Adventure at Midnight!

What were you doing last night at midnight? While you were wasting time sleeping, Jared, Kristen, and I were being guided on an adventure with Brielle! Much like that time when we visited her house (see previous blog- Pretending With Brielle), Brielle went into pretend mode and away we went on high adventure. And what was she doing up at midnight, you ask? Here's how it happened: Kristen, Jared and I watched a movie, and Brielle came out during it. She knew she was supposed to be in bed asleep, but when asked why she wasn't asleep, she said she tried, "but it just isn't working so very well." So, when the movie ended around midnight, I think she realized she had to be extremely cute and entertaining or she'd be whisked off to bed. So she kicked it in high gear, and suddenly we were on an adventure of a lifetime. First she packed a picnic in the pretend picnic basket, filling it with ice cream, cupcakes, and other delicious foods. She put it in the "back" then told us to come in from playing in the "back ard" (yard) and buckled us in our seats. She climbed up on the chair and first drove us to the store because, "Oh, dear, we forgot the drinks" She told us to stay in the car and she ran in the store bought the drinks and came back out. Where are we going, Brielle? "Well, first we're going to the jungle for a picnic, then we're going to Mystery Island (pronouced Mister Island). She drove us along until suddenly she slammed on the brakes and exclaimed, "Oh, no, we forgot your shoes! We've got to go back and get them!." That was my favorite part. She was SO intense! She then drove crazy and fast back to get our shoes, and ran in and got them, then pretended to put them on us. At one point, I tried to sneak food out of the picnic basket, but got in big trouble. "We don't have our picnic until we get to the jungle, Grandma!" Before we could finish the adventure, all three adults were completely out of gas, so she had to finish her adventure in dreamland! How I love this creative, and imaginative child!!! I wonder where we'll go on our next adventure? I'll keep you "posted."

White Christmas in Dixie?

Can you believe it? The kids are out of school for a snow day, the world is covered in white! Could we possibly have a white Christmas? I doubt it . .. the sun is already peeking through the clouds and I can hear the drip, drip, drip of melting snow. But right now, it's a beautiful winter wonderland!

Merry Christmas!!!

Copy and paste the following in your browser for our Merry Christmas to you! http://www.glenn.tapley.us/MC.swf

Keynotes

A big part of my "Christmassing" every year is singing with the Keynotes. We sing for functions and parties in the community and church, but our favorite is singing for local rest homes and assisted living centers. We always go to six or seven each season and do our program for them. We've had so many wonderful and funny experiences. When we're reminiscing, someone always comments, "Someone should write a book." But, so far, . . .no book. So I decided I'd write a blog about ones I can remember. That's pretty close to a book, isn't it? Just this week, we were singing at The Meadows, and were about 2/3 through our 40 minute program, when a lady in the front loudly asked the man she was sitting next to, "Are they going to sing?" Alzheimer's, I guess. Several years ago, we were singing at a rest home, and one of the ladies (no longer singing with us) started one of our songs with a solo. She was about half-way through her solo when a lady in a wheelchair in the back loudly exclaimed, "I guess you think that's pretty!" The nurse came and wheeled her out of there so fast! We came out of a ward building after singing for an adult Christmas party, to find Kaylin's car gone! She had a bad habit of leaving her keys in the car. We called the police and were waiting out front when an elderly and very confused gentleman came driving up in her car. He had come out of the party, thought it was his car and got in and drove off. He was furious when the garage door opener wouldn't open his garage, so came back for help! We've had some very touching, sweet experiences, too. We were performing a love song in one of our spring programs at a local rest home, when a man, there with his crippled and ill wife, literally plucked her out of her wheelchair and "danced with her around the room". Her little feet were on his- just like we all used to do with our Daddys. It was so sweet and touching. By the end of the song, we all had tears streaming down our faces. There are two men like that at Kolob Care- each with their wives there. They are ALWAYS there and so devoted and loving with their wives. One is constantly stroking her arm, pushing the hair back on her forehead and kissing her, whispering things to her. Again, it's hard to sing when you're choked up! At that same rest home a couple of years ago, we were singing "I'll Be Home For Christmas" when nearly everyone started crying. One woman was literally wailing out loud. We decided that song was not a good choice for rest homes. We consider it a privilege to bring maybe a moment's worth of joy to these fine people in the sunset of their lives. Our concert in the tabernacle will be Sunday, December 21st at 7:00pm. If you're in the area, we'd love to have you come! Just keep your "I guess you think that's pretties" to yourself! Ken came to hear us sing at the Meadows on Wednesday and took some pictures. You can see the lady who asked if we were going to sing right there in front. This was taken during our "bell song." Last year, I was excited to order bells to add to our Christmas programs. I ordered them, then arranged three of our songs to add bells to them and took them to our first practice in September. After that practice, I dumped two of the bell numbers, and we focused on only the easiest one. I had NO idea how hard it would be to play bells and sing at the same time. This year, I was more realistic and just ordered one "bell song" with the parts already written. We started in September and have practiced it every week, and have yet to perform it perfectly! Maybe at the tabernacle!

