Christmas 2009

Christmas Day. What more can I say. It was restful, relaxing, fun, entertaining, thrilling, fulfilling, and wonderful!!! First, let me say that yes, we spoke to Jed. He's doing so good! I have a feeling that he is one of those missionaries that does everything right, and strives to do better all of the time. (That would be his perfectionism from his father kicking in! A good trait!) At the moment, he has a spanish companion, and teaches LOTS of spanish investigators. Does he speak spanish? Oh no! But he loves it...and is getting where he can understand what is being said. He's a zone leader, and he is enjoying that responsibility also. He's also getting transferred this week, so is a little anxious to think about a new companion and area.

Next, on Christmas Eve, Don's boys Todd and Blake, his parents, and Josh all came over for dinner. We had my traditional feast...funeral potatoes, Honeybaked Ham, red jello w/whipped cream, corn, rolls, chocolate cake w/peppermint whipped cream on it. YUM! Makes my mouth water just thinking about it! It was such a special meal with all of them. (Brent was flying in from Cancun, so he missed it. Boo Hoo, right?!? Yes, I'm a little jealous he got to go to the warmth!)

Josh spent the night, and we were glad. It was strange waking up to not many people in the house. Last year we had Josh and Jake, and this year just Josh since Jake got married. Times change! Throughout the day, all of the kids and Don's parents came over. Unfortunately, I didn't grab the camera (and Don didn't either) when his kids were here. So we have no pics of them...just believe me that they loved their gifts! lol.

We had such a good day, and felt so blessed to share it with our children and his parents. It was very nice. We all pieced on the leftovers from the dinner from the night before, and I made up a 7 layer dip, and some cheese balls. Yum, yum, yum!!!

Me, Don, Nadine, and Larry. We took this pic using our new tripod for the camera! Yeah!

Jake and Britt...always clowning around!

Josh...not quite sure what to do, since he was the single guy here. Gotta find him a wife!!! :)

Jenny and Rusty...what a cute pic of them!

I hope that your Christmas Days were as nice as ours was. Love you all!

Babysitting!

Dec. 19th we got to watch our grandchildren. We had a good time together! We put together a puzzle, read books, sang, snacked, and watched movies!!! We had so much fun with our two little guys...but they sure wore us out! We were happy to have mom and dad come to pick them up.

Dec 12...A Fun Luncheon!!!!

As you can see...we had a lot of fun!

It ended with my mother passing around a plate of pinoche and fudge...both homemade. That just made the afternoon for me! I LOVE my mother's candy!!! There is nothing like it!!! (Then she sent us home with some!) Good food and good company! What more can I say? (Oh yeah...we missed the Idaho family!!!)

Tyler!

My good friend Lorrie's son returned home from his mission on Wednesday Dec 2.

It was so fun to go to the airport and see him, and to see all of his friends and family that also showed up there. A good portion of his friends were there. It was an amazing show of friendship and love.

You have to understand, Tyler almost did not go on a mission. Many of us wondered that when he did decide to go, if he would remain out there. I'm so proud of Tyler, for sticking it out, and for giving the 2 years to the Lord.

This means that Jed will now be home in 6 months!!! Woo Hoo! Then the gang will all be complete: Jake M, Jacob G, Jacob E, Clay, Jordan, Jade, Tyler, and Jed. All returned missionaries and all really neat guys!

December is also my Angel month!!! Dec 2 was Amy Rebecca's 28th birthday and Jesse will be 16 on Dec 8. Hard to believe that either of them have been gone for that long. It's hard to imagine what they are doing and where they are. I still miss them and wonder about them. They are my two little angels!

Thanksgiving Blessings...

We had a great time on Thanksgiving!!! I took off Wednesday to prepare for it. I made cute little name tags, and cooked and baked. Our dinner included me, Don, his parents, Josh, Jenny, Rusty, Jake and Brittany. Just 9 of us...but it was just wonderful!




We had such a good day. I loved it! It was fun to prepare for the company, and to cook again. I just don't get many opportunities to do that. (one bad thing of working full time!)


Jenny and Brittany decorated the table for me.











The food was delicious...but I forgot the dressing! I'm a ditz sometimes! Well, at least no one complained, or even noticed until I mentioned it!

Everyone was gone by 6pm, and I crashed on the couch! You forget how much energy that it takes to put on such a big spread! It was such a great day though. Well worth the effort that it took! I'm so blessed to have such a great family!!!

Sisters...

...are the best!!! This past weekend Kim came from Boise, picked up DeEtte in Salt Lake, and then came to my house. We were having a part-sisters weekend! We met Julie at Texas Roadhouse by the South Towne Mall, and after an hour wait...we had dinner. We had such a great meal, and such a good time together! I loved it! We laughed, reminised, and talked about all of the good things in life. (And I'm sure that we covered the bad too!) After 3.5 hours, we said good night and went back to my house.

