Goodbye 2011.....

Looking back over the past year I can't believe that it is over. It went by way to fast and I'm not sure what I really accomplished - but I did survive.

The year started with Mom having a very bad New Year's day. I knew she was sick, but didn't realize how sick. That was the day she said that she was "afraid" and that she didn't think she had enough faith or a strong enough testimony! She fought to the bitter end, she tried to keep a positive attitude, she said she was going to walk more when the weather got better. What an example to me! I miss her more than ever! There have been so many times when I wanted to call her - have her listen to me talk - never judging and always thanking me for the call or visit. She was the best Mom (and Grandma) ever!

Because of losing Mom, I have spent more time with my Dad. He is a great man. He is kind. He is patient. He lets me balance his check book. He loved his wife more than I ever really understood. He misses her every day and tries to keep doing the things she would have wanted him to do! He has renewed old friendships and has realized how blessed he is to have his family's support!

The year was busy with just trying to keep up with life. Evan's parents have struggled throughout the year and he has tried to help them as much as he can. He has spent countless hours on the road to and from Lyman...coming home many times in the middle of the night and then going to work the next day! He is a great son and has sacrificed much to try and be there for them.

We were able to take a few trips - Las Vegas in February - Disneyland in June - Monticello/Moab in July. We spent summer nights at the Cottonwood Complex watching Parker- Fall nights at high school football games watching Willie (playing) and Preston (coaching) - going to Utah Football games and enjoying the first season in the Pac 12.

In July, I had some eye problems - tears in my retina - which required intense laser and freezing treatments to try and heal them before the retina became totally detached. This has left me with continual "flashes of light" and "floaters". My eye sight is not the best...at some point I am supposed to be rid of the flashes - but the floaters probably won't go away without surgery.

A new employment opportunity came my way in September.....I went through the interview process...spent time at the new employer's office...gave my notice to Prince Yeates....but in the end decided to stay where I was. I feel I made the right decision...I hope I made the right decision!

I am so blessed to have a good husband who loves and supports me. Great children...who have goals, who keep the commandments, and who are good examples to others!

I'm not sure what 2012 will bring. I hope it will be a great year! I hope my family will be happy and healthy!

Christmas 2011

This year Christmas was good but different - the first Christmas without Mom. She loved Christmas! It was her holiday. She loved giving to others! She loved spending time with her family! Every year I know I would tell her - Mom you do too much! Last year I remember thinking that she needed to scale back, but I knew how happy it made her and didn't ever tell her that she needed to.

It's crazy that you don't know what will happen during the next day, let alone the next year. I knew Mom's time was short. I knew how sick she was and how crappy she felt. But she just kept doing and did it until the very end!


Last Christmas was crazy - just like every other Christmas. This Christmas was also crazy - but I found myself more thoughful - more emotional - missing my Mom even more than ever!


Dad wanted to try and do many of the same things as Mom had done during Christmas. It was important to him and he started thinking about it in October. He still did socks, he still did the Sam's supplies. we had Christmas Eve dinner and a feast on Sunday! He wanted the young grandkids and great grandkids to have presents! He gave to the neighbors and Jerry Crawford.

Mom's love of Christmas continued this year. It was different without her being here - but I don't think any of us went through the day without thinking about her!

I Swore at the Christmas Tree!

Ahhh....that most anticipated day of the year....the day we put the Christmas tree up! Saturday, December 3, 2011.......

Step 1: Deciding where to put it. Should we put it in the same place as last year ---wait where was it last year...each of us has a different memory.

Step 2: Cutting the trunk and putting in the Christmas Tree stand. Where is the stand...did we get a new stand last year...where should I cut it....oh no I cut off the best part of the bottom.

Step 3: Taking it in the house. Would someone please hold the door open? Is the plastic garbage sack down on the carpet?

Step 4: Putting the lights on.....leave Cindy alone to do this....she LOVES to put the lights on (NOT!!!)

Step 5: Hanging the ornaments. I actually like my ornaments - red and gold - they were new many years ago - but I still think they are new.

Step 6: Strategically placing the imitation red and gold berries on the branches that are missing or seem a little bare.

Step 5: Finally weaving the red berry garland...bought new this year because I thought the previous garland was loosing too many berries. News flash, the new berry garland is just like the old.

Step 6: Cindy falling off the ladder.....grasping the red berry garland, trying not to pull the tree over...falling in slow motion and Parker looking up from his Itouch not knowing what to do!!!!!

Step 7: Parker standing over Cindy with his concerned 15 year old face "Are you all right?"

Step 8: Cindy carefully getting up....I SWORE AT THE STUPID "blankity-blank" TREE. I HATE this "blankity-blank" tree.... all while trying to fix the lights, the garland, the ornaments that became displaced during the fall!

At the end of the day, everything turned out okay! The tree is decorated, the house is decorated (almost), most of the boxes are put away and now we can enjoy the rest of December!!

The Coach just sat there smiling

Just got a call from Parker - they had swim practice this morning.

Practice today was swimming 7000 yards - 4 miles.

Parker said the coach just sat there and smiled at them!

Happy Thanksgiving Brother Huber

I was at Dad's last night when a knock came at the door. It was a cute little cub scout and his dad with a Thanksgiving card and package. The card was signed by the cub scouts and their leaders. The package included:

1 can tuna
1 can chicken
1 Cup of Noodles
1 individual serving size of Trix
1 small can of V-8 juice
4 dinner rolls (in a small package)
A paper plate
Wrapped in Christmas Cellophane with a nice ribbon

Dad asked if Trix was any good - thought he might try it for breakfast today.
Parker wondered what you did with canned chicken - Dad said nothing!

