Lark's Nest

Christmas Pictures:

2012-01-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

This is my brother, Lawrence Lee Shattuck, Jr and his wife, Kathy, and their son, Lawrence

Dad and Charlette - Christmas 2011

Baby Blessing

2012-01-12T10:56:00.001-07:00

Kenzington Rose Leavitt

Baby Blessing: November 27, 2011

Pictured: Greg, Axton, Breonne, Kenzington

Brantley, Tasha, Stephen, Lark, Breonne &Kenzington, Greg, Axton, Logan, Lydia & Heidi, Theron

A move to . . . .

2012-01-10T14:29:00.000-07:00

Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington

for Theron. A new job/positon also means that Heidi, Logan and Lydia will also be moving :0(

This is a great opportunity for Theron's career but we sure are going to miss having them close to us.

Ryleigh at her dance recital

2011-12-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

Very cute!

Waiting to perform

She must have been awesome!!

Sea World Ice Show - 2011 - Florida . . . more pics of Rachel

2011-12-12T16:37:00.001-07:00

Rachel is on the right

Rachel - front and center

Rachel is second in line

Rachel - 2011

She sure looks like she is having a blast performing and getting paid to do it.

Rachel

2011-12-06T15:59:00.003-07:00

Rachel is involved with the skating on ice show again this year. She is on the far right side.

Sea World Ice Show - December 2011

It's about time...

2011-11-01T17:41:00.006-06:00

I am still trying to figure this blogging thing out... but here are some recent photos of what has been going on in Brantley and Tasha's lives. Graduation, July 2011!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T14:12:00.004-06:00

Lydia, purple owl and Logan, a fireman

(Theron and Heidi's young ins)

Diesel

Ryleigh
(Derek & Jeanine's young ins)

Axton is the pirate on the far right
The other two are cousins: Brooklyn and JJ

Bree holding Kenzington who is a jail bird - her shirt says
"I've Been Inside for 9 months"

(Breonne & Greg's young ins)

She's here . . .

2011-08-12T11:47:00.001-06:00

Kenzington Rose

7 lbs 3 oz
August 11, 2011

A what?

2011-08-10T13:11:00.003-06:00

So Stephen and I called Ryleigh last night to wish her a happy birthday and to hear all about her big day. When I asked what she received as presents, the first thing she told me about was this:

only she called it a fart cushion. When I repeated it to her and said "a F A R T cushion?" she immediately burst into laughter which made me laugh - then she went on to tell me about a goo substance - sort of like play dough only when it's in the can and you stick your finger in it - it makes a F A R T I N G sound and we had another big laugh. When I asked her where she got to go to dinner for her birthday meal she said "I don't remember what it is called but it's the place with the bird and they bring meat around on sticks". Derek confirmed that they did go to:

All in all - I think Ryleigh had a great 6th birthday!

Look who is turning 6 yrs old today:

2011-08-09T10:18:00.000-06:00

Ryleigh with some of her closest friends.

At the birthday venue

Look at the cake that Jeanine made for Ryleigh - isn't it awesome!!!

Ryleigh's birthday gift - that dad sweated buckets over putting it together in just a couple of hours

Happy Birthday Ryleigh - grandma Lark and grandpa Steve love you!

Wedding Bells:

2011-07-20T14:25:00.003-06:00

Bishop Misseldine, Charlette, Dad - June 20, 2011

Being Married

Kissing the Bride

Their Wedding Cake

Yellowstone Park - Charlette - July 18, 2011

Dad traveled back to Jacksonville Arkansas with Charlette's son who was out west because he brought his son out to attend BYU - Provo. After a long drive straight through, Dad arrived at Charlette's home on Sunday, June 19. They then called the Bishop to see how soon he could marry them and he suggested the next day, Monday, at 5:30 pm. So, first thing Monday morning they headed down to the court house to purchase a marriage license. When they showed up at the Bishop's home, they found a few of the ward members there (apparently, the Bishop got on the phone to spread the word). Charlette's daughter, Billie, and her son, Charlie, were able to attend along with Charlette's daughter-in-law and Charlette's aunt. They had a simple ceremony and then celebrated with a few friends from the ward who had purchased them a cake. Afterwards, several of them went out to dinner together.

All in all, it was a very nice day for Dad and Charlette.

Done Deal . . .

2011-06-21T16:42:00.002-06:00

Dad did hop a ride to Little Rock AR with Charlette's son. They left about 5:00 am on Saturday, June 18 and arrived in Jacsonville around 9:00 am on Sunday. Dad and Charlette have gotten reaquainted in person and called the Bishop on Sunday evening to ask him to marry them. Bishop was elated and set the appointment for Monday, June 20 at 5:30 pm at his home. Dad and Charlette got a marriage liscense on Monday and went to the Bishop's house. Bishop must have been excited for dad and Charlette as he invited the whole ward to attend. They had a small ceremony followed by a party/reception and then out to dinner with a few. Sounds like everything went really well. Dad said that they were given a disc with pictures - can't wait to see it.

Congratulations to Dad and Charlette. Looking forward to meeting Charlette. SOON, I hope.

This is the same ward and same Bishop that mom and dad served with while on their mission - so dad has a lot of friends still and everyone was happy to see him. According to dad, the Bishop and several others are trying to talk him and Charlette into making their home there and not in St. George. We'll see what the two of them decide. Stay tuned!

Dad's visit:

2011-06-13T09:27:00.003-06:00

Robin and I went down to St. George to see dad (grandpa). While there, we went to Zion's Park and then over to Bryce Canyon. We all had a good time and I think dad really appreciated getting out. Dad has been in a depressed state of mind for a while which prompted the visit. I think it did dad a lot of good to be out and about and in the sunlight. He has been held up in his "man cave" and even his doctor ordered him to spend one hour a day sitting in the sunshine.

While there, dad's car was not driving well so I told him that he was going to follow us to Salt Lake City where Derek could get his car into a shop where they could determine what the heck was going on with it. I didn't want dad out driving by himself so he basically had no choice than to follow us, no excuses. Derek was able to get the car into a shop on Tuesday and they were able to fix the problems in one day. While in SLC, dad rode around with Derek on his route and quite enjoyed himself.

On Thursday, June 2 dad showed up at our house. He's been here for a little over a week and I think he's ready to head for home today. His visit here has been eventful to say the least. . .

Ever since mom (grandma) died he has been in contact by phone with several of his friends including a few from their mission in Arkansas, one lady in particular! Charlette is her name and she lost her husband about 8 months prior to us losing mom. Dad and Charlette have talked on the phone all these months and have become quite good friends. Apparently, feelings have developed between them and Charlette has/had the opportunity to come out west to see dad. Up until yesterday, Sunday, June 12 - Charlette was coming for a visit, her grandson will be attending BYU - Provo and his parents are driving him out and invited Charlette to join them. Dad, was excited to hear that they where coming and that he and Charlette would meet up in SLC. The visit quickly went from seeing each other for lunch to having her stay a while and flying her home to just simply having her stay!

All of a sudden, I was in the middle of helping them figure things out, the biggest challenge was that of planning a wedding and small reception. WOW.

Charlette was packing her things and she was bringing as much as she could with her on the road trip out here. The plan was to live in St. George and at some point, go back to Arkansas to visit and have a small reception back there with her family and friends.

