The rest of the night before the night before

Hallie, McKayla, Hannah, Stella and Emma - ready to unwrap!
Moving targets, slightly out of focus: Christy, Aspen, Zoe and Bree

The whole crew with Opa in their new jammies.
A funny story about jammies- All the girls have pocka-dot bottoms. I thought I would like pokka dot bottoms too, so I bought some waffleweave fabric and made some bottoms. I added 3 inches to the legs to be sure I had them long enough. They drug on the ground. I didn't pre-shrink the fabric - so after they came out of the wash- I had capri length jammies. Perfect for summer! So how do you really spell Polka dot?

Twas the night before the night before Christmas

And all the Simpson Grandchildren spent the night under the Christmas tree - well, sort of. The babies were sent with their moms and dads while everyone else ate Candy Canes and played pile on Tucker.

The boys Tyler, Carter and Tucker getting ready to open jammies. The highlight of the evening.

Zoe relaxed on the bed by herself. While all the kids in the living room slept wall to wall. Miracles do happen - They all slept through the night!

...O Christmas Tree, how beautiful are your branches...

I am thankful for Christmas trees. Even sitting here at the computer I can see the reflection in the window and it makes me feel good. We didn't go up into the mountains this year (no snow) and Kristen & Clay were managing 3 lots, Kurt and Carlee doing the lot in Star, so we have a beautiful tree. Best of all, the grandkids did a wonderful job putting the ornaments on- I did have to rearrange a few, they all can't be on one branch or 3 feet and lower. I think I'll leave the tree up until the middle or end of January -just to enjoy it. This is Jake- some day he'll ask why he is looking like a girl, but this was in the drawer when he needed a dry sleeper. At 6 months he is sitting up by himself and has a smile that melts your heart.

Thanksgiving treats

The funniest thing always happens- My camera battery runs out before the party is even started. So here are our prep photos. Carter learning how to peel carrots. It's serious work!

We decided (ok, I decided) that a fun kids activity while waiting for the food to cook would be to make graham cracker gingerbread houses. A table full of candy is any grandchild's dream - right?

Tucker seriously working on his candy cane and his house. I am thankful for this wonderful family of ours.

Pucker UP!

Shouldn't magic marker always be lipstick? I am grateful for the things toddlers to that make me laugh. Thanks Christy.

Autumn Blessings

Leaves are falling all around, on the house tops, on the ground. Mow them up, rake them into piles, what ever you do, it's a lot of fun. I am grateful for Hannah, McKayla, Carter and Bree for making it so much fun to rake up leaves!

Angels amoung us

To preface this post I have to tell you about my friend Betty Guerber. Betty must have reminded me of my mother; warm, loveing and always with an encourageing word, always happy to see me. She would stop me and tell me about seeing my kids do something nice, or tell us nice things about us as a family - so you can see why I love her. She was one of our RS presidents. She passed away about 3 years ago. Ok that's who Betty is.

On Monday night I was lying in bed dreading to go to Chemo the next day. It isn't that it's so difficult, it's not. I just didn't want to have to endure a week of feeling fatigue, gassy, bloated, chemically poisened etc. So in other words, I was dreading it. Eventually I fell asleep but at some time in the early hours of the morning- you know when you are not sure if you are dreaming or if you are awake, Betty came and gave me a big hug and told me how much I am loved. I saw her whole being. She looked wonderful. I felt wonderful and all of my fear and trepidation went compleatly away leaving me with peace about going to Chemo that day. I felt like I was being comforted and supported by family and friends beyond the veil. They know what's going on and how I'm feeling.

