Grandma Caroline

A look back at blog headers

2011-07-28T13:20:00.001-07:00

Ive been missing my Moms comments on my blog. She was always the first to comment and I always could count on her to leave me one.

For her birthday I use to give her a year worth of blog headers. Its funny how it was something so small but I wish I had put more time into them and done more now. Its true that we take things for granted until we don't have them anymore. So here is a look back at some of the headers I designed for her. This first was her all time favorite!

And a few from her ALS blog...

Miss designing for you Mommers...
Miss you.

Little Bighorn Battlefield

2010-10-01T20:07:00.001-07:00

Here is a picture at the entrance to the wonderful battlefield shown on my last blog.

It's a 3 State Day

2010-09-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

We started the day in South Dakota, Drove through Wyoming and ended up at the Battle of Little Bighorn in Montana. Here I am standing with the place they call "Last Stand Hill", which was where George Armstrong Custer Died.
It's very educational, At this National Cemetery they put the Markers where every soldier fell when he died. These stones are scattered over a 5 mile radius! And the Indians, Red Cloud of the Lakota, the Cheyene and the Sioux Indians were all against Custer and the 7th Calvary. This battle took place while the rest of the Country were celebrating the 100 year anniversary of Independence and the unveiling of the Telephone unveiled by Alexander Graham Bell!

This is the car driver, he is a good driver, doing 80 most of the time, standing in front of the Monument erected for the Battle.

Mt. Rushmore Trip

2010-09-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

We got to Keystone, South Dakota about 5 pm tonight. Just long enough to see it was a cute, touristy little town. We stopped to eat, after we checked into the Super 8 motel, at a place called Ruby's, decorated up as an old fashioned Brothel, we had ribs and they were delicious.

Then we heard about a Rainger Program located at the Ranger station below Mt. Rushmore, so we went. Its a beautiful place, They had a 10 minute talk, then a 20 minute movie on the 4 presidents who are carved into the mountain. At the end of the program, they invited all Vetrans who were in the audience to come up on stage to help lower the American Flag. Thats The picture below.
This next photo is of all the Veterans who were in attendance.

After the movie finished, they light up the mountain, so, here is a photo of Mt. Rushmore at night, pretty cool!

Disneyland a la Family

2010-09-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

On Friday I was going to Disneyland with Lisa, John, Caleb, and Davis. We got a babysitter for Beckham because he doesn't like Disneyland yet. Larry was supposed to be tracting with the Youth and meeting with the Stake President, which gave me no end of grief because I was worried about Beckham being passed around. I volunterred to stay home with him rather than traumatize him. It was only Lisa crying and saying "This will be your last time at Disneyland with me".

So we went to Disneyland and as we got on the gate, Lisa asked me where we should go, of course I always start at Adventure land and work my way around the park.

As we were walking around the entrance, under the overpass of the train, I'm hoofing it right along, because there is nothing wrong with my legs yet! We get about 50 yards into the park, right before heading down Main street, and I hear a noise, it sounded like Ashlynn screaming Grandma. I looked over to my left, still walking and there were people over there on a porch waving their hands at me. So, I slowed and then I recognized Ashlynn running toward me and my thought was "What is she doing here?" Then I started recognizing people, my whole family was there except Beckham Henderson, and my sister Pam, Rick & Peter Daut.

The first thing they did was surprise me with a special Gift that Kelly got for us to use. It saved the day because the park was crowded.

Then they presented me with my own special Micky Mouse hat with my name on it: Yep, they call me Grandma Silly and I wore the hat all day long. It was the best surprise and day at Disneyland I have ever had, we stayed till Midnight and it was so fun!

Thank you Lisa & John Henderson, Larry Rober, Kelly & Brian Rogers, Brian and Kate Rober, Mark & Lisa Rober and Matt Trelatsky for the best day since I was diagnosed with ALS. I love you all dearly!

What do I really have?

2010-09-07T21:17:00.000-07:00

It's anyone's guess. After that awful shock & pin test they ruled out any motor-neuron diseases which included ALS. YEA!

What they are looking at now is either A) a neuromuscular disease or B) an Auto-immune disease.

The good thing is that I'm pretty sure I don't have AIDS. Thats what I think of when I hear Auto-immune disease. So, next Tuesday we have another appointment with Dr. DeSilva- the neurologist.

I still have trouble with my speach when I get tired and at other various times when I don't expect it. My left hand is almost useless, my typing is getting harder.

Other than that I'M GREAT! Thanks to all of you sweet people who read my blog and care about me. I ask God to bless all of you for your support of me and my family. We love you all!

R & R for the Weary Soul & my symptoms

2010-09-05T14:42:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the weekend that Larry planned to take Mark and Brian to SLC for the UW and BYU games. He left Thursday afternoon, so I left too!

I went out to my sister, Pam's Palm Springs home and we had a blast just pampering ourselves. We really splurged, getting yogurt at 9:30 pm and then getting a foot reflexology foot massage after that!

She took me to see "Celtic Woman'' in concert at Aqua Calentie? We got fully body massages and went to a Lobster Fest at her Club. It was all you could eat, and we ate!

We also had amazing breakfasts each morning at their club where for $5 you could get Lox and bagels or Eggs Benedict or Waffles or Steak and Eggs and everything was delicious.

We watched 3 movies at different times: The Blind Side and 2 Legally Blond movies.

I had a great time with my sissy. It was just what I needed after the roller coaster I've been on.

It's hard to come 'back' to life when you have resigned yourself to dying in the next 2 years. So, I don't have ALS, then what is it? Here are my symptoms..... There are 3 of them:
1. Loosing my hair (and I mean loosing lots of it, even my hairdresser said something)
2. Lose of strength in my left hand and arm.
3. My voice comes and goes with slurring of speech.
4. Fatigue

The really odd thing is that my fingernails are stronger than they have ever been in my life!

And I noticed that people were a lot nicer to me when they thought I was going to die. Why is that?

I'm the Mystery Woman

2010-09-01T21:43:00.000-07:00

OK, bottom line, I'm not going to die anytime soon from ALS because I don't have it!

I don't have any of the Neurological diseases! They can't tell me what I have, so they took 5 more viles of blood in order to try to find out.

On our first visit the Dr. said that I EITHER had ALS or XCXCXCXCZZZZZ. Because of my family history of ALS running in my family, we all assumed it was ALS because it started with me in the left thumb, just like my Aunt Peggy who died of ALS.

The one thing this month has taught me is to take one day at a time and to enjoy the journey. I need to start taking care of myself before I spread myself so thin in trying to serve everyone else. I also discovered true friendship and love with the ones I care about the most, my friends who cried when I told them the good news and some of my family who were elated at my good fortune.

Was it the Priesthood Blessing I received at the hands of righteous men? Or, was it the heartfelt prayers of so many righteous people? Or was it that my name was in at least 3 Temples? Whateer it was, I'm Thankful that Heavenly Father has given me a second chance.

Our 35th Wedding Anniversary - the test

2010-08-30T18:20:00.001-07:00

Today Larry and I celebrate our 35th Wedding Anniversary. We actually celebrated last Friday and Saturday because today we knew I had the EMG test scheduled.

Let me tell you what took place (but this isn't for the faint hearted), First, they attach little sensors to your skin, then they shock you with an electric current which feels like you just put your finger into a live electric socket. The did it on my left arm, right arm and left leg. The second part of the test was like accupuncture (sort of), they stick little needles into your muscle, then they wiggle it around until your muscle cramps up like a charly horse! I DIDN'T LIKE IT ONE BIT. I could hardly walk out I was shaking so badley. Yes, I cried! It hurt especially in my leg. The needles are about the size of a straight pin and didn't hurt going in, it was what they did afterward that caused me so much pain.

As for answers about what I have: Well, the tests will all be back on Wednesday and we have an appointment with the Dr. I promise to post what he tells me. As for me, I am betting it's ALS.

Another clearer update on Health

2010-08-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

So many people read the worst in my last blog that I have to set the record straight.

Remember I said it was one of 2 things? It could just be some sort of Auto immune disease thing going on that is attacking my nerves, but until we get a blood test taken (Tomorrow), and then it takes about a week for the results to come back, we don't know if I have this immune thing or ALS. Think positive.

I want everyone to know how peaceful I feel now. I can honestly feel 'angels' attending me and surrounding me. And, no, I'm not crazy. They are bringing me peace that transcendes anything earthly and I am thankful for that. I don't want to cry anymore, I truly am calm.

Here is how each morning goes: I wake up and take stock to see what works and what doesn't. Then I read my scriptures, take a walk, a shower and on with the rest of the day. I am doing very well now and things aren't getting worse yet. I can still type and I have a fair amount of strength in my left hand/arm. My legs are stong with no signs of weakness. It's my speach that worries most people, but hey, everyone should be happy that I can't force my own ideas on them anymore.

You will hear me joke about this now, so be advised. If I make slide remarks and poke fun at mortality, don't think I am being insensitive. If I can laught, then I can't cry. Simple. I hope this helps you all understand where I am at this time. When I get another update I will post it but for now, put me in your prayers and on the Temple Prayer Rolls.

A New Update on My Health

2010-08-13T15:34:00.000-07:00

Today we went to see a good Neurologist Dr. DeSilva. He pretty much looked at all the tests we have taken so far, Brain MRI, C-Spine MRI, MRI of the rest of my body cavity and all seems normal and clear.

After doing some preliminary tests on me, he said "You either have an autoimmune deficiency disease or you have ALS. So, we need to go get some expensive blood tests and then when they rule out an Autoimmune disorder, we will be left with the prognosis of ALS, which is pretty much what the Holy Ghost whispered to me in the Temple.

It's tough but I am doing fine right now. I am going to face this with the same courage I have faced the rest of my life with. I won't give up or give out. I will keep eating healthy, and exercising regularly for as long as I can. I will continue to serve the Family History Center and finish all the Speaking Engagements I have scheduled for now, but I will take on no new Speaking engagements.

I might take my dream trip to Ireland, but we will see.

I have my family behind me and as soon as they go through the grieving process of coming to terms with my impending demise, then we will enjoy each other's company for as long as I can be allowed to be around my grandchildren and be 'normal'.

I will get busy and finish my clients work and take on no new Clients. Then I will write my life story and get my genealogy files in order so my dear family won't have to do it after I leave and run the risk of throwing out anything important or pertinent. My dear sweet Daughter, Lisa said she will come and help me go through the files and boxes and help me get it all done.

This will be my last BIG Christmas. I don't think I will be able to decorate after this. Lisa will be home with her family and I am inviting Mark and Lisa & Kam and Brian's family for Christmas Dinner with us. They can have Christmas morning at their homes and then Drive for Christmas Dinner.

What got mixed up with prop 8?

2010-08-04T19:44:00.000-07:00

Let me first say that I DO NOT HATE OR DISCRIMINATE AGAINST GAYS OR LESBIANS. However, they are haveing a fieldtime in the streets today and rubbing my nose in it. I can't watch news to see what is going on around the world, because all I see is Jubilation at the overturning over of Prop 8. When have I ever taken to the streets to brag about being married to my husband? I don't protest them having their day in court. And I don't make out in the public streets, in bars, in pools, in parks, at ballgames or any other public forum. My love is sacred to me and my spouse.

Prop 8 never was about discrimination, it's about the God Given right of Marriage to propogate the world with families. Today I heard someone say that the United States can no longer say no to Lesbian or Gay partners to marry. Prop 8 wasn't about politics, it's about religion. About the right of God Fearing men and women to hold sacred their right to the sancity of Marriage. And the right of Heterosexuals to keep "Marriage' between a man and woman just the way God planned it in the Garden of Eden.

