Papa Prognosis

My Dad

1937

Just wanted to take a minute to say thanx for all the prayers and good wishes you have sent--it is just lovely. My Dad will be going home tomorrow barring any unforeseen happenings. He wasn't doing so well yesterday but has picked up dramatically today and is unhooked from all of the IV's so we are hopeful.

He will really have to watch his diet now--pretty much very low SODIUM--yuck. I cook a lot of freezer meals for them so if you have any good recipes with low sodium--please share! Mine are a little on the high side--now that I have been looking. It will probably be a blessing to me and my family to lower ours right along with them.

Other than that he just needs to take it easy its just not going to get any better. I think that is what he struggles with most. He has run marathons, hiked mountains, skied most every resort available, passionate gardener--just very healthy. In spite of this he has had to have 2 open heart surgeries and a pace maker put in.But he has still remained pretty active with his grand kids. It is hard for him and hard for me to have to watch. My Mom--never mind--another day--anyways--that's the scoop--thanx again! I am busy counting my blessings!

PS--I tried SOOO hard to make paragraphs etc--it was a no go---mmmmmm--cranky.....

My Dad

My Dad--1953

I just was over at da Burgs blog reading about her Dad and thought--before I leave today I should really blog about mine. I forget how many prayers are out there--just for the asking! They put my Dad in the hospital 2 days ago with POD--his lungs keep filling with fluid and now he has pneumonia. His legs are swelling up and the right side of his heart is not functioning properly. They have him on antibiotics and are doing a gazillion tests--so he is in the best place possible--it is just scary. My Mom is--well--my Mom and so I am on my way to the hospital to be with him---I have no idea what the next few days will bring--I just have to be the parent to my parents--it is so weird--and hard--
.........would you add my Dad to your prayers? His name is Bob B--I think Heavenly Father will know who you mean--thanx--more later---

Stardate 123108

In honor of the fact that I am using this blog as a journal incentive----I give you New Years Eve 2008--only 21 days late.........

Phil was back in Alaska, Nat in Utah and Kelly at a friends--so we weren't a very big crowd. Tae was festive and bought us hats and noise makers---we watched the ball drop---blew the horns and I went to bed---I know--I know--I AM EXCITEMENT PERSONIFIED!!!

Milan--after I told him I thought he looked a lot like the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz---

Taelor (looking at Milan) after I told her that the Tin Man was rusted because he had bladder control issues

Is this picture blurry or did I just have too much fizzy juice??!!

Thats it--woo-hoo---we are now officially in 2009 on this blog!

Merry Christmas!!

You know that whole "keep Christmas in your heart" thing? Yah--well--I'm still keeping it in my photoshop. I finally edited these and thought I'd share the joy---



Every year since 1990 the Jammie Elves leave jammies on Christmas Eve--etc.....etc..well this was our highly successful photo shoot of everyone in their new attire. It went from this............

TO THIS::::::::::::::::::

(The boy on the right is Tae's significant whatever---not one of mine.)

TO THIS:::::::::::::::::

I wish I could blame it on something else except my genes that they inherited----I guess thats just how we roll here in the middle of nowhere Montana........

Stay tuned for New Years Eve!!!!!!!

Actual, factual stuff...

I've had a lot (there I go again--exaggerating my importance) okay--a couple of questions about my background so I thought I would take a minute and fill you in.

First, I went to onecuteblog (actually I went to quite a few places, I just liked this one best) and on the right side bar--a little ways down there is a section labeled--Labels & Categories--(very handy) and then I clicked on LDS and it takes you to that section which has 2 backgrounds (handy dandy) That's where it is but to install it you need to click on the blue button in the upper right corner of her blog that says installation and it will take you to a page that says this:

How to add these templates to your blog:

The first thing you MUST do if you haven't already, is change your template to "Minima". From your dashboard, click on "layout", or from your blog, click on "customize". Then click on "pick new template". The minima template is the first template offered. Any one of those will work.

Next, go into your "Page elements". Again, this can be found by clicking on "layout" from the dashboard or "customize" from your blog. It will say "add and arrange page elements" at the top.

