Oquirrh LDS Temple Open House

Thursday, June 4th--The day after Grams funeral I thought it would be nice to get some tickets to the open house of the Oquirrh Mountain LDS Temple. My parents and family up in WA don't get this chance as often as those of us in Utah do. We had the 4:20 pm time slot. I invited my two cousins, Carly and Cindy along and they happily accepted. When we got to the temple the volunteers directed us to a tent where we watched a video on temples. The video was wonderful and truly helped the viewer understand the importance of forever families. From there we were able to walk into the temple and take the tour. The various volunteers were so kind and smiled as they directed the way. Once again, just like the Draper Temple open house, Elise and Brady, now accompanied by their cousin, Keven, as well, were excited to see the baptismal font and really wanted to just jump in! This temple seemed much more simple in design than the Draper Temple. The chandeliers were beautiful but weird. My dad seemed rather quiet as we walked through the various rooms. I wondered if this was his first temple open house. I enjoyed pointing out things to Elise and Brady and was also amazed at how much they remembered from our tour back in the winter.
Unlike the Draper Temple tour, this one didn't take long at all. We got through in about 20 minutes. From there we found a spot across the street at a Stake Center where we took some precious pics. Carly and Cindy posed and looked gorgeous! Keven and Elise looked so very cute too! Brady was pretty cranky by now so he didn't want to be in the photos.
Overall, it was a pretty nice experience. It's always nice to attend with family and be reminded of covenants and promises we've made in the temple, in order to be an eternal family. Those of us in Utah have been greatly blessed by the two new temples being built within 20 minutes of each other. I'm so happy to be able to have taken my kids and share that experience with them.

Together Again!

Saturday, June 13th--In light of Grams recent passing and funeral I decided to post these beautiful photos of her and my grandpa when they were younger. My cousin, Carly, did a fantastic job scanning and repairing them. The one with my grandpa in his military uniform was torn and quite fragile and she was able to erase the tears and make it look amazing. You're wonderful, Carly! My grandpa passed away in September, 1979.

Zetta June Keyes Blackburn & Alvah Granville Blackburn

Married: October 31st, 1946

Grams Funeral

Wednesday, June 3rd--The morning came far too early. We had to be back at the funeral home at 10:15 am and it was in Taylorsville (about 45 minutes away). I also had volunteered to sing a solo so I had to practice with my sister, Amanda, playing the piano. One of Grams favorite holiday traditions, over the last several years, was to attend the play "Forgotten Carols" (something I love to do as well). Her favorite song in the play is: "I Was Not His Father, He Was Mine", a song that tells a story of a young woman walking into an area where Joseph, Jesus's earthly father, is doing his carpentry work. She asks him about Jesus Christ and what it was like to be his father and his response is the title of the song. It's a very deep, touching song but it's intended to be sung by a man so I decided to sing "Together Forever Someday". This song is sung at the end of the play and the writer of the amazing play, Michael McLean, participates in the play and then asks everyone to hold hands and sing this song at the end. I pray all of my family will be together forever someday and I know Grams always wanted that as well.

Fifteen minutes before the funeral, all of our family gathered and my dad offered a family prayer. The prayer was beautiful and very touching. Then, for the last time, we all took one last look at Grams before the casket was closed.

The funeral program seemed long but went by pretty fast. One of Grams many jobs, throughout her life, was working with some dear friends doing singing telegrams. The owner of the company spoke at the funeral and then ended with a singing telegram for Grams. It was pretty funny and seemed to lighten up the mood in the room. Four of my cousins read poems that Grams wrote. She was a published poet. Interestingly, as my aunt has been going through Grams things, she's found many more poems Grams wrote throughout the years. She use to write them during church. My mom, my sister and brother all spoke. And smack dab in the middle was my solo. Oy vey, lets just say the practicing sounded much better. I couldn't hold it together. My time to officially break down and mourn for my beautiful grandmother had come.....during the entire song! At then end of the song I asked for those that know the song to help out a little. Phew!

Once the program was over the pallbearers got up and prepared to make the LONG walk to the grave sight, carrying the casket. Fortunately, the casket was on a cart to make things much easier. Nate and my brother, Adam, were in the front and lead the way. The family followed behind. The graveside service was short and sweet with my dad dedicating the grave. The pallbearers removed the flowers from their shirts and placed them on the casket and then my sister, Alishia, had brought roses for all the girls in our family, to place on the casket. I loved that Elise very much wanted to be a part of everything---it was touching to watch her place the rose on the casket as well. After the grave sight was dedicated it was time to bring out the massive balloon bouquet. We had decided to do a balloon launch for my grams. We got 50 bright and vibrant colored ballons and a few of the men helped pass them out. Everyone got at least one and we did a countdown. The launch was amazing and so symbolic. All 50 balloons stayed together as far as the eye could see. Again, a perfect message of families staying together forever.