I'm sure my kids could have said it better, but I had to write down my feelings.

2010 Mini Family Reunion

2010-08-02T21:34:00.000-07:00

It was so much fun to have all our kids come home this weekend and to have such a great time. We swam in the Jacuzzi and pool. All the kids can swim now, except Kamden and Beckham whom I have here in this photo in intertubes, Davis is looking on wondering why he can't get in on the fun. One of the things we did, besides, Angels Baseball game with fireworks, Genealogy Roadshow about 3 grandparents was to go to Huntington Beach. It was pretty fun, and here is Beckham full of sand from one end to the other. I mean it was everywhere in and on him.

This video below shows Kamden being buried in the sand, we actually burried all the kids, but Kamden fell asleep as soon as he was buried. It was funny and cute. Kamden has Autism and one of the symptoms is that as soon as they are held real tight, they get very relaxed. It proves it here. I hope you enjoy it and can see it.

Wonderful long time friends

2010-07-20T09:33:00.001-07:00

This is Jenny Letecia Arellano De La Torre Fernandez. She was born June 24, 1952. She is, and has always been "My Best Friend". When I met Jenny I was only 4 years old. She came and was standing on the sidewalk in front of my grandma's house, a skinny (bony), mexican girl in Pig tail braids. She asked my mother, as we got out of the car, "Can she (pointing at me) play with me?" My mom said yes, but first I had to go into the house and use the bathroom. We were inseparable from then until I left San Bernardino, I was 16.
Through the years, we have stayed somewhat in contact. I was the only White girl in her extravant Mexican Wedding. She was the only Hispanic girl in my wedding to the Bishop.

Now that we are all old Ladies, things have changed a bit. She is not only my firend, but Pam's friend too. Pam was 3 1/2 years younger than us, so we were always trying to get rid of my little sister. It was so evident to me yesterday at our lunch that Jenny is just as much Pam's friend as she is mine. We went throug much of the same abuse as children. That makes us truly friends, we did it and came out triumphant!

A great day for Caroline

2010-07-13T21:46:00.000-07:00

Today was good for 4 reasons. I took a photo with my phone, but don't know how to import it.

1. I got up and cleaned the house- it was a mess, did the laundry & all put away. Grocery shopped to.

2. Harvested my first home grown tomatoe and ate it for lunch...DELICIOUS!

3. I went and got a pedicure and manicure to treat myself.

4. Went and had picnic in the Park with our Ward.

Good Deed, Good Day

2010-07-08T11:13:00.000-07:00

Although I pretty much serve all the time, the living and the dead, today the Lord provided me with a perfectly clean grocery bag while I was on my walk. So, I thanked Him and picked it up and started picking up the trash I saw as I walked. It slowed me down quite a bit, but it was on my way home and the cool down part of my walk anyway.

When Girly was home last weekend, we went for a walk, and on the way home, in the cool down period, she started picking up trash. I was impressed that she cares enough about mother earth to try to keep her clean. I think she learned that from me but I'm not sure. When the kids were young, I always kept grocery bags in the car and whenever we stopped, and I knew they would be bored, I got out the bags and made it a contest to see who could find the most trash. Of course they ALL won and got a treat.

I just hope my boys remember those lessons and do the same thing, pick up trash wherever you find it. God gave us such a beautiful world, and people are trying their darnest to mess it up one way or the other. Let's all do our part to keep it clean and beautiful.

Happy Independence Day

2010-07-04T14:43:00.000-07:00

My heart gets really tender when I think about this great land of ours. About all the great men who suffered and bled and sacrificed to bring about the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

I am a genealogist, to no one's surprise, I have traced the ethnicity of our family. Starting from as far back as I can go, we hail from Italy, France, England, Germany, Ireland and Wales. All together we are AMERICANS. This great Country doesn't discriminate against people who don't yet feel like they belong here, people do. If you are an American Citizen, just say so! I am an American! If you are inferior then go right ahead and say "I am an African-American" or "I am a Mexican-American" or "I am a Chinese-American" or whatever country you still identify with, but if you live in America or were born in America, you are an American! Pure and simple.

There should be no distinction of our nationalities, we are AMERICANS! God Bless this great land of ours. We do not yet have the perfect union (Country), but we don't have any perfect people yet either. Lets all work on ourselves to make ourselves more perfect in order to make our Great Country more perfect.

That usually means: Be kinder, be loving, be peaceful, be generous, and be honest in all your doings. May God bless our Land.

Old Tried and True Friends

2010-06-30T21:52:00.000-07:00

Throughout my life I have been blessed with some true friends. You know the kind: The ones you have fun with, cry with and just think will always be there and then you loose track of each other. But when you find each other again, it's just like no time has passed at all.

This week I heard from 2 of those old friends which made my week really sweet. The first person I heard from was Janet Howes, I met Janet in about 1978. I always admired her for having so many kids and still keeping it all together. Her kids grew up with my kids and were best friends for many years. We left Torrance within a month of each other. She moved to Las Vegas and I never knew it until one day I went to call her and the phone was dead. UGH. Until she called me I had no way of getting in touch with her and I'm sure glad she did.

The other friend is really "My Best Friend" for life. I have known Jenny Leticia Arellano De La Torre Fernandez for 54 years. That's right I met her when I was 4 years old. She knew me through all the crazy stages a kid goes through. She also experienced the verbal abuse Gloria was so good at handing out and through it all Jenny loved me. We've seen each other Fat and skinny. We were at each other's weddings. I was the only white girl in hers and she was the only Mexican in mine. What a team we were. She used to protect me against the black girls that always tried to gang up on me. She tried to make me stop cussing, which I know have, but I didn't then and she used to punch me in the arm each time I said a bad word. Anyway, she found me on Face book and I'm so glad she did. She had 3 of the sweetest kids you would ever want to know, I hope they still are. We are going to get together in a few weeks and have lunch and I'm looking forward to it.

My Work

2010-06-29T20:58:00.000-07:00

I just got home from a wonderful experience in Salt Lake. I was invited to go with Beth to a "Directors Meeting" which was for the 15 largest family history Centers in the world, which we rank about 14th or 15th in size. Needless to say it was a humbling experience. We learned a lot and were given a bunch of mandates to accomplish before the end of the year.

I'm not really supposed to say much, but 2 things did stand out to me. 1) Everyone will start being able to order films online from their homes using a credit or debit card. This is hugh change for the Family History Centers. 2) We will soon have all our in house films and books listed in the Family History Library Catalog for everyone anywhere to access. Before this can be done, there has to be alot of behind the scenes work done and even before Beth gets back, I have started the ball rolling.

I finished with one client and back onto the other one. Busy, Busy, and sad, I still have to do the laundry and put clothes away, clean the toilets and cook some. I guess bring home a paycheck is not all it's cracked up to be.

Dinner with the Smith's and Eliasons

2010-06-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

A month ago or so, we had a Ward Auction to help out the youth for their camps and things. Larry auctioned off a "Rober Favorite: Dinner for 4". Clay and Lynn Smith won it in the auction, so they came to dinner last night and brought Steve and Deb Eliason with them.

They are such good friends and such good company. The food was delicious and I made a new, killer dessert! I made a batch of my own Chocolate Chip Cookies, but I flattened them down before I cooked them. Then I took softened vanilla Ice cream and made 'chip wiches'. They were better than any I have ever had!!!! That is a new favorite dessert around here.

The menu also consisted of Marinated Flank Steak, Yummy Mashed Potatoes with chives and Caesar Salad. It was a very good dinner, even if I made some of it.

No Photo's- Boring Post

2010-06-12T21:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the Southern California Jamboree. It's the biggest genealogy conference we have in California. It ran from Friday to Sunday. I drove out on Friday AM and home Friday PM so that Larry could take me out on a special date. It was a surprise so I didn't know until we went out that he had tickets to "The Lion King" at the Orange County Performing Arts Pavillion. We went to dinner before hand too. It was a lovely evening. Then as I was preparing to drive back to Burbank to spend the night with my roomate, he followed me to the Gas Station and paid for an pumped my gas so I would have a safe ride back. That was sweet. That is how Larry shows his love for me by 'doing the little things'. I'm starting to understand that just now. I drove back to Burbank, and woke up this moring to a full day of smoozing and networking and helping out. Then we had our So. Cal Chapter of APG meeting, where we picked up 5 new people. Then we went out to dinner and I had the best Filet mingon I ever had. Then I drove back home again. So, here I am Saturday night sleeping in my own bed. Life is good.

My Treasure

2010-06-05T14:23:00.000-07:00

I have been working really hard the last few days and I had no energy to do it, I have been taking up to two naps a day for several days. But today, I woke up refreshed and what a different that makes. I took a nice long walk, ate well, drake water, planted petunias in our front flower planter, weeded the garden and ran the dishwasher, now I am washing clothes. But while I was eating my lunch today, I look over into the Dining room at my beautiful grandchilren, being raised in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and started crying with joy. They are all so good looking, not one of them is ugly. Imagine that. Anyway, I just wanted to pay tribute to my posterity, God Bless them all!

Sundays

2010-05-31T15:19:00.000-07:00

Sunday's for the Bishop are harrowing days. He us usually up by 7 am, but sometimes the Stake wants an early morning meeting at which time he gets up at 5 am. Yesderday was just a 7 am day. He has no time to get away from Church until about 5 or 6 pm. So, he takes a lunch which usually consists of some nuts, a granola bar and an apple. No breakfast and then snacks all day. When he get's home he is very exhausted. So, today, I was feeling his pain and decided to surprise him with comfort food, his favorite, Mac and Cheese, salad, and mixed vegetables off the grill. I also decided to let him know how much I appreciate him and set up a nice table with candlelight. Some Sunday's the poor guy comes home to eat and then goes back out for a fireside, seminary graduation, court of honor or some other good activity. I don't know how he does it. 3 hours with my primary class is about all I can take.

CRASH and BURN

2010-05-28T18:09:00.000-07:00

Computers! They are like husbands, you can't live without them and you can't live with them.

Many of you know I had trouble seeing the graphics while on the internet with my Explorer 8. It finally became so bad that I unplugged all the cords and took it to my computer guru, Shawn. UGH, he kept it for 3 days and wasn't able to fix the problem, so he wiped out my hard drive (D drive) and reinstalled Windows on that drive. He made that my new C drive. I still have my old C drive and now it is drive E. So, if I need data I can open up the E drive and get what I need.

The only problem is that I kept all my genealogy pictures on that D drive. Yep, they're gone, except we had them backed up on the Maxtor Drive. I think I am going to take Lisa's advice and start storing my photo's on Smug Mug. I will share the cost with her too. THat way anyone in our family can go and get all the old time photo's they want to have. At least that is my plan for right now.

Poor, Bishop, he is in trying to configure outlook for my email again. Let's just say, it's not going well.

How Does my garden grow?

2010-05-25T10:44:00.000-07:00

This is my chives on the left and I think this is a red pepper plant.This is our new Lemon Tree with zuccini plants on the left
This is our green onions on the bottom and corn coming up at the top
Here we have a view of our lemon tree, squash, green beans and I'm not sure what else
Our Topsy Turvey Tomatoes, lots of flowers but no tomatoes yet.