In Jeffery R. Hollands Oct 2008 conference talk: (which I slept through while in the hospital and just read this morning) The ministry of Angels; he says: " ... God has used angels as His emissaries in conveying love and concern for his children...Usually such beings are not seen. Sometimes they are. But seen or unseen they are always near. Sometimes their assignments are very grand and have significance for the whole world. Sometimes the messages are more private. Occaionally the angelic purpose is to warn. But most often it is to comfort, to provide some form of merciful attention, guidance in difficult times." Elder Holland goes on to talk about earthly angels and ends with this: "May we all believe more readily in, and have more gratitude for, the Lord's promise as contained in one of President Monson's faviorite scripture: "I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left,...my spirit shall be in your [heart] and mine angels round about you to bear you up."D&C 84:88

So Chemo went fine, but the night after wasn't all that wonderful and the infusion flush had some glitches, but I was calm and not stressed over the little things and for that I am thankful for the angels beyond the veil who love and support me, and for the angels here right now who love and support me. Thank you.

The blessing of WHOLENESS

I have been thinking about this post for some time. I even mentioned this in an e-mail to my family because it made such an impact on me. Part 1: On October 9, when I was recovering from the abdominal surgery I woke up with a feeling of "wholeness" It was as though as I moved and stretched my mind knew that my body no longer contained the "evil, nasty cancer" I felt whole. That's the only way I can describe it. I savor the moment and hope to continue to have that sweet feeling of completeness again. Part Two: The oncologist wanted me to have a second CT scan to more completely look over the lungs and other organs for any "masses" that may lurk in the dark. It was a "we don't think there are any other cancers, but just to be sure, lets do this Scan." So I did. (Even when you think everything is fine, it's easy to get into a worried, what if - what if - negative mind set. I really didn't have to fight that battle of the mind.) On October 30th when I went in for the port surgery, the Dr. told me that the scan showed NO DISTAL ABNORMALITIES. Which means no little things growing in the dark. I am very relieved and grateful.

Isn't it wonderful that Heavenly Father doesn't need the technology of science to give us the diagnosis for us? He doesn't have to wait for tests. He knows. He let me know. I can trust Him. I am so grateful for that comfort and peace. Even if there were more to worry over, He would be there and help me through it. I am thankful for His love, His peace, His comfort. I am grateful.

Thankful for Hair

This post is for my sister Barbara. Proof that I am not an invalid sitting in my bed waiting for all my hair to turn completely gray. Actually I did miss my September hair appt, and as Kim predicted my out-growth of gray hair is completly obvious. So what- I still have hair! Someone I love e-mailed that they don't let you dye or perm your hair while in chemo - so before my appointment on Halloween, I need to double check that- then I can decide if I want to go short now, or just let the salt and pepper grow in- Of course, then I would have horizontal stripes of brown hair all around my head and that would look pretty unique too. In the meantime, I AM thankful for hair and eyelashes and eyebrows too!

Family Photos

Since Jessi and James are moving to Utah in two weeks, we decided we had better get our family photo's current, especially since the last photo's were of Jessi's wedding TWO YEARS ago! I am so grateful for Kristen, Carlee, Kim, Jessi and Jed who figured out where when what to wear and got someone terrific to take the photo's. Site: Boise River in Eagle. Kurt took a bunch of candid photos and this one is of Tucker, Carter and Tyler throwing rocks. It was a beautiful evening with the leaves just turning yellow and a patient group working with 14 kids!

Oldest and youngest

This is Gil's mom age (91) getting aquainted with Ellie Jane (1 month) the newest member of our family. Ellie is the 55th great grand child. We are really thankful for the oldest and the youngest members of our family and for the sweet times we have when we can get together.

