News from Nauvoo

Christmas Morning 2009

2009-12-30T17:04:00.003-06:00

Marty got a Tie and Socks. Santa brought him a table for his laptop.
Grandma sent a really soft blanket. Amber got a little printer and Photo Shop to do her digital photography.
I got a scarf, hat and gloves. Santa got me a new blackberry.
Lacey got a jacket, a hat and santa brought her Rock Band and an xbox 360.
Bentley got some cool chew toys!!!

Marty got me a necklace and earrings. He has no memory of buying because he got it at the pharmacy the day he had his surgery and he was messed up with his anesthesia. He seemed normal but he doesn't remember that day at all. He was being all cute and sneaky. The lady at the pharmacy helped him and I paid but I never saw it. I gave him a bag, he taped it up and wrote on it. When we pulled it out Christmas morning he had no memory of any of it. It was really funny and I LOVE the necklace!!!!
We had a lot of fun Jammin to Rock Band in our Jammies!!!

Marty wouldn't play!! He likes to watch.
We really missed Sage and everyone but it was a super fun day!!!

Ward Christmas Party

2009-12-19T21:48:00.003-06:00

We just got back from our ward Christmas Party. It was a lot of fun. A lot more people came than we thought. Amber sang, our sound system is terrible and it kept getting real loud then real quiet, but she sounded great anyway.
The kids did a nativity skit and it was really neat! It really gave us a warm fuzzy feeling.
The Lady who is driving the bus route that I am going to be driving and who has been teaching me to drive came. I think she had a real good time.
Then Santa Clause suprised us and all the kids got a treat and a chance to sit on his lap.
I really love Christmas!!!

Nauvoo Log Cabins

2009-12-19T17:01:00.003-06:00

Nauvoo Log cabins has a BLOG!! http://nauvoologcabins.blogspot.com/

Please visit and leave a comment to let them know you have been there. Follow the link to their website and have a virtual tour and see the history behind each cabin.

It is an amazing place to stay with a wonderful atmosphere. Owned and operated by wonderful people who make you feel like family.

"Bah Humbug!!" Warsaw High School was Wonderful.

2009-12-13T18:45:00.006-06:00

The cast of the Warsaw High School Musical "Bah Humbug!"

It was so much fun to watch the kids perform a Christmas Carol just a week before Christmas break. It is my favorite Christmas story and the kids did an amazing job. Amber played many rolls. She was Belinda Cratchet, a Caroler, Belle (scrooges old girlfriend), a shopper, she was also Want...the little kids who were under the Ghost of Christmas presents robe.

My favorite part of the play was the scene with the Cratchet family. The kids are all really close friends and it just made them feel like a real family. They just gave me a warm fuzzy "true meaning of Christmas" feeling. When the play was over I was really wishing I could watch it again. It was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Lacey's Birthday and the Nauvoo Christmas walk!

2009-12-05T22:12:00.006-06:00

Yesterday was Lacey's 15th birthday. Because of Marty's surgery we didn't plan anything. Last weekend Marty and I took Lacey to see "2012" at the theater. We really enjoyed it.
We got her a pair of "ugg" style boots and Amber got her some Buckle jeans so Lacey was really happy. Amber had play practice but after she went to Walmart and got Lacey some cheese cake and Ice cream for her birthday. She also picked up a couple frozen pizza's.

Marty had a pretty rough day. He is fine when he isn't moving but for some reason our bodies must move. It is hard to see him in so much pain. Lacey spent the day helping me take care of him and cleaning house. Marty sleeps and listens to Christmas music all day.
At about 5pm we went down to the visitor center to see Amber sing with the high school choir. She was going to sing a duet with Josh Adams but they couldn't find someone to replace the piano player when the lady who was going to do it got sick.
Amanda took Lacey and her cousin Alex to the movies to see "the Blind Side" for their birthdays so I think Lacey ended up having a really fun day.
Lynn and Sharon were at the visitor singing for the lighting of the tree and then we followed them over to the Cultural Hall where they were in the live Nativity. Sharon was in the Angel choir and Lynn was the narrator. It was really nice.

We had to rush home to help Marty but it was still a good evening. I really love the holidays in Nauvoo.

Marty had his hernia surgery today.

2009-12-04T12:49:00.002-06:00

Marty was very nervous and they had a little bit of trouble putting the IV in his arm which didn't help. He kept saying things like he was going to die or something. I would laugh but he really was worried. I felt bad for him. When the surgery was over Dr Caropresso came in and told me he did great. He said it was a "wear and tear" hernia and that it was getting worse. His incision was about 2 1/2 inches long and he has staples so we get to go back next week to get them out.

