he gets so tired he doesn’t want to do it.  Problem is—he needs to keep moving!  He starts physical therapy on Tuesday.  I think he is a little nervous—it will be very tiring, but if he wants to get better, he needs to do it!

Gpa told me to tell you boys that he is very proud of you!  He wants you both to know that he has not forgotten either of you and that he loves you both (he is sitting here next to me and wanted me to write that to BOTH of you!!!)

I started my statistics class.  I even took my first test today and got 100%.  I did have dad check it for me.  There was only 1 question I was not sure of.  He was able to explain it to me.  So, I got the question right. J  I start my pharmacology class on Friday.  I am a little nervous about that—I am really kept busy with Gpa and that class will take a lot of work!  I am happy that I will be out of the house for a couple of hours on Friday. J  I did get an email telling me that they are going to let me keep my dual enrollment status…woo hoo!

Ryan, did you feel the earthquake, I understand it was a 6.5ish on the Richter Scale in Northern California?   

Well please keep praying for me!  I am still struggling with Ellen.  I am trying though…I even make her pancakes today for breakfast (YUK…I don’t like pancakes).

Always remember who you are!  Mind your p’s and q’s.  Be strictly obedient!  Play as hard as you work!  Know that I love you beyond measure!

Love, Mom

September 1, 2014

How are my favorite missionaries??? :)

I sure hope you are both doing GREAT!!!  Sorry Ryan that I had to call your mission home last week.  I was a bit scared due to the earthquake.  I need at least a note from you. :)  Chris, thank you for your beautiful emails. :)  Jessica is being great and posting them on a blog for you.  I just didn't have time!!!  So, I am very grateful to her.  She has been really stressed lately.  They were in an accident (no one was hurt).  Their car got hit pretty good (it was Tim's fault).  They were supposed to leave back to Idaho this weekend...their car isn't fixed.  They won't give them a time frame as to when it will be fixed.  Needless to say, that is really stressing her out!  So, I am sure she would appreciate some prayers.

Grandpa is really improving! He has gone to physical therapy a couple of times.  Really, he only had 1 real pt.  The others were assessments.  It really wears him out.  He is now going to go 3 times a week for 1 1/2 hours.  He will be in the cardiac rehab program for 12 weeks.  This week we have a couple of appointments with various doctors.  The first one is with his primary care doctor, the other one is with his cardiologist.  Hopefully, he will continue to get better and better!!!!

I started my pharmacology class.  I love it.  I sure miss being in the program, but it is all good. I also started the statistics class.  That one isn't so bad, but there is NO lecture involved.  I am supposed to read the chapter, take notes, and then do the questions at the end of the chapter.  Then  after "studying" I am supposed take a test.  Problem is....the stupid text doesn't teach very well.  In fact, I have to find "lectures" online from other places.  Dad has helped a little, but you know how he is...he goes WAY over my head!  It is all good though.  I have taken 2 tests so far and got 100% on them both.  Yep, I'm that good..ha,ha.

Tiffany got her Driver's License.  Only problem is that we went down on Wednesday after she tested to the DMV.  We barely made it before it closed.  Then we waited and waited and waited (you get the idea).  We were finally called up only to discover that Masterdrive did NOT sign the mandatory paper...UGH!!!  We got it signed and went on Thursday and spend about 3 1/2 hours before we were out of there...it is HORRIBLE!!  So, she was able to drive to seminary and then to  on Friday.  She thought that was GREAT!  I am not going to lie...I thought it was great!

We had an awesome sacrament meeting today!!!!  The bishopric all spoke.  It was all on Charity.  I think I need to really work harder on it..especially where It is concerned.  She still is driving me nuts, but I am trying to make things easier.  I don't know if I will ever like her, but I will continue to push forward.

Oh, Dad bought me a new computer.  It is pretty sweet!!  It is NOT an apple this time!!!  It was actually cheaper than the Apple that I returned and it is much FASTER!! I already love it! 

Well, it is getting late and I need to sleep. :)  I sure am proud of you both!!!  Always remember who you are!  Be strictly obedient.  Work as hard as you play.  Mind your p's and q's.   Know that I love you beyond measure!

Love,

Mom

September 7, 2014

How's my sweet baby boy?  I decided to write to each of you separately. :)  Actually, I lied, I'm just gonna write to both of you!

