Erin in real life.

all the single ladies...

2010-03-18T10:32:00.000-04:00

THIS IS MY BROTHER AND YES, HE'S SINGLE

Hope he's ok with this

Josh

Tall, dark and handsome and 28 years old.

This is one of my favorite pictures. I was going to put it in the post before this one but forgot. My mother is actually posing in the background

He's got a personality.

He loves his sister :)

He likes suga' and sitting at the kid table. If you know what I mean ;)

A side view.

Ok, so I don't know exactly what he does for work.

He lives in Austin.

He drives a silver Honda

He's got a hairy chest

He's about 6'3 (I think), He's tall

He's sensitive

He's smart

He has a bachelor's degree from BYU

He's particular about his jeans.

Served his mission in Argentina

he speaks espanol (spanish)

He's confident

well rounded

Likes and plays sports (plays mostly basketball)

That's my brother.

Howa ya'll doin'?

2010-03-18T10:04:00.001-04:00

I've been away from Texas so long.
My accent is gone but everyone there still has one
including my mother who is in denial. :)
It's true that I didn't even know that "fixin'" (as in "I'm fixin' to go to the store")
wasn't even a real word until I was 18.
Here's some good ol' Texas fun.

Memaw sharing oreos.

Noah and Asher were wrestling. They were laughing and it was too cute.

The birthday party for the adults. From left to right: Mom, brother Josh (holding nephew Anson), brother-in-law Sam (aka the one armed man), Aunt Janna, My sister Melissa (the witch doctor) holding Noah, two kids below Kamin and Analise (Nephew and Niece)

Noah fell asleep in the car.

The birthday cake.

My sister the witch doctor (that's what Heath calls her anyway)

Noah is uncle Jon's UFC stuff.

These are 3 of my siblings. Matt, we missed you. We are all laughing because Noah gave my mom (taking the photo) a swift punch to the guts right before. From left to right: Josh, me, Melissa, Jonathan.

Home again

2010-03-17T22:35:00.004-04:00

We made it home.
He gave me flowers. Gerber daisies, some favorites.:)
He does love me.
Things smelled different when we got here.
More like a man but still like burned wood.
It is good to be back but those we left are missed.
We fed the horses across the street old carrots.
My hands smelled like horse
My shoes were muddy.
It's home and I like it.
I love my family in Texas.
The words thank you just do not express enough the gratitude for those
who care about us so much.
I'm so blessed, so blessed.

Asher

2010-03-10T18:24:00.002-05:00

Asher up

2010-03-10T18:13:00.004-05:00

Pictures

2010-03-10T18:07:00.000-05:00

The last of the reflexologist appointments was today.
Asher didn't throw up this time and he seemed to be in less pain.
I got a hair cut and Heath made me promise to post a picture and blog today.
Here you go.

This is a borrowed princess umbrella. It was not raining.

We had an unbirthday party. It was no ones birthday but everyones party. We had balloons, hats, blowers, presents, and cupcakes.

Analise and Asher

6 teeth and counting

Asher has picked up a few words. "up" he says when he climbing the stairs and "eat".

My Mother, an angel.

2010-03-08T11:05:00.001-05:00

Today is my mother's birthday.
I love my mom more than most other people love their mothers (I'm pretty sure)
She is kind and loving and is the best example of charity.
She does everything in her power to do what she can for other people.
She's a thinker and loves to find inspiring quotes especially if she thinks they will inspire someone in need.
She loves her children.
She works full time during the week and on the weekends takes care of my grandfather whose health is very poor. He loves her, too.

She has sacrificed without complaint.
She has loved without judgement.
She has served without question.

She has fasted for my baby
She and my father pray for our little family by name EVERYDAY.

I'm glad I get to be here with my mother on her birthday.