Before we headed back to our cars, several of us cousins took roses from the floral arrangement that was on Grams casket. We decided we would dry them and keep them in remembrance. The roses were vibrant as well--so very much like Grams.

We left and went to Grams ward building where several ladies cooked a ham dinner for all of the family---complete with funeral potato's! It was a very kind gesture and we all appreciated it very much.

I couldn't help but have a huge sigh of relief once we got home. What a week! I think many of us were emotionally drained so it was good to get home and rest. Now it's time to spend the next little while and just reflect on all the wonderful, and even not-so-wonderful, memories of Grams. Like I said, she was a special lady. I hope I inherited some of her vibrant spirit and joy in laughter. I hope she's cracking jokes, pulling pranks, doing her singing telegrams and making heaven a little chaotic right now. Love you, Grams!

Grams Viewing

Tuesday (evening), June 2nd--Grams looked amazing. A far more different appearance than the one I saw on Friday, the day she passed away. I was so honored to be able to clean and iron her temple clothing (donated by my sister, Alishia, since Grams clothing was no where to be found, not that it would fit anymore anyway). I spent quite a while ironing every little wrinkle and carefully placing each piece in a box to be taken over to the funeral home. The viewing and the funeral service took place at the mortuary and the staff treated our family so well. We decorated the viewing room with pictures of Grams at various times of her life. There was also a photo slide show with the song "Clair de Lune" playing. As most funerals and viewings are, this was quite the family reunion. It was so nice to see friends and acquaintances as well.
At first, it was sad to see Grams in her pale pink casket. Eventually, everyone stood around talking and laughing as we remembered stories of Grams. The flowers that were delivered to the funeral home were so beautiful. Alishia and I chose one of the arrangements and others were sent by various friends and family. We put out bowls of Peanut Butter M&Ms and Swedish Fish, they were Grams favorite thing to snack on.

Playing With Cousins

Tuesday, June 2nd--Prior to the viewing for my Grams, my family met up at my sister, Alishia's, house for some dinner. Brady and Elise were thrilled to see their cousin, Keven. He and his mom, my sister Amanda, flew in for the funeral. We ate some delicious calzones then the kids danced and played around till it was time to get dressed for the viewing.

My Grams

Friday, May 29th--Today started out as a great day. I picked Elise up at school, it was her last day so we celebrated by getting out our brand new kiddie pool, filling it up and inviting some of our neighbor friends and their kids to come over and play. We had been outside for over 4 hours enjoying the nice weather. The kids had a blast playing with their friends and I was enjoying the fun chats with my neighbor friends. At 1:30 pm, my sister, Alishia, called. Even before I got the phone I knew why she was calling, it had been expected. My grandma, "Grams", passed away today. Her health has been deteriorating for a couple of years. Her memory slowly fading. In the last couple of months, she was living in a care facility. Just recently she stopped eating and was growing weaker and weaker by the day. The plump Grams I'd always known now skin and bones. The nursing staff changed her care status to "hospice" two weeks ago, meaning her time was short--as sad as it is to say, the new status came as a relief, she's suffered for so long.

After the call and a cry, I asked Nate if I could leave the kids at home, with him, so I could go to Salt Lake alone, he said that was okay (thanks SO much to my neighbor friends for watching the kids continue to play outside so Nate could work a little longer!). I got a call from my brother, Adam, he said he was heading to the care facility to see her one more time. I debated on meeting him there and still wasn't sure I wanted to see her till I got off the exit. I pulled in and went to her room. She lay there so peaceful, again, I felt relief, she wasn't suffering anymore. My brother and I had a good cry, stayed for a little longer then left to be with family that lives in Salt Lake. For the next several hours we talked about memories of Grams and the wonderful and hilarious woman she was. We also talked about all those loved ones who, we believe, greeted her on the other side of the veil. The person we thought of most is her beloved firstborn son, "Tinker", who passed away when he was 2 1/2 years old. We know her heavenly reunion with all her loved ones has been amazing this day. We also know we will miss her very much.
Grams, my memories of you are many and, mostly, wonderful. As a child, I remember coming down to visit, in the summer, and all the wonderful plans you had for us. I remember going to Raging Waters, nightly trips to 7-Eleven for Slurpees, miniature golf, the backyard swimming pool, going for drives, museums, parks and so much more. For Christmas, we couldn't spend it with you but the packages you sent always showed how much you loved and cared for us. I remember when our family was sealed in the Seattle Temple (9/22/90). You drove up just to be able to be with us on that special day. You loved to give massages (hmmm, perhaps, genetic?) and amazed us all with your strength (she could squeeze your hand hard enough to take you to the ground!--even up until the last couple of months!). When I was living in my own apartment and incredibly poor you'd take me grocery shopping with you and surprise me with groceries for my own cupboard and fridge--something that always touched my heart. When I wanted to move back to Utah to be with Nate, you allowed me to move in with you for 6 months while Nate and I became engaged and planned our wedding--without such generosity I wouldn't have had anywhere to go and we may not have been able to get married when we wanted to.
I could go on and on about Grams but, to sum it up, she was a special lady. She endured a lot of heartache and many challenges in her life yet she could tell the best stories, many of which were knee-slappin' funny. She was a poet, I'm blessed so many of us have her book of poems to be read and treasured.
I love you, Grams, I will miss you very much! Your legacy will live on always!

