city lights

Here we are, on Fifth Avenue, catching the window displays in Macy's and Lord 'n Taylor. They were really awesome. This doesn't capture them at all......the animation was really neat.....I was as enthralled as Payton was. Kris said they had really nice displays at Burgdorf & Goodman's, but it was still about 20 blocks away, and with the traffic (people traffic), it was just too hard to get there.

The weather was actually not bad. A little windy, as you can tell from my hair, but otherwise, not too cold. I was actually hot at times, with my scarf on.......I really didn't need it.

I don't know how we got this clear of a picture.....the hordes of people were over powering at times. This makes it look like we were the only ones there........NOT!

There really was some really nice decorations. The city was nice and lite up, but the homes and apartments weren't. People don't decorate like we do at home. Either they can't afford it, or they don't have access to decorating outside apartments, I guess. I think only one house on Kris' street had outdoor lights up.

This was really neat. The design on the building would change with the music. This right by the "tree" at Rockefeller Center. This is also the place where I got lost. I knew we were heading for the tree and the ice skating rink, but I didn't know how far away it was and we had been looking at the window displays on the way, so I didn't know if we were going to look at more windows, or the tree, or just what it was that we were going to see. As we got closer and closer (now I understand, since just around the little half corner was the Center and the tree), the traffic of people got worse and worse. You were literally bunched together like a pack of sardines. You could hardly move, it was so bad and if you tried to go against the movement of the crowd, well....... I was right by Kris and then she was gone. Andy was pushing Halle in the stroller, Kris had a hold of Payton's hand, and they were gone. I couldn't move and I couldn't see them. When the crowd moved enough that I could see around me, they were no where in sight. I looked up and down, side to side, but I couldn't see them. I started to panic......I'm claustrophobic anyway, so the crowd was hard for me anyway. I started feeling chest pain, and difficulty breathing, and I had to tell myself to get a grip on it. And to top it off, I didn't have my phone with me. I had left it at their apartment. I don't know Andy's phone number because he got a new phone while they've been here in New York (it's programed into my phone, but I don't know it, and I didn't think Kris had her phone). And, I don't know their address. So great.....what was I going to do? I decided I would just stand right there and not move, so they could find me. Isn't that what they tell you to do when you are lost.....not to move?!Well, I stood there for over an hour. I was starting to get worried. There were soooooo many people, how in the world would they ever find me. We had gone into the city by train, and I knew I could ask people and find my way back to Penn Station and ask someone, so I got on the right train. I knew what road they lived on, and maybe I could get a taxi and I thought I could tell them how to get to their house, just not the address, and hopefully they could speak English. I wasn't sure how long the train would run so I figured I'd have to be back to the station by 10 pm at least to catch the train back, because they only ran every hour. But what would Kris and Andy be doing.....worrying and looking for me? Would they leave and go back, thinking I could find my way, or would they stay there looking for me? So I was worrying about them, and worrying about me, and to be honest, it took everything I had to not just sit down and bawl. After an hour and almost constant silent praying, I turned and there was Kris......she found me. Then I did start to bawl. I was so relieved.....I've only been that scared once before in my life. Payton saw that I had tears in my eyes, and he was quite concerned about me and kept saying, "Was you lost Grandma?" "I love you Grandma". I kept thinking, if it had been one of the kids......we would never have found them. I just wanted to hug them close and get the heck out of there. I was done with the city. However, by the time we got back home, I was better and I wouldn't mind going back again.....you just won't find me there New Year's Eve. I have no desire to fight that crowd again.

I Can't Believe It's December!

Can you believe it is really December? The year is flying by. Thanksgiving was good, even if I had to work (they fed us turkey with all the trimmings), but I couldn't help but think of the kids. They had a GREAT Thanksgiving and that made me happy, but I'll let you read Kris' blog to hear about that.

Nothing new going on with me. I just work...that's all. I try to go to New York at least every other month. I'm hoping to fly out on the 26th....won't quite make it for Christmas, but close enough. I'll be working the holidays this year, but it will be fun even a day late.