Click on "add a gadget" anywhere on the page.

This will bring up a screen of various gadgets you can add to your blog. About 2/3 of the way down you will find one that says "html/java script". Click on the picture next to it, or the plus sign. This will bring up another screen.

Enter this code:

(I cut this out so it wouldn't cause problems)--you really do need to go click on this page!)

Where it says DIRECTLINK, in the above code, leave the parenthesis and quotations in place, and copy/paste the direct link/URL included with each template to that place. The direct link is located UNDER each template picture and will say "direct link". Click on that link and it will pull up another full size version of the template you are selecting. This is the photobucket site I have set up to host the templates. You need to copy and paste that link/URL which will begin with http://i250.photobucket.com/albums etc. into the spot that says "direct link" in the above code.

IF YOUR TEMPLATE CHOICE HAS A TEXT BOX UNDER IT, JUST COPY AND PASTE THE TEXT AS AN HTML GADGET!!!

Then save this and view your blog. I make my templates at the highest quality... 300 dpi rather than the standard 72 dpi, which does mean that they may take a bit longer to load onto your screen so be patient. You will want to also make sure to go in and change your fonts and colors to match your blog, which can also be found from the "elements" page. If you cannot see your blog posts or certain widgets (items on your sidebar), be sure to check your colors first! By adding these templates, you should not lose any of your widgets (pictures and links on your sidebar), though this is not a 100% guarantee... only 99%.

Good luck. If you need any other assistance in figuring this out, let me know at onecuteblog at gmail dot com.

To add the blinkies to your sidebar... go into your "add and arrange page elements" and click on "add a gadget". Find the gadget that says "html/java script" and copy/paste the html img code from the text box under the blinkie. Save it. You can rearrange the gadgets on the sidebar in the elements page so your blinkies and other information will be in whatever order you select.

Soooo--I followed the instructions and wha--la (I just realized that is probably not a real word ...hmmm...) there was my beautiful background. And it was free!! I just had to put her button on my sidebar. I really love it--good luck and go check her out!

Anxiety is a cruel mistress.....

Just wanted to say that---

I may have been exaggerating just a titch the other day when I was crying conspiracy and mass exodus.

I may be just a tad insecure and anxious.

There may have been only 2 people on my bloglist that left.

They may not have locked all the buckles on my straight jacket and under medicated me that day.


But your responses have been most gratifying and the nice people here at the home may be a hint of happy that I have stopped bouncing off these lovely rubber walls.

Did I miss something??!! Is it just me or does it seem like everyone is leaving blogland??!! As of here and now--NO ONE else on my blog list is allowed to do so!! Otherwise my VERY large paranoid self will start to think that there is a mass exodus occurring and no one wants to tell me. Really people--I'm serious! Take a vacation, don't post for awhile--whatever--BUT DON'T LEAVE ME!!

Talented artist--David Bowman

I discovered this artist through a giveaway. The giveaway is over but am going to leave these pictures on because they are so beautiful.

.David Bowman: has had a passion for art ever since he could pick up a pencil. He loves creating images of the Savior that inspire and uplift. Along with his Christian fine art, David has also written and illustrated a series of scripture storybooks for children titled "Who's Your Hero". Check out his website at http://bowman-art.com/indexFineart.htm to see more of his precious art.



"Innocence"

The Savior tells us we need to become as little children to inherit the kingdom of God. I've often wondered what it is about little children Jesus loves most, and I think its their innocence. They are clean slates, seeing the world and others through untarnished eyes. Their hearts are pure, without the baggage of cynicism and self-doubt. In this piece, I've tried to imagine how a child would act upon meeting the Master for the first time. Without reservation or inhibition, I think he would simply want to play with Him. He would be at complete ease, allowing his pure little heart to soak in the love and laughter of His pure, infinite heart. Its no wonder Christ delights in these little ones and sets them up to be our examples.

