GOING DOWN THE SNAKE RIVER

After eight years rafting down the river as part of our annual family vacation, "going down the snake river" has new meaning for us. It used to mean laughing and having fun rafting down the river. However, now it means "going down IN the Snake River."

When we got to the river to launch the raft the buzz story was how a scout leader drowned in the river yesterday. Apparently, he was thrown from the raft, dragged by the undercurrent to an eddy which held him down, and he drowned. Needless to say everyone on our raft took extra care. However, the first run down the river was fierce. The water was very high with very strong and dangerous undercurrents and numerous eddies. Even with the extra care and caution, if you ask the children, they will tell you they were scared beyond measure. (Remember, we've been going down this river for eight years, but this was worse than any other time!)

After lunch some in the group did not want to go down again; that is until they felt fully recovered from the first river run experience. (Yes, it really was that bad!) Well, seven others wanted to take a second run--a run that ended up disastrous and near fatal for more than one of them.

I was not on the raft. Thirty minutes after they launched (3:00 p.m.) I got a feeling that something was wrong and all I could do was wait--wait to see if they made it down the river, wait for someone to tell me there's been a problem, etc... At 3:30 Sammy comes running toward me panting, out of breath, screaming that the raft capsized. I'm getting bits and pieces of what happened in between her short breaths. And what I heard wasn't good at all.

Samantha (the self-titled heroine of the story) popped to the surface and grabbed two oars and the raft, spotted a dead tree sticking out in to the water (it was much closer than shore), directed Coltin to swim with the raft to the dead tree. She secured herself to the dead tree with one arm while holding the raft with the other. She took in a lot of water. She saved the raft from floating away. But there is much more of her story yet to be told...
Coltin (friend) came up to the surface close to the raft, he grabbed the rope, saw Sammy's head bobbing in the water, was in the process of helping her when he realized she too was holding on to the rope. He helped Dylan and Melissa on to the dead tree.
Dylan followed Richard's advice on how to get out of an undercurrent and shot up to the surface rather quickly; an oar smacked him in the face; he grabbed the raft rope; he saw an orange blob, which ended up being Melissa, and stuck an oar out to her and pulled her in to him and they swam to the dead tree. He lost his hat and his glasses (He is almost legally blind without his glasses.)
Melissa (friend) came up to the surface holding an oar and grabbed another one floating by. She couldn't see because water got in between her contacts, but she was able to see a blue blob which was an oar that Dylan used to reach out to her. She said later that if Dylan didn't do this, she probably would have been sucked into the next rapid and down the river.
Meghann wasn't just thrown from the raft, she was shot out. She landed further away from the raft, but luckily she held on to the lead rope and was able to pull herself to the raft then to the dead tree. She helped Samantha and the others on to the dead tree, secured the raft, and started calming everyone down.

While the five were clinging to the dead tree another raft came and helped them to shore.

Wait a minute. I told you there were seven people on the raft. Where are the other two? Well, that's exactly what the five were thinking. They were frantically calling out and searching the water for Stacey (friend) and Jeff. The Guide on the other raft asked them, "Where's your family?" They answered, "Two are missing." It was at this point they saw Stacey on the other side of the river on the bank shaken but safe. The Guide then asked, "Is one of them a guy?" "Yes" was the unanimous reply. It was then that they learned that another raft had picked up Jeff and was bringing him to where they were.

Now to tell you about Jeff and Stacey.

Stacey was thrown quite a distance down the river and traveled down river until Clint (friend in a ducky) pulled her out of the water and took her to the closest shore. She was able to rest here until Clint and Slade (friend) tied their duckies together and took her to the opposite shore to the rest of the group.
Jeff, well, he almost didn't make it, and I'm not sugar coating it. Right now I am glad I am not a widow! Jeff was also thrown quite a distance down river and into the next rapid. He told me that he went under more than eight times, the last time he said he saw lights, couldn't breathe, and all he could think about was if everyone else was safe. His friend Slade was frantically searching the water for him, couldn't find him anywhere. Finally, he saw Jeff bob up then down again, and was able to grab him the next time he bobbed to the surface. He got Jeff to shore where Jeff passed out for a few minutes. A raft then picked him up and took him to where the other five were.

The five (Stacey wasn't with them yet) decided that Jeff didn't look well--definitely not well enough to finish the river run! I now get to finish the "Samantha part of the story." Here they were stranded on the shore and the only way out (besides the water route) was to climb up the mountainside to the road and somehow get help. Sammy was chosen for the task. I haven't asked why, but she climbed the mountain with the six oars they were able to save and her life vest in hand. God only knows how she managed to do that. Once at the road, she left the oars and vest and started running the three miles to the campsite. She had taken in so much water while in the river that she had to stop and vomit a couple of times, but she continued running on. About a mile or so from camp a Park Ranger stopped her and asked her what was wrong--why she was running. He then drove her the rest of the way to the camp where she and her Aunt Donna got in the car to get me and Richard at one of the river look-outs. We then went down the road to where the others were stranded down the mountain. She jumped out of the car and ran back down the mountainside to be with the others.

Richard ran down to them, and with his vast knowledge of emergency medicine proceeded to make sure everyone was all right. He then assisted in getting raft and people to the top. Donna and I stayed on the roadside doing whatever we needed to do to assist in the rescue.

Doug (Stacey's husband) was already there and helping when we arrived. Apparently he got worried when he didn't see them on the river at the look-out where he was waiting, so he drove the road looking down at the water and by chance saw them stranded on the shore.

It took some effort and a lot of team work to get everyone and the raft up the mountain.

Back at camp Richard listened to everyone's heart and lungs. However, we were all worried about Jeff. He had taken in so much water, gone under so many times, and passed out for a few minutes I wanted to take him to the hospital for monitoring. (There is a high incidence of heart failure within 24 hours of survivors of near fatal drownings and the likelihood of respiratory infection.) However, he didn't want to go, so Richard monitored him closely for a few hours and we compromised that he would go to the Doctor when we got back to Logan. I was also concerned about Samantha--she nearly drowned, she climbed a mountain, ran for help, ran down a mountain, etc...--her energy was completely spent she started shaking.

We are now back in Logan and Jeff still can't take a deep breath without coughing. Sam seems to be doing well, but I am taking both of them to the Doctor in the morning!

Good News for all Powell-land... The King Still Reigns!

FINALLY!

I have been stuck at the same weight since May 11th. Talk about a weight plateau--a five week plateau is ridiculous. Well today it finally happened; the plateau spell is broken. I'm on my way 'down' again. Yippee!

I have also put on a bunch of muscle weight. Actually, I'm trying to bulk up my arms and strengthen my back, neck, and shoulders in hopes of undoing car accident damage. Even so, I'm finding it more and more difficult to open jars. (I hope to ward off the arthritis as long as I can, and it doesn't help being married to Mr. muscle--loose for Jeff is tight for me.) Getting old sucks!

Dylan's Graduation

Here's Dyl looking all spiffy in his graduation togs!

I really like these pictures, so I'm going to use these as our "family pictures" for this year. For those of you who know my children, you know these pictures represent how silly they all are. I love the fact that they are so easy-going and fun-loving!

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Good Looking Guy!

I want to draw your attention to the picture of Dylan in his tuxedo in the 'Busy Week For Dylan' post.

He is one good looking guy!

I'm warning you up front--I'm in a pissy mood

Since March I have lost about 25 pounds. A neighbor recently noticed my weight loss and commented on it. That actually made me feel good; it's nice to know that someone noticed. What made me feel pissy is that her friend then made a comment about my back, " Oh I bet your back feels so much better now." Let me explain...