                                                                                                                                                               

It has been an interesting week.  One I am not overly proud of!  Really it started out pretty good. We really enjoyed having Monday off.  We really didn't do a whole lot though.  Tuesday we had an appointment with Gpa's   with his primary care physician.  She is an awesome Dr.  However, It did not agree with the doctor and at one point told her that she should have her arrested.  I could not believe it!  After the appt, It would not shut up about how wrong the dr was.  Finally, gpa had enough and told her to "go to hell" (remember that is a direct quote).  We got home and things escalated rather quickly.  I went upstairs to read because I didn't want to hear it.  It kept yelling at gpa and I finally had enough!  I came downstairs where I was accused of eaves dropping..hmmm last time I knew it was MY house!  Well, I LOST it!  it was real bad!!  I think that suffering her abuse for the last month all came out!  I told Gpa that she was no longer welcome here.  I even said that I hope he regressed and died, then he would be with my mom and not HER!  I apologized to gpa and he just said he was sorry that it turned out that way.  I was so upset, I went to leave and decided that it was not safe to drive, so I went across the street and talked to Rita. 

After a little bit, gpa texted and asked me to come home.  It said that she didn't want to leave like this and proceeded to tell me why she was right.  I was good and didn't say anything.  I was so ANGRY that I felt dizzy and my fingers and toes were tingling. 

Dad took me out to lunch and of course, I cried to him. I feel as though I gave up so much and this was the thanks I got!

Wednesday,  I got up early and took Gpa to physical therapy.  When I got home IT was all ready to leave and very happy to be going!  I told gpa that I was worried about him, and he blew me off...oh well

I can't be around her anymore.  So, I guess that means that I won't be around your gpa anymore  It has felt kind of like when Gma died.  Makes me sad, but he made his bed and now has to lay in it.

At church today, I talked to the Bishop--I am still so upset that I didn't feel worthy enough to take the sacrament.  We have an AWESOME bishop!!  He totally understood and even gave me a blessing.  It really helped!

I didn't realize how much contention was in our home! It is nice to just be us again!!!!  Hopefully things will get back to normal...whatever that is.  ha,ha.

My 2 classes are going good!  Tiffany is still doing good in school...let's keep praying that it continues! ha,ha.

Well, I sure love you guys!!!  I am so proud of you too!!! Always remember who you are! Be strictly obedient!  Mind your p's and q's. Never forget that I will always love you!!!

Love, Mom

September 14, 2014

Hey Chris,

You get your own letter today since Ryan's Pday will be on Wednesday. :)  How are things going with you?  I hope you have not wasted too much time thinking/worrying about Gpa.  He will be just fine!  I have not seen him since he left, but I have talked to him several times.  I am still not ready to see him, but I am sure that will change in the future.  If not, It will still be alright!

I had a hard week trying to come to terms with what happened.  The first part of the week I walked around in a fog...then things just kind of clicked.  I started to see more clearly and wanted to actually do stuff.  So, I cleaned all the carpets on the main floor.  That was a LOT of work!!!  My hands hurt after from squeezing the trigger.  I actually rented the machine from Home Depot...I think it did better than the other machines that we have rented. 

I am currently working on the dining room.  With everyone gone, I have pretty much emptied it all out. (Even the china cabinet is in the living room).  I started to tape it off.  I am hoping to get to painting it sometime this week.  Guess what color.....it's "mushroom bisque"...no joke!  Every time I think about it, I chuckle :)  After I paint that, I would like to paint the living room.  I think I will paint it the same color.  It really needs it!  I am so sick of the pink color!!!  I am trying to get dad to buy into the idea of changing the baseboards to white...then I would paint the window sills white...I think it would look pretty awesome.  So far, he is not on board! (give it time...he'll come around to my thinking...ha,ha)  I will send you a picture when I get each room done. :)

I am still doing GREAT in my statistics class.  I have taken 4 tests...in all those tests, I have only missed 1 question....not too shabby huh??  I am also really enjoying my advanced pharmacology.  I am a little nervous, as I have the first test on Wednesday.  I have been really studying, but it just doesn't seem to be sinking in.  I am hoping that since I am in a better frame of mind, things will start sticking better.  I think I am going to listen to my lectures on tape tomorrow while I am cleaning (I prefer music, but I think this will be better).