Marty came walking in with the nurse next and was surprisingly alert. He looked shocked and said that, that wasn't as bad as he thought it would be. He woke up while they were stapling him up and that pinched and freaked him out a bit. He kept saying, "can I go now?" over and over. He made me take all of these silly pictures with my camera, He was in such a good mood. He kept wanting pictures of his "owie". This was the only one I dared show.
He is such a nut sometimes. I think he was just grateful to be alive.
When they finally let us go we went to Hardee's for lunch and he was feeling great. After eating he got up, looked at me with a panic and said "oh! I don't feel good" We drove home, only stopping by the pharmacy on the way to get his meds. He is pretty miserable right now, he went right to sleep but the process was a little rough. All and all everything went great. I just hope he does ok over the next few days.

2009-11-29T18:28:00.002-06:00

Yesterday morning we spit logs and stacked wood. We are trying to do as much as we can so Marty doesn't have to because of his hernia.

We got a lot done before I lost my help and had to quit myself and go to "Winning Looks" to get my hair cut. =)
And here it is. The shortest it has been in about 10 years.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-29T18:08:00.004-06:00

Marty and I both worked on Thanksgiving day. Amber and Lacey put up the Christmas decorations. They put up the outside lights first and then they put up the tree. I cooked a turkey made tons of Mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing and we went to the fire station for the potluck Thanksgiving feast.
I have a feeling the first Thanksgiving was a community potluck too. lol

After the dinner we came home and finished decorating. Played games and had a real nice night together as a family.

I have to say I really miss Sage and my family this year. We had a really good time anyway. I have pretty amazing kids and my husband ROCKS!!! He kept the fire going all day it was so cozy and nice,

I am Thankful day 6.

2009-11-25T15:45:00.003-06:00

I am thankful for insurance.
I just got home from taking Marty to the oral surgeon. I had to give them $200 and they said. "the insurance should cover the rest" Oh how beautiful that sentence sounded to me. Yesterday the surgeon who is doing Marty's hernia operation called and said "the surgery will cost around $20,000 but after your insurance pays their part you should only have to pay $4,000 to $6,000.

I AM SO THANKFUL FOR INSURANCE!!! I already said I was thankful for our jobs but having a job that offers insurance and retirement gives me a very peaceful feeling and I am truly grateful.

I am Thankful day 5.

2009-11-24T09:22:00.003-06:00

I am Thankful for my JOBS!!!
After the years and years of doing daycare so that I could afford to be a stay at home mom. I finally decided that a woman can only be the "mom" to infants and toddlers for so many years and I guess 20 years is my limit. :) Now that Sage is married and gone, I started babysitting when she was born, and Lacey who is my baby turns 15 in December, it was time to stop.

I was very fortunate to get a job cleaning at the Nauvoo temple at night. I LOVE it! It is quiet and peaceful. The perfect job for me at this point in my life. Unfortunatley it doesn't pay as well as daycare.
So I clean cabins for Nauvoo Log Cabins. I LOVE it. It isn't every day but it keeps me in pocket money.

I was at the Jr High one day and saw that they were struggling with finding drivers. I got into a conversation with Annie in the office and offered to take the earlybird chorus kids. I get up anyway in the morning with the girls before seminary so I had no problem driving the schools van and taking kids out to the high school twice a week. I love it. Then it turned into after school pick up of play practice, vollyball, basketball and whatever else is needed. The problem? I could only drive the van. So now the school is paying for me to get my bus drivers licence. Talk about falling into my lap. I am a bit nervous. I never would have gone looking for a job like this but I am really enjoying it.

I am very Thankful for my jobs!! :)

I am Thankful day 4.

2009-11-23T22:39:00.002-06:00

I am thankful for my parents and siblings, my husbands family and for all my friends. I am thankful for all the people in my life and the little things they do that makes my life so great.

I thought about posting pictures or listing names and realized that would be impossible. I wouldn't want to miss anyone. I have been so blessed to have so many people in my life who love and care for me.

I am Thankful day 3.

2009-11-22T09:20:00.003-06:00

I am Thankful for the gospel in my life.

I am Thankful that I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I know that He is real. I know that he loves me and knows who I am. He listens to my prayers and guides me in my life. I am thankful for this knowledge and the peace and happiness it brings to my life. My greatest desire is to be more like Him in every aspect of my life.

