Glowing in the Dark

 Last year Ambur asked me to do a race that was at night and I told her no way because I would fall.  Then one night a month or so later, I was looking out my bedroom window and saw all these neon things bouncing up and down the trail.  I told Ambur to come and see it and she told me that was the race she had wanted to do.  I didn't know it was on the trail---so I told her we would do it this year.  We got our packets a couple of days ago.

There was a party that started two full hours before and we got there about 8:30.  It actually started at our church building and the pre-party was in our church parking lot and pavilion.  They gave us some glow in the dark bling for the race and we also had some that we had planned to use at a family dinner that never happened so we used both and handed some out to people who looked like they might enjoy them.

The Butterfly is what we got from the race and this is an upside down picture of what it looks like.

It was really getting pretty while we readied ourselves and then it got dark.  It is always fun, and one of my favorite parts of any race is the before and after.  It is so much fun to just relax and enjoy all the laughter in the air.  The race was to start at 9:30.

Gimme got to use her official glow in the dark collar she got for Christmas.  I am pretty sure it was the highlight of her day!

This is not the greatest of pictures, and I might be in a little trouble, but look how skinny Ambur is getting.  She doesn't know just how good she looks and I am so proud of her.  (OK, I got a little distracted when I saw that).

The night was full of fun.  Then the race started.  I am enjoying the 5k's and they are a way for me to work at getting a little healthier and faster so maybe next year I can do some 1/2 marathons again.  so I set a goal to finish at 50 minutes tonight.

The night went pretty smoothly.  I tried to find some photos of the race but I couldn't find any that would work.  There were bands along the way and that was pretty fun and there is one place right about in the middle where the hill is steep -- I think it is a 15% incline.  I have walked it many times but it kicked me in the tail tonight.  I had to stop three times along that part of the race.  Ambur passed me by but then, came the downhill--the rest of the race and it was lovely.  I picked up speed and finished with a time of 57.02 so not quite what I wanted but still under an hour.  The end of the race was fun with foam to run through.  I ran right through it and was looking for Ambur so we could get something to eat there were so many treat tables and I didn't think she would be far off.

It got to 1:08 and I thought I saw Gimme's collar near the ground and it was moving and then it wasn't.  I was going to call Ambur to see if all was OK and then my phone rang.  Gimlet just laid down and wouldn't move.  I went to meet them and they weren't to far off.  Gimme was down and out.  OK, in fairness it was so hot.  I gave her my water (I am not sure why Ambur didn't have water) and she barely moved to the finish line.  I walked ahead to find out where the shuttles were and went back and Gimlet had stopped again.  She had to be coaxed every INCH to the shuttle. Don't get me wrong, I felt for her, but I ended up with no treats, no water for myself and a seeing guide dog that had to literally be lifted onto the shuttle back to home.  (people were very understanding and kind).  So Ambur finished the race at about 10:40 and we boarded the shuttle after many long waiting periods at 11:25...almost longer than the race.  We got to the church and I picked up Ambur and Gimme in the van and we went on home.

There is always some kind of great special adventure at the races.  I didn't get any finish line pictures and I know Ambur felt bad--she apologized a million times--but ultimately I am just glad that we all made it safely.  It was fun in spite of it and next year we will do something to be a little more prepared.

I am so grateful for the fun times Ambur and I are able to have with one another.  I think being close is how our father in heaven would want us to be and that we are.  She is a blessing that I am grateful for every single day of my life.  I truly am blessed (and a little sore)

August Family Dinner/Reunion

Tomorrow would be the date for our Family dinner for August, but I moved it to today (Saturday) because it is the Gappmayer family reunion in Payson (West Mountain) Utah and so that is where Ambur and I are headed this morning.  We won't get to enjoy the whole time but we should be there before they start eating at 10:00.

We arrived at about 9:30 but the eating had already begun and so had much game playing.  The first thing we saw was the horse and buggy.  I think this is a favorite thing for the kids.

