THE MOST AMAZING FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

I just had an amazing experience the other day and thought that I would share. It's not that what happened was amazing, it was how things worked that was amazing!

Saul has been working up in Salt Lake for over a month now. He was up there for 2 weeks, came home for a week and has been back up there for almost 3 weeks now. We really miss him and can't wait for him to be home. And since he has been up there, the kids and I have had a bout with the flu. The kids bounced in a few days, but I was in bed for a week straight. I was going so stir crazy and thinking of everything that I needed to get done...garden cleaned up, dead flowers cut, spring bulbs planted, canning apples, canning potatoes, finishing my tomatoes...! It was really hard for me to be down in bed and to be missing Saul also. I finally got feeling better on Tuesday, so I got Justin to go up and help pick apples at Nellie's so I could start canning them. Derrik Palmer and Dillon also helped, and we got them all picked in pretty good time. Then Justin & I took mom and went to see "WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE", then went for pizza and ice cream. I was loving feeling better. The next morning I woke up at 5:00 am with a sore throat, so I got up to get some Tylenol cold or something to help it. I was thinking..."you have got to be kidding me, I was feeling better!" I couldn't find any meds in the closet where I usually keep them, so I thought I would look in the drawer of my night stand next to my bed. As I opened the drawer, I kinda pivoted and went to set on the edge of my bed. As I did, I felt and heard the loudest POP in my lower back. I just fell to the floor and blacked out in pain! I just laid on the floor, not knowing what to do...the pain was soooo bad. After several minutes of laying there crying, I somehow managed to pull myself onto my bed. I could not use my legs at all without sharp pain radiating through my body! It was too early to call anyone for help, so I just laid there and cried for about an hour. I figured I would use my cell phone to call my home phone to wake Justin up at 6:30. (Ariel is also gone to Indiana on an FFA trip) Justin woke up himself at 6:15, so I hollered out to him to come help me. I was crying and still couldn't hardly even move...he was pretty freaked out. As I laid there I thought about who I could call to come give me a blessing...with Saul gone, I would have to call someone. I knew that David had to be to work about 7:00. Mom & Dad were going to leave about 7:00 to go to a funeral in Ramah, NM. I didn't know for sure what Dennis was doing, but I figured he was my best bet. I called him, sobbing, and he said he would be over in a few minutes. Well, he called my dad, who came on over to help give me a blessing. I felt bad because I knew he would be late for the funeral, if he would make it at all. But they came and comforted and gave me a priesthood blessing. Dennis is the one that gave the blessing, and I was hoping that he would say..."arise and walk, you are healed." But it just doesn't quite work that way...not that it can't, it just usually doesn't. :) He told me that I needed to rest for a few more days and to be patient, and I needed to ask others to help with what I needed. It was a nice blessing and even though it didn't say just what I wanted to hear, I knew it was what I needed to hear. Well, Justin went off to school, Mom & Dad still headed for Ramah, and Dennis left for work. Dennis said to call Audrey and she could take me to the Dr. or get me whatever I need. That is one of my biggest weaknesses...to ask for help...I hate it. I called Saul, who freaked out, not being able to be here to help me. Then, I got a phone call from my dear friend, Carol Palmer. She had called me several times while I was sick earlier, and we had talked quite a lot the day before. I figured that since she thought I was feeling better from the flu, she wouldn't call me. But she called and said..."I just had a feeling that I needed to call and check up on you." Amazing! I started crying again and told her what happened. She said that she was just going to call the chiropractor to see if she could get in and she would just see if I could get in also. So, she came and picked me up and off we went...and what a pair we were. Her with her neck pain, pneumonia, and arthritis, and me with my back...we hobbled in together. At least by then the pain had dulled a little and I was able to walk on my own. I got back home, went back to bed and just cried some more. It seemed like everybody...friends and family started calling me. None of them knew what had happened...they were just calling to see how I was doing. And as I cried to each one of them, I felt so comforted. Even though I was in a lot of pain and was not happy at all about my situation, I truly felt the spirit close to me that day and knew that my Heavenly Father was watching over me! And I was feeling so grateful for the great family and friends that I have! I am thankful that with Saul gone, I knew that I had several options of who I could call to help me...even though I hate doing so.

And yes, somehow my parents still made it to the funeral on time. That made me feel better also.

SLOW DOWN...BE GLAD OF LIFE

When I was younger I loved summer...and it seemed to last forever. I have some great childhood memories of camping, riding horses, playing werewolf, swimming in Taylor dam, and spending hours catching crawdads and criss-crossing in the old cement irrigation ditch. I spent all day out playing with my neighborhood friends. It was such the 'Mayberry' life! But it seems that life has gotten so crazy. I told my sister that this summer has been so crazy and she replied, "summer is always crazy for everyone". I'm sure she is right. But this summer was by far the busiest for me...we had something big going on every weekend, and somethings even during the week. And now fall has hit and I AM NOT ready for it. But...ready or not, it is here. I was thinking about all that we had going on and thought I would give a little run down of what we did. We started working in our yard in the Spring. I was bound and determined that we were going to plant grass this year. But before that could happen we had to haul in a bunch of rocks to build a retaining wall. So we got the kids to help and we hauled...and hauled...and hauled a bunch of rocks. Then we got some dirt hauled in (which we got a smokin' deal on) to help build up and level out for the grass. I am really happy with the way it has turned out, and I love my Flowers, we just still have more to do...next year!