Who Are You? and What Have You Done With My Husband?

 

To call Ken "Scrooge" would be overstating it, I'm sure, because he isn't evil and mean, but he certainly has never been big on "Christmas spirit" He loves to be with the family and he loves the music, but I think that's about it . . oh, and the cherry chocolates. But this year, for the very first time, we've been alone over Thanksgiving weekend- which is when we, or I should when the kids and I always decorate the house. His usual contributions to Christmas (besides earning the money to pay for it) are to bring the artificial tree out of the basement, buy me presents, and sometimes, sometimes, put lights out front- every few years or so. I told him he would just have to help this year since we're fresh out of kids at home. And I'll be danged, he has! He hauled most of the stuff out of the basement, then set up the tree by himself and carefully "fluffed" all the limbs. Then he put all the bows on the tree, then about 20 or so ornaments, after which he was just worn out. He said, "If we put any more on this tree, it's just going to look gawdy." So I excused him to watch tv( something he does once a month or so) and told him I'd finish. The next day, he strung the lights through the village (not an easy job- very tedious) and got all of the stuff on timers. Then on Saturday, I came home from shopping and found a strange man on a ladder in front of my house, putting up lights! I got out of the car and asked, "Who are you and what have you done with my husband?" I couldn't believe it! Then, tonight, to top it off, he went to the store and bought "bush" lights and came home and put them out- completely his idea! His Christmas spirit just seems to be growing, and I'm loving it! I'm hoping it's a permanent change! Our new blue "bush" lights. He's holding a rose! We've had a very mild fall and still have roses, tomatoes and other flowers!

Happy Birthday, Dear Shonna!!!

Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Shonna!! Happy birthday to you!!!

Count Your Many Blessings

I woke up this morning counting my blessings. Shonna challenged me to do so alphabetically (see her blog) so I'll attempt to do that now: A Atonement-appropriate that it starts with A so I can list it first- my greatest blessing America Ancestors Autumn-my favorite season Apostles B Brielle Blake Brian Blogs- a fun, new addition to my life Books- I've read some really good ones lately Bed-man, I love my bed! BYU Book of Mormon C Christ Christmas Christmas cards- I love this tradition Conference talks- I'm a conference talk junkie- I love studying them Chocolate Camerons- Mark and Donna, for raising a good son Car- I'm so thankful for our cars Comments on blogs D Dates with my husband Doctors- especially this year Dishwasher- my automatic one Dryer- I didn't have one for many years, I've never outgrown my gratitude for it. Daughters Dad- I miss my Daddy E Energy- love it when I have it Email- what a blessing this is in my life! Earrings F Family- immediate and extended Friday nights- love our weekly dates Freedom Football- the BYU variety G Gasoline George W. Bush- no, I'm not kidding. The media has sold the country, the world, that he's been a terrible president- the cause of all our problems. I'm not buying what they're selling. Have there been any attacks on American soil since 911? I think he's a good, God-fearing man who's done the best he can in hard times. I hope history is kind to him. H Holy Ghost- my goal is His constant companionship Home- my very favorite place on earth Hymns- I study them and love them I Idol- American Idol- my favorite tv show J Jared Joan K Ken- my 2nd greatest blessing (after the atonement) Kristen Keynotes- my singing group. I love those ladies Kissing grandchildren L Love M Michelle Mackrorys- Mitch and Carolyn, for raising a fine son Music- such an important part of my life Movies- good ones Mom- I miss my Mom N Nathan Neighbors- we have such good ones O Optimism P Prophet Prayer- what a blessing to know we can talk to God and that He cares Priesthood Princes- Gary and Cynthia, for raising a fine son Piano- probably my favorite earthly possession Physical therapy Q Quiet- not just all I could think of for Q. It really is something I greatly value R Really great family! Rings- I love my rings Recipes S Shonna Singing Scriptures Sons-in-law: I have the three best in the world! Summit- where I do my physical therapy. I love their pools T Temple Teaching- one of my passions Thoughtful kids! Trials U United States of America V Very nice kids! Voice students W Water- especially indoor running- what a blessing! Wonderful kids! X X Rays- that show my knees are good Y Yummy food Z Zuper kids! (I hate zoos)

Tag, You're It!!!

Being a random person, I love randomness and chance. So, I love this tag from Brian to just look in certain picture folders and post whatever picture is there: the fourth picture in the fourth folder, the third picture in the third folder, and the 10th picture in the 10th folder. Then, I'm going to add the 16th picture in the 16th folder. This is going to be fun! Oh, fun one! This is Michelle with her cousin, Stacy in their Indian costumes for folk dance. Third picture in the third folder: Jared with baby Brielle 10th of the tenth folder: Blake's Grandparents, Brother and Sister Cameron, at Shonna and Blake's reception: such nice people! 16th picture of the 16th folder: Shonna in Nida, Lithuania eating soup. Ah, this brings back memories! We ran to get something to eat between the folk dance concerts. Notice the girl in the bikini outside behind Shonna. It was FREEZING cold out there- windy and cold. We were all miserable at that dinner wondering how she was surviving! (That's the Baltic Sea out there!) Okay, now tag, you're it!!! It's really fun, try it!

