Winter Wonderland

Warning: this blog entry may be confusing for most of you in my circle of blogging friends. The reason for that is, most of you are in AZ, CA, or NV... and I am in ID (just a refresher)! Something wonderful happened last week, we had 2 solid days of snow!!! Let me tell you warm weather friends about that. Snow is a magical form of precipitation. It is white in color and as it falls it seems to float or flurry. It falls in "flakes," as opposed to drops, and no two flakes are alike. Children love to play in the snow, catching flakes with their tongues, building snow men, making snow angels, go sledding, or have snow ball fight (that one is nearly always initiated by a male, and enjoyed much more by the less fair sex). As you get older you can ski, snow mobile, snow board, snow shoe, snow camping (doesn't sound fun to me...). You see, the reason i am explaining this thing called snow is because, as fun as it is, it is cold. Cold, Cold, Cold. And slippery. Here is a pic of me last Thursday shoveling the driveway for the 3rd time that day... We've since had rain, which melted away most of the snow, slush and iciness.

December came and went

Here is a post to wrap up last year, seeing as how i didn't manage a single post in December.

We had a busy month, just like all of you... a great Christmas, my tree needs to come down today... well it needed to come down last week, but I have this husband who likes it up longer...

It's been a little bit crazy at work lately. There are just 2 nurses, myself and Sharon. On Dec. 19th she got a call in the middle of the day that her 5 month old was not breathing and was on his way to the hospital. He didn't make it. It's been hard to know how to help her through any of this, I'm thankful for my healthy kids- they can drive me crazy any day, and i should just be thankful for them. She asked me to sing at his funeral, which was weird because she'd never heard me sing... but i did it. Marie accompanied me, as usual, but she actually wrote the words for the song I sang. A sweet lullaby that was a perfect fit. Sharon and her family are not members, and this has given me an opportunity to bare parts of my testimony to her. It's interesting because even before this happened I kept feeling like our conversations were led in a direction where I could share my knowledge of the gospel. I know that Heavenly Father is working here, I just hope I'm saying and doing the things He's wanting me to.

It's been hard this time of year for patients. You always hear that people pass away around the holidays. I've never nursed in a chronic setting before so i guess i haven't seen it. But in the past 2 weeks we have lost 4 patients, and 2 of them were my all time favorites because they reminded me so much of my grandparents. For example, a lot of our patients sleep through their dialysis treatments because they are stuck for about 4 hours in a recliner (heck, I'd sleep)... but one day i suggested to Fred that he go ahead and rest his eyes and he said to me, "I can't sleep, I might miss something!" (sounds like a Carson to me!) He wouldn't turn on the TV because he said that watching the staff was more entertaining any day- I held his hand 3 times a week, we laughed, we cried, he counseled me on parenting and gave me marriage tips- he, after all, had been with his sweetheart for 49 years. Fred's wife was a member of the church, and although he'd attended with her through most of their marriage he never was baptized... but was as good a man as any i've ever known... and what a privilege it was to know him. He was probably among the healthiest of my patients, his passing was not expected, reminding me how little we can predict in this life.

Miss Jane, was a great lady who wore turquoise jewelry and white Ked tennies. She was very classic in her style and beauty, brave in the face of an unkind disease, and caring toward those who cared for her. She was the first nurse practitioner in the state of Idaho. So beautiful and smart. She'd been so sick and in such pain that i'm thankful she finally got to go home.... but i'll miss her sassy sense of humor, and her smile, what a great example to me.

Fred and Jane were the brightest spots in my day on M-W-F... I'm thankful for the chance to care for them and their families. Anyway... it's a new year, and i have a tree to take down. Happy new year to all of you....

Lyn-a-gin's having a beh-beh...!!!

So, my babiest sister is having a baby, that's craziness to me! I've known about it, of course, but to see her was a whole other thing!!! I didn't think I was going to be able to go, but at the last minute decided that i just couldn't miss this... it's a milestone after all, and she's my sister! So the day after Thanksgiving I flew to Phoenix (flying in i felt like i was coming home... I miss the valley of the sun!) Anyway... Saturday was the shower. A couple of Lynn's sweet friends were the hostess', and everything turned out fantastic... what sweethearts they are! So- here is a little bit about the shower, and my very short but sweet visit home.
Here she is with the daddy... that would be my brother-in-law Jake... I think it is pretty cute how he loves her growing belly!

