5,000 miles in two weeks. Not a record but it is still a lot of sitting in the car. Mom actually went the distance. I flew home from our vacation to Utah and she and her sister LeAnn finished the drive home to St. Louis. In fact, they didn't even make it all the way home before they decided to goof off. They met "me at the muni, the muni in Forest Park" (it's a jingle on the local radio stations, I thought the boys would recognize it). We watched the outdoors production of the Music Man.
As I read Andrea's blog about lyrics, I had to laugh becasue Vivian is one of the worst in the world at getting song words correct. Her hearing is not great and so she kind of hears what she wants to. As a guy who memorizes the words to a lot of old songs (and changes them on purpose) I get a real kick out of what she comes up with sometimes. The Music Man was no exception. Try this one, "Oh we've got trouble, right here in Rapid City, with a captial T and that rhymes with P and that stands for school." Ok I made that up but it is a pretty acurate portrail of what she come up with sometimes. Did I mention that I love that about her.
Vivian is doing great and feeling great and I am having a hard time keeping up with her. She is walking or bike riding every day and she runs when she can. We are going to Hawaii on Aug. 25th and will be there for our 30th wedding anniversary which is Aug 30th. We plan on sitting on the beach, eating a lot of pineapple, and snorkeling.
We talked about having our family reunion next year in Hawaii but Nathan suggested that maybe we ought to rent a house boat at Lake Powell and get some jet skis or a ski boat and just play around closer to home. Let us know what you all would like to do. I know Shalon wants to save money for her trip to Sicily and going to Utah would be a lot cheaper.
We sure loved seeing you all on vacation. I guess I need to come to Utah and give Nate and Ryan some golfing instruction. It can come in handy. I'll part with these famous words from the Sound of Music, "Sold long, faired well, all feed here's a good buy."
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
I'm sparkling, I sparkle, I'm a Sparkler
Happy 4th of July family. We missed being with you on this special day. Hope you all had a great holiday. I am not sure if you all realize how much I love our country. I feel that one of my greatest blessings has been to serve in the forces that defend this countries' freeedoms. ( and getting to fly while doing it is not a bad gig either.) I am a patriot and hope you all appreciate the great blessings that are ours because we were born in this land.
We went to the STL arch and watched the fireworks last night. We sat right underneath the arch on the grass and watched as they launched a great display from the middle of the river. It was spectacular. The wind was blowing slightly towards us so after a few minutes some of the fireworks were blocked out by the smoke. As the finale wound up, the top of the arch was obscured from view becasue all of the smoke formed an enormous cloud. We had picnics with several friends and played Kubb and other games. We had a really fun time with the Youngs on Friday night. We watched "What about Bob on the projection TV on their cieling and layed on our backs on couches and blankets. I jumped on the Young's trampline and was teaching the little girls how to do back flips. Mom had to go in the house. She couldn't stand the thought of me breaking my foot again. I also did some summersaults on the grass and the girls couldn't believe I could do that.
I took Brandon and a group of scouts on a canoeing trip down the Merimac river. There was a big tree in the middle of the river with a branch sticking straight up. We decided that whoever could climb it and jump off would be king of the river. The base of the branch was covered with moss and very slippery. Noone was able to get up so we boosted Brandon up a little past the moss and he was able to pull himself up and get his legs over the branch, then he got his hips on top and was able to stand up. He was the king. I was able to shimmy up the entire log from the bottom and did a flip into the water. The Gardner boys were king for a day. We went into the cave and were able to go nearly to the end. It was a good 35 minute walk in frigid water but we had a great time and there were lots of rock formations to enjoy.
Mom is in bad shape. She feels good but she has 3rd degree burns under her left arm and breast from the last week of radiation. Her skin is literally black with several blisters that are exposed and red and raw. I feel so bad but there is nothing we can do but wait for it to heal. They did intense radiation on the spot where she had no clear margin between the cancer and healthy tissue the last 8 days of her treatment. The radiation continues to burn for up to a week afterwards so we still have several days to go before it will start healing. She is all done though as of last Wednesday. They have a bell that you ring as you leave the cancer center for the last time and I went with her as she got to ring the bell. It was a touching sight. Three of her friends also went and they all went out to breakfast together that morning and then went and got pedicures. I drove to the airport and went to work.