"Security"

One of the greatest human needs is a sense of security. In all aspects of life, we naturally gravitate towards anything that makes us feel safe. In this piece, I wanted to convey a sense of complete peace and calm like only the Savior can provide. It's a security that allows us to rest assured, without fear or worry, when we put ourselves trustingly in His arms. Little children have that inherent kind of trust in their parents, so it's fitting that the man and girl who modeled for "Security" are actually father and daughter. They generatedthe exact feel I was looking for.

"My Child"

This piece conveys an intimate, up-close-and-personal feeling of the Savior's love. Notice how all the lines draw your attention and point towards Jesus' face in the center. I chose the name "My Child" because the only thing that could compare (even remotely) to Christ's compassion for us is the love of a parent for his/her child. This image is also intended to put things in perspective. Above all, we are God's children first. He allows us the privilege of experiencing parenthood for ourselves and we are entrusted to be the mothers and fathers of His children here on earth.

You Tube Intervention

I think I may need an intervention. I'm not sure--do you need an intervention if you still have enough sense to realize you need an intervention?! Or--am I just pretending that I know that I know I need an intervention so that you all will still respect me and visit my blog?! Or--just kidding.

I think I can almost promise that this will be close to being the last You Tube I put on my blog for awhile. It's just that when I went to look for this vulture clip I remembered another Disney moment that plays over and over and over again in my head. Just when you think you are all alone in your thought processes---You Tube jumps in and shows you that THOUSANDS of people are as mental as you are! Its just amazing!

Soooo....ever since my oldest girls were my youngest girls and watched Cinderella like a million times---this clip plays over and over again every time I have to do more than a couple things at a time--(so, like really, ALL the time) I do my best imitation of this cat and my children and friends go--whoa! what the hec was that??!! And I try to explain that it is from this scene in Cinderella with the cat and the cups--and their eyes just glaze right over. For all of you have seen and those who have yet to see my imitation of Lucifer and Gus in the Cups------(well technically I just do Lucifer...but I digress)--I give you this--





I dare you to ever be able to watch it again without thinking of me...go on.. I dare ya!!

Me---the condensed version

Yes--I am spending way too much time on You Tube---yes, this made my insides wrench just listening to this (not because of her singing--because of the reality stress it induced) ---yes, I really wish she would have worn a top with sleeves and--- yes, I watched it like 10 times---hope you can love me anyways----

Heres whats happening at my house......

Its December 27th--I'm just sayin............................

Parcel Praise!!!!! Parcel Praise!!!!

This is a little late but wanted to express the thrill I and my mailbox experienced when we received my Secret Santa package!!! (It WAS here before Christmas--I just got a little busy--sorry) It was from DesertHen!! I had to run right over to her blog and learn more about her--she and I are both in the middle of nowhere--just in different states. She sounds like so much fun--I am looking forward to getting to know her and stalking her --of course! Here is picture of the fabulous goodies I received!

How kind of her!! And how in the world did she know that I have a "thing" for chocolate with krispies in it??!! And lovely things to keep my toes and fingers warm--yeah! I also didn't realize that anybody but my family knew about my obsessive note writing--such a cute pad and pen! AND I don't even try to buy cute Christmas towels because inevitably my husband or children use them for something they shouldn't--so these cheered up my little kitchen fabulously! Isn't that a cute stocking and an ornament for my pear tree. Sorry--was just going for that 12 days thing. Thank you sooo much DeseretHen--and Redhoodoos--for organizing it all--fun stuff!!

And before I go--a big THANK YOU to my buddy Annie--over at carot tops are green--for the absolutely incredible calendar completely full of pictures of her son, Brett!! I have been begging for months for a Priority Mail Box full of Brett--this is the next best thing--thanx girlfriend--for feeding my addiction!

Our Christmas was Merry except for the glitches we experienced getting my husband back to work with all the delays Alaskan Airlines experienced. Natty is home and Tae will be here on the 30th. What a treat--all my kidlets--HOME--definitely a tender mercy from my Heavenly Father. Hope all is well with you and yours--here's to a very BRIGHT New Year!

Houses of Gingerbread--the final chapter

Seasonal Salutations!!