It's the thought that counts!!!!!

His Birthday came and went!

Parker turned 15 on October 23rd....what a quick 15 years it has been! We spent his birthday in Southern California --- it was awesome!

He is growing into a fine young man. He is tall, handsome, smart and fun to be around. He trys to act cool outside of the family....but is really quite a goofball!

He is kind of a busy kid! He loves being a class officer at HJH. He just had his first swim meet at the high school level and is off to St. George this weekend with the team. He loves to play tennis and fastpitch softball. He loves to watch football and basketball. He plays the saxophone in the Jazz Band and Concert Band. He is a counselor in his teachers quorum.

He is kind and caring. His little cousins love him! He is a blessing in our lives!

Happy Birthday to Parker!!!!!

Beach Trip Beginnings

Right now we are sitting in a two bedroom, two bathroom suite, a kitchen with granite counter tops, a washer and dryer, three flat screen tv's, etc. etc. etc. ---- oh and an ocean view.

Judy keeps thinking that someone is going to ask us to leave...that we aren't supposed to be here.

Meranda, Willie and Parker have played basketball, teather ball (Napoleon Dynamite style), ping pong, tennis and swiming/hot tubbing!

Judy and Cindy are doing as little as possible and were wrapped up in our football game day blankets watching them swim and play tennis!

We are laughing and having a great time.....stories yet to tell (better if in person)...
Stopping at what we thought was an Arctic Circle in South Jordan on our way out of town
Driving like crazy people - making it to Vegas at 1:30 a.m.
Getting lost on a toll road in California
Discovering that they actually do catch fish off the Huntington Beach Pier (a shark)
Being greeted at Crystal Cove State Park by an evil state park worker
Eating at Cocoa's tonight - having to wait for Parker's Cobb Salad and Willie's garlic bread (that apparently was frozen) - we think Cocoa was there - some woman in an animal print top.......

Anyway - we are here - tomorrow we are hitting beaches galore and if you can believe it - we ARE NOT standing in line at an amusement park!!!!!!

More to come.......
.

Congrats to Preston, Meranda and Katie

After months of dedicated training, the Marathon was finally here! Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate much. They endured, rain, hail, thunder and lighting. By the end of the race, their shoes and clothes were completely soaked! But they finished!

It was crazy that we left WVC at 7:45 a.m. stopped at McDonalds and were on the freeway by 8 --they had already been running for an hour. We headed to Nibley, Utah - Mile 17. It was raining hard! There were so many runners it was insane. We got there in time to see our runners - first Meranda and then Preston and Katie.

Then back in the car to Providence - Mile 21. They were still going strong.

Mile 23 - still plugging along - just like the Ever Ready Bunny....

Next stop the finish line. Each runner was announced as they crossed the finish line (electronic chips in their "bibs"). First Meranda at 4 hours 50 minutes and then Preston and Katie and 4 hours 58 minutes. We are so proud of them! They are awesome.

Meranda said "shoot me". Preston said "What was I thinking" and Katie said "Never again!"
What a great day and a great accomplishment for each of them!!!!!

(p.s. - yes my camera sucks.....I think I need a new one)

Yesterday

Was my Mom's birthday - she would have been 81 years old.

She was a wonderful mother.

She was an incredible grandmother.

She was a good wife.

She was a faithful church member.

She was eager to serve others.

She was charitable to everyone.

She was proud, but not prideful.

What a great leagacy she left!

She was afraid of "not being here". She may not be here physically but she is always here in spirit.

Somedays I feel her presence so strongly that I know she must be very close. The veil is thin and Mom is right there on the other side - happy, busy and standing up straight and tall!

Confidence

Preston has always been a pretty confident person.....

When he was little, he went to bed with his cowboy boots on....
He will play sports with anyone......
He went to school dressed up as Napoleon Dynamite his sophomore year.....
He permed his hair more than once....
He went to girls choice dances with whoever would ask him.....

So last Friday, I watched as he performed his coaching duties with the high school football team....

There is my 23 year old son discussing calls with the officials while the head coach is out on the field with the players.....

I said to Annie "I can't believe my son is so confident no matter what he is doing or where he is!"

Annie said "Cindy, he's always been like that!"

I am a proud Momma!!!!

I'm Either Old, Distracted or Both

Having a bit of a problem with keeping track of my plastic....credit and debit cards.

Used one of my cards at Wingers Friday night. Discovered it was gone Saturday. Called them - they had it....went and picked it up.

Used another of my cards on Labor Day at Olive Garden. Went to use it today...couldn't find it.....called them and they DID NOT have it.

I continued looking everything I could think of, and still couldn't find it. So I called my banker to report a lost card. They asked if there was any way that I thought I might find it. If so, they would just put a hold on the account and not cancel the card. I said no so go ahead and cancel it.

Hung up the phone. Called my hubby to tell him. Checked one last place while on the phone. FOUND IT!!!!

Called the bank back. They had already cancelled the card. Will get new ones in the mail "soon". ARGH!!!!!!!

Birds of Prey Continued

The bird encounters of a strange kind continue for the Wood Family.

Saturday night Preston and Katie were leaving the house. They walked out the front door and down the stairs. I noticed something on the back of Katies head.

