Tuesday, December 9, 2008

It's beginning to feel alot like Winter!

Well today is Tuesday, December 9th so this shouldn't be a surprise. It was actually a bit wintry today. I believe the high was around 51. Okay so it's not freezing, but it was very windy and cool.

Tanner received good news last Friday from Dr. Landow. His mole that he had to have removed was not cancerous. This was a huge relief to him (and to me). He is trying out again this year for volleyball at Basic. His goal is to make Varsity. Tanner will be leaving early this Saturday to fly to New York for Christmas and a visit with his Dad for three weeks. He seems really excited.

Kyle was home this weekend. Of course, its NFR and that means "Cowboy Christmas". He went on Sunday (yes the sabbath, after all we live in Sin City) with Rich and Dawn to scope out the scene. Probably out "babe hunting" as well. He left and returned home on Monday. Dad was glad to have him back home. However, I quite miss having him around. He is doing really well in school and it really helps Dad having him there.

Justin, is still working at the fire extinguisher place as a fire technician. His goal is to get certified and be able to do the "ansel(?)" systems. I hope it works out for him, otherwise he needs to find a part-time job and fast.

Russell closed on his house about a week or so ago and has since moved in. I have yet to see it. He currently is in Orlando Florida for a week (I think).

I am still working for the school district and grateful to have this job. I am also very grateful to have health insurance. We have been using it a lot lately and am soo very happy to have it. I can't wait for Christmas to come. It is truly my favorite holiday!!! Jim and Mel, if you guys can't make it, we understand. Sometimes its nice just to be at home for the holidays and relax. Not to mention, you two have driving here 3 times this year. We love you!!

Okay well, it's off to the gym for the second time today. I've been working at getting the weight down. Since I went back to work, my lifestyle had changed and it's been an adjustment. Oh before I forget, Alisa went to the OB today and she is dilated to a 2 and the baby's head is down. So anytime!!

Friday, November 28, 2008

After the Feast!















Well yesterday was an amazing day. For me it started off with getting the turkey in the oven. Then off to the gym and a 90 min (yes 1 1/2 hrs) of spinning class. I had to be able to justify eating whatever I wanted. We held Thanksgiving at Bert & Alisa's. It was yummy!!! Both Alisa and I did turkeys and stuffing, there were mashed potatoes and gravy, banana apple salad, gingerbread pumpkin triffle, rolls, salad and brocolli. I'm sure I left something out. Oh yes, pies. Alisa and I made apple, pumpkin and a chocolate pecan pie. I couldn't eat any so I will be having desert today!!

Tanner and I went to the dermatologist on Wednesday. I had two moles removed, Tanner had to have a big one cut out of his back. Yucky! He had to get about 6-10 stiches on the inside and 6 on the outside. Sorry Jim.






It was our first Thanksgiving without Mom. She was missed alot!! Dad talked about Mom and told stories about when they were younger. We all laughed and had a super good time. It was a nice time. I actually didn't feel all that blue until today. So I got up and went to the stores (even though I didn't have any money) then I came home and cleaned my house. WOW what an exciting life I lead (not). I'm headed to get my hair cut and then to lunch with Dad.

Hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving!!


Love to all.....Christina

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Friday was the day!
















Friday 11-14-08 wasn't just the end of the work week this week. It was the day that Mom's headstone was set. Bert and I met at the cemetary and took pictures. It turned out to be a windy and cool day around 4:00 pm when we met there.

Bert brought BJ, RL and Mallory with him. Mallory is talking up a storm. She is soo cute. Then again, all Bert's kids are cute. I suppose that's mainly thanks to Alisa (lol). Just kidding Bert, don't freak out, I still love you!!

Dad went to Chicago last week for a job interview. I'm pretty confident he will get the job. He's got alot of knowledge in the area that he interviewed for. He said he had a great time and got to do some site seeing around downtown Chicago.