I can't even begin to tell you how proud I am of Vivian and the way she has dealt with all of this adversity. She has kept a great attitude and never pittied herself. She continued to serve as Relief Society President and never stopped serving others. She has been a great example. I hope I can be as strong when my turn comes to lay my all on the alter. Through it all God has blesssed us and we have learned again how much He loves us and that he never forgets or abandons us.
We went to the STL arch and watched the fireworks last night. We sat right underneath the arch on the grass and watched as they launched a great display from the middle of the river. It was spectacular. The wind was blowing slightly towards us so after a few minutes some of the fireworks were blocked out by the smoke. As the finale wound up, the top of the arch was obscured from view becasue all of the smoke formed an enormous cloud. We had picnics with several friends and played Kubb and other games. We had a really fun time with the Youngs on Friday night. We watched "What about Bob on the projection TV on their cieling and layed on our backs on couches and blankets. I jumped on the Young's trampline and was teaching the little girls how to do back flips. Mom had to go in the house. She couldn't stand the thought of me breaking my foot again. I also did some summersaults on the grass and the girls couldn't believe I could do that.
I took Brandon and a group of scouts on a canoeing trip down the Merimac river. There was a big tree in the middle of the river with a branch sticking straight up. We decided that whoever could climb it and jump off would be king of the river. The base of the branch was covered with moss and very slippery. Noone was able to get up so we boosted Brandon up a little past the moss and he was able to pull himself up and get his legs over the branch, then he got his hips on top and was able to stand up. He was the king. I was able to shimmy up the entire log from the bottom and did a flip into the water. The Gardner boys were king for a day. We went into the cave and were able to go nearly to the end. It was a good 35 minute walk in frigid water but we had a great time and there were lots of rock formations to enjoy.
Mom is in bad shape. She feels good but she has 3rd degree burns under her left arm and breast from the last week of radiation. Her skin is literally black with several blisters that are exposed and red and raw. I feel so bad but there is nothing we can do but wait for it to heal. They did intense radiation on the spot where she had no clear margin between the cancer and healthy tissue the last 8 days of her treatment. The radiation continues to burn for up to a week afterwards so we still have several days to go before it will start healing. She is all done though as of last Wednesday. They have a bell that you ring as you leave the cancer center for the last time and I went with her as she got to ring the bell. It was a touching sight. Three of her friends also went and they all went out to breakfast together that morning and then went and got pedicures. I drove to the airport and went to work.
I can't even begin to tell you how proud I am of Vivian and the way she has dealt with all of this adversity. She has kept a great attitude and never pittied herself. She continued to serve as Relief Society President and never stopped serving others. She has been a great example. I hope I can be as strong when my turn comes to lay my all on the alter. Through it all God has blesssed us and we have learned again how much He loves us and that he never forgets or abandons us.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
I'm Sweating, I Sweat, I'm a Sweater
It finally turned hot in O'Fallon. We have had the AC on for days but we never seem to get the temperature just right. With Vivian's hot and cold flashes, there is no way to make everyone happy. The chemo seems to have readjusted her thermostat.
We had such a great time this past week. The whole family got together for the Memorial Day weekend. Ryan and Andrea flew in from Utah and we went to a Cardinal's baseball game. I was able to get really good seats and the Cards won so what could be better? Nathan and Brooke drove in from Oklahoma City and announced that Brooke is expecting in December...that's what could be better. Ben and Shalon drove their car and we drove ours and we all piled in and went to Nauvoo. We went to several of the historical sites and then to the Sunset on the River performance. There was a Hawaiian family there that performed and then the missionaries. It was a great evening. On Sunday we went to church in Nauvoo and then to Carthage. There was a great spirit there and we had a lot of time to talk and be with one another.
Monday I helped the High Priest's put on our Memorial Day breakfast for both wards. We had a ton of food and even more rain. That just meant we had more time to visit with everyone. It was sad to see everyone go home on Tuesday morning.