A drive down Memory Lane

2010-05-19T21:42:00.000-07:00

Today I had a speaking engagement in Torrance. I went in early so I could look around at how things had changed since we moved from there in 1986.

I got off on Artesia and drove past what used to be Gemco, now I don't think it is anything. That parking lot was where our car got broke into and the yellow blanket with deers on it that I have made for Marky got stolen- that's all they took! Then past the Church which looks good.

I went on to Haas Street and the street looks pretty much the same except...our old house seems so small! They have put brick up where the tree used to be and brick work on the column that used to go to the front door. I also noticed that an oriental man was living in Uncle Bob's house now.

I went around the corner to Van Ness and up to see Lincoln Elementary Lions. I was surprised to see the old dairy is still there (totally shut up). Lincoln was the same as I drove into the parking lot, but something looked crowded. I couldn't put my finger on it, but I think they have put building up where you used to walk onto the playground, now you can't see the playground from the parking lot anymore.

Next, I drove Artesia over to Crenshaw. Left on Crenshaw and down the street I got a red light ticket on. I forgot the refinery spanned across Crenshaw. Lot's of new businesses. The Ralph Grocery store is still there at Artesia and Crenshaw.

I turned right on Torrence Blvd and over to the Civic Center and Library. I was surprised at how many 'white' people were there. It was a good group of about 60 and I think they liked my talk. I talked of: Analyze and Organize: They key to further research. They had state of the art equipment and I didn't even have to use my own projector. I was impressed.

On the way home I went over to Hawthorne looking for a gas station to fill up at and found a 76 station. While I pumped gas, they had a live, flat screen TV playing on top of the pump. I was again impressed.

Bottom line: Torrance is still a pretty nice place. Just not nice enough for me to live in.

A Nasty experience

2010-05-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

While I was walking yesterday, home from my physical therapy which is just down Lambert from my house, I had a very unpleasant experience and I want to share it so that if it ever happens to you, you might be more prepared than I was.

I was walking along, at a fast pace with a blue shirt on the said VOLUNTEER on the back of it. I got it when I helped with the first Brea 5K run. I was swinging my arms and oblivious to anything happening behind me. All of a sudden, a man, 25-35, longish dirty blond hair, came whizzing by me on the right (your are never supposed to pass on the right and I was walking smack dab in the middle of the sidewalk, looking forward) anyway I heard nothing because he was on an old fashioned bike, but he came by pretty fast and hit my right shoulder. It scared me so bad that I exclaimed "Jeeze!" and jumped to the left. As he rode by he yelled "Volunteer, huh, well I have a volunteer for you" then he turned around on this bike smiling at me and raised his hand and have me a very vulger middle finger sign which he kept up for the entire block until he turned the corner at which time he yelled, "bye for now" and disappeared.

To say I was mortified, scared, taken aback, and humiliated, is an understatement. It haunted me all day and gave me a very evil feeling. I was so surprised that all I could do was gape at they moron. I guess that was the best kind of response but it didn't feel like it.

Happy Mothers Day

2010-05-09T15:32:00.001-07:00

I'm hijacking my Moms blog to day to say Happy Mothers Day to her.

She is an amazing Mother who works hard and has sacrificed so much to raise her children. She leads by example and has so much faith. No one knows how to work as hard as my Mom does.

Our whole family adores her and we hope she knows that today we celebrate her!

We love you.
Mom - Grandma - Friend.

NGS Conference in SLC

2010-05-02T18:00:00.001-07:00

To say I have been having fun is an understatement! I am in my element. With the Family History Library to my North a half a block and the convention right across the street, I am pretty much blessed.

The conference was great. Sadly, I only made it to 1 lecture and about 3 times in the conference hall booths. I did something I haven't done before and I probably won't do it again. I volunteered for working in several booths, volunteered to do 2 consultations with people on their 'dead ends' in genealogy and volunteered to introduce several speakers. Will someone please remind my that I come to these things to learn and have fun!

My time was spent in the Library working on my clients family history. I don't think I have worked on my own or Larry's family history for over 3 years! Good news for my client! I was able to extend most of his lines back several generations, found 1 Revolutionary War ancestory, 3 Civil War ancestors and hit one dead end wall! Luckily I am tenacous and tomorrow, I am going to go back to the Library and spend an entire day on SMITH. No joke, this guy was born in 1884 in Des Moins Iowa, but I can't find him until 1930 with his wife and child in Louisiana!

I know SMITH is a bear to work on because Larry has 1 SMITH line in Toledo, OH. They come straight from England. Someday I will tackle going across the ocean, but for now, I am content to just make some money!

Recouperating

2010-04-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess I am stupid. I have been doing everything I could possible do. Walking, bending and throwing a Surprise Birthday Party for my friend Barbara Renick. Today I am in pain. I tell you what a pain is and that is not being able to do what I want to do right now. So, my dear honey set up the jacuzzi and I went in tonight and I feel better. The pain in my right thigh and back, right where my incision is. That is no fun at all. So, I guess I will just try to take it easy now.

Pictures of surgery

2010-04-02T16:59:00.000-07:00

This is an xray of my spine from the front view. This is a view from the side. I actually have 4 screws inside my body and now I carry a card that says to call the Orthopedic office in case I set off any alarms. It's a bit creepy, but I feel pretty good right now. Pain is about a 1. I am released to drive and walk and go to physical therapy, but I'm still going to take it easy for a few more weeks.

8 days after Surgery

2010-03-29T21:28:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day I have felt normal again. My pain is gone in my legs and I actually got some work done today. I would love to put a photo up, but now everything has changed and I can't figure out how to do it.

6 days after surgery

2010-03-27T17:16:00.000-07:00

Today, Larry had to do the Funeral for Ron Gottula. As the Bishop, he really needed to concentrate on things that were pertinent to the Gottula Family, so he asked a wonderdul sister in our Ward (Wilkinson's Daughter) Sherry Vaughn, to come and stay the day with me. 1st Sherry came with her essential oils and rubbed my leg with a lotion, and then my feet with lavendar and then I called the Dr. about the pain I was experienceing in my legs. He said this wasn't right. So he ordered me a steriod Z pak and Sherry put the heating pad on my sore leg and gave me 2 Asprin Free Excedrin, and one of her muscle relaxers. I laid back down to sleep some more, and when I awoke, I wasn't hurting in my legs anymore! Oh, my goodness that was hugh! I got up and ate some lunch then went back to bed. I slept the sleep of the dead for the first time since I had the surgery. Larry came home about 3:00 pm and Sherry went home. I am so eternally grateful to Sherry for her service to me. Now I have been up, taken a shower, a walk, eaten dinner and now I am doing some blogging. Today was a good day and maybe I am on the mend- finally. Dr. said that the Asprin Free Excedrin was OK to take as was any Aleve, and the over the counter drugs, but I will just stick with my Excedrin.

Surgery day 4 after surgery

2010-03-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I was pretty prepared for surgery but not for the 'other' things that come from operations that i ALWAYS forget about.

I can't make up my mind to stand up or lay dow or sit down. Right now I'm sitting down,but don't know how much longer.

When I sleet, it it like twilight sleep. I am talking to all kinds of people about I don't know what and my husband swears I am just having full on conversations with myself.

THat brings me to I should take a sleeping aid to sleep - wrong, now, when I go into a deeper sleep I wake up wringing wet from head to toe.Today is the second day for a shower. If feels better but only for a little while.

Surgery

2010-03-25T15:11:00.000-07:00

I apologize for not keeping up to date on my progress, but it was a little harder than I thought. What was I thinking? I don't know I'm not that brilliant.

For 2 days I pretty much slept, on all 4 sides of me (Front, back, right, left). They sent me home with Darvoset (those idiots) I'm alergic to all Opium and all it's derivitives! I told them that. So, dad was giving me Darvoset every time I needed a pain killer and that is why I stayed in bed for 2 days. They did give me a patch that you put behind your ear to keep you from getting sick, so I didn't get sick, I was just dizzy an thinking all the time "If I could just throw up". Now, I am on only a light pain killer called Tramadol. Between that and Asprin free Excedrine l life is pretty good although all together a bit sore. You would think I'm an old lady puttering around with my little walker and back brace.

Today, Larry made Guacomole and that tasted so wonderful that I ate it all with a spoon. I'm getting tired, so will sign off now, but you will hear from me later.

Day after Surgery

2010-03-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

My sleep last night was fitful at best I have always had a hard time staying in one place. So about every 2 hours, a wonderful Male nurse would come in and help me turn over. I still had the catheter in my bladder, a drain in my side (right) to drain the bood out so my body wouldn't have to absorb it. Today is another matter altogether. It started at 6:00 when my phical
trainer showd up and got me out of bed to start walking. I finally got the catheter out, The tubes out I had a good clear breakfast, and casedeious for lunch. I am walking around the halls by myslef and it drives the Nurses nuts, but they are all so busy and I am so independent.

I received some really beautiful flowers. My room is startin to look like a forest! Daddy got me a dozen of the most beautiful flowers, and then tw0 different arrangements from Steve Bock and his wife Blyth whom I am helping with their genealogy. The other one was from Tim Wagner, he used to volunteer on the same shift with me, but he sarted Work (A job that Dad got for him.)

Right now I am waiting for the Dr. To arrive and take out the final stint in my arm, the drain in my side and then I hope he will send me HOME! "Toto, there is no place like home".

Marky took time out of his busy schedule (He was at USC for a class) and he drove all the way here to see me. I so much appreicate Mark and his family. I love all my children, but Mark was the only one who could come, I will be seeing all my children and grandchildren a little later on in the Week and then I have my Birthday Party to look forard to. All my kids will be here and that is enough for me! Enough for today, I'm tired now.

Surgery

2010-03-22T16:19:00.001-07:00

March 22, 2010: Today I went in to surgery at 8:00 AM. I was asleep before the surgical room. They couldn't find a vein for the IV until after four tries. Surgery took 5 hours. Recovery room was for 2 hours. The doctor said that everything went perfect. There were two incisions for the surgery. A small one on my right side. It was through this that the doctor inserted an artificial peace of cartilage between my L4 and L5 vertebrae. I was then rolled onto my stomach while under anesthesia and the main 4 inch incision was made in the center of my back over the L4/L5 area. It was through this incision that the doctor cleaned out my spinal canal to correct a major restriction in the spinal cord. This restriction was causing pain to occur in my right leg for the last six months on an ever increasing basis. Following the cleaning, the doctor connected my L4 and L5 vertebrae with two screws and a rod all made out of titanium. This has put my spine back in alignment without restrictions in the spinal cord. The basic problem was that my L5 vertebrae was not in alignment and you could actually see the difference in x-rays when I stood straight and bent over that the vertebrae was moving. This action was causing the body to react and put down bone spurs to try to strengthen the area. Unfortunately, some of these were in the spinal canal area and caused the pinching or restriction of the cord. With the artificial cartilage inserted in the front and the screws and rod now in the back, my spine is now back in alignment and not loose anymore. The doctor is predicted that tomorrow the pain in my legs will be gone. He is also predicting that my back will feel like somebody hit me in the middle of my back with a baseball bat. I know he is right on that so I am hoping when my surgery pain is over, which could take several weeks, I will be pain free.

After surgery my pain level was an 8/10 when I woke up but now that I am back in my room and on pain medication it is 2. The physical therapist came and I took a small walk around the room with pain at level 2. The doctor just came in while I was writing this and tested my leg strength. It is already stronger than before the surgery suggesting the spinal cord and nerves were repaired well. He predicted that tomorrow may be a more painful day as the local anesthetics from the surgery wear down. We will take it one day at a time.