Rise and Shout!!!

I stole this from Joan's blog, cuz I thought it was a great idea- as they approach the biggest game of the year! Everyone join in!!!! "Oh Rise and shout . . . Ra, ra, ra,ra,ra, Go Cougars!!!

Stake Conference

This weekend was our stake conference. With Ken in the stake presidency, it is approached with much prayer,anticipation and thought. Ken was assigned to speak in the Saturday night session and the Sunday morning session this time. He did a great job. Last night he spoke on the importance of taking time to ponder. This morning he left his prepared notes to tell of a great experience he had on Labor Day at the Welfare Farm (so many people showed up to help they finally closed the gates and then drove around in a tractor BEGGING people to go home- not your usual welfare farm story!) Both meetings were great and the spirit strong. I was amazed at how well they were able to keep their composure, considering what happened: We had a tragedy in our stake last night. As Ken and I arrived at the stake center about 6:30pm, a fire truck sped by going, we later learned, to the nearby high school. They were preparing to present the play, "Oklahoma" when a young man was fooling around and put the prop gun to his head and fired. It had a blank, but, I guess, at close range, it still can do a lot of damage. He is in our stake. His bishop was pulled from our meeting, telling him only that the young man had been shot. The stake president saw that happen and during the congregational song, went down to talk to the bishop's wife, who was very emotional. He then told Ken and had Ken ask the one giving the closing prayer to pray for the family. We later learned that the young man had died. They were going to life flight him, but he died on the way. I'm sure, besides the bereaved family, many students will need help and counseling. They locked down the school right after it happened, and interviewed the students who were there. The play was cancelled, and everyone sent home. Ken and the stake presidency spent this evening consoling the family. They have had an outpouring of love from their ward. Nearly 40 people showed up to clean their home, mow their lawn, wash their windows, clean out their fridge, etc. after stake conference this afternoon. The bishop called one or two to help, and within minutes, 40 showed up. The news stations are swarming their home. Friends have been there all day helping answer calls and taking care of the business. Good things are happening in our stake. They've recently organized, with other stakes, a Spanish branch (hosted by us), a Samoan branch (hosted by Bloomington stake) and a special needs mutual (hosted by us). They had a great turnout. They've called wonderful individuals to serve in the YM and YW presidency, including three recently released bishops and our past stake RS president. Each member brings a friend to help. They started in a large meeting, then divided into groups for getting to know you games. Ken took some pictures of their first meeting:

Happy Birthday, Brielle!!!

 

Pretending With Brielle

On Saturday morning, Ken and I tended Brielle and Nathan while their parent participated in intramural racquetball. Ken took Nathan for a walk outside, and I suddenly found myself being "dressed" for church by Brielle. She got me in a pretty dress, then buckled me in my chair in the car. She then climbed up on the rocking chair and drove us to church (really, really fast) She unbuckled herself, then came and got me and unbuckled me and instructed me to "hold her hand in the parking lot". We then went into church (in the dining room). We sat on the chairs and she mumbled stuff and shouted out "amen" I said, "Let's go to nursery" and she said, "We'll go to nursery in a little while. Right now we need to sing." So we sang "I Am a Child of God" and had the sacrament and had more mumbling and amen. We sang "Jesus Wants Me For a Sunbeam" and she said a nice prayer. Then she said, "Let's go to nursery." She took my hand and led me to the kitchen where she pretended to open the door and let me in. She stood at the door and said, "You stay here and play with your friends. I am going to class and will be back to get you in a little while. Have fun, I love you." and off she headed to "class" in the living room. She climbed up on the couch and sat very quietly with her hands in her lap. So, I played nursery in the kitchen. I did "ring around the rosie" and shouted "Again" after each round. She would look over at me from the corner of her eye and smile. Pretty soon, she came to the "door", pretended to open it and asked if I needed to go potty. She took my hand and took me to the potty, then took me back to nursery. I told her I needed a snack, so she got me the Life cereal. I asked her for a bowl, and she said, "No, just have it on a napkin." I told her I wanted her to stay for snacks, so she did , then she played some games with me with the letters on her fridge. Soon thereafter our “game” was interrupted, but the role reversal was so fun. It's so fun to see what's in her little head!

Happiest Halloween!

We had a wonderful Halloween. Jared and Kristen came for the weekend so we could be part of the festivities. It was so fun to see our little cowboy and cowgirl have such a good time. In preparation for the big day, Jared asked Brielle, "What do you say on Halloween when you ring the doorbell?" She thought for a minute and responded, "Granma and Grampa, here I am!" By the time she got here, though, she knew "trick or treat" and what was going to happen when she said it. Thanks Lu and Jar for sharing the fun with us!!!