The Jessi/James Gang

Everyone who asks about our family speaks the truth when they say how lucky we are to have every one living close by. WE ARE SO BLESSED! However, our sweet Jessi and James have accepted jobs in Utah. I can't say they just accepted- Jessi was recruited to come back to Life Flight. They loved her and she loved working for life flight- so when an opportunity came that seemed to fit Jessi to a "T", the person who will be her immediate supervisor moved mountains to make sure Jessi could apply for the job. And Jessi was offered the job. Meanwhile James has been looking for full time employment, so while Jessi was training for the life flight job, he interviewed for a job he had applied for (this was more than coincidence when someone who could interview him was in the store on the day James was there checking it out. They interview on Wednesdays and this was a Monday.) He was offered a job also to start the same day Jessi starts at Life flight. Next my wonderful parents have generously offered them a place to live (and store their stuff) while they build up an apartment deposit and look for a place to live. So while I am truly sad to have Jessi and James move back to Utah, I can appreciate the tender mercies of the Lord to guide them into a situation that will be better for them. And as much as I know James' family would rather have them in Alaska, I am truly grateful that they will be only 5 hours away. Oh Jessi- we will miss you -and Mom must be doing the "Snoopy dance" to have her come back to Ogden.

i am thankful for

I am thankful for:) A husband who will get up and nurture a hurting wife, give her a blessing and take her to the emergency room to get help :) Medical doctors and nurses and technicians who not only know their stuff, but are kind and give warm blankets when you are cold :) A SiL and Daughter who will drop everything to be with me and wait for results from the tests :) for other daughters who take in each others children so I won't be alone, even though I am OUT like a LIGHT :) For Kristen holding my hand as I came out of anesthesia :) for Kurt and Kristen to be there when the Dr. comes to hear the results:) for my sweet grand children who give me hugs and loves and make wonderful cards and pictures for me :) For nurses and CNA's who did their best to make me comfortable and not hurt or throw-up as much :) That i can breathe :) For visitors who brought flowers and cards and sweet voices and love and prayers :) For daughters -and this includes Carlee and Maria who nurture me and see that I get enough rest and pain medicine :) That Jed was available to be there to talk to the Dr. when the pathology results came in :) For Kurt to sacrifice his computer so we could have it in the hospital room :) For chapstick and lotion -thanks Kristen :) For Flowers :) For phone calls & emails :) to be home:) to be able to be off pain meds :) for the morning I woke up feeling whole -I can't explain it- I still have the surgery to heal from, but i felt whole- I could roll to the side with out squinching in pain :) For my sweet family who nurture and take good care of me and are so understanding :) for my husband who helps me take care of the stinky bag and sees to my needs and wants :) and most especially for my Savior who I know has suffered worse than I ever will and who loves me and will help me endure what ever comes next. :) and for all the blessings I can't sit up straight enough to list at this time.

More Blessings

This handsome guy, Jake, 3 mo. old , went to the cardiologist to day to have his heart checked out. After the ultrasound and Dr.'s exam, the verdict is NO HEART MURMUR, it was just a blood vessel in one of the chambers that was going whoosh whoosh and "just to be sure, go to the specialist" Dr. visit. What a wonderful blessing. We are very grateful for this happy sweet little one!

Where's OPA?

Notice the pink shoes? Bree found the back pack last week and decided she needed to bring it to Opa so that she could have a ride. She manuvers very well with out having a view of where she is going. Christy does it too. There is something really lovable about toddlers that just make our heart strings glow. We are thankful for the funny things they do.

No Earwigs!

As I was getting ready for work yesterday, I glanced out the sliding glass doors and saw a whole covey of quail (bobwhite) moving from the neighbors though our corner into the other neighbors. There are at least 15 in this photo and there were lots more in the area. It is such an amazing thing to watch them as they parade along the edges of the yard. It just makes me smile. I have seen them in the yard other times this summer; all of the volunteer tomatoe plants must give them shelter & hopefully food, but best of all, we have had almost no earwigs this summer. Do you think the quail have something to do with it? We are thankful anyway.

Hannah's Day

HANNAH
Gender: Feminine
Usage: English, Jewish, French, German, Biblical
Pronounced: HAN-ə (English), HAH-nah (German) From the Hebrew name חַנָּה (Channah) which meant "favour" or "grace".

Hannah is courageous, kind, adventurous, happy, tender and a good camper!

Happy birthday to you Hannah, we are thankful for you.

This is baby Ellie Jane. Born Friday September 19th. 7 lbs 12 oz. 21 1/2 inches long.

