Bubbles

Learning New Things

I purchased a new high definition camcorder. Working with the files from it on my computer has been a huge challenge. Sometimes they would make my computer crash. Other times the software I was using would freeze up. It has taken me so many hours of research to find out the best way to use the files. But, you know me, when I have a problem like that I get obsessed with finding a solution. I finally found some software that could convert the files into a usable form. I've made my first movie with the files. The videos from the hike and in the car were taken with my little point and shoot camera. The others came from the camcorder.

Special Days are Great

I love it when I have some free time and I can have a special day with the grandkids. Usually I take one child alone with me, but with the twins you get the "two for one special"!!

I had to go down to the office to deliver some appraisals. They always love riding on the "elegator" in my building. Since we were downtown, we had to visit the library. The loved seeing the fish in the lobby.





Then each boy got to pick out 5 books. Sorry, Amber, I know it will be a chore for you to keep track of 10 books.




We were having fun looking at the books, when I heard a child running toward our table. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see a little blond headed girl in pink. Well, what a surprise, it was Harlee!! What a nice coincidence that Heather would take her girls to the library right when I was there with the twins.



After the library we HAD to go to McDonalds so the boys could play on the slide. Brigham ate his lunch and half of Brighton's. I don't know how those boys stay the same size.....



After lunch it was off to Pet Smart to get Zoey some food and look at the animals in the store. They really wanted to see a snake, but they were all out today.....whew (I hate snakes)!!



All I can say is how much I admire all you moms who spend so much of your life putting kids in and out or carseats. It's exhausting.

At least this Special Day was better than the last one. I was at McDonalds with Jaden and Harlee about 3 or so weeks ago, when Ronda called and said that Dad was being rushed to the hospital with chest pains. I was a little superstitious to go to McDonalds again, but luckily no bad phone calls this time.

(This is an out of focus photo of that day....but I had to share it anyway.) Soon Jade and Jaycie will be big enough to start the special day tradition..... It sure has been fun for me. I love having my little purse camera so I can enjoy these memories over and over.

Families are Forever....

I am so grateful for my knowledge of that great truth. I had the privilege of growing up in a wonderful family. What joy my parents and siblings have brought to me my entire life. The past couple of weeks, when dad was having problems with RC and was so sad, then when he had his heart problems, made me so heartsick at watching him suffer. You know that these sorts of problems are inevitable as we all age, but nothing can prepare you for the fear you have that one of your parents might die when they are still so full of life.

A large, extended family fasting and praying together is a very powerful thing. Priesthood blessings are just that....a huge blessing in our lives. So much love was expressed for our dear mom and dad. I am grateful to be part of this large, extended family unit, where we all pull together and do what we can to help out.

Dad knows it, too. He told me today that even though we aren't all visiting him a lot of times right now that he knows how concerned we all are about him. I'm glad he feels our love. I'm sure grateful that he was willing to go through with his surgery so that we can enjoy him longer.

Mom seems so relieved today that dad is doing so much better. I don't think any of us can even imagine how hard this week has been for her.

There is a lot of work ahead for all of us. But, with each other, we will make it!!

6 a.m. update

I got up this morning and couldn't stand it and called the hospital for an update. They said that dad had a good night. He slept more than he has. The bleeding has slowed down, and the KIDNEY FUNCTION NUMBERS ARE IMPROVING!! The nurse said that they aren't where they would like them to be yet, but they are definitely heading in the right direction.

Update 3:52 p.m.

The bleeding has stopped. Some bloodwork showed a reduced blood amount so they were going to give him another blood transfusion to see if the numbers stabilized. They want to make sure there is no internal bleeding that they can't see. The nurse said that the lower numbers could be a residual effect of the bleeding that he did this morning and they didn't surprise her.

She said that dad's pain seemed to be improving and he was resting. Thanks all for your love and concern. Mom is home cooking and puttering around the house which seems to be good therapy for her. Mom will visit dad again at 5 p.m. If I get an update after that visit, I'll post it here.

Update 3/23 2:16 p.m.

Grandpa has improved in the last little while. The bleeding has slowed down and the doctor thinks that it is clotting now. The nurses have said that Grandpa does better with no visitors. So, Grandma can go in for about 10 minutes at a time. Other than that, they want Grandpa to try to sleep. We all know how social he is and if someone is there he will try to talk.

Grandma is going home to rest. Ronda and Steve are going golfing and Brenda and Angie are going back to work. I will call the hospital in an hour or so to get an update and will post it here.

By the way, RC should be fine. They are reducing his steroids. They think that too much prednisone is causing the bleeding.