It's a 3 State Day

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!