I don't have anything exciting to say, but I'm excited to read about all the neat things you all are doing, so don't forget to write. I think this is a great idea and if we all do it, it will be great!!!! Just want to say, MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! Love ya.

TWILIGHT IS HERE!!!!!!!

Alright, Twilight is here and this is one fan who has to eat her words. Now, it wasn't as good as the book, but honestly, I didn't think it would be. Most movies aren't as good as the books, so I was prepared for that. And yes, with the small budget, it was alittle choppy, but they only had two hours and you couldn't put everything in in that little bit of time. And Edward wasn't who I had pictured in my mind.............................................................................BUT,.
I LOVED IT!!!!! I was very surprised. I was able to just sit back and enjoy it and I did! I thought Rob Pattinson was great. He has a new fan in me. The scenery is awesome! The kissing scene was good and I loved the baseball game and that the Cullen family seemed so normal fixing dinner for her. There was humor, James was the perfect villian and Victoria, at the end, sent a shiver down my spine......we almost went back for another showing that night, but it was sooo late after we ate and discussed the movie to pieces, that we decided to wait and we'll all go again Monday, to a matinee. I think the youngest member of our little group is 23 and the oldest is 58, so move over you teeney bobbers.....Edward belongs to us!!!jk The only thing I felt bad about was that they left out him explaining the "twilight" is the savest time of day for them. Oh well. If you haven't seen it, you'll like it better if you've read the book, so you can feel in in your mind, the places they left out, but you'll enjoy it anyway. It's a hit!! Are there any Edwards out there???????????????????????????????????????????????????

Home Again!

Well, I made it home. I love visiting the kids, but when it's time to go or come home, it's just a relief to get there, or get home. We were delayed in New York (which Jet Blue has a new terminal and it was awesome! I couldn't believe how much nicer it is now. It looks like the terminal in Vegas or Salt Lake......big, roomy, comfortable, clean, neat. Soooooo much nicer.) Anyway, we were delayed for over an hour in New York because of the construction on the runway in Vegas. Vegas made us wait an hour. But I still made it there with plenty of time to spare to make the shuttle to St. George. However, it was pretty bumpy this time. Storm from the west made it bumpy most of the way home, but not to where I was a nervous wreck and sick. I just took another Ativan after about an hour and I made it okay. I was sure glad to land, and the worst part was coming into Vegas......talk about bumpy.

I worried so much about the plane trip and didn't think about the shuttle at all, but I'm afraid that this driver made me nervous the whole trip home. Again because of construction, it took us an hour to just get out of Vegas and he decided he would make up the time by driving faster. However, the guy is in his 70's and kept visiting with the guy up front with him, gawking off and running into the next lane. And going through the Gorge, I thought I'd have to ask him to let me out and I'd walk. However, I made it and my car was there and fine. I pulled into my house just at 8 pm. A long day, but I made it. I kept thinking, as I was taking care of Boo (the dog), that I had just been in New York that morning. Wierd. I was tired, but all in all, everything went fine. I missed Payton waking me up this morning. I woke up at 0530 this am (0730 in New York) and stayed up.....this is about the time that Payton would wake me up....between 0700 and 0730. My body didn't really get use to the time change, but I sure woke right up this morning. I'm tired now though, and it's way too early for bed.

It's back to work tomorrow. I couldn't believe the snow, cold weather and frost when I got home. I guess winter has come. New York was beautiful......fall is the best. So now I'm planning my next trip. I miss them already. I know....I'm crazy.

I am looking forward to Twilight though. Today on channel five, they spent the whole Studio Five show on Twilight. It was awesome. Can't wait. I hope you've all got your tickets, T-shirts, posters, CD's etc. I have and I can't wait. Just 15 more days. Kristen promised me she would read the book so I left it for her. I told her she's got 15 days.

Everyone, be sure to look at the Huntsman Family blog. Kris really wants to get this off and going. If you have questions, email her and she'll tell you what the goal is......family keeping in touch. What do you say....let's do it.

Again, just want to say thanks to Debbie. Without your kindness and generosity, I would really be missing the kids and lonely. You've kept me going. You'll never know how much I appreciate being able to fly to see the kids. Thank you soooooo much!!!!!!!