In memory of: Zetta June Keyes Blackburn

(January 25, 1926-May 29, 2009)

Elise's Last Day of 1st Grade

Friday, May 29th--WOW! Time flies by tooooooo fast! It doesn't seem like a whole school year has come and gone again, but it has. Elise had a fantastic year. She did very well and we're proud of all of her accomplishments. Elise's teacher, Mrs. Mair, was a huge part of the reason she did so well and we're truly thankful for her dedication, kindness and genuine love for teaching and children (we wish she'd teach 2nd grade so she can be Elise's teacher again!). Just like Brady, Elise presented a Willow Tree angel holding a heart to Mrs. Mair.

We have been truly blessed to have such wonderful teachers for each of our kids, we couldn't have asked for any better!

Now the fun begins.......two and a half months before the next school year. What to do? What to do? No really, I have a game plan, I just hope it works without any one of us (me) going insane before mid-August. Ey yi yi!

Palisades State Park, Memorial Day Weekend

Thursday to Monday, May 22nd-26th--We were blessed, and I mean BLESSED, this year with great weather! Of course, that is my own opinion, as others might disagree entirely. The weather was cool and we had plenty of rain as well but I LOVED it. The only thing I regretted was not packing enough pants, jackets and long-sleeve shirts. When it got too cold, we'd grab blankets and cuddle.
This year we didn't make it in time to rent the hybrid camper we got last year and that was a huge bummer. Instead, we rented another tent trailer. This one was larger in size and had a little more storage space than the one we rented a few years ago. It served it's purpose but once you've had a trailer with a full bathroom it's hard to go back to one that has nothing---oh, and that walk to the campgrounds bathroom at 4:00 am, with a full bladder, in the pouring rain, is horrific! Hopefully, next year we'll get on the ball a little sooner and rent that hybrid again......OR have one of our own (please, Nate, PLEASE!).
Anyhoo, the kids enjoyed the open grass, playing all sorts of games and enjoying many activities. We decided to share dinner nights with my sister, Alishia, and her family. The first night I finally got to crack open that propane-powered crock pot I was so excited to get for Christmas and well, things didn't go as well as planned. We ended up having burnt crock-pot chicken that wasn't even close to being edible. The heat got way too hot. Unless you were watching and stirring it the whole time, it would burn---which totally defeats the purpose of a crock pot! Needless to say, there's a few things we have to figure out before it gets used again. I'm still excited about having one and being able to use it the way it's intended.
On Saturday, we drove into town for the Snow College Scandinavian Days (I think that's what it's called). We watched the parade and Elise caught tons of candy and made sure there was enough for Brady, who stayed back at camp with dad. Then we were off to walk around all the various booths and find things to buy that we didn't need but wanted. Elise and I eyed the very-popular glitter balls and she just had to have one! Luckily, for her, she had money to buy one---they are $8.00!!!! She picked one with beautiful purple glitter. I got one for Brady too, he had some money as well and I knew he would want one. For him, I chose orange glitter (he loves that color!) and inside it also had a smaller ball that lights up when you bounce the ball. Elise was in heaven with her new ball, and Brady was too! I found some friends we were camping with, Heidi Salazar and her daughter, Danica. They were selling vinyl signs and such and also Miche Bags--which I want so bad and was able to strike a deal (woohoo!). I bought a very cute tile sign with stand and will have to wait for my Miche Bag till September (my birthday) since it was pricey enough I couldn't just buy it but Nate said I could have it for my birthday. I'm fine with that, it's just SO long to wait!
After leaving the booths we went over to our new favorite discovery--Tin Plate Pasta. We ate there for lunch and then brought some back for dinner for the guys that stayed back (because they didn't want to shop). It was delicious!
Mostly, the rest of the time was just visiting and enjoying the company of family and friends. Nate took the kids on a hike, which they really enjoyed. On Sunday, we were happy to have a few hours of great sunshine so we got out the kiddie pool and the kids enjoyed playing with their glitter balls. Then my brother-in-law, Shad, let Nate, the kids and I take his motor boat out on the lake and we had a great time looking at fish and traveling all over the lake. The only crappy thing about this trip was that I hurt my shoulder and it was inflamed with Bursitis the whole time--even Alishia's Lortab couldn't help all that much (she also had Morphine but I was too afraid to take that stuff!). I spent a lot of time icing it and taking the maximum dose of Aleve and Advil I could take. At night I would take some sleeping pills too and that seemed to help.
It was a great camping trip, as always. It just never seems to matter what the weather is like. We always have a good time coming up to Palisades State Park with family and friends. I look forward to next year!!!

