Introducing Jaley's smile - brace free!

Here she is ... beautiful and fun!

She did her own photos and designed the collage herself.  Talented.  Beautiful.  Love her!

Jaley's Dream

Jaley has told me several times that she has a dream that she goes to the orthodontist and he says "let's take those off today."

I think it's really cute.

Today her dream came true.

She has had her jaw popping more recently. Yesterday when she told me, I immediately called the office to tell them (Dr. R asked me to let him know when it happens). The office told me they could see her this morning at 9:00 to check and see what is going on.

When Dr. R told her his plan, she looked up dazed and said, "What?"

It was really cute.

They took them off ... she looks gorgeous. 

On the way home she said she was afraid she will wake up and discover it was all a dream.  She needed to be pinched.

2006 Father's Day Memory

June 18, 2006

I was in the hospital being monitored on Father's Day ~ Kendall arrived the next day (8 weeks premature).

I called home to check on everyone (micro-managing from the hospital bed). I had Jaley go downstairs and I walked her through making homemade waffles.   Kerst cracked the eggs, Jenna made the orange juice.   Julia arrived a bit later and made easy over eggs for everyone to add some protein to their breakfast.

The kids put the phone on speaker phone. I was able to hear all of their busy activity and was able to imagine what was going on...the mess, the excitement, etc.   John was upstairs preparing a lesson for his Sunday School class for that afternoon. He heard it all and was loving every minute of it.

I was placed in the middle of the table (speakerphone) and enjoyed breakfast with them.   Kerst offered the prayer. I started to cry as I heard him pray that I would be safe and that the baby would be too. Prayers are answered. Angels do watch over these little ones.

It was an amazing experience. Probably the best Father's Day ever.

Happy Father's Day 2013 to my amazing husband ...

They go a long way back

I was her first best friend.  I cried whenever Bama and Papa would fly back to their home after a two week stay with our family while I was growing up.

The tradition continued.  Jaley took over as the young best friend.

At an early age they had a special connection.

And it is a mutual love ...

One that will span through the eternities.

Remembering ... is a painful process

These are the stages Jaley went through on Saturday at Grandpa's Memorial.  The stages she went through with her Great Grandma.

She was thrilled to be reunited with her childhood BFF.  They were (and are) best friends.  Growing up, Jaley couldn't say the "G" sound.  It came out as a "B".  Grandma became Bama.  It has stuck.  For years.

Jaley soon realized that her Bama didn't recognize her.  Tears flowed for a long time - and mine started when I saw her struggle with this.  Dementia is a horrible thing on everyone.

Through the memorial service Jaley held her Bama's hand.   Just the simple, loving holding of hands was comforting to her.  She didn't want to let go. Ever.

After the memorial service we went to the hallways where everyone greeted Grandma again and gave her hugs.  This is where Bama caught a glimpse of the young girl that did weekly visits, numerous sleepovers, millions of tea parties, walks and makeup parties.  She told Jaley how beautiful she was. Jaley beamed through her tears.  So grateful for the moments of clarity.  Bama remembers ... the grown up faces are hard to place.

Papa's Memorial

It was a sweet moment - and a sad moment.   So wonderful to have family from the T and P side there to celebrate Gpa.

I took photos (yes, in the chapel - shame on me, so kick me out).   It was sweet to see my uncle Keith give Gma a kiss and tease her.  

It was tender to see my Dad with Gma talking to her and then leaning over with tears running down his cheek while leaning on her shoulder.

And then the reunion of Jaley's childhood best friend.  She missed seeing her Bama.

It was heart wrenching to see Jaley realize that her Gma didn't remember her.  Dementia is a horrible disease on everyone.   They were best friends ever since she was an infant and remained that way for over 10 years (with nearly 8 years of constant visits due to living so close).   So many fun times they had (sleepovers, play dates, tea parties, make up parties .... exactly what I did with her when I was growing up!!).   

The tears flowed with this realization ... and didn't stop for a long time.   

Jaley sat by Bama the entire time and held her hand through most of the memorial service. 

  

Gma remembers the memories, but the grown up faces are hard for her to place.

How wonderful it felt to hear Gma say, "Ahhhh, John!" when he walked up.   Some faces never change, and his was one that didn't need a memory boost for her.

The military presented a flag to Gma.   

I took pictures - the angle was difficult from where I was standing outside.   It was still so very moving.

They played Taps for Gpa

My brother, Richard, gave a moving tribute and talk about Gramps, grandparenting and our own Gethsemane.  

He then sang a beautiful hymn, Where Can I turn for Peace (one of Gramps' favorite hymns and it is Richard's favorite as well).  

My Dad gave a wonderful eulogy and tribute as well.

Kerst and Jenna sang a duet, I Know that My Redeemer Lives.   I have that audio as well.

President Kenneth Robinson spoke as well.   

President Robinson after the service

He is a good friend of Gma and Gpa's and the former Chicago temple president.   He would visit Papa weekly and bring him a chocolate covered donut with hot chocolate.  They also made trips to Wendy's for their chili.  I loved how he used the imagery of a ship  - Just as we stand on the shore and watch the ship with loved ones sail over the horizon and we say "there he goes," others on the other side of the horizon say "here he comes" and he is greeted with tears of joy.

Afterwards we gathered in the foyer for pictures.   It was fun to see the kids shake hands and tell Gma who they were.   

Jenna knelt down next to Gma and talked to her and then you hear "Aahhh, Jenna!"   ... her memory came back.  