DeEtte and Kim spent the night (alas, our sister Julie is not a sleepover type of gal!). On Saturday morning, I made a late breakfast, and then we hit the stores. We went shopping to several, and ended up at Paradise Bakery for a yummy late lunch. We bought some things at TaiPan Trading, that DeEtte helped me to put together, to place on my table for the holidays. She is so creative! Yeah!!! I have a new centerpiece.

They went on home to DeEtte's later, and I spent the night taking care of Don. It seemed that he was up in bed with a fever and the chills. I felt bad for him!!! Here I was having fun, and he's laying in bed sick! lol. Well, you guessed it...on Sunday I also had it. Well, other than missing church, we are doing well! And I'm here at work today.

I sure love my sisters...but we missed my mother, Katie, and Linda...that couldn't be with us. AND my groovy sisters-in-law also!!! This won't be the last one that we have, so they will have to get with us another time. Family is sure great!!!!

For Two Beautiful Sisters...

This post goes out to two beautiful sisters...that are experiencing medical procedures today!



My sister Kimilee

And Don's sister Maureen





Our love and prayers go out to them, and their families!!! We love them!

...And Then There Were 2...

So we did it. We sold off our little Champ II!
I hate to admit it, but he was too much work for us old farts! I listed him on KSL.com on Tuesday, and sold him 2 days later. He was so dang cute, but had so much energy and was so mischievious! We have decided, that if we ever get another dog, that it will definately be an adult, that is trained. I discovered that having a baby would be so much easier than a puppy. You see, a baby wears diapers, and you don't have to watch it's every move. (Now a toddler is different, as you ARE keeping them out of things!) Or you could be like most 50ish couples, and just have each other. We chose option #3...and are back to us...the boring couple!!!

So after they drove off last night with Champ and his "things", we looked at each other, and resumed our boring habits...Don took a nap on the couch, while I flipped through the channels! The best part is that we enjoyed the first night of refreshing sleep, that we've had for 2 weeks. We actually over-slept this morning and had to hustle into work!

We were thankful for the experience...but not sad to be done with him. Back to just us two...and that is fine with us!!! Now we can definately say...
Been there...done that! :)

Don's Birthday...What a Great Weekend!!!

Our weekend was so fun. On Friday morning, I flew Don and I to Arkansas to visit with his sister that lives there! Now before you go thinking that I have a lot of money...NOT!!! We used Frequent Flyer Miles. This picture is at a place that Gone With the Wind was filmed at...the opening credits. It's a cool old mill. The colors were fabulous there right now! Very Beautiful!



This is Don's sister Maureen, and her husband Doug. They took us around to see the sights. It was a ball! Don had never been there to visit them, and so I decided that it was time! (Plus, I got to know them better!) Arkansas is sooooo green and has lots of water. However, you don't want to swim in it! It has terrible under tows and poisonous snakes! Water Mocassins and Copperheads. Yuck!



Maureen is just older than Don, in their pecking order. It goes ReNae, Maureen, Don, and Michelle. They look alike, don't they? We visited Toad Suck (yes, that is the name of it!), a place with the name Pickles in it...it was kind of Arkie...redneck and touristy, and the Clinton Presidential Library, that had a way cool exibit of gifts given to past presidents from other countries. It had jewelry, trinkits, swords, uniforms, etc.


We got home Sunday at 2:15, and I hurried and got his parties ready. His kids and parents came to a bbq, and then my kids, DeEtte and Russell, and his sisters came for dessert. Little Boston helped him blow out the candles!
This year, I decided to bite the bullet, and give Don a dog. (I know, this is Rae Jean talking! Hater of animals!) We went to see Jenny's puppies, and I was smitten by them, and decided to try it AGAIN. (Remember Schultz...he died a few years ago.) I decided that when I'm at work, I could use something to keep me company, because I'm here so much all by myself. I got him this little cute Jack Russell Terrier, and he is a honey. I hope that we/I can control him. His name is Champ II, after another one that he had from his kids, that died. (Maybe I'm hoping that we will take it for walks...and get some exercise in! lol)

Don was really surprised with his gift...he NEVER expected me to do this for him! Love those kind of surprises!!! I hope that our life will always be full of surprises...they add lots of spice to life. We had a great weekend...with lots of fun memories, shared by many that we love.

Finding True Happiness

I laid in bed last night, thinking about my life. You see, I'm always on the quest to make sure that I find True Happiness. I don't want to miss out on it! I know that I was happy while I was growing up. My mom and dad provided me with all of the essential things that I needed to feel safe and loved. They gave me all that I needed as a child, to feel this way.