However, everything is now on hold right now. Charlette has an aunt that she sort of takes care of. This aunt has had a leg amputated due to diebetes. The aunt has been so supportive of Charlette's decision to marry dad and come out west but yesterday morning, Charlette's uncle colasped while feeding the chickens and was ambulanced to the hospital. Apparently, he has lung cancer and Charlette cannot leave while all of this is going on with her aunt and uncle. Charlette's family (son and grandson) left this morning for Provo without her.

I have seen my dad go from giddy like a teenager to sad and depressed all in one week. He was so giddy at the thought of her coming out and them getting married to sad that it hasn't worked out. He's struggling a bit right now.

I think the alternative plan right now is for Charlette's son to meet dad on his return trip home - he'll drive home via St. George. The son and daughter-in-law will stop in St. George to meet dad and Dad will then either hop in their vehicle and travel back to Arkansas with them or he will drive his own car, following them. I do not want dad to make the 1400 mile trip by himself. If dad goes to Arkansas - they will have the wedding and reception there and then at some point they will travel out here and have a small reception here. Eventually, the plan is to live in St. George.

Doctor makes house call . . .

2011-05-20T10:48:00.002-06:00

Stephen went to bed early last night but woke up an hour later in excruciating pain in the eye. He was like a wounded animal in a round room. We didn't know what to do and I didn't want another ER experience this month, so at 10:30 pm I made the decision to call Dr. Hatch at home. He talked with Stephen and decided that he would come over to the house and exam Stephen's eye. Wow! Because he only lives about 2 miles from us, coming to the house was closer than the office. Dr. Hatch was able to get the protective lens off of Stephen's eye and then he was able to get some numbing drops in it along with several applications of a steroid drop. After about 1/2 hr, Stephen's eye began to settle down. Dr. Hatch said that the protective lens had gotten dried out even though Stephen was putting drops in his eye. The solution just wasn't getting under the lens and that the eye and the lens were working against each other causing the blood vessels in his eye to expand. I spent the night waking Stephen up every 2 hrs so that he could put the steroid drops into his eye. Thankfully, his eye was feeling pretty good this morning so he was able to go into work.

I was hopeful that the rain had stopped!

2011-05-16T16:51:00.002-06:00

Stephen went back to work today! yeah! Until I received a phone call from him this afternoon. I really hate phone calls from Stephen during the day time hours. It's always bad news. He called to tell me that he got a piece of dirt in his eye, under his contact and that he needed to see the eye doctor. I went and picked him up from work at 3:30 pm and took him directly to the eye doctor. Guess what? He tore is cornea. One of the worst cases the eye doctor has seen in a long time. Doctor Hatch had to go in to the eye and remove all torn issue and place a protective lens on his eye. Stephen has to put antibiotic drops in his eye every two hrs along with some numbing medicine. Yes, Dr. Hatch wants to take Stephen off of work for a few days but we begged him not to. So, understanding our situation, Dr. Hatch has agreed to let him work tomorrow and will re-exam Stephen's eye tomorrow. Everyone - pray for healing!!!

A few Wedding Pictures:

2011-05-05T10:54:00.003-06:00

Natasha & Brantley - Wedding - February 18, 2011

Brantley and Tasha - Rexburg Temple - February 18, 2011

Brantley & Tasha - Wedding Reception

When it Rains, it pours!

2011-04-25T10:36:00.003-06:00

Last Friday my dad called me to tell me that his refrigerator quit working yet again. We've had the refrigerator fixed twice in the last three months. This time, there was no fixing it. I sent out an e-mail to my siblings as we would all have to pitch in to purchase dad a new refrigerator and much to my surprise and delight - my youngest brother, Drake, drove down to St. George on Saturday and he took dad to look at refrigerators. Drake bought dad a new refrigerator and had it delivered to the house and the old one hauled off! Wow - I'm so please with my brother for stepping up to the plate and taking care of dad! Drake also bought dad $200 of groceries!

Not Again!

2011-04-25T10:30:00.003-06:00

Last Thursday night after working at the Temple I came home to a husband that was in pain. It had rained and snowed all day long and his boots were wet. When he got home and stepped on our hard wood kitchen floor, he slipped and fell forward, landed on his knee and then fell sort of backwards but his left foot did not move with him. So, into the ER we went and the x-ray showed a small break in his foot just below the little toe. Yes, Stephen is back in a soft cast and off work yet again! He goes into the podiatrist on Wednesday to see what the long term outcome will be. The only good news at this point is that the podiatrist said it was not a bad break, more like the bone flaked and most people can recover from that type of injury fairly fast. We'll see.

Kids Rooms

2011-04-11T09:06:00.002-06:00

We have to take advantage of the cool weather while we can so for me that meant painting. I bought all of the stuff to do Axton's room last spring but Greg refused to paint because we couldn't open the windows and let it air out because it was already to stinking hot! So we finally got around to it last month! I decided to make Axton's room easy on us and only painted with one color. We were going to do red like Uncle Brantley's room but I didn't want to risk another unfinished project. Axton was disappointed it wasn't like Uncle Brantley's room but I think he's over it now.

Last week we worked on baby girl's room. Greg painted the green for me and then I free handed all of the flowers to match her bedding. It took me almost a week to finish painting all of those and by the end I was burnt out and refused to do a second coat that was probably needed on a few colors. Oh well. Overall I think it turned out well. It's helping me come to terms with all the girliness that's going to happen to our household. Pink and purple everything (with flowers) here we come!

New Car

2011-03-26T08:27:00.003-06:00

In December Greg was in need of a new car. He wanted an SUV but also needed good gas mileage since he does A LOT of driving for work. We decided on the the Chevy Equinox and it is the very first brand new car we have bought, it had 2 whole miles on it! I know buying brand new cars can be a waste of money but a year or two older was still selling for almost the exact same price and we got a great deal on our trade in plus some money off the car itself. Unfortunately we now have a car payment again, but the money we save on gas every month, especially now with gas prices, pays for our car payment.

Zaycon Foods:

2011-03-02T10:44:00.004-07:00

Here is a new company that sells fresh meat directly to consumers. You have to buy by the case (which is 40 lbs) and the meat is fresh, never frozen. Once you get your order, then you can divide out the meat in portions that your family will use and freeze. Right now, their chicken is selling for $1.59 a lb.

Here is the link: http://www.zayconfoods.com/refer/zf16935

Heidi - we may want to go together to purchase a case and try it out. My friend, Terri Griggs, has alreay purchased from this company and she has been very pleased with the product.

Bree - maybe you and some of your friends will want to do the same.

Oh man, another tooth!

2011-02-08T15:36:00.003-07:00

Look at all those missing teeth.

Ryleigh, the tooth fairy must have your address memorized!

Charcot Foot:

2011-02-04T15:06:00.004-07:00

This is what Stephen has been diagnosed with. Yes, you guessed it - Stephen is back in a boot for his left foot. The foot is not broken but is swollen and all black and blue from the big toe to the heal. Dr put him back in the boot and off work for 10 days (Jan 24 - Feb 4), he had a follow up today and still no improvement so now he is off work for a month!

I don't know where this will lead us, what path we will now travel but I'm trying to keeping my chin up.