The cutest little nut buckets... with a quote about celebrating Lynn's little peanut! ... her friends did a really great job with the entire shower!
They did a fabulous job with the decorations.... bravo girls!
What a beautiful cake!!! My niece is Annabelle, in case you're having an especially slow day... and Marci's aunt did this "sweet" cake! It was beautiful, and Marci's attention to detail is so great that the lettering even matched the script on

the napkins...... here is my cute mom with one of her AZ grand babies- this is Avery ... she's got to be one of the happiest babies I've ever experienced... what a blessing she is to her family... well, to our whole family- but especially her mom, dad, bro, and sister!

After the shower we went back to Marie R.'s house to change and say goodbye before we hit the road for the long drive home. I was glad because it gave me a chance to see Jason and his kids before heading out. I didn't get a single pic of Tash... but here are some of the ones i did get- enjoy! Scott and Hunter... Devan holding her sister Avery... Cayden (sp?), I love the face he's making, it's like he's trying really hard to get a drop of drink off of his face or something! I don't know what he was doing, but he wouldn't turn for me to take a pic- so that's what i got! ...and of course, my big brother. I don't get to talk to Jason enough, distance and time restrict that... but it was sure good to see him for a moment, hopefully a longer visit is in the not to distant future...

Hey friends and family- I've been a little "poster girl"... meaning i've posted about 4 new things tonight at this sitting... so this one is not the only new one. If you don't want to miss anything, read on! Love you all!

T.

Thanksgibbens Day!

Thanksgiving was suppose to be Slade-side... but for a variety of reasons it ended up in ID with the Gibbens side. McKenna helped... She loves to be in the kitchen, especially with her "Papa Carl" (who did most of the cooking) it was nice that he was able to be in town.
Matthew helped. He and I hunted in the morning and came back to the house just in time to help a bit and eat. Here he is holding Reanne, a niece- daughter of Leneita Colleen, his sister.
Games were played in the backyard. Given recent events, no one was sure who would actually come to dinner. It was nice that family conflict could be put aside for a day (well a few hours).
The mighty hunter napped. He needs a haircut! It was a good day.

I am so blessed... time for Thanksgiving...

What am I thankful for? So much, and some of it may seem silly... but here are some things...

1. Family- I just love my family. Hubby, kidd-o's, mom, dad, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, 45th cousin removed... any family!!! I was cut from a cloth that prefers family time to just about any alternative. Whether we are watching a movie, playing a game, talking, eating, laughing, crying... I love any time spent with them... how blessed I am to be sealed to them for eternity... which leads me to...
2. The true and living gospel of Jesus Christ. How dark this world and this life would be without it's light and truth.
3. Food
4. Friends
5. A war, home and a comfortable bed
6. Clothes to wear- they may not be up to the minute (or the year) in fashion... but they are warm
7. general good health of myself and those i love
8. UFC
9. DVR
10. Matthew's job and his drive to succeed
11. My job, and the hope that i may not always have to do it! ( I aspire to be a house wife and stay home mom...) read on...
12. My education- I may not love to work, but I'm thankful for my education that gave me the skills needed to help provide for my family when I've been called upon to do so
13. The priesthood
14. Animals- they are awe inspiring in nature and puppies make everyone happy...
15. This season- I love looking at my nativities- I love thanksgiving because it gets me in the right spirit for Christmas...
16. I'm so thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. His miraculous birth, life, death, and resurrection, and for his love for me.
17. Family... i know I've said it- but i just heard the pitter-pat of my 6 year old's feet and I'm so thankful for that- ooh, which leads me to
18. my senses. Taste, sight, sound, smell, touch... i can't imagine my life without any of them!
19. Music- it touches my life in so many ways. It lifts me- and I hope this doesn't sound egotistical- but I'm so thankful that i was blessed with the musical abilities i have. I'm amazed at the sounds that come out of my mouth and it delights my soul that it's lifted others too. And to be able to share talents and musical moments with my family... my sisters... i love it.
20. My car- transportation of all kinds- and 5th wheels for camping!
21. literacy- I love to read and I'm excited to watch as Jocilyn learns
22. My calling to teach relief society... I love it!
23. The kindness of others- there really are still a lot of good people out there
24. The internet- Christmas shopping online, less travel, stores, people, and hassle
25. My life and it's challenges- I know the lord must love me and have faith in me because he sends me trials- I just hope I get through them in a pleasing maner! .... and then I'd like them to STOP! (just kidding- sorta!)

