Farewell, friend...With Love.

Ricochet's White Rose (aka Rosie Posie Wiggle Butt) passed peacefully away the morning of December 12 from congestive heart failure caused by excessively old age (9 1/2 yrs). In her short time with us she taught us that there was never a pop bottle she couldn't kill, or a snack she wouldn't taste. She loved pork, chicken, red licorice, and peeing on the porch when it snows. She was always up for a parade, loved sledding down hills, sleeping under the covers, and didn't mind wearing goofy outfits. This last year she explored Disneyland, Yellowstone, and Island Park.She taught us that life isn't about how long you live, but how well you live it. Rest in peace little buddy, we will miss you and love you always.

Update

Procedure for today has been postponed. The good news is that I have NOT shown an allergic reaction to the sulfur antibiotic. The bad news is that neither have the bacteria that have moved into my system. That means 10 more days of yet another antibiotic, and postponement of the procedure.  Maybe the 6th dose of anibiotics will do the trick ...

Yup.

Yup. I have another infection. This means:
1. The lovely ladies of imaging gave it to me by fiddling around while doing the procedure
or
2. Mega infection is not over.

Hmmm. Start with baby antibiotics and work our way up to the big guns. Today's dose? Sulfamethoxazolet. The advantages: If it works, I can have my procedure on Thursday as scheduled.
The disadvantages: I may be allergic. The pharmacy says I will have a reaction, the Doctor says they have no record of this allergy on file. So I am taking my chances. If it doesn't work or if I have a reaction, then the procedure on Thursday will have to wait.

Frustrating!

Now it's monday.

Had procedure on Friday. Another scheduled for Thursday. Pain started again on Saturday and continued through Sunday. Leesha's Birthday is Wednesday, and her sister gets married on Saturday (next), so she's going to go back to American Fork on Friday, which leaves me to go to the doctor on Monday instead of waiting for Tuesday because that would just be redonkulous.

More fun for me

Friday's activities included a VCUG (Voiding cystourethrogram ) procedure.
In short: Not fun.
Even shorter= more bladder pain today.
A special thanks to the poor sap who's picture I just stole from the internet. I won't know what my picture looks like until Thursday when I go in for a bladder scope and more consultation. Good times.

tetonpanorama2.jpg

tetonpanorama2.jpg
Originally uploaded by tlcbull2

Visions of autumn from our last trip to Yellowstone and Teton National Parks.

who cares

Was going to post some yellowstone pics today, then determined it doesn't really matter. maybe tomorrow.

Wordless Wednesday

Today's post is dedicated to S& D:

Wordless Wednesday

AMAZING!

Wordless Wednesday

a.m.a.z.i.n.g!

You have been selected as a contestant in

JB's Amazing Birthday Race!

When: Saturday August 28

Time: 1:30 p.m. to 4:00??? We will have to see how fast the race goes! Parents can come earlier to see the finish/have cake&icecream.

Where: Around downtown Logan. Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, you will be kept busy!

No really...Where???? Here is your first clue!

In 1873 Logan had 2,033 inhabitants. In that year, the Right Reverend Daniel S. Tuttle organized a Church in the city. Parishioners then built a school, started businesses, and participated in city government. They helped prepare the way for people of many religious faiths to settle in Logan. Your first task is to make your way to this church at the designated time to begin your journey around the world.

JB has invited 11 other girls to be contestants in her amazing race party. They will be spilt into 4 teams with 3 girls and one adult "taxi driver" per team (the race is all on foot, the taxi drivers will not actually be driving, but will help steer girls in the right direction, or can intervene if things get out of hand.) I have worked with 7 local vendors around downtown Logan to provide clues, tasks, tastes, and treats throughout the race. Yup. It's CRAZY!
I am a few helpers short right now so if you are going to be in the Logan area and want to assist, just let me know!

P.S. Thanks ASHES for planting the seeds in JB's brain... and NO I will NOT be doing this for cousin camp! :-)

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

night time

Night time.
When the sun goes,
Thoughts turn into dragons.
Demons lurk behind corners,
Sucking peace like otter-pops.
Chemical induced nightmares,
Give way to fitfull trembles.
Never sleep.
Gone are the days,
When night was a welcome
Respite from the bustle.
Never will it come again.
Don't tell me it will take time.
I don't want to hear it.
It's all a crock of poop
To pay someone's bills.
The reality is the world is a changin'
There is no going back.
And sleep will never come again.
Ever.

Wordless Wednesday

Dreams...

So, I drempt of you last night.
Your to long for your mother curly blonde hair
Fuzzy like a halo in the sunlight.

You told me to follow you.
 I was needed, and we had to hurry.
It was urgent that we get there soon.
Follow me! Quickly!