That's today's report as transcribed by my nurse Larry.

Back surgery

2010-03-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

All I have been doing lately is working on two more clients that I have. Tomorrow, Sunday I will be getting ready for my back surgery. In case you didn't know I will be having back surgery on 22 Mar 2010 for my L 4 & 5 disks. I will be getting a Lamenecktomy and they will be taking the calcium out of my spinal chord, grinding it up and then using it again to help to stableize the disks from moving again. I will also be getting a titainium rod with 2 screws put in through the back to help hold them in place. Hopefully I will come out and not hurt anymore.

Our first guests

2010-03-09T21:45:00.000-08:00

Amanda and her friend are here tonight to use the new bathroom and guest bedroom. So, glad to have them.

As for me, I'm just doing a lot of paid lecturing which is why I put off my back surgery until 22 March 2010. Everyone can just pray for me. Right now I don't take PROZAK, EXCEDRIN, ADVIL, ALEVE, ALLEGRA, EXCEDRIN PM or any other medication for pain. Sometimes I just have to lay down for the pain to be tolerable. Standing is the worst. I'm pretty proud of myslef right now, no medications and down to a size 8. That's right, I went to get a pair of pants today since none of my pants fit anymore, and I bought a size 8. Let's see how long that lasts, at least until after surgery. I went down since I started eating clean and started at 149, now I weigh 123. Not bad for an almost 58 year old grma.

Come one, come all to Rober Taj Mahal

2010-03-04T15:59:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Refurbished-almost new Guest Bathroom at the Robers. Here you see it coming in the door. Notice the cute things over the cupboard doors. Notice there is no more clothes hamper, bring yourselves a Pillowcase and sew down the top about an inch, then thread a cord through, so it hangs. Notice a new washcloth ring, and no more bulky hair dryer stuff, just a holder for the hairdryer. We now have a towel rack for hand towels for after you wash your hands.

Walk in the door and turn left, you will see a new Medicine cabinet, and a new big Mirror for the wall, no more black stuff around the edges. Only the best for our guests.

Notice my cute little toothbrush holder, and holders for Q-tips and cotton pads, along with Kleenex. A matching soap dish and brand new fawcets! Only uptown here!

Turining around, notice no more wallpaper. New vents, and a real honest to goodness peg on the door to hang clothes, clothes bags or towels or what ever else you want, maybe a nightgown.

I got the photo's out of order no matter how hard I tried, but going back a step, you see the right side of the sink. Notice the new towel rack that holds the hairdryer only. And a new washcloth rack for wet washclothes after shaving. You ladies even have a hand mirror that is 5X the magnification on one side for close up.

This before looking behind the door. I've moved my cute perfume bottle shelf up here and notice another hook on the front of the door- permanently secured for anything, maybe even your Church clothes because there is still no room in the Guest room to hand anything.

Now, going into the bathroom part of the guest bath, notice new monogramed towels, with the bath mat hanging over the shower door. There is no more floor to ceiling rack for shampoos etc., now it is located on the shower door itself and you should bring your own brands of soap (I only provide Irish spring in the shower) but there is another place to place your special soap now. There is only 3 other items provided now, Cetiphil for sensitive skins, Baby shampoo for those occasions when kids take a bath in there and of course we provide Head and Shoulders. So, bring your own special shampoos and conditioners.

Next, look behind the door and you will see another hook (no more plastic) and only one towel holder, big enough for 2 bath towels. There will be 8 bath towels included in this hotel bathroom for your convience.

A full view of the towel rack.

Turning around there is now a nice towel rack behind and over the toilet. It has a candle and a bowel of sweet smellys. There will be extra towels stacked here when they all get out of the wash.

Just off to the right of the towel rack, you will notice another new vent and another towel rack (you can never have too many towel racks!

Now, the toilet, cleaned inside and out with ever imaginable chemical cleaner known to man. I did it while it was stored in the garage during the time the tile was being laid. Notice new extra toilet paper holder (only holds 2) and trash can to match the rest of the ensamble. We have a new stainless steel toilet brush. What you can't see is the the VENT is now in good working order. No more stuffyness while taking a bath or dump. New toilet paper holder too.

Now notice the new tile floor and more kleenex.

This is the new inshower shampoo holder. The shower doors have been miraculously cleaned and WD 40.
The shower is brand spanking newly cleaned.

There are a lot of other little things I didn't get in the pictures, but you will just have to come and see for yourself. All are welcome, ya'll come and see us now!

Amost all done

2010-02-26T21:18:00.000-08:00

I've had a lot of fun planning how to decorate the new guest bathroom. Most of the work here in the house is done, we are just waiting for the big mirror to come back from Brea Glass. That will be next Wednesday.

Here's what we actually did: Tore out the bathroom carpeting in both the guest bathroom and the master bedroom. Replaced it with tile. Stripped wallpaper in Guest Bathroom and painted it. Bought all new fixtures. Replaced the sink fawcets. Replaced the big mirror in the guest Bathroom that was all black around the edges. Painted inside the cupboards (white) in the guest bathroom. Cleaned out all drawers, and under the counters. It's adorable now. Plenty of room to HANG towels, robes, bags or anything else you want in there. Then we also tore out the back patio where the cement had risin and was a tripping hazzard. It was repoured and the tiles went back in place, the entire back yard was re-grouted. We replaced the bottom row of tiles in the Master Bath Shower which were cracked with new ones. I'm not sure how much we spent, but it was sure fun to have a new, clean, organized bathroom that looks great! Now you will all have to come and visit to see it!

Kid Bath update

2010-02-22T22:18:00.001-08:00

Today work started on the Kid/guest bathroom. New fawcets are in now. Toilet and carpet ripped out. Dad primed the inside with Kilz. You can see where Mark and Brian left their 'marks' on the floor around the toilet bowl. I really thought I taught them better than that. If their wives make them clean up around the toilets they might hit it more!

De Ja Vu

2010-02-20T19:52:00.001-08:00

In 1990 I guess Lisa and I looked a bit alike. What do you think?

New Project

2010-02-18T21:43:00.000-08:00

Can't I ever be just satisfied to sit around and eat Candy all day???

Well, now I have a list of Projects that need to be done.

Today, Larry gave me permission to start on the Guest Room bath. The Kids Bathroom.

As of tonight, anything that was in it, is gone, the wall paper is almost all off too. Updates as they happen will be posted.

Pain Free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-02-17T11:07:00.000-08:00

Until you have been in pain for a long time, you have no idea what a novel it is to have a pain free day. I had one of those yesterday. Boy, I cleaned up the house and did a lot of those 'little' things I had been trying to get to for months if not years! I give credit to the Lord for such a day, I have abused my body so bad throughout my lifetime, that it's surprising I'm not more crippled than I am. So, Thank you Heavenly Father for a great day!

It's also a great day because Larry came home!

Harvesting our Fruit

2010-02-15T10:08:00.001-08:00

We have a wonderful Orange Tree, of course we live in Orange County. But they all come ripe at the same time, usually March, but with all the rain they are ready now. If we don't pick the entire tree, they just rot. So, we pick the whole tree and I make Orange Juice and replenish what we drank into the Tropicana Carton. I also make lots of lemonade to freeze and save for those hot summer days and dinner.

Happy Valentines Day

2010-02-14T16:16:00.001-08:00

No photo's but I thought I would just make note that yesterday, Feb 13, 1010, I gave 2 lectures in San Diego and after that we were to meet Mark and Lisa and Kam at the Los Angeles Temple to watch Kam for them. Turned out poor Lisa forgot to get her Temple Recommend renewed, how everyone has checked theirs by now, so she had to stay outside the Temple with Kamden and we just sort of helped. We all went out to dinner at Islands afterward. Mark and Lisa had a couple of friends that were being sealed to each other and their children, it was really special and spiritual, even afterward when they were taking pictures. All in All, I ended up driving 8 hours yesterday, I was tired when I got home.

Spring Cleaning will lead into Summer

2010-02-09T20:46:00.001-08:00

OK, I went to Girly's house and helped her clean it up and out. It was pretty easy compared to what I decieded to do for myself. After cleaning out her office and making it really liveable and organized, I decided it was time to do that to my office too.

I started a week ago. The hallway is packed with 'stuff'. I have thrown away 4 large brown trash bags of paper and stuff. Moved stuff around. Dusted. Vacuumed where I could. Cleaned off the book shelves, going through the books and getting rid of stuff that was out of date. I cleaned out my desk drawers. Took the doors off the closet so I can see what's in there. The doors are now stored under my bed. I'm still not done. There is so much more to do. I am afraid that it will take me until the summer to get it all done. Heaven help me to have the tenacity to complete this task!

I could sure use a few prayers!

Visiting with Lisa and John & kiddos

2010-01-31T14:51:00.001-08:00

To tell the truth, Lisa's house wasn't dirty, just messy. We got caught up on Laundry in 1 day. We have played games with the boys, cleaned out a few closets (game cupboard was my doing). And Lisa went 'whole hog' in deep cleaning one room at a time. We still have her bedroom to go into tomorrow. Today is Sunday and we went to Church at 11:00, nice. However Beckham has his nap at that time and so it's really hard for him, so I brought him home from Church during RS and Priesthood. I fed him changed him and put him down for his nap, peace at last. My hip is bothering me today, although I have slept well on one of the kids mattresses off the bunk beds. (Thanks Caleb) Now I'm board, so maybe I will take a nap, or maybe not. I'll go do email, that should put me in a funk.

And thank you girly for changing my blog, I love it!

I really miss Larry, he truly is the love of my life and my soul mate. I sure hope his 1st
Ward Conference went well, he was trying so hard to make it good, and he worked on his talk all week. In my heart I now it went well. I will be home next Wednesday for sure.

Christmas is officially gone

2010-01-28T22:27:00.001-08:00

As I get older, it gets harder to get it all down and put away. But how wonderful to put up my 'babies' to look at all over again. We really need a new photo of Ty. I'm off to help Lisa out a little bit, so if anyone needs me, call my cell phone.

Watch out for parked cars

2010-01-27T21:54:00.000-08:00

You won't believe what happend to me last Friday. Larry and I went to a wedding reception at a fancy restaurant in Orange Hills. It was a long driveway up and when you got to the top, you had to valet park. So far, no problem. So many people came at the same time, they started parking 3 cars across and kept going behind lining up 3 cars across. As I started to exit the car, Larry said "Watch out for cars, honey". So, as I got out, I noticed they were still parking cars behind outs, so I closed the car door, and strode off at my normal power walk rate, when the car parked next to us (2 ft. away) opened the drives door at such a fast speed I never saw it coming. I slammed my right leg right into his car door edge and it stopped me dead in my tracks! OWWW! Now I have a black and blue mark going from my knee up to my groin on my right leg. Right snap dab in the middle too. It hurs. So, now I not only have sciatic making that leg ache all the time, I now have a matching pain going up my leg in front.

The guy was really appologetic, and it wasn't done on purpose, but it was so perfectly orchestrated to look like we had planned it. I forgave him.

It can't be ARK time again!

2010-01-21T15:25:00.000-08:00

This is a shot from Southern California. There were many other's too because everyone seems to think we need a new Ark. I got news, The Lord said never again by water, but we had better watch out for the fires next time. Our weather is getting pretty extreme, kinda like Seattle, only harder. For now the Bishop and I are staying fairly dry and when I travel the freeways it's bizarre how everyone is driving with at least 200 feet between cars and no one moves lanes. It's rather nice to drive in.