Rim to Rim!

"Never again!" Ken swears this was the last time (he said that last time he did it, too) So sorry, Jared, Blake, Brian, and Tom . .. you'll have to hike the Grand Canyon rim to rim without Ken. He says he'll be glad to be the driver. Twenty-four miles of grueling hiking is a lot when you're 50-hmmm, well plus. But, he did it! I'm so proud of him. Four guys from the ward went- Dave: a young buck in his forties, Steve- slightly older than Ken and Ken hiked and Kurtis drove them (Kurtis has a bad back and can't hike right now). They left here about 3:30am on Friday and started the hike about 6:45am on the North Rim. They hiked all day long and reached the south rim about 6pm that evening - A long, grueling day. They spent the night on the south rim and drove home on Saturday, so tired and so sore. He walked a lot like an eighty- year- old man, and per Tom's instruction, tried not to groan every time he stood up or sat down. He's recovering, and in spite of it all, is glad he did it! At the bottom "Please sir, I want some more" I gotta go where? Still smiling!!!

Hinton Sibling Reunion

Last weekend was the Hinton sibling reunion at Pine Valley. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend because I was very ill with a kidney infection, but Ken went for most of it and had a great time. They all came here on Saturday night for dessert, so I got to see everyone and join in on some of the fun. This is a great annual tradition which we all anticipate!

Now That Was Fun!

I just taught a lady how to swim! I went to do my therapy today. I'm now in what they call "open gym". It just means that I go and do the exercises they've taught me in the gym and then in the pool. I was in the pool, pretty self-absorbed- focused on my aches and pains, when this cute, little black lady- Jackie - came in to get in the pool. She was probably about 5'2", 45-50 years old. She obviously wanted to be right by the wall, so I scooted over and let her have that space. We chatted a bit as we walked. I noticed her clinging to the wall at the three foot level. The indoor therapy pool is three-foot deep at either end, graduating to six-foot in the middle. I went on with my exercises, which include treading straight-legged, then bicycling for ten minutes each. She watched me closely. She just couldn't believe I could do that. She asked me many questions about how I stay up. I told her I could teach her. She was on a "noodle" so was afloat, but as we chatted, she suddenly noticed that she was at the 5-foot level. She had a bit of panic attack. I told her how to move her feet and arms and helped her back to the three-foot area. Then, I taught her how to basically doggy paddle on the noodle. She went back and forth, just thrilled to death. "I'm swimming! I'm swimming!" she said. I told her that 80% of swimming was just overcoming fear. I then had her try it at 4 foot, then 5- foot. "Do you think I could go clear down the whole pool?" "I sure do!" And she did! I wish I could describe the look of sheer joy she had as she touched the other "bank". "I did it!" I was clapping and cheering! I get tears in my eyes even now as I recall. What a thrill! She told me that when she first came to therapy, she had a panic attack and simply couldn't get in the pool. So, they rescheduled her and then the therapist (Katrina- she's the pool gal) got right in with her. Jackie said she still was very frightened as she had never been in a pool before. She said Katrina had to hang on to her the whole time. Katrina had helped her several times that way, then let her do it on her own. She still was very frightened, but finally graduated her to "open gym" And now, by sheer determination, she was swimming! She then paddled all the way back down the pool. She was just so excited and thanked me over and over. I left today with a new friend and feeling SO much better than when I came. I don't think that had much to do with the exercises, either!

Sorry, Dad

 

I've done it now. I've officially killed my Dad's beautiful shamrock plant. Those who knew my Dad know that he had an amazing green thumb and love for beautiful flowers and plants. Each of us who wanted one, inherited one of his beautiful plants when he died. I chose my favorite- the shamrock. I remember marveling at the big, bushy plant that grew in the family room. I loved how the leaves "closed" each night. Dad passed away five years ago this month, and I've kept it alive until now. As long as it lived, I felt that a little of him was still alive. I feel very sad.

Touch the Sky!

Friday and Saturday, we made our annual trek to the mountains to "touch the sky". This tradition started when our children were small. We would take a picnic, and sometimes other family members (I remember Don and Ada's family and Grandpa and Grandma going with us) and drive to the mountains to see the beautiful fall colors. As we approached the mountain, we would say, "See that mountain? Look to the top. Is it touching the sky?" "If we climb to the top, will we be touching the sky?" Then we would do just that and reach up and touch the sky. Ken and I left Friday afternoon and drove up Cedar Mountain. We stayed in a rented, little cabin on a ranch very near our own mountain property. That cabin has a colorful history. The story is told that John Wayne loved that little cabin and would stay there when shooting westerns on location. So, we've slept where John Wayne slept! Yes, you can touch me. Also, in the show "My Friend, Flicka", Burl Ives dispensed wisdom in a wicker rocking chair at the stone fireplace in that little cabin(Where Ken is sitting) They've since added the heat stove. We enjoyed toasting hot dogs and smores outside for dinner, and then, (Kristen, Shonna, and Michelle- you need to be sitting down while you read this part) we played Rook 500 to 500! with a dummy hand. No, I'm not kidding. We played for nearly three hours. Ken is not a big game player, and he has never, ever played a full game of 3-hand Rook. "I'll play two hands" or "I'll play until 9:55" is what I've heard through the years. It was amazing. Then, after breakfast in the morning, he played again to 250. He won both games. I think his goal was that I would have the time of my life. We enjoyed sitting in the sunshine and reading and then later, a nice drive to our own property and over the mountain. We saw flocks of wild turkeys, deer, and beautiful color (the pictures don't do it justice) We picnicked on the way home, arriving in time for the general women's meeting. Ken doesn't want stuff much. He doesn't long for "things". But he does have a love for the mountains and would love a mountain cabin. Not exactly my dream. His dream: mountain cabin. My dream: a husband that will relax and not have to be productive every minute. Hmmmm. Maybe we can both be happy . . . . .