I love you, mom

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Texas and reflexology

2010-03-08T10:06:00.001-05:00

We are in Texas. Well, me, Asher, and Noah that is.
We have had our Blue Bell ice cream, some warm weather, and 2 visits to the reflexologist.
In the beginning things were great.
After the first visit he was swallowing better.
Yes, I said swallowing. He puts food in his mouth, chews it, and swallows.
It's great. He has been eating pancakes, waffles, pizza, lasagna, and other stuff.
Only at the next visit she told me to switch to coconut milk and almond milk and to really simplify his diet.
Having him eat one fruit and vegetable and waiting 3 days and adding another.
This is suppose to help the lining of his stomach.
Well, the kid is not fond of the coconut milk and won't drink it.
I'm trying to do what this lady says but he's not having it.
I don't know why it's stressing me out so.
I think it's because I have tried so many things and what this lady is saying is making since to me
but it's not working out.
I told my mother to take him for a week and get him to eat the way he's "suppose to" and bring him back.
I didn't really mean it but it's hard sometimes.
I'm just about done trying to "fix" him.
I like reflexology and I think nutrition has a lot to do with our well being.
This is how I'm feeling today.

I've decided I don't like the new Star Wars movies and that the way Yota talks is just annoying.
Sorry, this post is sounding a little depressing
skip it if you want.
no hurt feelings.

If I didn't love that kid so much this would be a lot easier:)

Noah says and pictures that didn't make the blog.

2010-02-22T20:26:00.000-05:00

Noah says (speaking into his father's watch): "come in star command"
"watch out! it's gonna blow"
"we have to stop the train"

Pictures that didn't make the blog in their day.

for obvious reasons

Noah is not a fan of the vacuum. He hides.

Asher kissing the puppet.

Turned right at the click.

A lot of bugs????? I don't know why.

Noah took this picture when we were on skype with Dan and Averi. Kind of freaky lookin'.

OK, I think this did make the blog but it's funny.

Happy anniversary.

2010-02-22T16:01:00.004-05:00

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO THE BOY I LOVE.
It's 6 years yesterday. He forgot. What can ya do?

My knight in shining armor fell off his horse and this is not a fairytale but I'm still his princess.

sick & tired of him being "sick" and me being tired

2010-02-18T11:51:00.002-05:00

Today I feel like enough is enough. He's been to enough doctors enough times.
He's been poked, prodded, and tested too many times. I'm tired.
Is he really "sick"? Is there something really wrong?
I realize he has a hard time swallowing things and that he still throws up.
But the major things have been tested for, right?.
Can't we just continue with the occupational therapy to strengthen his arm and work on feeding
and forget about the rest?
Forget about Shriners every other week for weigh in's? He's only actually lost weight once.
Forget about the pediatrician there who is very nice by the way but wasn't doing the testing we needed anyway?
Forget about the dietitian that seems to think that taking him off of formula and switching to D milk is a good idea right now? He won't even swallow regular food and the formula has the most complete nutrition.
I'm trying, I am. I try EVERYDAY to give him solid foods. We are progressing at our own rate.
It's slow but we are progressing.
Dear dietitian, Please don't be too pushy. Mother's instinct is way better than anything that can be learned.at any school..

Readers: Don't get me wrong the kid loves mashed potatoes and a few other things but anything that's much more solid than that he has a hard time swallowing and mostly just spits out.
I see the emotional effects it all has on him.
It's been about a year now. Pretty much his entire life.
I will be glad to see the reflexologist when we get to Texas.
They did weigh him yesterday. 17 pounds 1 ounce. Not a lot of gain but it's in the right direction.

Well, I found my camera (well, Heath found it in my coat pocket - I'm still not sure what he was doing wearing it but I have my camera back)
ONLY I have lost my wallet.
I tore up the house yesterday looking for it. I hope it's not lost, lost and that it's just misplaced.
Speaking of Lost. I hate that show. Heath borrowed it and I watched an episode and it sucked me right in.
As I watched another episode I kept saying "I'm not watching this anymore" then I watch the next.
In all I've seen about 6 episodes of season 1 and about 7 episodes of season 4.
Heath had to fill me in on the in between.
Now that I finished season 4 I'm done.
I don't mind if someone tells me what happens but I'm done watching.
It's also a little too scary for me. I don't do scary.

Noah is so excited to go on the plane and go to Texas. Although I think he will have a little bit of a hard time being away from his daddy. He's been saying a lot lately, "I want daddy."
My reply to him is, "me too, buddy."
Heath has been so busy lately we haven't seen much of him. We did get a good day with him last Saturday.

Sometimes Noah sings songs. I can't understand the words some of the time but when he stops I ask him If he'll keep going. He does and I get to smile for a little longer. .

Noah loves dogs.
Asher is terrified.
Noah doesn't like to sit still much and likes to touch everything.
Asher is curious but it a very calm baby.
They are different but equally loved

Asher has 4 teeth now. One on top, three on the bottom. He will have the front teeth spread like Noah has.
Good thing it's stinkin' cute. Well, I think it is anyway.

