Settling In

Claudia is finally in her new house! We moved her in on Memorial Day weekend and she has worked really hard to get everything unpacked in in place. There is still unpacking to do, but it is definitely a nice livable space.

This house is perfect for Claudia! It is three bedrooms (2 on the main floor and one downstairs) so she has enough space for herself and guests. It is all recently remodeled, so it is really a very nice modern/country sort of theme throughout the house.

I think that Claudia is really happy in her new space and very very happy to be out of the rental property that she was staying in. The rental had new issues every couple of weeks and a landlord that was slow to fix problems. So, it is wonderful that she is in her own space.

Improvements have already been made to the house. Claudia just purchased a nice flat screen tv for the living room that works great in the space. She also got a new furnace and air conditioner for her house so the house temperature is always exactly where it should be!

Claudia's house is close to the BYU stadium, so we are all planning a big 4th of July party at her house so that we can watch fireworks! We are all very happy that this move has finally happened. Claudia seems very happy to have this house of her own.

Claudia Has a House!

Claudia started house hunting about two weeks ago as she was very anxious to get out of the problematic rental house she is in right now. Matt and I (Becky) set her up with our friend who is a real-estate agent and she quickly found a house that she liked in Provo.

After putting an offer on that house, her offer was rejected. So, the search continued. The next house she went to look at was even better than the previous house, so she put down an offer and it was accepted!

The house is in Provo, in the neighborhood behind the MTC. It was built in 1959, but has been completely gutted and remodeled. Claudia loves this house and I love it too! All the insides are brand new and it is just the right size for her. There was an inspection yesterday and it went really well; there are no major issues with the house. So, she is scheduled to close on the house at the end of the month and will probably move some time in April.

Us children are all really excited for her! We all love the house and the location. Those of us with children really love the space in the basement for the kids to play and the big backyard. Going to Grandma's house is going to be a blast for the grandkids.

Oh, and for those of you who don't already know, Claudia is expecting two grandchildren this year! I am due next month and Kristy is due in October. She is very excited about her growing family.

January

Hi Claudia fans!

I know you are all dying to know how Claudia is doing, so here is a monthly update for you.

Claudia stays busy by spending lots of time with her kids and grandkids. We are all really glad that she is so close to us so that we can see her all the time. I think that maybe we might be smothering her a little, but she is a good sport and puts up with us.

Claudia enjoys using her Wii to watch Netflix and play games. She recently purchased a dancing game for the Wii and she and Anne seem to really enjoy dancing it out in front of the TV.

Though there have been multiple obstacles with the rental house falling to pieces, Claudia is keeping a positive attitude. We all hope that she will soon have hot water in the shower again.

I would report more, but alas that I don't get to see Claudia as much as I would like to and I am a little out of the loop.  But, she is doing well and is very taken care of.

Thanks for reading,

Becky Kimball (daughter-in-law to Claudia)

Claudia Kimball Update

Hi Claudia Kimball Fans!  This is Becky Kimball, again.  I know a lot of you love Claudia and just want to know how she is doing.  Well, I can't speak for her on that, but I can tell you what she is doing and that might give you some idea.

Claudia has been keeping busy this past week.  She has been spending a lot of time with her kids, grandkids, her dog Sheena, and her best friend, Chris (sp?) Bacon. 

On Friday, Claudia went to see David Archeleta in concert with Chris Bacon.  She said that she really enjoyed hearing him sing and that he was better live than he was on the American Idol show.

On Saturday, we all got together as a family to celebrate the graduation of DJ and Kristy. Both of them are done with college and are graduating though they won't actually get to walk until April.  We all went to Tuccanos (thanks Momma Kimball!) to celebrate.  Then, we went to the movie Tron.  Claudia doesn't care much for Sci Fi movies but she was glad to spend time with her kids.  Matt and I loved the movie and were happy to have a little date without the kid.

On Sunday, Claudia's good family friends, the Millets, who are visiting from Washington, came over to spend time with the family.  We all enjoyed seeing them and spending time with their family.  I think that Claudia will plan a trip out to Washington next year to see some of her friends there.

Kimball Family Update

I don't know who all reads this blog, but I (Becky Kimball) have been keeping an update on Dad (Ralph) Kimball's situation on my blog.  If you want regular updates on how he is doing, go ahead and check it out www.tallminds.blogspot.com.  I know that Momma Kimball just doesn't have the time to keep up the blog right now.  I'll try and put in some updates on how Mom (Claudia) Kimball is doing too.