Our Beloved Neighbor Pat

For the past six weeks, our beloved friend and neighbor, Pat has been in Intensive Care at the hospital battling for her life. She finally lost the battle on Sunday morning. Pat and Pete moved across the street from us shortly after we moved in. We have been friends and have become like family since. We loved dear Pat and will miss her dearly. Though not members of our faith, they have been at every baptism, mission farewell and homecoming, wedding (dinner and reception) and ball game through the years. They have welcomed each of our girls' spouses and the grandbabies. (The picture is of Pat with Brielle) We feel like we've lost family and will miss this dear, gracious woman. We are grateful her struggle is over, but she leaves a huge hole in our hearts. Last night, in her honor, the neighborhood and friends had a party! Isn't that a great a idea! A party! It was a very fun outdoor barbecue. Many, many people came to pay their respects and mingle together in honor of Pat. I think she would have loved it! Goodbye, dear Pat, until we meet again!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Hallelujah #1: I'm not crazy! In my explore, I just hadn't looked to the other side of my car. There I discovered the big fertilizer spreader had escaped, rolled and crashed into my car- hence the big noise. Mystery solved. Hallelujah #2: I went to therapy (hhhmmm hhhmmm: PHYSICAL therapy) this morning and was finally released to get in the pool. Hallelujah! Everything has to be completely healed before they let you in- no scabs. With my last knee, it was two months to the day that they released me. This one has healed faster. It may have something to do with my taking the washrag to it frequently- that gets rid of scabs! I get to start on Thursday. It's so much more fun to suffer through the painful exercises in the pool than in the gym. Hallelujah #3: I just did another milestone. I haven't shopped at all since the 2nd surgery except the grocery store and Costco where I ride the little motorized cart. I've run errands that I can drive through, but no other shopping. It's frustrating to need something, but not be able to go and get it. I've been working on LAST summer's Europe trip scrapbook. It's such a special time in our family: We're in Europe, Michelle is in Europe, too with the folkdancers and we occasionally see her (she's also engaged and missing her Brian), Shonna and Blake are engaged and nearing their wedding date, and Kristen and Jared are awaiting the arrival of baby Nathan any moment. We are firing emails back and forth. Those emails are so precious to me and just capture that pivotal time in our family's history. So, I've been determined to get those emails into the Europe trip scrapbook, which has taken many hours to get them edited, respaced, etc. Then I discovered that the book I had purchased wasn't large enough to hold all that. So, after therapy today, I went to Michael's and bought a larger book. I know, not a big deal to you, but a milestone to me. I am shaky and ready to be home, but I did it! Hallelujah!

Mystery NOT Solved

With courage strong, I've just explored the garage in the happy light of day. Nothing seems amiss! Everything, including the golf clubs are right where they were before. Now I think I must be going crazy!

If a Tree Falls In a Forest . . . .

I have a question for you . . .one of those, "If a tree falls in a forest" thought-provokers: If you're husband is out of town and you're folding clothes at midnight and you hear a LOUD crash in the garage . . . That's what happened to me about an hour ago. What I NEED to know is: Do things fall in the garage all the time, and I just don't hear them because I'm asleep or I just ignore it because my safe, secure husband is right there next to me? Or is this something I should be concerned about? Is someone in my garage right now? No, I'm not going to open the door and look . . .that just doesn't feel right. I've been staring at the doorknob for the last half hour with phone in hand to see if it turns. I decided to come in here and write about it- then there will be evidence when they confiscate my computer to solve the crime. This is how I used to be every time Ken was away overnight, when the kids were little. I would strew toys up the stairs and down the hall so the bad guy would trip and make noise and wake me up( my sister taught me that- but I won't tell you which one). I slept (sort of) with a kitchen knife under my pillow (as if I'd use it!) and practiced dialing 911 in the dark. I was prepared! But that's long-since worn off. I now kind of like having free-reign of the house- for a night or two. I'm a bit of a night owl and I can play the piano at midnight and no one cares. I've tried to reason this out: What could have fallen? It's not like we have a really messy garage. In fact, a couple of weeks ago, I had Ken help me load my trunk and back seat with stuff that accumulated for DI and I hauled it over there. So there's really no junk- Ken keeps it pretty spiffy. Oh wait . . .. just before he left, he took his golf clubs, shoes, hat, etc, out of his trunk to pack. I'll bet that was tenuously teetering and just finally gave up. Okay, I'm off to bed. . . . "but if I die before I wake . . . . "

Luli Turns 30!