I played a game or two of knock out (basketball game) with the YM and YW last night.
I won a game. Was glad to see I still have a little bit in me. An athlete that is.

It's true that I gave my first talk at church when I was 3. I memorized it and 27 years later I can still recall some of it. Also true that I'm at Heidi's house doing laundry right now. She probably doesn't know that. Thanks Heidi! (and deric, too) Wait, Heidi just got home for lunch. She knows now.

Also, don't take off points for spelling. I couldn't figure out spell check on this computer.

Be Still, My Soul

2010-02-14T16:48:00.000-05:00

Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;
With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy Heav'nly Friend
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as he has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know.
His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: The hour is hast'ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored,
Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Be Still, My Soul, pg 124 LDS Hymnal

Saving

2010-02-14T15:24:00.000-05:00

It's snowing again.
Went grocery shopping the other night.
I would have spend $286 but after store savings, coupons, and grocery perks from fueling at their gas station
I paid $140 with $6 to spend of my next purchase and $.30 in fuel perks. Yes! (like Napoleon says it)
The P90X is coming a long. I'm sore and feeling food, feeling food? I meant to type feeling good.
I still can't find my camera.
No pictures today, sorry.
Valentines Day is today. I wish my husband was even a little interested in cute holidays like Valentines Day.
He's not.

today

2010-02-10T12:05:00.001-05:00

No weigh in today. A lot of snow came down last night and is still coming down.
We attempted to go to the appointment but turned around and came home.
Just too much darn snow.
I did some P90X (a "gift" from a neighbor) yesterday. My first day.
I'm sore. A good sore. It's been a while.
needless to say I've put on a few. Glad I don't have weigh in's.
I am going to Texas for sure with the babies. 3 whole weeks.
I'm excited. I know I will miss Heath but it will be a good trip.
My sister and her husband are saints, really.
College life does not make it possible for us to do a lot of things but we are so blessed.
Heath made a bow for Noah out of a plastic hanger and a shoe string. Noah loves it.
Heath can't wait for the boys to be old enough to go hunting.
Noah (right after "shooting" the bow): I got it. holy moke (smoke)
Heath: nice shot!
a high five follows.
Noah even does a coyote call with his hand over his mouth. Too cute, too funny.
I wish I could find my camera.

"There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us...Fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith." -Thomas S. Monson

There's something about the words "when are you due" when you're not pregnant that gets a girl moving.

In your own bed, a new friend, and some pots

2010-02-09T09:53:00.001-05:00

Where, oh, where is my camera? I can't seem to find it.
I think I might have put it somewhere so Noah wouldn't play with it and I forgot where.
Noah says (when I'm leaving his room for him to go to sleep) "you hava stay" (you have to stay)
It's so cute and makes me want to stay.
He has been sleeping in his bed the entire night for the past week.
I know you're thinking "big deal!"
Well, Noah always (well, almost always) goes to sleep in his bed but for some reason always wakes up in mine.
It was hard in the beginning so Heath had to be the consistent parent on this one.
Asher is gaining more confidence in his arm.
Pulling up more and trying to stand
I found him today giving the stairs a try.
He had one knee on the first step with both hands on the second. He's not quite ready for that one.
I got to go to the Temple on Saturday. Palmyra Temple.
The stake Relief Society rented a charter bus. The drive is a little over 3 1/2 hours (I think)

We left at 5 am and returned at about 8 pm. This is the longest I've been away from Asher.
I knew he was in good hands and Heath said that he didn't know it was that hard to keep the living room clean. It was good for them both.
I made a new friend.
Her name is Sister Wawro (I haven't seen her first name on her blog so I will not use it on mine either). She is in the stake Relief Society presidency. She is a great lady.
Someone I admire for sure.
She is 34. Her husband died when she was 29 of cancer.
She has 3 kids. She is very friendly and lots of fun. I made her sit in an empty seat near me on the bus and tell me all about herself. She has a blog that I love reading now. I'm sure it will captivate you too.
www.diaryofawidow.com
She said I could give it to you.
The blog is great. She talks about her experiences with her husband dieing, her children and other memories.
Some post make you laugh, some make you cry, and others are just thought provoking.
I may be going to Texas soon. I hope I can. Just me and the baby boys, I think.
There is a weigh in tomorrow. Cross your fingers.
I am going to take Asher to a reflexologist while I am in Texas. She seems to fix all my sister and her families problems, my mom's problems and my aunts. Everything from constipation to sinus infections.
Heath calls my sister and the reflexologist witch doctors.
It's just natural healing, really.