Did I tell you that we have a system for cleaning now?  It is amazing how the house has stayed relatively clean since there is only 3 of us here.  Actually, I think it is because of our cleaning system (basically, I do almost everything..ha,ha)  It is working well since I am not in school full-time.  I am now seeing how the house has been neglected.  So, I plan on doing something about it!!! :)

So, Dora got the drive cam put back in it....Tiffany is not real happy about it...but it seems to me none of you guys were happy about it..lol  Can't wait for her to get her first trigger!  Lol  I do still think it is a great tool for continued learning.  It is scary to let your kids out on the road with all those other cars!!  She still hasn't gotten lost, but she has only really gone to the Lexington Building, our building and school.  I thi nk she could make it to King Soopers and  Walmart...lol

So, Lori gave me a surprise!  I am going to Arizona the last week of the month...from the 27th to Oct. 1st.  Lori is also flying there and I believe that Jan is going to meet us there too.  We will have a kind of "Sister's retreat!"  I am expecting to have fun!!!  I thought that was very nice of Lori...and Diana is so excited that we are coming!

So, how do you feel about becoming an Uncle???  Jessica was so excited!!  Then the morning sickness hit her with a vengeance.  She has called crying several  days in a row.  Hopefully it will get better (which I doubt it will until she is about 20 weeks--which is a LONG way to go since she is only 6-7 weeks!)  I am so excited about becoming a grandma.  I still think I want to be called "Me-maw".  I can't believe how happy this makes me.  I know it changes a lot of plans for her, but this is what she has wanted for a long time!

Transfers are next week huh?  When will you know if you are being transferred?  This is all so new to me :) I always look forward to reading your letters!

I am so proud of you!!!  Always remember who you are.  Be strictly obedient!  Play as hard as you work!  Mind your p's and q's.  And most important...know that I love you beyond measure!

I love you!!!

Mom   AKA  Me-maw :)

September 21, 2014

Hey Sweetie!!

Howdy ho!  How are you?   Did you get transferred??? So many questions huh?  lol

I have been so busy!  I got the Dining room all painted.  It looks AWESOME!  Dad and I even changed the molding around the bottom of the wall to a white molding.  It is so pretty.  Although, we are talking about changing the flooring to wood.  That would mean that we would need to change the molding back to the wood.  My next project will be to paint the Living Room.  I just have to recover from all that I did..ha,ha

I bombed my first test in Advanced pharmacology!  I only got a 74%...to pass you have to have a 77%.  I don't know what happened!  I read all of the chapters, I went over my notes several times.  I listened to the lectures at home.  Then on Wednesday, I had a major brain fart!  I wonder if things weren't going in because of the stress I was under.  I am trying a new method of learning.  Let's see if that works!  I am still getting awesome grades in my Statistics class.  It probably helps that I have dad look it over when I am done.  Although, he has not had to change any of my answers...so I did it myself. :)

Jessica is doing better.  No longer as nauseated as she was.  She takes a half of a unisom each night--that is what is helping her.  She said that she is doing well in school too.  She was a little worried since she cannot take her meds for her narcolepsy, but so far, so good. :)

I have to divide my day tomorrow between cleaning the house and studying.  I have let the rest of the house go while I was painting/updating my dining room.  I have been a little under the weather yesterday and today.  Yesterday I was so stopped up I thought I was gonna die!!!  Then this morning, I woke up stopped up AND sick to my stomach.  I have been fighting that ALL DAY LONG!  Maybe Jessica has transferred her nausea onto me.  ha,ha.

Well, I want to go to bed..maybe then I will wake up without feeling sick!

Always remember who you are!  Mind your p's and q's.  Be strictly obedient.    Work as hard as you play!  Know that I love you beyond measure!

Love ALWAYS!!!

Mom

September 28, 2014

HEY!! How are my boys?  First things first...Chris I need your address!  If it does not arrive with your email, you will not get your birthday box which is ready to be sent. Which reminds me....Ryan we are going to celebrate your bday when you get home unless there is something you need/want.

Chris...how is your new area?  Did you survive your first transfer?

Ryan...when do you get your MRI?  How are you deAling with the pain in your knee?

I am in Arizona.  It is good to be with my sisters and Jan.  We arrived yesterday.  My plane was late leaving but I arrived.  As soon as I got my luggage, the skies opened up.  I have only seen rain and wind like this when I was in Brazil.  Aunt Lori was on a plane behind me...she did not get to land.   In fact, her plane did circles for about 20 minutes and then got diverted to Tucson.  It was frustrating because there was No info!   She was supposed get in at 3...she ended up getting in at 6.

After we went to Buca Di Beppos.  I forget how yummy that place is...we had a blast.  I am not gonna lie...Jan is a hoot!  She had the waiter in tears laughing.  I think people thought we were drunk...ha ha.  Don't need alcohol to have fun!!!

Sorry but this will be short because I left my computer at home.   I need a real keyboard!  This is killing me!

Well...I want you to know that I am so proud of you both!!! Always remember who you are. Mind your p's and q's.  Be strictly obedient!  Work as hard as you play.  Know that I love you beyond measure!!!