Then you hopped into your shiny maroon diesel truck,
The one that you love, so much it is a part of you,
And sped away as fast as it would go,
Engine roaring off into the distance.

But I was on foot.
And could not keep up.
And now have lost you again.
Because I do not know the way.

Wordless Wednesday

Memory Lane...

Bar M, Diamond D, Rocking P, Circle K... All brought back a rush of memories from my childhood summers spent at Trefoil Ranch. Things have changed there. Now there is a fancy new lodge, and the place looks like a wild west town, with Doctor's office, trading post, and a plush mess hall.

Also, the perspective has changed. I didn't return as a camper, but as a MOM of a camper, and to be honest that was a little weird. I really wanted to go up the hill and see if the OLD log Cabin lodge was still there, but that area is reserved for campers, not OLD MOMs. So, I said goodbye at the new "Goodbye Tower" and headed home.

Goodnight "Winky," I hope you learn lots of songs, and make lots of friends, and have the time of your life. I hope you ride horses until your butt hurts and you hike to the top of Mount Baldy. I hope you sleep in the meadow, gag in the biffy, and watch the hawks soar over the trees.

And when you go to sleep I hope you look at the stars, stare at the moon, and just for tinie tiny second, remember "Roady," who would give anything to share this experience with you.

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday from "Your Other Mother."

Wishes

"What did you wish for Momma?" You asked me, after you blew this flower, and I answered "nothing," but I lied. I really did make a wish. I simply wished for the ability to remember this is your wish, not mine.

Happy Campers Get Mail!!!

JB is heading for Girl Scout Camp July 26-31. Some of you have mentioned wanting to send her a letter to receive at camp. It takes 5 days for a letter to arrive at camp, so sending a letter now will assure she gets it when she is there. If you would like to send a care package, the GSU recommends that you send:
 "stationery, books, comics, pens, stickers, etc. Please do not send candy, food, or soda to your camper. It attracts insects and wild animals, creates conflict among bunk mates, and makes a mess."
 Send Mail to:
Jenna B. Eliason
Horse Fever July 26-31
Trefoil Ranch
RR3 Box 658
Provo, Utah 84606

Wordless Wednesday

Harry Potter Camp Week 4

A view of Hogwarts, starring Rosie the Magical Fatdog

Monday: 4th of July Holiday, so no school, but had lunch with friends Gwyn, Stacy, and Kathy instead. Played all afternoon on the slip-n-slide.
Tuesday: Discussed the properties of Wolfsbane http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aconitum and how plants are commonly used in various medications and other type of "potions."
Wednesday: Professor Snape..known in the muggle world as USU Chemistry  Instructor Professor Harris came to show the class a lot of fun science and chemistry esperiments. The favorite was dipping a banana in liquid nitrogen and shattering it into a bunch of  little pieces. (Yeah, it was awesome!)
Thursday: Slytherin found the sword horcrux under the bridge in the middle of the stream...had to go barefoot and almost fell in the water! Only one week left. So SAD, because this is "the funnest summer thing I've ever done in my whole life. It's soooooo awesome!"

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Birthday, Mom!

This is Grandma Olive Johnson, Ruth (age 2) and Roxey (3 months)

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Sis!

I have tried to give my child everything. I regret that I have not been able to give her the joy of having a sister.  I have 3! Someone who you know will always be there for you because no matter how awful you are to them, they really don't have much of a choice. They have to learn to put up with you! Lucky for me, I was blessed with much more than a sister, but a special friend with whom I shared some of my most favorite childhood memories. I remember tea parties, bike rides, phantom parades, yellow dogs and swimming lessons. Swimming in the river at "Flintstone Park," sandy Easter Egg hunts, and pillow forts. Sleep overs, crazy songs, and the uncanny ability to be in the same outfit even after days apart.
Happy Birthday, kid.  I love you!

Harry Potter Camp Week 3

Monday: Begin care of Magical Creatures. See a clip about a real unicorn . Watch trailer for Deathly Hallows Part I
Tuesday:  Houses Slytherin/Ravenclaw are invited to share any magical creatures that they have at home, so Rosie the magical bulldog attends Harry Potter Camp. Discuss her amazing ability to tell if you are in the treat cupboard, even if she is on the other side of the house. She also has magical white hair that is guaranteed to stick to anything black. Also in attendance were 2 bearded dragons.
Wednesday: Gryffendor/Hufflpuff magical creatures come to Hogwarts. They included a lot of magic dogs, and a toad.
Thursday: A Magical visit from the Willow Park Zoo Outreach Center. Guests included a screech owl named Gloria, a boa constrictor and another bearded dragon. The Slytherin seeker found the snitch, and Slytherin is in the lead for the House Cup by about 65 points.
Next week, Professor Snape is coming to teach potions. This is so awesome!

