Lois Ruth Jones

Kimball's mom passed away last night from leukemia. She was an incredible woman. I know I wont do her justice and others have already done a better job than I could do, but my blog is how I stay in touch with those I love and She is too important for me to not mention and say I love and will miss her.

When I think of her, two things come to mind. She loved her Heavenly Father and his gospel, and she loved her family. All of her energy was spent serving these two things. You couldn't go into her house without her trying to make you something to eat. No matter how much you resisted or how full you were she would always find something for you to munch on. We went to Rexburg for Christmas last year and Mom was in the hospital for most of our trip. We stopped by to tell her good bye before we started back for Utah and she started making us a sandwich out of her hospital food! We of course couldn't accept the sandwich despite the love that went into it, but its the perfect example of how she could not stop giving and caring for those she loved, and she loved everyone.
When I first joined the family five years ago I was nervous and scared. I now had nieces and nephews only a year or two younger than I was. I felt like just a child who could never be seen as an equal with Kimball's family. I quickly discovered I was wrong. Kimball's mom always called me her own and I knew I was as much a part of her family as anyone else.

I never felt judged by her. She set an incredible example, and I think assumed, despite our mistakes, we were doing our best as well. I know she worried about all of us at some point for one reason or another, but that actually brings me comfort now that she's gone. I don't know much about the spirit world or how things work, but I believe that she is now able to watch over her children in ways she couldn't before. When before she did her best to comfort with a phone call she can now wrap her spirit around us when we need her. Distance isn't a barrier for her anymore. I feel the same way about the gospel. She was so frustrated when she didn't have the strength she needed to do genealogy or the other work of the church. I know she will be very busy doing our Heavenly Father's work and she will love every minute of it. Like I said, I don't know much about the Spirit World, but I know Mom is going to be happy there preparing for the Second Coming and will do what she can to help her children be with her again.

Draper Temple Open House

A little while ago we got the chance to go to the Draper Temple Open House. It was really great and so beautiful. I was kind of selfish and opted to have a babysitter for the kids rather that let them come, but I just couldn't help myself. In the long run it turned out to be the perfect decision. Kimball and I had a great time and were able to take our time and just enjoy the whole experience without worrying about Kaden running or being too loud. It worked out for Kaden too because my mom was in California when we all went and opted to take Kaden when she got back. They had such a great time. Just Grandma and Kaden! My mom said Kaden was great. He even tip-toed all the way to the entrance because he knew how quiet he needed to be. And stole a kiss from Grandma in the sealing room, apparently choking everyone up (of course this is how Grandma tells it).

I'm glad things worked out the way they did. I think it being a special Kaden and Grandma trip helped Kaden be more reverent at the temple then he would have been with me. My mom loved it, she starts to cry whenever she starts talking about it. And Kimball and I had a great morning together when we saw the temple.

Even though we're hoping to be out of Draper soon its still really exciting to have a temple in the place I grew up. I know my family will love having it so close and seeing it from their driveway. It is such a blessing.

Under the Weather

I just have to take a minute to complain a little. Hope you'll forgive me for it, but I'm going on week three now of being sick and am seriously losing patience. Things started out with the flu, but I didn't really take good care of myself and we think it developed into pneumonia. Now over two weeks later I'm just starting to feel a little better from that and I think I have a cold. I know a cold is really nothing, but I just can't take it. I want to feel good again!
Ahh, I really needed to vent a little. Over all I know I'm doing pretty good. Thankfully my kids haven't gotten sick from any of this and I am slowly but surely getting better. I'm usually a really healthy person so I guess I'm hoping that my body decided to get a years worth of illness over with at the beginning of the year and I'll have a clean bill of health for the rest of 2009. Too much to hope for? Wish me luck, and thanks again for letting me complain. I'll make sure my next post is much less self-centered.

Brotherly Love

The last couple of weeks have been pretty fun to watch. Kaden has really warmed up to Jocilyn. Sometimes he'll even give her a kiss goodnight. Its fun to watch, but as you can see sometimes he gets a little too close. The other day I was going around the house doing stuff with Jo following me when I hear here make this really weird laugh. When I back tracked to check it out I found Kaden sitting on her trying to ride her like a horse. I had to laugh because even though she had to be in pain, she was so excited to have Kaden playing with her she was still smiling and laughing.

Pig Tails!!

I have been waiting for almost nine months for Jo's hair to be strong enough to have some fun with and I finally went for it last week. I don't think she cares much, but she didn't cry when she saw them either so that's good enough for me!

I'm back

Not that I really went anywhere. Seems like life just got really busy all of the sudden, but busy with what I don't know. Here's a laundry list of events to report:

1. We went up to Idaho for Thanksgiving. It was fun seeing everyone, though it wasn't the most relaxing trip since Kaden was sick and with Kimball's mom just coming out of the hospital her immune system is really low. We ended up staying at Danny's in-laws house. So Kaden and I spent most of our time in quarantine. We still had a good time and Kimball got to see his mom a few times which was most of the reason we were there.

2. Jo started crawling. She has gotten really adventurous the last couple days. I guess I'm not used to keeping such a close watch, but I look away for a minute and then have to go on a treasure hunt for my baby! Kaden is none too pleased. Now when she goes after his toys he can't just put things out of her reach. We're still adjusting, but having a lot of fun too.

3. I saw Twilight. I don't know what you all thought, but I liked it. Yes, I laughed in several places that I don't think were meant to be funny, but for me it made it that much better (mostly). I'm especially grateful that Monica couldn't see it when it first came out, because now I have an excuse to see it again. Thanks Mo!

4. Monica came home. In case you didn't know, my sister has been in Australia for the last few months working and just came home tonight. We've all been counting down the days for her homecoming and I for one am relieved to have her home. Now Kaden has one of his favorite people back in his life.

5. Christmas presents. We're on a particularly tight budget this year which means a lot more homemade gifts. That's probably the real reason I haven't been blogging. Most of my nights I've been working on this or that for someone. I don't mean to sound begrudging. I enjoy having projects and these have been especially fun, they just throw my schedule off kilter. Luckily, I'm done with some of the more urgent gifts to have ready so things should relax a little.

As you can see, not too much excitement. We're doing good though and having a lot of fun with each other. I'll keep you updated.

Twilight Blue

I think I'm getting a little obsessed with the twilight series. The other day I bought a blue shirt with some birthday money and I thought "hey, I bet this looks like Bella's shirt that Edwards so crazy about." I promise that's not why I bought it!

Later when I took the tags off I noticed the color was called twilight blue. How crazy! At least now I know what I'll be wearing when I go see the movie. Yikes, this is sounding sad.