Darin & Melissa

Disneyland (Day Three)

2012-02-03T23:40:00.011-07:00

We got up early!!!!!! We took advantage of the early entry into the park. It was wonderful to have an uncrowded park. We got to explore tomorrow land and fantasy land a ton.

Myra even got to ride on Space Mountain!! My kids are short so we had lots of issues and disappointment in the "am I tall enough" department. That is a story for another time. Anyway, I went on Star Tours with Vi & Ashton. Ewwwwwwwwwwwww. I literally almost barfed all over. If you have motion sickness, this is not the ride for you. Ashton & Vi had a great time, I was green for 75% of the day because of it. Blech!!

Nemo was fun, Vaughn really liked it.
Fantasyland my kids loved, especially Myra.

There were princesses and villans and toys and just so much to take in!

Later in the day we got to watch a Christmas parade. It was fun, except when one of the floats broke down. Santa was stuck in front of us, but man, he was good. Kept the crowd busy and happy. The reindeer were great too. It was all so professional and well choreographed. Good times.

Storybook was one of Darin's favorite. I mean, they even put tiny little wreaths on the doors of the tiny cottages!! Wow. He also took a lot or pictures of the architecture.

We had decided that we were going to go back tot he hotel for a mandatory "nap". Everyone slept except for me and Ashton. He was content to play games on the itouch, but at least he was off his feet. We wanted to be able to stay up for the fireworks that night. The Christmas fireworks were over the Castle. The castle lit up at the end with different lights and was so amazing. i loved it. The kids enjoyed that they recognized several of the songs.

In the evening while we were waiting for the fireworks we checked out toon town. We went on the Roger Rabbit ride. The kids liked it but had never seen the movie....so it wasn't quite as fun for them.

Vaughn had a hard time staying up for the fireworks, but we managed to survive! It was a fun day.

Disneyland (Day Two)

2012-02-03T22:55:00.014-07:00

Our very first day going to Disneyland...ever!!! It was so fun. The kids and especially Darin (he had worked all night on Thursday night, and stayed up Friday travelling and didn't sleep at all for like 40 hours) we exhausted so we didn't get quite the early start to the adventures as I thought. Plus the kids kept waking each other up all night. But we got into the park and it was Magical. All decorated for Christmas....wow. We tried going on Indiana but it kept breaking down. It was weird, but I guess Tom Sawyer's Island is now a Pirate Island. The kids loved that place and probably would have stayed all day if we hadn't pulled them away kicking and screaming. Here are some pictures on the island, and near there.

We went on Pirates (the kids LOVED that ride!) and wandered around a bit. Then headed over to California Adventure for a work lunch. There we got to meet Mickey and Minnie!! So much fun!
Ashton did not appreciate getting his picture taken with characters. :( After the wonderful lunch and festivities, we spent a lot of time in CA. We found Sully!!! That must be the most awkward and hot costume there is!

Lisa & Erik met up with us and showed us the ropes. We went to Bug's Life area and spent so long there. The kids enjoyed all the rides that were just right for them. It was fun that everything was "big" and I felt like a tiny little bug! :)

Bugs and more bugs!! We went on more rides once we left there. I think we for sure took the most pictures this first day!!

We found Jesse, Buzz walked by and we missed him. Next year, I will ~~Stalk~~ find Buzz to get a "family" picture!

Then we found these Humungo ice creams. They were wonderful!! The kids made fun messes, but look at those grins! The Ferris wheel was really large!! I felt like I could see all the way to Utah!

While we were eating, there was some Fineus and Ferb street dancing presentation. The kids loved it.....it was very Disney Chanel! I can't wait for Radiator springs to be finished! It looks so fun.

We went back to Disneyland and got stuck in a traffic jam of people. A Christmas concert had just finished and holy people batman. It took forever trying to get anywhere. Buzz lightyear ride was the last thing Vaughn was kinda ok with doing. Lisa and Erik stayed up for the fireworks. Our kids were wasted once it started getting dark. Vaughn was flipping out. We took the monorail back to the hotel (which was cool to see all around the park). We ordered Pizza for dinner and it was wonderful! Thank goodness for Domino's!

Disneyland (Day One)

2011-12-08T21:45:00.002-07:00

We took our first trip to Disneyland. I am glad that we went. It was not always easy and far from stress free, but was all made it home safe with some cute pictures and lots of great memories. My parents were wonderful enough to buy us an early Christmas gift, a new digital camera. I still love mine, but it is big and bulky, while it would have taken great pictures, I was afraid of harm coming to it. My parents got us a perfect one that fit nicely into a pocket or purse.

Ashton and Myra had never flown before, but now they are "old hats". Flying with 4 kids is intimidating. Lots of gear and things to manage. Our seats weren't all together sot hat was challenging. We got to stay at the Grand Californian Hotel. It was amazing. 6 people sleeping in one room was interesting, but somehow we managed. :)

The hotel had comfy beds, lots of pillows and lots of Disney Chanel. That kept everyone happy. I was thrilled to be close to the ice machine so I could keep feeding my ice habit. The hotel was gorgeous. The cute Disney pictures on the wall, and log cabin feel was so fun. Even the shower curtains had Bambi on them, as I recall. We had a little balcony with a table and chairs. It was great to be able to soak in some sun. While we were in CA, Utah was in a deep freeze. What a nice break!

There were huge staircases, lovely fireplaces, and a Christmas tree that seemed about a thousand feet tall. It was enormous! Beautifully and perfectly decorated too. Everywhere was all dressed up for Christmas.

There was a mini fridge which saved us with Vaughn, because he loves milk. My wonderful, fabulous friend Lisa me me the fist night. We got to catch up and go tot he grocery store. It was the best thing in the world. I bought snacks, breakfast stuff (which saved our bacon in the mornings with cranky kids) and drinks and things for the park. Holy smokes it saved us money and so many tears and empty tummys. Life Saver!!! I did gather that the store wasn't perhaps in the best part of town since the baby formula was kept under lock and key. Creepy! Did I mention how wonderful Lisa was for taking me? She lives nearby. We have been friends since about 3rd grade. We have had so many good times. Here is a picture of me and Lisa, back in High School.

(Me, Lisa, Liz & Charlene on Cruise to Mexico)

(Me, Lisa, Charlene & Becky on Ferry in San Francisco)

Both of these pictures were taken in 1999. Lisa currently sports red hair and it is very becoming!

Halloween

2011-11-02T21:11:00.000-06:00

Look how many pictures I took this Halloween:

Yep, that was all of them. Whoooooooooooooooops! Well, get your imagination on and think Vi - orange butterfly - Ashton - Pirate - Myra - Pirate - Vaughn - Puppy (Elaine's old costume). Yep, they were all repeats. We went trick or treating around our neighborhood. Vaughn lasted one block. Then we ditched him at home with Dad and kept on going.

Before Halloween we went to a costume party and made this.

If you look closely, it has a rib cage, heart, internal organs of all sorts.....it's nasty.

Yup, our team won. I wonder how it tasted.........Blech!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-31T21:31:00.005-06:00

We went to a fun pumpkin patch during the week when the kids were off school. We were able to take some fun pictures. I had take Elaine here many moons ago, and it was fun to go back. The weather was lovely, we did a corn maze and played on all the fun things. Myra loved to jump, Vaughn loved the corn.

Who Dunnit?

2011-10-30T21:05:00.004-06:00

We love How to Host a Murder Parties. They are always full of laughter and good food! This was was Victorian, set in 1885. Think the movie "The Mummy." It was on an archaeology dig site. We were in a tent. Here are some silly pictures!

Melinda was the only one brave enough to sport a bustle.

Fall

2011-10-30T20:53:00.004-06:00

Here are some cute pictures that we took last month while exploring Payson Canyon. It is so hard to ever get all the kids to cooperate!

Walk for Healing Hearts

2011-10-16T20:00:00.001-06:00

Thank you to everyone who made the Walk for Healing Hearts a success this year. We had a battle with UDOT. They did not approve their road construction with us. Sorry to all those who had to crawl along the one lane freeway. Horrible, Horrible traffic!!

The walk was a lot of fun, as always. We had many fabulous items in our silent auction. The pancake breakfast was filling and yummy, and the Angel Ceremony was touching, as always. There were so many volunteers this year, we kinda ran out of things to do while setting up! Such a weird, but nice feeling. The weather was nice and sunny. I had a wonderful time meeting new faces.

This year we were blessed to have my parents with us. So.much.fun!!

Thank you for supporting I ntermountain Healing Hearts!!! Check out some of the local donors here so you can support those businesses who donated to help IHH.

Smidgen

2011-10-14T17:47:00.004-06:00

What do you usually do when there is just a teeny tiny bit of say, milk left in the jug? Not enough to do more than wet your whistle. I just put one back in the fridge thinking to my self that the next person that goes into the fridge for milk is likely to just open a new gallon and not finish off the smidgen. I'm tempted to go back and be wasteful and simply toss it. Some times I have found that and individual in my house hold who shall remain nameless, thinks that it is easier to put an empty container, be it ice cream, ketchup, mayo - something that does not have a clear container, back int he fridge rather than placing it in the trash can. You get your hopes up, your pallet starts to water, waiting for some delish ice cream to just make your day better, open the container only to find it completely scrapped out empty. Rude!! Such a let down. I ~~needed~~ wanted that sooo much and now it is gone. Use a trash can next time, please, not the fridge! Is there a specific etiquette to be followed here?

Olly Olly Oxen free!!

2011-10-03T22:51:00.004-06:00

I am just wondering what has happened to the world of blogs? About 75% of the blogs on my readers list (see sidebar)------------> seem to have disappeared. No one wants to blog any more? I know that I am not as motivated when I don't see lovely updates from all my friends. Come one guys, for some of you it has been years!! I'm not naming names (Bakers, Johnsons, Drakes , Evans & Ilseley's) Achem!! But that is so sad!! I know yoau re all busy, but I don't know what is happening with you. Heaven forbid I facebook, email, call or even snail mail you (yes people, there is still a functioning post office!) to see how you are doing. You could make life much more fun for all by UPDATING YOUR BLOG!! Just Sayin'!

Four Four Four

2011-10-03T22:31:00.006-06:00

Myra is Four!! Happy Birthday, beautiful! She enjoys preschool and playing with her friends. Dress ups and barbies and littlest pet shops, coloring and dancing. She looooves the cat (see picture) and her baby brother. She is in the stage where she is always striking some funny pose in a picture. Cocking her head to one side, or turning weird....

(this *was* grandma's lipstick)

Myra was born on a Thursday, so Thursday's child has far to go (according to Mother Goose). Does this mean things will be difficult for her? She will accomplish great things? I guess one can interpret the meaning any way they like. Hope she enjoys the fun day in store for her!!

Happy Birthday little Jumping Bean!!

Boy and His Blob

2011-10-01T19:50:00.006-06:00

We have the game, a Boy and His Blob. Ashton loves it. He wanted a blob cake for his birthday. This is what he got: (it kinda looks like a ghost)

Ashton turned 6. I can hardly believe it. He is such a sweet boy. He is having a good time in 1st grade. Here are a couple of pics from his party. He wanted to play the Wii - no surprise here.

Some one leaked

2011-09-15T21:44:00.006-06:00

I got accused of being a slacker for not updating my blog for, well, a while. It's true. I am a slacker. Well, here is a post for you. This is an artist's rendition of what the Payson Temple will look like. Some one leaked it around facebook. I don't think that it has officially be released from the church yer, but they have announced a date to break ground. October 8th of this year. I am so excited! Check out the info here.

A funny story about Violet. A couple of years after we moved in to our house, Violet was probably about 5, we were talking about temples and stuff and I asked her about which temple she would want to be sealed in when she gets married. She immediately and mater of factley said, " the Payson Temple." I kind of chuckled and explained to her that there wasn't a temple in Payson and told her about others int he area. Fast forward to Jan 2010 the first thing out of Violet's mouth when I told her a temple was going to be built in Payson was, " I told you I was giong to be married in the Payson temple." She then proceeded to remind me about the conversation that we had had a couple years previously. Apparently she knew what she was talking about. It is good to have goals!

Happy Birthday Buddy!

2011-08-17T01:24:00.004-06:00

New Born

One Week

Two

Three

Happy Birthday, my son. We love you!