Here is more information from the internet:
www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/charcot-foot.htm

Pictures of Stephen's daughter:

2011-02-02T13:01:00.008-07:00

Rachel

Rachel on the ice - solo competition

Rachel in a performance on ice

Rachel - Dance Performance on Ice
(she's the second one on the left)

Holiday Ice Spectacular

(Rachel is the third from the left)

Here are a few Pictures of our newly Engaged Couple:

2011-01-28T15:33:00.006-07:00

2011-01-14T15:41:00.001-07:00

Ryleigh Lyn Shattuck

5 yrs old - Kindergarten picture

Preschool

2011-01-11T16:22:00.003-07:00

Axton got accepted into the school district preschool which is 4 days a week for 2 1/2 hours each day. He will go until next January when they will re-evaluate him and see if he still qualifies for it. Today was his first day and he loved it, so did I. It will be a nice break for when the baby comes in August.

His first day!

Greg bought the backpack, it has Spiderman, Wolverine, and I think Iron Man? Axton loves it even if he doesn't know who any of the characters are.

Wedding Date:

2010-12-08T13:11:00.001-07:00

The wedding will be: Friday, February 18 at 12:00 noon in the Rexburg Temple

Natasha's endowment session will be: Tuesday, February 15th at 6:45 pm - Rexburg Temple

What is this?

2010-12-07T09:13:00.007-07:00

A meeting of the minds - what's our game plan?

We've got Theron, Stephen, and Brantley all working on this project . . . what can it be?

Finally, can you read what it says?

Will u Marry me

Natasha & Brantley - the newly, very happily engaged couple!

Lydia's 1st Birthday:

2010-11-19T10:01:00.008-07:00

Birthday girl being really snugly with grandma. (I hate pictures of myself)

Family picture: Heidi, Lydia, Logan, Theron

Time for presents.

Lydia seems to like her gift from grandma & grandpa! Yeah

Just after singing happy birthday with the candle lit, Lydia reached out for the light of the candle, she succeeded and ended up burning her little finger. Mom was fast, just not fast enough.

She didn't cry long but wasn't sure she wanted to touch the cupcake again.

Happy Birthday to Brantley boy . . .

2010-11-19T09:50:00.005-07:00

Logan was asking uncle Brantley a question . . .

Brantley holding up the cologne he received - the newest stuff from the Buckle! It smells pretty good.

Brantley receiving a nice brown sweater - he's such a clothes hog. I knew I was safe with buying him clothing.

The girl . . . her name is Natasha Rudd. She and Brantley have been dating exclusively since the end of August. Is she the one?

Continuation of Dad's House:

2010-11-18T12:43:00.008-07:00

This is looking into the bathroom from the hall and you can see that the tub is about to be taken out. The toilet is already gone and so is the vanity and sink. Yes, that is a blue tub - we won't miss the blue tub, blue toilet, and blue sink!

In this picture you can see that all of the tile around the shower area has been removed and we are back to just the 2 x 4 boards with the plumbing exposed.

This is the storage room downstairs below the bathroom. Yes, it's been gutted as well and this view is looking up in the corner - you can see the piping for the toilet.

This is the bottom of the storage room and looking into the crawl space. All of the drywall is gone.

Dad's House:

2010-11-17T16:28:00.004-07:00

The month of October was a long and trying month for me concerning dad's house in Rexburg. We had just moved in new tenants and after being in the house only 6 weeks, the tenants reported a water leak/mold damage problem in the bathroom. Because of the mold, the tenants promptly moved themselves out of the house and in to a hotel at our expense. From there, I had to go into the home with an insurance adjuster to asses the damage and get a claim started. The house was a wreck - there was dirty laundry in every room, trash in every room, left over food in every room and just down right filthy! I was so upset by their filthy way of life that I proceeded with a 3-day notice to have the premises cleaned. I also proceeded with getting to the heart of the bathroom problem. The company that came in to abate the mold and solve the water issues were very good to work with but the tenants kept coming by the house and hassling them about the mold and what type of proof could this company provide the tenants with so that they could sue us for health damages. When the company told them that they didn't have grounds to sue, things got ugly and the company refused to continue to work on the house unless the tenants were out - completely moved out, never to return. Because the tenants had done some damage to the interior of the home, I was able to legally proceed with eviction. Long and short of it all, the house is now empty, the bathroom is gutted and the work to put it all back together is now going forward.
Damage done to the kitchen area - tenants didn't like the wallpaper and decided to start peeling it off.

This is a bedroom that was wallpapered with matching curtains. The tenants decided to paint this room bubble gum pink and they painted right over the wallpaper!

Have you spotted the Gingerbread Man?

2010-11-12T13:36:00.003-07:00

Ryleigh's kindergarten class needs postcards sent to her class from family members saying they spotted the gingerbread man.

Sounds like this is a fun assignment and I'll be excited to hear how many sightings were sent in.

Halloween with Ryleigh

2010-11-08T16:49:00.008-07:00

Ryleigh and Diesel - Halloween 2010

(Ryleigh is 5 yrs old and Diesel is 15 wks)

Ryleigh in her Utah Cheerleading outfit for Halloween 2010.

Those pom poms even light up!

Derek holding Diesel while Ryleigh is handing out

candy to the trick or treaters.

(Derek - almost 30 yrs old and Diesel is 15 wks)

The Big 30!!!

2010-11-03T09:17:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday to Derek today! He's out of his twenties and on to his thirties! Wow, where did the time go?

Weekend Get Away:

2010-11-01T13:19:00.003-06:00

WorldMark Wolf Creek Resort

A friend of mine was having a mini family reunion at the Wolf Creek Resort in Eden, Ut (just outside of Ogden towards Huntsville) this past weekend when he got a call from one of his brothers saying that something had come up at work and they would not be able to attend. The brother then offered their condo up to anyone whom my friend could find.

I'm glad Stephen and I were able to take advantage of this fun weekend get away, all expenses paid to spend some alone time together. Thanks Russ!

In memory of my mom:

2010-10-14T11:34:00.004-06:00

Today marks the one year point of my mother's passing. In some ways it is very hard to believe that I haven't been able to speak to her for a whole year. In other ways I am surprised that a full year has passed.

My children comment often on how much I am becoming more and more like my mom. Brantley will say - "that is such a Jacque comment" or "that is so Jacque". This actually pleases me as I know that each of my children have a great deal of love and respect for grandma Jacque.

I love my mom, I always have, I always will.

New Family member:

2010-09-28T13:41:00.006-06:00

Introducing: Diesel - 10 weeks old - Olde English Bulldog

Ryleigh & Diesel

Side view - shows his Brindle coloring

Derek & Jeanine's new baby boy!!!

Fire in Herriman - Too close for comfort:

2010-09-20T14:17:00.008-06:00

From KSL.com:

The fire broke out at the Camp Williams machine gun range during a training exercise around noon Sunday. Unified Fire Authority was notified around 3:30 p.m.

Firefighters worked Monday to get control of a large wildfire that burned three houses and 3,500 acres, forced the evacuation of 1,652 homes and closed seven schools in Herriman.

Early Monday officials thought four houses had burned in the fire but now they say one of those was an outbuilding. Several sheds, recreational vehicles and at least one water pump house were damaged or destroyed in the fire area.

About 5,000 residents were affected by mandatory evacuations. Herriman city now says evacuations have been lifted at The Cove at Herriman Springs, Valley View, Shoshone Hills, Fort Herriman Cove, Overlook, and Herriman Heights.

More than 150 firefighters are battling the fire from the ground. Two air tankers and two helicopters are dropping fire retardant,13 bulldozers are creating fire break lines between developments and the blaze, and 17 fire engines are spread around the fire's perimeter.