Many physical health problems can be directly related to one's weight. However, my back problem is not. It was directly caused by a chiropractor damaging my sacroiliac (SI) when I was pregnant with Samantha. I also have hereditary factors that come in to play with a pre-disposition for psoriatic arthritis. So regardless of what I weigh I will always have SI problems.

People who judge other people by their weight piss me off!! And people who think that a person's medical problems are directly related to their weight piss me off even more!!!!!

(And people who use an excess of exclamation points also piss me off!!!!!!!)

And just to let you know that I'm not a total "bee-otch" I know the friend, in her way, was trying to be nice and supportive. It just rubbed me the wrong way--that's all.

Elder Powell

This is Dylan's news to tell, but he doesn't ever look at the blog so I guess I get to be the one to blab...

In two weeks Dylan will be ordained an Elder. I haven't gotten used to the idea of him being a high school graduate yet.

The next thing to do is sign up for the Temple Prep class at the Institute and he will be ready to take the next step 'to the beginning of the rest of his life.'

Cool huh?! My little boy is all grow'd up!

Busy Week For Dylan!

The last week in May was busy for our newest graduate, Dylan.

His Senior Prom date started at 8 a.m. I'm not sure what seniors do around the country, but here it is popular to have a "day date," lunch, then a couple of hours off to get ready for the big finale of the dinner date and Senior Prom. It makes for a long day. Dylan rented a tuxedo for this special occasion.















A few days later was the Venture Crew Court of Honor where Dylan received four awards. He could have earned five, but we didn't get the paperwork done on time.










Tonight was the Seminary Graduation Ceremony for our Stake. Only 31 Seniors completed all four years of Seminary. You would think here in Utah that more youth would graduate Seminary. We are very proud of him.

Well it's not over yet. In two days is his High School Graduation. It is so large a production with the number of students and family attending that it is held at the Utah State University indoor Stadium.

The Bishop asked Dylan last week what his plans are for the future. Dylan's response, "get a job, work for a year, then go on a mission." He is a great kid--couldn't have asked for a better son!

Love you Dylan. Congratulations!
mom

Okay, maybe I'm bragging, but I really don't have much to brag about, except, that is, my garden. I've been eating Sorrel from my garden since the first of April. Sorrel is a very tart tasting lemony spinach that takes some getting used to. I can't eat it all the time or I'd get sick of it, so I haven't picked it for a couple of weeks. Today I went to pick some and noticed that it is already going to seed. Now you may think that means it is done and gone for the rest of the summer, but in reality it means that in a couple more weeks I'll have a fresh new baby crop of sorrel. Last year I got three crops; this year, the way things are going, I'll probably get4 crops.

I owe it to tire gardening. Have I told you (hee hee) how much I enjoy my tire garden!!!

The Brink of the Next Civil War !

Here comes the fire storm. If they are successful in separating the state from the federal government, then not only does the state lose control over themselves and the voters of that state are shunned, but it opens the door for all types of relationships including polygamy and any type of relationship people want to claim.. Why couldn’t I marry my cat and then claim him as a dependant?

“We and our relationships should be treated equally under the law. Our goal is to advance the cause of equality for all Americans." (quoted from lawsuit in opposition to Prop 8 filed 5/09. See article below.)

If this is successful then it means that individual state constitutions and individual state laws are null to the ever powerful will of the federal government. This is the very thing that the Civil War was fought over.

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This is beyond dangerous!

Berkeley couple challenges Prop. 8

Bay City News Service

Posted: 05/27/2009 12:15:47 PM PDT

SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)

In the wake of the California Supreme Court's decision to uphold Proposition 8, the state's ban on same-sex marriage, two couples are pursuing a new tactic with a federal court lawsuit.

A lesbian couple from Berkeley and a gay couple from Burbank filed the lawsuit in federal court in San Francisco on Friday.

The lawsuit claims that Proposition 8, enacted by state voters on Nov. 4, violates the couple's federal constitutional rights to due process and equal treatment by denying them the right to marry.

The couples are represented by prominent attorneys Theodore Olson of Washington, D.C., and David Boies of Armonk, N.Y., who argued on opposite sides of the Bush v. Gore case that decided the 2000 presidential election.

Today, the attorneys filed a motion asking for a hearing on July 2 before Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker in San Francisco on their bid for a preliminary injunction blocking Proposition 8.

The two couples said in a statement today, "We and our relationships should be treated equally under the law. Our goal is to advance the cause of equality for all Americans."

Until now, battles over same-sex marriage in California have centered on the state constitution. A year ago, the California Supreme Court said by a 4-3 vote that the state constitution's guarantee of equal treatment provides a right to gay marriage.

But state voters overturned that ruling when they enacted Proposition 8 by a 52 percent majority last fall as a state constitutional amendment. On Tuesday, the state high court ruled by a 6-1 vote that Proposition 8 was within voters' power to amend the state constitution.

The new lawsuit is based on separate federal constitutional rights.

Among other cases, the lawsuit cites a 1967 ruling in which the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Virginia ban on interracial marriage and said the freedom to marry is a "vital personal right."

The plaintiffs are Kris Perry and Sandy Stier of Berkeley, who have been together for nine years and have four sons, and Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo of Burbank.

Both couples say they tried to get married last week, but were denied marriage licenses by their county clerk's offices because of Proposition 8.

Theengs Thaut Piss Mee Ofph

People who ...

ask my opinion then tell me it's wrong
ask my opinion then want to argue that their opinion is right
don't know the rules for a four-way stop
don't pay attention when approaching a four-way stop
slow down while driving because they are on their cell phone
drive in the turning lane
turn from the driving lane
make right turns from the left lane (exception: semi-trucks)
ask people personal questions about other people
make rude comments about others behind their back
try to sound smart by using "big" words but use them wrong
judge people by their size
judge people by their color
categorize people as a means of criticizing them
pretend to like animals when they really don't
chew gum
talk with food in their mouth
talk just for the sake of hearing themselves talk
ask questions and don't let the person answer
ask questions but don't listen to the answer
ask questions they already know the answer to
care more about looks than character
can't park correctly in parking spaces
park in the no parking zones in front of stores
can't pronounce the short "e" sound correctly
say "these ones"
don't know the difference between subject and object pronouns
don't use correct tense (ex. was, were--arghhh!)
use apostrophes incorrectly
misuse commas
brag
talk incessantly about a movie or a book
tell the ending of a movie or a book I haven't seen or read yet
think their "rights" are more important than mine
criticize others to make themselves feel important
look to me for their personal "validation"
ask my advice on the same situation more than once
contradict themselves in order to always be "right"
say "sorry" but don't indicate for what
walk down the center of an aisle and expect you to move for them
don't pay attention to what is going on around them
listen to mp3 players in shopping centers
make statement/comment but imply a question
get upset when I don't answer a non-existent question

. . . piss me off!


Hey, it's my blog I can vent if I want!


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God is Definitely at Work in Our Lives

Samantha decided she wanted to spend more time with her little sis Andrea, so she invited her shopping after school. Andrea's co-worker was going to pick her up for work, but Samantha said she would take her to work so she and Andrea could have more time together. On the way to work traffic was backed up about a mile on Main Street, so Samantha decided to take the back roads. Andrea just ended up being a few minutes late.