The holidays seem to be carrying me away! I have been lurking a little though and have been amazed that others out there struggle to find the Spirit of Christmas while providing it for everyone else. I thought it was just me. But I have also been really uplifted by what I have read detailing what others have done to find the Spirit--I love blogworld!!!

Soooo--I promise this is the last of the gingerbread saga--I almost have my book done--my Dad's health is declining quickly and I think he will treasure this as he has to sit around more. One of my dearest friends just lost her father last week---he was helping to lift a freezer out of a truck for his daughter down in Utah--he lost his footing--fell over the side--cracked open his head and never recovered consciousness before he passed away. It was a big, traumatic, unexpected event and they have just all returned here to Montana and the funeral is tomorrow. The logical side of me knows that he has passed through the veil and because of his valiance here on earth--he will be in the celestial kingdom for sure. I also know that his life was full of service and he has left his children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren a rich legacy of great examples. He was a farmer/rancher and although he was at least 75 years old--he was in tremendously good health and it would have killed him to have grown old and sickly. But my heart seems to know nothing of these things. It just aches for his loss. It aches for my friend as she enters this part of her life and has to figure out how to care for her mother and carry on for her family. So anyways--that has just added an extra push for me to complete this book--so my Dad can have a visual reminder of how much I cherish him

I will hush up now-----

2004

2007

That's it--there isn't anymore--

You young mothers--I know that small children can be both physically and mentally exhausting and it seems like you will be in terminal toddler hood forever--but look closely at my gingerbread posts--it does pass--and way too quickly---hang in there--make lots of memories--it is SOOOO way worth it---

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!!

IT'S ME!!!!! IT'S ME!!!!! I WON!!!! I WON!!!!!

O MY GOODNESS!! KitchenDitcher just left me a comment that I won her giveaway!!! I NEVER WIN!! I am so excited to have won such a great book--see post below. Her daughter is the author--thanx so much Kitchen Baby!!!

Lisa needs..........

I know, I know--the title alone could take your mind down a million different paths--but--I did it--I buckled under the heavy weight of curiosity---I googled--Lisa needs---

Imagine my surprise when the first 5 links did not say---mental help!!

And I probably wouldn't have posted the results--but it's killing me---you'll see why

1. Lisa needs braces--wow--random--I just posted about the fact that almost my entire family has needed or will need braces--didn't think about me...



2.LISA NEEDS TO GET A LIFE--duh




3.lisa needs braces--hmmm--how weird is that--that 1 and 3 are both the same??!!




4.Lisa Needs Braces--maybe I need to go take a good look in the mirror...???




5.Lisa needs braces--well, I guess I could use some on my lower teeth...




6.Lisa needs a nap--and a million dollars--neither one is going to happen...




7.Dr. Wolfe, Lisa is going to need braces--great--someone thought I needed a second opinion..




8.Dental plan: Lisa needs braces---hey--I have my OWN insurance...




9. What Lisa needs in her Kitchen--a maid/cook




10.Lisa needs our prayers and has no health insurance--prayers yes--insurance--see #8




11.Lisa needs braces----ALRIGHT ALREADY!!! My 2 front teeth do indent a little--I'll make an appointment!!




Seriously--so what I'm thinking this is saying is that everyone--and I do mean everyone has gone on line and googled the fact that I need braces-- but no one had the guts to tell me to my face? Like I said--it's killing me....

Gingerbread Memory Lane part 3

I really enjoyed stalking today--everyone's blogs and houses are so festive! I love your tender thoughts and deep thoughts and great reminders. Hope everyone is soaking up the holiday happiness that is going around. I have decided to make a little scrapbook, for my Dad, full of all our gingerbread memories with him--so have been busy scanning in photos. Thought I would share the rest with you all-----

1998

Sweet little Kelly

Milan finally joins us---don't you just want to eat him up??!

I'm just spitballing--but I'm thinking gumdrops were her candy of choice...

And it also appears that Tae was stuck with the mother of all holiday bows again---poor child!