Well... I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving filled with good food and family. I just wanted to post this before the end of the month! Love you all!

Thanksgiving week...

Jocilyn had the cutest school program. They sang songs from the 40's (ish) like: "Bicycle Built for Two, 5'2", Eyes of Blue... has anybody seen my gal? and Skinamirinky Dink"... Now, those titles may be all wrong, but the entire 1st grade did a fabulous job with them. All of the children dressed in their parents clothes- the girls were cute, but the boys- how cute were they in their dad's collar shirts and ties? Toooo cute! I didn't think i was going to get to go, but at the last minute my boss gave me the go ahead to miss a couple of hours of work! I loved it!!!
I got my hair cut... again... bad pic- but you're up to date now...
I'm a hunter..... All of Matthew's hunting friends were busy or out of town Thanksgiving week- so i went out with him two days and hunted... all we killed was time. He ended up killing on the last day of the hunt- out by himself! I was so nervous about that all day. I was sure he'd fall and break his leg and die out in the cold wilderness! And I mean COLD!!! The first morning we went I didn't notice the temp when we got out of the truck in the morning... but when we got back to it to go grab some lunch it was 19 degrees!!!!!! NINETEEN!!! That's cold!
Here is the mighty hunter on the second day we were out. Lucky for him this was a "road hunt" so most of the time we were in the Rhino. I am not a hiker... there's no way i could've hunted like he does with some of the guys, miles and miles of walking mountains... huh-uh! But it was cold riding along in this... it needs a windshield, heater, doors, seat warmers, probably dual climate control too so we don't argue..... I had a good time- it was great just to spend time with him. What a beautiful earth Heavenly Father gave us to enjoy... so blessed.

Why are we mean?

I can't sleep... because of all I'm thinking...

I've been laying in bed for an hour trying to get to sleep. I am very tired, but the desire of my heart (sleep at the moment) eludes me. Perhaps because my mind is reeling over recent events and ongoing drama.

Most of us love someone or something in our lives with a fierceness that's hard to explain. Those of us with children know how it is to have our emotions all tied up in their well being. If they hurt, we hurt regardless of the source of the pain. This happens in marriage too. Our instinct to protect our spouse, guard them from pain, embarrassment, or any discomfort seems to grow as time goes on. Unfortunately, we can't always protect our loves from all of the things that would hurt them. Jocilyn has had a bad week at school because someone saw where she had written a boys name who she "loves," and this has led to laughter and teasing and has caused her a great deal of anguish... and mom can't fix it. She is a tender little heart and this is only the first of many social growing pains to come.

I love you more...because of the way ...you treat the "loves" in my life... thank you.

I think what is bothering me worse is the pain that we cause within families. There seems to be an abundance of this happening right now in our family (Matthew's and mine extending in all directions...) It should be an interesting Thanksgiving. My heart hurts right now because of things that are being done to people i love. Brothers striking out at brothers, in-laws toward in-laws. Things intentional and unintentional. I hope that I haven't hurt any of you through my actions or inactions- I'm realizing how easily feelings can be hurt and if I've hurt any of yours, I'm sure sorry. My family is the most important thing in the world to me and I'm so thankful Heavenly Father sent me to the Slade and Gibbens families- it is a blessing that continues to afford me many opportunities for growth and development.

How these people are treated means so much to me...

I'm going to try and sleep now.... I hope you are all healthy, happy, and well wherever you are! Thanksgiving is next week! Can you believe it? And- (now that I've told Lynn I can tell the rest of you) I'm going to be in Mesa for Lynn's shower!!!!!! I'm so excited I can't wait!!! I'm excited for the shower, for the friends and for the family- It will be a fast trip- but at least i get to come and celebrate a happy time with my sweet sister! Our family is growing! Another niece is on her way- another daughter, cousin, friend... I celebrate her and her mama next Saturday in Mesa!!! See you there! (yea!!!!)

Sorry this is so random... I just couldn't sleep... and i tried to get some of my feelings out. Matthew would have had to listen to my rantings if he were in town... but alas he is not.... and so they were directed at the unsuspecting partakers of the blog... goodnight.