Hello and Good-bye

What would make me want to resurrect my blog after its' death of natural causes after a more than two year absence? Well, a lot of things have happened, both good and bad over this two year period and I just need to share them. After living in Kansas for 9 years, Jeff, Kim and family moved back to Utah and now live only 50 minutes away which has blessed our lives immensely. We were so surprised and thrilled to hear they are expecting twin boys and can't wait to hold them! Rand received his MBA from BYU after coming back from Memphis and he and Suz live in Lindon, which is even closer than Provo which gives me a darling new baby Cole and a big brown-haired boy (as Cayden would say) to spoil, along with Jeff's kids. Julie has been back for several visits (I LOVED the long one this summer especially) and I have been able to fly there and spend time with her a few times, which I loved. We helped Lindsay move from South Weber to Kaysville, and then to my Mom's condo in So Ogden and she is moving closer to graduating next spring. I love hanging out with her and seeing all the movies Dad doesn't really want to see. We have dealt with the difficulties of my mom's aging with its' dementia which means that sometimes I am dealing with someone I don't even know (or like :( ) On the bright side on the good days I get to visit with the mom I haven't seen in 6 or 8 years - the one who notices things about me and tells me how much she loves me and is grateful for all I do for her. We moved her to Chancellor Gardens Assisted Living and things are better there for the most part. We've had two wonderful family reunions at Lava and a delightful one at Regi's where we got closer as families and it made me again grateful for the blessing of family. But what brings me here today is that today I had to take my Mollie (Little Miss Mollie) to the vet and hold her so she wouldn't be scared as she made her way back to heaven. Was it hard? Yes. Why did I put myself through it? Because I wanted to do the best thing for her because she has been the best thing for me for 8 plus years. She has been there for me when I was sad and lonely or when Carl was gone. And she has been there when I've cried for joy because my kids were coming back home to live. The thing is--she has always been there for me, so I wanted to be there for her. So even though today is a day of sadness, it is a day of joy because I have had her with me these past 8 years. And now Lindsay and I will go out and find another little ball of joy to get me through the tough and joyful times. AND I WILL BE GRATEFUL.....

THANKS FOR ALL THE FUN EVERYONE

It seems the fun is behind us and we have only great memories and crazy pictures to remind us of our fun summer. It was so nice to have Jules here for the 4th of July and the next week. And we had such a good time with Jeff, Kim and family both at the cabin and at Lava. Then Jules was back for a short visit for her friends wedding. And I have to say, I haven't quit smiling since Rand called and told us they are coming to BYU in 2 weeks to start his MBA program. Now I tried to honor their wishes not to pray for them to choose BYU over Univ. of Michigan. I just prayed that they would be blessed with whatever was best for their family. I guess Heavenly Father thought that BYU was best. (After all, it's HIS University). Anyway, we are very excited - (Yes Carl is excited to have someone to do the "FUN STUFF" with. I thought I was fun, but oh, well...)
Thanks to all who came and helped to make our 4th annual Blair reunion so much fun! Sharon and I kind of went into withdrawal after it was all over, but are now looking forward to next year! The most important thing is - isn't it great to have a family that you WANT to spend several days with? Love you ALL!

ARE YOU GETTING EXCITED FOR LAVA (or LAUVA, if you prefer) YET? Here are a few pictures from last year to help get you in the mood!

here's a cute stolen tag:
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you have of me. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

I am game, It should be a lot of fun.

PROBLEM SOLVED!!!
Thanks for all of your help regarding my search for a lip gloss flip phone. Anna was first to respond with an e-bay selection, and many of you gave me great suggestions. Today Jules and Areta found them at Claire's in Arizona and I ran right over and bought 2 at Claires in Layton! Now I know I can count on you all when I REALLY need a favor. (and did anyone notice this is my SECOND text in 1 day?

OK SUZ - Here are my fours... (and a five)
A. Four places I go over and over - my mom's house, mom Heaton's house, Smith's and Costco
B. Four people who email me regularly - my friends Barbara and Janice, Eddie Bauer, and Cheap Tickets or Travelocity
C. Five who I wish would email me regularly - Taylor, Ashley, Emily, Parker, and Cayden
D. Four of my favorite places to eat - Plates & Palates, Cafe Rio, Paradise Bakery, and Red Robin
E. Four places I would rather be right now - Topeka KS, Arlington TN, Gilbert AZ, and on vacation anywhere.
F. Four people I think will NOT respond to this - Rufio, Maxx, Mollie and Pretty Paws ( only because they physically can't)
G. Four TV shows I watch regularly - The Office, The Today Show, anything on Masterpiece Theater by Jane Austen, and So You THINK You Can Dance

Sorry this took a while... I'm a little slow..

SIX RANDOM THINGS...
I'm responding to Michelle's JULY 4TH tag. So here goes:
1. I love clean sheets, towels and the smell of rain. I love to wash blankets and comforters and hang them outside to dry and then snuggle them.
2. I usually shower in about 2 and 1/2 to 3 minutes, and like to turn off the water while I soap up. This is not because I am GREEN or conserving water, but because I don't want to rinse until I'm through washing. (How do I know how long my showers are? I was challenged by Jules to time myself (and her) and I did and she took about 9 minutes but may have been shaving :)
3. I am an avid fan of acupuncture and have been going since October. This, (coming from someone who as a child cried all the way to the doctor because I just knew I was going to get a shot), is amazing to me.
4. I have a serious compulsion to buy children's books; the problem is now I can't remember if I have already bought them or not, which sometimes leads to me having two and then gifting one to a deserving soul.
5. I am in need of 1 but possibly 2 lip gloss flip phones. I simply can't refuse when my 4 yr. old Emily says" Grandma, what are you doing tomorrow? Put this on your list. See if you can find my lip gloss flip phone" (that she left here last summer...) I've tried several dollar stores, Kings, etc. A reward may be offered.
6. You are never too old to be hit on even if it is on the phone. I received a text on my cell asking me if this was Amy. I responded, "No, sorry." He said "What's your name? I'm Julian?" I said, "No, sorry, it's not Amy - it's Marilyn". He said,"oh, haha my bad. But that's a beautiful name. I don't mind stayin in touch; want a picture? I don't mind". I ignored him; next text "I'm a drummer, I'm 22, a published poet..and model..you?" I ignored him again. Next text from him "How old are u?" Finally - I texted back "NOT INTERESTED, MARRIED, OLD, AND HAPPY!!! GOOD-BYE!!!... No more texts from him. But I have his number if anyone is looking for a 22 year old published poet, drummer and model. :) :) :)

I deleted my old blog so if you want to know those things, just ask. I am going to respond to the 6 things tag very soon. Be very excited.