All of this took place just 4 blocks south of Derek & Jeanine's home. They started packing their most valuable items last night in case the evacuation patrol came knocking on their door. Ryleigh didn't understand why they packed everything up and then didn't leave. Derek says their house wreaks of smoke - they'll have to wash walls, shampoo carpets, wash all of their clothing and air out their furniture. Too close for comfort that is for sure!

Family Wedding:

2010-08-16T10:32:00.012-06:00

Friday, August 13, 2010
Marriage of: Cameron Busch (nephew) & Ila Lund

Cameron walking his mother, Robin, (my sister) down the isle with his dad, Terry, following. The beginning of the ceremony.

Ila's brother, Orlan, walking her down the stairs to where her dad waits.

Ila and her dad, Knute.
The Bride's walk down the isle

Ceremony finished - Mr. & Mrs. Cameron Busch

Terry, Ila, Cameron, Robin

Misc.

2010-08-09T11:21:00.005-06:00

This is what Branley is doing with his summer time off - tough life! Thanks to his friends, he gets to go and do fun stuff like this on a regular basis.

The long road trip home from Texas - this is after Cody's reception, notice the teal ties! All tuckered out - Brantley & Andrew. (Where are the safety belts, boys?)

Our weekend in SLC:

2010-07-30T14:14:00.003-06:00

Fun at the spray area at the GateWay Mall in downtown SLC. Logan had fun as long as uncle Derek kept a hold of him. Ryleigh ran all around and even made a new friend who appears in these pictures.

My niece, Samantha:

2010-07-22T10:12:00.005-06:00

(Samantha is my brother, Drake's, daughter)
This is a picture of Samantha's staples after her brain surgery on June 29, 2010. Samantha's story: at age eight Samantha suffered a stroke just prior to Thanksgiving of that year. She remained in the hospital until Christmas Eve. She had another major stroke at age 11. Since that time she has had a few minor strokes but nothing that hospitalized her for long periods of time. Over the years she has lost the use of her right hand for writing, for holding a plate, those types of things. Back in Feb or March Samantha had another stroke which put her in the hospital for a week. The doctors have never really known why she tends to stroke but this last time the neurosurgeon did give her a diagnoses of MoyaMoya syndrome (you can google this and read about it). The only way to fix her problem was to have brain surgery and the doctors in SLC would not touch it, too complicated but the outlook for Samantha was not good if she did not have surgery. She would continue to stroke and would continue to loose function and one day, she would die from a stroke. They found a surgeon in CA at Stanford University who was willing to review Samantha's case and he agreed to perform the surgery. This is a life saving surgery but it was not without very high risks. Samantha was in surgery from 8 am until 5:30 pm. The doctors were able to untangle the mass of veins in her head, cut some away, and re-route others. While in surgery the surgeon found 8 blood clots waiting to do their damage - those 8 clots were removed. A month out of surgery Samantha is doing great, she has a new lease on life.

Derek's New Project:

2010-07-21T15:25:00.002-06:00

This is a picture of Derek's new project. His plans are to completely restore this truck, inside and out.

These are the seats - all new upholstery.

Lilies:

2010-07-14T15:54:00.002-06:00

Here is a picture of my lilies this year - they are finally starting to really take off. It's too bad the blooms or the flower doesn't last very long - just a few short weeks.

Fire Sky:

2010-07-14T15:46:00.005-06:00

This was the sky over our home last night. A fire started out in the desert at the INL (Idaho National Laboratories) and the wind was blowing so the fire clouds blew into our area and north. Our sky overhead was really unique.

Jury Duty

2010-06-24T09:49:00.002-06:00

I've just been called to serve for a 6 month period of time for jury duty! July 1 - December 31. I may have to serve several times or none at all depending on what is happening in the Judicial District. It'll be interesting if I actually get called in to serve on a jury.

Top 100 in the Nation:

2010-06-21T15:02:00.003-06:00

Derek would never post this in a million years but his momma is proud and thought he should be recognized for a job well done. Derek was one of Snap-On's top 100 salesmen in the nation for 2009. This is a plaque that he was presented with at a regional dinner.

This ring is like getting a ring in the Superbowl only it's specially for Snap On. I wish the picture was more clear. Job well done Derek!

Princess Cinderella:

2010-06-21T14:52:00.003-06:00

Above are pictures of Ryleigh's newly painted Cinderella bedroom.

Tooth Fairy:

2010-06-21T14:46:00.004-06:00

Ryleigh was trying to open a bag of chips with her teeth and to her surprise, her bottom tooth just sort of laid over but didn't come out. It was only a couple of days later when the final root gave way and her tooth popped out. Ryleigh was convinced that she was going to catch the tooth fairy and keep her in a jar in her room. Sadly that tooth fairy was way too fast but she did leave Ryleigh a nice shiny gold coin.

Rodeo anyone?

2010-06-21T14:32:00.002-06:00

There was a rodeo a couple of weeks ago out near where Derek and Jeanine live and they took Ryleigh, above is a picture of her all dressed up as a cowgirl. Her mom bought her the hat and belt but wasn't about to pay $30 for the boots. At home later that night after shopping for the hat and belt, here came Ry with her piggy bank, dumped the contents out on their bed and asked if she had enough money to buy the boots. Apparently, she did. Too cute!

Our 1999 Honda Accord:

2010-06-10T12:14:00.002-06:00

Last weekend our car turned over the odometer to 200,000 miles - we are hoping for another 50,000 before we have to replace the car and hoping that will be a least another year, plus.

Brantley will be driving it to Portland OR next weekend for Grant Gannaway's wedding. The transmission seems to clunk every now and then so we are hoping that he doesn't experience any car trouble. It's almost to the point where I wonder if we should drive the car long distance but we do plan to drive the car until it's dead.

Hooray . . .Wahoo . . .

2010-06-09T15:28:00.001-06:00

Wahoo . . . .Hooray . . .Our Prayers have been answered!!! Stephen passed his 3 hr physical therapy test with Dr. Huntsman in Idaho Falls and returns to work tomorrow, June 10. He’ll be working 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, M – F for the next couple of weeks. No weekend work and no shift work at this point. All of a sudden, regardless of what is happening outside – we feel like the sun is shining in our world, very hopeful. Stephen just needs to remain injury free. We have bought him some new work shoes and are doing all that we can to maintain the health of his feet. The physical therapist also suggested that he exercise more and do more stretching to get better flexibility in his upper body, especially his shoulders. The therapist says that Stephen’s upper body mobility needs to be strengthened and the only way to increase that is through regular exercise, not necessarily weight training or strenuous workouts but just consistency. The 9 months of being off of his feet for healing has weakened him in other areas but will be regained through exercise.

Couch

2010-06-01T14:41:00.004-06:00

We went "looking" for a new couch and like it often does we ended up buying one! I was very surprised that Greg gave in so easily and let me buy it. But like he said, the money was just sitting there, and it isn't going to get any cheaper for what we wanted since it had to be customized so might as well enjoy it now!

This is the couch we will have for the next 10-15 years at least, as long as the kids don't get ahold of it. And we won't be moving anywhere in those years either because I don't know if it would fit in another house. For every two seats it's the equivalent of 3 normal seats since they are oversized. So basically it ended up being the same as 4 couches plus the wedge seat. It's 15'x15'.

