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.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
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.
Friday, October 29, 2010
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
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
Sunday, October 10, 2010
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!
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!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
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.....
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.....
Friday, September 3, 2010
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
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
Friday, August 20, 2010
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
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
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