She brushed out it and away flew a bird Yes it had landed right on her head. I think it came out of the wreath on my front porch. Preston said it must of thought Katie's head was another nest.

I watched with horror as the poor little bird flew off. Katie screamed! Preston tried to be the consoling husband.

Oh my goodness, what's next???????

Junior High - ALMOST DONE!!!!!

Parker started his last year at Hunter Jr. High. I've told him if he can survive junior high, he can survive anything! He should have a great year! Parker does really well in all of his classes until he gets bored! Hopefully he can hang in there and get the grades that he is capable of!

That being said, as we were going through his class disclosures last night, we made a list of the "supplies" that are required for each of his classes. The push to buy school supplies before schools starts does not apply to junior high. You think you can guess what they need, but each teacher has specific things they require for the class. I guess it's necessary for the "mandatory supply list". By the time you get to high school, the teachers figure if you don't know to bring paper/pencil/pen that's your problem!

As I read and signed the disclosures, the most interesting thing was from Concert Band. The class rules included the statement "No Disruptive Hair"! What does that mean?

Good luck Parker!

It's like peeling a Banana!

I have been working at my current employer for 9 years. When I started, some of the accounting functions were being handled by the office manager "because they always had been". I haven't pushed too hard to take them over - didn't want to rock the boat.

The office manager has been with the firm for 45+ years and has been hinting at retirement for the last couple of years. Well, she has finally decided that September 15th is the day and she is having a "hard" time dealing with it for a couple of reasons. She has told me that PYG has been her life. She has given it 110%. She has forgone vacations, time with her family, etc. to work! She has had some regrets, but for the most part, I think it's obvious she has really enjoyed working here! We will miss her but I've told her she has EARNED retirement! No one works for ever!

So as we are delegating her duties - I likened it to peeling a banana - taking away her job functions one peel at a time!

Lessons to be learned......
No one works for ever
Use your vacation days - they are given to you for a reason
Everyone can be replaced
Loyalty is admirable - but not required
Keep your life in balance - keep regrets to a minimum

My favorite saying is one me and Evan remind ourselves of.....
"No one dies wishing they had spent more time at work!"

Yes I read the Obituaries

I look every day - see if I know anyone - recognize any names.

When they list their survivors the children's names are listed usually with the spouse.

Today I saw one that read Susan (Brad); Allen (Tina); Brent (available)......

Interesting way to advertise!

Friends

I'm not a big friends person. I consider my best friends to be family - Evan, my children, my sisters, my Mom.

But, I do still associate with a group of great women I became friends with while working at Coopers & Lybrand MANY years ago. Long ago in the "80's" women were not a common component in the "professional" workforce - specifically public accounting. We were what I would consider trail blazers at the firm. There were four of us that kind of carved the path for the women coming behind us. Some stayed with the firm long enough to get their experience needed to be a licensed CPA (that was me) - others stayed a bit longer. One of us made it to Manager (one step below Partner). I was the first to have a baby while working there - which didn't work out that great and Cheri hired me at American Investment Bank 6 months after having Preston.

We have been through alot in those 25 years! Cheri was the only one married at the beginning (she got married at 20) - I was next (at age 29) - then Barbara (age 29) then Kristi (age 27). We are all still married to the same men - we were all married in the temple. Cheri lost Roy 6 1/2 years ago - and has just started "dating" again.

We have been getting together off and on for the last 25 years (outside of work) - and started including our families about 15-16 years ago. We rotate homes, bring our kids and husbands, and reaquaint.

Last year was my turn to host, but with Preston's wedding I begged off - we didn't get together - kind of counted Preston's wedding. That didn't let me off the hook and last night the party was at my house.

Me, Cheri and Kristi are still working as accountants. Barbara retired from accounting - but has been driving an ice cream truck this summer to help out a friend (she is probably a little over qualified - I don't think the job required a Master's degree).

It's been a great ride watching our lives change and our families grow. We have 14 children (10 girls and 4 boys) ranging in ages 10-23. Our daughers have become beautiful young women. Our sons have served (will serve) missions and all are worthy priesthood holders. Some are athletic, some are dramatic, some are quiet, some aren't. They are all goal oriented - just like their Mom's! Our husbands are successful and supportive.

We live in Riverton, Bountiful, Cottonwood Heights and West Valley. I always get a little "tense" when it's at my house. But I survived - the food was great - the weather was great - the company was great. It was a great evening!

Discouraged

I'm not usually one to get down on life, but I'm a bit discouraged.

I went to the Retina Specialist on Monday. The large tear is healing nicely, the small tear not so much and more bleeding and another tear.

No laser this time - just "freezing" shots to the new tear, which included two shots into my eye to to numb it, not fun!

On top of that I've had a tooth ache for the last week! Going to see Dr. Russell (Michael) Boulton on Thursday.

Sigh............

Still No Dead Horses

On our way to Monticello, we took a detour to Dead Horse Point. It was a little further than I remember, but well worth the drive.

There were people there speaking French - I wish I could have talked to them. Parker couldn't believe that people would come all the way from France to Moab, Utah on vacation.









I don't do well with heights and my heart was pounding. Parker on the other hand was laughing at me.








The last time we were in Moab was in 2002 during the winter Olympics. Parker was just a little 5 year old and had no fear - bending over the rock wall looking for the dead horses.

Fast forward to 2011 - Parker is now a tall 14 year old - still bending over the wall. Notice the addition of new rock. Apparently in 2002, a legislator decided the wall needed to be higher. Was that because of Parker? I wonder.