It's true that messes are a lot easier to clean up when you do it right away. If you wait it's just harder and takes more time.

These are some of Heath's pots. I think this one might be in the teapot show (or one like it)

Who is that? Batman? oh...wait...that's my hot husband.

More good news and other stuff, too

2010-02-04T11:50:00.000-05:00

Well, our desk top is broken (it's under warranty thank goodness) and our internet doesn't seem to work when Heath brings the laptop home.
I'm writing today from the Ence's.
We made it to the ear, nose, and throat doctor.
They stuck a little camera up his nose and down his throat which he didn't like one bit.
I didn't like it either. They asked I would sit him in my lap, put his legs in between mine, hold his arms down, and hold his head. I didn't cry this time but he did.
After they started I just kept hoping it would end soon.
They said his tonsils are a little enlarged but nothing to be concerned about.
Everything else looked good.
This is good news but it still leaves me wondering what is next for this baby boy.
Also, I called for the results of the blood work.
Everything is normal there too. No celiacs disease. Yes, we can still eat our wheat bread, pancakes, and cinnamon rolls. Heath is excited too. (About Asher, not necesarily the wheat)
The only thing left is the stool sample which I'm having a hard time getting for them.
This little boy is having some trouble with his bowels. Poor baby.
Heath had to start a blog for school. If you want to check it out.go to
http://www.checkoutmyblogatmyblog.blogspot.com/ (I know, right) or click here.
Asher is crawling faster now. I know I still need to get it on video.
And I will soon.
Noah's speech is still improving.
His hopes and dreams: to ride a bus, to go to a chocolate factory and to fly.
Yesterday he helped me make brownies and cookies for a church activity.
He's so cute in his little apron. (well, it's a big apron that I wrap around him a few times)
He played with 1 lb of navy beans, sorting, counting, throwing, feeding to Asher (kidding).
For the record my vacuum does pick up dried navy beans. I did wonder.
It was my grandfather's 90th birthday. Happy Birthday, Poppy.
and my mom has been very sick. I hope you are feeling better, mom. a lot better.

I really loved Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk at the last general conference Loved it!
Reading it is good but listening to it is better.

He says, "I want it absolutely clear when I stand before the judgment bar of God that I declared to the world … that the Book of Mormon is true."

It is true and I'm with him. If you would like a free copy, really, email me emailerinp@gmail.com

He also says, "Prophecies regarding the last days often refer to large-scale calamities such as earthquakes or famines or floods. These in turn may be linked to widespread economic or political upheavals of one kind or another.
But there is one kind of latter-day destruction that has always sounded to me more personal than public, more individual than collective—a warning, perhaps more applicable inside the Church than outside it. The Savior warned that in the last days even those of the covenant, the very elect, could be deceived by the enemy of truth.1 If we think of this as a form of spiritual destruction, it may cast light on another latter-day prophecy. Think of the heart as the figurative center of our faith, the poetic location of our loyalties and our values; then consider Jesus’s declaration that in the last days “men’s hearts [shall fail] them.”2

Go here for the rest of the talk.

The weigh in and a little birthday party

2010-01-24T16:13:00.000-05:00

Asher weighed in at 16 pounds 8 ounces, a weight gain!
He saw the gastroenterologist on Wednesday.
After a million questions and a physical examination, she said that his tonsils looked enlarged.
She said this could be causing all the gagging and the not being able to swallow more solid foods.
She referred us to an ear, nose, and throat doctor.
(Doctors, please get in line to see my baby boy and wait your turn.)
She also had him get some more blood work done to check something to do with celiacs disease.
If this comes back positive then they will have to do some extensive testing.
She also gave him a prescription for an anti-acid medication.
I think in hopes that it would help with the vomiting.

Well, this little guy will be 1 year old on Tuesday. We did a little birthday celebrating yesterday.

Here are the pics.

Not so fond of the birthday hat.

Whose cute chicken legs are these?

He didn't actually eat any of the cupcake. He did taste a little frosting.