The knot is tied!

It started out as a cloudy rainy day, but ended up glorious! Last Saturday, the 23rd, Omar and Kristy were married in the Salt Lake Temple. It was pouring when we got to the temple but by the time they were married the sun popped out and many beautiful weddings Pics. were taken.
Kristy arrived at the beautician's home at 6:00am(which meant I got up at 4:30 to get myself ready before the busy-ness began), and she had her hair and makeup done. She looked fabulous. An elegant comb was placed in her "do" to make it look regal. Honestly, she was beautiful.
We then ventured up to the Salt Lake Temple. Many familiar faces awaited and I helped Kristy get ready. The sealing room was full of family, Friends , and loved ones from all over. Ralph and I felt in awe and there was such a sweet atmosphere of peace and love. Heaven.
The sealer who married them stated, among other things, that Love is a "choice". He said that the emotions felt today for each other are so strong and powerful. They think that each other is "perfect" and could never do anything wrong or irritate in any way. However...down the road they will find that the passion felt today will yield to an even more lasting, and powerful kind of love created by years of patience, forgiveness, and good choices. One of which, will be to choose to always love their spouse. Look for the good and remember why you married each other. Serving each other will create a powerful bond that will last.
He then married them for time and all eternity. This is my favorite part, of course. I am so grateful for the covenants Ralph and I made over 33 years ago in the Los Angelos Temple. It has brought such strength and peace to us these past challenging years.
After the ceremony pictures were taken. Ralph and I even got a couple of us. Yeah!
Like I mentioned, the sun was out and Omar and Kristy were beaming. Honestly, Kristy looked radiant! She is so happy. xo
Then we drove back to provo and had a luncheon at "La Carreta" peruvian restaurant. Omar and his darling parents provided a delicious lunch for all. Peruvian food has fast become one of my favorites. It was just yummy. We also provided a birthday cake for Ralph's mom who on that same day turned 80 years old! We all sang "happy birthday." She looks fabulous for 80! Love her. xo
After this scrumptuous luncheon we went on to the reception center, "La Chateau'. It was beautiful and welcoming. The refreshments were awesome. Cinnimon rolls, brownies, cookies and a variety of hot chocolate was offered for all. Yum! There was a large dancing hall which was a big success. Matt had prepared a slide show of Kristy and Omar and D.J. was the "DJ" and played excellent music all evening long. The place was crowded with friends and family and it was just fun.
One of the most amazing things of all was that Ralph made it through the whole day without major pain and didn't even take a nap! Another miracle to be sure. Our Heavenly Father is so merciful and aware. We both feel so grateful that Ralph could see his baby girl married.
His goodness and mercy is just never ending.
We are settling in now. Kristy and Omar are now living downstairs. They have a little kitchen and living room and bedroom and laundry room. It is so cozy and cute down there. They seem very happy to finally be together.
Ralph started radiation on this monday and will continue for two more weeks. He is very tired, but hanging in so far. As hard as it is to see him wear down like this, I am ever grateful for the blessing of having him around for so long. The surgery he had last month has aliviated most of the unbearable pain, and for that we are forever grateful.
I am now taking Sheena Marie for a walk at the georgeous park near us. She loves those ducks. Hopefully I will not fall in as it is pretty cold already. LOL It snowed this past Tuesday. Winter is coming. I have decided I need a new body. This one is getting worn out.
If only it was that simple, eh? Loves to all...xoxoxox

Life is Life!

Wow! Since my last post life has been so crazy! Two weeks ago yesterday, Ralph began having agonizing pain in his legs. Nothing relieved it. We finally called 911 as he couldn't walk. We found out after an MRI that his cancer has spread to his spine causing 5 vertibrae to collaspe. We have been so blessed to know the best spine surgeon here in the valley and he offered to put together a team and operate on Ralph to take the pain away. So a week and half ago they operated on him to remove the biggest tumor causing the crushing of the vertibrae and also fusing the vertibrae and securing them. It was extremely risky. Ralph was already weak and not breathing well and was also a high risk for blood clots etc...etc...etc...Dr. Bacon( the spine doc. that is our good friend), was very honest with us and said there were alot of factors that made the surgery dangerous for him, but if he didn't have the surgery he would live the rest of his life in the hospital under large doses of medication. We all agreed that was not a way to live.

