Sunday, November 8, 2009

THE UPS AND DOWNS OF SUMMER 2009

This is going to be a big catch up post since I haven't posted anything since July! And since it has been so long I forgot to upload the earliest pictures last, so the pictures are out of chronological order :( Well most of my life has been out of order lately, hence the long time since posts. Since July we have added a new grandchild, lost a dear mother and grandmother, moved our daughter-in-law and three children in with us for a few weeks, had back surgery, done some home renovations, not to mention the routine things that go with work, family, church, and just living day to day. It has definitely been an interesting summer and one certainly worth journaling, but I feel I have really come up short this time. Hopefully these pictures will help tell the story a little of what we have experienced. There have been some very good times with the trials and I am so thankful to my family for their love and support while I have been laid up for so long.

I began to have pain in my leg the end of June and was diagnosed with a herniated disc in July. I was in constant pain, especially while sitting, for over two months while we tried epidural injections and physical therapy before having a successful surgery the end of September. I have learned to appreciate little things like sitting at the computer, going to a movie, driving a car, playing with my grandkids on the floor, going to the temple, riding horses with Tegan, etc. However, everything is going well now and I am grateful to good doctors and a patient family who have helped me stay focused on what really matters in life! THEM!
As I said, the pictures start with the most recent, which was a fun day spent at the corn maze with Jackie and Cole. Cole loved the corn bin, feeding the goats, riding the tractor train, picking out a pumpkin and navigating the maze. He is such a good little guy and is happy doing whatever is happening at the moment!





Look what we found amongst the melons at Costco!




At the Bees game on July 24th




It was so great having Christine home for a while this summer. Her and Tegan kept each other good company!



Christine helped Parker do a presentation on Japan for Tegan's class



Tegan had a very successful year in 4-H with her horse Sundance. They are quite the pair!




This little guy was one of the highlights of our summer. Tyce Parker Morrill was born July 31st at the Uintah Basin Medical Center. He weighed in at 8 lbs 4 oz. It was such a blessing to have Parker and Jenn here for the summer before moving to Washington D.C. I can't express how much I miss them all.



This was also another addition to our family this summer! Tegan's little Lillie Joy has been a lot of fun, though I forgot how much energy a puppy has and how much they like to chew on EVERYTHING!




After I inserted these pictures it is kind of hard to say this was a sad day, the day of mom's funeral. Everyone seems to be having too good of a time. We are very happy that mom is happy now. She died at the age of 94, having endured faithfully to the very end. (more detailed blog to follow)





These are the brave runners of the Neola 4th of July half marathon. Tyler did exceptionally well placing in the men's division. Jackie and dad also did very well. I admire anyone to cross the finish line still standing!


These little guys were literally my saviors this summer. They would help keep my mind off the pain and had such a capacity to love that has truly left a void in my life since they have been gone. We had such fun throwing rocks in the pond, playing Uno, going fishing, reading stories. They were always good sports and such good little guys, always ready with a hug.


Of course, if Uncle Shane was around you better watch out!


Josh found this little lace glove in Tegan's drawer and seriously wore it ALL the time. Here they are doing their own version of Michael Jackson "THriller"!



One of their most favorite things to do was fill the balloons with helium and let them go. Little things would make their day!
This was on one of the trips up to the cabin. I miss my little cuddle buddies!



I love this picture of Parker and the boys walking back to the cabin after fishing in the pond!

Dad and Tegan tying on a lure. I'm so blessed with such a great family!

Yes, this summer had it's ups and downs, but the ups were pretty darn good and the downs weren't so bad, so overall I cannot complain. I think I am one of the luckiest people in the world to have such a wonderful family who loves being together and looks out after each other. I couldn't have made it without all of you!