AREN'T THEY WONDERFUL!!!!!

I'm here, in the big apple, well.....I'm really on Long Island. And it feels great! The first night I got here, Payton kept telling me thank you, and I'm glad you're here grandma. I had brought them each a small gift and you would have thought it was the greatest gift of all time, they way they acted. It was just soooo cute. "I love you Nana....thank you Nana.....I'm soo glad you're here Nana." That night when I laid in bed, I thanked Heavenly Father over and over again, that I was here and that all was well.

Payton is really interested in his belly button. He keeps wanting us to take pictures of his belly. Sooo, here's Payton's belly! I think he's going to be a model....in really likes showing off his body!

Here we are carving pumpkins. At first, the kids weren't too interested. But they decided pumpkin carving was pretty neat. And when they were lit......WOW! That was really something. Not wanting to make Andy feel bad, but Kristen's pumpkin turned out better than his. He was trying for an oriental pumpkin......hmm?!

I made them take me into the city. It turned about to be one of the coldest days here. It took us forever to find parking, but after walking a little, we made it to FAO Schwartz's toy store. It was everything I thought it would be. We each bought about $20.00 worth of candy (a quart baggie full), yummy, yummy candy, and found one gift of their choosing, we settled down for story time. The kids have been here before and they knew just what to do.

I, of course, loved the big piano and so did the kids. It was hard to get them off of it. I would have loved to have bought one, but it was just a little too much (only $232,000.00, marked down from $500,000.00.....bargain deal).

I have to admit that they kids played better than I did. I was afraid I would fall so I was pretty careful. It seemed a little slick to me and you all know how clumsy I've gotten in my old age. But they flew down the keys!

I'm having a great time. I hate to think about heading home, but the time seems to whiz by even faster when I'm here. Probably because I actually do something. The kids are so smart and funny and wonderful. They are growing so fast. Halle talks alot and you can understand most of what she says. And Payton....well you wouldn't believe Payton. He talks and sings non stop. I bought him High School Musical 3 CD and he's almost got it memorized. We went to see the movie, just the two of us and it was alot of fun. It was AWESOME, Grandma!!!

The leaves are all in orange, red and yellow, with green and it is beautiful. I think I love fall here the best. It's been cooler than I thought it would be. I only brought light clothes and I needed warmer clothes, but it's sure beautiful. I took the kids Trick or Treating and the neighbors were really nice. New York really is a nice place. But I have to laugh.....it takes just as much time to get around here as it does to drive to town from Enterprise. Living in the city doesn't make things easier but there's more to do, that's for sure. Having a great time and I'll be heading home tomorrow. I'm trying not to, but I'm starting to feel nervous about the flight already. Oh, well....not going to think about it. Got to go play with the kids!

VACATION?

Soooooo, I'm officially sorta on vacation. I was suppose to fly to New York today, meet up with my niece Debbie and tour the eastern states. But here I am. Bummer! My work pulled a meeting on me for the 23rd, one I can't get out of because I'm in charge of the program, so I won't be heading out until next weekend. Debbie will be back home before I even get out there. All day, I couldn't help wondering, "what are they doing now?"

I wish I was out there. Especially since Kris has hurt her foot. It's hard for her to chase those kids, I'm sure, but Nana can chase them. I can't wait to see them!!!!!

Well, it's getting close. They start selling tickets for "Twilight" on the 24th. My friends and I are all excited. This guy playing Edward has got alot to live up to. I hope he's not really bad or I'll feel bad for him. I have Edward in my mind and it will be hard for anyone to live up to the Edward in my mind. We've got our T-shirts and we're ready to camp outside all day to hit the first midnight showing. Can't wait! (I feel 16 all over again). I still haven't been able to get Kristen to even read the first book. Where did I fail? I know she would like it if she would just read it, but for some reason, she refuses. Where did I fail? haha