Wordless Wednesday

Harry Potter Camp Week 2

Harry Potter Camp Week 2

Monday: Started the study of space and how it relates to Harry Potter
Tuesday: Played "Where's Voldemort" a hide and seek type game, but you "cast spells" when you see another person. The person who shoots their spell first wins. Made new Slytherin badges with V.S. after school.
Wednesday: Spray painted planets...look really cool! Had hair done, and put green glitter extensions in to match the Slytherin Green.
Thursday: Watch movie 2 with TREATS!

Oh yeah, this is still way AWESOME!

Harry Potter Camp Week 1

Harry Potter Camp
Day 1= Black robes, house sorting (Slytherin), and looking for the snitch.
Day 2= Making a wand, finding the snitch, and being so excited that every other phrase is "Yeah, it's awesome!"
Day 3 = Finishing the wand...complete with visible core of Dragon Heart String and Unicorn Hair, and winning a wizards dueling competition (muggles would call this a variation of rock-paper-scissors), and having a boy in another house ( Ravenclaw) tell you he likes you....
Day 4= Treats and watching the Sorcerer's Stone.
Yeah, it's awesome!

Wordless Wednesday

Greatest Show on Earth

 The Lord gave each and everyone

The spunk to do what can't be done

The brawn, the brain, the courage and the heart

The strength to bend the strongest bar

The will to reach the farthest star

It's just a case of learning how to start.

To build a tower up so high to a cloud you'll anchor

Build it one tiny brick at a time

Bucks multiply till a bum's a banker

Just begin with a thin silver dime

That empty feild it can yeild miles and miles of flowers

You don't need no magic powers

Just a seed and showers

From the floor to the sky

You can soar if you're wise enough to climb

One brick at a time

--- Jim Dale ---

(from the musical Barnum)

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

chatting

Jb and TheBoy chatting on the phone. Talking about the end of the school year, and their plans for summer vacation. Perfectly normal conversation, 'cept it's not.

Wordless Wednesday

Yes, I know this has words, but this is MY blog and I can do anything. I can do anything good!
(It's true I stole this from Natalie's blog, but something this positive NEEDS to be shared!)

Wordless Wednesday

Flyin' into the storm...

Flying into the storm.

Wondering when it will end.

Like a hurricane it spins.

 Around. Around. Around.

Gathering momentum.

Damaging all who come in contact,

Even those that just want to help.

Advice?

Stay clear.

Keep outta the way.

EVACUATE!

Or it will get you, too.

Wordless Wednesday

Beach Bum

Fatdog LOVED the dog beach in Long Beach CA. We will have to take her back again soon.

P.S.

You can thank JB for these AWESOME shots, she's working on her photography badge for girls scouts.

I think she's pretty good!

Farewell, friend...

Farewell my friend. When I get over being so pissed that you're gone, and that now he's gone too, and how my little family has been shaken to it's core, shredded by demons, and more, so much more.... after I get over all that....then I'll be thankful for the times we had. I'll be grateful for BBQ's and trick-or-treats and swimming at the lake. I'll be glad for your fuzzy mullet, and just one more diet coke. I'll be glad for how many times your toe hurt. Even now, through my rage and saddness, I will always be forever grateful for you trusting me for so many years with the little bit of you that lives on. I promise I won't give up. Love will find a way. Farewell friend, you will be missed.

like clay...

Have you ever had a piece of clay? A beautiful chunk of moldable material that someone let you borrow for awhile. They tell you they want it back, but you can hold it, for now. Then they go away. Then you get a chunk of clay for your very own. Everyday you sculpt on the the clay shapes. You add a little here, gently push a little there. Everyday you work on them. You begin to see  fantastic shapes of the sculptures that are forming under your hands. You rub and mold. You fall in love with the little chunks of clay. You know deep down inside that one of them doesn't really belong to you, but you continue to mold and shape and love the set. Like matching book ends. Like salt and pepper. You can't possible imagine having one with out the other because they were made to go together. People tell you how much they love the work you are doing, and how wonderfully the pieces fit together, and you are so proud of the shapes you are creating, and so pleased that others can see how wonderful they are, and just how much you love playing with clay. You have dreams and fantasies about what the finished scupltures are going to look like, you can see the sculptures far in the future and they are beautiful, and they fit together perfectly and you kind of forget that some of this clay doesn't belong to you. It becomes engrained in your life, you begin to think it belongs to you because you designed the matching set. Like an icecream in a cone. You really really love how the scupltures are progressing and are so excited that you get to work on them everyday. Life is great.
Then Bam! Through a whirlwind the original owner returns. They want their clay back. NOW. On the inside you scream that you aren't finished yet. But they have all the proper paper work and receipts and you have none and you can't do anything  about it.  You have to give some of the clay back. Your heart breaks because now your set is not complete, and don't understand how anyone can break up the set. Look close! They were made to be together. You scream and scream... on the inside. But on the outside you just hand it over. You have too, because you know, and have always known that the clay never belonged to you in the first place. Now your set doesn't match anymore, but if you are polite, and say all the right words, you may get to see the other piece of clay, on occasion, on someone else's shelf. Now the scuplture you see will still be beautiful, always beautiful, because you have learned to love it so much, and some of the sculpting you have done is already hardenend, and you will still be able to see it there, but it will also be different because someone else is going to mold it for a while. The finished project, though beautiful, will no longer be the same as what  you envisioned, the matching set... broken.