Last week

Walk for Healing Hearts Registration now OPEN!

2011-07-21T15:39:00.006-06:00

Walk for Healing Hearts Registration is now OPEN!!! To register, go to www.ihhearts.org and click on the registrations tab. Then it is under walk 2011 registration. There is a flier with details under the "events" tab. Pre registration is $10/ individual and $50/ immediate family (those you can claim on your taxes). If you are doing a family, you need to register each person, and then you can make one $50 paypal payment. CHD patients and one representative per Angel are free, but still need to fill out a registration form for the free person. If you have any questions or problems, please email me (melissa@ihhearts.org )or give me a call. If you are interested in scoping out what some of the prizes/silent auction items are, they are under the donations tab under 2011 Walk Sponsors and Donors. Help spread the word! Preregistration closes on Aug 24th. Registration is not considered complete until payment is made. Same day registration will be $20/individual and $80/family and shirts are first come first served.

Don't forget about the Silent Auction which is Cash or Check only. Thank you for making the Walk for Healing Hearts a success!! Can't wait to see you there.

***New this year is a Pancake breakfast to be served before the race from 8am - 9:15am*** All you can eat pancake breakfast $5 for 10 and older and $3 for kids 4-10. Kids 3 and under eat free. Pre registration for this will be available soon. You can also purchase day of event.

Don't forget about the Silent Auction which is Cash or Check only. Thank you for making the Walk for Healing Hearts a success!! Can't wait to see you there.

****If you are a member of our family, or a friend and would like to recognize Elaine, let me know and I will make sure you have one of what ever we are doing this year (in the past it has been Buzz bandannas). We will be releasing butterflies again in honor of the Angels. Help us remember Sweet Elaine and her cute, short life.

First Grade, First Grade!!

2011-07-11T19:43:00.003-06:00

Ashton looked so handsome for his Kindergarten graduation. He got to sing a song with a group of about 5 kids, plus participate in all the other songs. He has really learned a lot and I am pleased to say he is ready to move to first grade. You are getting big!

God Bless the USA

2011-07-02T13:08:00.002-06:00

I turned on my Patriotic play list for the weekend. I love these songs. There is just so much feeling and power behind them. There are no words to describe what I feel while listening, but I wanted to share this song. Every time I hear it I remember one 4th of July spent in Cloverdale with the Nelson's. I remember belting out the chorus to this song, probably 100 time, with the other kids. As I recall we were in the back of a pick up truck, which I'm sure had nothing to do with the singing *wink wink*.

We had a great time and it brings back feelings full of fun and laughter. Thanks so much for the memories guys!

stats....

2011-07-01T09:25:00.002-06:00

Vaughn is 18 lbs 10 oz (4th%) 30" (58th%)

For some reason the pediatrition thinks he is under weight and I'm supposed to add formula into his bottle, really? He's almost 19lbs. He's fine people! Sheesh, no wonder we have a child obesity problem, do kids now need to be 50lbs before they are one? (rolls eyes)

Anyway - he is doing great. He still has only the two teeth and is super cute. He LOVES to suck on his two fingers and is now on milk. Someday we will have to start that transition from bottle to cup. Ugh. He is just so cute. I need to get pictures from his birthday on here. He devoured his cake!

My great grandmother

2011-06-25T10:35:00.005-06:00

I borrowed this from an extended cousin's blog. If you would like to read more you can go here

Melissa Ann Shaw

This history was written by my grandmother in 1962 while she was recovering from hip surgery.

I was born in Leigh, Idaho, now know as Clawson on Sept. 10, 1895. My father was Osmond Wielding Shaw and my mother was Melissa Ann Atwood. My father had been born in Utah, my mother in Pennsylvania. He was English and she English, Penn. Dutch, and a little Irish. They had bought a relinquishment on a homestead at Leigh in Teton Basin. There was no doctor in the valley at the time so mother had a midwife wait on her. She was very sick, and both she and I almost died so father named me at birth. He gave me my mother’s name, Melissa Ann.I was the next to the youngest of ten children. There were six boys and four girls. Two boys and one girl died in childhood or infancy. My brother, Earl, was six years younger than me. He was my chief playmate and companion when we were children.I started to school when is was six years old. The school was called North Leigh School. It was a one room rough log house with a dirt roof. It was heated with a big stove in the middle of the room. My desk was one that my father had made. He made all of his children a desk as the school had none of its own. The desk was made of lumber. The four legs were made of 4 x 4’s. They were smaller at the bottom. It had a sort of box to put the books in. The back was higher than the front. The top was on a slope and it could be lifted up to put books and slates in. The seat part was made of heavy lumber with a real tall back so you couldn’t see the person that sat in back of you. The desks were never painted. When they got dirty we scrubbed them with soap and water.My teacher was a man named James O’Brian. He was a neighbor to my mother and father. He chewed tobacco and swallowed the juice, what didn’t run out of the corners of his mouth. I don’t think I learned much that winter and I didn’t like my teacher. My brothers also went to the same school. They drove a team of horses on a sleigh and took all the children who lived along the road. Sometimes it was so awful cold I would have to wrap up in quilts to keep from freezing. When the snow melted I had to walk as my brothers had to quit school and go into the fields to farm. It was three miles from home, quite a walk for a little six year old girl.I want to tell about my mother right here, for about this time she carried mail from Hayden, a place about seven miles from our house. She also rant the post office. She drove an old black horse by the name of "Nig" on a cart to Hayden. She would pick up the mail and bring it home. She made that trip every day but Sunday. I used to sometimes like to go with her. She had a special place in the kitchen where she kept the mail. Anyone expecting mail would call for it.Our house was a two-room log house with a dirt roof. It had wide planks for the floor on which there was no covering. Father was an excellent carpenter. When I was about 13 he built our big house. It had four bedrooms, a large kitchen and front room, a bathroom (without fixtures), a pantry, and a closed in porch. It was the nicest house in the neighborhood. Father and Mother were hard workers and good managers. They were prosperous farmers.I was always playing out around the barns and the outbuildings and with the livestock. One day I ran into the barn behind Nig. I guess I must have frightened her and she kicked me and knocked me out. I was unconscious for quite a long time. After that I was more careful about getting around livestock.The next summer after my first winter in school my sister Ellie and I went to Cache, a school about three miles south of Father’s farm. We walked, and as there were two creeks to cross, Father made foot bridges for us to cross on. He put a hand rail on each side to help keep us from falling in. In the Spring of the year there was a lot of water in the creeks and they were deep. Going to school that summer helped me so I could take the second grade the next Fall. I think I went to North Leigh School the next year. Then the community built a school a new frame school house about three miles from the old log house and called it South Leigh School. This is where I went until I graduated form the eighth grade.I had several different teachers. Their names, as I can remember were: Mr. Steele, a man my brother, Will, met while he was on a mission in the Western States. Mr. Steele came to Idaho to teach school. There was also a Mr. Hunnicut. Mr. Hugh Barnes taught. He was blind in one eye. He was nice and I liked him. I won a nice book the year Mr. Barnes taught. It was fun having a perfect record in discipline, attendance, and grades. I had a perfect record in spelling. I still have the book and treasure it. It is a book of poems. Mr. Alma Hansen also taught. He tried to teach me algebra, but it was hard for me. I used to have a run-in with him quite often. He was alright, but I didn’t care for him too well.While I was growing up I had to help with the work about the place. It was my job to carry all the wood in to burn, also the coal and water. In the summer I had to take a big tub and go out a short distance from the house where Father had sharpened the fence posts in the Winter for the Spring, and gather chips. I would fill the tub just as full as possible Then Mother or one of the boys would help me carry it to the house. We used the chips to make a big and quick fire to heat the flatirons so we could do our ironing as we had no electricity in those days. We use to use heavy, old, cast-iron flatirons.It was also my job to help wash. We had a hand washer. It was my job to turn this washer, and also to turn the wringer to wring the clothes. When I got larger I hung them on the line.I also had to clean the lamps everyday to have them ready for night. We used coal-oil lights. I would have to clean the chimney and put oil in the lamps. When we got a gas lamp I would have to attend to it. The gas gave a much better light than the coal-oil.I had to feed the chickens, ducks, and turkeys twice a day and gather their eggs every evening. In the summer I had to find the ducks as there were two springs on the place and the ducks liked to go a long ways away following the water. Sometimes the hid their nests and I wasn’t able to find them. Mother wanted the ducks in the coop every night as coyotes would kill them sometimes if they were left out. I had to herd the turkeys to keep coyotes from them. Why a coyote would get in the flock and probably kill a dozen or more in just a few minutes. The folks had first turned the turkeys loose and let them roam the hills.Another of my jobs was to get the cows in the corral in time for milking. The would feed on the hills close by. Sometimes I would hunt for several hours before I could find them. I had to walk up and down hill after hill hunting them. When I got to be about eight years old I had to help Mother do the milking and carry big buckets of milk to the house to separate them. I would turn the separator to separate cream from the milk as we sold the cream to the creamery to be made into butter and fed the milk to the pigs.Mother raised turkeys, as I have told about, and she had a tom that used to fight anyone who wore a dress. He would jump on you and hit you with his wings and peck at you. Many a time I have taken a large club and beaten him off. He would drop down like he was dead, lay there for a while, get up and spin around a few times, and then go off. But if he saw you within five minutes he would start all over again. So mother traded him for a pure white tom and we got a big laugh out of that as he wouldn’t bother anyone with skirts but if it wasn’t he would give the men a rough time. I have seen him jump clear on Father’s shoulders when he was carrying two big buckets of feed to the pigs. We didn’t keep him very long.Many is the time I have been kept up on a fence for hours b a buck sheep standing just below, and no way that I could get away from him. Either Father or one of the boys would have to come with the dogs and scare him away. Then I would have to run like a deer to get to the house. I would be very hot and tired.One day my brother Earl and I caught our saddle horse, whose name was Queen, and attempted to saddle her. Work as hard as we could, we couldn’t tighten the cinches. We both got on her and started to go. I was in the saddle and Earl behind. We went for a little way then we started to gallop and that was when the trouble started. The saddle turned right under Queen’s belly. Of course we both fell off. The horse, being gentle, stepped so we didn’t get hurt,Other than a few bruises and skinned places. We didn’t ever try to saddle a horse again until we were grown.Father’s place, being right by the creek and the water being real clear and good to drink, there were always a lot of people passing by who camped overnight. They came to our house to buy eggs, milk, bread, and other things to eat. When I was alone I would get real nervous. Sometimes I would lock the door and not answer when they knocked. We had a real good dog that wouldn’t let people come very close.The first dog I can remember real well was named Bounce. He was a large dog, coal black with a white spot on his nose and one on each foot He was the family pet and used to sleep in the house. He was also a good watch dog and heeler. I felt real bad when he died of old age.The summer I was ten years old, Mother made me go and stay with my sister, Rosa, while her husband was away working. They lived a long ways away from any neighbors on what we called ClawsonI remember I got so homesick that I ran away. I walked all that seven miles and I was so happy to be home with my Mother and Father. It was also so pretty and green after being on the sunburned flat, no trees nor anything that was green. As soon as I went in the house Mother asked, “How did you get here?” I said I had walked. She never kissed me or even put her arm around me. All she said was that I would have to go right back. When Dad came in for noon, nothing to do but he must take me right back in the buggy. I cried all the way, but they made me stay the rest of the summer.Riding to school in the Winter I froze my feet and I would have chill pains so bad that I would have to leave the school room, take off my shoes and stockings, and wade in the snow to stop the itching. My mother knitted me long-legged, black wool stockings. I just hated them after I got older. She also made me wear long-legged and long-sleeved union suits and panties. The panties were called tights and they were long-legged also. I always had to wear two petticoats, or what you call slips today. I used to have to wear boy’s shoes. They were big, heavy leather with thick soles and hooks on them. I was about twelve or thirteen years old when they got the last pair for me and I refused to wear them. I said I would go barefooted first. They insisted that I put them on, but I wouldn’t. I guess I must have put up a real rumpus, but that was once I won. They took them back and got me some girl shoes.Father always took Mother and me to Sunday School. When I was about fourteen years old I was asked to teach the kindergarten class in Sunday School. I did that for about two years then I was sustained as the assistant secretary in the Sunday School. I held that position for a year then I was sustained as secretary of the Sunday School. I held that position until I was married about four years later. I was also the secretary of the M.I.A. (mutual) I attended most all of the meetings including, S.S., sacrament meetings and mutual. I always went to primary when I was younger. I also attended what they call religion class. It was held one night a week, after school for an hour.After my sister Rosa and Jim were married and had their first child, Elva, they lived in Victor, Idaho. The lived in one room of William Wardle’s house. Jim was working and I went to stay with them for a few days. Those Wardles had a whole house full of kids. There was on boy a little older then I. One day I was outside and this boy was feeding lambs. He came after me with this lamb bottle with a nipple on it and was going to make me suck it. I thought he was the meanest boy alive. I just hated him. He came and put his face up to the window one day just to see what I was doing. That made me real mad. I was about eleven years old at the time.A few years later when I was nineteen years old I was at Driggs to a dance. I met this Wardle girl who was about my age. It was the first time I’d seen her since I was eleven. We talked and she asked me if I’d like to meet her brother, Wilford. So I did. He danced with me the remainder of the evening. He didn’t take me home as he was there a horseback, but he did make a date to take me to a celebration at Victor a few weeks after. That was how I met my husband. He was the same boy who tried to get me to suck the lamb bottle.[There is a line cut off.] We went with the horses and buggy. A lot of the time Wilford would drive from Victor to Tetonia which was about twenty miles. Then we would drive ten miles back to Driggs to a dance. Then he would take me back home and drive back to Victor just in time to get on the mail wagon and go to Jackson. There were no cars. The only transportation was by horses, buggy or wagon. We didn’t get to see each other very often, about once in two weeks as Wilford was working very hard for his father either driving mail from Victor to Jackson or driving a freight wagon. His father had the contract to deliver freight and mail from Victor to Jackson. Victor was the terminal of the railroad. Wilford’s father kept him really busy, he being the oldest so he came to see his sweetheart when his father said he could.We were married in the Salt Lake Temple April 10, 1914. (Melissa Ann & Wilford on their wedding day)