Fastpitch!

This summer Parker has been playing fastpitch softball every Tuesday night this summer with a Men's team at the Cottonwood Complex - and when I say men - I mean guy's in their 30's.
Parker has spent alot of his life at the ball field. Watching his brother play baseball and his sister play softball from the time he was born. He also played baseball for four years - and made the all star team one summer.




He loves to pitch! He is constantly throwing a ball! He is always looking for someone to catch for him. Last winter he started taking lessons from a "pro". Pete Meredith is from New Zealand and played on the USA national softball team. He is trying to get boys and young men interested in the sport and he invited Parker to play with his team this summer. The team is pretty bad - but Parker loves being there!

A couple of weeks ago he played in a tournament and a coach from a team out of Blanding saw him pitch and asked if would like to come and pitch for his team at a tournament in Monticello July 22-23. Parker was excited but kind of got cold feet. Well we did go and we are so glad we did!

What a great trip and well worth it. He played for Wildcat Energy Services and he got his first WIN! In fact he got two wins! He looked like a pro! He was the talk of the town! People came to see the 14 year old kid from Salt Lake pitch! They were amazed!

We are so glad we went. I am so proud of Parker!

In the Minority

Percentages are used all the time to describe so many things - particlarly in the medical field.

It starts with newborn babies - they are ranked in percentiles. Well - it doesn't stop there.

When dentists started using "gas" to give you during procedures - I always declined - until one of my sisters told me how awesome it was. So the next time I went, my dentist asked if I wanted gas - I asked what the side effects were. He said will 99% of the people that use it have no problem - but sometimes it can affect the other 1%. Well I was part of the 1%! When I finally decided to use it, I actually threw up int he dentist chair!

So last weekend I had some strange things happening in my right eye - floaters - bright flashes - blurred vision. I got into my opthomologist today - he said floaters are part of the aging process and will never go away - your brain just adjusts and gets used to them - and that's it for about 95% of the people. However, about 5% of the populations "floaters" might be caused by retinal tears (not the watery kind - but the pull apart kind) - well - I'm part of the 5%.

Two tears in my retina - one large one small. Something that needs to be treated immediately so that the retina doesn't become detached and require surgery. So I immediately went to a retina specialist and underwent INTENSE lazer applications and freezing by nitrogen. Four hours later I was through with a very sore eye! I don't know how many drops I had - anestetic - numbing drops - dialations - but enough that I couldn't even open my eye. Gel put on a thing that helped keep my eye open and two injections to help numb the eye for the freezing process! Everyone in the room wore special goggles during the lazer process - except for me - kind of scary!

Tonight I'm finally able to open my eye without too much pain! I guess it's good they were treated before I needed surgery.

I can't wait to see what's my next minority percentage experience!!!!

Once Again....

The family resemblence must be pretty strong.....

Asked at Shavy Jones on Saturday "Are you Annie Howden's Mom?"

"No. I'm her Aunt" as I met Annie's new neighbor Andrea.....

Shows how tired I was

Shopping for fudge in the candy shop at Disneyland. I turned to Parker and Meranda and asked...

"Do you want your nuts with fudge or without?"

They didn't answer.

Disneyland 2011

Another Disneyland Vacation is in the books! A three day park hopper pass is plenty to take in everything and the crowds weren't that bad for being the 4th of July weekend.

Some things we will remember:

New Star Tours ride is a bit overrated

Soarin Over California is still awesome

Tower of Terror could/should be renamed Tower of H E double toothpicks

Water rides should be done last thing of the day (and if there if you ride anything with water with Parker - you WILL GET WET (even on Pirates)

The last ART (Anaheim Rapid Transit) shuttle bus leaves the park at 12:30 a.m. on the dot

The Carnation Cafe is one of the best places to eat - especially the banana splits

Churros definitely taste better in Disneyland

The new water show "The World of Color" in California Adventure is great

Only nerds drive the Jungle Cruise ride

The train is relaxing

They need to make a special lane for the Jazzie drivers

Early morning entry is still the best

You can now take food into the park

You can spot a Utahn (or fellow Mormon) in the crowd

Short shorts, plunging necklines and tatoos were in abundance

The Monorail is in full working condition

Don't try to figure out the logic they use to determine how to control the crowds

You need a vacation after your vacation to recuperate

(Pictures will be coming....)

Birds of Prey

Saturday was a trip to remember. Not only was it a long drive to Montpelier, ID, but it was intense!

It started just past Mantua, when Meranda and I spotted two weird birds walking along side the road. They looked like they were out for a stroll. It made us laugh and we didn't think anything about it.

Then we started seeing birds with weird yellow and red heds darting across the road in front of us.

As we wound our way up Logan Canyon we were entertained watching the water in the Logan River. Very high, very fast and lot of white water. We even saw a kyacker running the rapids - major idiot.

Just as we were getting to the top of the canyon before dropping down into the Bear Lake Valley, we spotted a very large bird flying in the sky, coming right towards Wilbur (aka the Calibur). Meranda exclaimed "What is that?!?!?" I looked out the windshield and was freaked out. It was a huge Golden Eagle and it was headed straight for us. Meranda slowed down, I ducked and it probably came within a foot of the car! Our hearts were pounding! Meranda said she envisioned it coming through the windshield and piercing her heart with its beak. My heart pounded for what seemed like hours! Parker was in the back seat and was oblivious to the entire event and said "What?"

