Livin' and Lovin'

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Grandma Lorna

My last visit with my grandma was on December 3, 2011. We had a wonderful time. I took Grandma to lunch at her favorite restaurant the El Torito in Henderson. We ate cheese enchiladas. She told me over and over how proud she is of Barry and I, how much she loves us, and how much she adores Ashlynn and Hudson. We talked a lot about her life and she reflected on friends and family that had already passed on. It was a nice visit. As I left her house she stood in the doorway waving. She was smiling and happy. I called Barry and told him that I believed that that may be the last time I saw my Grandma in this life. He asked why and I said she just seemed so content, and talked so much about those who had already gone, and she just kept expressing her love to me. I was right. My Grandma passed away on January 16, 2012. She was 86 years old. She was at her doctor's office for a routine visit the nurse was giving her a mini mental test. When the nurse looked up grandma's eyes were closed. The doctor immediately came in the room, her pulse was weak. They called 911 and in 4 minutes she was in the ER. She passed away, quickly and peacefully. I am happy that my grandma is at peace. I am happy that she gets to be with the family and friends she so longingly talked about that December day. I am happy that because of the covenants that I have made and strive to keep that I can see her again someday. But there is also that part of me that is just plain, old stinking sad.

New Year's Rockin' Eve Party

I had an extra special New Year's Eve this year. Barry surprised me by flying me to Las Vegas to spend New Year's Eve with my sisters. Whittney got free tickets to the Country Music New Year's Eve Party at Mandalay Bay. Aunt Jean picked me up from the airport. We all spent the day together. We went to dinner at the House of Blues. Corissa, Whitt, Drew, Todd and I ate dinner. Then we went to the show. There were 3 lines of people when we arrived. We were placed in the first line (oh yes...the line of people they wanted on T.V.)! We went inside the venue and the producer of the show asked me if I would ride a bull for him on T.V. I wasn't really sure what I was agreeing too at first, but Whitt assured the man that I would do it. The man marched 3 other ladies and I over to a mechanical bull. Ahhh, I was dying. I was so embarrassed that I was going to ride this on T. V. I went over and got Whitt to come ride the bull with me when the producer said he needed one more girl..I assured him that my sister was gorgeous, suitable to be on T.V., well dressed, etc and that she would be way better on T. V. than me!! We left Corissa and Drew front row of the concert!! They placed Corissa so she would be frequently seen on T.V. too!! We had a great time listening to the music, riding the bull and bringing in the New Year!! It was a great night out and one I will never forget!!

Friday, January 27, 2012

2011

So I attempted trying to "catch up" on my lack of blogging skills after recently being re-motivated to continue this blog/family journal. My pictures were taking FOREVER to upload and I started feeling slightly/very frustrated. So....I decided to recap 2011 in words, feel sad that I don't have pictures posted and start anew in January!! So here we go......2011
January-Our friends Natalie and Eric came and spend New Year's with us. I spent most of the rest of January in St. George. Grandma Sorenson was in the hospital in critical condition and I attempted to help the family by being the go between between the doctors and the family.
February: February 2nd Grandma Sorenson passed away. It was very hard and sad for all of us. She is an amazing person. She taught me a lot of things, but I think one of her greatest lessons she taught me was that of charity. My goal is to take everyone in need that I know of that is in someway hurting, healing, or just needs a boost dinner. Dinner and food go a long way in my opinion. Celebrated Ashlynn's 4th birthday with a princess party.
March: In March we went to Disney on Ice.
April:Started out great. Barry and I went to George Straight and Reba McIntire concert and spent the weekend with our friends the Hafens. My parents took the kids for the weekend. We also went to the Sunday morning session of conference. We then went to St. George for Spring Break. Ashlynn was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes while we were there. I had been suspecting the condition for a little while. Luckily, we were able to get her help and treated before her situation worsened. It is still a little difficult for me to talk about and deal with, but we are doing better. I worry about her daily. BUT I know that the Lord is helping me and watching over her and I know our situation could be worse. I have to hold onto those things. It is what helps me get through. Our friends and family were wonderful to help us with the transition. I spent the month of April in St. Geroge so I could be close to medical care while I adjusted. I don't really feel like telling more of this story right now. Maybe sometime, but not now. It is difficult to talk about sometimes, hard to admit your child has a life threatening disease, etc. Whittney's friend Michelle dressed up like Rapunzel and spent the evening with Ashlynn. She told Ashlynn that she has diabetes too and it was a special time for Ashlynn. Rapunzel is still her favorite princess. We celebrated Easter in St. George.
May: We went to Wyoming for Brenden's Highschool Graduation
June: Hudson got tubes in his ears
July: We went to California on the Annual Sorenson Family Vacation. We went to Lego Land, Sea World, The Beach, Angel's Game, etc. Year anniversary of owning the practice
August: Barry and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary. I am so lucky to have him in my life. We went to the cabin on Cedar Mtn. for our Kesterson Family Reunion. We went to Reno for a Reno Aces baseball game. It was incredible. It was a family event for kids with Diabetes. Ashlynn and Hudson got to go down on the field and play catch with their dad.
September: Brenden came to live with us to go to school. Whittney came for a visit
October: Halloween, Ashlynn was a Butterfly Fairy Princess, Hudson was a football player, Barry and I were pirates. We held the Craft for the Cure, Corissa came and helped me. A craft event to raise money and awareness for diabetes. We raised $3,000. We participated in the Walk for the Cure in Reno. We dressed up as pirates. Barry, Hudson, Ashlynn, I, Aunt Jean, Brenden, Todd, Doug and Rosie walked with us.
November: My 31st birthday, Thanksgiving in St. George, Black Friday shopping with my sisters.
December: Went to the NFR, stayed at Todd's house, visited Grandma Lorna for the last time, Hudson's 3rd birthday with Breakfast with Santa, Christmas at my parents, Ugly sweater party, sledding.