We went to Salt Lake from Tetonia on the train. My mother went with us. It was all so strange and I was so frightened as I was who had never left home much. It was only the second time I had ever ridden on a train. I was very grateful to my mother for going with me. While in Salt Lake we went to the Salt Lake Theatre to a play. It was Rip Van Winkle. It was the first time I had ever gone to such nice theatre to see real people acting. To this day I can still see Rip Van Winkle when he woke up from his long sleep, how old he was, and his gun. All that was left of it was the iron barrel. It was very impressive to me.My folks gave us a wedding dinner and had folks from around Tetonia where I lived come in. His folks gave a reception at their home for us. There were a lot of his friends and relatives who came. We got a lovely lot of gifts. We had a public dance the night after the reception. There was a large crowd and we had a nice time.We lived in Victor, rented us a house which had two rooms. We had nice furniture, I thought, for a couple starting house keeping. Father Wardle had made a deal with his two oldest boys. If they would not use tobacco until they were twenty-one years old he would give them $100 towards furniture when they married. Wilford had kept his part of the bargain. Instead of $100 they got the furniture for us. It consisted of a table, eight chairs, a cupboard with glass doors (real pretty), a chest of drawers, a dresser, an iron bed and springs (no mattress), and a wood rocking chair. We bought us a nice stove range. We had a nice lot of quilts. I had made most of them, but we had two given to us as presents. We also had a nice lot of dishes. We were really happy in our new home.On Oct. 29, 1915 there cam to stay at our house a little bit of heaven, a bundle of sweetness, our first little daughter. I think she weighed around eight pounds, had a real lot of dark hair, and blue eyes. We named her Audrey Melissa and we loved her so much. She was a real good baby. Mother Wardle was with us when she was born to help the doctor.When Audrey was about a year old we filed a homestead on 160 acres of land in the North of the valley, about seven or eight miles east of Tetonia. Wilford built us a one room log house. It was a very neat house. My mother furnished and then helped me tear and sew rugs. We took them to a lady in Victor who wove them into a carpet. I put that on half the floor and scrubbed boards floor the other half. We were cozy, comfortable, and happy but the snow got so deep we had to move out for the winter.On Dec. 23, 1917 we were blessed with another treasure from heaven, another little girl. She had dark hair and blue eyes. She was small, weighed just a little over seven pounds. My mother was with me when she was born. She was born quite early in the evening, and the next morning she woke Audrey up crying. Mother asked her what it was and she answered, “It’s a wooser! [rooster]” We named our new girl Lula Theo. We had a midwife by the name of Mrs. Rammel who brought her into the world.All that winter Wilford was in bed with sciatica rheumatism. He was awfully bad. I had cows to milk and horses to feed and pump water for. One day when I was pumping water the well caved in. I threw my arm out and grabbed the pump, that was what kept me from going down the well. I was thrown against the curb and broke three ribs. I didn’t go to the doctor. I just suffered with them until they healed. We had a real bad time that winter.Audrey ran away on the crusted snow trying to catch the birds, she said. We had her a pretty red coat, cap, and mittens. I bundled her all up and let her go out to play. That was when she followed the birds. I had to run after her. I guess I chased her for a mile before I caught up with her.On Nov. 15, 1919 our first bo was born. He had red hair. We named him William Hashton after Grandfather Wardle. We called him Willie. He was a very sweet boy. We almost lost him when he was born as he had a hemorrhage. He bled from eyes, nose, mouth and bowels. The doctor gave him several blood transfusions. He took two blood from me. That checked it. He lost so much blood that he was so cold, almost like death. They wrapped him in blankets and put him in the oven to try and keep him warm. The doctor gave him a sedative to keep him quiet when he wasn’t 24 hours old. He lived to be two years and four months. He was sick most of his life. When he passed away his hair was white. We had moved to Pocatello and were living there when Willie passed away. Just before he died we had another little daughter born on Dec. 10, 1921. She looked like the other girls with long dark hair. We named her Myrtle Mary. She was just a little doll, but the Lord saw fit to take her. We were only permitted to keep her three months. We had four children. All of them, Wilford, and I were all sick at the same time with the flu. There was a bad flu epidemic. Wilford and three of the children had flu and pneumonia. Two children were taken. Willie died March 1 and Myrtle March 4, 1922. That was terrible. We were all too sick to leave the house so we had a little service for both of them at home. It took a long time to get over the loss of my children.On March 29, 1923 we had another little girl born. We named her Wanda Helen. She also had dark hair and blue eyes. She was a beautiful child. She lived to be eleven months old. We enjoyed her very much. She and the other girls got whooping cough. Wanda got pneumonia with it. She passed away Feb. 10, 1924. It was a very sad blow to all of us.On July 29, 1925 we had another son born. We named him after his father, James Wilford. He was a darling baby and the best one I ever saw. He sucked his front finger. It helped make him so good, and it never made his teeth crooked. We had moved back to Victor and he was born there. He had light hair.After Wilford came out little valentine girl. She was so sweet with her big blue eyes and dark hair. We called her Donna Phyllis. She was born Feb. 14, 1927 at Driggs, Idaho. She was a very good baby. We called her Phyllis.When Phyllis was one and a half years old we moved to Salt Lake City, Utah so that Wilford could get work. It was quite a change as I had never lived in such a large city.On July 10, 1929 we had another little girl come to live with us. She was tiny and sweet. We named her Verna Larene. She was the only one of the children born in a hospital, all the rest were born at home.We lived in Salt Lake for one and a half years. Wilford worked in a garage as a body and fender man. Then he got out of work. We went back to Victor and Wilford got work with Tonks with their sheep. Then we moved to Lincoln near Idaho Falls. Wilford worked in the fields and the sugar beet factory. These were depression years. Although Wilford worked very hard at anything he could find we had a very hard time to get along. When Audrey graduated from High School Wilford pushed a baby buggy we no longer needed to Idaho Falls. It was filled with some tools he sold, along with the buggy. We used this money to buy Audrey a graduation dress.Later we moved back to Pocatello and then to two different farms near Blackfoot. In 1938 we moved onto a ranch two and a half miles south of Rigby. Audrey was married, Lula teaching school, and the other children at home. While we lived here Phyllis went on a mission. I learned to make drapes and worked at stores in Idaho Falls to keep her on her mission.In the year 1955 I was operated on for gallstones. They removed two large ones and several smaller ones. I was in the hospital [all] of ten days. When I was able to walk my left leg started swelling real bad. The doctor sent me home, telling me to stay off it and elevate it. So I came home and was there for ten days. One morning all the swelling was gone and I had a terrible pain in my right lung. I could hardly get my breath. I went back to the hospital for eighteen days. The blood clot had passed through my heart and lodged in my right lung. It left me with almost half of my right lung blocked off. It bothers me sometimes, but not too much. It is something I have to live with.We lived on the farm until 1958. During this time all of the children married and Wilford Jr. served in the Navy.

(Verna & Phyliss)

We sold the farm and moved into town. It took a long time to adjust ourselves to town life. We have a nice warm home and we enjoy it. With all the children married and gone it gets really lonesome and quiet at times. We enjoy the children and grandchildren when they come to visit. We have 21 grandchildren, eleven boys and ten girls.During all these ears I worked in the church wherever we lived, held offices in M.I.A., Primary, Sunday School, and Relief Society. During the ears 1960 and 1961 I was Captain of the Doriene Cap of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. I have enjoyed working in the church in every capacity and I enjoyed D.U.P. At the present I am just a R.S. visiting teach and work director for quilts.Also during all this time I have saved a lot. I have made most of my children’s clothes. I still make drapes at home.Wilford has always been very handy. He built our nice home on the farm south of Rigby. We both worked hard to raise our family. But we have been richly rewarded because our children have become such wonderful adults. Verna, Phyllis, and Audrey have all graduated from college. Lula is nearly ready to graduate now. All the girls have taught school. Wilford attended college for a short time. He is now a successful farmer, a member of the bishopric of his ward, and a leader in his community. We are very proud of our children.On July 9, 1962 I fell and broke my hip. I was in the hospital for ten days, then I came home. I was in bed or a wheel chair all summer. The doctor took x-rays an it seemed to be healing but I was in pain all the time. I had to take pain pills and sleeping pills. Then the pain got so terrible I had to have the doctor come and give me a hypo to put me out. We called the other doctor, Dr. Sells, who had done the operation. He said for me to come to the hospital for x-rays again. This was on Oct. 25. They found out that it wasn’t growing together. I would have to have another operation to put in a steel ball, as the ball in the socket was decaying. It was broken in such a bad place that enough blood could not reach it to heal it. So the operated again, Oct. 17, 1962. I lay on my back for three weeks. The first week I had a ten pound weight on my foot, then they reduced it to five pounds. I kept that weight on for about ten days. After the three weeks was over they got me up in a walking chair and I had to walk. I was so weak that I would only take a few steps before I had to sit down and rest. I did that for a week then the doctor let me come home.While I was in the hospital my youngest brother, Earl died. I will miss him. He was the first of my brothers and sisters to go, except for those who died while small.I came home Nov. 12, 1962. I am slowly improving and walking in a walking chair more each day. I hope that someday I will be able to walk without help. I never realized before how many people cared about me. I am grateful to them all. The Lord has blessed me in so many ways and I am so grateful to him for sparing my life. I have had such wonderful blessings given to me. I know without a doubt it is through prayer that I am alive today. I hope and pray that I will be able to do genealogy work and be of service to my husband, my children, my grandchildren, and others in need.I want to tell about the many times I had to run a race with a car. Father had a pair of horses. One mare was a sorrel and the other was a dapple gray. We called the dapple “Dap” and the sorrel one “Nance”. Father always hooked up Dap and Nance for me to take Mother where she had to go, to Relief Society or the store. We used the white top buggy. Automobiles were just coming into the valley. When I saw on of them coming I would hit the horses on the tails and try to make it into some driveway, as they were frightened of cars. But they would start bucking and regardless of how hard I hit them they wouldn’t go forward. They would back us clear down in the burrow pit, sometimes in ditches. One time they back us in South Leigh Creek. We almost tipped over. That was one time I couldn’t get out. A man came along and helped me to get the buggy setting straight and back on the road. That was on time I shook for hours and poor Mother was as frightened as I was.

My mother had dropsy a long time. She finally died in 1918. Father lived on the farm with Earl for a while and then alone. He was strong and healthy, but a small man. He stacked his own hay at the age of 81. He died in 1934 at the age of 83.