Who says my family doesn't do GENEALOGY?

2010-01-17T12:54:00.001-08:00

When I was a young mom, I used to feel guilty about not doing my genealogy. So I became a gatherer. I had so much pain or conceived pain in my life that I didn't think it was a good Idea to journal my life either. If I had had the technology of Blogging, that would have been different, because I would have chronolized all the cute, smart, faboulous things my chldren did. Just as two of my daughters are doing. This year Kate showed me that she could make a book of her yearly blog. I exclaimed that it would be a stellar gift for me for Christmas. It was. Then I suggested that Girly do one for her blog and give it as a gift to me too. Well, as you can see below I now have all the genealogy that my family has to give me at this time and I am in 7th Heaven!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is the best gift of Christmas I could get! I hope all my children will take note that I really, really like this kind of gift. Someday in the far future though I hope to pass the Family History I have done to one of them with my blessing, but until that day comes, I will be satisfied with this.

I agree with Andy Rooney

2010-01-07T19:25:00.000-08:00

Now, I got the following in an Email. I don't know if its a hoax and I don't care. I agree with the sentiment whether it was said by Andy Rooney or not. It's just about covers it all!

Andy Rooney said on '60 Minutes' a few weeks back:

"I don't think being a minority makes you a victim of anything except numbers. The only things I can think of that are truly discriminatory are things like the United Negro College Fund, Jet Magazine, Black Entertainment Television, and Miss Black America. Just try to have things like
the United Caucasian College Fund, Cloud Magazine, White Entertainment Television, or Miss White America; and see what happens, Jesse Jackson will be knocking down your door.

Guns do not make you a killer. I think killing makes you a killer. You can kill someone with a baseball bat or a car, but no one is trying to ban you from driving to the ball game.

I believe they are called the Boy Scouts for a reason, which is why there are no girls allowed. Girls belong in the Girl Scouts! ARE YOU LISTENING, MARTHA BURKE?

I think that if you feel homosexuality is wrong, it is not a phobia, it is an opinion.

I have the right 'NOT' to be tolerant of others because they are different, weird, or tick me off.

When 70% of the people who get arrested are black, in cities where 70% of the population is black, that is not racial profiling; it is the Law of Probability.

I believe that if you are selling me a milkshake, a pack of cigarettes, a newspaper or a hotel room, you must do it in English! As a matter of fact, if you want to be an American citizen, you should have to speak English! My father and grandfather didn't die in vain so you can leave the countries you were born in to come over and disrespect ours.

I think the police should have every right to shoot you if you threaten them after they tell you to stop. If you can't understand the word 'freeze' or 'stop' in English, see the above lines.

I don't think just because you were not born in this country, you are qualified for any special loan programs, government sponsored bank loans or tax breaks, etc., so you can open a hotel, coffee shop, trinket store, or any other business. We did not go to the aid of certain foreign countries and risk our lives in wars to defend their freedoms, so that decades later they could come over here and tell us our constitution is a living document; and open to their interpretations.

I don't hate the rich; I don't pity the poor. I know pro wrestling is fake, but so are movies and television... That doesn't stop you from watching them.

I think Bill Gates has every right to keep every penny he made and continue to make more. If it ticks you off, go and invent the next operating system that's better, and put your name on the building.

It doesn't take a whole village to raise a child right, but it does take a parent to stand up to the kid and smack their little behinds when necessary, and say 'NO!'

I think tattoos and piercing are fine if you want them, but please don't pretend they are a political statement. And, please, stay home until that new lip ring heals. I don't want to look at your ugly infected mouth as you serve me French fries!

I am sick of 'Political Correctness.' I know a lot of black people, and not a single one of them was born in Africa; so how can they be 'African-Americans'? Besides, Africa is a continent.
I don't go around saying I am a European-American because my great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather was from Europe.. I am proud to be from America and nowhere else.
And if you don't like my point of view, tough ...

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG, OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA , AND TO THE REPUBLIC, FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!

It is said that 86% of Americans believe in God. Therefore I have a very hard time understanding why there is such a problem in having 'In God We Trust' on our money and having 'God' in the Pledge of Allegiance. Why don't we just tell the 14% to BE QUIET!!!

Christmas Decos a go go

2010-01-05T21:08:00.000-08:00

Bishop and I got up early and he suggested that we take the day to get all the outside decorations down, packed up and put away. We did it too! Everything is all finished, just don't look at what's inside- That is going to be put away after I come home from Salt Lake City next week.

Happy New Year- last of the visitors

2010-01-02T20:11:00.001-08:00

Linda and Denny came to spend a few days with us, so of course we had to have a crab dinner!

Larry is serious about cracking it just right, umm it was good.

One of the main reasons they came to town was to go to the Rose Parade, and we did it up right. We had primo seats in the bleachers right across from the Simon Rosenthal Museum, and just under the KTLA booth. Every float, horse group, marching band and all did their best stuff right in front of us facing us! It was an awsome experience.

Before the parade got started, we parked in such a spot, so that we could walk back along where they were lining up the floats before the parade and I would hurt your eyes if I blogged every picture of float flower that Larry got close up. It was fun and so well worth going.

Can I do anything right?

2009-12-30T17:16:00.000-08:00

Linda and Denny, Larry's sister and husband are here for the Rose Parade. They came in yesterday and the Bishop sent me with a hand drawn map to the Long Beach Airport to pick them up. It was dark. So, I drove there OK and picked them up on time, but coming home was a nightmare, attimately it was my fault. There were no directions on the map as to N or S or E or W. So, when we went back to get on the freeway, I didn't know which way to take, so Linda suggested we go North. (it was the wrong way) and we ended up in Torrance on Artesia Blvd. I finally got on the 91, took the carpool lane and made it to the 57 N. However, I wasn't paying attention, and passed Lambert exit, so I went on to Diamond Bar Blvd, where I turned around. Bottom line, I can't drive well.
Larry criticizes me when I drive too.
Today he criticized how I park.
He told me to get him a sign for his door, and he wasn't very nice at telling me he doesn't like what I made for him. I didn't save the receipt from Sears so he could see how much I paid for his clothes, so when he took them back with the gift receipts, they gave him a lousy time and he ended up paying some. I screw up names on signs. I pass gas at the wrong time. Then I get an email from my oldest son telling me that I am scaring his kids by telling them about the state of our Country. Well, I'm passionate too, and right about now I'm so passionate that I'm about to throw up with all the criticism coming my way. Just everybody back off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T09:16:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone! Here is the Bishop and I on Christmas morning waiting at the top of the stairs just like we always made the kids do. It was fun. I don't think I have ever grown up when it comes to Christmas. I love decorating, giving gifts, receiving gifts, the lights, the busy stores, the cars looking at our lights, walking and being amazed that our neighborhood goes all out every year. Christmas time makes me feel ALIVE and I love that feeling, when it seems the world is right for just a little while. I keep a positive attitude during this time of year, and it never seems to get me down.

I have nothing to do!

2009-12-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is December 21st and I'm pretty much bored. Gifts are done and given. Cookies are cooked and delivered. Christmas letter is written, but not addressed yet, but I have no desire to do it anymore. So, I go onto the blogs hoping that I will get some stimulating information about my grand kids, but Lisa is the only one with any time or desire to post anything. My husband is now in meetings most of the time, or if not, watching football. That's not my thing. I should clean up my office, or the garage, but my hip hurts and I don't feel like it. No, I'm not depressed, just venting some feelings I have at this moment. There really is a lot to do, I just don't feel like it. Tomorrow I go back in for my 3rd and last Epidural for my pinched sciatica nerve. The wind is cold and wreaking havoc on my outside Christmas decorations too. Maybe I'll just go to bed. Good idea, good night.

The 4th Wiseman- Bishop Rober

2009-12-18T16:51:00.000-08:00

As you can see, a few changes have taken place around here. Last Sunday Larry became the Placentia 2nd Bishop, our children were here for our early Christmas get together and he played the part as a wiseman the day after our kids left. I think he makes a pretty cute wiseman. The costume was borrowed from Joe France in the Brea Wards and it was a beautiful piece of work. In fact I have never felt or seen fabric like this before in my life. I must get out more.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2009-11-28T19:44:00.000-08:00

Oh My Goodness! Larry finally took my nudging and outlined the entire house in lights!!!!!!! WOW! It looks wonderful. Thank you, Thank you honey! We sort of changed a few things around this year, but today we spent the entire day putting out the Outside lights, candy canes, lawn lights, Christmas Tree, Peach on Earth sigh, Soldiers, Candles, poinsettias, Candy lights, front porch decorations, Soldiers and Bells. Tomorrow is our day of rest. We'll tackle it all again and hopefully finish up on Monday. I'm pretty tired tonight. When we finish, I will post a photo!

Happy Thanksgiving 2009 50 min 25 Sec

2009-11-26T14:41:00.001-08:00

It started off a really beautiful southern California morning, crisp, but bright and beautiful. Best of all, I was with part of my family. Here I'm so glad at just being alive! Pam, Me, Larry, Peter, Kelly, Brian and Savannah did "Martha's Kitchen 5K Run", at 7:30 am I might add!

It is wonderful to be able to exercise with my honey! I'sn't he handsome?

Savannah came along for the 5K walk/run too. We couldn't leave her home!

Showing off our Muscles! We are ready to go

This is me (with Larry right behind me) crossing the finish line. We finished several minutes before the other walkers (Pam and Kelly). We were only beat by the runners, Peter and Brian. Ricky was the designated driver for all of us. He also took these photo's. Got to love Ricky!

After the Run/Walk, we came home and started cooking. Got it all ready and into Crock Pots (9) to keep food warm, it was really a good idea. Pam and I outdid ourselves on food. The older we get the better the food tastes. Turkey, gravey, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoe Crunch, Creamed Spinish, Creamed Corn, Dressing, Rolls and relish trays. Now, I'm full, satisfyed and ready for a nap.

Before I lay down, I want to let everyone know how thankful I am for an Ancestor who celebrated that first Thanksgiving with the Indians, so very long ago. That Ancestor is Frances Cook. We all owe him a very big thanks for all the sacrifices they had to go through. Thank goodness they didn't have computers, or maybe we wouldn't be here now!

Oh, the agony and ecstacy of it all

2009-11-18T20:33:00.000-08:00

Today, I had to go back in for another epidural in my spine. I feel sorry for Larry as he has to take me to all these Dr. appointments. On the good side, Larry and I got back our 'yearly physical' stats and all our everything tested either is in normal range or went down! Our colesterol is in the GREAT zone for bothe of us. Even my iron levels were in the normal range! and I have lost 2 dress sizes, I'm into my size 10 clothes again! I haven't seen 135 since, well for a long time. I feel wonderful, better than I have since being a tom girl in grade school.

Kids, eat your hearts out, dad and I may outlive you yet! We are spending your inheritance as fast as we can!

Remembering

2009-11-13T15:51:00.001-08:00

Today, I was starting to put up Christmas Decorations. I love Christmas and it could be all year as far as I'm concerned. I found an ornament with Brian's 1st Visit with Santa Clause, he was 9 months old, and it seems like just yesterday. I don't know why mom's always remember the 1st kids big moments better than the following kids. They were all special to me and I remember little things each of them did really well.