Miraculously...he made it through and is now home. He stayed in ICU for 3 days and then another 4 days in a regular room and was doing so well he was booted out. Of course he has a nurse come 2-3 times a week now and a physical therapist as well, but he is walking and breathing on his own as well.

This week he is preparing for radiation for the next month and then a series of new chemo. It is a hard road and even though he feels so grateful for not having the horrific pain, he is tired and wondering if he can do it.

Dr. Bacon said he had the distinct impression while operating on Ralph that it was not his time to go yet. I am sure that Our Father in Heaven is giving him the opportunity to see his baby girl, Kristy, married in two weeks at least. Such a blessing. In fact...there have been so many miraculous blessings during this past month we have been here.

Being able to be here at this perfect time when Dr. Bacon was here to help is incredible. If we had been in Washington that opportunity would not have been available.

Being here with our children to help and support us. Miraculous!

Being able to actually move here and get settled abit before all of this happened. Miraculous!

The day of Ralph's surgery our fourth grand baby was born. I was there to see it. Absolutely Miraculous. Ralph was able to see Olivia before he went into surgery. She is beautiful with brown eyes, brown hair and a little browner skin than the rest. So our daughter Anne and Ralph were in the same hospital at the same time so we could be a part of all of this. Miraculous!

We have felt so blessed and amazed at how involved our Heavenly Father is in the details of our lives.

We have felt the prayers of so many and have been given peace beyond our understanding. No matter what comes along we know that our Savior is with us and will guide us through.

I know that Ralph and I will be together forever in the eternities and how grateful we are to our Savior for providing the way. My cup runneth over......



So now onward and upward to get ready for a wedding on the 23rd. Life certainly is Life!

Slow but sure...

Today I complete arranging the final room here. It will be my craft room. It will be fun to do. I have really missed the past seven months, not making cards and scrapbooking etc...! I didn't realize how therapeutic that all is for me until it was gone. I am looking forward to continuing on with some projects put on hold.
I finally transferred my membership to a curves here. I worked out for the first time in a month and a half. I have been doing nothing but moving, unpacking and walking Sheena. It felt great to get back into it again. This old lady body needs some extra activity believe me!
It is a a newer curves. It has only been open for 4 years. It is near the south town mall in Provo, and pretty close to where we are located, so it works for me. Everyone was very friendly and I enjoyed it. I kept thinking about my manager, Cindy, though. The day manager there was wearing flip flops. I smiled inside thinking about Cindy allowing that one. How do you work out in flip flops? If she were to train me in them, that would be fun. Of course in Hawaii, at their curves anything goes! LOL It is all good, and I am thankful to have a work out to look forward to.
Today we go and payoff Kristy's wedding gown. Whew! she is getting very excited. The wedding is just in 5 weeks. I have been addressing announcements the past few days. The post office had the cutest "wedding ring" stamp. I love things like that! It will all be over soon.
This Saturday Ralph goes in for his CT scan at Hungsman and then we will finally get to meet Omar's parents. We will go to lunch at the Peruvian restaurant that the wedding luncheon will be at. Looking forward to that. Kristy has grown to love them.
Ralph will then, if the scans show he is able, begin his new chemo next Thursday. I organized all of his hats for him in the closet as he will lose his hair this time. He will be right in style, that is all I can say. Love that guy!
So Life in Utah is great. It will be in the high 90s today. A little Indian Summer going on. It is beautiful and we have a great view of the gorgeous mountains. Ralph and I met here. It only seems right that we end up here. Lots of sweet memories reside here and it dosen't seem possible that some 35 years have passed by and now our children are experiencing the beginning of their lives after graduating from college and some marrying and having babies etc...I love "circle of life" as designed by our Father in Heaven. It is eternal and sweet.
Time to get busy.....

WE MADE IT!