Just for fun.

The birthday chair.

This is Noah's first birthday in the birthday chair. Just to compare.

"Sisters, now more than ever, we need women to step up and be strong. We need women who declare the truth with strength, faith, and boldness. We need women to set an example of righteousness. We need women to be 'anxiously engaged in a good cause' (D&C 58:27). We need to live so that our lives bear witness that we love our Heavenly Father and the Savior Jesus Christ and that we will do what They have asked us to do. We need to rescue 'all that is finest down deep inside of [us]' so that as daughters of God we can do our part to build the kingdom of God. We will have help to do this. As Joseph declared, 'If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restained from being your associates.'"

-Barbara Thompson, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency

Crawling, Noah says and Happy Birthday to Heath

2010-01-19T21:20:00.000-05:00

Asher
Asher is crawling a little now. He struggles because of his nerve injury and he tires out pretty easily but he's doing it. A week before his first birthday.

He loves to walk. I hold his little hands and he'll walk in the living room to the kitchen and back.
I do it until my back hurts and he cries for more.
He is eating a little better. We started with one shred of finely shredded cheese.
He chewed it and swallowed, not gagging. We've progressed to a pinch of cheese.
He likes the Cheetos white cheddar puffs, too. He sucks on 'em til there soggy. yum.

He feels heavier (I think). Tomorrow is another weigh in. I don't want to get my hopes up but I really think he's gained.
He's got such a little personality and makes me smile until my cheeks hurt.
Even though today he didn't want me to put him down and he only took one nap.
Me, no shower, mash potatoes on my shirt, on my face, and in my greasy hair.
Yep, that's what Heath GOT to come home to.

Noah
Noah has been so funny lately. His speech has improved so much.
He loves to sing and dance. Sometimes at the same time.
He knows all the dances in the new Willy Wonka.
He loves to sing Twinkle, Twinkle, The Itsy Bitsy Spider, Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam, and I am a Child of God.
I think I'll start a new section of my posts called NOAH SAYS.
Noah Says:
"I luf gwapes" (from the new willy wonka, the crazy grandma randomly says it)
"I said good day, sir!" (at the end of the old willy wonka)
And yesterday he said to me, "Jesus Christ, Amen?"
He wanted to say a prayer so I said OK.
He told me to close my eye so I did.
He started out saying,"Heav'nly Father" I couldn't help but open my eyes.
I saw the cutest thing. Noah had both of his hands on Asher's head.
He continued, "nank you forw today. Jesus Chwist, Amen.
He has seen Asher get a few Priesthood blessings so he thought he would try it, I guess.

For some reason Noah thinks it's great to get the roll of scotch tape and wrap it around his waste. (until it's ALL gone). Tape around the waist + daddy cutting it off = hole in the sweater vest. nice!

He calls these his shark teeth.

Heath

Well, It's Heath's birthday tomorrow. Happy Birthday you cute, camo wearing, pottery making, sandwich loving, great guy. We had a little birthday party for him on Sunday. Some friends from church were coming over for dinner and the surprise was on them. When they got to our house I decided I was going to make a cake. I found three candles and we sang happy birthday. It wasn't much but Heath starts school this week, Asher has 2 appointments just tomorrow and we have church.

Singing

Our birthday guests. Sister Rowles and her son,Chase.

Noah helped cut the cake. Great Job!

HAPPY 29th BIRTHDAY HEATHY!

WE LOVE YOU!!!

Good day, Sir!

Good News!

2010-01-12T21:03:00.001-05:00

First, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SIS, MELISSA!
Second, Asher had an appointment with the radiologist - swallow test.
it was intense. they strapped him to a table and made him drink some stuff.
They told me to step around "the corner".
It was a piece of wall with a window, some controls and a monitor.
At first I was peeking through the window and then my eyes met his.
He looked at me like mom aren't you going to save me.
I had to hide the rest of the time. I thought it would be easier that way.
He cried, I cried, he threw up and then we cried some more and then he had to swallow some more.
It lasted 5 long minutes.
We made it and the radiologist said he didn't see any blockages. GOOD NEWS

