Accessories for Jenna

Jenna is working as a CNA at a really beautiful retirement home.

Here she is loving what she is doing ... and being normal - always willing to somehow make you smile.

I told her to stop borrowing the resident's accessories :)

News article featuring Jenna

I found the high school student newspaper on the floor in Jaley's room and saw this article.  I didn't even know!

It was neat to read Jenna's insight, thoughts and feelings.

She did take that challenge head on and left many people changed for the better.

On the same note ... this public service announcement is powerful.

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 ...

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.   

Seminary Graduation - Jenna's talk

Jenna was asked to speak at our Stake's Seminary Graduation.

Here is her talk:

Brother L called and asked me if I would speak at Seminary Graduation on what I learned in my four years of Seminary.  When I asked him how long I needed to talk, he told me thirty minutes.

I have a sense of humor too.

What I learned from attending early morning seminary.

I learned how to hit the snooze button and eventually I learned to ignore my alarm completely.  My sister and my Dad can attest to that.

I learned how to sleep with my eyes opened – like the bishopric does on Sunday.

I counted the tiles on the ceiling.  I never made it past 15.

Seriously, all humor set aside, I really did learn and grow during the last four years.

What did I learn?

I learned about dedication in Seminary.  I saw this in my teachers who were like superman and superwoman.  They have a day job – like Clark Kent.  They also save our day and start it off right when they come and teach our classes.  I see dedication in my sister, Jaley.  She is always ready to go 20 minutes before we need to leave.  There is Jaley standard time, Mormon Standard Time and Jenna Standard Time (my teachers will know what that is).

I learned that Seminary is a Holy Place, a holy moment.  Sis. Ann Dibb gave a talk at the recent General Young Women’s Conference about not only creating a holy place, but holy moments.  Holy moments were created each morning that started and ended with a prayer.  It was up to us as student to be a part of the holy moment.  I felt this holy place many times last year after being a passenger in a serious car accident.  I was in a wheelchair for three months.  In the seminary room I felt loved, welcomed and accepted as I dealt with maneuvering a wheelchair and recovering from multiple surgeries.  I was in a Holy Place and lifted up and prepared to face difficult days during this time.

I learned that Angels do watch over us.  I know our Heavenly Father watches and protects us.  He knows the desires of our hearts.  He guides and protects us.  OK - Mom and Dad, cover your ears.  There were several occasions that the only way we arrived to seminary in one piece is because we were watched over and protected as we drove on hazardous roads during the winter.

Seminary prepared me to share the gospel.  In Seminary, I had daily reminders of who I am and who I represent.  I had friends ask me why I was at school early (or on time).  I've had the opportunity to have gospel discussions with several friends.  I currently have a friend constantly asking me questions about my beliefs.   I’m grateful for the teachings I've had in my home, at church and seminary.  It has given me the confidence to answer their questions.

Because of Seminary I learned that I can do hard things.  Waking up early is hard.  Studies have shown that teenagers need their sleep.  Teenagers also need to study.  Teenagers also need to socialize – and eat.  All of this has to be done in a 24 hour period.  When we really try, we find the strength to do it all.  This past fall when I was finally able to walk and return to normal activity, I had to work extra hard to get back into shape for high school swimming.  I started out swimming 1 hour after school and built up to 2 ½ hours.  I then started getting up at 4:00 in the morning to swim for an hour and a half before seminary.  I still did my 2 ½ hours afternoon work outs.  I learned I can do hard things.  So can you.

I learned that Seminary is preparing me for college.  My older sister, Julia, noticed that she was able to attend 8:00 in the morning classes compared to other students who did not do early morning seminary.  It has taught me that this daily morning ritual of feeling the spirit needs to carry over into the next phase of my life.

I learned that I have a second family in Seminary.  Our senior class was not an easy group.  The freshmen class acted older than we did.  At the beginning of the year, my seminary class had many cliques.  Thanks to my amazing seminary teacher, Sis. S, she dissolved these cliques and created an amazing tight knit family.  She did this by including everyone in class discussions, having us prepare daily devotionals, not giving up on us and by teaching with the spirit.  She saw something in us that we didn’t.  She worked hard to break down what we were and created something that will last forever.   She created our Seminary Family. 

So – to the Freshman.  You survived.  1 down.  3 to go.

To the Sophomores.  You are half way through.

To the Juniors – act older than the freshmen.

To my parents – you survived 6 years so far.  Here’s to 11 more.

To the Seniors – we did it!  But it’s not over.  I’ll see you in institute this summer.  Thankfully they meet at night.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Last Day

Today was Jenna's last day of high school forever. 

One of my favorite memories of Jenna in elementary school: Every Friday she wore her striped shirt that had every color imaginable. I didn't know why she insisted on wearing this shirt every Friday until I asked. In gym they played "Uncle Sam, Uncle Sam, may I cross your river dam." The person who is Uncle Sam would list off a color. If you were wearing it, you could walk across to safety. If you weren't, you were chased. If caught you were part of the group to chase those not wearing the right color.   

Smart girl. She figured out how to beat the system. 

Now ... to beat college .... 

hint: you have to study :) 

Dear Jenna

Our message to Jenna in her yearbook in the senior pages

Jenna,
You are sharing, content, fun-loving, humorous, low maintenance and positive – even while you were in a wheelchair for 3+ months. Surely the rest of the world now knows of your amazing qualities; We have always known.
Love Mom and Dad

Her last day of high school is tomorrow - Thursday.  Weird.  Just yesterday she was in Kindergarten.

Teacher appreciation - take two

Two years ago we celebrated Mrs. D when Julia graduated.  Julia selected her as an influential teacher that helped mold her into who she has become and who she wants to be.