We began our Journey to Utah after recieving countless hours of help from dear friends and ward members with cleaning etc...etc...etc....! How can we possibly ever begin to thank everyone enough? Leaving was hard. Our hearts have been so touched by people that are nothing less than angels to us.
After our goodbyes we stayed the night in Auburn and took off early in the morning for Boise Idaho. Sheena rode in the back seat inside of her little bed. She really was very good the first half of the day, but towards the end insisted on staying on my lap. That got old, let me tell you. Those tiny little paws HURT when they are sitting on your leg. OUCH! But...we fianlly arrived in Boise Idaho in the later afternoon. We slept well, and then on Friday took off thinking that we only had about 6 hours to go before being reunited with our kids and grandkids. xo
We got 3 miles outside of the Utah border, in the middle of NO WHERE, and our car died on us. We called AAA and they informed us they would be there in about 30 mintes but that they only covered a total of seven miles. The nearest city that had AAA services was Brigham City and it was 60 miles away! YIKES! The double YIKES came when she explained that the tower could charge us anywhere from $5.00 to $15.00 a mile after the seven miles. We waited around an hour and 20min. and finally help came. Fortunately he only charged us $4.00 a mile so it was around $198.00 to be towed. Better than the alternative, I say!
The most traumatic thing about the towing episode was that poor Sheena had to be left in the car being towed. No animals allowed in the truck! So we rolled the windows down abit and left her there as they lifted the car onto the trailer. Poor thing! She was looking at us like she was saying: "Why?" "Why?" She ended up surviing the ordeal and our D.J. came and rescued us in Brigham City to take us back to Provo. We left it at a GMC dealer ship and they could not look at it until Monday sometime. D.J. was our hero.
Of course, because Sheena had been so traumatized, she insisted on riding on my lap again.
We finally arrived at La Quinta in Orem at around 7:30pm. Of course we then decided to meet anyone who could at In n Out! That was a little bit of HEAVEN. It is after all the "only true hamburger." LOL
Monday our STUFF was delivered at our rental, which is very cute by the way, and we have spent the remainder of the week unpacking, and picking up our car in Brigham City and then organizing and unpacking some more. The car ended up having the catalytic converter replaced which was much better than what we thought was wrong...the transmission. A much more expensive deal. We felt blessed.
Yesterday...Thursday... Ralph and I went to the Huntsman cancer clinic in SLC for the first visit. It is a beautiful facility and the staff is very attentive and Dr. Acrely was sensitive to the fact that we have been at Swedish in Wa. for quite some time and got close to Dr. West there and his staff so he brought in his staff and we got aquainted. Very nice. Ralph will begin some more traditional chemo in about 3 weeks from yesterday. It is called taxitere. He is getting all of his favorite hats ready as he will lose all of his hair this time. He will look right in style and is such a handsome guy anyway...big deal. He has certainly been through alot. I admire his faith and trust in the Lord in all that he goes through. I call him " steady eddie" because that is exactly how he is. We feel so blessed to be surrounded by our wonderful kids and grandkids, and now with good medical care again as well. We have always known that our Father in heaven loves us and somehow is certainly involved in every detail of our lives. We will never be able to thank him enough for everything. xo

I'm ALIVE!

Well ... the flu turned out to be a horrible kidney infection, and I finally feel like I am among the living again! I have decided NO MORE sickness this year. Enough is Enough already! LOL!
Time is marching on and we are now officially moving this coming Wednesday.
Melinda and Deanna saved the day on Tuesday and came and helped me pack up the kitchen. LIFE SAVERS! Now odds and ends are left. Matt and Dan are flying in this evening to help us with the rest of the garage and lawn and Sunday morning they will drive the honda back to Utah for us. Yipee! The kids have been amazing for us. They have painted, cleaned, and pretty much supported us in any way possible. Gotta love em all!
This last Monday evening the Milletts hosted a farewell open house for us. As if they haven't done enough! It was so enjoyable and there was a nice turn out. We have been so very blessed to know so many wonderful people.
Sheena has been in trauma mode for two weeks as we have packed and packed. Ralph is funny because at the end of each day he picks her up and says: " don't worry, Sheena girl. You are coming with us." I am certain that she understands every word. LOL
I must give her a bath today. She smells like a DOG!
I worked out for the first time since I have been sick, this morning. Old woman, Old woman where have you been? I have been sleeping and being on the mend. Old woman, Old woman what will you do now? I will try to take baby steps and work out a while. Old woman, Old woman how long will it take? "Just quit with the questions and give me a break!" I am a poet and don't know it. xoxooxoxoxo

"I want my MOMMY!"