(Wilford & Melissa's 50th wedding anniversary)

Vaughn is OLD!!!

2011-06-21T14:05:00.007-06:00

I can't believe it was an entire year ago that Vaughn was born. He has been a bit of a challenging boy, figuring out his stomach and eating/breathing problems. Hopefully we will not have anymore scares. He is getting so big. He drinks milk (yippie!) and eats table foods and crawls super fast. He's starting to walk, but has not taken independent steps. He love the cat - he meows at him and tries to pull out his fur. He is a busy little guy. Happy Birthday!!! We love you!

Redistribution Day

2011-06-14T14:23:00.004-06:00

I feel like Darin and I try to live within our means. We don't have crazy new cars, or new clothes, or new anything, but we are happy and make do. So why then, every payday, do I simply take what we are given and redistribute the money to everyone, but me. I have decided that payday is no longer. It is now simply redistribution day. Plain and simple. Lets just call it as it is. We rarely come out on top. There are always the unexpected things in life that take our "extra" away. Cavities, trips to the ER, broken appliances, you know the story. I am thankful we aren't in the red, but between inflation, gas prices *@!&^ and everyone's rates going up, I feel like we can't catch a break. Who's with me on this name change?

Saying Good bye

2011-05-22T22:03:00.004-06:00

Last week was a sad day for many, as family said farewell to a great man and a beloved surgeon. Dr. Hawkin's operated on Elaine for her Glenn and her Fontan. He saved many lives and will be greatly missed and morned. If you are interested in his obituary, you can read it here. I couldn't find a picture of Dr. Hawkins and Elaine, but here is one of her recovering from her Fontan in 2003. Thank you, Dr. Hawkins, for giving me as much time as I could have with my girl... for now. RIP

Sappy

2011-05-21T21:51:00.003-06:00

I know that this is probably going to be a little embarrassing for someone, but maybe she'll forgive me.

While I was on spring break this year I got a taste of what it must be like to have a sister. I had a really good time hanging out with my sister - in - law, Renee. It was great to go on an unplanned shopping excursion. Without kids (that doesn't happen too much for me). I had a great time trying on clothes, helping her find some outstanding outfits. It was just something that I've never really had.

I have been blessed with amazing friends, and they are my sanity, but it seems like it's different with sisters. Swapping clothes, doing each other's hair and make up - you get the picture. When I hear people talk about all the things they do with their sisters, and what a bond they have, I'm envious.

Renee was also able to accompany us to the Charles M. Schulz Museum that week, and also to the beach. I really enjoyed our conversations, her help with the kids. As I was reflecting/meditating/staving off the boredom of driving home, I thought, WOW. This must be what it's like to have a sister. Thanks, Renee for being the sister I needed. :)

Easter Sunday Pictures

2011-05-19T16:33:00.001-06:00

Healdsburg

2011-05-15T21:42:00.003-06:00

While in California for spring break, we went to Healdsburg to visit Darin's dad. We also spent some time at a park there. Here are a few of the cute pictures.

(Noni, Myra, Violet, Melissa, Vaughn & Ashton)

North Salmon Creek

2011-05-13T14:55:00.002-06:00

While we were in California for Spring break, we of course made a trip out to the beach. It was overcast, but not windy. Woo Hoo. The water is always cold in Northern California,

but the kids still had fun in the water. We were lucky that Renee could come with us. It's so peaceful and beautiful there. Vaughn wasn't too impressed because there wasn't a lot he could do. He tried eating the sad, but that grossed him out.

The kids got really wet, dug in the sad a lot and wandered around. There weren't too many people around. It was a weekday morning after all. I miss it already!

I was sad to see that South Salmon Creek was closed due to State budget cuts.

Babies don't Keep

2011-05-03T15:15:00.001-06:00

“Cleaning and scrubbing can wait for tomorrow,

For babies grow up, I’ve learned, to my sorrow.

So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust, go to sleep.

I’m rocking my baby, and babies don’t keep.”

I pulled this quote up for a friend and thought I'd share. I love it. This is why my house is messy! ;)

Charles M. Schulz Museum

2011-04-28T08:29:00.001-06:00

(violet's amazing cartoon)

For our spring break this year we decided it was high time we went back to California. It had been nearly 2 years!! Holy Cow! Longest gap we have ever had between trips! The drive out was very stressful do to snow through Nevada and a 3 hour trip to the ER for a breathing treatment for a sick baby. I usually like driving through the night, but that was a loooooooong drive!

Once we made it to California and set up a humidifier, Vaughn seemed to do much better. It was gre

at to visit with family and some friends. On one of our days there, Renee and I took Violet, Ashton a

nd Myra to the Charles M. Schulz Museum

. If you

don't know who Sparky is, check out some info here. You can't have grown up in Santa Rosa with out meeting him on various occasions, which holds true for me.

Here are some fun pictures that we took while there. Violet was very excited to get her picture taken with the lesser known Peanuts character, Violet. We also visited Snoopy's Home Ice, the Redwood Empire Ice Arena and watched some beautiful figure skating. I love the smell of the rink!

(Hockey pic for you, Deann!)

I became a mom 10 years ago!!!

2011-04-20T22:55:00.004-06:00

Happy 10th Birthday to Elaine!! I missed you a lot today. And every day. We love you.

I promise that I'll get back to blogging soon. I know I have missed quite a bit lately.

Elaine's Mark

2011-04-19T21:09:00.004-06:00

In honor of her Birthday:

Please leave a comment of a special memory you have of Elaine, or a comment about how her life has influenced or impacted your life.

2011-04-19T09:24:00.002-06:00

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy, Ps. 126:5

IHH 5K

2011-04-06T11:48:00.003-06:00

All you local runners out there, IHH is having a 5K on May 21st in Murray. It will be a lot of fun! You can register at www.ihhearts.org Come support a fabulous non profit organization.

Football

2011-03-17T21:08:00.004-06:00

I went to a BYU men's volleyball game with my friend Are'. It was great fun. I sat next to an older gentleman, and his wife. We got to chatting, and the man kept asking me if I liked football. Or if my husband liked football. This was right before the super bowl, so I figured he was really excited about it or something. I mentioned that my dad and uncle had played football in high school, and my uncle in college.

Finally he told me why he had been asking me all these questions. He used to play professional football for the Steelers! Holy Cow. I'd never meet a professional football player. Pretty cool! He played in 1954. He had gone to BYU and played on their baseball and football teams. He was drafter to the Steelers and played one season with them. After that season, he was drafted into the military for the Korean War. We was drafted on a Friday and the draft ended that next Monday, three days later. After the war, the Steelers had filled up their roster and his career was over.

He also shared about his military service. He spent it "whooping those fly boys at football." So, he played ball for his military service. He and his wife were so nice, and cute together. In their 80's attending sports events together. They live in Provo and they thought I was a co-ed! Best compliment I'd had in a long time! Woo hoo. He gave us his signed photo. Handsome man! He had a lot of fun things to share about playing football too. He said he played when it was a real sport. He weighed 210lbs and was one of the big guys, before they all bulked up on drugs and covered themselves in padding! I really enjoy hearing stories from days gone by. A very fun evening watching BYU win, and hearing great stories. Now I can say that I have meet a Professional Football player! If youa re curious, his name is Dewey Brundage. There is an old newspaper article here. He is number 89, but the picture quality is poor.

Vaughn

2011-03-16T12:34:00.003-06:00

Vaughn is getting big. He is a great sitter and can roll all over the place. He likes to explore with his mouth and only gets up once at night. He still doesn't have any teeth, but he is sure working hard to get them here. So far he is pretty blond, like Elaine was, but still doesn't have much hair (maybe he take after grandpa Crook?). He likes to babel - dadada mamama bababa He is curious, like his feet and toys. He has had wonderful skin - no baby acne. His cheeks are usually rosy. He has strong legs and likes to jump and bounce. All day long. We love our blue eyed boy.

Comments

2011-03-08T16:18:00.002-07:00

Question:

When you post a comment on someone's blog and then submit it and get the saying "can be viewed after blog owner approval" do you actually ever go back to see if your comment was approved? I don't.

Heart Mom

2011-02-13T16:42:00.003-07:00

(Me and Elaine)

I have laid my daughter on an OR table & I have handed her to a surgeon, knowing they would stop her heart and I prayed it would beat again-four times. I have learned more than I ever thought I could and cried more tears than I ever thought possible. I have walked a road I never knew exsisted, until now and celebrated victories I never would've thought of. I will walk this road forever..I am a Heart Mom, to a beautiful Angel!

I ~~stole~~ borrowed this quote from a fellow heart mom from her facebook status. I modified it a bit (our children have different genders) to fit my needs. It's so true though. I have learned so much from my experiences, and traveled a very different road from most people. And I'm glad most people do not need to experience this. It's hard, gut wrenching and is so scary. I wore my Heart Mom pin today, because I too have scars. They aren't visible, but I know they exist. I feel them everyday. I wouldn't change being a Heart mom, it has made me who I am. I'm proud to be a heart mom.

You

2011-02-11T09:50:00.002-07:00

What have YOU done to promote Congenital Heart Defect Awareness this week? Please leave a comment and let me know. Did you give blood? Wear a CHD shirt? Talk about CHD's to someone?

A CHD Poem

2011-02-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

A Father's Heart
A man walks through the double doors,
His eyes tell quite a story,
Although he has grown weary,
He still gives God the glory.
His child lives within these walls,
As many children do,
Look high up on the sign, you’ll see
That it says…ICU.
The nurses nod as he walks in,
And sets down all his things,
Although he knows what to expect,
Somehow it always stings.
He bends to kiss his sleeping child
His hands stroking soft hair,
And everyday the nurse can hear,
This tired father’s prayer.

Lord, please watch my child today,
And let him know your here,
Give him strength so he can fight,
And calm his every fear.
Wrap your arms around him,
The way I wish I could,
Remind him just how much he’s loved,
Remind him life is good.
I feel so very helpless,
Not sure what I can do,
I cannot even comprehend,
The things that he’s been through,
Give me strength to fight for him,
And help me understand…
Help me to accept your will…
No matter what the plan.
Lord, I know you’ll answer me,
And yes, I know you care,
Thanks again for hearing,
One father’s heartfelt prayer.

If someone stopped to ask him,
Are things going alright?
He’d feel no need to mention,
He didn’t sleep all night.
If we were given just a glimpse…
If we could see in part…
What thoughts and hopes are there to find
Within this father’s heart?

A father’s perspective…

My child has a heart defect,
Its “my job” to be strong,
And tell my wife things will be fine,
(And pray that I’m not wrong)
And still the bills need to get paid,
And things need to be done,
And it’s so hard just sitting here,
“I want to hold my son!”
I lean down as I watch him breathe,
“Keep fighting”, is my plea,
“I thought I’d teach you to be brave,
“But son, you have taught me”.
I hear the beeping of machines,
(They help my child live)
I wish that I could take his place,
(There’s nothing that I wouldn’t give!)
To have the faith and strength I need,
To hold back all my tears,
To say I know he’ll be okay,
Despite all of my fears.
I”ll only lose composure,
When no one’s here to see,
I will be the “strong” one,
As I’m supposed to be.
A daddy says,” Come to my arms,
I’ll chase all those monster’s away”,
I cannot change God’s plan for him,
But I can hope and pray.

A daddy needs to cry sometimes,
And God must see right through,
That ” tough daddy exterior”,
For He’s a daddy too.

~Stephanie Husted

CHD Week Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-09T13:00:00.003-07:00

It's CHD Week!

2011-02-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

Somewhere...someplace... today...
A family is waiting to hear...
Is something wrong with their baby?
The answers aren't quite clear...
This family has entered an unwanted world...
And they just don't know what to expect...

Somewhere...someplace... today
They first heard the words: heart defect.
And how they hoped this was not true...
And thought... this cannot be...I too...
know just how this feels...
For one day...this was me.

Somewhere...someplace...today...
And how they hoped this was not true...
And thought... this cannot be...I too...
know just how this feels...For one day...this was me.

Somewhere...someplace...today...
A man and a woman embrace...
Their baby is in surgery...
They long to see her face...They haven't got to hold her yet...
Without...a cord or line...They pace the room awaiting news...
And hope she'll be just fine.
Prayers fill this busy waiting room...
And mom and dad are scared...