Later, Samantha got a phone call from Andrea informing her why the traffic was backed up. The girl that was going to pick up Andrea and take her to work was side-swiped by another car. The accident was bad enough to block both lanes of traffic. The vehicle's passenger side was completely smashed. If Andrea were in that seat, we may not have her anymore!

"Freedom Is Indivisible" --Ronald Reagan

"Freedom is indivisible--there is no 's' on the end of it. You can erode freedom, diminish it, but you cannot divide it and chose to keep 'some freedoms' while giving up others." --Ronald Reagan


I thought this quote fitting for today when so much of our freedom is being stripped away.

Samantha shared with us a movie she watched in one of her USU classes. As we watched it, she told us to think about what is happening today right in front of our noses with our current president. I recommend you rent the movie Triumph of the Will. It will be in the foreign film section. It is a German propaganda movie made in 1935 after the Nazi Party took control. Its main emphasis is to show how great "The Party" is and all the great things they are doing for Germany. Compare it to what's going on now--very enlightening.

Home Grown Super Hero -- Andrea!

Everyone who knows Andrea knows she is special. It has only recently come to our attention of just how special she is or in her case how "Super" she is. Last week Andrea learned she could pop out bones (and she loving acquired the nick name of "baby breaker" --sorry, personal story). Last night she learned that she could also break through metal. Robert was the unfortunate recipient of her super power display. It's a good thing Andrea now has a job so she can replace the toilet handle.

Andrea now comes with a warning: Caution. Remind Andrea to turn off her super powers before she touches anything!

Las Vegas

Thank you Ashley for showing me how to add a slide show.

Ughhhhh!

The week I should be doing a mad dash at cleaning the house I'm nursing a sprained back. I couldn't even move on Monday and Tuesday and spent the whole time in bed on the heating pad. Wednesday was better for me. I took lots of Ibuprofen, but I didn't get any relief until I changed to acetaminophen. Strange huh?

Tomorrow we pick up Lukas at the airport. Yikes can you believe it? We are all very excited. I just hope he doesn't mind dirty carpets. There was no way I could clean them this week! I guess I'll just have to get my cleaning done while he's here instead.

Wow! The Harmors really are Kings. I knew we were Royalty!

Wow! I just found "The King Family Website" and it has Harmors listed as relatives. I haven't done any genealogy for years, but what little I did I don't remember having the surname King show up.

Computers and the internet are great tools for genealogy. Morris, you need to see this site!

Food -- Yummy Food!

Last year a bunch of friends got together and started a monthly international food night. Last night was "Irish Night." There was lots of good food! Each month I have fun looking through recipes deciding what to prepare. I like to choose interesting sounding recipes. For Irish night I made a main course, a specialty bread and soup --Blue Cheese, Zucchini and Bacon Soup. Sounds interesting doesn't it? The soup was absolutely delicious! I have to admit I wasn't sure I was even going to like it and it ended up being my favorite dish of the night.

Moral of the story -- don't be afraid to try new things!

Hey everyone, Tracey and Matt have their own blog now.

www.tracefacethegreat.blogspot.com

Add it to your list of blogs!

German Exchange Student

It's official -- we will be hosting another German student this spring. His name is Lukas and he is 17 years old. Because we are a host family for him, Andrea is at the top of the list to go to Germany next year with the German-American Partnership Program (GAPP). Andrea is excited about this; she has wanted to do this ever since we hosted our first German exchange student a few years ago.

New Snow

Yeah! We got the snow the weatherman promised us! I figure we'll have at least one or two more snow falls before the weather warms. New snow is always so pretty and fresh. Just gotta love it!

Lov-e-ly!

Do you ever get the urge to watch "old" classic movies. Well, I do. The weather we are experiencing here in Northern Utah is great -- lovely -- "lov-e-ly" and it makes me want to watch the musical My Fair Lady with Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison.

It has only been three months since my garden has been unusable. Today makes me happy because I just planted three variety of peas. Just in time for the snow storm we are expecting in three days. The snow will help toughen the peas and actually help them sprout. Yeah!!!

Last week I planted eggplant, cilantro and two varieties of basil. They will be kept indoors until mid- to late- April. I enjoy watching my garden grow. It refreshes me -- new life.

Oh goodness, speaking of new life. Two weeks ago I delivered another baby. A friend of mine called me and asked me over to her house to help with her labor; it was moving along very fast and her "preferred" midwife lived 90 minutes away. To make a long story short... it was a good thing I was there because the baby mal-presented and needed help getting out. What makes it even more special (and even spiritual) is that the specific type of presentation is one I have a lot of experience with. The Lord is very much at work in our lives!

Now go enjoy an old movie... maybe My Fair Lady!

Happy Birthday to King Jeff -- The Greatest King in the World!

Forty-nine years ago today the greatest person in the world was born. Today is a celebration of King Jeff, His Royal Highness of Powell-land Kingdom. All should take a moment to honor His Royal Highness as a tribute to the greatness he has brought to the kingdom.

His Royal subjects and his many devoted friends--Royalty and commoner alike--all wish His Royal Highness King Jeff the happiest of days and long life!

All hail King Jeff!

God Bless the King!




Submitted by his Royal Scribe on this the sixteenth day of March in the year of our Lord two thousand nine.

I'm a Big Girl Now!

It's official--I'm a big girl now. I finally broke down and bought a pair of high heel shoes. How old am I? um... well, at least I'm not 50 yet. I figure I can wear these dress shoes for the next 25 years like I've worn my old pair of low-heel dress shoes.

I feel so tall!

soy milk continued

I make soy milk every Tuesday morning. That in it itself is not very impressing. What is though, is that people in my church know and every couple of weeks I have someone at the house learning how to make it too! Apparently, I am not the only person I know who doesn't drink animal's milk. It's great too because I am meeting new people and beginning not to feel like such a wierdo-outcast anymore.

hurray for like-minded people!

Apology to my Wonderful Children!

I am opposed to the drinking of animal's milk. Think about it for a moment---humans are the only animals that drink milk after they are weaned, and to make matters worse they drink another animal's milk. The thought of that has always made me cringe. And now, with the addition of growth hormones and other additives being put in the milk... yuck! Why would anyone want to put that crap in their body? (Ok, I'm off the soap box now.)

Needless to say, milk was not allowed in my home while my children were young. They drank almond milk, cashew milk, rice milk, and the dreaded soy milk. Oh, how they hated soy milk making days. They would run and hide because they knew mom would corner them and make them drink it. I finally got the hint and stopped making it after batches upon batches of soy milk had to be thrown out because they went sour. The recipe I used was from a Seventh-Day Adventist cookbook. I thought it must be a good one after all, they are die-hard vegetarians and soy is a staple food for them.

Well I was very, very wrong -- not in keeping my children away from animal milk, but in my choice of soy milk recipe. After 25 years I have found the perfect recipe and learned the tricks of soy milk making!!!!!! It even passed the family taste test! (I must admit, however, they were extremely hesitant to taste it.) I bought soy milk ($3.86 for 64 oz) and compared the taste to my home made soy milk and the taste was comparable. It takes about 30 minutes to make and, according to the recipe information, it costs about 12 cents per 64 oz, so what a great $$$ savings as well!

So to my wonderful children I apologize for making you drink the horrible soy stuff I made when you were growing up. I did the typical "mom thing" and pretended it was better than it really was because I believed so strongly against the alternative--cow's milk. Maybe now the scars can begin to heal. Just know that I love you.

Update on Dylan and Andrea.

