Saturday Slowdown and Catch-up

It's been a long week and now that the family has all gone home I can take a deep breath!  I had to make way too many trips to the Tri-cites, Connell and Spokane with the family time and my body/back is screaming for me to stay at home. Janessa and Jacob at the Spokane Airport.

 I went to the Eye Dr on Thursday and he referred me to a new Eye specialist in town, who saw me on Friday.

I came home looking like this!  I posted it to Facebook and said Grandma was a Pirate. I got 24 comments and 8 people who liked it.  I'm not a fan of needles in the eye but that's what I got and a small mass removed.  It sounded like a BB when it hit the specimen cup.  Dr had to use the Microscope and I had to hold real still.  He gave me a A+ for being a good patient.  I'll see him for follow-up in a couple weeks and maybe find out what was in my eye lid.  I have ointment to put on the spot twice a day for the next week and I'm trying to keep out of bright light.  

Today I'm missing a trip to Tri-cites with DH to attend a sealing at the Columbia River Temple, a visit with his mother and a Pirate Birthday Party for Samuel who turns 4 on Monday.   Joseph says he'll save me a black pirate patch for my eye.  Thanks, I think.

I've received many cards and gifts for my Birthday and wanted to acknowledge them. The Body wash, puff and lapel pin are from Wendy T, the scrubbies from Judy R, the notepad and Candy Bar from Linda A, Quiznos gift card from Milton's family, the Necklace from Ransoms, and the Homemade soap and pin cushion from Janet O.  Janessa sent me an Apron with Jackson and Jacob's hand prints on it.  I haven't gotten a picture of me in it just yet.

 These two friends, my Visiting Teacher and former VT took me out to the "Maple Counter" for Breakfast the day after my birthdate.  The waitress took our picture when she brought me the FREE  Birthday Blintz.

I ordered the silver dollar pancakes, Karen got the Apple souffle pancake, and Noel ordered the Apple/ Cinnamon pancake with a side of bacon that we all shared.  I tried some of the Apple Syrup and made some at home this week for the morning Brant's family left.  Janessa joined us for Breakfast too.  It was a HIT!  I just used Apple juice instead of Water. 1 part juice, 2 parts sugar and brought it to a boil.  YUMMY STUFF, it thickened when cooled because of the pectin in apples.

I have to add a few more pictures from the funeral... The 6 Casket Bearers with their Boutineers on.

The 5 oldest Grandsons and the youngest grandson. The other grandsons were Honorary Casket Bearers. I hadn't counted before, but realized that there are 13 grandsons of Gordon and Zora. 12 Grand-daughters.

  I handed my camera to Kari's dad who was there and he took this picture of our families side, while we were waiting for the rest of the cousins to get there. We met at 8:45am before the final viewing and Family prayer for a BIG family picture.  All but 3 of my family here. More pictures are posted HERE.

 Pictures of my sons who had a part of the final program for Grandpa Gordon at the gravesite. My Husband Paul dedicated the grave, Shannon played "Taps" and Sgt Jeffery and Staff Sgt Shawn did the honor guard and folding of the Flag.  Sgt Jeffery Gordon Crowther presented the Flag to Grandma with the recitation that goes with it.  " From a Grateful nation..."  Grandma has given the Flag to our family to keep for now.  (She wanted to give it back to the mortuary). It's an HONOR to have it in my home.

 Four of my grandsons eating at Grandmas. I sure miss them when they all leave. I'll try and get something ready for Design Wall Monday this coming week.

My Family, all together. (except for Jestin, Jackson and Ben)

2012 Mother's Day---

In retrospective view -it was a wonderful week away!  The ending was on Mother's Day- a perfect ending.

 Tina, Brant and Derek are pictured here with me because I was in Nampa, Idaho with them at my Cousin, David's home.  Tina and I found the new Blue suit at 'Ross' in Pocatello on Saturday before we went to the Quilt Show.  The homemade corsage/pin was made by Tina and came with a sweet note.  I have to remember not to read the note first... the tears started early.  Paul was sitting in the kitchen when I came down to eat my breakfast.  He had to get up way early to drive to Idaho to go to Church with me and drive me home.  I think he missed me...he texted me several times during my week away.

These two sweet grandsons  made flower boxes at Lowe's with their father for their two grandma's.  I thought the flowers might not survive the trip home so I left it there for their mother, Tina to have.

Pictured above is a closer picture of  the pin Tina made for me.  Paul brought me some of the 'real fudge' that he arranged for all the women to receive at our home Ward in Walla Walla.

I thought the book NaDell made for me that I got early and Blogged about HERE was my gift for Mother's Day from all of them.  The book even has a current picture of my Grandson in Ohio that I haven't seen since he was 3 weeks old.  Thanks to his mother for sending them to be included. In years past Janessa has remembered to have a 'white' carnation delivered to me the week of Mother's Day.  Wearing a 'White Carnation' on Mother's Day represents that my mother is deceased.  Paul brought the package from Janessa with cute handprints of Jackson and Jacob and the card from the Ransom Family with a Family Picture.  Milton and Christen gave me a Family Picture early for Mother's Day. They know how much I love Pictures!  They used to tease me about taking pictures of pictures...

When I got home I saw that Paul had planted 'petunias' in the front walkway garden.  

I have to thank my Heavenly Father every day for the privilege of being a Mother.  I am happy to say I heard from all of them whether by phone, card, package, or FB posting.  THANKS!

More Blessings to Count

Because I never get enough cute pictures of my Grandchildren...

Coy with the White Bowtie, I accidentally left home on Saturday.  So glad he got baptized, ready for his Father to Confirm him.  I got to Tri-cities early and took opportunity to get some pictures of the Milton and Christen Family. Thanks for enduring my camera once again.  I think these kids are well trained for Smiling.

Just the Cute Kids in thier Sunday Best.

Family Photo- Suitable for framing...

 Trevor and Lydia were especially willing to pose for me today.  I think they like their picture taken together.
Church at the Elliot Ward is a double joy with Joe and Kori there now too.  I sat by Colby and am grateful for the reverence I saw today with my Grandchildren. Sorry that Sam wasn't feeling well enough to come today.  And Grandpa had interviews that kept him in Walla Walla. I'm grateful for Testimony day and sweet Testimonies that strengthen mine.  A Blessing to treasure until the next Family event! On the Countdown for Company from Idaho and Missouri later this month.

 Pictures taken while driving home today.  I just had to take pictures of the clouds over the foothills on the Blue Mountains.  No snow fell to keep me from driving over today. I was grateful to get home before dark.