Jaley was there with a glimmer of hope her childhood best friend would remember.   She saw Jaley and told Jaley how beautiful she was.   She beamed through her flood of tears.

Viewpoint from my Mom:
Grandma would comment on all of the little boys....years ago it was all of the little girls.

The grandchildren flocked to greet her.   It was touching.

The boys, Kerst, Max, Kendall, RIV, Carlisle, and Sam were close to the front.   Many boys flanking her on the right and girls on the left.   Sweet Jaley was right next to her.   When the Air Force did the flag presentation, you could hear a pin drop.   Their presence and bearing was electric.   When they folded the flag, you could HEAR the fabric snap.   They were erect, wore impressive uniforms including white gloves.   Sharp, crisp, serene.

From where I was sitting, I could see the organist, Clayton Waite, an elderly man who was at his post at the organ, crying his eyes out.   The taps were played and the sound seemed to echo in my mind as the other soldier stood in front of Grandma with the freshly folded flag.

The flag presentation was before the service began.   Bishop Wright opened the service with a lovely teary prayer by Corin, then we sang America.   Perfect after the military presentation which was scheduled to be after the closing prayer, but the military men had another obligation 30 minutes away.   So Bishop Wright consulted Dad and the change was made to before the Service began.   The Stake President had given permission to do the flag part in the chapel because of Grandma's frail condition.   The taps was played outside by the open door.

The talks were great.   Richard's was very personal and tender...Dad was to do the Eulogy with a couple of personal touches.   He wrote it on Wed, Typed on Thurs and practiced on Friday....He sat in Gramps old car to practice.   and on his bed and on his chair....He didn't want to read it .   President Robinson's ...well what can you say about a former temple presidents talk.

Gramps had requested that Richard sing ...he came through...very solid yet touching...what a proud mommy I was!

Kerst and Jenna...beautiful

Grandma made it...that was great and kind iffy that she would be up to it.   But she did.

So wonderful to feel everyone's support.   

Gift

I woke to this for Mother's Day.

Best. Gift. Ever.

Thanks Jaley!  You made my day!

xoxo

(She stayed up until 1:00 in the morning detailing everything and then cleaning the dreaded pencil drawer)

Asked to Prom ... Jaley! (Mormon Prom)

Jaley was summoned to the front door.  She did not want to open it.  

She wasn't sure what would jump out at her.

We assured her that she would be fine.  (Jenna and I just about died with what was waiting at the front door when we realized there was something there for Jaley).

She opened the door and Laban came in.  He sat down and patiently waited while Jaley retrieved the note 

from the pillow on his back.

It read:

Lady Jalene M, you are cordially invited to attend

the Spring Formal On May 3, 2013 with

Sir. Max A. O.

Your carriage will pick you up at 

a time to be determined

and sweep you away to the ball.

Formal wear is requested.

It will be a night to remember.

Please let Sir Max know if you are able to attend.

His loyal dog Laban will be grateful

for his safe return to his home if your answer is yes.

If you are unable to attend you

may keep him as a reminder of all fun you would have had.

Cordially yours,

Sir Max A. O. 

So .... she had to make a choice.  Attend the Royal Ball with Sir Max, or keep the dog.

Kendall had a plan.  After all, Sir Max suggested it.

Dear Max,
I've always wanted a dog so, Jaley says no.
Kendall
P.S. Can I have the pooper scooper and food?


I drove Kendall to Max's house.  He patiently waited at the door for Max to answer.

For what seemed like a very long time (to a 6 year old).

Max answered.  I'm not sure what he thought.  Here is Kendall with a note telling him Jaley said no because he wants to keep the dog.  Plus, Kendall wants the pooper scooper and food?!?

Thankfully Jaley saved the day moments later by walking up with Laban with her reply attached to the royal pillow.

I'm sure you are dying to know what her reply was, right?!?

P.S.  We have to give kudos to Max's talented Mom for sewing Laban's outfit late at night in preparation of this fun event!

Festival of Colors

We were able to attend the Festival of Colors in Spanish Fork last week during Spring Break (we tried last year, but Jenna's accident foiled our plans).

Here are some pictures from our fun day!

We started out nice and clean ....

And then this happened - chalk throwing

My favorite of the kids!

John still has pink in his hairline - 3 days later!  I wonder what story he is telling his co-workers ....

The kids acting like zombies

We went to Sam's Club afterwards for pizza, pretzels and ice cream.  We turned some heads ...

What will you be called when you are older?

I heard Jaley and Kendall talking about their names earlier. Jaley asked Kendall if he was going to be called Ken when he was older. No, I think my kids will call me Daddy. So cute!

Falling - skiing

We were talking about skiing at dinner tonight - preparing Jaley mentally for her ski trip tomorrow with John, Jenna and Kerst (The high school needs me last minute to take pictures of their dress rehearsal for the musical tomorrow).

I told Jaley that she needs to go tomorrow so that she can get over her fear of skiing so that she can help me with Kendall next week when we go up again.

"I'm afraid I will fall over on a little kid on the bunny hill."

Kerst remarked, "You won't fall on the bunny hill."

"I have fallen on the bunny hill."

"YOU FELL ON A BUNNY?"

Kendall was very worried.

So Sweet! 16

I can't believe it has been 16 years since this sweet beauty entered our family.  She has been a blessing and a joy.  She has amazing fashion sense.  She is wonderful with children.  She is quiet and reserved.  She tries her best and strives to be who she knows she can be.  I don't know how we got so lucky to have her in our family.  We sure do love her!