Marathon Day

So I decided to help out with the St. George Marathon this year. I had to be at the Rec Center in St. George at 0415 Saturday morning. So of course, I went to bed early (1130) and got up at 0230 and got ready and headed down. I was a little nervous, because I was assigned to ride he shuttle with some guy I didn't know. And I wasn't sure what I was going to be doing. So I get there and find out I was suppose to meet somewhere else, but I did find Rick (that was the guy I was to ride with) and headed out. We picked up the racing officials in Veyo (now why couldn't they have picked me up in Veyo?) and headed on up to the starting line. The weather has been lovely here this last week, but today, because it's race day, its cloudy and starts to rain. I guess it hasn't rained on race day in 23 years. I felt so bad for the runners. They started hauling people to the race line at 0430 and the race started at 0645, so people stood around in the rain for tooooooo long.

They had close to 6,000 people participating this year and had to turn 3600 people away. The St. George Marathon has become a very sought out race. One, because it's such a scenic race and the weather is usually good and because they take good care of the runners. That's where I came in. There were six shuttles like ours that were filled with oxygen, medical supplies, water, bananas, that drove up and down the race picking up people as they either "hit the wall", succumbed to hypothermia, or just plain wore out. Because of the weather, we were very busy. Several times our van was full to capacity (we held 15) and I felt bad as I'd have to tell people, "We'll send someone back for you.. I'm sorry, we can't get anybody else in." I hated turning people away as they looked so desperate.

By about 1230, the rain stopped, but the main race was pretty much over and there were maybe twenty or so stranglers finishing up. We turned in the van at 1330, and I headed home. It was quite a day and I'm really glad I did it now. It made me want to go walking and when I got home, I took Boo for a nice walk. She was soooo excited.

I'll never forget the site of the mass of people that went on and on as those awesome people moved through the starting line. And the determination and pain on their faces as they crossed the finish line. All of you, I just want you to know, are WINNERS! You inspired me. What a day!

I'm So Glad I Don't Work Nights!

Let me just say, I've always been a "night" person. I love staying up late and sleeping in late. But as I've gotten older, my lates aren't quite as late. 3 am is about when I really get tired now. I could work nights, if they'd let me go home at 3am. Oh well. So last night, after I finished giving report to the night charge nurse, I decided to stay and do a little paper work I had to finish up on a project I've been doing called Healing Committments. Anyway, I was in the charge nurse office working and several times the night charge nurse came in to complain about the patient in room 230, who is bipolar, confused half the time, and is now in a manic phase, and refusing to take his medicine. He's recovering from open heart surgery, so she'd been trying to keep in calm, before he'd rip open his incision....he was getting a little wild. They finally had to call security to come help control the situation. I'd ask her if she needed any help and she said no.....she just open the door to the office, poke her head in and say, "This guy's driving me crazy!" and other such comments. I had just finished up when I was doing, when a CNA ran in the office and said, "Lori, Kristina needs your help QUICK in room 228!" So I jumped up and ran in the room. What I found, was a large, white male (in his late 70's, early 80's), who had been drinking (you could smell the liquour down the hall) who was yelling and pushing at people, with his little wife (who was the patient who was in with chest pain), crying and trying to get him to calm down. He was upset about something he thought was suppose to be happening that wasn't and he was going to make sure that some "head's rolled". Just then, the security guards arrived and he stepped back into the room. They grabbed him, and in the scuffle, a hand gun that he had in his shirt tucked into his pants fell out. He had been screaming to his wife just before that, "Don't make me have to kill somebody!!" Well, immediately, the security guards grabbed the gun and shuffled him out of the room and into a private room and shut him in and the police were called and he was taken away. His wife by now is having 10/10 chest pain, which we were treating... EKG, nitro...and then ativan. After things were calmed down, I looked over at the charge nurse, and she was talking with the security guards and was crying. After she finished, I told her to go take a break and get herself together and I would watch things while she was gone. Then another patient went into a 2nd degree heart block with her heart rate dropping to 28-30, symptomatic, and we had to hook her up to temporary external pacing while the doctor and the cath lab got in and whisked off to the cath lab for an emergent pacemaker placement. The charge nurse came back while this was going on and I could just see the stress in her face, and she started crying again. Then when the patient in 207 started acting up, I thought, she's not going to make it through this night. So I started calling the night shift charge nurses to see who could come in and relieve her for the rest of the shift. It is now 11:30 pm. I was able to find a part time nurse who agreed to come in, because I told her she could have the next night off and I'd pay her premium pay. She got there about 12:30, they gave report and I followed the other nurse home to make sure she got there okay and got myself home about 2:00 am. I was still feeling pretty good, so I emailed my boss to let her know everything I had done and then watched about two dances of "Dancing with the Stars" before I fell asleep (around 3 am). Who says I have a BORING life (oh, I think it was me that said that....). Boring looked pretty good after last night.
Oh, and while all this was happening, I had to send another nurse to the ER, who decided to have her baby (luckily, I was able to get a nurse from 1West)....a baby boy! Now, usually, nights are calm...it's considered the "easier" shift, but every once in a while, especially if there's a full moon (which I don't think there was one, but oh well), things can really get Crazy and last night was one of those nights. Now don't think bad of that charge nurse.....I've seen her handle alot of things very well....just last night she couldn't. We all have times like that. On days, I have Edie who is there for me (to help me) when things get bad and unfortunately, she didn't have anyone but me, who was not going to be able to make it all night. As for that man, he is profusely apologizing for his actions.....he just kept saying, "I want you to know how much I love my wife". I told him there was no doubt in my mind. He probably is a very nice man, just worried and scared about his wife and add liquour with stress, and WHEW...anything can happen!
Payton went poop in the toliet today!!!! I did the "Happy Poopie" dance! (I hope nobody could see in my windows at this crazy fat lady dancing crazily around the room chanting, "Payton went poopie, Payton went poopie!" I LOVE MY GRANDKIDS!!!!