Justin is working with a local company that maintains fire extinguisher's. He would like to get certified and then make the BIG bucks. Kyle is now living with Dad in Hurricane. He is doing really well. Matter fact he got "tagged" for Saddies. Saddies is a girls reverse. The girl who "tagged" Kyle he doesn't even know her. How exciting for him!! Tanner, BJ and I went up there last weekend and had a blast hanging out with Dad and Kyle. Tanner is doing excellent in school. He got his driver's license and so far (knock on wood) no accidents!! (Did you knock on wood)Today Justin and Tanner are at Russell's riding the ATV's. Let's hope no one get's hurt.

My job is going well. I had my 3 month evaluation and it was very surprising to me how well they think I'm doing. I really like what I do. I wish it would move along a little faster as far as learning the BLM side of things. But patience is a virtue, which sometimes I lack. Justin and I have been going to the gym a few nights out of the week (I still go between 5-6 in the morning as well). I've got a goal to get about 20 pounds off. Since I started working (outside the home) I've put the mother load back on.


Well Saturday was UFC fight night. We went over to a friends house in our ward, had a feast and watched the fights. It's alot of fun and the whole family likes going and hanging out together. Well Tanner didn't go. Unfortunately Brock Lesnar beat Randy Couture. How could he not, he was 65 pds heavier. Oh well it was still a good time.
Here are some pictures of Alisa's "Surprise Baby shower on 11-8-08












Here's a few photos of Alisa's "Surprise" Baby Shower last Saturday 11-08-08.




































Saturday, November 1, 2008

The Beginning of the Holiday Season

I just love the Holiday Season. I sit here, however, and wonder.....where did October go. Woosh and it's now November. Halloween was a great day. Here in Nevada (for some of us) it was a holiday (Nevada Day). Awesome day for me!! Last night the streets in our subdivision were filled with tricker treaters. Some cute as a button and some WAY too old to be doing that stuff. I called Jim and we chatted for a bit. Laughed about an e-mail I had sent him. As we spoke I thought of Mom. Just that this is one of many "1st" without her.

I don't know about the weather were some of you are, but it has been warm here! It's November and it's still in the upper 80's-90's. Well Thanksgiving is next. Bert and I were discussing where to hold it this year. Bert wants to go to Hurricane, I want to have Dad and Kyle come here. So we will see. No matter where we have it, it will still be Thanksgiving. Justin will turn 20 just a few days before so maybe we can make it one big celebration.

I'm in training all next week (oh boy). The job is going well. I had my 90 day evaluation and it was a good one. There were several areas they had marked that I was excelling in. Yeah I'm a Price what do you expect. Well onto the next chapter. Jim & Mon, I really miss you guys. Hope all is well where you are. We send our love!!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Sunday! Sunday!

It's Sunday!!! I love Sunday's. Sleep in (only day of the week I get to), have breakfast (today I made bacon and french toast, weewee). Then I lounge until it's time to get ready for church. Our ward starts at 11:30. That's a good time to start, that way I get to sleep in.

Justin has been home almost two weeks. He's interviewed twice at Cumorah Credit Union. Put in alot of applications, Sportsman's Warehouse, Target, RideNow, etc. He is really hoping to get on at Cumorah. I told him he would fit in very well there. Let's keep our finger's crossed and keep praying.

Kyle & Tanner are in Hurricane with Dad this weekend. They went up to help repair the hot water heater that went out (so they say). Those sucker's are really expensive. Oh but the niceties of indoor plumbing. Kyle is working at the City of Henderson as a Therapeutic Recreation Assistant. He makes pretty good money and it's a pretty "cush" job. He still would rather be in Hurricane but sometimes in life you don't always get what you want. Tanner went out for soccer this fall. He hasn't played soccer since he was about 7 or 8. But he made the JV team and is really pretty good.

As far as Jim's blog, yes we called to check to see how you were weathering the storm. So we don't know Texas. But we still love you! Glad to hear that you all got a chuckle out of everyone.

Friday was a bit of an emotional day for me. I don't know why!!! That's a joke. Between my family and life in general, I've been WAY stressed out. So after work I decided to drive to the cemetery. It was WONDERFUL. I sat next to Mom with the warmth of the sun and a small breeze at my back and I cried. I felt a peace come over me as if she was there and understood what I was going through. I miss her. I know I've said that probably a thousand times. But that's how much I miss her.