Like the time Lisa was about 3, and under my foot in the kitchen. I was scrambling around until Larry got home, and he liked dinner right away, anyway, I wasn't paying attention to her because she was playing so well. Then, just as we started to sit down to dinner, I walked back into the kitchen and saw BUGS crawling all over the place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I about DIED! I screamed and ran for the broom and dustpan, I just couldn't imagine how so many sow bugs got into my kitchen so fast! As I started sweeping them up and taking them outside, I hear a whale of a cry "NOOOOOO! Mommy, they are my babies, don't hurt them, please don't hurt them, I was just putting them all to bed in the drawer, that is my little house for them". Please don't hurt them, mommy, please don't!" I think I traumatized her that day.

Then, there was Mark. Who for no good reason, would not talk! He wouldn't even say momma or please or anything, he just jabbered in his own language and thought everyone else could understand him too. The only one who even pretended (or maybe she did) to understand him was Lisa, so Mark used to talk to Lisa and then she would relay the message to me, because she could talk really well. By the time he was 5 he did start to talk a little bit, but was always the BIG DUMB SILENT type, if you know what I mean. We never knew what he was thinking because he wouldn't communicate it to anyone. Then I told Mark to dice up an onion (he is 5), so I sat him down at the table and he proceded to cut the onion. I went back to cooking. The next thing I know, there he is with GOGGLES on his face, over his eyes, so the onion wouldn't burn his eyes. What a smart idea, why didn't I ever think of that? Needeless to say, he is still really smart and now a nerd of the 1st degree.

So I do remember all my kids and some of the little things they did, just not all the firsts they did. But, Brian I still remember. Does that make me a bad mommy?

It's UGLY

2009-11-08T21:11:00.000-08:00

What I mean by that is that I'm having a terrible time with 'change'. I don't mean getting older either!

For some stupid reason, the city decided we needed a 'new' entrance into Eagle Hills from Lambert and Sunflower, SO THEY CUT DOWN ALL THE TREES EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's UGLY and I can see all the way up into Carbon Canyon now! UGH!

To top that off, they closed down the Desseret book store that served Orange County! No explanation, just closed it down. NOW WHERE DO THEY EXPECT WE WILL GET OUR LDS SUPPLIES? Probably off the internet - but I WANT to see what I'm buying before I give up my hard earned money. Is that too much to ask???

Doing the Grandma Thing

2009-10-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Larry and I went to Mark and Lisa's to help celebrate Kameden's 3rd Birthday. It was really fun.

This weekend we just got back from Brian and Kate's home. We actually went up the coast for a reunion of old Oil Guys that Larry worked with over 40 years ago, they had a wine tasting and a golf tournament. It was fun. Then we stayed over and had a sort of Birthday party for Grandpa, he will be 62 on Tuesday. We also went to a soccor and football game. Then our grandchildren were in the Primary Program at Church and Brian was conducting the meeting, we couldn't miss that. So, we hightailed it back from SLO to be back for the rest of the P4 meeting and my Sunday School Class.

Next weekend you will find us visiting Lisa and John and their 3 adorable boys. Lisa has promised me a turn at serving in the School carnival, a soccer game and Trunk r treat. I can't wait.

It's really good to be retired and able to go visit all our kids and grandkids all in one month without really blowing up our own schedules! Life is good.

Oh, yea, just to keep up to date, I had to buy a new skirt for Church since we didnt bring up any Church clothes, and I bought a size 10 and a size 8. For those who don't know I was wearing a 12-14. I feel very good with my new life style change and I don't miss the sugary sweets I used to indulge in.

Blogs and Blog Makers

2009-10-24T15:45:00.000-07:00

Today Larry and I are at Brian and Kate's home. Lovely home, well organized, full of fun and love.

Kate showed me a couple of 'books' she had printed out of her blogs and I laughted my head off, all the way to my tummy (again) because I'm sure I did it the first time too.

Girly is a good blogger too! Probably the most consistant out of all of us in the family. I laught all the time reading her blogs too.

SB needs to catch up although I understand her involvment with the 'school' thing she must do with and for Kamden.

What a perfect way to look back on the day to day doings of the family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wouldn't mind if everyone would give me books of the different years of the blogging they have done. It' would keep me entertained for hours and out of their hair.

Update

2009-10-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

Life is back to good! The epidural I got in my spine took the pain away and now I can walk, jump and run. However, it might come back, so the Physical Therapy I am in right now is amazing. The Physical Therapist took an hour to access me and see what was wrong. She came up with a statement that makes sense to me: "For some reason, your hips don't move like they should". Gee, I wonder if that is why my OB GYN Dr. screamed at me during labor with my first child Brian: "We have to do a C Section, your hips aren't separating to let the child down, it's in distress!" I think I see a pattern here, mmmm...

THE NERVE!

2009-10-13T20:33:00.000-07:00

I have a pinched nerve that really bother's me. Luckily I went to the Orthopedic guy that Larry went to and he had an MRI done and he showed me it's only a pinced nerve, but OUCH! So, tomorrow I go in for the first of 3 shots into my spine, they call it an Epidural. Last time I had one of those, I was birthing Mark! Then I get to go into physical therapy for 6 weeks into traction. Meanwhile, he says I can still walk and keep myself getting into better shape. So, let's all pray for me to get better, I still feel good, but, oh, the pain when I get up in the morning or after sitting down for a while, ugh!

I feel good

2009-10-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

Not only do I feel good physically, but I'm getting myself somewhat stress free too!

I have a large family history Fair this Saturday in Chino, and they have me scheduled for 3 lectures that had to be revamped into or updated into Power point. They are done!

My cousin, Judy Braxton had given me a book of the Braxton descendants that still lived in NC and so I finished inputting all of them into my genealogy program. So, that's done!

Next, I must prepare the finished product for my client, Sara. She has been a wonderful client to have, very generous with time and understanding. I'm going to give her the best finished product I know how to prepare, and I'm going to use the "Family Histoy" padded notebooks from Desseret Book. When that's done, then it's time for Christmas and after Christmas, then I have another Client to start work on, but I'm not going to start that until after the 1st of the year.

My take on General Conference

2009-10-04T15:10:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a great two days of being uplifted. I hope everyone who could, listed to Conference, or at least videoed it so you can listed to it later.

I can't think of any one thing that I felt, except that God really does love me and knows me, I believe that He accepts me for all my faults and that if I keep trying to improve myslef, He will make me better than I could be by myself. So, I will keep trying.

They talked a lot about love, anger and repentence. I wonder if they were talking about me??? After a a little refelection, I believe they were.

Did someone ask What else can happen?

2009-10-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

Well, today was a GREAT day, although, on my way to pamper myself in getting a pedicure, I suddenly felt my front tooth and it felt GONE. Not completely, but the whole back part! Since my dentist is 4 stores down from my pedicure place, I stopped in to see if I could get an emergency appointment. Dr. Olsen himself came out to see me and said he would do it right now if I wanted to do it then, so I have a new or fixed front tooth. The really, really funny thing is that at that same time, Larry was sitting in his dentists chair getting his front tooth fixed that had cracked when we were in SLO at Ashlynn's baptism.

This all could be worse, so I'm really looking on the bright side and snickering.

"itis" - ugh

2009-09-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

I can't explain how tired I am of 'growing'. I know that there is "opposites in all things", but give me a break!

Here I am trying to get myself healthy and in shape and the first problem that cropped up was a severe pain in my left hip. It was so bad, I couldn't walk. I found out I had Bursitis. A shot of cortisone fixed that problem.

I was good to go for about 2 weeks.

Then I started with the same pain in my right hip. I went into the Dr. before our Hawaii vacation and got another cortisone shot.

It didn't work, so the problem has been getting worse as time goes on. I'm fine AFTER I get up and walking. But, after I sit or lay for more than 15 minutes, I'm back to being crippled when I get up. Now the pain goes from my sciatic nerve to my ankle, right down my right side.

So, I go back to the Dr. And now I get to have an MRI, because he is pretty sure I have arthuritis in my right hip which is pinching a nerve. So between Bursitis and Arthuritis, I'm an 'itis' mess.

Bottom line, don't get old.

B M I

2009-09-28T19:38:00.000-07:00

That's Body Mass Index in case your wondering. I really do have a new lifestyle and it's paying off in more ways than one.

When I started this (about 4 or 5 weeks ago), all I knew was that I HAD to get my body healthier, which in turn would make me happier, not that I was unhappy with how I looked, because I wasn't, it was because of how I FELT! I had aches and pains I have never had before (bursitis), I couldn't bend or contort like I used to without pulling a muscle so bad I had to be in bed for days. I couldn't open jars or cans or lift water bottles anymore! I could see that I was going to be in a wheelchair before I turned 60 if I didn't do something about it. So, the first thing I did was go to the Lord in fervent prayer about my concerns. Then I went to bed.

The next morning I woke up with EXAXTLY what I had to do. I had to start walking again, with weights. AND I needed to find someone who could help me understand HOW to exercise and stretch properly. So, I went for my first walk (in 3 months, my normal walk is fast but only lasted 1/2 hour on Monday, Wednesday & Friday- unless I had something else better to do). While I was out walking I saw a sign in the Liquor store parking lot saying "Personal Trainer, call for a free evaluation XXX-XXX-XXXX" So I called and went in for an evaluation. I met Dave Gibson at that time. He is the nicest guy, and so knowledgeable. He charges $65.00 per session and he sells either 10 or 20 sessions. Well, I KNEW I had to do this. I went home and talked to Larry and he reluctantly agreed that I could buy 10 sessions (AND THAD WAS ALL 'WE CAN'T AFFORD IT" I started working out at Athletic Unlimited with Dave Gibson, and he is only a half a block away from my house.

When I started, I had a print out of: (this is embarrasing) On 10 Aug 2009
Body Type: Standard
Gender: Female
Age: 57
Height: 5 ft. 2 in
Weight: 149.1 lbs
BMI: 27.3
Fat %: 38.9
BMR: 5558 kj
1329 k cal
Impedance: 577
Fat Mass: 58.0 lbs
FFM: 91.o1 lbs
TBW: 66.61 lbs
Desirable range Fat %: 23-24%

Today I had the same weigh in and here are the results:

Body Type: Standard
Gender: Female
Age: 57
Height: 5 ft. 2 in
Weight: 144.61 lbs
BMI: 26.4
Fat %: 36.9
BMR: 5478 kj
1309 k cal
Impedance: 560
Fat Mass: 53.41.0 lbs
FFM: 91.21 lbs
TBW: 66.81 lbs
Desirable range Fat %: 23-24%

I am convinced that eating correctly is the key to my getting healthier and building more lean body muscle which in turns burns more calories even as your sleeping. Dave insisted that I purchase a book called "The Clean Eating Diet" by Tosca Reno. This book is EXACTLY what the 89th section of the D & C is all about, in an easy to follow way for lamebrains such as me and dad.

Well, today was my last day officially training with Dave, but Dad has taken my place and is going to purchase 10 sessions. Dad has been walking on his own for about 2 weeks now and eating clean with me. We both are feeling much better and stronger and have a clearer mind. My ability to multi-task is slowly coming back. I also don't have to take excedrin in the morning to wake up! I wake up on my own about 6:30 am and I am anxious to go walking which has turned out to be 6 days a week for 1 hour each day. I even climb up Wildcat way during my walk. By the way, don't anyone in my family go and purchase the clean eating book, you are all getting it for Christmas!

Our Vacation from Sweetc's viewpoint

2009-09-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

First of all, THANK YOU to my sweet daughter, Girly for making my blog so cute!