I've got the smartest grandkids around!

So Kris calls today and tells me that Halle can climb out of her crib. WOW! The little monkey! There will be no keeping that child down now. I feel for her. Her mom that is. Try keeping her in bed when she doesn't want to now. Ha Ha It's so fun to be a grandma and just laugh at these things.

And then a few days ago, Payton finally went poop in the toliet!!!!! The day should be made a national holiday, it's so momentous. My grandkids are sooooo wonderful!!!!

So I met someone the other day who hasn't read Twilight and refuses.....vampires. hmph! She reads biographies about important people. Okay. So, I don't care.

Pet Peeve: people training for the St. George Marathon. So I go to work Saturday morning (I leave for work at 0500) and as soon as I hit Central, there are runners everywhere. I swear, there were at least 100 runners that morning. They were some in ones and twos, but many in groups of five or more. And only one or two have reflectors on their clothes....so this is a narrow two lane highway, and you are driving along and you see a reflector here and there and then, miraculously, you happen to see a person (before you hit them) and swear out of the way. They are running side by side down the road...not one behind the other. Please know that I DO NOT want to hit anyone, but some of them deserve it. STUPID STUPID STUPID! This is a highway, not a run way. I was almost late because I had to really slow down. And then, the traffic of all the other runners coming, was terrible. They park barely off the road, stand warming up, with their lights on....on BRIGHT! It was a little better after Veyo, because the road is much wider, but I was mad by the time I got to work. I had to vent for 15 mins. before I could take report. Poor Dayna had to listen to me. One of the doctors admitted that he was out there that morning and told me to hang in there...only a couple of weeks until the race. Hope he lives until then!!!!! Hopefully, I won't have to work another Saturday til then.

Mama Mia`

So yesterday, a few of my friends from work decided to have a "girls" day out and went to the theater to see "Mama Mia`". I haven't had soooooo much fun in a long time. Now ABBA is from my time and we all knew the songs (the girls were all about my age or so). We were singing along, swaying our arms, and dancing to the music. There was no one in the theater but women and many of them joined in. It was a HOOT! I haven't laughed sooo much in a long time. You could just tell the actors really enjoyed making this movie, and the enthusiasm spilled out to the audience. You've got to get your girlfriends and go see it. Best time I've had (minus Kris, Andy and the kids) that I've had in a long long time. Call me....and I'll go with ya.

