Bloomed just two days ago. Perfect timing. My cousin gave it to me at Christmas. I'm feeling good and blessed by everyone's love and prayers.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Saturday, January 30, 2016
It has been
a great snow day. A great day to stay inside because of snow. Gary wasn't so lucky. He had to leave for Syracuse early this morning for a robot convention and won't be home till later.
But I've been happily on my pain medications (resulting in no pain), cuddled up in a blanket in my coral and teal craft room, watching a marathon of "Signed, Sealed, and Delivered." It is a Hallmark special series, but I have never seen it before. It is delightful and quirky and perfect entertainment for a snowy day such as this.
Now Gary just needs to arrive home safely and all will be well.
But I've been happily on my pain medications (resulting in no pain), cuddled up in a blanket in my coral and teal craft room, watching a marathon of "Signed, Sealed, and Delivered." It is a Hallmark special series, but I have never seen it before. It is delightful and quirky and perfect entertainment for a snowy day such as this.
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Ashton is officially
a teenager today! When we talked with him we reminded him not to act like a teenager even though he is one. I have no worries in that regard, though. Ashton is about as level headed and grounded as they come.
Here is the transcript of my interview with Ashton in December.
What has been the most exciting thing for you this year? His team being undefeated in the basketball season and coming to visit Utah.
What do you enjoy doing most in your free time?
Playing basketball (When we talked with him tonight we found out that,for his Birthday celebration, all his cousins and friends are going up to play basketball at the church and then going back to his house for pizza)
Favorite subject in school?
Math. He and 4 friends did very well in a math competition this year.
Favorite Books?
Books of Umber (Sci-Fi fantasy) and Harry Potter. I asked him if he still went to bed and read every night like he used to. He said that he doesn't much any more because he realizes that sleep is more important than reading at night. (Pretty wise, I think)
What are your favorite sports?
Basketball, Soccer, Cross Country, and track
What do you want to study in college?
Engineering
If you could talk with someone who has died, who would it be?
Jesus
Favorite Color? Purple
Favorite Food? Parmesan Pork, Picanya (Beef)
What do you appreciate about your family? My Dad. That we are all nice to each other. (Wishes he had a brother)
What are you looking forward to? Summer vacation
Favorite thing to do with friends? Gym and Basketball
Where do you feel most spiritual? In the Temple
Here is the transcript of my interview with Ashton in December.
What has been the most exciting thing for you this year? His team being undefeated in the basketball season and coming to visit Utah.
What do you enjoy doing most in your free time?
Playing basketball (When we talked with him tonight we found out that,for his Birthday celebration, all his cousins and friends are going up to play basketball at the church and then going back to his house for pizza)
Favorite subject in school?
Math. He and 4 friends did very well in a math competition this year.
Favorite Books?
Books of Umber (Sci-Fi fantasy) and Harry Potter. I asked him if he still went to bed and read every night like he used to. He said that he doesn't much any more because he realizes that sleep is more important than reading at night. (Pretty wise, I think)
What are your favorite sports?
Basketball, Soccer, Cross Country, and track
What do you want to study in college?
Engineering
If you could talk with someone who has died, who would it be?
Jesus
Favorite Color? Purple
Favorite Food? Parmesan Pork, Picanya (Beef)
What do you appreciate about your family? My Dad. That we are all nice to each other. (Wishes he had a brother)
What are you looking forward to? Summer vacation
Favorite thing to do with friends? Gym and Basketball
Where do you feel most spiritual? In the Temple
We are so proud of Ashton
and the amazing young man he is!
Happy Birthday, Ashton!
and hugs to you.
Monday, January 25, 2016
Cochlear Implant
Well, I'm doing it. As I've gone through the various processes, it just seems like the right time. I qualify, with my hearing loss, to have our insurance pay for all but our medical deductible.
It hasn't been a particularly easy decision, because it is permanent and there is no turning back. I've been warned by everyone that there will be an adjustment period because at first it will sound very mechanical and will taking some getting used to. But, it should help with the clarity and decibels I hear in that ear. They are doing my R. ear, which has the most profound loss.
I have kind of second guessed myself since commiting, wondering if I should mess with the status quo, which I rationalize really isn't too bad with my hearing aids. But, funnily, since commiting I've been paying special attention to what I'm hearing and what I'm not hearing. On one day last week I went visiting teaching and my visiting teachers came here. I realized that I was probably only catching 50% what they were saying. I could follow the thread of the converstations but missing a lot of the details. That was actually kind of reassuring to me that I had made the right decision.
So, it is this Thursday. It is a same day surgery, and Gary has taken the day off. I am a little nervous about it being successful and how painful the recovery might be, though it isn't a dangerous or risky procedure. I think of my niece, Andie, who has had that procedure and dozens of others for feeding tubes and surgeries to keep her body in alignment, and I realize that this is nothing.
Then I think of silly vanity issues, like how much of my hair will be shaved off and how much the equipment will show even when my hair grows back (Very important, I know!) It was sweet, when I got my hair highlighted last week, my friend and hairdresser said she wished she could be in the surgery with me to tell them what they could and couldn't shave off.
So, it will be an adventure. Hopefully an exciting one, especially once I am able to start activiating the equipment in about 3 weeks.
It hasn't been a particularly easy decision, because it is permanent and there is no turning back. I've been warned by everyone that there will be an adjustment period because at first it will sound very mechanical and will taking some getting used to. But, it should help with the clarity and decibels I hear in that ear. They are doing my R. ear, which has the most profound loss.
I have kind of second guessed myself since commiting, wondering if I should mess with the status quo, which I rationalize really isn't too bad with my hearing aids. But, funnily, since commiting I've been paying special attention to what I'm hearing and what I'm not hearing. On one day last week I went visiting teaching and my visiting teachers came here. I realized that I was probably only catching 50% what they were saying. I could follow the thread of the converstations but missing a lot of the details. That was actually kind of reassuring to me that I had made the right decision.
So, it is this Thursday. It is a same day surgery, and Gary has taken the day off. I am a little nervous about it being successful and how painful the recovery might be, though it isn't a dangerous or risky procedure. I think of my niece, Andie, who has had that procedure and dozens of others for feeding tubes and surgeries to keep her body in alignment, and I realize that this is nothing.
Then I think of silly vanity issues, like how much of my hair will be shaved off and how much the equipment will show even when my hair grows back (Very important, I know!) It was sweet, when I got my hair highlighted last week, my friend and hairdresser said she wished she could be in the surgery with me to tell them what they could and couldn't shave off.
So, it will be an adventure. Hopefully an exciting one, especially once I am able to start activiating the equipment in about 3 weeks.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
"From the ashes . . ."
Natalie's friend, Kelly, got us tickets to go through the Provo City Center Temple. We went on Thursday and had a wonderful evening.
When the tabernacle burned to just a shell 5 years ago, it was devastating news. It had been a landmark and meeting place for more than 100 years. I had attended a lifetime of Stake Conferences, graduations, and musical programs there.
Then in 2011 it was announced it would be restored as a temple. It was amazing to see the beautiful interiors and restoration details as we went on the tour. It teaches a wonderful lesson on how a tragedy can be turned into a blessing if we make it so.
Here is a link to a time lapsed video.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
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