Somewhere...someplace..today...
The tiniest hearts are repaired.

Somewhere...someplace...today...
A child's growing fast...Smiling,laughing,thriving...
His mom thinks...can this last?
It's almost easy...to forget...
That anything is wrong...

Somewhere...someplace..today...
Her child seems so strong.

Somewhere...someplace... today...
A little boy fights...just to live
A father holds his tiny hand...His love...all he can give...
The doctor's are all baffled...
They fear that he might die...

Somewhere...someplace...today...
A family says goodbye...

Somewhere...someplace...each year..
More than 40,000 families will see...What it means...
when something's wrong...They'll face a CHD.
Today...for just a moment...
Stop...remember...reflect...
Make time to tell someone you know...
"I've been changed by a heart defect".

Author - Stephanie Husted
Tonight, please say an extra prayer for strength, courage, hope,
and faith for the CHD babies
and families of this world.

CHD Awareness Week

2011-02-07T09:21:00.004-07:00

CHD Awareness

February 7-14, 2011 is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week.

A Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) means a child is born with an abnormally structured heart and/or large vessels. Such hearts may have incomplete or missing parts, may be put together the wrong way, may have holes between chamber partitions or may have narrow or leaky valves or narrow vessels. There are approximately 35 different types of congenital heart defects.

**CHDs are the #1 birth defect in America, affecting approximately one in one hundred or 40,000 newborns every year.Each day 10,830 babies are born in the U.S.; 411 of them have a birth defect -- of those, 87 will be born with a congenital heart defect -- that's more than cerebral palsy (27), sickle cell disease (27), Down Syndrome (12), and oral/facial clefts (11) combined (total of 77). (According to the March of Dimes)

**CHDs are responsible for one third of all birth defect-related deaths, and sadly 20 percent of children who make it through birth will not survive past their first birthday.
In the United States, twice as many children die from congenital heart defects each year than from all forms of childhood cancer combined, yet funding for pediatric cancer research is five times higher than funding for CHD.

**For many children a new heart is the only option, but only about 30% of the children who need a heart transplant receive one in time. Elaine was one who was part of the 70% who could not wait long enough. In 2007 there were 327 pediatric heart transplants performed in the United States. The average heart transplant only lasts around 10 years.

(Elaine right after her 3rd open heart surgery)

What can you do?
RAISE AWARENESS
DONATE BLOOD

Support Intermountain Healing Heart s! At PCMC, there is a table set up for CHD week with fliers, books, information, and also toys and candy. We were also able to get a large sign hung over the parking garage. This sign acknowledges CHD week. We are slowly trying to get more involvement and awareness in our community. We hope you are all doing the same! You can also donate to Intermountain Healing Hearts on the website www.ihhearts.org, through paypal, or directly to the PO Box. Thank you to all!

Look who is 8

2011-02-02T23:23:00.005-07:00

Eight years ago, Violet was born. A whopping 9 lbs 6 oz and 18 inches. She is a joy. We love you so much Vi! Happy Birthday!!

A new wrinkle for my brain.

2011-01-25T17:23:00.002-07:00

For some reason growing up, when ever we learned something new, we would say that our brain got a new wrinkle. SOmething to do with the fact that new knowledged created a connection/wrinkle in the brain. Regardless, I learned something new today. Violet kept asking me specifically what A.M. and P.M. stand for. I knew a general answer, but that didn't satisfy her. In case you too are curious "AM" stands for the Latin phrase Ante Meridiem —which means “before noon”—and “PM” stands for Post Meridiem : “after noon. That is the Latin lesson for the day.

Backin up, backin up!!!

2011-01-24T20:40:00.003-07:00

** There is a bit of bad language in the video. **

First, watch this:

Ok, so you've seen the interview. Now for the song:

And for the finale - the band, complete with ukulele .

Seriously. I could laugh at this all day long. Thank you anonymous lady, for brining me such entertainment!

Some videos are cut off on here - go to You tube to see the right side of the screen.

A little known fact

2011-01-12T15:43:00.003-07:00

(Isaac Wardle)

I have always loved hearing stories about family members who have come before me. Maybe this stems from my religion, and the fact that I am named after my Great Grand mother, Melissa Ann Shaw. This summer (about a week before Vaughn's birth) we were able to attend a very large family reunion in South Jordan. It was amazing to see so many people that I am related to, and who all are here as a result of one man. It was the Isaac Wardle Reunion.

Although there wasn't too much shared that I didn't already know, it was thrilling to see others getting excited about people and facts that I love. I did learn a bit more about Isaac's life in England prior to coming to the United States, and also about his family he left behind in the UK. It was great to see pictures and imagine them living in the house, and seeing the church they attended. And then also about his life here in Utah. How much he settled and helped the community in South Jordan, and then later in Idaho. The trials they endured, and the faith they had....amazing. I am ve

ry proud to be a member of this family. Thank you for your example and legacy.

If you are wondering, yes Ashton (my son) is named after the Mary Ann Ashton family. Mary Ann married Isaac.

Some of the members of the family have set up a blog with stories and picture

s of the Wardle family. It is here if you are interested. I am thankful for those whoa re able to dedicate the time to Family History work right now. I hope that someday I will be able to enjoy doing that as well.

*If you

would like to read more about the Mormon Handcart Pioneers there are many first hand accounts and different sites with good info.

(top: Mary Ann Ashton bottom Melissa Wardle)

HeLLo 2011!!!

2011-01-01T16:42:00.002-07:00

I am so excited to begin a new year!! I know that 2011 will be the best one yet!! We had an extraordinary, fun time last night at the Torsak's for New Years!! Best tradition ever!! Just Dance 2 is so much fun, in case you were wondering! Here is a fun picture of Violet, Handen and Darin playing Jenga at 1:30am (yes, all of my kids were still up, except Vaughn). I'm so thankful for these wonderful friends who are so important in my life. We have been through so much. I probably wouldn't have survived my grieving Elaine's death with out them being by my side. Love you guys! Thank you for loving me, faults and all!

Snow Day!

2010-12-22T11:09:00.006-07:00

The amount of snow that has fallen is incredible. The school district cancelled school yesterday. Unfortunate for the Christmas performances, parties and gifts to be enjoyed that day. But a fun day to play in the over two feet of snow. Here are some pictures. I decided to play too. The kids buried me in it. It has warmed up some and is starting to melt a bit. Maybe some will stick around for a white Christmas.

On a side note - Vaughn had his 6 month check up today. He is 14 pounds!! He gained 3 lbs in 2 months. Still need to feed and feed him more, but he's looking great! :)

Happy Birthday to Darin!!!

2010-12-19T21:02:00.005-07:00

Today it is my wonderful husbands birthday!! We had fun singing to him in primary, eating a yummy meal and opening presents. Of course Myra blew out his candles and we had to relight them.

Darin - I hope you have had a wonderful birthday. I had fun at Desert Star (quite possibly the funniest ever!) with you last night, and eating out. My favorite part was spending time with you and talking. I love you very much!!
- Melissa

Dead on her Feet

2010-12-09T14:34:00.003-07:00

Violet was listening to a story on tape on tape the other night. I guess she was tired. First she feel asleep on on her feet with her head on the chair cushion. When I went to take her picture, she kinda woke up a bit and then climbed up on the table. Personally, I would have chosen the couch, or maybe my bed as a new sleeping venue.

Fasting

2010-11-07T15:06:00.003-07:00

I know, you are shocked, a new post. You know how life gets. Vaughn is doing better. He is a much happier guy now. Seems like after about the 4 month mark, the colic gets better. He is on a bottle (sad for me) and also baby food and cereal. I was not giving him enough calories, so we needed to supplement. He then decided he pretty much just preferred the bottle, it fills his tummy up quicker. He loves to suck on his fingers and doesn't enjoy his pacifier anymore. He is growing and chunking up!! At his 4 month check up he was only 11 lbs. Not so goo. He had dropped from the 25th%tile to the 3rd%tile. Now he has been getting formula and cereal for over a month. He is still pretty pukey, but using the formula for spitty uppy babies seems to help. He does keep the "solid" food down better.

Myra has pretty much gotten all potty trained this past week. Mostly on her own. She decided she really wanted to, and did. She has a few accidents, but nothing too major. Usually she insists on changing her panties because there is a tiny little drop of pee. I haven't had to change a messy diaper on her for about a week. So nice. I'm glad I waited and didn't push her. By far the easiest kid to get using the potty so far!!

Today is fast Sunday. It was the first time in quite awhile that I have been able to fast. I really did not realize how much I missed it. 2009 was spent being pregnant off and on, so my fasting was rare and sporadic due to that. Then I was pregnant with Vaughn and nursing him, so that means no fasting. Since he doesn't want to nurse, I got to fast today. Wow. It generally isn't something that I look forward to. I thought about not doing it today, but it has been surprisingly easy, and wonderful. I was able to actually feel a closer connection to the spirit today, and just feel so much more at peace. Did I get to listen and pay attention more to the meeting, no. My kids were the same as usual, Primary was chaos while preparing for the sacrament program next week, but I felt great.

I haven't been getting more sleep than usual, or any other major change. It is a good feeling to be able to fast and have this closeness. I didn't realize it had been missing. I'm glad that is isn't missing anymore. Out of 123 months I have been married, the I have only been able to fast 19 of them. I just did the math. CRAZY!!~!! I am thankful to be able to enjoy these blessings now. I am thankful for the opportunity to gain a closeness to the spirit and help my testimony grow.

Canada/Seattle

2010-10-17T17:22:00.016-06:00

(Cathleen, Melinda, Kay, Stephanie, Me, Aubrey & Are')

(Melinda & Amber)

(Me Pickin' the Boar's nose - yes my eyes are closed, again!)

I had the opportunity to go on a trip to Seattle and Canada in September. It was fun to visit places I have never been to before, and also to get away. I did have baby Vaughn with me. We had a good time. It was a fairly large group of women. Things went fairly smooth, no lost luggage or things like that. We flew to Seattle and then drove to Annacortes and took a ferry to Victoria, Canada. It was my first time in Canada.

(Aubrey, Callum, Stephanie, Are', Kay, Melinda, Cathleen & Amber)

We had a bit of a shock when we got to Canada and found that Priceline had booked us into a hotel connected to a strip club. Yep, a strip club. Luckily the only time strippers were actually spotted, they were fully clothed. Note to self, don't stay at the hotel in the future! There were a lot of cute shops and sights in Canada.

We were able to go to Butchart Gardens. Wow, that place is phenomenal. I don't have a wide knowledge of flowers.

(Melinda, Aubrey, Are', Kay, Me (Vaughn screaming)Cathleen & Stephanie)

My favorite things was the smell. So fragrant. The colors and variety, oh my gosh! I saw more flowers that day than I have probably seen in my entire life! It has an amazing story. There were a lot of tourists from other countries. It was funny to see people's reactions to babies. I had Vaughn and m y friend Aubrey had her little boy who is 2 weeks younger than Vaughn. You would think people had never seen an infant before. Such a novelty.

We also saw the Parliament building. Gorgeous! And went to Craigdarroch Castle. It is huge, and beautiful The wood work must have taken years and years! If you would like more information, go here. We enjoyed some interesting experiences being in another country. My favorite is when we went to Wal Mart. It was in a department store like setting. You parked in a parking garage and then went up an escalator to the second and third levels where the store was. Upon leaving Wal mart with your cart full of groceries, there was a devise in between the up and down escalator where you hooked the cart and sent it down to the garage level. I have pictures coming of that.

(Melinda Posing and Aubrey)

(Room in the Castle)

Seattle is a great city. Here we stayed in one of the oldest hotels, The Camlin. I fell in love with it immediately. The hotel is on the national registry of historic hotels. Next to each door was a framed box with the original Door knob and number. Since they have upgraded to key cards, the old door knobs were a little obs-elite, but so decorative and fancy. The electric blue sign is still lit every night. Such fun!

(Camlin Hotel)

In Seattle we went to Pike Place Market. Such a bustling place. Smells strongly of fish. There were HUGE bouquets of flowers that you could purchase for $5-$10. So beautiful! We ate yummy food at Ivars. I had clam chowder. We walked around everywhere in Seattle or took public transportation. I believe it was my first time on an actual city bus. There was a station convenient across the street from our hotel that went straight to the airport!