We also worked hard to get our garden in. I am always wanting to make it bigger and Saul is always wanting to keep it smaller...that's because he does most of the weeding. After hauling new soil and a bunch of manure, Dad came and helped us get it all ready to start planting. I think this was one of the biggest and best gardens we have grown yet. It was also a lot of work...but that's what it's all about.
We had our Ben Lewis family reunion at Sharp Springs this year. Almost all of us made it and we had a great time. Good food, campfire songs, great visiting, and fun games! I love that about my family. There is a lot of us, and I know that we can sometimes be intimidating to some. But we love each other and we have a lot of fun when we get together. Our kids are close and seem to have so much fun with the cousins. That's what life is really all about...FAMILY. My parents have been such good examples and have instilled that in us all. I don't know what I would do without my family. When life gets rough, it is my sisters that I call to cry to. When something wonderful happens...it is the same. I call my brothers for help and they come running. (OK, yes I am crying just writing this). I LOVE my nieces and nephews and enjoy all of them. I am so proud and thankful that I have a big family and would not trade it for anything.

As I said earlier, I really enjoy my nieces and nephews. After the family reunion, some of the girls came to stay with me. We watched movies, talked about the Jonas Brothers, played games, talked about the Jonas Brothers, giggled, talked about the Jonas Brothers, ate, Jonas Bro's, slept, Jonas Bro's...oh, and did I mention, we talked about the Jonas Brothers! It was really a lot of fun though. They got along so well and just hung out. One day Ariel got them all dolled up and had a big photo shoot with them. I wish I could post all of their pics on here, they were really fun. She pulled out her hats and jackets and they had a ball. They are all such cute, fun girls.

In the middle of everything, we had church softball. I would go and help coach the YW and then stay and play with the women. I love softball. I used to play much better and could get around the bases a little easier, but I still love playing. At first our YW didn't want to play. But with a little coaxing, bribing, threatening and a wee bit of force, we got them to play. They weren't all stars, but I am really proud of them for participating and giving it a try. And even though they didn't want to play, I think that they really did have a good time. At first there was a lot of grumbling and complaining, but in the end there were a lot of cheers and giggles. They found out that they can catch and throw a ball, get a hit and make it on base. I think that a lot of time we are afraid to try something new for fear that we can't do well at it. But it is good to try and learn new things. I was really proud of them.
You can't have summer in Taylor without celebrating the 4th of July. It is the celebration that beats all celebrations! You cannot participate without having your heart stirred, pride swell and give thanks to be an American. I remember as a little girl, 4th of July was right there next to Christmas. I talked to a few friends who expressed that they didn't see what was so great about getting up early and following the band...I couldn't believe it. Lighting the anvil and listening to the band is the most awesome thing. But maybe it comes from the traditions of growing up here...listening to my Grandpa Rogers announce on the PA system from the ambulance, riding in the back of Shumway's truck and ringing the bell along with the sirens and horns after the anvil went off, and yes...I even played with the band a few times. Seeing Uncle Lenn up there still leading the band...all of his kids and grandkids, the Coles, and all the other longtime friends just starts the day off for me. Then the Patriotic Program, BBQ and Rodeo just tops it off. I am proud to have grown up here in Taylor, for my heritage and to live in the Good Ole' USA!
We had Girls Camp at Roosevelt Lake this year. I had never been there and it was quite pretty. Our biggest mistake was that we went in July! It was so hot! We all just laid there and sweated all night long. The water was so warm that it felt like bath water. Sister Terra Hensley brought her dad's boat for one of the days and the girls got to tube and wake board...they had a lot of fun. And even though it was hot, at least we had the water to play in. We had a few sunburns, but mostly it was just a good time.
I got back from girl's camp and headed to Ramah for a Lewis Reunion. Justin had gone earlier with Mom & Dad and they stayed out at Uncle Evan's cabin. It is a neat little cabin and he built himself, with the help of his kids. But they cut, stripped, and formed the logs to fit into place. It is very rustic and peaceful place to go. This was the first time Saul had been there and he loved it! After a visit to the cabin we headed into town for the Samuel E. Lewis reunion. It was fun to see a lot of my cousins and to visit with them. We also made a trip out to the old family ranch...a lot of memories there!

One thing that my kids look forward to every summer is going to Lake Powell with Aunt Megan and Aunt Karlie, and anyone else that wants to join in. We just camp down on the beach and spend all day in the water. I didn't get to stay long, but I took the kids and stayed a couple of days. The kids stayed the whole time and had a great time. They love the water, boat, wave runners, wake board, cliff jumping, and camping on the beach.
One of the best, most special events of the summer was MY SISTER SUE'S WEDDING!!! We are all so happy for her! She met a great guy that treats her so good. For years now she has teased and made fun of us for doting on our hubbies and being foolishly in love. It has been so funny to see her the same way. Ivy did a fabulous job making her dress and decorating for it. It is going to be a big adjustment for all of the nieces and nephews to not have their Aunt Sue at their every beck-and-call. But we are truly happy for her. Salim is so good to her and he has a great little boy. His name is Salim, but with his dad being Salim they have called him Su Su. That is a little difficult now that his new mom's name is Sue. We still call him Su Su, and he just fits right in with all the little boys in the family. We are glad to have them both and we are so happy for Sue.