Dylan was miserable immediately after the surgery. His body did not like the anesthesia. Luckily for him he was only miserable for a few hours. Andrea, however, ended up with an infected dry socket and started on an antibiotic only to discover she is allergic to penicillin. I don't know what was worse for her--the infection or the allergic reaction! Well, one good thing came out of it--we now know she is allergic to penicillin! (At 15 years old this is only the second time she's taken an antibiotic; the first was after her knee surgery in May, and it wasn't penicillin-based.)

Dylan started taking an antibiotic last week for a different reason and he ended up being allergic to it as well. (At 18, this is the first time he has ever taken an antibiotic. He only took it a couple of times before the allergy symptoms became unbearable and he stopped taking it.)

Now the really good news... we saved $2900 by having their wisdom teeth removed in 2008 instead of 2009! I am very thankful the insurance company sent out their 2009 revisions to coverage in December 2008!!!

Wisdom Teeth Removed for Christmas!

A week ago Jeff learned our medical insurance coverage was changing in 2009 and not for the better. Even though our medical budget was gone by May (Andrea's knee surgery), we decided to have Dylan and Andrea's wisdom teeth removed. Doing so in 2008 instead of 2009 saved us a bunch of moolah. The only dates the oral surgeon had available were December 23 and December 31. Neither date was optimal, but at least the 23rd was d0-able. I'm just glad he had time in his schedule for both of them.

What a way for them to spend Christmas!

Going, Going, But Not Yet Gone

I know it won't last forever...
Three days of frost and gray skies have wilted what was left of my lemon sorrel. The spinach might be salvageable, that is if the sun comes out tomorrow; carrots are becoming more difficult to dig out of the frozen ground (especially since Jeff packed away the trowel and now I'm using a kitchen spoon instead).
Tonight's menu: chicken with potato-carrot-onion casserole. No, the chicken did not come from the garden!

December 3rd in Northern Utah and Garden Growing Strong!

September in Utah is the month that people clean out their gardens and prepare it for winter. For the most part I did the same thing--tomatoes, squash, green peppers, and lettuce are long gone. However, I am pleased to report that my garden is still doing well with beets, carrots, spinach, lemon sorrel, onions, and potatoes. This is the second year we have gardened using tires. I am continually amazed at the benefits--plants are contained, no weeding, water usage is dramatically less, and best of all, two and three yields of produce! I haven't even covered the tires with straw yet to keep in the heat for the plants; the tires keep the heat on the plants. Last year we just played with the idea of tire gardening, didn't put much effort into doing it, even so our crop last year was phenomenal so much so that we decided to do it "right" this year. I highly recommend tire gardening!

Tonight's menu: split pea and ham soup, baby carrots and onions, homemade bread, beets, beet greens, and baby potatoes! Bon appetite!

Pandemic Fireside

I don't want to freak anyone out, but I learned this week that the world is at level 3 out of 6 on the pandemic scale. It is that high primarily because of the bird flu. I also learned that the World Health Organization is currently preparing for a full scale outbreak of "something" estimated to be upon us within the next 20 to 30 months. Now, I have to sit back and laugh just a bit because of what our prophet and elders have been telling us specifically over the last 2 years--and that is that we need to have 3 months of food and water as an immediate reserve in our homes. Three months is the typical quarantine period. I may not have finished college, but I sure can put two and two together and get four.

On Sunday a church official whose calling is specifically to teach and help prepare people for a possible pandemic event held a special fireside at our church. She gave us a whirlwind of information. I will not put it in here, but within the next few days I will be scanning her handouts and my notes of her presentation and have them available via email for those who are interested in them.

We started our own blog.

I decided after many sleepless nights (ha ha thats funny) that i would make our own blog. I really did think about it because i did not want to leave Powell land, but i decided that i will always be a citizen. Check it out.

http://richardandmeghannbateman.blogspot.com

Love ya lots

Megs

Another day in Paradise for Richard.

Richard has had it rough with all of the medical problems over the last two years. He had a little internal bleed that had to get fixed so he went into surgery today. It was not an evasive surgery, thank heaven, but he is still in a lot of pain.

This is him waiting his turn into the OR. He was so nervous, I think no matter how many times someone goes through procedures it is still nerve racking. But we are thankful he is okay and hopefully there will be no more problems with bleeding. I love him so much, even sick he is so cute!!!

To answer your question Sarah...

That's what I wanted to do also but school is so hard to get into its just crazy. You have to have your BSN and have so many years under your belt as a nurse in critical care and there is a ton of requirements to even apply, plus school is so expensive. I work with 6 different nurse working towards it and it seems like in a few years there will be a low demand for them.

For now I want to work in ER/ICU. I am going to get my BSN and my CCRN and reevaluate from there. Since there is no more NP program (that's what i really wanted to do,) and you have to have a masters to teach, I will most likely get a masters in nursing with a specialty.

But to be honest medicine is a long career and it is already getting old. I wouldn't going in a totally different direction all together for my master either. Like human relations or family counseling plus I also really want to do sign language still. All in due time....

The life of a Bateman

So its been a while since I posted anything, sorry life just gets so darn busy!

To update 0n Richard, he still hasn't heard anything on the settlement from his work injury. It has been 1 year and 7 months since he was zapped and 1 year since workman comp dropped him. It has been very difficult trying to make ends meet, thank heaven for my parents that have done so much for us. On a happier note Richard is back to work (against medical advisement,) it just got to the point that we could not do it anymore with out him working. He is back to his same job in the ER, but he has to retake his EMT because it expired while he was out. It is so nice having him back to work, and its so awesome our bank account isn't in the red anymore!!!! He is also going to school at SLCC working on general classes. I am so proud of him and all that he has overcome, its been really hard on him, me and our relationship but we are pulling through.

I had to take a year off from nursing because it was too hard trying to do it all. But I am still in school. I am taking a Chemistry class with a lab (which is like its own little class,) a Math class, an Art class and an institute class. Although it is a full time schedule and challenging classes it feels relaxing not worrying about nursing. In nursing there are so many other things that have to be done other than the class and the clinical. I still work at the hospital too but I have moved to the patient care floor, which I don't like but it was the only job available when Richard went back to work. (I was working the ER, Richards old position. So when he went back I had to leave.) Its kinda sad because Richard and I only really get to see each other coming and going and on the weekend because of our schedules, but we are making due. Oh the best thing so far about this year is I don't worry about school or work as much anymore, I have some free time!! I inherited from my mother a little OCD so when things aren't clean enough or organized it literally drives me crazy, and it has been so nice to have a chance to get things done.

We are still in the condo in SLC and I really like it there. I like my neighbors, my ward, where it is located, its wonderful.... I love it!!!! Thanks mom and dad for getting it for me to go to school, you guys are the greatest and I would not be able to do any of the things I have done with out you. We have painted all the bedrooms and will be start on the bathrooms soon but we need my dad for that. Our goal is to get the condo looking as good as we can get it with minimal work. I will post pictures later of what it looks like.

Getting back to a day in the life of a Bateman lets just say it keeps going and going and going....

Summer's Over - Back to School

This has been a busy and exciting summer for many of us. I am actually glad school is starting tomorrow. Not that I want to "get rid of my children," but I must admit to wanting some quiet time.

Family Update:
Meghann and Richard: Richard started back to work yesterday after 18 months medical leave. He is still in a lot of pain from shoulder and thoracic nerve damage and his lungs are still damaged, so we all hope work will go well and distract him from the constant pain. Both Megs and Richard are starting back at school this week. We are very proud of both of them for everything they have had to go through the last year and a half!