(Melinda, Are', Cathleen)

We took a Harbor Ferry tour where we learned a lot about the City, and saw many landmarks, including the space needle and Washington Mutual Tower and Smith Tower. It was a great way to see the skyline. We also learned about Seattle's underground. We took a tour of it and learned the history of Seattle. Basically through a series of events the town burnt and had to be rebuilt. The rebuilding made what was the second story of buildings the First story. Quite amazing. It was my favorite part of Seattle. I learned a ton and the guides were very amusing and even told a few tasteful jokes. One of which was just for our group (we were probably the only ones who got is) where the punch line was the so and so became the first Latter Day Saint in Seattle (They had done some thing saintly). We all laughed. My arms got buff on that tour because I carried Vaughn for 2 hours straight. I could feel it in my biceps.

(Stephanie, Kay, Me, Amber, Melinda, Cathleen & Are')

We came across the infamous wall of gum. It was vile and almost made me vomit. Multiple times. Ewwwww! Don't worry, there are lost more pictures on their way for your enjoyment. Some how Lucinda evaded them all so far! I also had a lot of fun playing a few games, visiting and relaxing. We probably walked 100 miles and ate lots of great food. Thank you for those of you on the trip who put up with the screamer (Vaughn didn't like the car or being in his car seat). Yeah for Girls weekends!!!!

Myra Turning Three - Reflections on Elaine

2010-10-01T11:44:00.009-06:00

We are only three days from Myra Joanne Andrew's 3rd birthday. Third birthdays in our home are special for a very good reason. Whenever one of our children turn three years old we are reminded of our daughter, Elaine, who has yet to turn three in life; though she would be nine years old now if her life had not been cut short.

Elaine Ruth Andrew lived to be one day shy of her third birthday. We had already purchased gifts to give her. We had decorations ready. We were excited for her to be three years old. She was getting so big and so smart.

As any parent may do, we had a future in mind for Elaine. Her's, we thought, would inevitably be full of appointments with Cardiologists. Eventually she would need a heart transplant; the extra strain of being born without the Right Ventricle chamber would wear out the heart causing failure in her teenage years. After a heart transplant she would have to take medications every day to ensure the new heart would not be rejected. It is not the life you choose for your lovely little daughter; we loved her so much we excepted it without any hesitation.

Something went wrong with her little heart early that shattered all of the expectations we had for her life. After a particularly difficult bout with a cold she was left acting extremely tired and worn out. We took her to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City where the doctors discovered that her heart was already in failure. At two and a half years old she was struggling to stay alive. A heart transplant was her only hope for survival.

She was in the hospital for five weeks waiting for a heart. That much time in heart failure was extremely trying on her little body. We did what we could to make things enjoyable for her. I would sing along with songs from "The Wiggles" and do the dances she used to do only a few months earlier. She smiled a tired smile for me and attempted to move with the music. She wanted to dance with me but couldn't.

She wanted to go home so badly. If you mentioned home she would cry. We put up a sign in her room to let the nurses know that talking about home made her sad.

Though her spirit was strong, her body was too worn out to go on any further with her. The doctors recognized that she didn't have much more time to live. I sat in a rocking chair holding Elaine while Melissa sat to our side holding Elain's hand. Her body died there in my arms, early in the morning, April 19th 2004.

After a long and tiresome struggle, instead of going back with us to our home in Orem she went back to her home in Heaven to be with friends and family there. We were so sad to see her leave us here on earth because we could not yet be with her where she was going.

Because of Elaine third birthdays are special for us in our family.

Sept 11, 2010

2010-09-26T17:39:00.006-06:00

They day turned out so fabulous. Thank you so much to all the amazing people who came and supported those born with CHD. It was a cold morning - tape wouldn't stick to metal...but we survived. The sun came out and warmed us all up. So much preparation for one exhilarating day. It was a great time to reunite with families I haven't seen in a long time, and to meet new faces, connect the dots a little with the names I know.

There is something so powerful about seeing such a mass of people, walking, talking and supporting one another. It sure is a sight I wish all could enjoy.

We decided to throw a silent auction into the mix this year. It was quite successful. I hope everyone is enjoying their fun winnings. We also had numerous prizes that we were able to give away. Thank you a thousand time to the people/companies who donated to make our event successful. To see a list, please go here.

We had a touching and wonderful Angel Ceremony. We were able to once again release butterflies in memory of those with CHD's who have passed on. Beautiful posters of those being remembered and beautiful family members in attendance to honor their loved one. Laurie Tye wrote this poem that was shared.

FLY BUTTERFLY FLY

You came to us so gentle and so pure

For how long you would be here we were unsure

But we knew each day we got to share with you

Would make our lives more complete and more true

You see you taught us to love more than we know

With your broken heart you made our whole hearts grow

So as you look up to us we will give to you our heart

And promise to take care of you and always do our part

While you are here rely on us to get you through

To help you do the things that you cannot do

We know you will fly when your job here is done

And your place in the heavens you have rightfully won

But first you must let go of all the earth binding strings

That are way too heavy to carry on butterfly wings

Now our angels are up there and free from all pain

But we still feel their breath in the breeze before the rain

So fly butterfly fly and take with you our love

To each of our angels who are watching us from above

Now we look up to them with a prayer in our hearts

As they promise to take care of us and always do their part

Because you see now they are helping us get through

And doing things for us that we cannot do.

So fly butterfly fly and take with you our love

To each of our angels who are watching us from above

By: Laurie Tye

Thank you to Teea, Jen & Andrea for putting your heart and soul into the Angel Ceremony. It was lovely. Your children love you, as do we!

Again, this day wouldn't have been possible without our sponsors. They are also listed here. Big thanks to Mark Hiles with Diamond Rentals for suppling the tables, tents etc. Such an enormous help. The Faulkners at Will's Pit Stop for bringing our water once again. Your generosity astounds! A huge shout out to Carolyn for her contact at WestPro. What an amazing deal on shirts! Thank you for helping us, and thank you WestPro for the incredible discount! Those people you say wondering around with a camera glued to their faces, were our photographers Peter Firth & Mary Hansen. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for allowing us to encroach upon your time to borrow you and your skills. Now we can remember the wonderful day, in pictures! Thank you!

Thank you to all those who ventured out to the park EARLY to help. Heather Griffith used her talent to design the front of the shirt for us this year. I love it!! Thank you Heather, and also thank you for helping with check in. Kim Brown and her girls Hillary & Madison helped decorate and also made the wonderful thank you posters for the sponsors and donors. They were perfect! Tiffany & Kristen Day once again offered their services and helped with check in/registration. You girls are the best! Thank you!! My niece Jaylyn and her friend Shelese were also helping again this year! Thanks for sacrificing your beauty sleep!! Also my nephew Christopher, thank you for your early help, and also helping with the Prize Drawing.

The Homers & the Pattons thank you for the help getting donations/sponsors and being willing to help where you were needed! Thank you to Vicki for your assistance at the Silent Auction table! I'm looking forward to the Festival of Trees!! Amy & Ashley for your help during the Prize drawing. Amy, thank you for your help getting prizes and Ashley, thank you for the use of the PA system. I think things were heard much more easily this year! Sarah Benson, thank you for your willingness to help. Thank you to Scott & Jonathan for your assistance in handling all of the website information. Registrations, and updating the website as needed. You guys are great!

The day would not have been possible without Christina and her countless hours of work. She headed up the Silent Auction, as well as helping with everything else. There are no words except WOW!!! You are amazing! You are an inspiration! Thank you for your support and friendship. I bet your kids are thankful to have their mom back! ;) Things got a little insanely busy for a couple weeks.

Thank you to my family and friends who were able to come support CHD's and us, as we remember Elaine and the life she lived. Jaylyn, Christopher, Nancy, Eastman's, Torsak's, Bakers, Syme's, Johanson's, Day's, Coulson's, Thank you! We love you! Thank you to Darin and my kids for putting up with my craziness and an absentee me. I love you!

Thank you to all who came & enjoyed, and spread the word. Thank you to all those who were not able to attend, but still support IHH through donations & service. The fundraiser was a HUGE success and will make so many things possible for those effected by CHD's like Heart Camp, Care Bags, Meal Cards & other activities.

***I hope I haven't forgotten anyone. If I have I will add you ASAP! More pictures to come!**

Brief........to be continued

2010-09-15T21:45:00.002-06:00

I want to post about the walk. It was great! So many things to share and fun pictures. I am heading out to Seattle and Canada for the next few days. You will have to make do with this picture. More to come!

You Tube Link

2010-09-09T00:49:00.003-06:00

**If you are interested in listening to the Utah Families Show that aired on 8/23/10 about IHH & the walk, here you go

Thanks a million to Rebecca Cressman & my fabulous husband. It took some patience to get the huge audio file transfered, but they did it!!! Then Darin got to teach himself all about you tube and breaking things into segments, yadda, yadda. Thank you for your assistance! You are the best! Love you!

The Voice of the Spirit

2010-09-07T17:14:00.008-06:00

Mormon Messages "Voice of the Spirit" **

It was interesting that the man walking to the pawn shop passed by murmuring voices, whining voices abhorring work, seductive voices, flattering voices. He passed them all easily and without much effort. When it came to the commercial voices he paused a little longer to look at the luxury car. It seems like the mists of darkness are filled with commercials and advertisements for what we "must not do without". Spending time, money, energy for that which is of no worth. There are very subtle lines drawn dividing what has worth, what has some worth and that which is of no worth at all.

Is food important? Of course but what about eating out at fancy restaurants or purchasing costly foods?

Is a house important? I would say so, for safety and security of a family but how big and how much property?

Is a car important? Yes, to get from place to place but what kind and how much should be spent on it?

On and on this list can go. Amazingly this is all about items that will only last while we are on this earth. They are not eternal in their nature. Not eternal and yet we spend almost all of our time, effort, thinking on them. In fact what else but earthly items/services can money buy? Items/services on earth where moth eat and rust corrupt.

I do not think that spending money is bad. Without it education would be difficult to obtain. The creation of the "Perpetual Education Fun" of the LDS church was in an effort to provide money for education. The birth of my children cost money due to hospital stays. My daughter Elaine was born with a heart defect and would have died within days of birth but due to very costly surgeries she lived until the day before she turned 3 years old. I could never have placed a dollar value on what I would have spent to have her alive for 3 years but I can look back at the bills and tell you how much money it did cost.

I guess this is why it is so important to read the scriptures and pray so we can be guided by the spirit as President Faust says in this talk. We can be guided by the spirit to not completely loose track of our eternal goal! The lines dividing worth that started out looking subtle and vague end up being solid and having substance like an iron rod.

** This video can be found on LDS.org or http://www.youtube.com/user/mormonmessages

Broken Hearts

2010-09-05T16:06:00.001-06:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

My friend Nicole put this together. Enjoy - and don't forget to look for Elaine!

Ashton is 5!!!!!

2010-08-16T21:36:00.004-06:00

Hard to believe that 5 years ago Ashton looked like this:

And now he's grown into this:

He is such a sweet boy. He always tells me he loves me, and likes to give me hugs. He enjoys legos, baseball and anything star wars or indiana jones. I love my boy! Happy Birthday, Ashton!!

IHH hits the waves

2010-08-13T09:49:00.004-06:00

Not the wet kind of waves, but the invisible ones. Thursday morning Christina, Sarah Benson (Miss Springeville/Mapelton) and I were able to participate in a 25 minute radio show called "Utah Families", hosted by Rebecca Cressman. It was a great experience. I really had no idea what to expect. It was quite fun, and I would do it again in a heart beat! We were able to talk about Intermountain Healing Heart, the services provided, Sarah shared her story about being diagnosed with a CHD at age 17 and of course we invited the community to attend the Walk for Healing Hearts in September.

The show will be aired on Monday, August 23rd at 11pm on FM 100.3. Rebecca has also used IHH as her on air Mid Day mention - so when you hear about Intermountain Healing Hearts on your radio, don't be surprised.