His and her's recliners right next to each other so we can cuddle while watching movies in style.

All of our pens, markers, and scissors are now way beyond Axton's reach. He has already had the "discussion" of what is and isn't ok to do on the new couch, several times. Let's just hope and pray that it holds up!

Progress. . .finally

2010-04-29T12:49:00.003-06:00

Stephen went to his podiatrist yesterday and finally, a big smile from Dr. Barton, he is seeing progress and is now transitioning Stephen from the boot/cast in to shoes. Just an hour the first day, two hrs the next and so on. Stephen is on schedule to return to work May 17.

Hurdle:
Basic American Foods is now telling us that they will require Stephen to visit a podiatrist in Idaho Falls, a doctor hired by the company, to put him through a 3 hr stress test on his feet to make sure he can return to work. They have never required this type of testing of other employees at the Rexburg plant but have done it at their plants in Shelley and Blackfoot.

I guess we will see what happens.

Legacy Drawer:

2010-04-27T16:34:00.004-06:00

With the passing of my mom and then having to step in and help my dad with his financial matters, I have been thinking a lot about the following:

A Legacy Drawer is a drawer or box in your house with all the important papers that your family needs if something happens to you. It contains everything: your last will and testament, insurance policies, funeral instructions, mutual fund statements, passports, budgets, birth certificates, marriage certificates, passwords, and most importantly, instructions of who you would like to take care of minor aged children —everything that your spouse and family would need to know if you weren't around. It is also organized in such a way that a nine-year-old could open it up and find any given document in 30 seconds.
What's the Point?
There are a few big reasons to have a Legacy Drawer:
• Leave no hassle or fuss. When you die, your family will be overcome with grief. The last thing they need at that point is to have to sort through a mess of papers and forms to find out what happens to your estate. By organizing everything into one simple place, they can find what they need when they need it without getting stressed out.
• Organize other areas of your life. When you realize that you don't have a monthly budget (one of the things that goes into the Legacy Drawer), it can motivate you to sit down with your spouse and make one. Also, a Legacy Drawer can get you to open up emotionally to your family. You should consider writing a letter to each of your family members (spouse, children) and say all the things that you want them to know should you suddenly not be here to say them in person.
• Communicate with your family. If you communicate to your spouse, children or other loved ones about what to do with your things when you die, it can help you talk to them about other important things.

Having been through the process of trying to locate a vehicle title, mom and dad's marriage license, ordering medications for my dad, examining the simplest things like his cell phone account, having a Legacy Drawer would have helped immensely.

I encourage everyone to put one together. ASAP!

(Thanks to Dave Ramsey for this advice in one of his financial newsletters)

Gurrrrrr . . .

2010-04-07T16:21:00.005-06:00

Dr. Barton spoke with Stephen today on the phone and this is what we learned: he took Stephen's last 3 x-rays with him to the hospital and had the radiologist take a look at them and the two doctors together have come to the conclusion that Stephen's foot is NOT healing like it should be therefore, Dr. Barton is probably not going to release Stephen to return to work for at least another month, maybe two.

I could just S C R E A M ....
this is me screaming!!!!

April Fools!

2010-04-02T09:21:00.002-06:00

Stephen is NOT back to work - yesterday was April Fools day and that was the best I could come up with.

Stephen did have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday and he took more x-rays. The foot is healing but it's slow. The doctor is now saying that Stephen can forget the crutches, stay in the boot, and then next week he can start putting on his shoe and walking around but he still needs to be careful and not over do things. The new target for getting him back to work is April 19.

Stephen is BACK to Work!!!

2010-04-01T13:23:00.000-06:00

Mini Vacation:

2010-03-25T14:27:00.003-06:00

While visiting Bree we were able to go to the Phoenix Zoo. It was quite the sight - Greg pushed my dad around in a wheel chair, Bree pushed Stephen around in a wheel chair, and I pushed Axton around in his stroller. We had a fun day. The weather was perfect. I even got a small sunburn.

Overall, we had a great visit with Bree, Greg, & Axton. Loved seeing their home - our first visit since they purchased the home.

The drive - too long - I think we'll fly next time.
Forgot our camera so no pictures, DANG!

Snap Decision:

2010-03-16T15:43:00.002-06:00

Just today Stephen and I decided to go visit Bree! Beings Stephen still has a couple of weeks off work because of his foot, now is the time to go visit Bree, Greg, and Axton. We'll leave Thursday and return next Tuesday. We've decided to drive down so we plan to stop in St. George and pick up dad and take him with us! Brantley will stay home because of school and hold down the fort!

3 MORE weeks!

2010-03-10T16:38:00.002-07:00

Stephen and I just got back from the podiatrist office. Stephen's foot is healing, we see progress. The doctor is now allowing him to walk a little in the boot and to remove the boot and rotate his ankle from time to time. He needs to work back into weight bearing very slowly so he is off work for yet another three weeks. The important thing is that he is making progress. Doctor doesn't want to release him to work too quickly, we don't need a relapse that is for sure.

Memory Lane:

2010-03-05T16:30:00.008-07:00

Just married! Walking down the isle. My mom & dad in 1957.

Mom's mother, Noreen, could not afford to buy mom a wedding dress so dad's mom, Leota, took mom shopping and they purchased this prom dress for the special day.

Reception Line: James Anderson (mom's brother), Noreen(mom's mother), Jacqueline (Bride), Larry or Lee as he is affectionately called these days (Groom). Unknown Lady going through the line, I think she is one of my dad's aunts.

Mom & Dad - picture taken shortly after they were married.

Foot Doc:

2010-03-05T15:46:00.002-07:00

Stephen has an appointment with the foot doctor on Monday. Beings Fast Sunday is this weekend, please fast keeping Stephen in mind. We really need to have his foot healed and have the doctor release him so that he can get back to work! Thanks in advance for your help.

Na nights...

2010-02-23T21:39:00.001-07:00

I guess we'll finally contribute to this thing again! I had to share this video. I love Axton's voice and at this age they are still so innocent and sweet. He does this every time he goes to sleep now and it still cracks us up.

MoyaMoya Disease:

2010-02-12T13:48:00.010-07:00

My niece, Samantha, has just been diagnosed with MoyaMoya Disease. She was admitted to the hospital (IHC on 53rd in SLC) this past Sunday evening because she was experiencing a severe headache, nausea, numbness in her limbs.

When Samantha was 8 she had a stroke and then had another when she was 11. She's actually done very well over these past several years (she is 20 now) but experienced stroke like symptoms this past Sunday.

Moyamoya is a Japanese word meaning "puff of smoke" and it is an inherited disease in which certain arteries in the brain are constricted, blood flow is blocked by the constriction. Samantha currently has bleeding on/in the brain from her arteries failing. The doctors are trying to stop the bleeding by giving her super doses of vitamin K and stopping all drugs such as antiplatelet agents.

There is a lot of information on the web, to learn more you can just google Moyamoya Disease and learn all about it.

Please keep Samantha in your prayers. We are so sorry Samantha girl that you have to go through this!

(Samantha belongs to my brother, Drake)

Family Picture:

2010-02-08T10:21:00.005-07:00

Back row: Brantley, Derek, Jeanine, Lark, Stephen, Dad
Front row: Greg, Bree & Axton, Ryleigh, Heidi & Lydia, Theron & Logan

Lydia's Blessing

2010-01-25T16:30:00.004-07:00

We were able to bless Lydia yesterday with the whole family in attendance!