School started way to early this year. I feel that every year they steal more and more of my time with my kids. When the kids were younger, we were all ready for school to start when the time came. But they keep moving the date up and I just was not ready to send them yet this year. Ariel is a Senior and Justin a Sophomore. They are getting so big...where did the time go.

With summer coming to an end and fall coming soon it means one thing...the garden is ready to harvest. I also knew that Dad's corn would soon be ready to pick and I would need to help him sell it. So I started my canning and trying to harvest what I could before things got really crazy. I was thrilled with all that I got from my garden and it was fun to share with the neighbors. I was spoiled growing up with all of the fresh veggies from the garden and still enjoy it. This year I bottled beets, green beans, salsa, peppers, peaches, and grape jelly. I have froze corn and peach jam. My shelves are filling up and it is a good feeling of accomplishment. I bottled not only for myself, but for mom also. Since she can't do it herself, I have tried to help her out...just a little pay back for all she did for us over the years.

Of course the corn got ripe and ready to pick and I spent 3 weeks helping dad sell it. It was a slower than usual year, but we still did alright. We got ready for the sweet corn festival...it's always a crazy day. This year we decided (with the help of Salim) to try grilling it also. It actually went well and we sold a lot of both kinds. Of course the slow economy played a part, but we still did well. And it is always fun to be there working together with the family. But I will admit that it was much harder this year. Just with trying to keep up with my family and gardening AND selling corn, I wasn't sure I was gonna make it. But we just do what we gotta do, right!

OK, I am tired now...no wait, we still have the fair! Both kids had show steers that they raised for 4-H this year. They are always a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. It is always fun to watch them grow...the steers too. Looking back over the years, it is amazing at how much my kids have learned and grown through their 4-H experiences. This year we didn't have the best calves, but my kids worked them and did real well with them. They did so much better to go take care of them and work them without nagging from mom. And when we got to the fair, they were proud of what they had. I didn't have to do near as much to help them...they did most of it themselves. Of course I'm not saying that I didn't stress and worry still...that's just my job. We borrowed dad's trailer again and just stayed down there for the whole fair. It was a lot of fun and I think that the kids enjoyed it also. Not only did Ariel have a steer this year, she also raised a heifer and tried a hand at horse 4-H. She ended up not riding as much as she wanted to at the fair...it just was a lot with the steer and heifer and all. But she learned a lot from her weekly rides. And she enjoyed showing her little heifer also. It's always a lot of work, but like I said earlier, it is fun to see the kids grow and progress along with their animals. They didn't win any big awards, but they are still winners in my book. And I felt that they did the best that they could with the animals that they had. As I said earlier, we knew going into it that we didn't have winning quality animals. And as my mom says...you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear! And they did get blue ribbons all the way around. Good job kids!

Well, fall is here and I have got most of my canning done. I still have a few potatoes and carrots to get in bottles and a little dehydrating that I want to get done. But things are slowing down and I am starting to relax a little now. I know it won't be for long though...but that's just the way life is. And as I set here and wrote this blog and posted pics, it was fun to reflect back on the past several months of all that we got to do. It reminds me of a saying that my sister, Megan, has on her wall..."be glad of life because it gives you the chance to LOVE, and to PLAY, and to look at the STARS.

PATIENT, KIND, GENTLE, SMART, GENEROUS, STRONG, HARD WORKER, HUMBLE and a little bit of a TEASE!

I wanted to write a Father's Day blog, but I am a little late- life has been crazy lately. But I finally found a few minutes, and even though it is a little late, here it goes.

All growing up I was pretty much a daddy's girl. I did a lot of cooking, cleaning and sewing; but I also did a lot of stuff outside with my dad also. I loved going out and helping him do chores. I grew up helping feed and take care of the animals, hauling hay, irrigating, fixing fence, riding horses, and all of that fun stuff. I don't really know that the actual chores were fun, but I LOVED spending time with my dad. And when I was with him I always felt like I was the most special person in the world.

One of my favorite things about being with him was listening to his stories. Whether it was about hunting or fishing, when he was growing up, or about different ones in his family, they were always so fun and interesting. He is a genealogy buff and knows some amazing stories about his ancestors. He comes from a long line of pioneers with great faith, and I have often found strength in some of the stories he has told me. I have always taken pride in my ancestors and the heritage that I have.

My dad is one of the hardest workers I know. He has always worked long hard hours to provide for his 11 kids. We were never rich with money, but we were so rich in other ways. He would work overtime at work, then come home and have to irrigate or cut hay. Often he would work all day and then travel several hours to watch one of the kids play ball. He would do anything for any of us...and still does.