We made it to Montpelier and flinched (at least I did) at every bird we saw. I drove down the canyon back to Logan. We were haunted by birds the entire ride - including one huge blackbird that came within inches of the windshield - or so it seemed.

A side note to the story, is that our yard is being overtaken by birds. I bought a Hawk for the deck to keep the birds away. I bought shiny bird's eyes to hang in trees to keep them away (even hung some in Dad's yard). Friday morning, the stupid Magpie birds were in my garden pecking at my plants - I yelled out the window to scare them away. Sunday morning, I woke up to the lovely sound of magpies in my back yard - they were in my trees - basically yelling at each other. I opened the door and yelled at them.

What the "H" is going on?????? Why am I being tormented by these feather creatures? Next up is buying an owl and moving the Hawk - I guess they have figured out he hasn't moved for a few weeks.....

She's Engaged!

Parker called this morning totally depressed.
His future wife, Maria Sharapova, is engaged - to some guy that plays for the Lakers!
I calmed him down and told him it was okay, he would find someone else.

Oh Parker - how I love him!

Kind of funny - kind of nice!

One of Meranda's good softball friends, Erika James (EJ) got married today. Her family are converts to the church and she invited us to go to the temple ceremony - I don't think any of her extended family are members. We really got to know her family as we travelled from softball game to softball game for two years. We also got to know her husband's parents - because they came to alot of the games!

It's fun to see people in different situations. I don't think I have ever seen her Dad without a ball hat and I'm sure they had never seen Evan without one.

Her Mom and sister are way casual - but both looked so nice dressed up! Her Mom is kind of wired tight - but she looked really relaxed and happy today!

There were two other softball players parents there as well as the coach - actually holding hands with her husband!

Her little brothers were outside in suits trying to be good. They don't seem like they have grown at all - wait till they see Parker - they will be totally shocked at how tall he is. They were kind of like his little brothers.

Sarah Clark, another friend was outside when we left and asked "Where's Woody?"

It was so nice to be in the Temple. To see how happy and excited Erika was.

That's what it is all about! Tomorrow we are off to the reception in Montpelier, ID! Should be an adventure

THE BIG **21**

Happy Birthday Today to MKW!

Twenty-One years ago at 13:56 p.m. she was born at Holy Cross Hospital - 10 days late and I was so happy when she finally decided to enter the world. Less than 24 hours later, we left the hospital and took her home.

She was the cutest little baby - and was independent from the start! I made her wear bows in her hair - which she usually ate! I dressed her in pink and purple a lot - sorry Meranda!

As she grew up, she followed her big brother everywhere! She was quiet but thoughtful! She had great meltdowns! She screamed at her first swimming lesson! She was late to a softball game when she was 5 and refused to get out of the car! She would take her tennis ball to elementary school and throw it against the school at recess! She loved to dress up in crazy outfits! She didn't particularly like Junior High! She liked to freak people out with her fake teeth! She was a great student - and still is!

She has been known as Meranda Panda Bear with the Red Hair - MKW - Woody - Mermaid - Mernda!

She has grown into a beautiful young woman**Very goal oriented**Very focused**Very driven**She loves life**She has great plans for the future**She is a good example to her family and her friends**She has a strong testimony and knows who she is**

She is the best daughter anyone could ask for!

Memorial Day

This weekend is Memorial Day.

It will be the first Memorial Day in my life that my Mom won't be here (physically).

It is a family tradition to visit the graves of family members - some close - others just because Mom thought they should be remembered.

Last year she was wheeled in her wheel chair to some of the graves.

She sat in the truck at others.

It was a tradition.

It still is a tradition.

Dad has bought the Mums.

He has ordered the sprays.

The tradition continues!

Off they go......

Preston and Katie left for Argentina today. Their plane left at 9:40 a.m. from SLC and they will arrive in Argentina Saturday, May 21st around 9:00 a.m.

There were a few tense moments - plane delays because of storms in Dallas, Tx - but they made all the connections and boarded the final flight safe and sound.

I hope they have a great time.

I hope they are safe.

I hope they return home and appreciate the good old USA!!!!!

Snacks

Parker is famous for some of his late night snack requests.

Sunday was one of the best yet - "Tuna Helper" - yes that's right - I was fixing it at 8:00 p.m.

Can anything top that?

It's Preston's Birthday

23 years ago on beautiful spring day, Preston came into the world. He came out sucking his thumb with a "top knot" of red hair on his head.

The sun was out and it was about 60 degrees. I had worked the day before and was in the managing partners office at Coopers & Lybrand and he asked what I was doing still working. Well, I got up the next morning and started to get ready for work but went back to bed - not feeling that great. By 1:00 p.m. we were at LDS Hospital and things had started to heat up. After being in labor for most of the day, Preston was born at about 7:00 p.m.

Two days later, we brought him home -in a blizzard!!!!! So when we think that the weather is more crazy this year, it really isn't......it's actually normal.

Preston is a great son. He has always been very intense and competitive. He has always been quite mature for his age. He has always had a lot of friends. When he sets his mind to do something, he usually succeeds. He is easy to talk to about anything. He wants to be a teacher and make a difference in someone's life. I think that is quite admirable!


He has a great future ahead of him. He has chosen a good wife. When he got engaged, his Grandpa Huber told them to remember how much in love they were at that moment and remember to always love each other!


I LOVE YOU PRESTON - YOU'RE THE BEST!

Spring Break....whatever!