Thanks Uncle Derek, Uncle Greg, Uncle Brantley, Grandpa Stephen & Grandpa Shattuck!!

Enquiring Minds may want to know:

2010-01-15T11:28:00.001-07:00

BYU-Idaho recently announced the decision to transition its telephone system from landlines to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), a system run exclusively through broadband Internet technology. Because of this change my office extension phone number has also changed.

My new number at work is: (208) 496-4601.

I’m excited about this new system, features of the new phones include the ability to listen to voicemail through e-mail, a selection of approved ringtones and screensavers, conference calling, one-touch transfer calls, and a log directory for all incoming and outgoing calls. Exciting!

Christmas 2009 for Brantley:

2010-01-05T14:13:00.005-07:00

Brantley is the second one in on the front row.

The entire Washington DC South mission were invited to Capitol Hill for a special Christmas Conference held in the Cannon Caucus Room on Capitol Hill. It is considered the hardest room to get on the hill. And it is really spectacularly beautiful. Ten Congressmen visited and delivered Christmas greetings. There were 3 Senators and 7 Congressmen. We had a wonderful meal, and great musical numbers, 18 departing words of advice from our missionaries leaving in 2 days, and Santa and Mrs. Clause visited and each missionary sat on their laps.

Meridian Magazine wrote their cover story on the Washington DC South Christmas Mission Conference. To read the article: http://www.ldsmag.com/churchupdate/091228remarkable.html

Long Lost Relatives:

2009-12-10T12:38:00.007-07:00

Can you guess who these people are?

If you guessed the top picture to be my Aunt Casey - then you are right! Casey is my dad's little sister. For whatever reasons, she has been estranged from us for the past 10 or so years. Casey got back in touch with dad just before mom passed. They seem to be talking a lot now and getting reacquainted. I think this is good for both of them.

The bottom picture is of her children: Frankie & Jodie - all grown up. I haven't seen these cousins for probably 20+ years!

Welcome back!!! :0)

Bountiful Baskets in REXBURG!!

2009-12-09T08:28:00.003-07:00

Some of you have probably seen other posts about this co-op but I figured I'd share again since a lot of you can now participate in it if you want to.

The Basics:
Bountiful Baskets is a volunteer co-op where you pay $15+$1.50 shipping fee (at least that's what it is in AZ) for fresh produce. They try to get 50% fruits, 50% vegetables. You don't know what you are going to get because it all depends on what they can get the best deal for. You log onto their website which is bountifulbaskets.org on either Tuesday or Wednesday of the week you will get the basket (if you want to try it then sign up on either the 15th or the 16th) and then select your state, they have spread like a wild fire lately since it used to only be in AZ. Then follow the instructions from there. For your 1st basket there is a $3 fee but after that it's just the above price. Then you will select your location which should have the time on there as well. For now Rexburg's only site is the Middle School in the cafeteria, don't know the time. More sites will be added if the popularity increases. Then you go armed with your own laundry baskets (or I've started using the reusable bags- they're easier for me to carry, I usually take 2-3). They tell you what basket is yours and then you load up and go home!

They also sell other things throughout the year. I bought 2 boxes of peaches, 1 box of pears, a picnic basket, and a mexican pack from them. We also bought our christmas tree through them last year. You can also get boxes of cherries, tomatoes, oranges, itialian packs, etc. The mexican pack is everything you would need to make salsa at a great price. The picnic basket had all kinds of summer fruit such as watermelon, blueberries, strawberries, etc. I look year round at the price of produce so I can can it since we don't have a garden yet and the best price was through these guys. All of this stuff is option but you get it at the same time as your regular basket.

They do ask that you volunteer on occasion which is super easy and only takes a few hours on the day of pick-up.

My camera is dead and I can't find the charger so here is a picture of a basket I got back in June.

In Saturday's basket I got 10 bananas, 7 oranges, 11 pears, 1 container of strawberries, 10 apples, 1 of those really small watermelons, a head of lettuce, 2 bunches of broccoli, 8 tomatoes, 2 green bell peppers, 4 yellow squash, and 4 cucumbers. Nothing crazy this time.

They say it will last a family of 4 for 2 weeks, which is what we do. My sister-in-law buys it weekly though. I have mixed feelings on this. If you eat your fruits and veggies like you should (we don't- oops) than it will probably only last about a week. However I think it's only being offered in Rexburg every other week anyways. The other thing is that sometimes the produce is very ripe and needs to be eaten quickly. I love it when some of the produce is ripe and some needs more time. Also some of the stuff has a longer shelf life than others. But a lot of it you can freeze, we always have too many bananas left so I freeze them for smoothies or bread.

On their website there is also a link called produce storage information so when you get random things like brussel sprouts you will know how to store them and for how long. They also have a chat room where you can share recipes and ideas. I found some great fruit leather ones for when I have too much fruit of any kind left and it needs to be used. Hope this was helpful and not overwhelming. Let me know if you like it!

Tree Lighting Ceremony:

2009-12-07T13:48:00.004-07:00

Last night Robin, Stephen and I attended a Tree Lighting Ceremony sponsored by Hospice for loved ones lost in 2009. We were given a heart ornament to place on the tree with her name. It was a nice way to remember mom. Tears were shed.

2009-11-22T12:00:00.002-07:00

We've got a baby!!!

2009-11-20T10:11:00.005-07:00

Born: November 18 @ 1:40 am
Weight: 8 lbs 15 oz
Length: 20.5 inches

Sex: Girl with tons of black hair!

Name: Lydia Jane Shattuck

Proud Parents: Theron & Heidi and of course, proud big brother, Logan

More pictures to come . . .

Due Date:

2009-11-13T15:33:00.004-07:00

The due date for our next little grandchild has come and gone. This new bundle of joy was due yesterday on Brantley's birthday but it apparently wasn't meant to be. She (yes, we are told it's a girl) must want her very own special day. Heidi's next doctor appointment is Wednesday, I think we are all hoping this little girl decides to come sometime this weekend.

Great G-ma Jacque must be having too much fun with her, after all, she did say she would see this little baby before we would.

Of all the dumb luck:

2009-11-13T15:24:00.002-07:00

Stephen's left foot is healed and he went back to work on Monday, Nov 2. On Tuesday, Nov 3 - he was walking across the shop floor at work and felt a "pop". Oh no - what just happened? He was careful with his foot for the next few days but continued to work. His follow-up appointment with the podiatrist for his left foot was on Monday, Nov 9. While having the left foot examined, Stephen explained where his right foot was hurting. The doctor took an x-ray and all the way back to the patient room, Stephen could hear the doctor saying, "oh no, oh no." YES! Stephen's right foot is now broken. This break is worse than the first. Stephen's right foot is now in a cast and he is off of work again - for another 9 weeks. The foot will be re-examined on Wednesday, Nov 25 and if the bone is not healing, he may be looking at surgery to pin the bone. Let's hope for natural healing!!!

Today's Devotional:

2009-11-03T13:50:00.005-07:00

Devotional
November 3, 2009
2 p.m.

Sidney Palmer
Department Chair and Faculty
Member in the Biology
Department at BYU-Idaho

Every Tuesday, campus has a devotional from 2:00 - 3:00 pm. A lot of times the speaker is from SLC, but today the speaker is my boss. He'll be speaking on Spiritual Food Storage.