I am Thankful that the gospel of Jesus Christ is upon the earth. That all of the blessings of the bible are available to us here and now. I am thankful for Prophets who guide and direct us. I am thankful for the temples and that I am sealed to those who I love for all eternity. That I will be with them even after this life on earth ends.

I am Thankful for the scriptures. For the testimony the scriptures bear of Jesus Christ and the true gospel. It is a great comfort to me to read and know that the struggles people have had from the beginning of time have been the same. That the Lord has always been aware of the needs of his people. That He is constant. His word is powerful yet simple if we just listen and obey. The challenges of this life are to help us grow and gain knowledge that can mold us into the people the Lord would have us become if we are obedient and willing.

This knowledge gives me great peace. I know that no matter what happens in this life. Everything will be ok. I can stand any challenge that life throws at me because I know that the Savior is with me and always will be.

The gospel has filled my life with joy and happiness.

I am so Thankful for my life.

I am Thankful day 2.

2009-11-22T09:07:00.002-06:00

This should have been yesterday but because I was in Normal taking classes and testing all day I will say.

I am THANKFUL that is over!!

I am Thankful for the opportunity that I have to learn a new vocation.

I am Thankful that I passed the test.

I am Thankful I arrived home safe and sound.

I am very Thankful for this new job.

Now I just have to:

Learn to drive the bus.

Drive for 6 hours.

Take a written CDL test.

Take a driven test in the bus.

Get my licence.

:) LOL What the heck am I thinking?

I am Thankful day 1.

2009-11-20T12:11:00.003-06:00

I decided to do a post each day until Thanksgiving for the things I am thankful for.

MY FAMILY

My husband Marty

Marty is my best friend. He isn't perfect but he is getting there. He is humble and good. He always wants what is best for his family. He wants to do what is right and good. He has grown and changed over the years in ways that make me proud and happy. He loves his family to a fault and never wants to disappoint them or let them down. I have never seen anyone try so hard to be better than himself. He recognizes his faults and struggles constantly to improve. He is kind to me and never criticizes and doesn't let me criticize myself. I am grateful that he is the man I get to spend eternity with. I love him very much.

My daughter Sage and her husband Zachary

I am so proud of Sage and the choices she has made. She has so many reasons to get discouraged because of her diabetes and other health issues. It was really hard on her when we left Utah and moved to Illinois. She has done great. She has always been so generous to me. I love all the long talks we have had over the years. I always knew she would be someone wonderful. She has a wonderful husband who is kind and patient with her. I love following her blog and facebook and seeing all the fun things they do. I hate that we live so far away from her but I am so grateful she is happy. I love Sage and Zach very much.

My daughter Amber

Amber is our princess. She is confident and talented. I am so proud of her ability to stand up for what she believes in and who she is. She does her own thing and doesn't care what anyone thinks. She is kind and thoughtful but can be fierce when she feels like she needs to stand up for someone or something. She is determined and constant. She is loyal to those she loves and cares for. She makes good choices and is a good example, friend and confidant to her sisters. I am so proud of who she is. She makes me proud to be her mom.

My daughter Lacey

Lacey is my baby. She is great! She works hard to help her dad and I. She is always the one doing the chores nobody else wants to do. We take advantage of her and she doesn't mind. She is good and sweet. She loves everyone and really suffers when people are unkind. She doesn't let her disabilities discourage her. When someone says she can't she proves them wrong every time and has been that way since she was very small. She aims to please and endears herself to everyone. She is my best helper and I don't know what I would do without her.

I love my family very much. I am so thankful for each of them. We are good friends and enjoy being together. Nothing makes me happier than watching my girls goof around and play with each other. It has been my greatest joy that their relationship has never changes since they were very small. They are friends and they love each other. I AM SO THANKFUL FOR MY FAMILY.

Goodbye Harry.

2009-11-12T13:02:00.002-06:00

Well Harry is going on a New adventure. He left today to go to Utah to live with Ron and Gloria Williams until Mom and Dad can take him back. I was trying to get a good picture but he was jumping and running all over the place. He loves road trips.

They will drive to St Louis and then fly to Salt Lake.

I am having kind of a sad day today saying goodbye. Harry will have a lot of fun with the Williams. I think it will be a lot more like living with mom and dad. I think he really misses them a lot.

Goodbye! Tom and Melissa are going to Tom's sister's wedding and agreed to travel with our fluffy friend. :) I can't wait to hear how it all works out.