The past few days I have had the flu. Fever of 101 and aches and stomach issues! I swear the older I get the harder these little set backs are. My empathy has grown so much for older people who struggle with a simple cold, cough, flu or any other kind of ache and pain that when younger could be "kicked" in a day or so. These bodies just wear down, I guess. Well, I am right there with all of them now. Where's my mommy when I need her?
Anyway...today I feel abit better so by tomorrow I can probably proceed with packing etc...
I was suppose to give a talk at church yesterday and teach the 13-14 year olds ,but didn't. So next week I will do it. I also didn't go to work the past few days. Friday is my last day working at Curves. That has been a big part of my life here in Washington. I will miss them all. The ladies have been wonderful. I have grown to love them and have appreciated their support and friendship. I have been blessed indeed.
Matt and Daniel are flying in on this friday evening so they can drive the honda back to Utah. I t will be good to see them. They are the best sons. So supportive and willing to help out always. Ralph and I are so thrilled with our kids.
Swedish Medical is mailing Ralph's records to the Huntsman Clinic in Utah. There is almost 500 pages of report on him. I am certain they won't really need all of that but at least they have the info. We will miss Dr. West and staff here. We have grown to love them. IT was difficult saying goodbye. I will keep them posted on Ralph.
So onward I go..................it is hard to believe we will be in Utah in a few weeks.
The Milletts once again saved the day for us. They are so amazing to us. They helped clear our shelf in the garage, and Melinda made her soup for us. We have learned so many lessons of generosity and kindness from them. Friends forever!

The final STRETCH...

Well...this afternoon the appraiser came, so we should have that report by the end of this week. Whew! We are finally reaching the end of the road with selling this home. The packing is going well, and I can see light at the end of the tunnel.
Matt and Dan are coming a week from this Friday to drive our honda back to Utah and we will follow them the next week. So it is coming up quickly now.
I am feeling so grateful to our Father in Heaven for bringing us together again at this time, but it is also hard to leave friends we have grown to love so much. Fortunately we now live in a world of technology that allows us all to stay connected. I have loved the computer and skype to keep in touch with my kids etc...
Ralph had to go to Everette today. He came home and literally collasped on the couch. Bless his heart. This is a hard time for him. I just hope he adjusts okay to the climate and altitude in Utah. His breathing is so labored.
Kristy called up today and wanted to save an abused female dog. She said that she called me to be "the voice of reason." I said : "ask around at work etc...if anyone would like an adorable dog, but don't get a dog right now. " We shall see. Woof! Woof!
Sheena is getting better about riding in the car lately. She loves to lay in her little bed and look out the windows. She is laying next to Ralph right now. She loves him.
Daniel is in California for a wedding the rest of the week. He went with some friends. I hope he enjoys it .
Matt is getting ready to paint the inside of our rental place there in Provo. Two of the rooms were wild and crazy so he is fixing that for us. We feel really fortunate to have found such a nice place in a nice neighborhood.
Well off to cook some 'orange chicken'. It smells good......................hmmmmm!

Too Funny...

So at work today I was visiting with one of the members. She is a real cute lady, and talented. We were discussing making cards. She said that she had a bunch of pictures to throw away that her grand mother had taken and all of the heads were " cut off " in the pictures. She said that it was a family joke that grandma's pictures always had the heads cut off. I told her not to throw them away. We could make cards out of them! So we brain stormed about what the cards could say like: " this could be a picture of Aunt Edna, but I am not sure..." (on the outside of the card). On the inside: " If it is Aunt Edna I know she would love to wish you a happy birthday!" We just laughed and laughed at the different ideas we came up with. Her mother joined in and said that they even had one with just some "hairy legs". Her mom said: " the card could say"...a security person took away Aunt Maude's razor during her vacation...(On the indside it would say)...Hope your birthday isn't a hairy one. We laughed and laughed. I love moments like that.
I just booked two fights for Matt and Dan on the 20th of August to come and take our Honda back to Utah. Thanks guys. We sure appreciate the support!
Dad and I look forward to being with all of you again.
We should have a date for the appraiser to come today or tomorrow. Then onward and upward.
Off to pack I go!

A Good Visit!