Samantha has held down two jobs this summer and still had time to have a social life. She took a "west coast" vacation with some friends and had a great time hugging trees in the Redwood Forest. She is in her second year at USU with dual major in German and International Studies with emphasis in world economy.

Dylan is a senior this year. If all goes as planned he will actually graduate from two high schools: the local high school and the correspondence school from which he has been taking extra classes. He is still working at the pizza parlor. He has reached the one year countdown to his leaving on a mission. He's been thinking a lot about that.

Andrea is doing extremely well in her recovery. I have to laugh about her knee surgery because one very good thing came out of the situation. I am totally opposed to mandatory physical education in the public school system. Because of the surgery, Andrea will be exempt from taking P.E. for the remainder of high school!!!! Yeah!!! She is currently a sophomore.

I'm Engaged!!!

On June 6th through the 9th I went to Utah to visit Matt who just got home from his mission only two days prior to my visit. He had no idea I was coming and went to the airport with his sister (lara) and Mom (Rayleen) thinking he was picking up an uncle. When he saw me coming out of the terminal he just about flipped his lid. He couldn't believe I was there when he was just talking to me just hours before about when he was going to come out to Colorado Springs to see me. Seeing him for the first time in 2 1/2 years felt great. I Still wanted to be

with him but I didn't want to rush anything.

After my trip to Utah Matty and I started planning his trip to visit me in Colorado Springs for my 21st b-day since he missed three of the others while we were together in high school and while he was on his mission. He came out to the Springs on the 8th of July and stayed till the 13th. While he was here I was sick for three days! I was sick on my b-day which sucked but it still went great since I got an engagement ring for my b-day.

I guess I should tell everyone how he proposed. It wasn't anything big with tons of people around. It was just him and me. We were lying on my bed talking. I was trying to make him feel guilty about me moving to Utah. I was telling him about how many great friends I've made and how I love the Stockton’s (the wonderful couple I'm staying with) and the beautiful mountains and hiking out here. I was kidding of course. I wanted to be with Matt. I was planning on moving to Utah to be closer to him to see how things would work out with us and if things went well we'd get married. I wasn't expecting what happened next. He said to me, "Well, maybe your b-day present will change your mind." I told him his b-day gift to me was his flight out here. He told me that he wanted to give me something special. That's when he pulled out the ring. All I did was laugh and smiled big and said, "Are you serious!!!" Obviously he was serious. :) And I obviously said yes.

We are getting married November 28th in the Las Vegas Temple at 11:00 a.m in the morning. We will have a reception around 5 or 6 p.m in Vegas and then a small open house in Kaysville, Utah about a week or so after that. All the planning is exciting but stressful at the same time. We've got a pretty small budget for everything and I can't find a dress I like anywhere. I take that back...I found a dress that is PERFECT in everyway except for one thing. The Price. The damage is $1000! OUCHIE! Oh well, I guess I just gotta find something cheap and close to what I want.

I'm hoping that as much family and friends as possible can come. I'd love to see you all! I know it will be hard for a ton of people to make it since this is the day after thanksgiving. But we thought it would be nice to have a Thanksgiving dinner on the 27th with his family and mine as our rehearsal dinner so that our families can meet.

I'll be moving to Utah Aug. 14th so that Matt and I can plan the wedding together rather than in separate states...and cuz I want to be with him. This distance stuff sucks and it's extremely hard. I'm so excited to go out there but I still love it in the Springs and it's going to be so hard to leave. I love being close to Sarah even though we hardly get the chance to hang out and the Stockton's are wonderful. They've done so much for me. They're like family to me.

Well, that's enough babbling outta me. I love you all so much and I miss you.

XOXO

JULY HAS BEEN A GOOD MONTH SO FAR

July has been a fun month for us so far! To start out the month was the fourth of July celebration-- my favorite holiday. Andrea is doing much better than expected with her knee, has been fitted for a special sports brace and is glad to be free of the huge monstrosity she's had to wear the last couple months. Aunt Donna came to visit us for a couple days; always enjoy our visits. Rabecca and Brad had their son, Aiden; I was able to be there for that. Wrote a nice long (long) letter to Gramma Jean. Aunt Kim came out to join us on our annual river rafting trip. This year we did 5 runs down the the river instead of the 4 we usually do; everyone enjoyed it, but agreed the last run wore them out. Yesterday I registered Meghann and Samantha as official members of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers International Association (DUP). They are eligible to be members because of Jeff's side of family--not mine. However, I contacted the Daughters of the American Revolution Association (DAR) to find out what I need to do to get myself and daughters registered as members. This they are eligible because of my side of the family--not Jeff's.

Wow and it's only half way through the month!

Another Daughter?

I am doing updates on all the kids in separate blogs, but I realized I have another daughter--Samantha... That must be the blond blurr I see running in and out of the house!

Update on Andrea

Andrea has about 85% of her knee flexibility back already. She still has to wear the brace to protect the sideways movements of her knee and until the doctors are assured the bone graft completely takes (another 2 months). It's cool how you can feel the screw in her leg. The doctor said he can remove it in about a year if it bothers her. If not, then it can stay in, but she will beep going through metal detectors. Cool--I have a beeping daughter!

Dylan Soars With Eagle Award

Dylan finally received his Boy Scout Eagle award. He did the project last year (August/Sept) , had all the paperwork completed and signed in November, but we waited until nice weather to have the actual Court of Honor Ceremony. We butt heads with the Scout Committee Chairman a little bit because he said no one would come to the ceremony if we didn't hold it on a Sunday and at the church building. Well, we took our chances and had the ceremony the way we wanted at the time and place we wanted--Friday evening at our house. Guess what--we had 48 people attend! Many people came up to Jeff and I afterwards (and at church the following Sunday) saying that it was the best Eagle Court of Honor they have ever been to.

The biggest thing that Jeff and I wanted to avoid was having the ceremony feel like a church meeting. We did have opening and closing prayers, but everything else was very much BOY SCOUTS! I made a slide show presentation of Dylan's life titled "Being Dylan" and we had 12 people "roast" Dylan for about 2 minutes each. Each person spoke on one of the characteristics of a boy scout from the boy scout law and how Dylan represents that quality in his life. It is something we have never seen or heard done before. Dylan and Jeff made a special 13 candle holder to represent the 12 characteristics.

The whole night was a success. Much thanks go out to all those who participated, both family and friends! Congrats Dylan!

news article about the fire

Here is a local news report on the fire.


http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=3647815

Check it out, we were there!!!

When your life flashes before your eyes

It is said that when something tragic happens your life flashes before your eyes. Well i think Richard and i had this happen on Sunday afternoon. I had worked from noon Saturday till Sunday morning at 0700, then i stayed up to go to church; after sacrament meeting i went home and went to sleep about 1pm. By 1:30 i was evacuated from the condo, the south side of my condo building was on fire and the whole building was a risk and needed to be evacuated. There was a fire in the attic of the condo and the firemen were having a hard time controlling it. When Richard and I found out what was going on and the whole building was at risk. We rushed back into the condo to save our animals (two cats, two birds, and a do.) The police wouldn't let us in but Richard, fought his way in to get the cats, the cop followed, to grab him while i ran in and got the birds and the dog. The cops started to yell at me but I just ignored them, (those darn pigs!) The cats were left inside but we were able to get the others out.

After an hour of everyone running around like a chicken with its head cut off, we were told the fire was under control and the north end of the building (where we live) was safe but we would not be allowed in until the whole building was safe. There were four condos completely burned, but 12 units were unlivable. The north end was cleared to go in but our neighbors were kicked out.