Now, if you have looked at Dad's blog, you can see all the wonderful and marvelous things we saw and did. What dad forgot to tell everyone is that I got a sunburn that has blistered and the really, really scary part is that I didn't ever 'lay out'! We walked around some on one of the days in our bathing suits, like from one pool to the next to go down a slide, and I snorkled, but I didn't do anything that should have resulted in the severe sunburn I got. I actually have a thousand small blisters on the top of my shoulders and my back! Ow, it hurts. Now, it you think that is all, think again! One our way home, dad dropped me off at the airport check in while he went to park the car. This was 8 hours before we got on the plane, we thought it would be a good idea to check in the luggage and then go see the Maui Volcano Crater. So, he hands me the tickets and I get out my driver's license and then some guy says that I have to put our checked bags through some agricultureal screening machine. OF COURSE, the men that are scanning aren't allowed to help you pick up your bags, no, every little old woman must lift her own bags. Well, I finally got them into the scanning machine and then went 10 feet to the other side of the machine and retrieved our 2 bags. Then I went another 10 feet to the check in kiosk where I proceeded to read the complicated touch screen check in menu. Right then, dad walks up and says good job, as I hand him back our boarding pass tickets, I noticed I only have the 2 papers in my hand, WHERE IS MY DRIVERS LICENSE???????????? It's GONE! No Joke! Dad and I started backtracking our 20 feet from the curb and asking everyone if they saw a driver's license? We too over and hour looking and talking to security and everyone who would listen. The bottom line is My Drivers License is Gone! I don't know if someone saw it and picked it up on purpose to steal my identity or if someone picked it up accidently to return it. So, now its another unscheduled trip to somewhere I didn't need to go. UGH!

On the Go again

2009-09-14T16:01:00.001-07:00

Well as you can see, we did Knotts Berry Farm with Lisa, John, Caleb, Davis and Beckham! We also had a sort of Family Reunion for Ashlynn Marie Rober's Baptism Day, it was wonderful

Sometime during the Weekend Grandpa found time to wrestle with all the boys!

And then we got to take them all to the park, where we had a grand time!

Just in case you haven't been informed, Caroline (Me) now has a personal trainer and is using a book called the "Eating Clean Diet". I have lost 2 pounds and 2% body fat! I use weights when I walk and I am feeling better than I did at 30!

Now Larry and I are on our way to Maui, so see you all later!

4th of July Photo's

2009-08-31T23:12:00.001-07:00

This is Davis! Love that smile

This is Caleb and Beckham, you can tell their brothers, good lookers too.

This is Lisa and Kamden

This is Mark and Kamden

This is 3 of my grandsons have a ball in the jacuzzi: Caleb, Kameden & Davis

I love Sundays

2009-08-23T16:20:00.000-07:00

Today I had a 4 hour nap. That was after I organized Sharing Time for Primary and got my Lesson ready for my class. It was after that when I just zonked out. Our Sacremant meeting was about keeping the Sabath Day Holy and Naps fit right into the schedule. I think the Lord is wise to (suggest/command) us to take a day off. Some of us would just keep going until we burn out completely. Hope you all who read this blog will take advantage (if you can) to do the same thing.

A Ruling for the Atheists

2009-08-17T17:02:00.000-07:00

In Florida, an atheist created a case against the Upcoming Easter and Passover days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days. The case was brought before a judge.. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring,"Case dismissed!"

The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the Ruling , "Your honor,how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays."
The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant."

The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or
holiday for atheists."

The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1
states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned.

You gotta love a Judge that knows his scripture!

Back to Work

2009-08-13T17:02:00.000-07:00

Yep, summer is over for me. I spent 4 solid hours going to get a DC at the Norwalk Office of Records for LA County for a client of mine. There is nothing easy in So Cal to get or do!

Organizing Mania

2009-08-10T20:27:00.000-07:00

No Joke. I have been super busy this past month with vacation and organizing. First off, Lisa and John finally took out the Tent Trailor, which started a two week project of cleaning out, getting rid of, organizing and re-configuring our garage. It's a thing of beauty and we can get a car into it- finally after 35 years of marriage and 3 houses later.

Then, my poor father got moved (by my sister) into a beautiful facility, but he is in the lock down unit for his own safety. Meanwhile, I get a ton of boxes that mush be gone through that Pam and Rick just threw together. Some I could use, some is e-bay material and some went to DI. Now, that is finally finished. We got Dads whole CD collection, about 4o0 music CD's. That had to be organized and gone through, so that precipated reorganizing the family room too. The best part about what we got from my dad was a coffee table that lifts up into a table!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so jazzed to be able to set my new laptop on it and type away while in front of the Boob Toob.

New Computer

2009-07-31T21:42:00.000-07:00

My dear old laptop computer was having issues. Serious issues. It was driving me crazy. So, my dear, sweet, adorable, handsome, patient, honey of a husband took it in to the laptop Dr. Meanwhile, he freely shared his laptop with me. My man is quite a man. While there, he saw this beautiful laptop computer for about only $200 more than it would have been to get my clunker laptop fixed. And, he bought it for me. Now, I am enjoying loading it with everthing I desire and meanwhile, honey sits down at it and makes it more interesting by makeing it so I can see my desktop computer documents on my laptop computer here or anywhere else I want to be. So, no transferring of files, just go and get em!

On another note: I just spent 2 days child sitting Kamden while Lisa and Mark went to a concert. It was an enjoyable couple of days! Kam is learning so much and is the sweetest child I have ever known besides his father. I would go out anytime they asked me.

Lost in the Redwoods

2009-07-15T21:35:00.000-07:00

Today we hiked through Jedidiah Smith National Park. We did really well for old foggys, but at one point I asked Larry, "Where are we, are we lost?", he answered without even a lost beat saying, "were not lost, I just don't know where we are yet". That is a classic! We had a great time!

It was an interesting de ja vu without kids to constantly be guiding throught the woods, answering questions an saying "come on Mark, keep up honey".

OUr 4th of July Weekend

2009-07-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

It was so fun having Lisa, John, Caleb, Davis, Beckham, Mark, Lisa and Kamden here with us to swim, and just hang out. I know I should put up a picture, but if you look at Dads blog you will see all you need to see. The kids were darling and so good. Kam is doing really well and is interacting with his cousins so much more! Beckham kept looking at me and smiling, he must think I'm funny looking.

Lisa and John took the tent trailer out of our garage, and so for the past 3 days, I have been cleaning it out from top to bottom. Every cupboard, box, nook and cranny, the lights fixtures, the fridge and everything else in there is getting a good clean out. I even took inventory of our Food storage situation and we're pretty good, as long as the Garage stays standing. If not, well, we have a few granola bars in our back packs.

As usual, Lisa 'forgot' a few things, so now all I have to find are her tweezers. I found the lens cap, underware, childs shirt, brush, and sleeping bag, so I will get a box and mail it in the next few days. Lisa and Mark left one of Lisa's Garment tops too. I'll mail that also.

Well, got to go get back to work. Forgot to mention that we have made 4 trips to the DI bin already, and tomorrow isn't here yet!

So Cal Jamboree

2009-06-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

Here I am in Burbank at the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree. It's getting to be a bigger and more popular venue for genealogy today than it was in the past. The venders hall has some of the bigest variety of popular genealogy topics, books and software that remember seeing on a smaller conference. This is becoming one of the popular conferences in California. It happens every year about this time, and this year the classes have been very good. I have seen a lot of good friends that I have made through the years and it's fun to talk nothing but genealogy. I sure wish some of my family enjoyed this as much as I do, but I don't mind they don't. I get enough social interaction with my genealogy buddies.

My Soapboax

2009-06-24T13:43:00.000-07:00

I love to serve people, almost to the point, I never take time for myself. Case in point here goes. I AM the staff TRAINER (only) for the Orange Regional Family History Center, that in and of itself is almost a full time job. I have spend the last 3 days cleaning out and organizing my 'stuff' from the ORFHC that I use to make new Staff Training Notebooks for the new people. I'm down there most days of the week training.

Beth McCarty is the DIRECTOR
Lucine Fox is the PATRON SERVICES COORRIDINATOR
Daniel Bartosz is the TECHINICAL SERVICES COORIDINATOR
Caroline is the Staff Trainer.

It's not my job to be the first person every single staff member calls when something goes wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But thats exactly what happens. I get 3 to 4 calls a day sometimes about things that aren't my responsibility. "Caroline the internet doesn't work, what should be do?" "Caroline, I can't find this film, where should I look?", "Caroline, this patron needs to talk to you, I don't know what he's talking about...".

Today, I have just had it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's not my job to find a substuitute for the entire 87 person staff when they can't make it! But, who do they call- Caroline! Today a guy who works on the Saturday 1-5 shift called into the Wednesday morning 9-1 shift and directed the person who answers the phone to call ME! There are 3 people to call before I am called! Why doen't they call their own subs? That's what I train them to do. Lucine Fox is the person who is in charge of subs.

Don't anyone just tell me to say NO! You can't say NO to some poor imbicile on the other end of the phone who doesn't have a lick of responsibility in their bones! I guess you get what you pay for, these are all volunteers, but so what, so am I.

Happy Father's day to all the Fathers I love

2009-06-20T22:33:00.001-07:00

Happy father's day to all the men who take fatherhood so seriously (an not so seriously), from my son Mark who is a daddy to his son Kamden. To......
My son-in-law, John Henderson who is a wonderful father to Caleb, Davis and Beckham. To---

My son, Brian who is a stupendous father to Ashlynn, Briggs and Tennyson. To.....

The Father of my children, Larry Lee Rober, the best father any child could have, just ask his own kids. Larry made our house a home. Last but not least to....

My father, who is still alive, but his mind is going. He wasn't all the father he could have been, but that wasn't totally his fault. I'm still glad he was my dad and I love all of you very much.

Babies, how I love em

2009-06-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

Today I am babysitting Savannah, doesn't look like too hard a job. I'm typing and she is lying asleep in my office right next to me. I gave her a bottle about a half hour ago and she finished off the whole thing. I don't think I have heard her cry yet. I did have a jolt of de ja vu a little while ago, while I had her sit in the boppy chair, I looked over at her and I could have sworn I was looking at my sister!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No joke either,

We went over to Marks the other day, and Kamden took a bath. Because his mom and dad keep his hair a little longer than a traditional little boy cut, it's hard to 'see' his little boy face. So, Lisa washed his hair and gave him a 'do' and now we can see the little person he is really starting to be. Don't get me wrong, I like his hair, I'm not suggesting his parents do anything about it, it's just my take on things.

Everyone needs a Daughter - Happy Birthday Lisa

2009-06-15T18:59:00.000-07:00

June 16, 1978 was a most jouous day for me. We welcomed a beautiful daughter into our world. Lisa Ann Rober. She weighted 8 lbs 10 0z. Lisa's Birth was the only one I ever got to plan for. Both of our boys were total surprises, but Lisa was wanted!

Then, as she got older I was able to play 'dress up' with her. She looked really cute in all the clothes she had. My mother kept her in frilly dresses and I kept her hair styled really cute.

When she started school, I was pretty happy, as Lisa was very smart and opinonated. She wasn't the easiest of my children to raise, but she has always been the spark in our family!

Lisa in 1st Grade, Lincoln Elementary, Torrance, CA, Mrs. Oliver's class. She was smart! This is her 3rd Grade picture, she is starteing to loose teeth. Starting through the awkward stage of trying to be a girl, wanting to be a boy and caught in the middle!