Lacey sprained her ankle

2009-11-11T16:47:00.003-06:00

Lacey was playing basketball at school during lunch break yesterday and during one of her amazing layups she landed on someones foot and twisted her ankle. The school called me and I took her to the New Memorial Hospital in Carthage.

It is so nice and the people are super friendly. I don't think I have ever been so impressed with a hospital.

Well Lacey has a pretty ouchy sprain and is on crutches for at least a week. I'm sure she will be sick of them by then. It is really sad because it is the end of the basketball season and she is going to miss some pretty important games.

Grandparents night at the Basketball Game

2009-11-09T12:58:00.002-06:00

Well it was Grandparents night at the Basketball game and since Mom and Dad are in Washington. Lynn and Sharon (they took Lacey last year) had meetings. Lacey was going to go without anyone.
Sariah Adams had asked Gwen Krumperman to take her since all of her grandparents live far away too. Gwen is the Young woman president at our church. She has spent a lot of time with the girls this last year and was sweet enough to take time out of her busy schedule to come to the game. They grabbed Lacey and made a cute little family group. :) Lacey was thrilled.

Picture Time!!

2009-11-08T09:53:00.004-06:00

Here's Lacey. She's in 8th grade this year.

Amber is a senior.

These are Lacey's basketball pictures with her ball team. Marty and I really enjoy watching them play.

Marty has an Inguinal Hernia

2009-11-02T19:19:00.002-06:00

On Saturday Marty discovered a large lump in his groin. It really freaked him out. Today we went to the doctor and sure enough he has developed an inguinal hernia. We go on Thursday to meet with the surgeon. If you know Marty at all I am sure you know he is totally freaking out. I'll be glad when this event is over and so will he. :)

Pumpkin Walk in Nauvoo

2009-10-31T20:27:00.005-05:00

Getting excited about the pumpkin walk.

We started from our house and walked over. :)

The pumpkins were amazing as usual.

Amber and her friends are "Skittles" aren't they cute. They all work at the fudge factory and wore their Uniforms. :)

We found some pretty scarey creatures at the parade down Mulholland street. Jacob and Tally Layton. FRIGHTENING!!!!

Jerry and Sylvia Piggott sold soup and bread next to Annies custard. Helen and her sisters sold custard and hot food inside. There were so many vendors and so much yummy food to eat.

The Haunted Hotel was amazing this year. They Mayor was the Bell Hop. I can't wait to see what they come up with next year.

After the pumpkin walk we went to the Glass' house for a fun party!!

The Hasek's showed up!! Yay! Greg just got his mission call to Hawaii. He leaves on December 5th. It was so much fun seeing them.

It was a little chilly but we had a great time. I hope they do it next year.

Beggars Night!!!

2009-10-31T10:18:00.004-05:00

Amber and Lacey stayed home and carved pumpkins while they passed out candy to the trick or treaters.

Lacey had to wear a mask to Basketball Practice or run laps. So she and Amber made masks and then wore them all night. It was really cute.

We had trick or treaters really early in the evening and then they stopped really early. It was really cold and windy. REALLY!!!!

This is Lacey's scarey creation

and here is Ambers. i am beginning to think Amber is a little twisted. :)

They looked really cool in the dark too.

I am not sure what it is with me and the word REALLY but I guess it is the way I really talk and we want to be real. Right? lol

Tonight is the PUMPKIN WALK and I can't wait!!!

Family Pictures.

2009-10-13T09:32:00.002-05:00

We decided to hurry and take some family pictures yesterday for FHE. Amber was going to do it all with the timer. Fortunately Uncle Lynn was home so we didn't have to do it that way. Nothing fancy but we have to do it at least once a year. :)

Amber is in the newspaper...twice!!!

2009-10-12T19:33:00.002-05:00

Saturday Jane Church brought over these newspaper clippings of Amber from Homecoming. Pretty dang cool!!!

Kohl Wholesale Fall Food Show

2009-10-04T21:50:00.003-05:00

Last year I went to the fall food show in Quincy with Helen Campbell. This year she left for Utah so I talked Sylvia Piggot into going with me.

It was so much fun! Helen you missed a great time!!!

Lacey is playing Basketball

2009-10-04T21:41:00.002-05:00

Well basketball season is here for the Jr High and Lacey is really enjoying it. Her team just competed in a tournament at LaHarpe and won every game. They have only lost one game this whole season so far. It has been really fun watching them and I even got to drive the bus a couple of times. :)