Richard and I were talking how close it came to losing everything and there was nothing we could have done. It was very scary especially when we didn't know what was going on and being man handled by police and fireman (well, as if i mind i married a fireman! lol) We are okay, our animals are okay, our stuff is okay, but we did watch everything flash before our eyes.

Some of you have asked to see pictures of Andrea's knee. Well, I don't have a good one of her knee when it was HUGE!!!, but here is one I took today (19 days after the accident) in which you can see the knee is still swollen--about twice normal size. Her surgery is tomorrow. Keep her in your prayers!

Surgery Required

The verdict is in from the doctors and surgery is definitely required to fix Andrea's knee. They have to reconstruct part of the knee as well as fix the Anterior Ligament (ACL). Andrea is not happy about it because surgery is scheduled her last week of school. She says the last week of school is all fun stuff. Oh well, I told her to get mad at the doppleganger that pushed her off the long-board and not me.

The docs all said that the first two weeks post-op are going to be the worst. Then she'll be on crutches for 4-6 weeks, be wearing a special brace for 4 months, and in physical therapy for 6 months. What a crappy way to start the summer break. She won't be able to go on the Martin's Cove Trek with the youth from the stake and she won't be able to go in the raft during our annual white water river rafting trip. (Hey Rainey, you said you thought it would be fun... well, we got a place for you now if you want to join us!)

Hope all of you are doing better than Andrea! Our love to all.

Andrea was in the play The King and I back in January and the black hair rinse never came out of her hair. She spent four and one-half hours at the hair salon last month. Here's the end result.

Dangerous Sport -- Long Boarding!!!

Well, now it's official. Each of my children has been to the emergency room. Andrea was the last hold out at 14 years 10 months. However, last Thursday she decided to join the ranks of the medically challenged by turfing off the long-board. Her knee was swollen about 4 times normal size and she had to wait five days for the swelling to go down enough for an MRI. The end result...

Andrea has torn the ACL, MCL, and damaged the meniscus in her left knee. We are still waiting to hear whether or not surgery will be needed. If so, then she will be the first child needing any type of surgery.

How to Cook a Husband

The following is from the Yankee Kitchen Cookbook, circa 1800, author unknown.

How to Cook a Husband

A good many husbands are utterly spoiled by mismanagement in cooking and are so not tender and good. Some women keep them constantly in hot water; others let them freeze by their carelessness and indifference. Some keep them in a stew with irritating ways and words. Some wives keep them pickled, while others waste them shamefully. It cannot be supposed that any husband will be tender and good when so managed, but they are really delicious when prepared properly.

In selecting a husband, you should be guided by the silvery appearance as in buying a mackerel; not by the golden tint as if you wanted salmon. Do not go to the market for him as the best ones are always brought to the door. Be sure to select him yourself as tastes differ. It is far better to have none unless you will patiently learn how to cook him.

Of course, a preserving kettle of the finest porcelain is best, but if you have nothing better than an earthenware pippin, it will do--with care. Like crabs and lobsters, husbands are cooked alive. They sometimes fly out of the kettle and become burned and crusty on the edges, so it is wise to secure him in the kettle with a strong silken cord called Comfort, as the one called Duty is apt to be weak. Make a clear, steady flame of love, warmth and cheerfulness. Set him as near this as seems to agree with him.

If he sputters, do not be anxious, for some husbands do this until they are quite done. Add a little sugar in the form of what confectioners call kisses, but use no pepper or vinegar on any account. Season to taste with spices, good humor and gaiety preferred, but seasoning must always be used with great discretion and caution. Avoid sharpness in testing him for tenderness. Stir him gently, lest he lie to flat and close to the kettle and so become useless. You cannot fail to know when he is done. If so treated, you will find him very digestible, agreeing with you perfectly; and he will keep as long as you choose, unless you become careless and allow the home fires to grow cold. Thus prepared, he will serve a lifetime of happiness!

I hope this is what you were asking for Aunt Beverly:)

For all of you who could not be at the sealing or reception, it was beautiful! I know some of us were questioning "why San Diego Temple?" but after the day was over I could see why! It was so amazing from the weather down to the words in the sealing. I find it hard to believe there is only one more Sellers not married, no offense Tracey your still a baby. Congratulations David, Jennifer is a cutie, and Jennifer.....I hope he doesn't play with Lego's anymore;)
As for their reception, it was a blast. Their was never a dull moment. They looked so happy. It has been too long since Curtis and I were married, I almost don't even remember being without him. Good luck you two, you have a lot of people who love you!

David and Jennifer's wedding

Andrea and Sam

It's hard to believe there is a 6 year age difference between these two cuties!

High School Graduation

I know it may sound a bit silly to some of you, but Meghann just received her high school diploma even though she is in her 4th year at college.

It just goes to show that you don't need a high school diploma to get into college or university.

She has been one "American Literature test" away from graduating for over three years. Silly isn't it? Oh well, the games people (and institutions) play!

Nonetheless, we are very proud of her for all the work she has done, especially now, this being her first year of nursing school.

Keep up the good work Megs!!!!!

Up date on the Batemans

Hi everybody,

It is 4am, I am at work in the Emergency Room at the hospital, and it is slow... really slow. I thought I would update everyone on whats going on in our lives. Well to say the least it is busy, well at least for me!! I transfered to full time, weekend, graveyard shifts in the emergency room. The ICU wasn't able to give me full time hours any more and that was hurting us. It has been nice to have the change and have more responsiblity with patient care. Richard doesn't like the fact that I am in the ER now. He thinks I am replacing him, which I'm not but it is understand able.

Richard is still not working because of his health. His health keeps going down hill and the doctor doesn't know what to do anymore. It will be a year Feb 20. He and dad met with lawyers and the workmen comp people about Richards injury and it is looking good for us that way. But our goal is still to get Richard better. His right lung is not able to produce oxygen to his body which makes him short of breath. The other day he was chasing/playing with the cats, got out of breath and passed out on his way to the bathroom. He hit his head on the corner and had to get stiches. Man I will tell.. if i know this boy was going to have bad medical problems I would have rethought some things. LOL a week before that he slipped on the ice, landed on his arm and had to go to the ER to get x-rays. Luckily he did not break it just hurt it bad.

I am in nursing school which is a challenge!!! I have never felt so overwhelmed with school before. I am only taking two nursing classes with one lab/clinicle. But the hard thing is I have tests every thursday moring. And I'm not the smartest because I signed up for an extra math class, twice a week. So I have my hands full with that!!!!

We had one of Richards friends Ryan living with us, so he could get on his feet again after some money issues. He ended up screwing us over, money wise. His 18 month daughter was living there too, and she was the cutest thing. But he ended up kicking our cockatoo bird across the room and killing him. His daughter pulled twilight's tail so he nipped her to get free. Ryan and i went into the bathroom to put some medicine on her foot, but ryan went back into the room with the bird and richard and kicked him out of richards hands, acroos the room into the wall and killed him. We called the police and had him arrested for animal curlty, and the county is going to prosecute. It is sad because we lost a part of our family.

Thats all the info on us. We are just trying to make it in the big bad world! Love you all

Meghann & Richard

It's a girl!

So we are having another girl. Curtis is mostly excited. Don't get me wrong I am too but Curtis wants all girls. Anyway we are thinking of naming her Sydney Kriss Rockwood. Let me know if you guys think that flows at all. I can use a few suggestions for middle names cause we aren't sure. I miss you guys and I hope something comes up so we can see each other again. Love ya!