This is her 8th Grade picutre. All the boys really liked Lisa, but she wouldn't have anyting to do with them. Most of Marks friends came around to see Lisa as well as Mark.

Here is her 11th Grade photo. She can really cook and dance. She used to go swing dancing with her girlfriends to Disneyland.

This is her graduation from Brea Olinda High School.

She took a trip to Romania, a two week European Train Tour,And then she graduated from BYU in Child Development. She is now married to the perfect man (for her) with three of the most beautiful children you will ever see. She can save $ like no one else! She is the blogger queen of my posting, and I love her with all my heart, she is the 'light of my life' and I mean that. Happy birthday sweetheart!

Brain never told me - Happy Father's Day

2009-06-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

Brian nor Kate sent this little bitty thing to me. They probably didn't think I'd be interested or that it was bragging. How grateful that Susie Sokel, a lady I have been an acquaintance of for years through the school system. She went on to be fairly famous in Brea, I went into obscurity. She was kind enought, and smart enough to know Brian wouldn't have sent this to me, so she called the other day, asked for my address and said she saw this in a newspaper in SLO. She said that Brian was her banker and that he was a wonderful young man. He evidently fixed up a snafu that she had encountered on one of her properties up there, and she thinks he is the next best thing since sliced cheese, and so do I. I'm proud of my son, not just for his accomplishments, but for who he is, his kindness, his integrity, his willingness to serve the Lord. I'm most proud of his ability to be a GOOD husband and an even BETTER father. Hats off to every Father who makes a difference in the lives of their family this Fathers Day.

What it means to be a visiting teacher

2009-06-08T22:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I got a call from one of the ladies I visit teach. She had a problem with her computer, she had picked up a virus. Would, Could I come over and help her out.

So, today at 4:00 pm, I left the family history center in Orange and went to Estella's house. Sure enough, the computer was acting weird, but they could still get on the internet, just now use Microsoft Word. Every time they opend work, a black streak started on the right, and before you could do anything more, the whole screen started changing places, and graying out into muted colors, the cursor wouldn't work, and the whole computer just quit at that point.

Before I went into their home, I prayed. I always do that when I'm tring to understand a computer. I went out onto the internet and updated Avast antivirus- the free version. Then I noticed that something called memeo Sync Backup kept trying to install itself. Along with Washer and Web Root Spy ware, all trying to vie for the front seat in a start up! 5 hours later the computer finished the scan. Then I tried 4 different ways to uninstall this memeo junk, and it wouldn't uninstall! Oh, the virus scan did catch one suspicious file and 4 questionable ones, that I had it quarantine. Then I noticed they also had Norton Fix Tool on their computer. I finally found where that file was hiding and uninstalled it! So, she had 4 virus, anti spy software and none of them were updated. Through all of this she fed me a nice salad for dinner and nachos with homemade salsa. Still, it wasn't until 10:30 that I finally tried Word again and guess what? It works! I didn't do anything to word special, I just cleaned up the startup items that were interferring with each other. Still, Estella had family home evening, and the missionaries over for dinner, all during this time I am working on her computer. I know it was Heavenly Father who helped me, because I was teaching her 15 year old son, how to do maintenance on the computer. She keeps her computer under password protect every since her husband got into pornography. She didn't want her boys seeing that. So, she keeps a very tight eye on them, to the point that Ammon really didn't know much about computers except how to search the internet.

So, I guess I did my visiting teaching this month with Estelly.

Sad news

2009-06-04T22:05:00.000-07:00

My sister just called to tell me that our 41 year old cousin, Lucretia has died of a herion drug overdose. I think she lived in Michigan. I am sad.

What's really, really sad to me is that out of my Taber 1st cousins 3 have died of suspicious circumstances and drug overdoses.

All the cousins I now of:
Little Jim DeWitt
Joyce Lucretia Taber (they said she killed herself, but we think it was murder)
Melody Taber - married, no children
Donnie Taber - married, 2 kids, happy married, living in Sterling Heights, MI
Johnny Taber - Died of a drug overdose
Caroline Melissa Braxton - me, happy as a lark, with three kids and a happy marriage
Pamela Jaye Braxton - my sister, same as above
Darlene Ruth Taber- 4 marriage, but seems to be happy
Lucretia Taber - died of a drug overdose
Sherrie Taber - married, don't know where living, but had 3 beautiful daughters.

Face Book

2009-06-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, I said I would never do Face book but Larry's LDS cousin invited me and now I have a face book page. I am not going to post on that what I post here though, so you can all feel safe (I think)

North Carolina Remembered

2009-05-31T18:43:00.001-07:00

This is Shirley and Howard Braxton, they are the couple who has the 'Bigg Bible' that belonged to William Braxton, Howard is my 4th Cousin once removed. They showed us all around the area and took us to all the 'Quaker" or Friends Meeting houses and to all the graveyards. Howard and his sister still own the home that his line of the family inherited.
This is John and Judy Braxton, they were the ones who knew all about the Braxton history. They were both born a Braxton, yep, a Braxton married a Braxton. They are 4th cousins 1 x removed just as I am to them. When you get Howard, Judy, John and I together, you are looking at all of us being related as 4th cousins 1 x removed. They don't have TV or a computer, so we just call each other, but I don't think anyone knows more of the family history than Judy knows!

This is me, standing in front of the Braxton Monument in the Friends Cemetery. When I went back there, it was amazing how much I felt apart of the family and the land. It was a really cool feeling of 'going home'. I wished my dad had it all together in his mind, because he would have loved to go and visit.

The aftermath of Traveling

2009-05-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

OK, I'm excited to be home, but it's overwhelming! There is so much to do and sort and put away that I am totally discombobulated. I really don't know where to start. Since we got home early Sunday morning, I have been unpacking, fixing, refilling, organizing into piles, reading, errands, Thank you cards, pool parties, and I have already given two lectures since I got back. I'm quite sure I had more time when I had little kids running around the house. So, mothers, take heed, life only gets more hectic and your forget how to handle it when you get older.

On another note, for no apparent reason, I miss Shilo today. I miss him coming up to me, wagging his tail with his head down to get a pet. I miss his exuberance at the smallest of pleasures. I miss him 'bugging' me. I just plain miss MY doggie!

North Carolina Travel Log Day 5

2009-05-21T18:02:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day! Why, because I spent it in the 'Old Buncombe' Genealogcial Society Library while Larry Golfed with people from NY. I researched the whole day and they had 'make your own sandwich' makings for lunch so I didn't have to leave their library. It was as big as the ORFHC! The ladies were very knowledgable and kind.

After Larry came to pick me up we came back to the room, and then decided we had to do some laundry. Well, the laundry mat is one freeway ramp away, so we loaded the clothes in the car and went to see a movie. We say "Angels and Demons" and it was very good! If you get the chance, go see it, just close your eyes at the murder scenes- the first one is awful.

After the show, we went to the Laundry mat and started our wash, then walked down the little walk to a pizza place and had some pizza (we have had some very nice meals out and just felt like somthing not quite so filling tonight), after eating, we went back to the Laundry Mat and changed our clothes to the dryer and went back down the mall walk to the liquor store and got ice cream bars. Back to the Laundry and folded clothes. Now we are home and I'm not doing any more genealogy on this trip!

North Carolina Travel Log day 4

2009-05-20T17:14:00.000-07:00

Today we moved from Greensboro, NC to Asheville, NC. Home to the WARD genealogy (I hope) because this is for my client where I will try to prove once and for all, if the family came from Buncombe County, NC. Today I hit the Buncombe County Court House, and the Downtown Library.

Dad helped me a bit, and went to see the sights in the car. It's beautiful here because it's mountainous, it is right close to the Cumberland Gap. The weather was beautiful too, 75 degrees and no wind. We walked all over downtown. They still have a store with the Woolworth still intact, I at first thought they still had a working Woolworth store, but the just kept the facade and put tiny stores inside. This is really an artsy-fartsy kind of town.

Right outside of town is the "Biltmore" home, America's Largest Home. I hope Larry and I get to go tour it, it looks really beautiful in the photo's. Google it and you will see.

Tomorrow sounds like it will be a beautiful day too! I can't wait, I'm going to the Historical Society tomorrow.

North Carolina Travel Log Day 3

2009-05-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

Well, did anyone ever say "Mom can't get enough of dead people"? If so, your wrong. I am now saturated. I have 4 books, hundreds of stories and videos to prove I have been 'home'. Today we went to Guilford College where I had a relative named Dr. Algie Newlin who was a History Professor there for many years and he used to write to me in the 1970's. I still have those letters in my file. While in the research room, I found another distant relative related to me through the Lindley line. If your Quaker, you just might be related to your own daddy!

Then we went and got my photo taken at at a street sign named BRAXTON Lane. We went back and met with Judy and John Braxton where John told stories and Judy and Larry played the Dulcimer's. That is a type of musical instament. It's so fun to find a relative on ever corner.

North Carolina Travel Log day 2

2009-05-18T20:23:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day. Larry and I went to North Carolina University Chapel Hill where I did some research for Sara Ward, my client.

Then we went to Duke University and WOW what a compass. After that we went to visit with John and Judy Braxton. John Braxton married Judy Braxton. So they are double Braxtons. Sounds like my Taber's doesn't it??? Well, because they are from William Braxton also, they have TONS of stuff to share, I don't know if I will ever catch up! Anyway, it's late and I need to get to bed now, but look for an update tomorrow!

North Carolina Travel Log, day 1

2009-05-17T18:49:00.000-07:00

Today, we got up and lookie looed through North Carolina University at Chapel Hill. Pretty impressive.

Then we drove out to meet and spend the day with my 4th cousin, 1x removed. I had never met him before, but it was really nice. For a 73 year old guy, his is pretty good looking and so is his wife. His name is Howard T. Braxton, born and raised in NC along with all the relatives of our Braxton Ancestors.

First of all, he has in his possession the first and original land grant issued to our William Braxton in 1756 from John of Carteret Lord Grandville. That was really cool. Then Howard and his wife (Shirly) took us around and showed us where everyone had lived, took us to 3 Quaker Churches that all had graveyards of our family and we could go into the churchs and look around because they don't lock up the Churchs around here!

He took us out to the home (that is no longer lived in), that he grew up in and as we went from room to room, I was flabbergasted at all the antiques they had in there that were worth a small fortune! OK, then to top it all off, he opened a trunk and pulled out a Bible that we at first though might have belonged to our earliest ancestor, William Braxton, b: abt 1721, m: 1744 d:1771. Well, it wasn't and had no date page in the front. It was in terrible shape, but really old, so we thought it could be a possibility. But then his wife pulled out a white trash bag from under the bed and said look at this. Well, it was a bible too, about 14" high and 8" wide. It had a cover on it and it looked and felt old. I said it was a special bible but no markings in that Bible either. So we kept poking around and then we took it home to their house, after we went out to dinner and I had a great dinner.

It turns out this IS the "Bigg Bible" as William refered to it in his will which I found in the NC Archives this week. In his will, he states "and I leave my Bigg Bible to my son Thomas. No one seemed to know where it was. But as we opened it up and started looking at it in the light, well, on the front cover, very, very faint it reads: ...son Wm Braxton 15 of June 1742! I squelled in delight when I read this date, because before this someone had said that they had a bible they thought belonged to William, but couldn't have because the date of publication was 1776. Then on the back cover it said: "Thomas Braxton, left to him by his father in the year 1772". So, we solved the proplem of "Where was the Bigg Bible?" I love the Holy Ghost.