We are thankful she is

healthy, perfect and a wonderful answer to all those prayers that all would go well.

FYI#14 grandchild -and we think each one is the best, brightest and cutest of all.

Weekend fun

On Wednesday when Kim went to her Dr. appointment, the Dr told her that she was sooooo ready to have the baby. She could schedule it and have the baby at a reasonable time or she could be miserable and wait for the baby to initiate labor. Put that way, no brainer, schedule the hospital -Thursday at 7:00 am. So McKayla, Carter and Bree came over Wednesday night to start the sleep-over at Oma and Opa's. However, things didn't go as planned and the hospital called Thursday morning to say "No room in the hospital- call us later" Then "No room, we'll call you." then "Sorry, you'll be first on the list tomorrow" So instead of picking up McKayla from school and going to see her new sister, Kim and Deven picked her up and brought her back to our house for another night of anticipation. Fortunatly Friday went as scheduled and yup- baby Ellie was born. She is beautiful, fantastic skin and georgeous. Friday, McK had a program at her school, so while Bree took a nap (Gil was home) Carter and I went to the program and watched the first graders sing about lunch, recess and the bus with great gusto. We took McK from school early and picked up Bree to go to the hospital. Carter and McKayla remember what we did when Bree was born so I had a list of things they needed to do - buy balloons and toys for the new baby. On our way into the hospital (with helium balloons in tow) we passed a gentleman coming out. He had a name tag on, so he might have been an employee. Carter turned to him and asked "where is my momma at?" With out missing a step, the man replied" In that great big building" I am so thankful for little ones and the cute things they say. Saturday morning McK's and Emma's soccer game was rained (thunder and lightening) out. I am thankful for that because I wasn't looking forward to standing in the rain for an hour. But I would have. The afternoon turned into a beautiful day. When we have some grandchildren over, we always want more. Hurray! Emma and Aspen came over. Even thought the ground didn't need more water, Gil turned the water into the ditch so the kids could float boats and play. That's Aspen on the swing, Carter Emma & McK playing in the water and Bree giving me the green tomatoes she picked. She likes to pick the green ones. Red or Green she always tries to bite into them, and then gives them to us -gooshy. Sunday we actually made it to church before the meeting started. We thought we were late. In the evening we went to Jed's for Hannah's 9th birthday celebration. Then Deven took his family all home and we didn't have 3 smiling kids to make sure we were awake and getting up at 7:30 am. So much to be thankful for. It was a wonderful weekend.

Wednesday night at the Park

One of Emma's friends had a turtle at the park on Wednesday night. The turtle is named "Shelly" and really likes to walk in the grass. It's a pretty mellow turtle because Carter, Tyler, Emma and Aspen all took the opportunity to touch/hold the turtle. It's skin is soft where it goes into the shell. I am thankful for the incredible creations God created to make this world so interesting.

Thankful blessing from Monday- Gil got home safely from backpacking with his brothers. It was after dark, so even though I pretended not to wonder where he was, I was awfully glad when he drove in- with a baggy full of fresh lake trout and whiskers on his face. They had stopped at Kirkham Hot Springs so he was feeling tired and happy to be home. (No photo- the camera battery was dead- next time) I am thankful for my sweet man who is the best ever. Emma, McKayla, Bree, Christy, Aspen and Anniva are happy he is here too.

Arn and Leisha and Anniva were in town for the week and we got to have a picnic in the park with them. What fun to see the cute little ones play and play and visit. Arn is wonderfully good about sharing the arabic language he is learning, but can't say much about work -except he works hard. The lucky family are headed to Seattle for a Bjorn family get-together and blessing of little Peter. How blessed we are to have a nephew that calls from GEORGIA and says "Hi AUNT KATHY- How are you doing? Can we get together?" Love you Arn

Emma while running past, gave us a wonderful smile- She is having fun. I count the hugs and smiles of our grandchildren as blessings each and every day!

Emma and McKayla