After we dropped off the tent-trailer to the rental place I decided I needed to go visit my grams at the care facility. A few of us had a feeling she might not make it through Memorial Day weekend but she did and I was so thankful to sit with her for a little while and just talk to her. She was sound asleep, even snoring, but I wanted to be with her, perhaps for the last time. She was grasping her favorite stuffed animal "puppy spot". For a few months now, she's even believed "puppy spot" was a real dog and treated it like one--sad but precious all at the same time. I brought my camera and took some pics of her sleeping peacefully. Little did I know, this picture really would be the last picture of her alive.....

Once we got back on the road we made it home in good time and as we looked back to check on the kids, this is what we found....

I think they had a GREAT time but we all needed to catch up on some serious sleep! They got a head start........LUCKY!

Brady's Last Day of His 1st Year of Pre-School

Wednesday, May 20th--Today, we said "good-bye" and a huge "THANKS!" to Mrs. Petersen for doing such a wonderful job of being Brady's pre-school teacher. Brady gave her a cute Willow Tree angel holding a heart.
This was the first of many big hurdles for us, as Brady's parents. The first couple of weeks were quite a worry as we wondered if his diabetes would be stable throughout the 2-hour pre-school day. We were blessed to never have any problems the whole entire year. Mrs. Petersen took time to learn about the disease and be aware of signs and symptoms related to low/high blood sugar as well. I pray we are as lucky with every teacher Brady will have in his life. If you live in the area and are looking for a pre-school I HIGHLY recommend Learning Dynamics Preschool. It is the best, in my opinion!
Brady did a great job this year and learned so much. It's amazing! We look forward to seeing what his 2nd year of pre-school holds for him.

Happy Mother's Day!

Sunday, May 10th--I had fully planned on sleeping in but my shoulder hurt immensely (it's been doing that a lot lately---I need a massage and probably an x-ray) so I got up, popped some pain meds, and started the day. Nate and the kids wished me a very "Happy Mother's Day" and then Nate cooked up a delicious breakfast while the kids helped clean up a little. After breakfast I took a loooooong shower and then got myself all purdied up for church. The kids and Nate got dressed and then off to church where all the moms got some treats and plenty of Mother's Day well-wishes. I was so happy today was such a beautiful, sunny day too! We got home and proceeded to get the house cleaned and ready for my sister, Alishia and her family to come over for dinner. Once we were done cleaning, I should have layed down for a nap but I decided to play our new Wii game, "Legos Indiana Jones". Very much like "Legos Star Wars", I am addicted to this game so I play it whenever I get the chance and today I got a small window of time where the kids were playing nicely and Nate was watching TV downstairs. Usually, I don't play video games all that much but these two are my video games weakness!

Anyhoo, Alishia and her family came over and we BBQ'd steaks and chicken. We ate them with baked taters and salad then Alishia made delicious brownies. We topped them with mint chocolate chip ice cream, hot fudge and whipped cream. Delectable! It was a fabulous Mother's Day meal!

I got some fun gifts from my family: a giftcard (perhaps another Willow Tree figurine will be purchased!), food storage cookbook, beautiful roses and some very touching cards. Elise brought home, from school, a beautiful homemade plant holder with grass inside. She had also made some paper flowers to stick inside. A few days ago I was at Robert's Crafts and found a heart wreath I had seen around Valentine's Day and had wanted it really bad but it was too expensive. Well, it was 50% off so I finally bought it and I LOVE it. I guess that was my Mother's Day gift to myself. he he

I am so blessed for the family I am honored to have. I have two beautiful children that bring me joy every single day of my life. I have a husband that makes me feel so special and loved. We all have our ups and downs, good days and bad, but we love each other immensely. I thank my Father in Heaven on a daily basis for my wonderful family. They are my world, my everything.

Thank you, Nate, Elise & Brady, for making Mother's Day, 2009, so wonderful and special! I love you all with all my heart and soul!