So yesterday was a neat day. We went to swedish medical and Ralph had his last bloodwork and ekg for the study done. We said good bye to Dr. West and staff. It was touching. Dr. West said: " I told myself I was not going to cry"...when he said good bye to Ralph. We have been with him over the past 4 and half years. He mentioned that he doesn't usually get to a chance to be his patients this long. True. We all hugged and cried and of course I will keep them posted on how he is doing etc... Dr. West also arranged things in Salt Lake for Ralph and will send his records etc...I walked away feeling extremely grateful for the opportunity we have had to know such special people. They have been like "Angels" to us, and have touched our lives forever. Ralph was equally moved and wept as well.
When we came home Kevin Kimball was here to visit for the day! He had a business meeting in San Francisco and decided to spend a night with his big brother. It was so nice to visit and catch up. What a neat guy he is and his family is wonderful. We all love Teresa, his wife. She is an angel lady. Ralph enjoyed the visit so much. It brightened his spirits. Family is so wonderful!
Kristy picked out her wedding gown today. Anne and Becky went with her and they went to a place where you rent them. Kristy called excited, and so pleased. One more thing down. It is coming together, and all will go well, I am sure.
Cami Bacon Vach is having her baby today as well. She is in the hosptial right now with mom and sisters in labor. A little boy is on his way. Too cute!
So more packing to do. It is coming along. The sun is shinning again, and I am content. xo

HAPPY 56TH RALPH!

Today is Ralph's 56th birthday! Yipeee! So glad to celebrate it with him! It is also the day that he has applied for retirement! So a double CONGRATULATIONS! If all goes well we will be able to spend some wonderful time with our family soon now.
Ralph is now in the other room trying to figure out the new RUBIX cube that I got him. If all else fails I will invite our buddy Connor to come over and show him the ropes. I think that this will be great fun once he gets the hang of it, so he can show Carlitos how to do it when we get to Utah! Anne , Carlos and kids sent him a NINJA TURTLE shirt which Carlitos LOVED and even played with. We showed Carlitos what TaTa Ralph looked like in it on Skype today. Ralph was showing him his most proficient Ninja Moves. Carlitos was quite impressed. LOL
Vicki Tolivere came over with a yummy goodie for him and a Utah survival water fan. Too cute. So thoughtful and it made him smile. He also recieved some delicious Red, White and Blue bread from the Milletts that is his favorite...mine too. Yum! Everyone is so kind and thoughtful.xo
Hearing from the kids and friends is definately a big perk! Thank you all.
Tomorrow another doc. appt. and Kevin comes to visit. Yeah for that. All is well...xo

When you're racing with the clock...

LOTS TO DO! Packing, Packing, and more Packing! Ifeel good about it all, though. I am SO thankful that half was packed 5 months ago. Whew!
We are toying with idea of moving abit ahead of time. Maybe the 20th of August. We will here what the closing date is by the end of this week...I hope!
Meanwhile...back at the ranch....Kristy is searching for wedding dresses this week. Very fun. Anne and Becky will assist her. Anne is starting to feel the effects of being seven and half months preg. She is a trooper, though, and still exercises. Is she my daughter? Yikes!
By seven and half months I was crying for more ice cream, maybe. LOL!
Our niece, Megan Bird, arrives home from her mission today. In fact her plane lands in fifteen minutes at SLC airport. Everyone is so excited to see her. her homecoming is August 8th.
She has done a great job and made many life long friends.
Ralph's birthday is tomorrow. 56 years old! I am so thankful he is here to have it, I 'll tell ya. If he is up to it, I will take him to a movie. His brother Kevin is coming Thursday morning and spending the night. I will make a dinner and a special birthday cake then. The Milletts are coming to meet Kevin. He lives in Hawaii and they are visiting Hawaii in October.
Kevin is a good man. It has been so much fun to see Ralph's younger siblings grow up. Kev was 10 years old when we married. He was a talkative, cute boy. He is now a talkative, cute man. He is a tender heart, like his big brother, and a smartie. He has a beautiful family, and a now Cody, his eldest son, is on a mission in Idaho. Time really does march on....
It will be good to visit with him abit.
Well back to packing...how did we end up with all of this stuff? When we got married we had practically nothing. I think that this shows how very blessed we have been through the years. We have never wanted for anything really. Feeling so grateful.

The Kimball Family Cork Game!

Today for sunday school I took the kids outside in the BEAUTIFUL sunshine and we ate brownies and drank lemonaide and played the "Kimball Family Cork Game!" It was fun and I promised I would make them one for Christmas. I needed to do something special with them before we leave in August.
I think that we will find out the exact day we close on the house by the end of this week.
Thanks again to our kids, we have found and secured a nice home in Provo to rent for the year until we are ready to buy a home at some point. It has a kitchen upstairs and down so Omar and Kristy will live downstairs this next year and share the rent and up keep of the yard. We will love having them around and I hope they will enjoy us as well. xo
Things are falling into place. Our Heavenly Father has certainly looked out after us for sure.
The kids also attended Chad's farewell today. I was so grateful they could do that. He did a fabulous job, and I am so proud of him. A happy day. xoxoxo

Driving them crazy...