Surprise, surprise.  Mrs. D is once again someone who is very influential.  Jenna selected her to be honored at our teacher appreciation night.  It is a big deal.

And once again, the personalities of student and teacher come out ... and her plaques are very coveted by other teachers in the building.  If only every student were as cool as hers!

A picture is taken at the beginning of the evening, printed and attached to the plaque just in time to be recognized.

Here are Jenna's pictures with Mrs. D.   A dear friend, President Clark W, approached us at the end of the evening and said that he loved how the personality of Jenna (and her teacher) were exhibited in the picture.  He loves Jenna's personality.  We all do!

Mrs. D and Jenna - the picture used in the plaque

Having fun ... 

We just love Mrs. D!  Thank you for being such an amazing teacher, role model and friend.

Prom 2013 - Jenna

Prom Season!

Jenna 2013

 Jenna and her date, Nick.  A friend and co-worker.

It was really sweet.  He asked Jenna if she wanted to do corsage and boutonniere.  She said she didn't mind either way.  Nick said he would rather give her a bouquet.  I thought that was so sweet!

And beautiful!

And yes, we had to "modest-ify" the dress.  I love that my girls like and want to dress modestly.  As a mother of young boys, I know I will appreciate it when they are this age as well.

Asked to Prom

Nick, Jenna's co-worker, asked her to his prom (at another high school).

It was pretty creative!

 He said he had more papers to put on, but he was was running out of time - he had to get back to his high school for class.

 This is how she answered:

 Gotta love sticky notes!

A Holy Place/Moment

When I shared an experience my family recently had, my Mom pointed out that we had experienced the Holy Place/Moment that Sis. Dibb referred to in her talk at the General Young Women's Meeting.

When we moved to our home a couple of years ago, our kids adopted our neighbors as their grandparents.  They really enjoyed spending time with them.  Over the past year, we have not seen them as much.  Gpa T's health was failing.  We saw Gma T at Julia's reception.  It was the second time she was out in the past year for a social event.

Last week Kendall was home sick.  Gma T. called me and asked for me to put instant sugar free vanilla pudding and sugar free canned peaches on my shopping list.  She then broke into tears telling me that Gpa had only days/weeks left to live.  I told her I would be right up.  My one hour visit turned into four.

She was frantically trying to reach her boys.  One son was on Spring Break with the grandchildren on a remote island with little cell coverage, another son lived out East.  She asked me to pray with her.  I did.  

We visited.  Held hands.  Remembered.  Cried.  Laughed.

Gpa had a breathing rhythm going.  Deep breaths.  No breathing for 20 seconds.  Shallow Breathing.  Repeat.  Gma was connected and knew the pattern.  She would go over and check on him - it was during the 20 seconds on no breathing.  That pattern continued.  It was nice to be there with her.  To see heaven so close.  To see her loving and tender care of him.  She had been doing this day in and day out for a long time. She was getting worn out.  She needed help.

I needed to leave to pick the kids up from piano.  Just as I was leaving, "Visiting Angels" arrived - hospice care - to do an assessment.  She said it would take an hour.  Two hours later, she was still there.

I told the kids about Gpa T's failing health during dinner.

Kerst went to visit after dinner.  Gpa T and Kerst have a sweet connection.  Even with Alzheimers, Gpa still connected with Kerst.  He called Kerst "my little boy".  Kerst held Gpa's hand.  Gpa woke up and saw him.  He smiled and started holding "conversations" with Kerst.  Kerst conversed right back.  Kerst sang to him.  That calmed Gpa.  Kerst sang Lullaby by Billy Joel.  Kerst had the hospice helper, Lisa, in tears.  Gpa would reach up and pinch Kerst's cheeks and touch his dimples.  It was very tender.

On Wednesday, April 3, his health was failing rapidly.  Jenna and Jaley took the afternoon off of school and went to stay with Gma and Gpa and visit.  I arrived later that afternoon.  Gma told me that Gpa asked for "my little boy" frequently that day.  She had our Christmas Card and would show him Kerst's picture.  He would light up.  Kerst arrived after school and immediately came over.

Gpa heard Kerst come in and immediately called "my little boy".  Once again, the sweet interaction between the two continued.  Jenna and Kerst sang to Gpa.

Gpa would drift off.  We would sit with Gma and visit.  Gma would go over and check on Gpa.  She would tenderly touch his head, bend over and weep.  It brought Jenna to tears.  A Holy Moment.

Jenna spent her 18th birthday with them.   She told me she couldn't think of a better way to spend her day than with them.  A Holy Moment.

We left that night with Gpa's bday cake that he never ate due to his failing health.  We used it to celebrate Jenna's bday.

Thursday I stopped in to check on them in the morning.  Gpa was slipping away.

We were heading out later that day to UT to see Julia sing.  I knew heaven was close.

Kerst came home on Thursday.  I told him Gpa was not responding to anyone.  He was "transitioning" as the hospice nurse shared.  Kerst dropped his things and ran up the driveway.  I had him come back and wash his hands.  Kerst went in to see Gpa.  Gpa opened his eyes when Kerst held his hand.  We said goodbye.

Kerst sobbed as we walked down the driveway.  He has a tender heart.

We experienced a Holy Moment.

Gpa passed away on April 6 at 11:33 p.m.  One of his sons and the grandchildren were able to get home in time to say goodbye.  A tender mercy.

Kerst and Jenna are singing at his funeral tomorrow.

18 and counting

18 great years today!  Happy birthday Jenna!

This is the collage I put together to be displayed at the high school's after prom party next weekend.  They will also use it to display at the senior celebration night as well.  It is a neat tradition!

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 ...