More funeral pics

2009-11-03T10:29:00.005-07:00

Lark, Robin, Dad, Larry, Drake

Breonne, Greg, Jeanine, Derek (Mr. Hollywood), Me, Stephen, Heidi, Theron

Annis Little Butte Cemetery:

2009-11-02T16:07:00.005-07:00

Dad, Theron & Heidi at the cemetery right after the dedication of the Grave.

Lark and son, Theron, at the cemetery - beautiful sun shiny day, calm winds. Around 70 degrees - a absolutely beautiful day for mom.

(Thanks Heidi for the pictures)

More pictures to come - check back!

Dad:

2009-10-20T14:58:00.003-06:00

Dad has decided to return to St. George, we will travel tomorrow. Stephen and I will go with him. I think it'll be very hard to return to their home without mom. I will help dad go through mom's clothes, etc. I hope everyone in St. George will rally around dad and help him make this transition in his life easier.

Funeral Services:

2009-10-20T14:52:00.003-06:00

Obituary Information:

2009-10-15T16:05:00.001-06:00

Obituary for Jacqueline Shattuck can be viewed at the following link:

www.eckersellfuneralhome.com

Funeral:

2009-10-14T22:40:00.002-06:00

Mom's funeral will be Saturday, Oct 17 at 1:00 pm with a viewing that morning at 11:00 am. The funeral will be held at the Center Stake Center, 590 Summerwood Dr., Rexburg ID. The Eckersell Funeral home is handling the arrangements.

October 14, 2009 - 6:18pm

2009-10-14T20:00:00.001-06:00

My sweet mom passed away this evening at 6:18 pm. She slipped away very quietly. A few deep breaths and then none.

Mom:

2009-10-14T15:56:00.005-06:00

Dad talking to mom and holding her hand -
Oct 7, 2009

Mom drinking some juice at the beginning of last week - 10-6-09

I just want to let you know that Hospice is telling us that mom is showing signs that she is closer than ever and will probably pass away this week. I know this is terrible news but mom has really declined and is on liquid morphine and she can no longer communicate with us. She can't swallow anymore and her poor body is becoming more and more rigid - more brittle. It hurts her every time we try to reposition her. She hasn't eaten in 10+ days and hasn't taken any water/fluids in 5+ days. She needs to be released from her earthly body and taken home where she can see her mother, father, and brother. It's time we let her go - for her. We will miss her - gone from our sight but not from our hearts.

Mom resting comfortably this morning - Oct 14, 2009

Dad:

2009-10-09T13:20:00.002-06:00

My dad has been a champion these last few months. He has stayed right by my mom's side. Now that she is in the hospital bed, he sits beside her and holds her hand and runs his fingers through her hair. He helps with giving meds and he just pleads with mom to open her mouth, then to swallow. He's been so tender and loving with her. They've been together for over 50 years and I know without a doubt that my parents love each other. I know that dad always thought he'd go first and didn't count on mom going first but he has and is handling this change in their lives very gracefully. Love you dad.

Mom:

2009-10-08T11:23:00.002-06:00

Mom has continued to choke on her meds and it's a very hard thing for us to watch and for her to go through. We have now made the switch to liquid pain medication. This seems to be the best solution. She still has a few medications that are in pill form and we try to give them to her but if it doesn't work, we don't force it. Sometimes mom is real good about opening her mouth for the pills and other times she clamps her teeth shut and there is no prying them apart. Even when she does cooperate with opening her mouth, she still chokes on them going down. It's scary. It's very hard on dad to watch her struggle this way.

Mom is sleeping a lot, almost 24/7. She is more awake in the morning before I leave for work. I think that is because she's had a full night of rest, peace and quiet. The TV is off, the people have all gone home or have gone to bed and so she can rest more peacefully and then is more alert in the early morning time.

Mom has stopped eating, she hasn't had solid food now for about 6 or 7 days. She does get liquids through a straw but has lost interest even in that. We are literally straw feeding water and juices to her.

Mom had another seizure last night and I suspect that we will start to see more and more seizures now. Her head is turned more to the right side and it hurts her for us to try to move her head more to the center position. I am told that this is part of the brain tumor and the added pressure it is causing.

Even though mom is in some pain - mostly headaches and not lucid a lot of the time, she is still thinking of others. Sometimes she gets too hot but won't push the blanket on the floor because she is afraid that one of my grandbabies is close by and she might smother them by doing so. Last night I explained to her that I was home late because Stephen took me out to dinner because it was my birthday and she responded - I'm sorry I didn't remember, I should have taken you to lunch today. It was really very sweet and tender. I love my mom.

A little bit of everything:

2009-10-05T15:52:00.002-06:00

This weekend we had a little bit of everything: sunshine, rain, snow, General Conference, family members visiting, flowers delivered, food delivered. All in all, a pretty good weekend. I didn't like waking up to snow cover this morning but it is all melted now. We are suppose to get back into the 50s this week, we shall see. The flowers are beautiful . . . thanks Helen and Layne, very thoughtful and they did brighten mom's day. Drake and Lijuan came up to see mom and then Lijuan best friend from China called and said she'd be in Los Angeles so Drake booked Lijuan a flight from SLC to LA so he had to drive her back to SLC. Lijuan is so excited to see her friend - they will fly on to NYC and Drake will connect up with them this coming weekend in Las Vegas. Drake drove back up to Rexburg and brought Samantha with him. Cameron (Robin's youngest son) drove over from Boise to see g'ma. They were able to visit for about an hour. Mom was in and out of consciousness all weekend long. She knows that everyone came to see her but she slept a lot. We had conference on TV so she could listen but she slept a lot. We are still giving her oral meds - she chokes on them and chokes on the water but we're not yet ready to switch over to liquid medications. Once we switch, the liquid meds will keep mom asleep 24/7 and we will not have anymore lucid times. We don't want to switch too soon. We are still getting the pain medication down her with water. Hospice will help us decide when we need to make the switch. The hospice nurse is now coming in Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Her aids are still coming MWF to help with bathing, sheet changing, etc. Hospice has been great to work with and have provided great help and counceling.

Mom:

2009-09-29T12:01:00.002-06:00

The hospital bed is working out nicely for mom. I think the timing on getting the bed was just right. Mom seems to be on the outer edge of slipping into a coma. She only wakes up briefly and she mumbles her responses. This morning I was up with her at 4:00 am. She was actually quite awake then, I was able to give her her medicine and she was able to drink from a glass. She ate a few bites of cheese cake, watched a little TV. Stephen and I were able to reposition her. I woke dad up and had him come out and sit with her and visit – she was awake for about an hour. Her urine output is ok – not as good as it has been but it is now more orange in color – not the clear yellow – so I think that she has a little bit of blood in her urine. Her blood pressure and body temperature are great. Her breathing is a little raspy at times.

Quite Weekend:

2009-09-28T15:36:00.002-06:00

We had a quite weekend - no visitors this past weekend. Stephen, mom, dad, and I all spent a very quite and relaxed weekend together.

Mom is declining day by day. She is sleeping most of the time but we still get her up and move her from the living room to the family room to the dinner table. She is not eating much these days - soft foods. I was able to get some yogurt and banana pudding in her on Sunday. She will drink water through a straw but has a tendency to choke on it. Her headache is constant now and she is also complaining of back pain. She is on constant pain medication. Her legs are tender to the touch. Today we ordered the hospital bed from hospice and it is all set up now and ready for use. Mom's aids were able to get her up and in the shower today. Mom's catheter failed so the RN will have to put another in this afternoon when she comes.