We also had a little mexican food.....what more could ya want. Great TIME!!!!

Well, it's starting to feel like fall outside. Last night I even had to get up and shut the window and put another blanket on, as I was soo cold. Looks like rain for the holiday weekend. I have to work, so let it rain! We can use a little rain. I don't know if the farmers will agree, but I'll take it when I can get it.

I'm still looking for a good book. Titles and authors would be appreciated. I'm desperate!!!!
Have a good Labor Day Weekend!!! Wish I was with my kids........

Lonely Again

Well, it's been a week since I last saw the kids, and I'm feeling lonely again. I get on Kris' block and look at their pictures and cry. I really wish they didn't live so far away. They are so cute and fun and make me soooo happy. I really do miss them. And I'm sure they've forgotten all about Nana.

It took three days to get back. What an adventure. I fly stand by (thank you sooo much Debbie.....I'll owe you for live). Thursday evening they started having terrible rain storms and so several flights were cancelled. I was suppose to fly out Friday am on the 0750 flight, but it was booked, with people trying to make up for cancelled flights. Flights for that whole day were the same, so they finally told me I wouldn't get a flight out and to try the next day. Saturday looked to be a repeat. But after spending the day at the airport (watching disgruntled fliers.....what did they want to do....fly out in a dangerous rain/electrical/tornado storm?) who were trying to get home, I finally did get on a plane that left that night. I got into Vegas and since it was so late, and I gotten sick on the plane, stayed with Nicki over night. Bless Nicki's heart.....all day I kept calling her to say, "Nope, I didn't get on that flight either." (I had left my car with her). I don't know why I got sick on the plane, the ride was fine. I think it was just nerves and anxiety of waiting all day in the airport trying to get a flight home. I was suppose to work Sunday morning, but I called my best friend Edie, and she worked for me and I worked for her on Friday, so it worked out fine. I really didn't realize I was that anxious, as I figured I'd get home sometime and I could always call Kris and have her come back and get me. I wasn't stranded, so I was really embarrassed when I threw up in the little bathroom on the flight. I finally got home Sunday at 2 pm. and was to work bright and early Monday morning....no sweat!
And I've gone into work every day until today (Wed. and Thurs. I had meetings to go in for), so I really haven't had time to miss the kids MUCH until now. We had fun while I was there and I can't wait to go back in October. I just like being with them.......all the other stuff is extra........and it wouldn't even matter if I didn't see a thing....as long as I'm with them. But it's fun, and I do look forward to it, even if it can be tiring walking all over Manhattan and Central Park. Got to get me some new shoes. I had blisters on my feet!

Today is the Cornfest here in Enterprise. Everyone in southern Utah is visiting our little town for a taste of our great corn! Guess what I'm having for dinner???

Oh, I'm so lost now that I've finished "Breaking Dawn", which I liked the way it ended (but I'm a romantic and love the happy endings). But now I need something new to read desperately. PLEASE SOMEONE, TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD TO READ!!!!

If I can figure out how to do it, I'll post pictures of us all in New York. I think I got some good pictures. And to the fam up north.....see ya soon. I might just drop up to keep from getting too lonely. It was fun to see you a few weeks ago. Love ya, Lori

24th of July Celebration!

Payton was excited about the fireworks, but when they popped loud, he'd cover his ears. Halle clapped and screamed, she didn't mind the noise. But afterwards, they'd both scream for more.

"Alright, so where's the candy!" "Enough of floats, old people and dancers. Just bring on the candy!"

Little Miss Sunshine, she loved the parade. "OooH!" she say. and "Yeah!" I loved the glasses. She kept them on for almost the whole parade.

If they hadn't taken so long getting everybody ready, Halle would have won the race. She was ready to go. Then when they finally said go, she decided to stand and watch everyone else run and the reaction of the standbyer's as they cheered them on. She really can run fast. The little bugger.

"My cup runneth over!" Thank you so much for these precious children. They are my joy!!!!!

They had so much fun with their cousins, I smile even now, remembering it. I think they had a great day. They go and go though, I wish I had their energy. It was a good 24th!