10 Years!!!

2010-08-12T22:04:00.006-06:00

Wow, am I really this old? I know I must be to have 5 kids and all, but sheesh...10 years of marriage. Quite the milestone I do believe. Yippie for us! We haven't really been able to celebrate this year *boo*. We are hoping to plan a get a way vacation for the two of us for next year sometime. Babies kinda need their mommies (and daddies). In 10 years Darin and I have not ever had a night alone, away from our kids. For many people this is so strange because they do it all the time. It will be strange next year, for sure. I am looking forward to the quality time with my spouse. Sometimes life just bombards you and it is easy to lose site of the romance, especially when you are changing diapers and dealing with little people's needs all the time. I wouldn't change it though, we love our family and our wonderful children.

I am glad that Darin was able to take me to the temple and be sealed to me. Can you imagine what our lives would be like - especially considering Elaine - without it? I cannot. I know I will see her again one day. It's still hard, everyday, but it gives me hope.

Here are some fun pictures of our wedding. It was so flippin' early in the morning!! We had to be tot he Temple by 6am, which meant leaving SR by like 5am. CRAZY!

Happy Anniversary to my favorite guy! I love you!

Attention Dog Owners

2010-08-05T14:14:00.002-06:00

Do we own a dog? Not the last time I checked. Then tell me why do I have a fresh pile of poo on my lawn about every stinkin' day? Yesterday there were two. I get that they are animals and pretty much go where they please. If I had a dog, I'd try my darnedest to keep the crap to myself. Please don't let your animal roam free. We live in a neighborhood, not the outback. I don't enjoy the stuff that gets squished all over my shoe and spread through the house. It's stinks and is gross. I don't throw my kids' diapers' on your lawn (maybe I should find the culprits and implement this practice) so don't let your beast treat my nice green lawn like a toilet. It stains. Thank you!

Registration is OPEN!!!!

2010-07-30T10:22:00.004-06:00

If you are planning on attending Intermountain Healing Hearts' Walk for Healing Hearts on September 11th, 2010 in Provo....

Online Registration is now available here. We are all so excited about the event this year. It's going to be amazing. Many fabulous prizes for the door prizes, as well as the Silent Auction. We should have a list of prizes up on the website in the near future so you can get excited too!!

This event is the big fundraiser for IHH that keeps us going through out the year. It's not the only one, but it's a doozy! Come help spread awareness for Congenital Heart Defects and help us enrich the lives of those affected. You really do make a difference. Everyone is welcome to attend, so invite, invite, invite!!! If you have questions, feel free to contact me!

HUGE thanks to our Sponsors!!!!!

How'd you do that?

2010-07-26T10:35:00.001-06:00

That's what people will be asking Darin about his new bruise. I'll show you how....The first video is Brayten! The next 2 are Darin. Seriously?!

Did he Say what I think he said?

2010-07-19T09:24:00.003-06:00

(A Damon Bradley impostor)

While Darin and I were at the hospital with Vaughn when he got readmitted at 4 days old, we heard the funniest thing. Over the PA we hear "Damon Bradley, please call ****. Damon Bradley". We looked at each other and laughed. Hard. We then preceded to discuss weather or not it was a real page or a prank. Damon Bradley, seriously?! What are the odds?

(The impostor Damon Bradley)

We got online and checked the hospital staff and there wasn't a Damon Bradley listed, but he could have been a nurse or a patient or something. The list was only for Doctors.

If you don't get why this is so funny, you need to watch the movie Only You. It's great.....well, I love it. Then this post will all make sense to you.

It's almost as weird as the fact that Primary Children's has an employee named Darren Andrews. That used to throw us for a loop all the time when he would get paged and we would think it was for us. Talk about a heart attack!

Pregnant Me

2010-07-12T16:46:00.003-06:00

If anyone is interested, here are a few pictures of me the day before Vaughn was born.

Taylor the Latte Boy

2010-07-06T08:06:00.003-06:00

Darin and I like to listen to Show Tunes Saturday Night - much to the dismay of some of our friends (you know who you are!). It is really fun to listen and see if we know what musical the next song is from. Some times we have things going on and can only listen for a few minutes. It never fails, we hear this ridiculous song called Taylor the Latte Boy. It's sung by Kristen Chenoweth - who is fabulous, but the song is so silly. We have heard it so many times we know all the words and can now sing a long. If you haven't heard it, know is your chance. Click here. I warn you it is cheesy. It's not actually from a musical, but it's on one of Kristen's cd's. Darin is worried that it is producing a generation of caffeine fiends who think love and romance must be caffeinated. ;) Here is the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXS0nEOx_20

Waking up Laughing!

2010-06-29T10:03:00.002-06:00

I must have been much more relaxed last night. After all of the lack of sleep and stress from the birth of baby Vaughn I woke myself up laughing! I woke myself up just enough to remember that in my dream I was with my brothers John and Dean telling jokes. There was a really funny one and we all laughed. Melissa was nursing Vaughn in our bed when she heard me and looked over. Later she told me it was like watching a baby sleep (they smile and laugh in their sleep).

I have to say that waking up laughing is my favorite way to wake up.

The Latest Addition

2010-06-22T10:47:00.005-06:00

We welcomed our newest little boy into the world yesterday morning at 8:23am. His name is Vaughn. Here are some pictures. Sorry there aren't more. Mom didn't get to see/hold the little guy until eight hours after he was born. Brought back a lot of feelings from when we had Elaine and Darin needed to go be with the baby and I was alone, in my room for hours on end.

Vaughn was having troubles breathing. He was working much too hard and retracting. He ended up on a CPAP for a number of hours as well as receiving some meds via intubation tube (that only had to stay in about 10 minutes). It was a long, exhausting day for everyone. Myra, Ashton & Violet were a little put out that they didn't get to come right away. But, they got to see him eventually. They were very cute with him. Big, Big thanks to my parents for holding down the fort.

Vaughn had his first bath today and did a lot of the things that usually get done the day of birth, like foot prints. He seems to have recovered from his respiratory problems. He's nice and pink and has lighter hair, like Elaine. Although at this point it's merely fuzz. For now we are concentrating on eating.

Last Appointment

2010-06-14T14:48:00.006-06:00

What a nice feeling it was to walk out of my Doctor's office today without having to schedule another appointment. That was it until the couple after the baby. Nice to be on the last week. It feels like the last couple weeks have been so so slow. School ended and my kids are bored. I am too tired to take them and do fun things so we all just get on each other's nerves. The weather has gotten better, so I can banish them out side now. Yippie for that.

I was informed today that the baby probably isn't as big as I think he is because I have quite a bit of extra fluid. Just what I want, extra, unnecessary weight to be carrying around. In a week (minus some hours) from now I will have a precious little boy in my arms. I am so excited for that! It will be worth it. It is always weird at first, once the baby is born, to feel so empty. No one's moving around, it's all just mush. One of my favorite things is being able to feel a little life moving around inside of me. I will miss that.

It's flag day today - I hope yours is flying high! I have my toes all cute and glittery. I have a billion things to do, and only energy for about 5 of them - so the rest will just not get done and drive me crazy. Oh well, so be it.

Make 'em Laugh

2010-06-11T13:26:00.004-06:00

When Elaine was a teeny tiny, newborn, I was at home with her a lot. Trying to avoid getting her sick and stuff, plus we were really poor. We didn't have cable, but we had an antenna. Which meant we got KJZZ and a lot of reruns during the day. This was how I discovered the hilarious and inviting world of WNYX's News Radio.

I seriously laugh out loud every episode. No matter how many times I've seen it. They are hilarious!! What do you expect from Dave Foley and Phil Hartman. Everyone on the show is fabulous. I wish it was still on, but thank goodness for the season's on DVD. I find it a great way to relax or unwind from a stressful, tiresome day. Watch a little News Radio. So many off the wall plot lines and great quotes. They are constantly creeping their way into conversations with my husband. Like, "I choose couch!!" If you haven't seen this delightful show, I highly suggest checking it out. There are some episodes on you tube and other places. Love it!!

Time is running out

2010-06-10T10:40:00.003-06:00

If you want to play our baby guessing game, you only have a week and a half left. It is at www.expectnet.com (or click on the thing on the right side bar)and the name of our game is kidnum.5 It's pretty fun. You get to guess the weight and time of birth and stuff. Then after he's here, you can see how close, or not, you are. Good luck!!!

Posting

2010-06-02T08:47:00.003-06:00

I know that I need to post something new here. It has been quite a break between posts. I feel like there really isn't much to say - but maybe something will enlighten me. It's officially summer vacation and I cannot get my kids to sleep in for anything. Tyrants. I am beyond tired, resting every chance I get. I have less than 3 weeks left until this little boy makes his debut. I am so excited to see his cute little face and chubby cheeks, dreading the pain I'll be in - but I know there is light at the end of the tunnel. The first couple weeks are usually the worst, then it's up hill from there. Lets hope this holds true.

Ashton has been very into the world of Star Wars. He loves it. And he plays so well with Myra (most of the time). I love to watch them play and be kind to one another. The other night Darin was playing with the kids - rough housing - and they were having such a blast. Again, love it. I know I am strange, but I love watching my kids play and be happy. Some days I wish I could do nothing else.

I hope to magically have some new found energy so I can not only accomplish my everyday tasks, but all the extras I want out of the way before the baby arrives. I don't think it will happen...but I can dream, right? I'm glad that it has been overcast and cloudy. If it was super nice and sunny I would suffer more guilt of not being able to accomplish more outside.

Darin got all of the crazy (I swear they are man eating) weeds out of the flower garden over the weekend. Quite a task. It looks fabulous- for now. The flower pots from the cemetery look great too. I did Purple (of course) and yellow flowers this year. I'm very pleased with how they turned out. And I picked up all our stuff before anyone had a chance to steal it this year...a bonus. Thanks to Violet for reminding me while we were in town.

Well, it sounds like things are not happy in the basement (the screaming and yelling gave it away). That's my cue.

Easter Pictures

2010-05-21T09:26:00.005-06:00

I guess I never got around to posting easter pictures. Here are a few from a couple of different Easter Egg hunts and from Sunday. Not Easter Sunday, but the week before when we dressed up. Enjoy.

Mom's Day

2010-05-10T10:01:00.005-06:00

(Melissa, Darin, Myra, Ashton & Violet Easter Sunday 2010)

There are a lot of people in the world who have a difficult time on Mother's day, for whatever reason. For me, it is bitter sweet. I enjoy being with the kids I am able, but the day is such a blunt reminder that one is missing. I don't get the sweet cards, gifts and hugs from her. It's a hard day. I love my mom. I love my kids.

I "borrowed" this poem from a friend's blog.

What Makes A Mother?

I thought of my little one
and I closed my eyes
and prayed to God today.
I asked what makes a Mother
and I know I heard him say,

"A Mother has a baby.
This we know is true."
But God can you be a Mother
when your baby's not with you?

"Yes you can!" He replied
with confidence in His voice,
"I give many women babies,
when they leave is not their choice."

"Some I send for a lifetime
and others for a day.
And some I send to feel your womb
but there's no need to stay."

"I just don't understand this God,
I want my baby here."
He took a deep breath and cleared His throat
and then I saw a tear.

"I wish I could show you
what your little one
is doing here today.
If you could see her smile
with other children and say..."

"We go to earth to learn our lessons
of love and life and fear.
My mommy loved me oh so much
I got to come straight here."

"I feel so lucky to have a Mom
who has so much love for me
I learned my lesson very quick
My Mommy set me free."

"I miss My Mommy oh so much
but I visit her each day.
When she goes to sleep
on her pillow's where I lay."

"I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek
and whisper in her ear,
Mommy don't be sad today
I'm your baby and I'm here."

"So you see my dear sweet one,
your children are OK.
Your babies are here in my home
and this is where they'll stay."

"They'll wait for you with me
until your lesson is through.
And on the day that you come home
they'll be at the gates for you."

"So now you see what makes a Mother.
It's the feeling in your heart.
It's the love you had so much of
right from the very start."

(Elaine in Baby Vi's car seat 2003)

CTR

2010-05-07T17:17:00.002-06:00

These three letter stand for a lot of different things. At our house, about once a month or so, they stand for Clean The Refrigerator. As in, that's what we are having for dinner. Left overs from the fridge. It's a nice way to use all your left overs (if you have any) and make sure things don't go to waste. I tend to find a few surprises that I'd forgotten about. I'm thrilled when I discover them before they have a chance to walk out on their own. Do you have this tradition at your place too?