The food was great.  Biscuits, ham and eggs, good bread, sweets, pancakes and lots of it.  We got our food and then sat at a table with Jeanette, Malissa, Chris, Sheri, Kaitlyn and we had a great time visiting.  I love to just hear what is going on with them all.

It seems like everyone got up about the same time and started cleaning up and playing games.  I went off with my camera to take some pictures.  I think my eyes are not seeing things quite the way they used to, I have a hard time getting great pictures.

This is my nephew Ben's family dog.  She kept bringing her ball over and dropping it by Gimlet.  Of course Gimlet just stared at her because she was working and because she can't play with balls (doesn't really even know what one is).  But she sure did try to get her to play.  She was sweet and just kept going after the ball that Norman just kept throwing for her.

JoDee asked us if we would like to see Mandy's "petting" zoo.  She doesn't really have a zoo, but she sure has some beautiful animals, and of course I wanted to go and see it. She was showing us her horses and I immediately loved this little one.  Just so beautiful and friendly. She has some really beautiful horses and it was such fun to see them all.  I was told all the names, but can't really remember them all.

We also got to see her cows and her two day old puppies.  This was really fun.

I love this plant.  The picture doesn't do justice for the color of the plant.  It is just beautiful.  Of course I can't remember the name now, but I will find one here and I am going to try to plant it in a pot.  Amanda told me that the hummingbirds love it.  I hope I can grow it here.

After a wonderful visit we headed for home.  We have plans for later tonight (more to come on that in another post) and we plan to go home get a nap and then go to that.  Even though we weren't real hungry we decided to stop and get something to eat on the way.  There were some beautiful sunflowers which Ambur loves so we snapped a couple of pictures.

We really had a lot of fun and it was just a great day visiting and enjoying a lovely day.  I am so blessed with a loving family.  I haven't always been appreciative of how important my siblings and their families are.  I wasn't really around them much as I was raising my children and missed out on some really valuable memories.  I am grateful for every opportunity that comes to me where I can get to know them and their children a little more.  So many tender mercies in life and I am grateful for them all. 

Happy Birthday Dad

I love my dad.  I am grateful for the many life lessons I learned from him and wish that I would have listened a little more to many that I ignored or hated.  While he was not perfect, he was loving to us all and I am so grateful to have had parents who I always knew loved me.  Dad and I definitely had our moments, but we also shared some great memories.  This picture in particular is very touching to me.  It was at the hospital near the end of his life and I got there very early hoping for some time alone with him.  We had it and we had two really great discussions.  I am quite sure he wouldn't be happy about this picture being posted, but it has become a favorite for me because of the discussions we had.

My favorite memories with my dad are of this beautiful place, Dip Vat.  We camped and came here a lot and we had really good times.  My dad was a great camper and I just loved going any time.

This was at his 80th birthday which happened to be at the same week as my husbands death but I loaded up and went to the party and even though some of my siblings expressed their negative opinions at me being there, I ended up being glad I went.  It was nice to visit and step away from the sad feelings I was experiencing.

This is at my son's wedding in 2008 and I was very surprised and pleased to see my dad there.  He doesn't look to happy but as I go through all my pictures, I am grateful for any pictures I find of my dad.  I don't have many but each is a treasure.

I hope my dad is having a happy birthday on the other side of the veil.  I love him and am grateful to have been raised by such a good man.  I am blessed.

Another year passes.

April 1st, or as some may say, April Fool's Day, or for me, the anniversary of my best friend and husband leaving this world to go to the other side of the veil day.  It has been many years now and sometimes it is still as if it were happening right now.  I almost never go anywhere with people on this day because I just never know how I am going to be emotionally and the slightest thing can just set me off and then it brings the world around me down.  So I am typically on my own to remember the wonderful memories we experienced in too short a time.  

