Bryce Canyon

Ken audits a little town at the mouth of Bryce Canyon called Tropic (ironic name). He always goes in January to present the audit to their city council. This year, I went with him. We had such a wonderful time together- returning to where we honeymooned. We stayed at Ruby's Inn. They had just had 4+feet of snow. It was gorgeous!

We ate delicious food! Portabellas with Gorgonzola Cheese -two of my favorite things in the world- together in one dish! Heaven!

Swam in the indoor pool:

Avoided the outdoor pool!

Visited gorgeous blanketed Bryce Canyon in the morning sunlight:

And watched them dig out from all the snow

It was a wonderful overnight getaway. It restored peace that we didn't even know was missing.

Adorable Caleb

Blake sent this picture last night, so I had to share. Isn't he cute? He's up to 5 lbs. now and is taking four of his daily feedings by bottle. He's way ahead of schedule. Now if we can just get his mama well!

Caleb/ 3 weeks

The little fatty! He's up to 4 lb. 4 oz. and growing each day. At 33 weeks gestation, which is today, they try them on the bottle if they are "cuing": crying when hungry, rooting, putting their hands by their mouths, etc. So they tried the bottle with Caleb today. It took a minute to figure it out, but he did and took 30 of his 40 ml. by bottle!!! So . . . drumroll, please . . he graduated from the isolette today to an open crib. He has to maintain his temperature, but so far, so good. Thank you, thank you for your prayers. Now, if you could please pray for Shonna. She's suffering from a sinus infection. But, she's on antibiotics, so hopefully will feel better soon.

Homemade Bread

This is a great recipe. Really, really yummy, sliceable bread. You can use all wheat, all white flour, or a mixture. You can make anything out of this recipe: loaves, rolls, cinnamon rolls, pizza crust, etc. It has a strange ingredient: soy lecithin. It's good for you- it's made from soy beans. I got it at the store where I bought my Bosch mixer, but I think you can get it in health food stores and maybe even grocery stores. It's worth it. It really makes good bread.

Bread

Makes 4 loaves

10 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup sugar

1 T. salt

3 T. yeast

Mix these dry ingredients in a bread mixer or by hand in a very large bowl.

Add:

3 T. Lecithin

4 cups hot water

Knead for 5-10 minutes

Shape into loaves and place into pans.

Allow to rise for 25 minutes.

Bake 25 minutes in a 350 oven.

Stinkin Cute!

This is the latest picture of little Caleb. Isn't he cute??

90th Birthday

Today, Ken and I attended the 90th birthday celebration of Helen Marr Clark Roberts. Helen Marr and her first husband lived in Caldwell when I was growing up. Her first husband and my dad sang in a quartet together. I always loved Helen Marr and remember her from way back when. They moved from Caldwell when I was young.

Later, my parents became snowbirds and found Helen Marr and her husband living here, too. They took up where they had left off years before and became very good friends again. Helen Marr's first husband passed away and she remarried. Then, joy of joys, she moved into my ward. While I was serving as Relief Society president, she was my mentor. I can't tell you how much I love and admire this dear lady. She is always loving and cheerful and so, so good. Whenever there was a work project in the Relief Society, whether it was cleaning out someone's house, making stuff, whatever, Helen Marr was the first to show up. She and my mom were so cute together. It just so happens, that she and mom were exactly the same age- within just a couple of weeks. Today is Helen Marr's birthday. Mom's 90th birthday would have been on February 5th. They met up with three other ladies who were also the exact same age- all born within a couple of weeks of each other. This picture is of the five of them at their 80th birthday celebration. My mom, Dorothy is in the middle. Only the two on the ends are still alive. Helen Marr is the one on the right. I told her I think she looks younger today than ten years ago. She has since moved from our ward, but I still delight in visiting her and being around her. I wish you could know her. It's a rare thing when one's mother's friends become one's own friends. But, really we're all the same age inside. When my mother passed away, Helen Marr came over as soon as I got home from the funeral. She presented me with these four beautiful dolls, explaining that mom lives on in me and each of my daughters. I have the love of my mother, Kristen (who was a missionary at the time) loves the scriptures and other good books( my mom loved to read), Shonna is full of music, as was my mother, and Michelle is a dancer- my mom loved to dance and all the arts. I treasure these beautiful dolls, as they make me think of my mom and of dear Helen Marr.

Happy, happy birthday, dear Helen Marr . . .and mom!

Caleb/ 2 Weeks

Each week, they measure Caleb to chart his progress. He's doing very well. He's still in NICU in an isolette. He is now 4 lbs. 3 oz. and has grown 1/2 inch since birth. For babies at 32 weeks gestation, he is in the 90th percentile in length. He's long for his age. He needs to able to suck to get most of his food and maintain his own body temp. before he can get into an open crib . . .step by step. Shonna, unfortunately now has the cold Blake had. We pray for her quick recovery!

Molten Lava Cake

I really should have taken a picture of someone else's cake besides Ken's. He likes a little cake with his whipped cream, but you get the idea. This is a great little treat for Mom and Dad after kids are in bed because it just makes two little servings. It's Kristen's recipe, and she posted it on her blog, but in case you missed it there:

Preheat oven to 425 (400 for my oven)

Spray 2 custard cups with cooking spray

Melt 2- 1 oz. semi-sweet chocolate squares with 1/4 cup butter

Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar.

