Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Change

Some changes are for good. I think change is great when your young. It's an adventure. But for seniors, it can be difficult. I know that much of change is unavoidable and inevitable.

Johnnie Belle has experienced some dramatic changes it seems overnight. She will not be able to return to her apartment so it was time to pack up and move her things to a storage unit. Holley Terri, Tim and Lee did most of the packing. 

Her able grandson's Brad, Chris and Mark helped the old guys load up the truck and take her things to a storage unit. 

Lee and Tim really appreciated their help.

I'm sure Johnnie Belle understands after rehab she will have to move someplace where she can be taken care of. But it's difficult to she such a sharp, independent woman who has lived alone for 21 years--growing so frail. It’s the circle of life. Everything changes, turns, and loops back around again.

(Just a follow-up to my Mom's health concerns. She has spots on her lung and adrenal gland. She will have more tests in August to determine if they are growing and the appropriate treatment will be decided then.)

Monday, April 30, 2012

Quote for the Week - Loss

“If you know someone who has lost a child or lost anybody who's important to them, and you're afraid to mention them because you think you might make them sad by reminding them that they died, they didn't forget they died. You're not reminding them. What you're reminding them of is that you remember that they lived, and that's a great, great gift.” –Elizabeth Edwards

Friday, April 27, 2012

Just 3 Words

RED.WHITE.BLUE

We have a grocery store chain, Macey's, who is know for flying a gigantic American flag, come rain or shine. It's a beautiful sight to see the great big flag on the pole. The flags are 50-by-30-foot atop a 120-foot pole! I took this picture the other day, I love the way the suns rays are shining through the clouds!

You can see the flags from all over the valley. They remind me of how blessed we are to live in America!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

BYU Women's Conference 2012

I looked forward to Women's Conference at BYU every year.



This year was especially exciting because my dear friend Susan was a presenter. She has been preparing for several months and she gave a marvelous talk. She spoke from her heart about what it has been like to "walk alone" after her husband Luke passed away. She made the decision to be of good cheer and to be better not bitter. I know her message brought hope and comfort to all who were in attendance. 

 Me ~ Susan ~ Lorie

What a beautiful day! After hearing many inspirational talks and spending time with friends, my battery is officially recharged!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

High Five's for Great-Grandma

We went to see our sweet Johnnie Belle on Sunday. She really enjoyed seeing Cash and maybe the rest of us too!

 
Cash brought a big smile to Johnnie Belle's face and he gave her high five's that made her laugh.


Johnnie Belle is still at the rehabilitation center and will be for several more weeks. Her progress is slow. She still has a sense of humor... someone asked her if she wanted to get her hair done to which she replied, "Why would I want to do that, all I do is lay in bed all day." Oh how we hope and pray she will be well enough to be out of the care center soon.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Quote for the Week - CRAZY

"Sell crazy someplace else, we're all stocked up here." 
~ As Good as It Gets, 1997, Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholson)

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Trek to Wyoming...

I really wanted to check on my Mom after she had surgery so I hitched up my wagon and started the trek to Cheyenne.



I saw several accidents but despite the sleet, snow, rain and wind me and my Toyota ELV Wagon made it safely to Cheyenne! 

My Mom was happy to see me and I was very happy to see her. She is recovering well from surgery.

A hug from Mom's Great-grandson Fox is the best medicine! He calls Mom Granny-great, how sweet is that?! Fox is so handsome, smart and polite.

(Mom has 3 doctor appointments next week, still waiting for biopsy results...)

I visited some of my friends and family while Mom was napping. This is my niece Julie's youngest, adorable Mr. Crew. Richard and Judy live across the street so I had a good visit with them. They are so busy so I was excited to find them home!

I also visited my niece Holley and her family. David and Elizabeth played the piano for me. They are very talented!

David and Elizabeth

Izzy ~ Holley ~ Me ~ Heather ~ Joseph 

I was especially grateful to see my niece Heather, it's been a long time.

I always visit the grave of my grandparents.

Storms clouds were rolling in right at dusk and it was freezing cold! But so beautiful and peaceful at the same time.

This is the newest member of the Federer family! Lloyd got a donkey and he is cute. I love being with Lloyd as we walked around his farm. He is really amazing with horses, an original "Horse Whisperer!"

I'm grateful I could spend some time with Mom and my brothers, Kenny, Ernie and Lloyd. I love my family.


The trip home to Utah started out like this...

Elk Mountain
but thankfully the sun came out and it was smooth sailing on into Highland!

I always get emotional when I see the Wasatch Mountains. I feel like my Dad is my guardian angel and I'm grateful I arrived home safe and sound one more time.

I missed my little family, especially you know who!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012