Well it's nice that fall is approaching. The weather is starting to turn cooler (under 100 degrees) and it's nice to be able to get outdoors more often. Love to you all!

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Saturday's

What a wonderful day. Arose early and got in my daily exercise. Then cleaned the house. It's Saturday, of course. Then Shane took me to the movies and we saw "Momma Mia". I love musicals, I thought it was wonderful. Then for a nice healthy dinner, chicken lettuce wraps (mmm mmm good).

The boys (Kyle & Tanner) left Thursday morning with our Young Men's group to go to California. They went to Magic Mountain, the temple (which happened to be closed) and the beach. They returned home today and Kyle has just finished filling me in on all the fun. Tanner, of course, is hanging out with friends. See he's been gone all summer to NY and he has only a week before school starts.

Anyway, I just wanted to post before going to bed. I'm very grateful for my family. I'm grateful that everyone is healthy and happy. Alisa found out on Friday that she is having another girl (no Bert is not a happy camper.) He really wanted a little boy. I told them, hey just try again. But Alisa wasn't game for that idea.

Well, I've got to teach Relief Society tomorrow so a few moments of the olympics, then bed time.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Healing

Where to begin. There seems to be common "funk" (as Jim would call it) amongst some of us siblings. I feel fine one minute, then the next, ugh. Well, it's to be expected. Loosing someone that you love so much hurts. Even with the knowledge that we will be together again, it still leaves an empty void. Just the other day I thought I should call Mom and ask her opinion. Unfortunately, I can't.

Loosing Mom has made me take a deeper, stronger look at the way I treat people, the way I live my life, and the things I want to leave behind. I hope that my family, siblings, children, spouse all know how VERY much they mean to me. My siblings are my best friends. They have always been there for me. My children are inspiring to me. When I look at them, I think of how I want their lives to be better than mine. I try harder to be a better person. My spouse, what a wonderful (not perfect) person. He willing let my parents live with us for 5 months (appx). He would encourage me to take Mom and go for a ride or do something to spend time together. He has been there for me thru this mourning process. I am blessed to have such wonderful people in and sharing my life. I think as siblings we talk more and stay in tune with each other more than we did before.

I just started a new job with the Clark County School District. During this week of training I have realized what a blessing it has been for me to get this job. The District has been on a hiring freeze. That means no new employees hired. Yet I was hired the day of Mom's viewing (July 1). I believe that the Lord has been watching and taking care of our family.

Today Dad and I went to lunch. During lunch he told me he dreamed of Mom a couple nights ago. She was in the garden in Hurricane weeding and having a good time. She wasn't able to do this the last few years and it was something that she missed doing. Dad misses her tremendously. He tells me that almost every time we are together. Pray for him!!

God be with you til we meet again!!

Monday, June 30, 2008

Blessings

On Friday, June 27, 2008 at approximately 3:20 am, my Mom returned home to our Heavenly Father. She is at peace and free from pain, free from the cares of this world. I consider this a true blessing. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that on the other side to greet her were her parents, sisters and daughter. They welcomed her home with loving arms.

We are blessed to know and understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Atonement and the Plan of Salvation. We will be together again as an eternal family. This life here on earth is not the end. Our loving Savior has provided the way and simply asks us "Come Follow Me".

I have had the blessing of having my parents live with me since February. I have spent many hours with my Mom talking, shopping and spending quality time together. She loved to watch HGTV. She spent the last 5 years being a HUGE example to us, her children. Life hasn't always been easy for her. Even from the beginning she has had health issues. Some things I would have never known if she hadn't kept a journal. I now have a greater understanding of the importance of journal writing and plan to be more diligent in my efforts.

Dad is doing very well. Even better than expected. He does think his children are worrying too much about him, but how can you not worry about those you love so deeply. Today we are dressing Mom, doing her hair and makeup. This is something I have never done before and I am a little nervous. But I know that this is a huge blessing and I'm grateful she has asked me to be a part of it.