Hello! I Love you! Happy New Year!

It seems forever since I have spoken to any of you. I hope all of you had a great Christmas and a very Happy New Year. I am so excited about this year's Sunday School topic of study (BOM) and Relief Society topic (J.S.). Our teacher showed a power point presentation with pictures of New York and various church sites and I got homesick. Yes, I still do not like living in Utah, but I've learned to be more tolerant (maybe that's why I've been stuck here all these years!).

Family Update: Meghann has decided to stay in Nursing school. This was a big decision for her because of the stress she has been under because of Richard's situation. She just got a transfer to the emergency room and Richard took her job in the ICU. Kind of ironic when you think about it--they switched jobs. Richard is still in pretty bad shape but at least he has good doctors working on his side now which has helped a lot. The new doctors have actually "found" certain problems that the other doctors didn't. Also, good news! Apparently the company that made the defibrillator that shocked Richard has a class action suit against it and Richard has been added to the suit. If they see any money at all from this accident, it will be from this law suit, so pray for a quick and financially beneficial outcome!
Samantha is back at school now that the holidays are over. She has decided to do a double major of German and International Studies. For both of these degrees she needs to do international internships and study abroad, so next year she will be leaving us for Germany again.
Dylan has become a pizza-making wizard. He works for Papa John's pizza and is the manager's favorite pizza-maker and store-closer. He enjoys his job. He is back at homeschool for this semester and is working on getting the required high school credits out of the way so he can take the college classes that are offered at high school. Both Meghann and Samantha did this and it was very beneficial.
Andrea is working very hard at playing! Currently she is in the community theater's full-scale production of The King and I. She is very excited about this.

We wish all of you a great 2008!!!

Expecting again!

I don't know if all of you have heard but, we are expecting a new baby in about June! I just wantd you all to know! love ya!

problems with wiring not IPS

I've been without internet for over a month now. Yuck! It is amazing how attached one can get to the internet and its vast resources. For example, I haven't been able to find new recipes, so the family is stuck eating the "same ol', same ol'."

When the house telephone wiring gets fixed, I'll have internet access again and will put some recipies on the blog. Until that time I have to use the library computers and only have limited access at that.

My love to all!

Rockwood October adventures!

Royal Family Update!

You would think that I now have all the time in the world to do whatever I want since I am home alone all day and no longer homeschooling. Wow, 20 years of homeschooling!!! Well, think again, I am so busy doing all the things I have neglected over the years, such as organizing the food storage room, cleaning out closets, learning to cook, and reading the myriad books in my expansive library.

I found that I like to cook! I am having a blast learning how to use my food storage. I've known for years I am allergic to MSG and corn products, but have recently added food preservatives, chemicals and additives to the list of "no-no-foods" which basically means everything I eat I have to make from scratch. I now make my own pasta, yogurt, bread, tomato sauces and pastes, soups, etc...

I will be teaching a "whole foods" class each month for a Relief Society sister's activity group. As I was talking to a woman about this, she started to brag about how she already makes everything from scratch, so I asked her if she made her own spaghetti sauce. Of course, she answered yes. So I asked her how she made it. She proceeded to tell me how she adds one can of this to one can of that, mixes them together, adds seasonings and "ta-da"--spaghetti sauce. People--this is not making sauce from scratch!!!!! This is making sauce from other canned goods! I didn't bother to explain this to her because she wouldn't have understood anyway! I'm hoping she will attend the class and learn humility as she learns to cook.

Andrea and Dylan are both in high school --Andrea is a freshman and Dylan is a Junior--and doing well. My heart goes out to them because they have early morning seminary instead of during school hours this year. This is their choice--there were just too many classes they wanted to take during the day to take time out for seminary.

Samantha is taking 16 credits this semester at Utah State University. She is regretting taking such a heavy load her first semester at school, but she is doing better than she gives herself credit for. She is also working part time at the Logo shop (the place where Rabecca worked). She likes working there.

Meghann and Richard still have their problems fighting with insurance and workman's comp people. However, one good thing recently happened. The mean lady who was his workman's comp case worker was fired(!) and the new caseworker is very nice and, so far, very helpful. I'm sure Meggie will add to the blog an update of their situation when she gets a chance. She is working full-time, going to school, taking care of home and husband. In other words, she has a lot on her plate right now!

I hope everyone is well! Our love to all. HEY, DON'T BE STRANGERS! Let me know what's going on in your life.

An up date on Richard

Since the wedding Richard has had many doctor appointments to try and find out what is wrong with him. He is still suffering from the work accident back in Feb. So far non of the doctors have been able to help him they just keep telling him they will need to do more test to rule out more things. Richard has had two injections in his back hoping it would help but it has made things worse off than when they started and now they are saying this might be something he has to live with the rest of his life and they want him to go back to work. We are having a hard time trying to get through to the Workman's comp. nurse that is over his case she just seems to think that he should tuff through it. Two doctors have said that they are going to present Richards case to a panel of doctors and see if they can't work something out. But that isn't for four weeks.

Everything is okay other than that we are just moving along best we can. Love you all

Meghann

Now You See Them... Now You Don't!

Annual Family River Rafting Trip, July 13-16, 2007

Call For Pictures!

Would you please send me any pictures you took at Meg's wedding, reception, and Open House... I would like to put together a wedding picture file for Meghann and Richard and your help would be appreciated! You can either snail mail a CD or email jpegs -- I'd prefer the CD if you can because my computer is still not working correctly.

This month we took our annual Snake River River Rafting trip. Brad, Rabecca, and Elliot joined us this year. It was fun! We are already making plans for next year's trip.

Jeff and I celebrated our 25th anniversary yesterday. I like living in Utah because each year on our anniversary (July 24) the state celebrates with fireworks (Utah Pioneer Day celebration)!- heehee

I want to say thank you again to all who helped during the wedding week and all who attended the wedding. It was a wonderful event. It was a mixture of unconventional and traditional--just the way Megs wanted it!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Hi Everyone! I'm Home!

Hi everyone. I love you. It's good to be home.

Sammy calls this picture "The Road to Nowhere." It is of one of the roads near her host family's home in Germany. However, I have renamed it for this occassion "The Road Home!"

I took this picture of Sam while we were visiting the British Museum. Security personnel are at the entrance and exit of each exhibit. There are signs all over the place "DO NOT TOUCH THE EXHIBITS!" in 5 different languages. The security guy monitoring this exhibit nearly tackled Samantha as she "pretended" to kiss the statue. He stopped about 5 feet away from her when he realized that she wasn't really kissing it afterall. Kissing and lips are just part of who Sam is.

Hello Everybody!!