This is when we took Ambur to the MTC so many years ago.  I am working diligently on getting all my pictures labeled and organized and was very pleased to find this one.  This was a really great day and it brought joy to my mind.

This is Kelly and his grandson, 'little' Colten.  He sure loved his Grandpa and we had some really great times together.  Of course now he is an adult and probably doesn't remember me at all, but I sure loved spending time with this guy.

I can't for the life of me figure out how to turn the pictures around on the blog, but this is s favorite because he just loved his dogs.  He loved them on his lap whenever we could get them to stay.

This is an article that was about Kelly's accident.  I am so grateful for his sister, Ruth, she is so kind to me and I really love her for her kindness.  Kelly loved her and it has been clear to me why ever since he passed away.

And of course me and kelly.  This picture was done by Sears.  They put a picture they took of me and blended it with a good one I had of Kelly and I have always really loved it.  I tried really hard today to just think of good memories and not be sad.  I just miss and love him so very much and I am blessed to be his wife and to have him for a friend.  It is just one more way Heavenly Father continues to show me how much he loves me/us.  I am grateful.

March Update

 I just wanted to update with some job information and how we are doing in Cedar City.  I didn't return to my job and decided that I would collect my Social Security.  I have been very busy trying to get that all straightened out, but mostly I have been so sick with the cough and elements of the flu.  I can hardly stay awake and when I do the slightest activity, I cough and cough and cough some more.  Ambur has been such a great kind person in helping me out and understanding, she still hurts some herself but she is doing what she can to help out.  

We don't have Ministering sisters and the Relief society has not contacted us at all, but our ministering elders have called a couple of times to see how we are.  Ambur is working and carrying the load for getting our groceries.  She never makes me feel low because of leaving my job, she is just very understanding and I think Heavenly Father is working and guiding both of us during this somewhat difficult time.  Fortunately I was able to get my 401K, small as it was, and that has helped.  I had my final check and was paid for PTO that I had and so we are doing OK financially.  I should be getting my first SS check soon and will see if I am able to get a part time job to supplement.

Life is good and I know I am so blessed.  I am so grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and to have a strong faith in Heavenly Father's plan.  I know that he loves me, individually and that he knows my challenges and as I continue to listen and act from that faith, things will be working out for us here.

Birthday Time for my Mom

March is a difficult time for me for many reasons.  It is also a very happy time because it is my mom's birthday.  Since she passed away, I actually don't remember when it started, my sisters have gathered together for the the 'sister luncheon'.  To remember my mom and to catch up on each other's life.  I have so many great memories from the luncheon and seeing my sisters and before mom died we would go to lunch and have a little shopping.  I loved shopping with my mom.  She was genuinely interested in seeing what we purchased and what we liked and she always gave her input as to if she liked the choices made or not.

I hope she has a very Happy Heavenly Birthday.  This family picture is one of my favorites because I am in her tummy.  My mom was an amazing woman.  I love her so much.  In my adult years and especially when I was first married and would call her for advice, she would have the best advice to give.  One particular occasion I was speaking to her about some problems I was having with my children and she said,  "don't worry about how they are feeling about your parenting choices, everyone who gets mad will eventually get glad:.  I love that and have thought of it many times since.  

I quit going to the sister's lunch a few years ago because it is a bittersweet day for me since the death of my husband and I just can't make it emotionally through the day.  I miss seeing my sisters, but since I made that choice the level of stress for me meeting expectations that I put upon myself have pretty much completely gone away.  With the help of a counselor, I have worked through the choice I have made and have come to realize that for me, not going is so much better than feeling like I ruin the day for anyone attending.  I love to hear about the fun that they have together, but I don't believe I will ever be there again.

I am so blessed to have been raised in such a good family.  There seems to always be some type of drama going on, but I love each of my siblings and I am grateful for them.  I wish I had closer relationships with some of my siblings despite differences in politics/religion/ and ideas, but it might be a little late for that.  I am just grateful for them all.  I am blessed and I love them all.