He went to 1 year at BYU, but then his parents needed his help on their ranch in NM, so he quit and went home to help. Even though he didn't get a 'formal' education, he is still one of the smartest people I know. He has an incredible engineering mind and often amazes us at what he comes up with. If you look around his house most people see a bunch of junk. I will admit that I was embarrassed by it when I was growing up. I remember numerous times while he was at work my mom would get all of us kids to help her 'clean up the place'. We would load up the truck with 'junk' and just be about to haul it off when dad would get home and be so mad at us for hauling off all his stuff. You know the saying..."one man's junk is another man's treasure"...this truly applies here. I know that all of us kids just didn't understand why he hung on to so many old cars and pieces of equipment. He just always told us that 'one day he might need it'. Honestly, I never really believed him. But since he has retired and has had more time, he has used quite a bit of his 'junk'. He is now doing some of what he loves most...farming. He has built a sprayer for his corn out of his junk...hydraulics and everything. He will bend, cut and weld and make different equipment out of his piles of metal. It truly is amazing some of the things he has come up with. The hardest part is that he has a hard time getting around and just can't do the things that he wants to do very easy.

Justin has been working on the farm with dad the last few summers. It is hard work and my dad can work him into the ground. But I have gone over there and seen some of the things that he is having Justin help him with, and I am so thankful. Not only is Justin learning the value of hard work, but some of the mechanics and other things that he is learning will be so valuable to him. I know that Justin has a great admiration and respect for his Grandpa and they get a kick out of each other. Justin often tells me of some of the stories that Grandpa has told him that day and it reminds me of the times that I worked with him and the stories that he told me. I don't know if Justin really understands how lucky he is to have this time with his Grandpa, but I feel quite confident that one day he will look back and realize it.

Ariel also feels a special connection with him and loves being around him. He has helped her with her passion...horses and animals. Another strong point of dad's is his way with animals. We grew up with horses, cows and all kinds of farm animals. Not only did he have a calming way with them, he knew how to take care of them and doctor them as well. He could have easily been a vet. I know while growing up the vet was only in town a couple days a week. Dad would often get calls at all hours to go help someone doctor their animals. Ariel has that same way with animals and wants to be a vet. She could (and sometimes does) spend hours talking to him about the animals and what they need and how to care for them. She loves her horse and 4-H animals and he has been one of her strongest supporters. She has helped him brand, pull calves, give shots, and doctor many of the animals.

I don't think that it is just my kids that feel a special connection with their grandpa. He has a way of making each one of his grand kids feel like they are the most important and that he loves them most. His quiet, gentle way has calmed many of them down when their parents couldn't. He loves to play and tease with them and they just love going back for more.

Since I have moved back I have learned to love and appreciate my parents more than ever. I still love going over and helping him around the farm. I have got to help him irrigate, fix fence, work the fields, and other chores around the farm. And still he tells me stories...some that I have never heard before. I know that whatever I need I can ask him and he will help me however he can. I am still calling him for gardening tips and other info. all the time. And he still makes me feel like I am the most special person in the world.

AAAHHHH MAN!

I'm not really sure where to start this story. I guess I will start with Saul's trail camera. I have blogged before about Saul going out and setting up his trail camera to see where all the big deer and elk are. He goes out several months before the hunt and sets up a salt lick in front of his camera. Then he goes back in and gets out the flash card to see just what all came in. So last year he went out to retrieve the card and see what all is coming in. First thing he saw were some 'REALLY BIG' deer tracks. He was so excited and couldn't wait to get back to see the buck that left them. Well, when he got back and we put it into my card reader on my computer, it came up with an 'ERROR' reading on it. TOTAL BUMMER!! He has just been sick about it and wants a new camera and just can't believe that he didn't get a picture of this monster!!! (Can you feel the sarcasm? I don't mean to, I really do care about all his hunting adventures) So, for the last year I have listened to all the whining and moaning about this camera.

Well about a month ago my computer crashed. I took it in to the Hensley boys at Computer Technologies. They were awesome and got my computer all lined out...and it wasn't easy. They even came to my house and helped work out a few last minute bugs...not that they didn't fix it, I was just trying to get everything loaded back on and didn't know what I was doing. If any of you have computer problems, I highly recommend these guys- they did awesome. Anyway, when they were here Saul brought out his card and camera and told them his troubling story. Being hunting enthusiasts themselves, they were all to eager to take the card and see what they could do with it. Nate had the card for several weeks trying to retrieve the pictures. He ended up having to take the card apart and I don't know what he did after that...I didn't know you could take them apart. Anyway, somehow he got some pictures off of it.

So now here's the fun part of the story. The other morning Nate showed up at my door, big smile on his face, wanting to talk to Saul. Saul had already left for work, but after seeing the smile on his face I knew what he was here about. I asked him if he got some pictures off the card. He told me to just tell Saul to call him. But I could tell it was something good. He then told me not to tell Saul, but that he was able to get the pictures and that there were some good ones. So, I called Saul and told him that Nate had stopped by. He got all excited and said, "he must of got some good pictures off of my card." Since I had told Nate I wouldn't tell him (and wanting to have a little fun myself), I told him that when I asked Nate if he got pictures he just said to have Saul call him (it wasn't a lie, that is what happened). Saul just got sad and said, "oh, that doesn't sound like he got much off of it then." I will admit, I hung up giggling.