Parker went back to school today from spring break and lasted until about noon. His ear had been hurting since Friday - but didn't seem like anything too serious. A visit to "Not so Instacare" determined he has an ear infection and a sore on his tonsil....antibiotics to the rescue...and no swim for ten days!

I tried to help him have a fun spring break fun - taking off a couple of days- but the weather wasn't very cooperative. Even with that I think it turned out somewhat okay - even if Parker doesn't think so.

Monday - went to see Soul Surfer, bought him some new shoes and an early easter present - a new WII game.

Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday - hung out with Aunt Judy, et al (while Mom was at work)

Thursday p.m. - traveled to lovely Utah County to watch the BYU softball game. Parker was totally freaking out because it took so long to get there. We saw over half the game - which was okay with me - it was COLD!!!!! Made the usual stop at the Brick Oven for dinner.

Friday - drove to Logan to see Meranda work - and watched a couple of softball games. It's too bad that the best player (in my opinion) affiliated with the USU team doesn't have a uniform - but works her "tail off" taking care of the coaches requests! Also ate at a mexican restaurant - Cafe Saboro - pretty decent for Logan

Saturday - had a yard sale - took Preston out for his birthday dinner to Tocanos........quite the feeding frenzy! He even stood up on the chair and shook a tamberine as they sang Happy Birthday to him.

The bummer for Parker was - very little pitching and tennis because of the bad weather....and now an ear infection!!!!!!

He Won!

Congratulations to Parker!

9th grade class officer for 2011-2012

at Hunter Jr. High.

The election process was:

Get parent approval

Write an essay

Get Teacher Recommendation forms completed

Make and display two posters

Record a speech

Prepare and record a skit

The process "weeded" out potential candidates

Grades and teacher recommendations eliminated most of them

and there ended up being only 3 people running for the 4 offices

No speech

No skit (even though we made some awesome t-shirts for the skit)

No votes will be cast

***HE'S A WINNER***

The Travels of Meranda

**Disclaimer** This is the only "beach" picture I have!

Just talked to Meranda, she was walking on Waikiki Beach in Hawaii.....yes that's right! When she was hired to be the manager, they said she would probably travel with the team. Well, with budget cuts, they weren't sure which trips she would go on, if any.

She has done such a good job--and they basically love her--so the only trip she hasn't been on was the first one to UCLA. She has been to Las Vegas, Tuscon, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Corvallis, Eugene, Portland and now Hawaii. The remaining trips are to San Jose, Reno and Provo!

I have a copy of their Hawaii Itninerary - sounds like they will have some free time and some team activities. But as far as she is concerned, Breakfast on the Beach is awesome and she is sure she will want to go back some day!

I'm happy for her. She sent a picture from her Hotel room - nothing but ocean - "Holy Moly" she said...I'm happy for her!

Okay - this is funny

Our next door neighbors have a daughter that is a couple of years younger than Parker. Well, I guess she likes him and it drives him crazy.

It seems like she is always looking out the front window when we come and go gazing in Parker's direction. He said that he has seen her blow kisses to him. I have been a bit skeptical. But he insists and even "pinky swears" that she does it.

So I was on the phone with him this afternoon and the doorbell rings and it's her at the door. Her mother is my visiting teacher and she is delivering a sack of candy from her Mom to me. Parker is on the phone and says to me "It's Heather Cameron". To which she says "You mean Heather Wood".

Ok Parker, I believe you!

Dad

Since Mom passed away, we have been focused on her passing and what she meant to all of us. But, as I think about Mom, I can't forget Dad. I never really understood the love that Dad had for Mom until she was gone.

My Dad was always so big and strong to me. He worked hard and supported our family financially. He has served in the church my entire life. Yesterday, he came to dinner and told us that he had the same calling now as when he first started. I said - ward clerk, young men's - neither of those "Nothing" was his response, and then he laughed. You see he has been the gospel doctrine teacher for the past 29 years. A couple of weeks ago, the bishop told him that they were going to release him. When asked how he felt about that, he said it was probably time someone else had that opportunity.

He has said some poignant things over the past weeks that have touched my heart. From "I can't believe she's gone" to "She didn't teach me to cook". He wanted a younger picture of Mom so he would remember what she looked like when he meets her in heaven. He has a strong testimony of where she is and what she is doing right now! He gets tears in his eyes as he talks about her. He pays the bills, does the laundry (still three times a week), sends birthday cards...all in an effort to keep doing what she would have been doing.

He isn't afraid to accept help from his family, but still wants to remain somewhat independent. He wants to know exactly how much money he has in the checking account. He is more than willing to have someone else go to the grocery store for him, and he has ventured out a little more each week.

He is a great man, who got there with the help of his great wife! This week will be a tough one for him - 60 year anniversary on March 19th - but he won't be alone. We will be remembering and celebrating their life together!

Spring Break for MK

Meranda has been traveling with the USU softball team over the past week. They left on Thursday, March 3rd and will get back to Utah on Sunday, March 13th.

She is seeing the difference between JC and D-1 softball.
Nice Hotels - only two to a room.
Flying most places.
Eating at some different restaurants (some the same - like Subway).
Driving her own van.

This week during our snow storm, she was in California wearing shorts and a tee shirt.
Today they have a day off and are going to the Beach - tomorrow to Downtown Disney.
**UPDATE** NO BEACH...NO DOWNTOWN DISNEY.....SHE'S NOT SURE WHY.

She had an all-expense paid Spring Break! What a deal.......

Another weird thing....