I went off to New York as a nanny...and searched for more happiness. I loved the family that I was living with, The Meisels, and they too gave me all that I needed to feel loved and safe. I was even provided with a car to take on my days off, to tour the area or get together with my friends. I was content, but still searching.

I went to Ricks searching for my happiness. I loved my roomates and the atmosphere. I had all of the elements that I required to be happy, and even an occasional date or two. I was satisfied but still searching.

I got married, and thought that I had finally found it, only to have my heart shattered 23 years in...and realize that it wasn't there anymore. Happiness had walked out the door on Valentine's Day 2004. I can still picture the talk, the sounds, the weather, the drive, I can feel the despair and anguish......

Yes, I still long for the life that I was pushed out of. I want my family put back together. I want my kids to be able to come "Home" to me. I realize that that was taken away from them. How is it that they go "Home" to "His and Her" house all of the time and feel at home...but they will never come into my home again, and feel that it is home? (You cannot argue this with me...) My heart breaks because of this.

I want my life back that changed with the utterances of a few words...I've fallen in love with another woman. I'm still angry and hurt, and some days have difficulty living the life that I've been handed. Oh please don't get me wrong! I love my husband and his loving ways and our life that we are building, but sometimes I want my other life back. It is hard to move forward all of the time, and to stay positive. I yearn for the days when my children were small, and they wanted and needed me. I was an integral part of their lives. I was happy serving them and their needs. I was needed.

I am happy with my life, but I am sad. Don't judge me or pity me. Just know that sometimes lives are changed so much, and we go on and live the best that we can and make the best of it. After all...that's life. An ever changing picture, that we have to flow with. But sometimes it is hard to go on, without reliving parts of the past occasionally. Without appreciating all that we felt and lived with another soul. Give me this moment to remember the good times, the happiness, and the joy that I shared with another man. Let me feel sorry for myself, and feel sorry for my children for their different futures because of a choice.

I know that True Happiness comes from within. It is up to each of us to find it within us. If we cannot do that, then we will never feel that we lived or loved. We won't be able to appreciate life's little moments. And we won't be able to be a positive influence on other's lives.

My journey has been one of learning and loving. I've finally realized that I am all that I need. I make my choices and I decide to be happy, fulfilled, cherished, giving, and most of all...loved. What I give to others is my gift to them. I can keep my happiness inside myself and not share, or give it away.

I choose to give. On a day when you are feeling lonely or blue, please know that someone loves you. Know that other's have felt heartaches, had tradegies happen, and had their lives changed. Feel my arms around you, holding you tight and know that I love you. And know that it is okay to be feeling the emotions that you are feeling. It's okay to be down and need a hug. It's okay to live and feel.

You have had an important role in my life. I am who I am today, because of each one of you. You have helped to pull me out of the depths of despair, and raised me up to where I am. You have loved me despite of my mistakes. Because of this, I can continue on searching for True Happiness, and finding it in the little things that we choose to do. Life is progression...may we ever be found moving forward, but able to appreciate our pasts and our trials, so that we can enjoy the future more.

God Bless You and always Keep You in His Care!

October...

I cannot believe that it is October! Where did September go to? Here it is October 8 already! This is a fun month for me, as I have 3 special birthdays to remember in my family. Jake is on the 16th, Josh is on the 20th, and Don is on the 25th. This year for my kids, I bought them Lagoon passes, so I don't have to worry about the boys. We will go to dinner and call it good, and I will cherish the time with them.

We are hitting Lagoon again on Saturday, for one last time. Woo Hoo!!! (unless I go back with Jenny next weekend!) It's going to be cold, but should be fun.

I have big plans for Don's birthday, but I'm not gonna tell you now. I'll post on it, after we are back!

Have a great month!!! Love you all!

Labor...Day or Babies? Both!

Our Hosts, DeEtte and Russell Me and Don

Dinner at the Bar J

Mom and Dad

Kim and Mike

Molly, Sailor, and DeEtte

Mommie Stacie and Ella

Julie and Kim

Grandma Kimmie & Ella!

Over Labor Day, Don and I joined my sister DeEtte and Russell at their home in Victor, ID. We had a smashing good time! My sister and hubby were there, and another sister Kim and her hubby Mike, and my parents were there. Friday on the way, we all happened to hit Idaho Falls at about the same time, so we met at a Pancake house and had dinner. (If you know my dad, you know that he loves these places!) Then we followed each other the rest of the way to Victor, which is just this side of Jackson Hole. We did a day of sight seeing and went to the Bar J Wranglers, and then came home on Sunday, so that I could have one day of vacation at home. It was such a fun and relaxing weekend. I love getting away and taking road trips!