Then, we were off to the lab to do a sweat test.
He had to wear little electrodes that were medicated to increased the production of sweat - 5 minute.
then he had to wear a little patch for 30 to catch all the sweat. He slept soundly for that 30 minutes.
The lady came back into our room and I asked her what was next.
She said she was going to take the patch, weigh it, and put it in this little machine.
The results would be mailed to the doctor tomorrow. Tomorrow?
She said she couldn't "legally" tell me what the results were.
I asked how the machine worked. She told me. I asked about the numbers.
Anything 39 and below = normal, 40 - 60 border line, 61+= cystic fibrosis.
Measures the chloride (I think) anyway
There was a sink near the machine that was reading his sweat.
I happened to need to wash Asher mimi (pacifier) at the same time she was getting results.
I looked, she saw me, then said, "yes, they are low"
they took sweat from two spots.
His arm measured 17 and his leg measured 19, both normal. MORE GOOD NEWS!

We went sledding today
I got new boots
They actually keep my feet warm.
my favorite thing that Noah says right now "What cha talkin' 'bout?"
He really has a great imagination
Heath got a sweater, it looks nice.
I found a suit coat in Heath's size at Target for $14.98 - score!
Asher will be 1 soon. I can't believe it.
I hope you are still preparing. Ya know, food storage and stuff for emergencies.
I had a miscarriage January 1st while in Utah. I'm doing fine...really...it's just not my turn yet:)
Some people say that when it rains it pours. Do they mean trials or blessings?...maybe both?

Thanks to all those who are keeping our little family in their prayers.

New Years Handbook!

2010-01-11T16:33:00.002-05:00

I got this in an email and It's on my sister-in-law's blog. I like it

HANDBOOK 2010

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a King, Lunch like a Prince, and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants...
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2009.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours at night & take a nap -or- Sleep 8 to 9 hours with no nap.
10. Start with 10 minutes and work up to a-30 minute walk daily; And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12 Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15.. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.. Don't hate others. The only one you hurt is yourself!
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree....

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything, otherwise you only hurt yourself.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29.. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up..
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy

Some Asher info, pottery shows and Utah

2010-01-06T21:34:00.000-05:00

Asher had his first haircut today.
He also had a doctors appointment today. No weight gain.
He had to have blood taken. We are starting all the testing Dr. Marsden suggested.
The test for cystic fibrosis is on the 12th. He will have a swallow study done soon
and will have a trip to the gastroenterologist in Pittsburgh on 20th to check for celiacs disease among other things.
Utah was good but sometimes a little stressful with the boys being sick.
Heath got into another pottery show. The 4th International small teapot show in Mission Viejo, CA.
More to come on that.

We opened presents before we left for Utah.

He got a train. Can you tell by the smile on his face?

The Stocking.

The mess and cute Asher.

The boys on the plane to Utah.

Noah got a Thomas the Train "shaving" (soap) kit for Christmas from Grandma and Grandpa Papa.

So cute.

He even makes the funny faces.

Lorie made an awesome chocolate cake for the Christmas party. Yummy! Don't ask what's in it, just eat it.

Noah went to Jumpin' Jax (I don't know if that's how you spell it but that's how I would spell it if I owned the place). It's a big warehouse type place with lots of bouncy houses. Liz works there so we got to go FOR FREE. Thanks Liz.

More jumpin'.

Noah getting ready for an intense game of twister with Grandpa and Lucas.

Yes, I said intense. It's kind of a hard game for kids that don't know their colors. :)

Cute Asher.

Noah learning a little guitar from Aunt Liz.

The jam session.

Leaving a Legacy: Julius B. Papa

2010-01-04T09:45:00.001-05:00

Meet Julius Barrow Papa. He's Heath's grandfather. He was born March 23, 1919. He served a mission in what was then called the Northern States mission where he met his wife Leona. The story goes like this. Julius was near the end of his mission and was companions with Leona's brother who was the only member of his family at the time. He had helped teach Leona and her family the gospel. He felt something when he was with her so he talked to the mission president and it was agreed that he would be able to go on a date with Leona 1 week before his release. Back then things were different. Elder Papa didn't know if or when he would be able to return to date Leona. One month after his return he proposed over the phone. Leona's answer was, "You'll have to come back here (Michigan) to find out." He did and she said yes. They were married December 19, 1941. In his journals he lovingly refers to her has his sweetheart. Six weeks after they were married Julius was off to World War II which took him to Africa and Italy. He was gone about 2 1/2 years. After the war he did not speak much of his experience. Julius and Leona had 4 boys, the youngest of which is Rex, Heath's Father

He was a Bishop and then the president of the Gridley, CA stake. He was called to serve as a mission president in the Anchorage, Alaska mission in 1981. When he returned he was called to serve as the 2nd counselor in the Temple Presidency of the Oakland temple. He was set apart by President Gordon B. Hinckley. Three years later he received a phone call from the second counselor in the first presidency, Thomas S. Monson. He was then called to be temple President. He kept a record of ordinance workers he set apart (33) and sealings that he performed (791) which included names and dates.