Mustache May

2010-05-04T17:00:00.004-06:00

As many of you may be aware (having seen Darin recently), his work is having a contest. It's called Mustache May. Here is a link to the pictures of those participating. Now, most of these men have been working many weeks to look this way. The kicker (part of the rules of the game) is that you have to keep the pictured mustache for two weeks. I don't know how some of these guys can go out in public. It's frightening. Darin's stache has gone through stages. Beard, goatee, mustache. I hope he wins some of the prizes. $50 would be nice!! I can't wait until he can shave!

Have a problem? We can fix it!

2010-05-04T17:00:00.001-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEaDHVF3ZJ0

The sound of a bird

2010-04-28T09:24:00.004-06:00

Last week was a big week. The Zoo was great fun. The weather was warm and sunny. Myra had a blast looking at the animals. It was the first year she's really gotten into it. It was a great distraction. I need to get pictures up on here. On Elaine's birthday we visited the cemetery and Darin took Vi & Ashton to "How to Train your Dragon". We also took advantage to Dairy Queens buy on get one for $.25 blizzards. It was a fun way for the kids to celebrate their sister's birth.

Of course there were a lot of other stresses and activities to fill up the rest of the week. Saturday was the IHH Heart Mom Luncheon. It was great. Rebecca Cressman from FM 100 made me laugh...a lot!! The food was very good and of course Margaret Cardall did a phenomenal job speaking, sharing and relating to us. I feel so fortunate to belong to an organization in which I know, I am not alone in my situation and feelings of frustration.

(moms in attendance)

Paul then shared a few songs with us and even did a little impromptu music writing. One of the last songs that he shared was a primary song, My Heavenly Father Loves Me. It was a beautiful arrangement. As I sat listening to the song and remembering singing it at Elaine's funeral, I realized that it was almost 6 years to the day. Her funeral was on the 23rd - the day before the lunch. I'm grateful that he chose to play that song out of the many in his repertoire. I know there is still a connection to Elaine. That she still IS, even though I cannot be with her physically right now. It was a reaffirming moment for me. Thank you again. And thank you to Carolyn for your hard work in organizing the special day.

All is Well (Poem shared at the Luncheon)

Death is nothing at all,

I have only slipped into the next room.

I am I and you are you

Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.

Call me by my old familiar name,

Speak to me in the easy way which you always used

Put no difference in your tone,

Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow

Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.

Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.

Let my name be ever the household word that it always was,

Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of shadow on it.

Life means all that it ever meant.

It is the same as it ever was, there is unbroken continuity.

Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?

I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near,

Just around the corner.

All is well.

Henry Scott Holland (1847-1918)

Canon of St. Paul’s Cathedral

What can you do for Elaine today?

2010-04-19T00:45:00.002-06:00

Exactly 6 years ago Elaine passed on. In the morning we will enjoy time as a family at the zoo. What can you do to honor her? Donate to Intermountain Healing Hearts (www.ihhearts.org) or donate blood at a local blood bank. Heart surgeries alone use 2-6 pints of blood. We love you!

No! She's my mom!

2010-04-17T21:01:00.005-06:00

(mom with Elaine)

It's my mom's birthday today!! You may not have know that, but I think it's a pretty great thing. I know that most people think that their mom is the best, but I win!

(mom with Ashton)

(mom & her siblings top: David, Donna, Ray Reed Bottom: Denise, Sharon, Sandra & Joanne (my mom))

It is alwyas fun to learn more about your parents as you get older. To become friends with them. They no longer need to spend all of your time together (hopefully!) ~~telling you what to do~~ teaching you. As an adult, they pray you have figured most things out. As always they are around to answer questions and give advise, but it's not the...brush your teeth, pick that up, do you homework stuff that one dreaded hearing as a child. Right now I think that is pretty much all my kids hear out of my mouth! ;)

(My grandparents with most of their kids (sorry Sandra). My mom is the one sitting on the ground)

I like being able to be friend with my mom. She is an amazing woman. Her life hasn't been easy, full of many challenges and obstacles - many of which she still battles every day. She has learned to look beyond them. To see the "bigger picture". She is so good. The most Christ like person I know. She is amazingly creative and involved heavily with her church service, as well as owning a business and giving back to the community.

(My dad, brother, me & mom on my wedding day)

Mom, I hope you know that you make a difference!! You make people happy and we love you. Thank you for your example and friendship. Happy Birthday! I hope your cake was good - even if you had to turn it upside down to eat.

Floppy Ears

2010-04-08T12:46:00.002-06:00

For some unexplainable reason, my son has a strong fear of people/creatures with what he calls "Floppy Ears". It has been this way for as long as I can remember. It doesn't matter if the thing is a cartoon, or seems more life like. It doesn't matter if it is a good guy or a bad guy...to him they are all frightening.

Sloth from "The Goonie's"

Last night he woke up bawling and stressed out because he had a nightmare about Yoda and Dobby. He can never get Dobby's name right, and calls him Roddy - but that's another story. He was also obsessing about the fact that to him, they are both green. I don't know any of the particulars about his dream, but he sure was worried about it.

Thimbletack from the book/movie Spiderwick

Ashton really enjoyed the books The Spiderwick Chronicles. He would sit and listen for hours, which for a small boy full of energy ~~never happens~~ is unusual. Even when reading the books (there are drawings) he didn't like the Brownie.

Yoda from "Star Wars"

Maybe the thing that floors me about my child, is the fact that these little, mostly harmless, imaginary beings are scary and cause intense fear, but watching things like Indiana Jones, Transformers and Spiderman don't give him a moments cause to be scared.

Dobby from "Harry Potter"

It's April

2010-04-07T15:27:00.004-06:00

Well, at least that's what the calendars say. I don't quite believe it. We have had way too much snow and cold weather. We enjoyed a visit from my parents and brother last week. Once I load the pictures, I'll have to post more about that. It was great to see them. It had been about 6 months. Yikes! We even took a day trip down to see the great grand parents, and the kids found an honest to goodness rabbits foot (with the bone to the thigh attached) in the back yard. Pretty gross!

Myra is so cute and calls the baby "baby buddy". We still have not settled on a name for this little guy yet. Boys are hard, and being #5 isn't easy either. Don't worry, he wont be nameless forever!

Now we get to begin the task of moving the crib into Ashton's room, setting up changing tables and cradles and pulling blankets and clothes out of storage. I have about 10 weeks to get things all ready. I hope it can be done!

In other news, it is Donate Life month. If you have not registered to become an Organ Donor, do it today! www.donatelife.net. It is a quick and simple step that is important to so many!!

In the News

2010-03-24T13:26:00.003-06:00

To see and interview with IHH president Carolyn Quigley & member Ashley Bundy, go here.

http://connect2utah.com/content/video/?cid=79242

We are trying to get the community involved, help with sponsors, and let people know we exist.

2010-03-19T10:23:00.004-06:00

A non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that supports families dealing with congenital heart defects.

Become a 2010 Sponsor of

Intermountain Healing Hearts

We are looking for people/companies who would like to help sponsor our events (please see below).

Sponsorship Level

Gold: $1000+

Large logo on t-shirt given to participants at the walk
Your logo on publicity for events
Recognition at events
Thank you on our website
Company banner (you provide) displayed at events

Silver: $750 +

Small logo on t-shirt given to participants at the walk
Your logo on publicity for events
Recognition at events
Thank you on our website
Company banner (you provide) displayed at events

Bronze: $500 +

Your name on t-shirt given to participants at the walk
Your logo on publicity for events
Recognition at events
Thank you on our website
Company banner (you provide) displayed at events

Please contact Melissa (Melissa@intermountainhealinghearts.org) for further questions

Activities planned for 2010

· April 24, 2010 Heart Moms Appreciation Luncheon

· May 15, 2010 Family Summer Picnic, Bountiful, Utah

· August 13-14, 2010 Family Heart Camp at Camp Wapiti in Tooele, Utah

· September 112, 2010 Walk for Healing Hearts – Riverview Park, Provo, Utah

· October, 2010 IHH Annual Membership Meeting / Birthday Party – Layton, Utah

· December, 2010 Donation of Decorated Tree at the Festival of Trees benefiting PCMC

www.ihhearts.org for more information

This little baby

2010-03-19T10:05:00.002-06:00

It seems like I always have these little moments throughout the day of "I should blog about that" and then I completely forget. I blame pregnancy brain, but I don't know if that is an accurate excuse. This pregnancy does seem to be going by pretty quick. Possibly because it is pregnancy #7, baby # 5, or because we didn't tell people until much later into the pregnancy, or because I am simply more busy with my three kids at home and other responsibilities.

I am enjoying being pregnant. Now, I don't enjoy the aches and pains, the puking and all that, but just enjoy the miracle that is going on inside. I am 26 weeks, almost in my 3rd trimester. Pretty much all organs and vital parts of his body are formed, it is now a process of packin' on the pounds, fattening him up. It boggles me that a tiny little 10 inch person can already have everything it needs to survive - heart, brain, liver, intestines...it is an amazing process.

Since this is baby number 5 for us, we still have not picked out a name. We know it's a boy. For some reason boy names are so much harder. And, we like to use family names. This could be our last kid (depending on the state of my innards). With Myra the Dr. said my uterus was getting "pretty thin". Eventually it will probably get tot he point that it is unsafe for me to have anymore cesareans. Anyway, so if this is our last kid, there is even more pressure about picking the perfect name. If you have any family suggestions, send them our way (dad, we already know your suggestions).

With each of my pregnancies, I haven't done the whole, this is a picture of me at 10 weeks, 15 weeks, etc. I'm just too lazy I guess. I'm 26 weeks now, I have a round belly. My kids tell me everyday that I'm huge.....doesn't really make me want to step in front of the camera! ;) I imagine that we will take a belly shot eventually for those of you who want to see. I'm feeling pretty good, just get tired easy. I have had some fun with low blood pressure, but there isn't anything that can be done for it, so yay for me.

I don't know much about this little guy yet, except that he is a mover. He is very active like Myra was. I like that. It's reassuring to me and is one of the best feelings a mom can have. My dreams have mellowed and are not as intense. My cold is about gone, finally after 3 or 4 weeks, so maybe some energy will return? It's spring tomorrow and by summer I'll have a new baby boy. Now, if only I could get all the things on my list accomplished before he makes his arrival.

Did you know?

2010-03-12T15:00:00.004-07:00

That that first heart transplant took place in Cape Town, South Africa in 1967? Well, now you do. Did you know that I got a bracelet, from that very hospital in Africa for my birthday? Well, now you do. I was excited about it and thought it was great. To have an item come such a long way, from such a place that has significance in my life is amazing. Thank you for the wonderful gift!! If you have not yet registered to be an organ donor, make the decision and do so today!!!

How is that comfortable?

2010-03-08T12:33:00.003-07:00

We found the girls asleep on Vi's bed like this one night. It doesn't look comfy to me...good thing they are young and can sleep through anything.

Violet's Belated Birthday Post

2010-02-28T14:56:00.002-07:00

Violet turned 7 nearly a month ago. I thought I'd share a little bit about her celebrations. The Saturday before her birthday, she got to invite 2 friends to accompany her to the movies. The drama, let me tell you. I looked up what "should" be playing at the theater that day. I let her watch the previews of the kid appropriate ones and pick what she most wanted to see. She wanted to see Spy Next Door. I don't remember what the other choices were.

Well, of course the theater changed what they were showing (they are usually accurate with their estimates of what they will be showing on a certain date) and it was no longer in any theaters. She cried. A lot. Her second choice was Princess and the Frog, which had been out for a while and was only playing in Provo. So, we got to trek all the way there for the movie.

(Ashton, Sarah, Violet & Sydney)

Here is a picture of the kiddos at the theater. They had a good time. It was just me and 4 kids. It wasn't bad until Ashton got a bit restless, but he had to come. I think he just likes hanging out with girls. It was easier than a party, that's for sure!

On her Birthday we went to eat at The Brick Oven, which is one of her favorite places. Jaylyn joined us and we had a good time. My kid all ate their weight in food. Here is a picture of Ashton ~~in heaven~~ being kissed by Jaylyn, and one below of Myra making a fish face.

By the time we go home, Violet blew out her candles and opened her gifts, but we were all too full from dinner for cake, so we saved it for the next day. It was a yummy cookies and cream ice cream cake. Happy Happy Birthday to Violet!