Later that night I ran into Nate and Brandon at the YW softball games. They asked me why Saul hadn't called. I told them how my conversation went and they just laughed. Then they told me about these huge bucks and the bears and elk that they got pictures of. They told me how that whole day they just set and watched the mini-videos and looked at the pictures that they got from the card. When Saul got home I asked him if he had called Nate. He just got this sad face and said that he just had such hopes of him getting a big picture and that he just wasn't that excited to call and find out that Nate couldn't retrieve anything. I just laughed and told him that Nate had got some pictures off it and he needed to call him. I didn't tell him any details about the pics, just that Nate had got some. One of the conditions that Nate set was that if he got the pics of a big buck, Saul had to tell him where it is. Now if you know anything about the hunting code...this is a big deal! Saul called David to ask him what he should do if Nate still wanted to know where it is. It is my families old hunting grounds...that old family secret! David told him to tell Nate that they wouldn't tell him just where it is, but that they would take him in there with them. Not sure what the difference is there, but I guess there is one. All that night Saul tossed and turned and just couldn't sleep. I woke up about 2:30 am to a big sigh from him and asked him why he wasn't sleeping. He said he was just to excited about the pictures to sleep. First thing in the morning David called asking if he had seen the pics yet and said that he just couldn't wait either. That day Nate brought over the disc with the pics and we watched them. Here's the 'AAAHHHH MAN' part. The pics of the bucks they were all excited about were some that we had already seen before. They were good pics and we got excited about them the first time we saw them too. But it wasn't the 'BIG' buck. There were some new pics that they got off of it...some of elk, a bear that climbed up and was licking the camera (yes, licking), and some of Saul looking at the huge tracks left by the big buck. But no new big bucks. Are you starting to get the same feeling I am...it's kinda like the big fish that got away!? Now we have the mystery ghost buck...lol. Well, Saul is still wanting a new camera and is planning another trip in to set it all up again. The deer permits are in and now we just have to wait and see who gets drawn. No, I didn't put in this year. I prefer to stay home and scrap all the pictures and excitement that they have. Hard to believe, I know. The excitement of finding this big buck still looms in our house. I am just wondering...what wall is he gonna want to hang it on when he gets it?

I'VE BEEN TAGGED- thanks Becki

*8 things I did yesterday-
-watered my flowers
-watered my garden
-helped Saul cut down a tree
-picked up rocks to finish our yard
-got hamburgers from Trappers to feed our crew
-went with David to help weigh 4-H steers
-helped Justin feed the animals
-applied Cool Aloe I.C.E. to my sunburn

*8 things I look forward to-
-grass in my yard- we are getting hydroseed sprayed tomorrow
-my garden to grow big and start producing- I love seeing what will grow
-my flowers to take hold and start blooming- they make me happy
-my family reunion- I can't wait to see my family, we always have a great time together
-my trip to Utah with Nellie- it's always fun to be with her & I want to see my family & friends up there
-4th of July- I love the feeling of patiotism in our small town...following the band, the patiotic program, the rodeo...they all bring back such memories and emotions
-the county fair- to have it done and over with and not have any steers to feed and worry about
-getting my scrapbook room done- Saul has promised to make me some shelves and a desk like my sister Megan's to make my room more organized

*8 things I wish I could do-
-be better at sports- I love watching them and wish I was more talented
-be better at decorating- wish I knew how to put things together better
-play the piano- I LOVE piano music and envy those that play well
-be a better mom- I need to listen more and be more understanding of my kids
-have a cabin in the mountains- it would be great to have a place to get away from everything
-speak Japanese- I wish I could have learned it better on my mission...it was tough!
-speak Spanish- there have been so many times when I wanted to comunicate with a Mexican and didn't know how.
-be more optomistic and positive- sometimes I get caught up in the doom and gloom

*8 shows I watch on TV
-Big Bang Theory
-Survivor
-The Biggest Looser
-American Idol
-Regis & Kelly
-News
-Law & Order
-basketball/football/college softball/horse racing- I can get pretty riled up

*8 people I tag
Sheridan Tenney
Shaunalee Porter
Angela Nunez
Terry Reed
Nancy Wall
Rayna Coor
Julie Hensley
Kalli Hamilton

A whole lot of LOVE, CHARITY, FAITH, DETERMINATION and a GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR

With Mother's Day here, it has made me think about how much I love and appreciate my Mom. After we got back home from spending most of the day there, I thought about what a wonderful person she is. While growing up, I wasn't really that close with my mom. I always loved and respected her, we just weren't really close. My dad says that we are to much alike to get along. And it's not really that we didn't get along, we just didn't see things the same way. I have always called her for recipes and asked her for advice and instructions, we just didn't always see things eye to eye. But things have changed a lot in the last year. Since she had her stroke, I have seen things from a different perspective. They say that when you serve someone you learn to love them and get a better understanding of them. This is so true. Soon after she had her stroke, we all realized how much it had affected her. At first she couldn't talk (her words were slurred and hard to understand), she couldn't walk, she couldn't hardly even feed herself. After we got her back home and we were having to take in meals and help her, I wasn't sure she was going to recover. She was in a wheelchair and unable to do much by herself. At the 6 month point, I took her to the Doctor and he said that she was pretty much where she was going to be. We were still taking in meals, she was still hard to understand, she could barely use a walker, and still couldn't do much for herself. But you don't raise 11 kids and not learn how to hang in and press on. It has been 1 yr. and 5 mo.'s since her stroke. She cooks their meals, does laundry, washes dishes, can walk from room to room on her own...but can jet around with her walker, and can talk pretty plain. But what I am the most impressed with her for is that she is continuing to write her life story. Several years ago she started writing it. For Christmas we got a notebook and a segment. Then for the next several years she has given us more segments to add to it. But with her stroke, we didn't think we would get any more. Someone suggested she talk into a recorder and someone else type it, but with her slurred speech we couldn't understand it. But since she has gotten a little better, she started playing games on the computer. One day I told her that she should try to write more on her life story. She said that it would take her forever to do it, since she still has the tremors and doesn't have much use at all of her right hand, and some paralysis in her left hand from her first stroke. I laughingly told her that all she really had was time now and that she could just work on it what she could. Honestly, I didn't really expect her to...it would be so frustrating for me. But for Christmas she asked me to order them a new computer to them, from them. Since she got the new computer, she has worked on her life story nearly every day. She does get frustrated. Sometimes I go over and she is all upset because she had typed a couple of paragraphs and then didn't get them saved and lost them. (I know a couple of paragraphs doesn't sound like much, but for her it truly is HUGE!) Sometimes I can go in and find them, but not always. Sometimes I have to sit down and fix the errors and clean it up for her, but I am amazed at how good she does. As I fix it I get to read what she has written and I am thrilled to be getting some of it in writing. I know that she still gets so frustrated at having to depend on Dad and I so much. She still can't drive, work in the garden...which she always loved to do, or even write her name. Dad and I tease her sometimes and she is so good to take it. I know that my going over and doing things has helped her. But I know that I am the one that is really receiving the better part of it! I love my mom and have so much respect for her. Some of the things I remember the most about her is:

*Her homemade bread- she made 11 loaves at a time and didn't have any kind of machine to help- amazing!

*She is an amazing cook- she has spices and knows how to use them!

*She has a good sense of humor and can laugh at herself- when she had her first stroke and her left arm had paralysis, she named her arm 'Pickled Pete'. She still laughs when she spills things or can't grab what she is reaching for. Ariel goes over and cuts and paints her toe nails for her. It can be tricky with her foot swaying back and forth...you have to get in the rhythm to not get nail polish all over. She will just set and laugh at Ariel trying to keep up with her foot.

*She has always had a strong testimony of the gospel- her faith is unmatched.

*She has a testimony of prayer and we have all benefited from it numerous times. If she ever has a problem, she will turn to the Lord for help. It may not turn out just how she wants it to, but she is in tune enough to accept it.

*Her love and loyalty of family- with having 11 kids, you know it wasn't always easy. But she has instilled in all of us a strong sense of love for family. For having such a large family we do pretty good to all get together and stay close.

Mom, I love and admire you.

ANYONE UP FOR A GAME OF SETTLERS?

As long as Saul and I have been married, Saul has never been interested in playing board or card games. He never played them growing up and he just hasn't ever wanted to since...until about a month ago when David and Cher asked us to play Settlers of Catan with them when we were at mom's.

I was introduced to this game a couple of years ago at YW's. We had a combined activity with the boys at the Mosley's. Some of the leaders...who were all pros at the game...started playing it. I had never seen it before but got talked into filling in for one of the leaders. I ended up playing with Bro. Mosley, Bishop Muder, and Bro. Troy Goodwin. Even though I ended up losing, I still thought it was fun. But since it took us until after 11:00 to finish it and I didn't have my phone with me, Saul couldn't get a hold of me and didn't know why I was so late on a YW's night. He was in a panic and didn't find the joy that I had in me learning to play a new game...and justifiably so. I found the game online and have asked him several times if he wanted to play...it was a no. I played it several times with others, but couldn't ever talk Saul into playing with me. So I was pretty surprised when Dave & Cher got him to play with them. Since that night, Saul has been obsessed with the game. Several nights a week he will get out the game and want us to play as a family.

Since we didn't have a TV growing up, we played a lot of games and had a lot of fun. But since we have gotten older...things have changed. There are some in my family that are pretty competitive and there have been some pretty intense games where things have been said such as...Why would you play that?!!...What are you thinking?!!..(and my favorite and the most often repeated) you would be shot if you played that in Vegas!!! Playing a game in my family is not for the timid or faint of heart...in fact, very few of the in-laws, and even some of the siblings, will even dare attempt it... most of them will clear the room when we pull out a game. After all is said and done, we all still love each other. I love to play and am often one that can handle it, but sometimes I am pretty surprised, and ashamed at the way some act in a game.

So since Saul's new love of this game, I have seen a different side of him and my kids. I guess in playing games with my family I have learned to lose and not be mad, don't take it personal when someone attacks me...it is just part of the game, and my family still loves me and I am still of worth...even if I lose. The first night we played at home it got pretty intense. When I made a move against Saul...he didn't take it so well. It didn't get clear out of control, but was heading in that direction. I finally had to lean over the game and tell everyone to...CHILL OUT! EVEN WHEN THE GAME IS DONE AND OVER WE WILL STILL BE FAMILY AND WE WILL STILL LOVE EACH OTHER! IF WE ARE JUST GOING TO FIGHT AND HAVE CONTENTION, WE ARE PUTTING IT AWAY! At first they all wanted to hit me for blocking the game...then they all just sat there all pouty...then they all started laughing. Since then things have been better...there have still been some squabbles and some tense moments...but they have been better sports about it all. But one thing we are all learning is that no matter who wins or loses, we are still family and we still love each other, we are all still of value! At first I wasn't sure that I wanted to have game nights, but I think that my family is learning some valuable lessons of life. And things are 'settling' down...no pun intended! (hehehe)

So...anyone up for a game of Settlers?!!