Last but not least. True love never ends. My parents were married for 47 years. In February at my niece, Nikki's wedding, I watched my parents dance for the last time in this earthly life. It brought back so many memories of dancing in the front room on Atlantic Street. Then a couple weeks ago at a friends funeral, I watched my parents hold hands as the song, "My Best Friend" was played. I watched them look lovingly into each other's eyes. I not only saw the love and admiration, but I felt it. These are things I will never forget. I will miss my Mom alot! She was one of my very best friends. I could call her and talk about anything. She has always been there for me. I love you Mom!

Christina

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

My Hero, My Mom

It has been a very long time since I blogged. Actually, I forgot my password and couldn't get logged on. There has been so many things going on that I just didn't think it a priority. I recently returned to a full-time job at Cumorah Credit Union. After just two short months as a FSR (teller) I applied and was awarded the job as Real Estate Loan Service Rep. So no more running around like a chicken with my head cut off.

The boys are doing good and looking forward to a fun and relaxing summer. Justin and Kyle are both home for a while. Tanner is getting ready to leave for a summer visit with his Dad in New York.

The main reason for my post is my Mom. She was taken to the hospital on 6-18 via ambulance. The ER doctor informed us that she might not make it through the night. Mom had 103 degree temp and a very bad infection. Well she did make it through the night, but in alot of pain dispite their efforts to get it under control. On Thursday evening Dr. Parik, Mom's oncologist came in and had a very lengthy discussion with her. Mom made the choice to discontinue chemo treatments that night. She said she was tired.

On Friday morning her condition deteriorated dramatically. She could no longer speak or suck on a straw. Then Hospice came in and arrangements were made for her to be moved to Odyssy Hospice. She has been there ever since. Ironic as it sounds, she is in the same room that her mother passed away in. They have made her very comfortable and have taken very good care of her. My Mom is a fighter. She has battled Ovarian Cancer for over 5 years. She has been an example to all who know her that you should never give up. She is, in my eyes a success story. Cancer can do alot of things to you, but it can't take hope away, it can't take your faith away and it can't take love away.

Tomorrow is my Dad's 65th Birthday. I know how much they love each other. They have been married for 47 years. Talk about a true love story. I know no matter what happens, my Mom is going home soon to our Father in Heaven. There she will be greated by her parents, sisters and her daughter, Audrey. She will be in no more pain and has passed the test of this life. Mom, I love you! Thanks for always being there for me and teaching me everything that has made the woman, mother, wife, sister and friend that I am today! I will miss you!

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Reflecting!

Well its Sunday evening. I just turned off the last playoff game for the weekend. To sum up the football, Dallas got beat by the Giants and the Colts lost to the Chargers. I was a tad peeved that the Colts didn't win, but life will continue.

Had a fantastic week!! Some of the highlights were that Alisa, myself and a bunch of girls from Alisa's ward went to the movies and saw "P.S. I Love You". AWESOME CHICK FLICK. I'm so glad we had Rebecca Gibson along. She cried through the whole movie (just about) so no one could hear my muffled little sobs. There were about 10-12 of us. Then Saturday Alisa and I spent the day together, going to a baby shower for Callie (Gibson) Lamourex (?) and my niece, Nikki's bridal shower. I know I ate well yesterday.

Update on Mom's condition. She had chemo on Thursday (10th) and her markers are continuing to drop (about 500 points since her last chemo 3 weeks earlier). She told the Doctors as long as it was working, she would continue to fight. What an inspiration!!

Justin had shoulder surgery on Monday (7th). He had a Bankart Lesion repair done and will be in recovery for 6 weeks. Then he has several months worth of physical therapy. He heads back to college this week. He has started going back to church and is making some very positive adjustments in his life. Keep up the good work Son!

Kyle got his driver's license just before Christmas. Whenever he comes to visit he thinks my car is his. He came down on Thursday with my folks. This is his Junior year in High School and he is doing well. He has a horse named Sugar. Two days before Christmas she aborted her colts. Come to find out she would've had twins. So Kyle was a little bummed but he can try breeding her again later this Spring.

Tanner is doing well. He is a Sophomore in High School. His grades this year have been the best I've ever seen. All I know is these kids have grown up WAY TOO FAST!

I've applied at the City of Henderson for their Secretary I position and test on the 22nd. I really need some steady income at this time and hope the Lord blesses our family. Wish me luck!