Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Christmas Traditions

Over the month of December we have been having extend family home evenings to talk about the various people involved in the Nativity so that we could add focus on the Savior. We have taken turns going to different houses. This night we were at Nancy's and we had a special musical number from Tawna and Cecelia.


Because of the cold weather Marley has joined Ember inside the house and are partners in crime.














The other traditions are concerts. Luckily they were not over the weekend of the accident because I could not move, but a week later I could at least move a bit and sit by myself. It still was painful to get up and down but at least I could do it. Cindy was the designated driver and at least the roads were clear because it had been snowing the last two days. Friday night we went to VoiceMail in Logan. We had to go to Logan this time because the night they were in Ogden was also the Kurt Bestor concert. I am still really slow with stairs and walking is still step, drag but at least I can move.  We enjoyed VoiceMail and they added new songs along with the favorites.






Of course there was rubber ducky with all the ducks being thrown out of the audience.












The next night was Kurt Bestor and the weather was a little snowy so we took the train to Salt Lake. This year Nancy and Jeanne joined us. We first had dinner at the Lion House.


From there it was off to see the lights of Temple Square.





 Finally it was the concert which is always good. The guest artist of Nathan Pacheco and Ryan Innes were great this year. Just like Alex Sharp and Jenny Baker last year. We enjoy these times together as family and that we can all be together.



Saturday, December 14, 2013

PT Cruiser #2

We had a terrible wind storm a few weeks ago when Maddie was coming home from work. The traffic was backed up and as she slowed the lady behind her did not stop and ran into the back of her. A week later the car was fixed to the tune of $1200 and she was back on the road again. On December 12th I had her car that day because it would not start the day before and she did not want to get stranded in SLC. It had been cold all week long. It worked fine for me that day. I was on my way home that night for our Thursday family pizza night. I was just passing 4th Street ballpark on Wall. All of a sudden headlights appeared at an instance and I was hit head-on by a car that was traveling southbound. I never even had a chance to break or swerve; it was just there. Kind of like Mr. Toads Adventure ride when you come around the corner and there are headlights looking at you. I don't remember hitting anything but I must of because blood was running down the left side of my face and the driver side window was shattered.  I know people came as soon as it happened and asked how I was and I said fine ; until I tried to move and boy did my back and leg hurt.

I felt so bad because Maddie's car was ruined just after getting it fixed. It was back on October 1, 2009 that her first PT Cruiser was totaled in a wreck on Wall at North Street. Some one pulled out in front of her and hit her. We were so worried about her then as we were at Wasatch State Park camping when it happened.














Now here it was 4 years and two months later and her 2nd PT Cruiser gets totaled  in a wreck that was not our fault either. I felt so bad for her.

The people who stopped at the scene called 911 and then I got on my cell phone and called Cindy to tell her I was in a wreck and to come. No sooner had a hung up and Cameron called not knowing what had happened so he got informed also. Soon all the family was around me as I lay back in the car. The EMT asked if I wanted an ambulance and I first said no because I thought my family could take me but after some persuasion from the family I realized I better go by ambulance. It took a while for one to get there and of course it was in the teens temperature wise. For some reason there were a lot of wrecks that night even though the weather was not bad and the roads were dry. They put me on a back board and neck brace and then off I went with Cindy in the front of the ambulance.  They did x rays at the hospital on both arms because my right bicep was killing me but my left forearm was swollen, all my back hurt to move and my right leg hurt, plus I had a deep puncture wound in my knee.




At the hospital we learned that the car that hit me the people were having an argument and the husband grabbed the steering wheel and then the wife grabbed it back and over corrected into me. I finally got home around 11:30 that night grateful for caring family and friends and blessings of protection because it could have been much worse. 




















The next day I hurt a lot worse and could not get up or sit down without someone lifting me. I can stay in any position just fine its just getting to those positions. We did go to see the car and how bad things looked. 


   
I think mine is worse than Maddie's was even though she will not admit it. I really am amazed I was not hurt worse. I do have a guardian angel son and a loving family that is so great to me and I am thankful for them and friends and their prayers and visits that mean a lot.

















Just a side note we started to put a few things together for cuts. We looked on the visor and saw pieces of my forehead and then how a mirror poked through which cut me. Another thing when the EMT's arrived and got on the passenger side they asked if I threw up. No it was just a gift of apple sauce from work that splashed all over the car when it wrecked. 




Friday, December 13, 2013

Winter storms

A week after getting the Christmas tree, which as you will see is a two story tree, winter came with a vengeance.



















Question for the year. Which was colder on December 8 for both the high and low, Anchorage, Moscow, Stockholm or Ogden? Ogden with 18 and -4! So this is what cold mountains look like.


Like the wind blowing the snow off Mt. Ogden?


Of course the cold put a hold on trying to get the floor poured for the addition. 

Thanksgiving weekend

This year Thanksgiving was latter in the month. We still enjoyed good weather and were able to get the foundation poured; the next step for the addition.  


As usual the various birds start coming through the yard. On Thanksgiving day it was a flock of Cedar Waxwing (no not a turkey) that was on the trees in the front yard. That afternoon we went to Shelly and Jason's and joined the Fields for Thanksgiving as this year the kids were at their inlaws. I also was introduced to what was now Black Thursday shopping that night. Hopefully my first and last experience. 


The next day was Payton's birthday. Since both Cindy and I had the day off we asked Payton where she wanted to go out for lunch. We were thinking McDonalds of something like that but no she said Melinas so that is where we went. 



That evening was her birthday party. Connor plays superman with grandma and Payton blows out her cake with her favorite colored frosting, turquoise. She also got a pet parakeet named Misty that is also a turquise color.



Saturday was the annual Christmas tree hunt. Cameron and Cecilia could not come with us this year though we did get them a tree. Mom and Dad came instead and had a good time. Here Dad kicks snow on Maddie's bare feet. 




While the group looked for trees Dad and I drove to Montpelier to get the permit since there were none in Preston. On the way we came across a cattle round up. When we made it back they had found two trees and were sledding down the hill in saucers since there was not that much snow for tubing. We were able to drive a good distance off the road this year which made it easier. 






We found the third tree and then brought them all to the truck. Another successful tree hunt and a fun time.