On Saturday Sept 12th, I went to a baby shower in Bountiful. It was so great to be with the family that was there, and to see this little sweet one for the first time! As you can see in the pictures...she has lots of hair! What a sweetie!

Summer...what a Beautiful Time of the Year!!!

Summer is moving too fast! It is now August 18th, and the month is more than half way gone. I cannot believe that September will be here. The temperatures have dipped this past weekend, and it reminded me of fall...a lot! I'm not ready for my summer days to leave me! I love Summer best of all. It is the season that keeps me going.

Don talks about his perfect temperature a lot. His is 68-72. Mine is 80-90. I love heat, plain and simple, I love it! My body has never been able to stay one temperature for very long. It gets cold very easily, so when the temperatures dip, I know that I'll be back to freezing once again. In the summer, I don't have to worry about this problem. I can stand being in our home, without the air conditioning on. But throw in some cold weather, and I am back to being unhappy with my body temperature or the air around me.

If my feet get cold, then I'm really in trouble! It is all downhill from there for me. Keep my feet warm, and I'm okay with the cold. I've noticed the older that I get, that it is getting more difficult for me to keep my feet warm. Two years ago, I discovered flannel lined levis, from Eddie Bauers. LOVE THEM! However, I only bought one pair of them cause they are so flippin expensive, so they get used a lot in the winter. I tried to get more of them at the end of the season, when pants are on sale, and they were sold out. Dang it! Well, I'll try again when the fall comes in, and get me another pair. They really are a godsend to me, and help me a lot with the colder temperatures. I will even pay full price for another pair! They are really worth it to me!

I'm so jealous of all of you, that can sustain a temperature and be happy. One place that I'm really tired of freezing is in church, regardless of the time of year (cause they freeze you with the air conditioning in the summer, and then freeze you with the lower temperature for winter!) I'm all in favor of taking a lap blanket to church! However, I think that I'd get a lot of stares with it. Well, I guess that is what husband's suit jackets are for...to share with their wives that are freezing!

My sister Kim, had her thyroid removed, and told me that she finally understood what it was like to be cold all of the time. While her body has recuuperated and she is no longer cold all of the time, it was nice to have a sister that understood my pain!

I'm starting to pack on weight around my middle with my age. Who knows...maybe that will help insulate my feet, so that I won't get so cold!!!

More reasons that I love Summer, are that I love doing outdoor activities. I love to hike, play tennis, and walk the neighborhood. I love to plant flowers, pull weeds, and keep the yard looking good. I love to Barbeque and smell the smells associated with that. I love to sit on my front porch, and read a good book. I love to smell when a neighbor is using an outdoor fireplace. I love to hear children running and playing and having a good time. I also love a good Rain or Thunder storm! Mmmm, smell the air and enjoy the sound of thunder, and watch the lightening show! I love attending outdoor concerts, and seeing the stars over my head! I love eating fresh produce out of a garden. Yummy!!! I love reunions and get-togethers with family and friends!

Some things that I do not like about Summer are: #1...my allergies are in full swing! I hate that when I'm outside enjoying the beauty, my nose is either running, or is stuffed. I live on Claritin and Zyrtec in the spring, summer, and fall! #2...barking dogs. Yes, those of you that have dogs, I do not like to hear your dog barking from lack of attention! Nothing ruins a good night's sleep, than to hear a dog barking. Have pity for your neighbors! (who love to sleep with the window open, and hear the crickets!) #3...power tools when you are tring to sleep in! GGGrrr! What a way to ruin a wonderful summer morning! #4...hate camping in a tent. Put me in a trailor or motor home, and it is a whole other ball game to me! I love being there, but don't want to do it in a tent. Been there, done that and I know that it is not for me!

As you can see, I'm really not ready to let Summer go! It is my friend in so many ways. It understands me, and gives me comfort! lol. I love the smells, temperatures, sights, and activities with it all. Guess I need to move to Vegas or AZ...so that I could enjoy it longer!

Lagoon with Blake!

We went to Lagoon last night with Blake. Here's some pictures of Don and Blake, on the Wild Mouse. (I won't go on it, because it hurts my neck and back!) We had fun with Blake at Lagoon. We had a great evening. We got to be the very last ones on Wicked for the night...last car to ride it. It was awesome! (Sorry that the pictures are not very good...I wasn't very focused on what I was doing! Just trying to grab some while they were on the ride.)

Some pictures from the summer.

Angie and girls

The start of Peekaboo

Don resting at Calf Creek, 3 miles in and 3 miles out!

Don and Rusty...behind me and Jen at Lagoon

Jake, Brittany, and Jenny

Jake and Josh

Suiting up to go on the Sky Coaster! Don't we look fabulous?!?

Flying...such a rush!!! Such a great end to a wonderful day!!!