White Water Rafting

A couple of weeks ago Billy Ervin came by to bring Justin some stuff for their scout hike. Saul was home and Billy asked him what he was doing that Saturday. Saul finally was going to have a Saturday off and Billy invited him to go white water rafting on the Salt River. Saul was so excited. He had been rafting on the Snake River when he was a scout, but hadn't gone since. I have been telling him that we need to take the kids and raft the Grand Canyon. Anyway, Saul told him he wanted to go. The next day, Billy called and asked if Justin could go also. So that Saturday morning, Saul and Justin got up early and headed out. They were both so excited to get to go. They got down there, unloaded and headed out on the river. Some of those that were with them were; Billy, Gary Kirkman, Tyler and Jordan Mills, Ben Lunt, and David ?. The river was pretty high and they were having a blast. Then they got to a big rock that they were trying to maneuver around...but didn't make it. They slammed into it, which sent the raft straight up into the air, tipping them all out! Saul was on the high side and was sent flying over the others' heads. It slammed him about 10 feet down into a big rock...luckily it was on his back and not his head. Although, even through his life vest he got a big bruise. It churned him down and around several times on the bottom of the river until he finally kicked off a big rock and got to the top. He got to the raft and started looking for Justin. He decided he would find him better if he was in the raft, so he pulled himself in. After being swirled on the bottom of the river for a while himself, Justin finally came up...under the raft...which still held him down so he couldn't get any air. He did some quick thinking and rolled onto his back, putting his arms out to his side and his legs together in front of him. He hit a rock which slowed him down enough to let the raft go on over him. He actually came up behind Saul just as Saul was getting into the raft. Saul didn't see him for a minute, but finally found him and pulled him in. The rest of them got back into the raft also, and thank heavens, they were all OK. A few days later Saul woke up in the middle of the night in terrible pain. The next day he went in to see Dr. Ballard (Chiropractor) and found out that he had shoved a rib up under the other ribs. He has been in quite a bit of pain since, but I think he is getting better. Dr. Ballard asked him if he would go again and he said..."heck yeah, I will just wear a helmet next time!" We both agree that if that was his head that had hit the rock, things may not have turned out so well. I am grateful that they made it home safe...I will worry should they go again.

Lessons we learn on the farm

The one thing I loved about growing up on a farm is seeing the new baby animals being born in the spring. I remember lots of times running out to the barn before school to see the new calf or colt born in the night. After a long winter, it was starting to warm up, the sun would shine, and new life was all around me. It was and still is my favorite time of the year.

About a week ago Dad called and asked if Saul was still around and said that he needed his help to pull a calf. Saul ran over and luckily all turned out well...the mom and baby were both OK.

Justin was over at Dad's helping him move some things to get ready for the new irrigation pipes to be put in. He was working right next to the pen with the calf, ever so often reaching in and petting him. After several hours of working, Dad came out to do chores. He was going to open up the cow's pen to let her and the calf out for water, so Justin offered to do it for him. He jumped in and then turned to talk to Dad...just then the cow started to charge. Dad saw her coming at him and yelled at him...Justin turned around just as she hit him. She hit him several more times before he could catch his balance and scramble out of the pen. One lesson we all learned farely early in life when growing up on the farm is that you are always leary of a new mother...whether it was a cow, horse, hen or other! We were on the run numerous times from different animals that thought we were getting to close. The cow hadn't shown any previous signs of being mean... Dad and others had been in there numerous times since she had her calf and she had been fine. Justin called me laughing and told me about, saying it hurt a little but he was ok. I laughed and thought back on a few of my experiences. Later when I was over at Dad's, he asked how Justin was and told me the story...only showing quite a bit of concern. He said that the cow really got Justin pretty good and that he would probably be pretty sore. I found that a little interesting...usually it was Dad that was laughing while we were crying over things like that. It made me a little more concerned for Justin, but when I asked him again if he was ok, he just started laughing again and assured me he was fine. He was a little sore and bruised the next few days, but it doing good now. I think he will have a little more respect for the animals when there is a baby involved...chalk it up to another lesson learned on the farm!