We had a wonderful weekend! Kristen (better known as Luli), Jared, Brielle, and Nathan came to visit to celebrate Luli's birthday on Saturday. It was so fun to have them here! First, we went to lunch at Lu's favorite Texas Roadhouse Grill. We then headed to the office to watch BYU celebrate her birthday in GRAND style! What a game! We then had homemade chocolate ice cream, and played All- a fun card game Brian and Michelle taught Kristen and Jared. It was nice of the guys to let the girls win, since it was her birthday. We then had family prayer, and then Ken, who had high council early Sunday morning, headed off to bed. Brielle had his pillow, so ran in to give it to him. She told him goodnight, and then as she was closing his bedroom door, said,"Grampa, don't get out of your bed!" I guess that's what she hears every night. Those kids are so dang cute. Kristen and Jared have been trying to teach Nathan sign language. It helps so much at this age so he won't have to scream, "Uh, uh, uh!!", but can communicate his needs. She's tried to teach him "drink" and "more" and "all done", but he had never done it until Sunday. After consuming his corn and meat and potatoes (he's a good little eater) he waved his hands in the all done sign and said as clear as can be, "All done!" It was fun to get to witness it. He was so proud of himself. Church with those little ones is a whole different experience. Every time anyone says "Amen" (I didn't realize how often we say that in our meetings) Brielle hopefully says, "Let's go to nursery!" I watch my precious daughter now as a mother herself and marvel at her energy and patience and love. She is a magnificent mother(ask Brielle and Nathan), daughter(ask Ken and Me), sister (ask Shonna and Michelle), and wife (ask Jared). We feel it a privilege to be her parents! Happy birthday, Lu!!!

Therapy

When I tell people I'm in therapy, they get a funny look on their face. And rehab isn't much better. So I guess I should title this post "Physical Therapy". My usual therapist is a kind and gentle man. I found out just how kind and gentle this week when he was out of town. I was relegated to Jane. I've known Jane for several months as I've been in "therapy" with my other knee and am a frequent visitor there. She seemed so nice. But when let loose on my knee, she turned into an Amazon woman. She seriously seemed to be intent on breaking my leg in half. At one point, I whimpered and told her it was scaring me. She just said, "I know" and kept pushing. AAAAHHHH! But, I got her back . . . in the only way I know how. When she put me on the infamous "rack", I got out my ipod, plugged in my earpieces, cranked up Keynote Christmas music and sang for all I was worth. "A star dances, an angel sings." That oughta learn her!! I have Jane again on Monday and Tuesday. I'm thinking of downloading "A hundred bottles of beer on the wall" and really cutting loose. Te he he!

Recovery!

It's been awhile since I posted here. I'm doing well- on the road to recovery. This week I graduated from home physical therapy to outpatient therapy. I've traded my tennis ball adorned walker for "the rack" at the therapy unit(a grueling piece of equipment that forces bend and flex). Somewhere in there, I used a cane, but came to understand why President Hinckley preferred waving it around and "knighting" people with it to leaning on it - it's mostly just in the way! I feel so very blessed to have not had any of the complications that can come with this surgery (everyone find wood and start knocking!) and to be blessed with such a wonderful husband and good friends and family! Thanks to all for your prayers and good wishes!

Ready or Not!

On Friday, I will undergo surgery to replace my right knee. I've been busy trying to get as ready as I can for the event. I've done a lot for my church callings, Keynotes, and voice lessons, which will all start back up in September. I've filled the freezer with food, as I didn't feel like cooking for a good four months after the last surgery. I've made minnestroni, nectar of the gods, chili, chicken casserole, chicken pockets, taco dinner, summer tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, chicken divan, plus I bought several of Costco's prepared foods. We just got our frozen fish today from Ken's Alaska outing. So, we've got a freezer full of food.
I have to admit, I'm a little nervous for this surgery, now that I know what I'm really in for. It's like having a baby, but I haven't waited long enough since the last one- I still remember the pain too well. But, it gives me hope for a better life, and that's worth it. I humbly solicit your prayers.

Home From Alaska!

