Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Well, the holidays are a wonderful time of year! We have so enjoyed being with our family and do appreciate them ever so much. They are just great people!!

The Nutcracker, breakfasts, dinners out, gifts, loving service, surprises and thoughtful gestures surrounded our days. Could anyone be more blessed?!

May your New Year be Wonderful!!!

We Are Making The Doctors Rich

John and I have both had a couple of medical procedures this year. I had a basal skin cancer on my chin and a hysterectomy. John has had a stent and an ablation on his heart. Luckily, today I got to bring him home. I hope 2010 is a "medical procedure free" year. We are very grateful for insurance though, I must say.

Other than the above we really are pretty darn healthy!

The Holidays Are Here!

We had a great Thanksgiving! Mike's family and cousin Jarom were here for the day. We ate well, played games, watched videos, and just visited. Everyone helped out, so the day felt quite easy for the hostess.

Mike's eldest two stayed overnight and helped put up and decorate the Christmas tree. It was so fast and easy that they may have to come help every year. The living room really looks festive - yet simple.

All of my gifts are bought - just need to wrap things up. When our Christmas letter is finished, we can just enjoy the holiday programs around the valley. We will miss the Tab Choir Concert, because we were not chosen to get tickets....all those hours, days, weeks, months, and years of service mean nothing where tickets are concerned..drat!

Girls' Weekend

I finally have something good to look toward - this weekend is "Girls' Weekend"! Katie and Sherry will be coming here for 2-3 days of scrapbooking, eating out, chatting, going to "Good Things Utah", shopping when necessary, and just hanging out together sans children. I hope to choose a project, too, so that I feel useful! I feel honored that they like to come here. They each have a bedroom and a shared bath and all the time they would like to do whatever they choose. That doesn't happen often in a mother's life. Even John likes "Girls Weekends". We usually drag him along to eat out and he doesn't seem to mind. :-) Annie serves her sis by tending and Jeff lets the kids think it is really "Boys' Weekend".

Well, here's hoping your Thanksgiving is full of things for which to be grateful. I am very grateful to finally feel healthy again.

Low Blow

I cannot believe it, but after feeling quite celebratory, I ended up in the ER. Guess I managed to contract both a kidney infection and pneumonia! Pretty miserable detour. John sure took good care of me, but I think I lost about ten good days of life (and six poounds!) with nausea and headache and a general yucky feeling. It is now a few days over a month post-op and I hope I'm over the worst of it. I am still unbelievably tired. My lab tests came back clear, so I'm happy about that.

Halloween is coming and I look forward to seeing the grandchildren in all of their glory! We went to see "Amelia" last night. I think we both learned a lot. The lady was brave and crazy. I'm just too much of a Fraidy Cat, I guess. My claim to fame will remain jumping off a 60' cliff on the Green River. Not much of a physical daredevil! Give me a good game of Scrabble and I'm happy!

Back on Track

Today is my two-week mark - post-op. I cleaned the stove-top this morning and am thinking about household chores. I guess my "vacation" is over. I visit with the doctor tomorrow and hope to be given a go-ahead to get on with life.

I guess the deer hunt is approaching this weekend. John hasn't been part of that adventure for many years, now, but our son Mike is getting excited to go. We wish him good luck and tons of safety!

A New Woman

Well, I can say that I am officially a 'new woman'. I have survived a vaginal hysterectomy and am very impressed with the process!

Dr. Later is a genius - a patient one at that. I told him of my surprise at how easy it was and he just smiled and said, "I've been trying to tell you that - all these years"! He is so right; I should have done this 15-20 years ago, but I was stubborn. I am so grateful that it was so smooth a procedure. I am sure the fasting, blessing, prayers and faith sent my way helped a great deal. What would we do without our faith?! It's five days post-op and I feel quite good. John has spoiled me with delivered meals, encouragement, and a willingness to fulfill any whim. Thanks, Hon! Not that I've had a lot of whims, just wanted to feel well and strong.

I have amazing friends and neighbors; they have kept me in delicious food, flowers, phone calls, visits, and the warmth of friendship. I love them all.