Mix in 1 egg and 1 egg yolk.

Add 3 T. Flour

Pour in cups.

Bake 14 minutes (12 in my oven)

Let sit (this is the worst part)

Run a knife around the edge, turn upside down into a bowl and serve with whipped cream.

Caleb

I wish I had a new picture. I have a new one in my mind. It's a picture of a precious little boy in a hospital bassinet. He's off all breathing support- the ventillator is gone, the baby CPAP is gone. He breathes on his own. He has little monitors attached to his chest, to make sure he keeps breathing, but he's doing great. He still has a feeding tube. He is back to birth weight as of yesterday, so he's growing. It's been up and down, but generally, up. He is learning to suck. They put a purple pacifier in his mouth when they give him his food so he associates food with sucking. He loves Shonna and Blake to hold him and sing to him and rub his little head. He hates it when they put him down to leave. He cries. It breaks my heart. I often wake up at night and think of him in his little lonely bed and pray for him to feel peace and the love of all of us who are so far away, and yet love him so very much. I pray for his parents who are dealing with all of this with such grace and love. I pray for the nurses who care for him that they'll do their job perfectly and meet not only his physical, but his emotional needs as well. I pray for his doctors that they'll make right decisions for his care. I thank Him for you and your prayers and your support. We really do appreciate your caring concern. I think when all this is over that I'll sign up with my local hospital to be a NICU grandma who just holds and loves sick babies. I sure wish I could hold and love ours. I love you, baby Caleb!

The Pink Bracelet

I am a sparkly pink bracelet. My first memory is of being in little shop in Hawaii with other bracelets similar to me of different colors: green, blue, yellow. There were other pink ones, but one by one they left until I was the only pink one left. One day, a beautiful girl picked me and looked at me. She seemed very excited about me and called, “Shonna, come see these.” She had me and a green one like me in her hand. Shonna also loved me. She wanted me, too. They asked the clerk if there were any more pink ones like me. But I was the last one. So Shonna bought a green one and Kristen bought me and another green one. And I went to live in Idaho Falls, Idaho. I was worn frequently. Baby Nathan loved to suck on me and play with me (and I liked that, too). Soon thereafter I moved to Utah and was worn there a lot, too. Then, last Christmas, I was put in a bag with lots of other jewelry. We went to St. George. One day, while everyone was upstairs, Kristen came to get me. She quietly went into the room where Blake and Shonna were staying and put me in Blake’s backpack. I rode in there back to Ohio. One day, Blake discovered me in there and showed Shonna. Shonna started to cry. Then I was worn frequently in Ohio. I liked Ohio and enjoyed being on Shonna’s wrist. Then one day, I was delighted to hear Kristen’s voice. They had come to visit Shonna in Ohio. As I listened to the talk, I understood that they were headed to Wisconsin for the summer. One day, I was just chillin with the other jewelry in the jewelry box, when Shonna came to get me. She snuck into where Kristen was staying and slipped me into a box with lots of little minty, pink tablets. Soon, I was in a car, headed to Wisconsin. One day, when Kristen’s tummy was upset, she opened the box. Why does everyone cry when they see me? I then was worn frequently in Wisconsin. After a long trip, I am now back in Utah. But I hear rumblings that I may be on my way back to Ohio? Maybe baby Caleb will like me, too. I have a feeling my story is only beginning . . .

Video of Caleb

Blake had a cold the last few days, so didn't dare go see his son. So Shonna made this video of Caleb and shared it with us.

Big Progress

I don't have a picture, but baby Caleb is doing great. He is off the baby CPAP machine and breathing entirely on his own. He's through with the bilirubin lights and will probably lose the IV today. He had his first bath today. Shonna is able to dress him in preemie clothes now. She says changing his diaper is scary because he is so little, but she's learning. He still has a feeding tube, but they give him a pacifier to suck while they feed him so he'll associate the two. Shonna pumps, so he is now getting only her milk. Blake has had a cold, so hasn't been to see Caleb for a couple of days, but he went today, wearing a mask. We KNOW the reason Caleb is doing so well is because of your kind thoughts and prayers. Thank you again and again!

Today's Update

It might look worse, but actually Caleb's doing better. They took him off the ventillator yesterday. He's now on a baby CPAP machine, so he's mostly breathing on his own! It looks bigger in the picture, so it makes it seem worse, but it's better. He's also under the bilirubin lights, so that's why he has the eye shields on. His bilirubin levels are dropping, so that's getting better, too. His weight dropped (as always happens after birth) but he's starting to gain again now. Yipee! They have "kangaroo" time each day with him. Either Shonna or Blake can hold him, skin to skin, and love him. That's the happy time of day, or as Blake says it, their "Caleb fix" time. They sing to him and talk to him and love him. Again, we thank you for your faith and prayers. Thank you, thank you!!!!