1999

Isn't my Dad the cutest??!! Have I mentioned he is my hero's???

I'm wondering about the black..............did I miss something about this child??!


Ahhhh--looks like we began braces this year---it seems like one of our girls has had braces every year since then.......ahhhh memories....

Oh look---more metal to go with our frosting!!!

I MISS THIS LITTLE BOY!!! Much more yummy than any of that frosting!!

2000

I LOVE this one of my Dad--he is such a keeper---

Don't know why I can't find any of Tae and Nat for this year---but Kelly's house was black again--I cannot believe that I missed this at the time---poor child was probably screamming out or attention or something--or maybe she just liked black......

Check out the windows on this baby--good thing he's so cute cuz he won't be making any money as an arcitecht (sp?) anytime soon......

2001

My 2 best men--love the hat Pood.. and for heaven's sake someone find that poor child's 2 front teeth!!!

Sorry--just had to put this one in there--check out Natty--hee--hee----

This is my brother--Hans--with Kelly and Tae--time is surely flying, isn't it???

2002

The long awaited--Natty at work---

Our baby Bean finally joins us--don't you just want to nibble on those cheeks--mmmm-----

Yes!! Miss Kelly Sunshine AND a RED house--

Whoa--back the grown up and blossomed train!!! Love the hand puppet.......

This is a treasure for sure--check out the concentration!!!!

EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT!!

My daughter just gave me her Christmas present--she started a blog---AAAAHHHHH!!!!! I am a nerd with issues--I know--but I am really excited--check her out!! http://nattybqt.blogspot.com/

Gingerbread Ghosties part 2

My hubby got home last night--woo-hoo! Now we can begin Christmas!! I have gotten a few decorations up but the tree and lights and shopping have been waiting for him. He has to go in for his first colonoscopy tomorrow----this is an ugly procedure--and we haven't even been to the hospital yet!! Enough said. Tomorrow night is my final enrichment mini class till after the new year. My VERY LOVELY friend Sheila is doing a chocolate dipping demonstration--she runs a local chocolate dipping factory--I AM SOOOOO LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS!!!!

Soo--over Thanksgiving--since we had already done the family thing--and one of my dearest friend's sons was getting married in the Las Vegas Temple---we (Kelly,Natalie,Angel, Milan and me) decided to do a road trip. Soooo--on Thanksgiving day we were actually in Elsinore, UT and then the next day we drove on down to Las Vegas.

(SIDE NOTE: Natalie is currently living in Orem, UT and working as a nanny for 3 families (all sisters). They are sisters to the boy Nat is writing on his mission. You get 100 points if that makes sense to you!! The whole family has adopted Nat and been so wonderful to her.

The parents of the boy on a mission that Nat is writing have a second home in Las Vegas. They are so generous and gracious--they opened the home to us for the 2 nights we were in Vegas. It is a magnificent home in a beautiful gated community and we had it all to ourselves. It was like heaven on earth after all that traveling. My friend put on a fabulous reception for her son and the whole trip was TOTALLY worth it!

GINGERBREAD part 2

1992

I love it--in their jammies but we have bows in the hair.

The reason I said leave me alone was because my girls mock me constantly about their puffy bangs and lots of BIG bows. I think I missed the 80's...

I fiddled with this picture cuz I really loved Nat's eyes. That's my Dad with her and her house.

1993

I loved this one cuz once again Nat was eating--not decorating (see 1991)

and once again--Tae is decorating..... 1994

Sorry--had to put this one on--Nat eating and Tae decorating--I promise I didn't take these pics for these reasons--promise....

1995

My Dad is sooo awesome and there is Tae decorating and Nat entertaining--gotta love it....

1996

Kelly finally joins the festivities---Tae's bow has to be the mother of all bows--don't ya think??!!

Evidence that Nat did decorate.....

1997

My Dad is my hero---what is Nat doing now???

Soooo--sorry to go on and on--but I am using my blog as motivation for journaling and I want this all recorded--the big thrill is that tomorrow is installment 3--woo-hoo!!!!!!!