While I'm at it - another weird thing.

When we were in Las Vegas a week ago, we were sitting at a softball game and I had set my purse in the empty seat in front of me.

Moments later, I saw a "younger" person holding what I thought was my purse....guess again....it was her's but was exactly like mine.

Later on, another person walked by, you guessed it, with a purse exactly like mine.......

Weird........

***Weird Dream***

I don't really dream very much - but Monday night I had a doozie!

I needed to get up on Tuesday at 5:00 a.m. to take Parker and a friend to Water Polo Practice (he thought he might give it a try). Well Parker couldn't go to sleep Monday night --- which meant I didn't go to sleep and neither of us slept very well.

I don't know about you, but when I need to get up at a different time, I find myself waking up off and on during the night checking the time. That was no different Monday night, other than when Parker came in at 5:01 a.m. with a "deer in the headlights" look, I had just had the most bizarre dream.

I was leaving the house to pick them up from practice and was greeted by a cat that jumped up on me and sunk its claws into my sweat pants. I tried to shake it loose, but ended up needing a baseball bat to help. On my way to the school to pick them up, I couldn't get out of the neighborhood because there was some police activity blocking the road out. Somehow I made it to the school and they loaded in the car, but then I had to stop and get them something to eat and was trying to put some kind of gooey stuff in a paper cup. It kept overflowing and making a mess. On the way to take them to HJH, somehow we ended up in Magna.

Then I woke up to Parker's nudging "Mom it's 5!"

Wow - that was weird!

Softball Fix

This past weekend we went on a getaway to Las Vegas. You see we are in a bit of softball withdrawal. This is the first year in a long time that Meranda has not been playing softball. So when we saw a huge tournament being played with some of the top teams in the nation, we thought - why not go!?!?!?!?

It was exciting to see UCLA, Tennessee, Hawaii, Stanford, Oregon, etc.
Parker saw Ivy Renfroe (the ace pitcher for Tennessee) warm up right in front of us.
The Hawaii pitcher sat in front of us on the grass.
We saw the "Icons" from UCLA.

Of course, Meranda was there, with Utah State. She didn't know we were coming. We talked to her off and on driving down the road. When we did get where they were playing, we just watched the game that was being played and Meranda as she helped the USU team warm up. At some point in time, Parker texted her "You sure look nice in your warmups". No response. Finally she caught sight of us in the stands!

Yes we are crazy and it was so good to see her with a softball team - even if she wasn't playing!

Making Memories is Hard work - and sometimes crazy

Saturday, Meranda invited Parker and Willie to come up to a USU Basketball game. So - we headed to Brigham City Saturday afternoon at 2:30 - met Meranda at Maddox - ate lunch/dinner - sent the three on their way up Sardine Canyon - headed back to Salt Lake - stopped at Sams and Smiths - watched the 2nd half of the USU game on TV - headed back up to Brigham City - met MK, Parker and Willie at the Flying J - and turned around and got home about 11:45.......

Why would we do this????? Because! Hopefully it's something that they won't soon forget! After all they did get to do the "I Believe" cheer, see Wild Bill dressed up as Barney and listen to the students sing "I love you, you love me", sing the Scottsman song and end the game with "Winning Team - Losing Team" and pick up a free USU backpack!

Yes "I BELIEVE THAT WE ARE CRAZY"!!!!!

Mom

Words cannot express the love and appreciation I have for my Mother. She was the best.

Her greatest possesions were her family and she loved each one of them for who they were. She loved Preston and was proud of him serving a mission. She would tease him that he wasn't so tough and that she could take him down in a minute. She couldn't believe that he would choose to be married at 8:30 in the morning, but she and Dad were the first ones to the temple.

Meranda was her redhead. She loved her long beautiful red hair. She loved it when she would curl it and wear it down. Meranda was a lap sitter and would always find Grandma's lap to sit on. As an adult, she would sit next to Grandma and hold her hand. She was Grandma's ball player and she loved watching Meranda play!

Parker totally cracked Grandma up! He would make her laugh and forget about how crappy she felt. She thought he was so good looking. He loved swimming in Grandma's pool and she loved yelling at him while he was swimming.

Evan felt like Mom and Dad didn't think he was good enough to marry their daughter. But they grew to love him for who he was. They saw what a good husband, father and son he was and appreciated that about him. Mom would ask him to do things and she knew he would do it in a heartbeat and that it would be done the way she wanted.

I was Mom's last daughter to get married and we spent a lot of time together as adults. When I got married, she told me she was losing her best friend. There were times when I didn't feel like I was a very good daughter. It has been difficult seeing her struggle during the last year. I had the opportunity to help them at their doctor appointments - three times during January - and sometimes it was exhausting! Friday morning I spent a couple of hours with them at the doctors office. Mom was in a bad way and Dad was very concerned. I think we both knew her time to leave us was near but we would be there for her as long as she needed us!

I was so grateful for the time we spent with them as a family on Thursday night. Meranda had driven down for my birthday and we all ended up at Mom's house with ice cream cake. She felt like total crap but she laughed and popped off. I am so thankful we were able to spend that evening with her as a family. It is something I will cherish for ever!

Mom was an amazing woman. I know she is watching over us and will be forever!

I love you Mom!

Family Matters....

I'm so thankful for my family.

Husband, children, parents, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews

They are the bright spot in my life.

I don't know what I would do without them.

Enough said!

It's my Birthday and I'll post if I want to!