Caleb Report

Little Caleb is doing well. They are trying to wean him from the ventillator. Shonna gets to hold him each day. He is jaundiced, so under the light. Shonna is out of the hospital and recovering well. We so appreciate your prayers! He loves to hold his Daddy's finger.

Caleb Blake Cameron

Caleb Blake Cameron, son of Shonna and Blake Cameron was born yesterday at 1:24pm. His arrival was VERY early(about ten weeks early - he was due March 16th). He weighed 3 lbs. 12 ozs. and was 17.3 inches. We are thrilled to have him join the family, and pray and pray and pray he'll grow and develop perfectly. Isn't he beautiful? He is in Neonatal Intesive Care, and will be for awhile, so prayers in his and his parents' behalf are much appreciated. As we analyze the events leading to his birth, we see the hand of the Lord blessing and guiding the whole way. We are humbly grateful. We are so proud of Shonna. Coming so early, plans weren't in place for getting her to the hospital, etc, and he came fast! Though scared, she did everything perfectly and made it so Caleb could enter the world in a safe environment. We are grateful for Liz, a kind friend who rushed her to the hospital, and while driving, taught her to 'breathe' instead of push- that little guy could have been born in a car on the freeway! We are grateful for good doctors and nurses who are now caring for little Caleb and his mommy. He is stable and doing well. Again, we appreciate your prayers and will keep you posted.

I Love you, Grandma!

I hear a little voice from downstairs, "I love you, Grandma!" Then repeatedly, "I love you, Grandma! I love you, Grandma!" as he climbs the stairs. When he gets to the top, he can have anything he wants. . .anything.

Christmas at the Hintons, 2009

Whew! We've been on a wonderful whirlwind of family and fun for the last two weeks+. We had a great time celebrating the birth of our savior and welcoming in the new year. We got to see all of our family and enjoy the holidays together. Here's a recap of the highlights:

Kristen and Jared arrived during my vocal student performance at the rest home. I was so touched as after one of the elderly residents tottered up to talk to Brielle. Rather than shy away, she reached out both of her hands to the lady and smiled into her face.

Ken picked up Michelle and Brian late that night from the Vegas airport. They stayed overnight with us. Before heading to SLC the next morning, they attended our ward breakfast/Christmas party with us. Ken and Jared spent that day in the annual Zion National Park bird count while Kristen, the kids and I spent it Ho! Ho! Hoing!

More of the same the whole week before Christmas: Lots of shopping, cooking and Christmas fun. We enjoyed watching the BYU football team cream their opponent in the Vegas Bowl! Christmas eve, we had our now traditional (since Jared joined the family) roast lamb dinner, then had our Christmas program with Brielle telling the Christmas story on the flannel board. We then sang Christmas carols. The kids loved ringing bells and running around, but as soon as we started "Silent Night" little Nathan got a little book, got the sweetest look on his face and sang and sang. When it ended, he would say, "Again!" So we'd sing it again . . .and again. Sweet highlight of the season..We then opened our Christmas jammies. (Kristen and Jared are so good to always get ME some, too) and had hot chocolate with mint ice cream in it (don't start- you'll be sorry) After kids were in bed, Jared introduced us to his family custom of setting up the presents under the tree to perfection. My, what a disappointment we must have been to him all these years as I just cram presents anywhere I can make them fit. It was fun to see him work and work until it looked just right.

Christmas morning was fun- Santa was good to us. And except for the egg argument, all went well. After leftovers for lunch and naps, we packed up the cars and headed up the state to Kristen and Jared's.

The next morning, Michelle and Brian and Shonna and Blake arrived around 9:00am for our family Christmas party. Both were with in-laws for Christmas, so we treasured this one day together. We opened presents, played games and enjoyed another delicious Christmas dinner put on by Kristen. Before coming down, she froze food and had it all planned. We had ham, cheesy potatoes, her famous layered jello salad, lots of veggies and her chocolate molten cake for dessert (I'll post the recipe). We played games all afternoon and the boys broke the rule of the girls ALWAYS win in catch phrase. One of sweet moments was when Shonna was holding Gabbi. She kept touching Shonna's tummy and "talking" to the baby inside. We got pizza for dinner and played more games until too late at night. What a great day together!

On Sunday, we went to church with Kristen and Jared, had another nice meal, then headed back home with a PACKED car with Brian, Michelle, and sweet Gabbi with us.

We spent the next couple of days together. Kristen and Jared came back down on Tuesday. On Wednesday, we hiked the temple quarry trail with Brian's family as they were spending the week in a condo here. After the hike, they joined us for a fun new year's dinner and party. We had chicken enchiladas, jello, green salad, and Ken's famous quacamole. (Come on down and he'll make you some.) We then had a great time playing games: Wii, To Tell the Truth, Catch Phrase, and Action/Adverb (Hilarious!) They are a great family.

New Year's eve, we went on another hike to Johnson's Arch (it was the perfect, beautiful day). Later, we went to dinner at Olive Garden, then came home and celebrated the New Year with glow sticks with the kids, then more games and fireworks. Saturday, Ken took Brian and Michelle back to Vegas for them to fly home and Jared and Kristen left, too. Our house seems so empty now. We are so grateful for family and the joy they bring and for a great holiday season.