Mom is doing well though she got some test results this week that concern us. We are not sure what it all means just yet. We are hoping it is nothing but we will let you all know as soon as we find something out one way or the other. For now, we are looking forward to being grandparents. Mom feels great and is starting to exercise more and more. You had all best start working out so you will be ready for race day next April. It would be sad to get beaten by a two time cancer baby on her 49th birthday.
We had such a great time this past week. The whole family got together for the Memorial Day weekend. Ryan and Andrea flew in from Utah and we went to a Cardinal's baseball game. I was able to get really good seats and the Cards won so what could be better? Nathan and Brooke drove in from Oklahoma City and announced that Brooke is expecting in December...that's what could be better. Ben and Shalon drove their car and we drove ours and we all piled in and went to Nauvoo. We went to several of the historical sites and then to the Sunset on the River performance. There was a Hawaiian family there that performed and then the missionaries. It was a great evening. On Sunday we went to church in Nauvoo and then to Carthage. There was a great spirit there and we had a lot of time to talk and be with one another.
Monday I helped the High Priest's put on our Memorial Day breakfast for both wards. We had a ton of food and even more rain. That just meant we had more time to visit with everyone. It was sad to see everyone go home on Tuesday morning.
Mom is doing well though she got some test results this week that concern us. We are not sure what it all means just yet. We are hoping it is nothing but we will let you all know as soon as we find something out one way or the other. For now, we are looking forward to being grandparents. Mom feels great and is starting to exercise more and more. You had all best start working out so you will be ready for race day next April. It would be sad to get beaten by a two time cancer baby on her 49th birthday.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Work, Work, Work
I'm planting, I planted, I'm a Gardner
Vivian and I finally planted the rest of our garden on Saturday. Just the usual stuff. I love watermelon so I planted seeds in about 7 different places to see which soil works best. Come visit around August and you can help us decide. My strawberries are looking great and if we have a week of warm weather, I should be able to pick the first batch.
Yesterday was Mothers Day. I am grateful that all the boys called to talk to their mom. Brandon and I got up and made her breakfast. She doesn't like to eat in bed so we made it and invited her downstairs. For dinner she said she wanted something low cal and healthy. I made salmon and halibut that I got from Alaska and then I made a glaze to go over the fish. We also had new potatoes and peas in a cream sauce, corn on the cob, carrots with butter and brown sugar, beets, and ...oh ya....shrimp. It was awesome. For desert I made an angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream.
Did I mention I miss my mom. You guys don't remember her too well and I haven't done a very good job of telling you about her. Maybe I will do a little more of that in these blogs. You all know she loved to cook and made us try all kinds of weird stuff; cows tongue, kidneys, liver, tripe, goat head cheese, etc. But most of the time we ate great. She was an artist and decorated cakes. Fancy cakes with kool-aid fountains in them, mirrors, and crystal glasses. I dropped the top to one at my aunt Myrtle's wedding. Mom spent the whole wedding in the kitchen making emergency repairs. She had just finished telling someone to let me carry the top because I had such steady hands. She was very spiritual and had dreams and visions that nearly always came true. She milked cows when she was young and even when I was wrestling in high school her hands were stronger than mine. She could grip your had and you couldn't get loose until she let go. She was like mom in that she could talk to anyone and they would soon be friends.
I will add more later for now, I hope that you are sweet to your lovely wives. We miss you and look forward to seeing you all soon.
Vivian and I finally planted the rest of our garden on Saturday. Just the usual stuff. I love watermelon so I planted seeds in about 7 different places to see which soil works best. Come visit around August and you can help us decide. My strawberries are looking great and if we have a week of warm weather, I should be able to pick the first batch.
Yesterday was Mothers Day. I am grateful that all the boys called to talk to their mom. Brandon and I got up and made her breakfast. She doesn't like to eat in bed so we made it and invited her downstairs. For dinner she said she wanted something low cal and healthy. I made salmon and halibut that I got from Alaska and then I made a glaze to go over the fish. We also had new potatoes and peas in a cream sauce, corn on the cob, carrots with butter and brown sugar, beets, and ...oh ya....shrimp. It was awesome. For desert I made an angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream.