Love ALWAYS
Mom. aka Memaw

October 5, 2014

Hey Sweetie!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! I hope you got your package.  If not, pretend it is your birthday when you get it :)

How's it going?  Did you enjoy conference?  I enjoyed it, but nothing really touched my heart.  You know, when you listen to a talk and the Spirit practically hits you over the head--well, didn't happen this time, :(  Oh, well, I guess I need to work on that since I know it is me.  It was strange to listen and enjoy but not really feel.  Could just be all the stress....

Speaking of which, we had an interesting experience yesterday.  Between conference, Dad and I decided to go deposit a check down at the bank.  No big deal right?   WRONG!!  I deposited the check, got my receipt and card, then noticed a guy standing on the LITTLE side area between the drive through and the street that separates KeyBank and King Soopers gas.  He was not looking to go across the street or to move in front of me to go towards Wendy's.  He just had his back to me and was fiddling with his cell phone.  It just felt WRONG!  I went across the street to the KS gas station and I watched him.  He moved to the other side of the drive through and kept looking around.  After about 1/2 a minute or so, he RAN to the teller and did something (not sure what).  At that point I started driving back.  He started to RUN away from the teller.  I stopped him and asked if he just stole my information.  He gave a weird comment and then started getting belligerent!   Dad told me to roll up the window.  The guy continued giving us RUDE gestures.  Then he went and go into a NEW black corvette.  I took a picture of his license plate while Dad called 911.  He was a little confused as to why I was upset.  I ended up talking to the dispatcher.  Basically, I had seen a segment on the Today show about how thieves are "Skimming" cards.  I guess they put something into the slot that reads your card before it actually gets into the bank's system.  Then they usually put some sort of small camera that you don't see, and they watch while you are entering your pin.  I believe that is what he was watching when I was doing my transaction.  Anyhow, this has become a HUGE problem.  The police really can't do anything until he attempts to make a purchase.  My understanding is that they make a  card with their name on it...then go to the store and use it using your pin.  Well, we cancelled the card and the bank said they would call if he TRIES to make a transaction...then I can call the police--I was so upset, I was SHAKING!  When I called the bank, they said that they have been having issues with ATM's.  They said to make sure you tap around the edges of the reader...if it moves...DONT USE IT!  I am sure that is what that guy was doing.  I really hope he tries to use our number so that I can have the police go after him!  According to the internet, as long as you don't get caught (ha,ha) it is a very lucrative way of steeling.

I did not get to watch the 2nd session of conference yet, I am going to do that next week. :) 

Grandpa came over today to get his mail.  Lucky for me IT didn't come.  He helped dad give me a blessing for tomorrow.  Then he told me that IT talked to the Bishop about me (in the ward they sometimes attend).  I guess the Bishop told her that she should take the high road and just drop it.  So, I guess that puts me on the low road.  That's alright--I just don't want to deal with her anymore!  I don't even want to hear her voice.  I don't have the major ANGER that I used to feel when I thought of her.  I just don't need her crap.  Maybe my feelings towards IT has made it so that I don't feel the Spirit.  Let's face it, I just don't want to deal with her.  Maybe I have "jumped off the ship".  Honest, I will get back on soon.

Say extra prayers for me tomorrow (Monday), I have surgery at 11:45.  Then on Friday, I have a big Pharmacology test.  I can't fail this one!!!  I just hope the drugs from the surgery don't mess me up too much!

Jessica had her first Dr appointment for the baby.  They did an ultrasound...it is such a cute little peanut!!!  The head is on the right side and you can see it's little legs and arms.  I guess it is around 1.5 cm long.

I hope Jessica doesn't get mad that I sent this to you.  If she sends it, please don't tell her that I sent it to you.  I don't want to take away her excitement!

My trip to Arizona was fun.  I got a little bored though!  Lori can't move much because of her hip and her weight, so we did a LOT of sitting around and eating (like I really need that...not!)  We did lots of crafts (which I could do without).  I enjoyed Jan.  She is such a hoot!  She actually was the "life of the party" until she left.  I guess I just don't like being away from my family!  I don't think sleeping on the blow up mattress helped either.  My shoulders are still recovering.  The flight home was uneventful (that is a GOOD thing).  I think Tiffany missed me the most!  It is good to be home though!

Well, always remember who you are!  Mind your p's and q's.  Be strictly obedient--Play as hard as you work!!!  Know that I love you beyond measure and that I am very proud of you!!

Love ALWAYS!

Mom