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!