Today, January 20th, is my birthday. It's a nice even number day even though it is in January. Every 4 years the President of the United States is sworn in on my Birthday. I never really liked having a birthday in January. All of the stuff in the stores is left over from Christmas, the spring merchandise is being put out, but who feels like buying that in January!?!?!?!?!

I've lived a short (or somedays) a long 54 years. I don't feel like I'm 54 whatever that is supposed to feel like.

So I've been thinking about what I have done in those 54 years. The other night Parker told me that his Keyboarding teacher was a Sterling Scholar in Business. I told him that I was and he was surprised because he didn't know that. My life B.M. (before marriage) is somewhat a mystery to my family because I don't really talk about it much. So as I have been reflecting about those "early" years I thought that there probably are some things that the readers of my blog might like to know........

I started playing the piano when I was about 5 years old. I only had about 4 weeks of formal lessons - and was self taught with the support of Mom. I played my first solo at my 2nd grade Christmas party and was accompanying the school choir in 6th grade. I was the ward organist from about the time I was 13 (and still am today).

I attended Webster Elementary for Kindergarten and 1st grade and then went to Lakeridge Elementary starting in 2nd grade when it was a brand new school. I was on the student council in 2nd grade because Mike Fraser, the President of School, picked me and I hated it! I started playing the clarinet in 3rd grade, which was early and was because I already knew how to read music. I was a 4th grader in a 4th/5th grade split class and that year I was invited to my first "boy/girl" birthday party. Mr. Bates was my 6th grade teacher - who moved to Idaho and his son served a mission with Evan - and he actually came to my wedding - small world.


Brockbank Junior High was a time I would like to forget, but luckily it was just for 7th and 8th grade. I was kind of a geek, played in the band, took all the honors classes and pretty much hung out by myself at lunch. I had 7th grade gym with all of the 8th grade cheerleaders. Showering after gym class was mandatory and probably the most degrading thing I have ever had to do. I was exposed to kids my age "smoking" when a girl in my gym class lit up outside while we were playing a softball game. We actually started wearing "dress pants" to school when I was in Junior high - it was dresses up to that time.

High School began as a Freshman at Cyprus High and I was "Judy's little sister". I tagged along to the games with her and her friends and somehow survived. But I did get involved in high school, partly because of Judy's example and decided to try to enjoy high school. I was in the Band, Pep Club, Keyettes, FBLA, National Honor Society, Copy Editor of the Yearbook, on Song & Yell Committees and the Graduation Committee Chairperson. My senior year, I won a couple of awards during Spirit Week - dressed up as a Hillbilly on "Sticker-gitter-day" (first place) and as a "Greaser" on 50's day (honorable mention). I was President of both FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and Keyettes (a service organization). I was chosen as the Business Sterling Scholar and made it on Television as one of the 12 finalists and I wore a new blue floral formal with a scarf tied around my neck. I wrote the winning "Original Song" my Senior Year for Song & Yell. I graduated 13th in my class with a 3.93 GPA and earned a scholarship to the University of Utah. Toddlers & Tiaras have nothing on me - I competed in the Miss Magna Contest with Magna Water as my sponsor.

After High School, I attended the University of Utah and was on a Business Advisory Committee my Freshman year and actually ate dinner in the home of Jon Huntsman, Sr. - he was the Dean of the School of Business and I had no idea who he was. I worked the entire time I went to the U and took mostly night classes. It took me 11 years to finally graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Accounting. I was a member of the business fraternity, Beta Alpha Psi and was Vice President my last year! I did an internship with the Big 8 accounting firm of Coopers and Lybrand and then accepted a full time position with them after graduation.

I could go on and on - but I think that's enough for now. All of the things I did "back then" helped develop who I am today. I'm thankful for the experiences - both the good ones and the bad. I don't think I will be around after another 54 years - but you never know!

1-11-11

What's going on today - 1/11/11........

Weather - cold, cold and colder. The temp in Logan was 2 below this morning. Parker texted Meranda to let her know. She said she threw another layer on.

Gas prices - not too bad today - with my 10 cent discount at Smiths - I paid $2.53 a gallon.

Sports - Hunter plays Skyline - the Utes play BYU. Hopefully one of them will come away with a win - if so - I doubt it will be the Utes.

Work - being an accountant, my work is based alot on dates - closing dates - posting dates - reporting dates - today hopefully is a closing date - but probably not.......

School - end of the semester for Parker this week) - start of a new semester for Preston, Meranda and Katie.

2011

I've reflected just a bit on 2010 and am looking ahead to 2011.....not really knowing what it will bring. Parker asked what my New Years Resolution was. I told him the same as always - lose 10 pounds. If I actually succeeded in this annual resolution, I wonder what I would weigh???

So what will 2011 bring - hopefully good things! I am looking forward to.....

Vacations - actually going to take a couple without a softball game to watch

Anniversaries - Mom and Dad's 60th! Evan and Cindy's 25th! If we are still kicking at our 60th, I would be 90 and Evan would be 87.

Financial Freedom - setting goals and accomplishing them

Home Improvement Projects - finishing the exercise room, remodeling the downstairs family room (we need a bigger room with more seating), turning Preston's bedroom into a guest room.

Yard Work - Enhancing the back yard with a fire pit conversation area, rose bushes on the south side of the house, taking out multiple trees and relandscaping a bit.

So there you go ---- I'm pretty sure the "fun" things will happen - hopefully the "work" things will happen too - because they would be fun in the long run......