Four Down, One to Go!

Well, Kristen will be home tomorrow and I have mixed feelings. Mixed because I wish I had done a few things differently, wish I had a little bit more time to be more fun, and glad to have her back, one, because I actually miss her too, and because, I'll be glad to let her be the one to discipline, and let me just be the one to love on them.

My great plans for charting our days didn't quite materialize, as Payton would always want me to lay down with him and I was soooo tired, I'd just fall asleep, wake up in about an hour and go get in bed. During the day, I didn't have time, because after only one day, I learned it was best to get your work done when they were down for naps or asleep at night, so I didn't get it done. Oh well, just know that I love my grandkids even more than I did before. They can be rowdy, messy, loud, impatient, insistent, and frustrating at time, but mainly, they are so eager to love you and spend time with you and learn from you, that I can't believe such unconditional love. Even when I got mad at them, they loved me. There's nothing more precious and humbling. It would break my heart to ever hurt or disappoint them. I just want to say, "Thanks Kris, for giving me these past few days. I'd do it again in a minute." When you don't have anyone around to love you or to take care of, you forget what a privilege that is and how much you need it. Thank you, thank you.

Alright, no more blubbering. The kids have really missed their mom and can't wait to see her. We pick her up in St. George at 3:10 pm. Payton has told me over and over again 3:10 grandma. Yup, that's right, I tell him. I won't forget.

Well, we have a week of fun things to look forward to . Camping, the 24th, Joe's wedding, and then............the most important of all.........the last book of Twilight comes out on Aug. 2nd. I can hardly wait. All I can say is.... Bella had better marry Edward, have sex and be made a vampire or there will be some very disappointed people out here......(I know she wrote these books for the youth, but most of my friends are as crazy about Edward and Bella as I am). If there was an Edward out there, I'd marry him even if he was a vampire!!!!

I do like other authors though too and some of the characters they write about I'm almost as fond of. Like: Janet Evanovich's Stephanie, CJ Box's Joe Pickett, Dick Francis and all of his characters, and I just read a new little book called "Love Walked In" that featured two characters that I really liked......it made me cry, I recommed it.

I'm always looking for a good book, so if you've got any suggestions, please let me know. I LOVE to ready a GOOD book. Speaking of reading, the kids are in bed, maybe Halle is finally asleep and I think I'll read for awhile. Talk to ya later.

Four Days and Counting

Whew! I made it through the first day. Now don't get me wrong, I love my grandchildren and are more than thrilled to have them here and to have them all to myself. But, I realize now, for sure, that I'm not as young as I use to be and that they wear you out.

We were up early this morning to get Kris down to St. George to catch the Shuttle to Las Vegas, as she flew home to spend a few days with Andy. The kids and I then stopped at Harmons for a few groceries, a donut and chocolate milk and headed home. When we got home, the kids played in the house for a little while and I made a pizza for lunch (Payton's favorite). Yes, we had green beans and orange slices with it Kris. I didn't forget the veggies and fruit. Then it was time for a nap. The kids were both tired and didn't fight me at all to go down for naps. GREAT!

After naps we headed outside to swim in the little pool, have water fights and just play in the yard. They played good together and I thought, wow, this is going great. Then we headed back in and it was time to fix supper. We had leftover roast, mashed potatoes and peas and carrots. They didn't eat that well, probably still full from the ice cream we had had while playing outside. Then, because they really were dirty, we headed for the shower to get cleaned up. I decided I didn't want to bend over in the tub with Halle (my ankle still bothers me some, especially bending it like that), and that was a challenge. I don't think she likes showers that much. I guess I'll have to scrub the kitchen sink every day and just wash her up there. Payton use to like that the few times I washed him there.

Then we watched "Chicken Little", had popcorn, read stories ( I think Halle got every book we have out), brushed teeth (yes Kris, I remembered) and off to bed....Halle by 8:30 and Payton at 9:00. Except for one little episode where Payton decided to tackle Halle and lay on her, things were great. And I even talked to Kris, and she made it home okay. The end to a great day. Can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring. Who said this old lady didn't still have it. BRING IT ON!