My Sob Story

Ok, so here is my sob story. I got the cold/flu crud that has been going around clear back in Oct. I thought I got over it, but a couple of weeks later I got it again. It has been going that way for months now. I know that all of my family and friends were starting to think that it was all in my head (and actually it was!). So on the Wednesday before we went to Utah, I started feeling sick again! I was so mad. All day I tried to get ready to go, but just couldn't get things done. My throat hurt, my nose was plugged and my ears hurt. On the way up to Utah Ariel drove to Moab for me, then I drove the rest of the way. The whole time up there my throat was all groggy, and I just didn't feel well. I got to see the family and some of Megan's friends at the baptism. But I just didn't feel up to calling and visiting with any of my friends. It was such a bummer. Then on the way home I felt so rotten. Ariel drove from Price to Chinle for me- I don't know what I would have done without her. With all of the altitude changes I thought my head was going to explode!! So when I got back I decided it was time to go in and see what was going on. I went in to Wayne Hardy and found out that I have double major ear infections and a major sinus infection. He thinks I probably had it since Oct. when I was first sick, and just never got over it. So he sent me out with some antibiotics to go home and go to bed for several days to get over it. I don't know why I put off going in for so long. I never really had a fever, so I just didn't think I had an infection. I guess I did have a low grade fever, just not high enough to really worry me. Hopefully I will just get over it now- I am tired of being sick!! So I'm done whining now- I'm going back to bed.

SUPERBOWL

We watched the superbowl while we were in Ogden. I knew it would be interesting with Lonny such a Steelers fan. But there were several of us cheering for the Cardinals also- my kids & I, Benda & Barry, and Darrin (Jessica was cheering for the Steelers). Because the kids and I were sick, we didn't go to church with Meg & Lonny. So while they were gone Justin decided to round up all of their Steelers gear- jerseys, jackets, blankets, cups, chairs, pillows (Lonny's been a fan for a long time!)- and hide them. He got the Lego's and made a cardinal head and set it on top of the TV, made a sign saying- no Steelers' fans allowed- and put up all red. They got home just before kick off and went to hurry and change into their steelers' clothes- no where! They started looking for their chairs and cups- no where! All of a sudden they started realizing just what was going on. After a little bit of wrestling, Justin gave in and told them where he hid it all. It was pretty clever and funny. The friends started showing up, the food was done, and the party started! It was such a good game. Even though we lost, I am glad that we atleast gave them such a good game. I was worried at first, but I thought the Cardinals pulled through well. And I could think of worse teams to lose to- like the Patriots or Giants. We will look forward to next year! And yes, Lonny and I still love each other.

Congratulations Cameron

We went to Utah this last weekend for Cameron's baptism. It was really fun to see the Gould family. When we lived in Ogden, it was like our families were one. We did so much together and called each other several times a day. We celebrated every holiday together and had so much fun. We just felt that we needed to be there for Cameron's baptism. It is hard to believe that he is already 8. We are really proud of him for chosing to be baptized. Good job Cameron. We love you and are proud of you!

GO CARDINALS!!

Can you believe it?! Who thought that they could make it to the Super Bowl? I am way excited! It has been so fun watching them in the playoffs, beating the odds. I can't wait to see how they do against the Steelers. My kids are a little worried though, we will be watching the Super Bowl in Utah at Megan's. We are going up for Cameron's baptism on the 31st- yeah Cam-my-man! The thing is- Lonny is a huge Steelers fan and has loved them ever since I have known him. My kids are worried that he and I are gonna get to each other, and we probably will. But we can both handle it. I will have Sherry, his step mom, there to help me cheer them on. GO CARDS!

HAPPY NEW YEARS!

Even though we didn't have a lot of family here for Christmas, we ended up having a pretty good crowd for New Years. Benda & Barry, Karlie & her kids, Amy & Glen and all of their family, and those of us that live here in town all gathered at Mom's to bring in the NEW YEAR! We had a big potluck with each couple bringing a treat- we had some good food. We played games and just had a lot of fun. It was really good to see everyone- that is always the best part of the holidays. I was glad that Amy's family picked mom's to meet since they live all over. Toni & Thomas came and brought cute little Derrik from Oklahoma, Darrin & Jessica came from Utah, Chelsea & Matt flew over from Hawaii, and Jerome came from Thatcher. Glen's parents also joined us from Mexico. For New Year's I made ham, cheese potatoes, and the Whetten Family's famous chili cheese. I'm not really sure why I was the one that made it since I am not a Whetten and there were a bunch of them there, but Glen's mom gave me the recipe so I made it. It was pretty good for my first try- it at least all got eaten. We also had Amy's famous orange rolls, David made a great salad and Dennis & Audrey brought the veggies. It was another yummy dinner. But even better, it was great company. I love my family!

I am not sure why I didn't take more pictures of everyone. After they all left it dawned on me that I didn't even take any. But I did get one of Toni & Thomas when they stopped by the house to tell us good bye. I am glad that Thomas liked us; he is a city boy and wasn't sure if he was gonna like the country. But he and Saul became really good friends and had a lot of fun coyote calling and going shooting. And that little Derrik is so dang cute! I hope they all come back soon.

OOOPS!

I guess when you get teenage drivers you gotta expect a few dents and dings, right? Ariel had her first little fender-bender on Christmas day. She & Justin had gone to do their chores at Uncle David's and I had asked her to stop by the house to grab some things that I needed at Grandma's. As she backed out of the garage she lost track of the Nissan parked in the driveway (it was kind of hidden behind a big truck Saul had driven home from work). It was a pretty good ding and of course it is on our only car that we only have liability on. The 4-Runner didn't even get a scratch- I guess we can count that as a blessing. She called and told me and wanted me to talk to her dad and calm him down before she got there to face him. He did remain surprisingly calm. Live & Learn and chalk this up to one of life's experiences Ariel. We still love you!