Did I mention I miss my mom. You guys don't remember her too well and I haven't done a very good job of telling you about her. Maybe I will do a little more of that in these blogs. You all know she loved to cook and made us try all kinds of weird stuff; cows tongue, kidneys, liver, tripe, goat head cheese, etc. But most of the time we ate great. She was an artist and decorated cakes. Fancy cakes with kool-aid fountains in them, mirrors, and crystal glasses. I dropped the top to one at my aunt Myrtle's wedding. Mom spent the whole wedding in the kitchen making emergency repairs. She had just finished telling someone to let me carry the top because I had such steady hands. She was very spiritual and had dreams and visions that nearly always came true. She milked cows when she was young and even when I was wrestling in high school her hands were stronger than mine. She could grip your had and you couldn't get loose until she let go. She was like mom in that she could talk to anyone and they would soon be friends.
I will add more later for now, I hope that you are sweet to your lovely wives. We miss you and look forward to seeing you all soon.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
When Pigs Fly
I date, I dated, I am a dater.
When people would ask, "when is Ryan going to graduate?" We would answer, "when hell freezes over." On our way to Provo to Ryan's graduation, it started snowing and the prophecy was fulfilled. Lately people have been asking, "when is Brandon going to go on his first date?" Our answer has generally been, "when pigs fly." Well, if you have been watching the news lately you saw the headlines about, "Swine Flew (flu)".
Brandon took Dana Greenwood to the Prom on Sat night and he had a great time. They went over to the Strouds and took pictures and then He and Dana and Joseph Young and his date left for the dance. They went to the Shepherd's house afterwards for an hour or so for games and then went to the bowling alley for an after prom party. He is now sleeping it off. Brandon also celebrated his 18th birthday this week. Mom made the boys a "Mans Meal" and they went to see the new Wolverine movie.
Mom is doing great. She went to the Dr. last week and he drew all over her in preparation for her first radiation treatment. They made some casts and drew lines on her with permanent ink to align the machines. It will be nice when this is all done.
I flew to Burlington Vt. this week and man is it beautiful up there. The weather was crisp and clear and we flew over lake Champlaign. I hope to go up there again and take Vivian this fall when the leaves are changing. That would really be beautiful. In the mean time, I will be watching for flying pigs.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Who let the Blogs out?
Look, I'm blogging, I blogged, I'm a blogger.
I am so bad about making phone calls that I thought maybe I would try to stay in touch with friends and family in this way. Hey its a start.
Viv has had her last Chemo treatment and is starting to feel a little better. In three weeks or so she will start radiation therapy for 31 treatments and then... we'll see. This has been a strange experience but we have felt the love and comassion of so many. If you are one of those, thank you so much. I have learned a lot, hopefully enough that Heavenly Father sees that I don't need to go back for remedial training.
We miss our boys and their sweethearts and wish we could be closer to you all. I am very proud of you guys and hope you are treating your brides with love and care. We hope to be able to see you all this summer and spend some time with you. I know you all have a lot going on in your lives. Make sure to make time for family. Nothing is more important. I didn't do a good job of that so learn from your mom and your wives who I know are a better example.
I will get better at this I'm sure but for now, its a start.
I am so bad about making phone calls that I thought maybe I would try to stay in touch with friends and family in this way. Hey its a start.
Viv has had her last Chemo treatment and is starting to feel a little better. In three weeks or so she will start radiation therapy for 31 treatments and then... we'll see. This has been a strange experience but we have felt the love and comassion of so many. If you are one of those, thank you so much. I have learned a lot, hopefully enough that Heavenly Father sees that I don't need to go back for remedial training.
We miss our boys and their sweethearts and wish we could be closer to you all. I am very proud of you guys and hope you are treating your brides with love and care. We hope to be able to see you all this summer and spend some time with you. I know you all have a lot going on in your lives. Make sure to make time for family. Nothing is more important. I didn't do a good job of that so learn from your mom and your wives who I know are a better example.
I will get better at this I'm sure but for now, its a start.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