Hey guys. It's been a long time since I published a blog. I never really know what to say. It's mostly because I never do anything worth reading. But now that it's starting to warm up in Colorado I'm starting to do a lot more. I've been doing a lot of climbing with Ross and his dad. Our favorite spot to climb so far is Castlewood Canyon. It's so beautiful up there. I wish I had scenic pictures of Castlewood but I do have pictures of me climbing.
The climbing walls out there are around 50-80 ft. high. I thought I would be more scared than I was. I just had to keep telling myself that I'm on a rope. I'd really like to do a lot more climbing, hiking, camping and etc this summer. There is just so much to do and so much to see in so little time. :) I'm really enjoying myself.
I'm also moving out with a girl from the Singles Ward. I'm really excited to finally have a place of my own. I know it'll be hard and at times my room mate will probably drive me nuts but I think It'll be worth it. I'll learn a lot about myself and It'll help me grow. I'm just glad she has a strong testimony and good standards. An 18 year old is going to move in with us in August. So there will be three of us total. It's a three bedroom apartment with 2.5 bathrooms so we'll each have a toilet. :] Anywho, I'm getting anxious. I start moving in the 22nd that means I'll have only four days to help Mellisa unpack and organize the apt before I go to...DUN DUH DUH DAH... UTAH! for Meagans wedding. I can't wait to see everyone in just a few short weeks. I'm so happy for Meagan and I can't wait to meet the lucky guy.
This is my plan so far for the trip: I'll ride up to Utah with Sarah, Curtis and Curtis' brother and sis-in law and Spend a few wonderful days in Utah with my family and then I'll ride back down to Vegas with mom (I think she's still planning on driving) and spend a few days there to see the rest of the family. I'm going back to Colorado the 6th of July which is three days before mine and Andrea's birthday so I'm hoping to do something with the family for my birthday before I go back to CO. That pretty much sums it up. I can't wait! I miss the family so stink en much! I still get homesick a lot. Especially when I see video of Lauren and I receive pictures through e-mail.

SEE YOU SOON!
<3

Schedule of Events for last week in June

Wedding invitations finally done. The printer messed up on them a couple of times which made them a week late and Jeff's name is still spelled wrong. Well, not going to wait another week for a name. Invitations are late already!!!

My computer has a blown capacitor and it is risky even typing this post because it can crash any second. But I really need to get this info out to everyone so pray for my computer to hold up a few minutes.

Schedule of events for June 24 to June 30

Sunday, June 24: Sammy and her Aunt Kim arrive SLC airport 1:45 PM (American Airlines flight 1125). We are going right to Benihana's Japanese Restaurant from the airport. This was Samantha's last meal before she left so we thought it would be a good excuse to go there again when she gets home. (It's sooooo expensive so we only get to go every few years.) If anyone is in Utah on the 24th and wants to see Sam and go to Benihanas, plan on $30/person plus extras.

Monday, June 25: Nothing formal planned. (However, sleep sounds good right about now because I'm geting tired just thinking about everything that will be happening this week.)

Tuesday, June 26: Gramma Rainey arrives SLC (Delta #922, 9:35 AM). Donna arrives--she is driving so arrival time unknown, but she is planning sometime in the morning 9-10 AM. Sarah, Curtis, Robyn & Tracey arrive--they will be staying in Provo--arrival time unknown.
Welcome home party for Samantha in Logan.


Wednesday, June 27: Meghann's formal bridal shower. One of her very dear friends is throwing her the bridal shower of a life time. If you did not get an invitation ( and you are a relative reading this), please consider yourself invited anyway!!!!! It will be in Logan. Meghann has all the particulars. Contact her.

Thursday, June 28: There will be a family dinner--at Jumbo Buffet restaurant banquet room at 5:30 PM. (6930 South State Street, Salt Lake City). If you can attend, RSVP is needed. You can RSVP to me and I'll get the info to Debi (Meg's future mother-in-law). You should receive an information card in the wedding announcement with information about this dinner. If you don't, contact me.

Friday, June 29: Sherry, Joshua & Savannah arrive--arrival time unkown. Meghann wants to go tubing down the Logan canal in the afternoon. The more the merrier! Tube rental is $10. If interested, let me know so I can get enough tubes. Friday evening at my house (Logan)) will be the Open House. Since they won't be married at the time of the Open House, there won't be a formal wedding party "line." It will be more of a "meet and greet" for those who attend.

Saturday, June 30: I was hoping to get all of the family together for a family brunch, but because we will be spread out from Mapleton, Utah, to Rexburg, Idaho, this will not be practical (especially with the price of gas what it is now!). Maybe we can all just think about each other as we eat breakfast-heeheehee!
Wedding in SLC. Need to be there and in your seats by 5:15 PM. Formal reception immediately following wedding ceremony.

As you can see there is a lot of back and forth between SLC and Logan during the week. It will definitely be a busy week, but fun at the same time! Looking forward to seeing all of you!!!!!

Beverlynne

A little bit of this and a little bit of that.

So apparently I cannot write a comment on the sellers blog.
Can some please invite me? <megaboo14u@yahoo.com>

Also how is Beverly and Rose? I haven't heard anything since Rose was born. I was just wondering, could someone give me an up date, that would be fantastic!!!! I was hoping to see them at the wedding, but I guess we will have to go to Las Vegas to see them instead!

Wedding planning sucks!!! Just to let all of those out there no I having a very hard time getting things done. I live in the big city now so things shouldn't be that hard right? It has not been enjoyable, many times I have said, “I don't care let people run around naked for all I care!” But then I think of that and it motivates me to start caring a lot more... it isn't pretty picturing Jaba naked!!(Richards large step mother which he nik-named)

How is Johnny and Ashley. When are they due?

Richard is getting better, his long thoracic nerve was fried when he got shocked. The long thoracic nerve starts in the neck runs down the lung cavity wall and branches off into the shoulder. His left shoulder is really messed up and they can't get rid of the pain. Because it is on the lung cavity wall every time Richard takes a deep breathe in it puts pressure on the nerve and it hurts. All of his meds was making him go a little crazy in the head and it was scary, but the doctors say stay on them because they are suppose to help. So he has been on bed rest until something happens.....

Well something did happen... he is sick of the doctors not doing anything for him and basically sedating him with all the medication. He has stopped taking all his meds and now just takes IBU for stiffness, and he is working out on his own. He feels better the pain has gone down his attitude, emotional, and mental state is a lot better. He is going to tell the doctors to put him on a month of physical therapy and hopefully after that he can go back to work and have a real life.

My Bird is growing his feathers back!!!! Twilight decided to pluck himself bald because he was mad at us and now it is growing back. He is a funny funny bird. I heart him!! He is basically my bird he wont go to Richard any more in fact he bits Richard when ever I hold him and Richard comes around, and we were told by the bird lady that Twilight is in love with me and doesn't like it when Richard touches his woman!!! Ha ha isn't that funny.

Oh nights on the ICU can be very slow.... very very slow. But they wont send me home just in case something happens. (Which is hardly ever.) but I better go now and look like I am doing something worth while.

God Bless
Megs

Hey Aunt Beverly!

Can you give me more details about the things going on like times and stuff. When does Sammy get back and if she is having a welcome home party. we will be getting into Provo on the 26th and we are staying there most the time. we are going to stay with becca for the day you have stuff going on so we don't have to drive so much. You are probably really busy with the wedding and sammy so if you get a chance to read this, i hope you do, just let me know. thanks

where is everyone!

i know it's summer but that should mean everyone is doing things post worthy. well for mother's day i got to take pics with robyn at the penny's studio(by the way i work 1 day a week now) since i cant take them myself. they turned out better then i thought. i dont really have high expectations for the photographers there. They dont train them well and they arent picky who works there. anyway i also got a family size george forman grill! i love it, i was so thrilled cause the one we had you can barely fit a burger on. As for memorial day our ward had a family bike ride daown the Sante fe trail, and then a picnic. we just went to the picnic cause of robyn and we dont have bikes. it sounded fun though. we also got to watch the thunderbirds practice the the airforce academy's graduation. i got a few pics of them flying around. since we are in the mountains parcialy they were flying kinda low where we were. it was neat. anyway. i am so excited to see everyone for the wedding i am going to bring my studio lighting so if anyone is interested in getting portraits done let me know. indoor or outdoor. well here are a few portraits of robyn and i. love you all!