May we all enjoy General Conference - and a healthy, happy autumn season!

Fall Is In The Air

Can you feel it? The little nip of autumn on the air? The feel of "football season"? The urge to clean up after summer and settle into Fall? I sure can!! I love the cooler weather!

We had lasagna last night with four cute grandchildren....on the back deck. It got a bit cool, so I guess that's our last picnic out there for the year. Had to get Katie a little blanket. Some of us are "cool" and some of us are "hot". I'm on the warmer side.

Sherry came up for a doctor appointment and stopped by for lunch. To save time, we ate here and then went to the craft store. Always lots of fun to look around. Got some cool stickers for piano students.

I think I have everything pulled together so that I can recuperate next week. Sure wish to get the surgery over with. Not fun, but necessary. So, give me a call to help me pass the time. Or bring me a cookie! :-)

Clean Windows

Well, I guess I am motivated! I have surgery to look forward to, so I decided to wash our vinyl siding and all the windows...the top floor is finished. I even washed the living-room sheers; it's only been three years! :-) It's looking good.

We needed a break, so we went down south and watched Nick run cross-country....in 90 degree weather! I just don't know how he did it...his face was sure red. I'd have passed out from the heat!
Ate dinner at Brick Oven....yum....

Have four piano students tomorrow...have a picnic in evening and I already have my cake baked and frosted. We have a neighborhood watch group, so a police officer will be coming to chat with us. We've been doing this for about five years. It's a good thing!

Last Vacation

Well, we just enjoyed our final summer vacation! We went to Tuachan for "Annie" and to Cedar City for "As You Like It". We had lovely motels and the entertainment was wonderful. It was a long drive for a two-day date!!

Tomorrow night we will have 40 people here for the end-of summer piano picnic. To encourage students to practice I handed out "practice booklets" to mark days of practice. We will have lots of fun and some games tomorrow. Then we will settle in to Fall.

I have some yardwork to do and also some housework, but it all keeps...and has for weeks of other fun!! :-)

All Set For School

Well, we have survived most of the summer vacation! I was feeling quite behind this morning until I realized that we were ten days on vacation and spent nearly three weeks - on three separate occasions - having grandchildren visit us. We've had fun, but the yard and house have had to wait for some TLC. I guess we'll all survive.

The Oquirrh Mountain Temple Dedication was really good; I'm so glad that we were able to attend. This freed up the day, so Sherry suggested a family get-together. We potlucked down at her house and had a nice visit. The little kitties got mauled by the "little ones", but I think they survived all of that lovin'!!

I'm all set for the school year and piano students. We had a little "banana split" party for our 13-year-old Sunday School class last night. We had fun; hope they did!!

Monday evening I will be hosting a Piano Family Home Evening game night and picnic. After that I should be able to get back on some semblance of a schedule.

Sher came up for a doctor appointment this morning, so we squeezed in a brief lunch at her favorite place...Olive Garden with a coupon!!

Happy Fall to one and all!

Vacation is Over

Well, we visited Tammy and family to see Dayle, Jr. be ordained a deacon. After a week of fun, games, seeing the beach, and visiting, we brought Belana home with us to spend about 10 days. We spent three days driving home. We had dinner with my brother Gordon and his wife, MaryAnn as well as my long time friend, Linda. We arrived home and got to work doing laundry, then having fun. We all went to Sherry's last Sunday to see her twins Jason and Nick ordained deacons as well. We've played games, shopped, had haircuts and pedicures, visited with little cousins...and just enjoyed being together!

Today we put Belana on a jet to go back home; she did just a great job negotiating the process! Thanks to all for sharing her with us!! Love to you all.

The Closing Of A Era

Saturday, July 25, 2009 was the day Effie Louise McKea took her last breath. She just went 'home' while sleeping. She was 26 days short of her 103 birthday!! She never dreamed she'd live so long; she's the last of 11 children - and not the youngest. What an elect lady she was! She was a perfect grandma; sleepovers at her house often meant breakfast in bed! There were' jewels' to play with, little knickknacks to wash, a coin purse filled with a bill and some change for a "shopping spree" downtown. What a generous soul. She always paid her tithing on her very modest retirement, adding a dollar or two for missionary work and a dollar or two for the Book of Mormon drive during President Benson's time of service. She helped our children have a little' seed' for college and a modest gift came to help with wedding expenses. She has faithfully read her scriptures and the hymn book until her eyesight failed. She has earned her crown. Heaven is a more cheerful place with her there!!