I have the greatest kids ever! I know I have been driving them all crazy looking for rentals for us, and they have cheerfully complied and have been checking many properites out for us. Hopefully one that will be viewed tomorrow will be the WINNER!
Tough day for Dad. I think he will feel a tad better when all the lose ends are tied up with the move and a place to go to etc...Bless his heart. He has been through so much.
On the lighter side...Sheena went to play with our realtors children when the inspector came over on Thursday. When we picked her up she was so exhausted that she slept the rest of the day and all night long. Today she was better, but I know it will take some adjusting for her when around grandchildren. Too funny. Hide Sheena. Hide! LOL
The weather is suppose to be in the 90s this weekend. I am excited. Today dad and I went and laid down on the lawn and basked in the sun for about 20 minutes. It felt so good. We both have missed the warmth this year. The light feels so great. Laying there with him reminded me of when we were dating and lying on a grassy hill in Provo and just talking about our future. We have been friends for a long time, he and I. How grateful I am to know that we always will be. xo

Impressions

Sooo...today's checkup with Ralph was not the best one. Last week's report was not extensive enough, and the written report today showed a 30% growth in some of the tumors from the last c-scan. It really wasn't a suprise for us, as Ralph has been feeling pretty worn out and sick, not to mention the coughing continually. Anyway...we meet with Dr. West next week, and he will be more detailed. We had already decided to leave the study and move, yet it is still hard to hear that there is substantial growth. This past eight years has been such a rollar coaster for us, and we have really learned to rely on the promptings we recieve. The first impressions are usually right, we find. I have noticed when I accept those impressions and then pray about them, I am filled with peace. It is when I try and ignore them that I feel the uneasiness. So when talking with the doctors now and hearing about symptons and side-effects etc....it is still difficult, but there is also a comforting peace that seems to be there whispering to me "this is what you were feeling and it will be okay." It is amazing ,the comfort that the holy ghost wraps us in at these times. He really is a constant friend, and directs especially in areas of our lives that we consider the "unknown."

So today, after the doctor appt. and chemo. the inspector was through "inspecting " our home and it was good. He said that it looked like we took very good care of it, and there are just a few minor things. Tomorrow we will discuss those things with our realtor and have a more definate idea as to when we move. We do have a mover set up with an estimate. I just need to finish packing and find a home to move to. I called Becky at least 10 times to day and Anne and Carlos probably five times and Kristy and Omar a couple of times, all about looking at homes or condos for us. Look out D.j. !!!! You are next!!! Everyone has been so gracious and wonderful. Thanks my family. Love you all and appreciate your cheerfullness about it as well.

This afternoon the doorbell rang and the florist delievered flowers to ME! They are in a beautiful vase and a variety of purple roses, tulips etc...so fragrant and lovely. My sweet little friend from Holland, Johanna, sent them to me. She is wonderful. I will miss her . I told her we would fly her up to Provo anytime. I hope she takes me up on it sometime.

So onward and upward we go! It feels so great to know that we are taken such good care of by all! xoxxxxxxxxxxxxxxoooooooxoooooooooooooooooooooo

MIRACLES!

So after fasting last week with you, my family, and going to Ralph's doctor appt. with a prayer in my heart. The doctor pretty much told Ralph to definately go be with his family. We then prayed that if this was God's will that the house would sell. We got home that afternoon and there was a message that some people were coming through our home in fifteen minutes.
We left, they came and they made an offer. Next day we counter offered, and they accepted. So, this is the Lord's will and we feel so thankful and at peace. The inspector will be here this week and if all goes well we will be out of the house by the end of August.
This is such a miracle and another indication of how loving and supportive our Father in Heaven is. Not only has the house sold, but at the perfect time for Dad's retirement, health etc...!
I shouldn't be so amazed, but it always comes as such an incredible shock to me that Our Heavenly Father is so involved in the details of our lives.
How blessed we are to know we will be able to spend this precious time with our family and loved ones. Thanks to you, my children for you support. love you all xoxoxoox