See ya!

Tomorrow we head off to CA.
M-I-C-K-E-Y with R-O-S-I-E!!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

In A Week From Now...

We will be heading away for spring break. The whole family is coming this time, even the Nanny and the fatdog. Should be an interesting experience. Fatdog is goin' to Disneyland. How cool is that?

Oh! Pick me, pick me!

Just read on Natalie's blog that she is coming to UT to do photo shoots! Remember Natalie? She's the photographer that lives on Oahu that I LOVE, and I have been stalking  her blog and Digital Photography School postings for ....three or more years now. I promised myself the next time I was in Hawaii I was going to hire her to do a family portrait on the beach.
That is still a goal,
But.she.is.coming.to.Utah!
She's coming to Utah! 
WELL! That's kinda like D being able to have lunch with Wonder Woman in my book. I of course emailed her RIGHT AWAY for pricing and schedule information. I haven't heard back from her yet...

Wordless Wednesday

Facts for Friday

I wish you could know that NOW is what matters, and not worry so much about when you are all grown up. True you hate my rules, my cooking, and my singing at you in front of your friends. You can't wait until you can be on your own and eat icecream for breakfast whenever you want. I guess that's all part of growing up. Not for you, but for me. I have to come to grips with the reality that you are not babies anymore and yes, you are looking, searching even, everyday for the paths that will take you away from me. Those paths are coming quickly. The roads that will lead you to college, raise families, be your own people are just around the next bend. Forgive me for wanting to picnic here just a little longer.

Tales for Thursday

Yesterday was St. Patrick's Day, And when JB woke up this is what she found:

Last night I saw a Leprechaun

Outside your bedroom door,

He gave a sneeze and did a twirl,

And landed on the floor!

I knelt down and squinted hard,

And what my eyes did see,

Was a tiny little bitty man,

With a very scraped up knee.

I asked him if he was alright,

And he began to wail.

His knee did hurt and when he sneezed,

His gold flew from his pail.

I found a tiny bandage,

I fixed him up real well,

He wiped his tears, began to grin,

And told me he felt swell.

As a special gift to me,

At least this is what he told,

I could keep what I could find,

Of all of his lost gold.

So look high, and then look low,

To find all that may still lay,

You can take them off to school,

To share with friends today.

Perhaps YOU'LL be the Leprechaun

And hide a little treat,

For teachers and your special friends,

Now wouldn't that be neat?

No matter what you choose to do,

I must make something clear,

You're what I treasure, more than gold,

I love you lots my dear!

Wordless Wednesday

Thoughts for Tuesday

Though nobody knows what a dog's nose knows,

I suppose we may guess and surmise;

But I'm glad I don't know what a dog's nose knows...

It might bring tears to my eyes.

Copyright: Mike Jubb

Meant for Monday

Happy Birthday Kellee!!!

Can you Can-Can? JB can!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMh9Fmx4XzA

Pancake breakfast fundraiser for Haiti

JB's sunday school class held a pancake breakfast fundraiser to aide in the relief effort for Haiti. I am so grateful to her teachers and the parents of this youth group for being such awesome examples. The children raised over $1700.00!  You may see the rest of the pictures by clicking

here

Easter!

I think it's official. I think Easter truly might be my favorite holiday. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, and Halloween, but there is just that little something extra special about Easter. Maybe it's because the snow is finally starting to melt and the sun is shining. Maybe it's the chocolate bunnies. Everyone and anyone who know anything about me knows I have
 A VERY SPECIAL THING
for plastic Easter eggs (Yes, it's true I have filled over 12 dozen plastic bits of delightful goodness for the egg hunt at my very own house, for hmmmm, how many kids do I have again?) I have even begun to con friends and family into decorating the plastic eggs with markers so I can save those fabulous artistic creations from year to year. I have eggs shaped like sharks, fish and fairies. Bugs, dinosaurs, and footballs. Camo, polka dots, flowers, basketballs, baseballs and glitter.
But...
That is not why I love Easter. I love Easter because it is a time of celebration for the selfless acts of others.  We are reminded of the Ulitmate Sacrifice that was made for us, and that inspires me to give that little bit extra, try that little bit harder, demand that little bit less for myself.