Now In Style!

As of Pioneer Day I am the somewhat tentative owner of a new cell phone! I can't believe that I finally slipped into communication fashion; I have truly resisted for years! I think I am loving my phone, however. I have a bit to learn, but I can add contacts, send messages, take pictures, adjust the ring tone and place a call. Can you believe it??

We had a pleasant July 24th by taking Subway Sandwiches to the Draper Park and watching Mike and Katie's children play. John, Mike and the little ones played a game of "kerplunk" (here it's called Bocce'), which Matty at age 2+ won! Easy, restful and pleasant company.

I honor those early pioneers; Sher, Jeff and Greg, Nick and Jason have a new appreciation for them by having survived a Stake-sponsored Trek. Great going, everybody!! :-)

Happy Fourth of July!

Well, we had two dozen wonderful family members (if you count all of the in-laws and out-laws) for a potluck picnic. I just cannot believe we are so blessed to have such nice folks to call family.

Sherry made two batches of home-made ice cream - vanilla, my request and mint chocolate chip...everyone's favorite. Not much of it left. We had steak and salmon (no burgers!) and a couple of hotdogs for the little ones. Lots of yummy potluck treats and a great fireworks show after dark.

Kids (young and younger) had a basketball contest - lots of smiles and one injury. Mike did a number on his right ankle. Hope it heals well; he injured it in high school, too. Since he has to walk a lot on the job, he was told to take a few days off to heal. Kids and Katie love having him around. He's lots of fun to be around. No dull moments with him.

New Chin

Well, I must say that I had a good plastic surgeon! It's been 12 days and, honestly, my chin looks terrific! I just can't say enough good things about the whole experience. Yes, there is a scar, but the seam line is so tight, due to good placement of steri-strips and sutures and my good sense to just let it heal nicely. Mike gave me some 'Mederma' that he had used (that's another story) and recommended I give it a try. I'm anxious to see how well it looks in six months. This is amazing.

The cousins seem to be enjoying themselves here while they are attending EFY at a nearby chapel. I am so impressed with these young men. They are sweet in their own ways, polite, helpful and seem to be having a pleasant experience. Jen and Sher - you have done a terrific job mothering these sons of yours. I am loving having them here - so is Dad!! They are going to be the humble, faithful leaders of the future!

Chinny-chin-chin

Well, after a life of great health, I was surprised to learn that I had a basal cell carcinoma on my chin. Just thought it was a stupid pimple that wouldn't come "to a head". After two years or so, I went to the dermatologist to have some age spots frozen off. He scraped the bump and found cancer - yikes!! It all came out last Thursday and was about the size of a nickel-quarter. I'm anxious to see the scar - hope it's lovely. The nurses told me that my doctor was a really great plastic surgeon. We'll soon see, won't we?? :-)

Baptism Day

Congratulations to Sammy!! We were so happy and proud to attend his baptism today. He has really grown up. We hope he gets all of his new teeth soon; he seems to have lost several at once. I wonder how he is able to eat all of his favorite food...

Sherry planned a nice potluck lunch, which we all enjoyed. The watermelon was especially sweet -thanks, Katie!

The two little kitties are growing and are the attraction of the day...next to the trampoline. Lots of reasons to visit!!

Anniversary!

I can't believe that it's been 42 years of marriage! We've been thru quite a lot, but all in all, I think we'd both make the commitment again! We've raised some outstanding children and they have given us 12 very cute grandchildren. We love them all. We seem to have survived the "bumps in the road" and are enjoying retirement in pretty good health.