Powder Fresh

Kris was kind enough to take this pic of Payton for me. He was watching 'High School Musical' while she was cleaning up the house. She went in to check on him and he and my bedroom were COVERED in baby powder. No clue why he suddenly decided to go through 2 whole large containers of powder around but apparently he had a great time.

My bed spread is mostly purple and the carpet is/was tan. The powder storm also included the tv, clothes basket of 'clean' clothes, and the remotes. (Which thankfully still work). On the upside my room smells very clean. With his smile it's hard to get mad for too long though. :) Never a dull moment around here.

The kids love having their picture taken. Payton has also started to take pictures. Sometimes I look at the camera and there are pictures of "High School Musical" on the tv, a ball, a sock. He took a picture of me and after looking at it he said to Kris, "You're mom is weird."
So what's new.....everyone knows I'm wierd! We are having fun though. Halle has really warmed up to me and will even give me kisses. Payton has always been close to "Grandma", so it's fun to have him back. They wake up and head out side and you have to pull them screaming and kicking to get them back in side.
Today, I had to have my eyes checked, so Payton went with me. He was the perfect gentleman and the receptionist even gave him a sucker has a reward. Then we headed to see "WALL E". Payton was really excited. We stopped off at Marv's for a hamburger and then to the movie where we had popcorn and pop. I was afraid he'd get a tummy ache, but he did okay. The movie was cute and we enjoyed it. Payton can eat a whole bag of popcorn, I'm not kidding!!!! It was fun to have one on one time and we had a good time.

Who turned my alarm off!

So I wake up this morning and the clock says 4:53 a.m. YIKES! I'm suppose to be up by 4:00 a.m. and leave for work at 5:00 a.m. and arrive safely at work at 5:55 a.m. WHO TURNED OFF MY ALARM CLOCK?????? Oh, I guess it was probably me......I vaguely remember it going off and reaching over to turn it off. Shoot. I now have 7 mins. to get ready. So I had the quickest and skimpest wash up, brushed by teeth, got dressed and was out the door by 5:15. To top it off, I woke up and my right eye was practically stuck together with a gooey discharge......conjunctivitis (from my contacts.....I really should take them out more at night, but I get lazy). So I have to hot pack them for about 2 mins., and wear my glasses to work and no makeup. Lovely. I then drive like a bat out of hiaties to get to work on time, praying the whole way, "Please Heavenly Father....keep the deer away from the road. Please don't let me hit any deer." Remember, I'm driving a rental, because my car is in the shop from hitting a deer. I clocked into work at 6:01. One minute late, can ya believe it? And I didn't hit any deer.......thanks to an understanding Father in Heaven, the deer turned away and not into the road! Whew! Thank you sooooo much! Every once in a while I do that....turn my alarm clock off and fall back to sleep....and believe me, I loose about 5 years each time. Luckily, it's rare, but it sure as heck stops the heart and drops the blood pressure. Not good for us old people, ya know.
Luckily I have a couple of days off now, so tomorrow, I'm sleeping in.

"To Be or Not To Be"

So, if you've read Kristen's blog, you know she wrecked my car.......actually, a doe wrecked my car. Payton keeps asking, "Grandma, what happened to your car?" And I tell him that a stupid deer ran into it. So now the big question is, do I fix it up or get a new one? It has almost 300,000 miles on it and is starting to really need some major work on it, like new struts. I know I'm going to need a new car sometime soon, but I hate the thought of car payments. I pay $500.00 a month now on gas, and the thought of a car payment too, makes me sad. There goes my play money. So I guess we'll see what the insurance adjustor has to say. A new car would be awesome, if someone would just give me one. I guess that won't happen. Oh well.

But, the best news is that Kris and the kids are here!!!!!!!!They are soooo cute. I thank the Lord everyday for my sweet grandkids. I am truly blessed. And I'll actually have something to write about now, while they are here anyway. I hope this month goes by really slow.

Here we go

I've had such a good time looking at every one else's blogs that I decided, what the heck! I told my daughter I wouldn't have much to blog about, but she insists that at least she will look at it. :)