There are a lot of great stories in his journals. So many that I couldn't pick just one to share. He writes of serving his family and attending little league games of grandchildren. He writes of some terrible things that were happening in the world and says in 1990, "People are really beginning to say that the second coming is not far away." I wonder what he would think if he could see the world today.

One of my favorite lines in his journal is "By the way I am not the best speller as you can see." It makes me feel like he was humble and that he knew I would be reading his journal (or someone would). Also, I'm with you Grandpa Papa, I am not the best speller either. :)

While reading his journals I've been grateful for the opportunity to get to know this great man.

Julius B. Papa

March 23, 1919 - October 28, 2000

(Uncle Weldon, if there is any information in this post that is incorrect please email corrections to emailerinp@gmail.com)thanks :)

Smile

2010-01-02T19:18:00.000-05:00

I guess you can't keep a gummy smile forever (even if it is stinkin' cute). Asher's bottom tooth finally broke through. He's getting closer to crawling all the time, too. He needs a little more strength in that right arm. I think he'll get it.

The last day of 2009

2009-12-31T21:06:00.000-05:00

Another year has gone by. I have to say it's been a good one. A rough one, but a good one. One I won't forget. A little angel came into our lives, Heath completed a year of grad school (making a year and a half total), Noah started school and found out what Star Wars is, and I learned a little bit about canning peaches and applesauce and a lot about myself.

It's true that Asher has a little raspy voice right now from all his coughing and it sounds so cute. Also true that I will probably be in bed by 10:00 pm (that is midnight in PA).

In case you were wondering.

2009-12-29T22:37:00.000-05:00

Well, I have no pictures because I didn't bring the cord to my camera to Utah, sorry! My boys have been sick. Fever, runny noses, coughs and extra snugly (I don't mind that part). I should feel lucky that Asher made it 11 months without a fever. We took them to the Doctor yesterday. Dr. Marsden. He was Noah's pediatrician when we lived here and I absolutely LOVE him. I mean LOVE him! He's very thorough and detailed, very nice, funny, and always remembers us. While we were there finding out that Noah had an ear infection and Asher had a viral infection in his throat (which resulted in less eating, more crying, and well... you get the picture), I told him I wanted his opinion about Asher. I told him everything. The nerve injury, the throwing up, the poor weight gain, the gaging...everything. Then he told us what he would do. Lets just say I asked if he would write it all down. My first thought was WHY didn't the doctors we have been seeing do all these things. Then questions. There was a test he thought might be good for Asher called a sweat test. I told Dr. Marsden that he does sweat a lot. He said it doesn't really have much to do with sweating. He said it was to test for cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis? I knew exactly what this was because of my physical therapy training. I have never treated anyone with this illness but knew a person with it. My heart started beating quickly, I think timed actually stood still, and I felt sick. My feelings must have spread quickly to my face because the next words out of Dr. Marsden's mouth were, "I don't want to scare you. The chances are very slim but we want to rule everything out." Our insurance is not good in Utah so we decided to wait until we get home to get the test done. Upon leaving the office my mind and heart went to prayer. I reflected on this past year with all it's doctors appointments, worrying, wondering and tears. Then came the good part...the eternal perspective, remembering my faith, remembering all the blessings. I was comforted and knew that whatever happened I could handle it. Whatever happened would be what Heavenly Father wanted for us. I have to say that the old me might have curled up in bed and cried for a while. Not yesterday, I admit that I shed a few tears but I feel like the faith that I have gained has prepared me (in a way) for whatever lies ahead. I'm not saying it will be easy, just easier.

I need thee every hour, Most gracious Lord.
No tender voice like thine can peace afford.
I need thee , oh, I need thee; Every hour I need thee!
Oh, bless me now my Savior; I come to thee!

-I Need Thee Every Hour (pg.98 LDS Hymnal)