We climbed into bed at 3am on Sunday morning after a wonderful trip to Alaska! We went with Ken's office manager, Van and his wife a day early to go to Denali National Park! What an adventure. We saw 2 moose, a black bear, 8 or 9 grizzlies, several caribou, Dall Sheep, ptarmigan, eagles, snowshoe hares, and lots of beautiful scenery, including Mount McKinley(it's usually cloud-shrouded, so you're lucky to see it). It was amazing! We then joined the rest of the partners and wives back in Anchorage and traveled by train to our ship port in Seward. In just a little over 24 hours, we traveled by car, plane, bus, train and ship! The train ride was a beautiful four hour trip through Alaskan wilderness. We then got on a cruise ship and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery as we traveled south. My favorite part was seeing Hubbbard Glacier up close and personal. Our cruise ship navigated within 1/4 mile of the glacier. (I guess the captain didn't see the movie!) It was spectacular!!!! We watched and listened to it "calf". In fact, Ken captured a break off in one of the pictures. You see it, and then hear it- sounding much like thunder! Amazing, amazing! I just couldn't get enough of it. Ken enjoyed the deep sea fishing, but the salmon were late this year, so it wasn't as successful as he would have liked. We enjoyed being with his partners and wives and of course, loved the food! The entertainment was also wonderful- our favorite being a comedian, Fred Klett who was SO funny AND 100% clean. We got off the ship in Vancouver, British Columbia, and extended a day to travel by ferry to Victoria Island and go to Butchart Gardens. Oh my, you can't believe what you see in that Garden of Eden. Wow! What a wonderful and beautiful vacation!!!

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Off To Alaska!

Ken and I leave in the morning for an Alaskan cruise. We travel tomorrow to Denali, will tour there on Thursday morning, then travel back to Anchorage, then down to Seward where we'll get on the ship on Friday. Here's our itinerary: No. of Nights: 7 Nights Destination: Alaska Ship: Celebrity Millennium Departs: Seward, Alaska Day 1 Seward, Alaska Depart 9:00 PM Day 2 Hubbard Glacier (Cruising) Cruising Arrive 2:00 PM Depart 6:00 PM Day 3 Juneau, Alaska Docked Arrive 8:00 AM Depart 9:00 PM Day 4 Skagway, Alaska Docked Arrive 7:00 AM Depart 8:30 PM Day 5 Icy Strait Point, Alaska Tendered Arrive 7:00 AM Depart 4:00 PM Day 6 Ketchikan, Alaska Docked Arrive 9:00 AM Depart 6:00 PM Day 7 Inside Passage (Cruising) Cruising Day 8 Vancouver, British Columbia Arrive 7:00 AM On Friday, we'll travel to Vancouver Island and go to Buchart gardens, then fly home on Saturday evening. Bon Voyage!!!!

Surprise at the Welfare Orchard!

Oh how I wish I had a picture to accompany this post! I'll try to recreate for you the picture in my mind. Here's the story: Monday morning, we had a welfare orchard assignment to pick apricots. I haven't been able to help with welfare assignments for a very long time because of my silly knees. I long to help and give in that way. I know I'm about to get worse before I get better, so I decided to go and participate and work for as long as I could. We arrived in the Hurricane orchard at about 6:00am. We had been working for about 45 minutes when several large vans pulled up- and out of the doors poured bunches of polygamists! There were tiny children, older children, teenagers, young adults, and adult women and men. Picture all of these little girls and teenagers with long dresses with pants underneath with braided hair. Many of the young men had stilts. They grabbed harnesses with buckets and went to work. I have to admit that I was sure they were there to pick up fallen fruit for themselves, but soon realized they were there to help! Even the little children- too small for the harnessed buckets, had little buckets that they picked into. Those young men on stilts were amazing- literally running from tree to tree. Ken talked to one of the farm managers and he told them that our church had allowed them to pick apricots for themselves from trees that the fruit was deemed too small for the cannery. In payment, they offered to help with the picking. This was the second day they had come to help. It was a sight to behold! My favorite memory is of this beautiful, little girl with golden blond hair. Her hair had escaped the mandatory braid and was streaming behind her. It looked so beautiful in the morning light. With all the recent negative press, I wanted to share a positive experience we had with these people as we joined forces to help those less fortunate!

Joke on Ken

Recently, Ken's business partner of many years, Dean, acquired pictures of Ken from his junior high and high school yearbooks. He digitalized them and sent them to everyone at the office as a joke. I thought you might be interested in seeing them, too. We decided that Dean has WAY too much spare time on his hands. Anyone have a tax return or something he could do?



Ken- 8th grade class president

Woo hoo! Who wears short shorts?

He's still my most preferred man!!!

Additions to Traditions

I think the traditions list will be ongoing as we keep thinking of things. A few more I thought of, or was reminded of: 1)Good sport dinners. Mom makes a new recipe once a week for dinner. Everyone votes thumbs up or thumbs down on it. No one was ever brave enough to actually vote thumbs down. If they didn't like it got a sideways thumb. 2) The Grandma Peterson wave as people leave. This developed over time to include the Don Hinton family salute, the hand over the heart, and the ever-favorite blowing of kisses. All of them make for a great send off. Oh, and before you leave, Mom puts the chair in front of the door and locks the doors. 3) American Idol- Watch it, discuss it. Everyone needs to join in next year! It's a great tradition!