We celebrated by leaving town for 26 hours for an overnighter at The Homestead. What a delight. Yummy food, a pool all to ourselves, Peter Breinholt in a free lawn concert - and a lovely cottage-style room. Happy Anniversary, Hon!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was wonderful!! I received flowers from two children and candy/book/pedicure/CD treats from the others. I have amazing and kind children. I am so very proud of them all! They are hard workers, great parents, devoted spouses and just fun to be around. The potluck dinner with all of the nearby family was terrific!

Today, John had an angiogram and a stent placed. I'm so very grateful the doctor found the problem and took action to correct it. I can't imagine life without John! He gets to stay overnight at the hospital; I'll be more than happy to have him home tomorrow!

Spring's Here!

Well, I have been working in the flowerbeds of late. I love seeing the flowers in bloom. I had put in pansies last fall, so they are there to join the daffodils and tulips. I have planted tuber begonias out north in the shade. I hope the bright yellow is showy out there. I've planted several pots, so we're getting ready for summer. All I need is to finish the back "bed" against the house.

I am also getting ready for my Spring Piano Recital. It's fun to watch the students practice extra for their performance. They will all do well. I've scheduled a "Birthday Party" in June just for fun. All of the students will get another piece ready to share as a "gift" for each other. I'm trying to decide if I will get a piece ready.

Happy Spring to you all!!

The Cabin

Wow! What a fabulous weekend we had at the Brian Head Davis cabin. We had such fun...even the ride into the garage! Yes, I did fall into the snow, but the snowmobile was "listing" so much that that seemed like the easiest way to dismount! My son-in-law seemed to enjoy the fun...and I was just fine.

Great food followed, but I will say that I felt so blessed to be able to get inside. We had been to a discussion about Martin's Cove just days earlier...and I looked at the snow with new eyes. What great praise and gratitude we owe the early pioneers!!

Congrats to Jeff...he won the game of Scrabble. :-)

Happy Easter

I wonder if we remember what Easter is all about, with all of the egg-hiding and candy eating. I can only hope so. I am very grateful to consider the resurrection of my loved ones and myself.

Sherry hosted a family dinner in the evening. All eight children got along so well. It helps that Sher and Jeff bribe them with a trampoline!! :-) The dinner was delicious and the company even better than that...how is that possible??

Mission Over

It's amazing to realize, but our mission at the ERS Center is over. Funny thing is, neither John nor I have really missed it. We sure met some terrific people there. We have a second dinner date with a group of 4-5 couples; we'll see how long that lasts.
My baby daffodils and hyacinths and pansies and tulips seem to be having a party in the front flowerbed. The colors make me so happy; I really love flowers - what can I say, I'm from the Northwest.
Wasn't General Conference just great? I need it every six months; it was so 'spot on' this time, too.
We had the other McKea's over for an after-Conference dinner. Those children are just so much fun...they take after their mom a lot! And their dad! :-) Did you think I'd forget you, Mike? :-)

Finally Here!

Girls' Weekend finally arrived! Tammy flew in Wednesday about noon and kept me hopping from store to store. She found some terrific buys. We (John, Tammy, Katie and I) went down to Greg's exciting basketball game and then brought Sherry up with all of her scrapping materials. So, we have an 8' table plus two card tables set up for scrapbooking. Tammy is trying her hand at it and doing well with a bit of encourgagment. We have eaten every major meal "out" and enjoyed not cooking. We attended a melodrama today - "American Fork Idol", we were on a television program where David Archuleta was interviewed...and Tammy had a special, short spot on the news that evening. All in all we are having more fun than we deserve and can barely handle it all! It's so wonderful that all these girls just love to be together; they giggle like high-schoolers a lot of the time. They are all such special people and do deserve a break from the 24/7 grind of motherhood. I love them all!!

Happy Birthday!

Today is/was John's birthday. Wow. We went to Mexican for dinner....had steak on Saturday, so we're spoiled. Nice dinner. They even sang to him. It was great because it was such a surprise. I'm tricky, I must say.
I keep thinking I'm finished with this cold. It is one tough bug. I feel better, but I'm not quite over the whole thing. I know I have lots of company...sorry, guys..
Well, Girls' Weekend is getting closer and you know what that means...no cooking, staying up late, chatting for hours, eating candy, snacks, to stay awake. Should be fun. We're going to initiate Tammy; she'll love it.
Happy St. Patty's Day!