I believe mom is in the last phase - sleeping almost 24/7 and refusing food. I feel like we are down to days with mom and no longer weeks.

14 Tool Boxes, SOLD!

2009-09-28T14:32:00.005-06:00

From Elder Brantley Shattuck:

2009-09-22T12:22:00.004-06:00

Elder Andersen, Elder Shattuck, Elder Smith

Had a really neat experience this weekend as I was able to attend stake conference, Elder Neal L. Andersen happened to be presiding so I was able to hear from him, both times, the adult session as well as the general session. It was great, he talked about temples in the adult session. Then in general conference he talked a lot about doing the basics of scripture study and stuff like that.
The adult session was far better though, I remember going to the church and caulking around greeting all the people I know and doing the missionary thing making sure to get seen and remind people about missionary work. Anyways, once it started to settle down I remember sitting down and listening to the prelude music as he walked into the chapel.... it was a very simple yet powerful feeling that came, to be in the presence of an Apostle is a special thing. I got a picture of him, look for it on the blog Sister Albright does.

I also ate my first vegetarian meal last night, it wasn't to bad. It was lasagna and had like fake sausage or something in it, I was surprised, I was pretty nervous about it.

I am doing great. Elder Shattuck

2009-09-21T08:57:00.002-06:00

Mom is experiencing more and more headaches these days. I'm sure it is from the pressure created by the growth of the cancer in her brain. Along with that growth comes added decline for her physically. She can no longer sit up on her own. We have to help her up into a sitting position, she is just losing her strength. Her legs are no longer working. She tries very hard to help us move her with her right leg but the signals to actually move the leg are not making it from the brain to actual action. Mom now has a permanent catheter which has helped us a lot - less trips to the potty. The game playing has slowed down a lot. Her appetite still seems to be good. She graves sweet things.

Larry Jr came for the week from Denver to spend time with mom. I think they both benefited from the visit. He is home safely now and continues to call mom daily. Breonne is home and all is well there after she was gone for 2 1/2 weeks. Her little guy, Axton, sure missed his daddy! and his puppy, Sadie.

Thanks everyone for your prayers, cards, phone calls, and visits. The days get pretty boring for mom so she loves it when she gets to visit with people. She still cries when you come over or when you leave, or when you call but that's ok - these visits are a great boost to her. Thanks everyone too for sharing your garden goods with us and a loaf of homemade bread, cookies, etc. All has been greatly appreciated.

Convertible Ride:

2009-09-17T12:37:00.002-06:00

Stephen's dad, Dave, owns a 1965 Plymouth convertible. He gets it out of storage every summer and enjoys giving people rides in it. We were at their home for a BBQ dinner and then Dave gave mom and dad and Axton a ride home in it. You can see Stephen waving good-bye from the side line and see his foot in a boot.

Ok - It can stop raining!

2009-09-15T10:33:00.006-06:00

Picture of mom eating birthday cake and ice cream with her great grandson, Axton, who turned 2 today. (Bree's little guy)

I'm getting a better understanding of the ole saying . . . when it rains, it pours . . . lucky me, I have just come down with bronchitis! I am miserable! I did know the signs (I've had it 3 times this year already) so I got right in to the doctor and I am on a pretty strong antibiotic right now and an inhaler. I hate everyone else being able to hear my every breath!

Mom is having a really rough day today. She woke up in pain and has been crying all morning. She normally doesn't have any pain, a headache from time to time but now that her left side of the body is not functioning, her arm is like dead weight that just hangs and that is where the pain is coming from this morning. We have it in a sling but apparently it's not enough to take the pressure off. Once the pain is out of control - it's pretty hard to get it back under control. Reminds me of another saying . . . once the horse is out of the barn, it's pretty hard to get it back in.

I see little signs here and there that mom is starting to withdraw socially. She welcomes visitors but the phone conversations are getting harder and harder on her. She has to concentrate on keeping the phone up to her ear and I sense she gets lost in the conversation as well. There are times she is talking but can't hear and then I notice the phone has slipped down to her lap or she will be on the phone and start a new conversation with someone in the house forgetting she's on the phone.

Mom's eyes aren't tracking too well either. Playing Hand and Foot is getting increasingly harder for her. She loves the game and so we continue to play it with her but she needs another set of eyeballs from time to time.

Mom is cat napping throughout the day. I find that TV bores her and she can't read so if there is not much going on to keep her attention, she naps.

My daughter, Breonne, has been here to help me these last 2 1/2 weeks, she goes home tomorrow and I don't know what I will do without her! She has been a saving grace for me - helping a ton with mom and just keeping my house running - dinner on the table and the dishes all done up, laundry, everything and anything, and she's been a comfort for dad as well. She's been a real trouper - thanks honey!

My brother, Larry, is here from Denver visiting mom this week - I'm glad he has come to see her and to help out.

Mom

2009-09-08T16:25:00.002-06:00

There isn't a whole lot to write about right now. Mom seems to be fairly stable. Her appetite is still very good, she is having a harder time sleeping at night, and it is getting harder and harder to get her from one spot to the next as her left leg is not working at all these days and she is losing strength in her right leg. The left arm has also lost it's ability to function well. It mostly just hangs down in her lap. Card playing has become more of a challenge as her left hand is not grasping enough to hold the cards. She does most things all right handed. Her vision is also somewhat effected. As the day goes on, her eyesight becomes more blurred.

We have gotten her a sling to help hold the left arm because her shoulder was getting sore from the arm hanging down. We are using the bottom of a box inside the top of a box so that she can put her playing cards in the slot between the two and use it has a card holder for her. This actually works very well. We are using the wheel chair more and more to get her around in the house. Her butt sure gets tired of sitting all of the time though. She seems to tire more easily these days so I try to get her to bed by 9:00 pm.

Drake, Lijuan, and Robin were all here over the weekend to stay with mom and help her while Stephen and I took a break. Because of Stephen's broken foot - we didn't venture too far from home - we just went down to Idaho Falls. We were able to take in a movie, a nice dinner, and slept overnight at the Shilo Inn.

Mom's brother, Bob, was able to come up for a visit during the week and they were able to spend some quality time together.

Mom continues to receive e-mails, letters, cards, phone calls and home visits - thank you everyone for keeping in touch. Words cannot express what this has meant to mom. I truly believe it is such a sweet blessing bestowed on her from our Heavenly Father so that she knows she has made a difference and has had influence on others for good. Mom's heart has been so very touched seeing the out pour of love towards her.

Is it raining?

2009-09-02T10:54:00.002-06:00

You know that ole saying - When it rains, it pours? Well, it's pouring at my home. Stephen started complaining about his foot hurting a few days back so I made an appointment for him to see his podiatrist. Stephen is diabetic and he should have regular checkups anyway so I figured that we'd get him covered both ways - the yearly check and address the pain. Surprise - some how, some where Stephen broke his foot! No wonder it was hurting him. He is in a boot and has strict orders: no standing, no weight bearing. We were hoping that his employer could put him on light duty but they don't really have anything that would completely get him off his foot so he is currently on FMLA (family medical leave)- no work, half pay! I love that last part. I guess it's better than no pay at all.