Hinton Family Traditions

As part of the Hinton reunion, families reminisced and recorded their family traditions. Since none of our children were able to attend, we've collected their remembrances of our traditions over the phone. Here's our list: Hinton Family Traditions Holidays New Years: Everyone writes a new year’s resolution on a piece of paper and folds it up and puts it in a ornament which we hang in our entry all year to remind us of our resolution. We open them the next year to see how we’ve done. Aebelskivers on New Years morning Birthdays: Each person chooses their favorite meal for their birthday Valentines: Small gift on Valentines, Make heart shaped sugar cookies Easter: Color and hide eggs, Scotcharoos, Easter picnic on Saturday, ham and ham sauce for Easter dinner Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day: Make homemade vanilla ice cream Sometime in the summer go to Idaho to visit Grandma and Grandpa Gabe. Hinton Reunion Fall: One Saturday each autumn (usually the last Sat. in Sept) we go to Kolob and “touch the sky” and picnic. Halloween: Make pumpkin sugar cookies, eat Halloween soup and pumpkin bread for dinner. Thanksgiving: Traditional Thanksgiving dinner including rot col and Grandpa’s yams. Christmas: Go to the mountains to get our tree with the Hinton family. Advent Calendar, Book Basket: Open a Christmas book or story each night of December and read it. Caroling as we gave neighbor gifts, Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa Gabe’s- read the story from Luke 2, Open gifts one at a time, PJs on Christmas eve, Make caramels Family Home Evening: Favorite activities (why doesn’t anybody remember the lessons???): Softball in the park, Kick the can, Annie-I-over, hide and go seek in the dark Family scripture study, family prayer (put hands in circle and yell “Yoshi! at the end of the prayer), singing around the piano, singing while we travel, singing answering machine messages, Father’s blessings at the start of the school year Attend church meetings, Fasting, Preparing for the temple, pay tithing and offerings, attend extended family’s baptisms, mission farewells and homecomings, weddings when possible. Attend each other’s functions: Kristen’s sporting events, Shonna’s music programs, Michelle’s dance performances and plays. Everyone attends everyone’s. Eat dinner together, Mom reading to kids when they’re little, then reading whatever they’re reading all through school and discuss it together. “HI YA!!! You can’t have her, she’s mine.”Mom would hold daughter close and pretend someone was trying to take away child. She would karate chop them. “Pinchy, Fisty, Flatty, Cutty, Cow”- a game taught us by Rick Hintons Michelle reading Sunday comics every week with Dad. Shonna and Mom playing duets on the piano (What would Christmas be without “Sleigh Ride”?) Daddy goes to girls camp every year to be the priesthood representative. Playing games with Mom at night (you have to keep playing until Mom wins!): Labyrinth, Rook, Careers for Girls, Bazaar, etc. Daddy brushes out daughters’ hair (by the wood stove when little, with blow dryer when older) Sunday night phone calls to those living away from home, Rub mom’s feet, tickle Dad’s head Travel: Everyone gets to choose one treat at the gas station, singing together in car- everyone takes turns choosing song. We start with Dad who ALWAYS chooses “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad. His 2d turn is ALWAYS “Give Said the Little Stream”! Travel games: guess the starburst flavor, word of song game, ABCs Chores: Clean house on Saturdays, Mom has chore lists (everyone wants the one with “check the fire alarms and dust the wainscoting) We do certain chores on certain days, i.e. Laundry on Mondays Grow a garden, everyone helps with canning and freezing. Homemade apple pies When something is broken, put it on Daddy’s dresser for him to fix it.

Home Away From Home

Nearly every day, I spend an hour in this beautiful pool. I went six times this week. I LOVE to swim, and though my knee still feels tight, I think it's helping to strenghten it and the other knee - preparing for it's surgery. As you can see, midday I have the pool pretty much to myself- just me and the lifeguard! As Blake would say, I'm a swimming fool!

4th of July!

We enjoyed a quiet, just the two of us celebration of our country's birth. We had a barbecue(unbelievably good orange roughy!), bruschetta, and the traditonal homemade vanilla ice cream. We walked out to "the bench" overlooking the valley to enjoy the fireworks. If you look closely at the picture, you can make out the temple to the left of the sparkly burst!

Memory Lane

At the Hinton reunion, we received a disk with wonderful photos from Ken's parents' collection(thank you, Clark!). These pictures were taken at my first Hinton reunion, 1977- 31 years ago! Aren't they fun?

This Old Car!

My Dodge Stratus hit a big milestone last week: 100,000 miles! To celebrate, I've had it in for repairs twice in the last few days. One morning, I awoke to a completely flat tire in the back. Then, we had $400 worth of repairs to the passenger-side windows; neither would work. I'm thinking it's time to sell and move on . . .though it does get good gas mileage!

Celebrating Michelle and Blake's Graduation from BYU

Can You Believe It?

This is for all you Gabrielsen women out there! Shonna and I won at Trivial Pursuit today! No, I'm not kidding! Amazing, huh? I'm feeling good! Women rule!