Happy Day!

I am a "happy camper" today. I do believe I am finished with this horrid cold. I must admit that I caved in and visited the doctor, who promised me that the meds would get me well. They did. I sure appreciated the phenegran w/codeine to soothe the out-of-control coughing. (I'm sure John appreciated a respite, too.)
Other happy news on the horizon is that sweet Erin will be baptized this Saturday...just two days away. I can't imagine anyone needing the cleansing effect of baptism less than she. She is just a sweet, special girl. She will be officially a member of the church, too, and that is just great. She'll be one of the nicest members in the world. You may think I am super-prejudiced in her favor, but you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone with any ill to speak of her. Every once in a while the Lord blesses us with genuine, endearing spirits; she's one of them.
I recently learned of Mike's brush with a door - or the metal bolt at the bottom of said door. I hope it heals well. Too much excitement is hard on us, Mike, so settle down a bit....hee, hee.
My Visiting Teachers came today. I was happy to see them, and happy that I had just dusted and straightened the livingroom. Great timing!! :-) Thanks Jerri and Shauna!
Good Night!

Home Again!

Well, we just arrived home once again! We had a fabulous time in Washington State! Our grand-children are handsome/beautiful, talented in sports and smart! (I'm sure yours are, too!)
We played lots of table games, went to the beach, shopped, went to church, gave a "fireside", ate sooooo well (thanks, Tam), and had fun just catching up. It's a lot more fun to speak in person, rather than on the phone, altho the phone is good, too.
The weather was good to us. Just one day of sprinkling rain, and the rest were nice (for the Northwest). No complaints there.
I seem to have found a "cold" from somewhere....possibly the airplane. It's not a bad cold; I just have no voice. Due to this ailment, John went to the mission and gave the workshop all by himself tonight. What good would I have been, anyway. Take a woman's keys, or hat, or purse, or car, but never, never her voice! I feel so helpless! Here I am home again and I can't even call fam and friends to tell them!! Hope it doesn't last long; I can hardly stand this. Is it punishment for something????
I have been enjoying a lot of blogs, so keep up the good work! :-)

Where, or where did January go?? John and I have been pretty busy with the "Employment Mission" this past week; that might explain the loss of time. (No, I wasn't abducted by an alien - hee, hee)
We have two days left until we get to fly to Tammy's. We're both getting excited!!
I got a clean bill of health from my recent check-up. Whoo-hoo!
I am really excited about getting out to see the daffodils and tulips peep out. Soon we will have to be working outside.
Wishing you a Happy Valentines Day. :-)

Getting Excited!

We have made arrangements for Tammy to fly out for Girls' Weekend in March. We are all so excited to see what we can get done. Katie and Sherry will "scrap" for sure. I might enlist Tammy to help me scrap a recent trip to California. She thinks she might sew....but all of the girl talk will happen in the main scrapping room, and we sure don't want her to come here and be left out! Maybe she'll end up scrapping, too. Time will tell.
We visited Mom this morning at Murray Care Center. She's doing pretty well. I just don't know how she does it....day after day for 102 years! I wish her the best.
Michele lost her dad last weekend; I guess at some point even losing someone is a blessing. He is with he sweet Helen now!
I am surely enjoying my piano students - including my grand-daughter, Erin. Music is so good for all of us. We need to provide more art, dance, museum, and musical experiences for today's kids. It's even good for adults. Music speaks to my heart!!

Happy New Year!

Well, I must wish "one and all" a very Happy New Year!! Can you believe that we were worried about Y2K nine years ago? We were so worried then...and most of us are a bit concerned this year, too.
I think "if you are prepared, ye shall not fear" must be the theme for the year. The secret is to get prepared - in every way.
Have you made a resolution or two? My first one is to "smile at the beginning of every day". Yes, even if I'm alone. I'm going to do it. I'm going to think lean. I'm going to be a little bit better this year....as President Hinkley always recommended.
I hope you can keep a cheery attitude all year and smile a bit more.