Thanksgiving was very nice this year. Dustin and I went up to Logan Wednesday night. We hung out with Mandy and Luke and then I crashed fairly early.
Thursday morning, I couldn't get up and going fast enough. I was on an adventure! I had to go buy the Salt Lake Tribune for all of the Black Friday ads. I thought it would be a simple adventure, so I threw on a coat and out the door I went...jammies and all. I went acrossed the street for coffee and the paper. Coffee...check. Paper...Check! But wait...where are all the ads? Looked at the date, Wednesdays paper! NO GOOD!
Back in the sub I went to the Flying J...just a little further down the road. Ran in...NO S.L. TRIB or DESERET NEWS there either! Back in the burb...Wal-Mart...NOTHING! How is this possible! I HAD TO HAVE THE ADS! So, I called my sis-in-law, who fortunately was in Willard and asked her to check Brigham. I did some last minute turkey day shopping, then ran to one more gas station! STILL NO PAPER! Fortunately Aimee found one in Brigham.
Needless to say, my quick venture out in jammies and no hair being done, took two hours! Only to come back with no success, coffee all gone, and did I mention it was -8 degrees outside! I was not happy!
Aimee showed up and I started through the ads. I also called Kristie and asked her to bring one more. We all just veged throughout the day and spent time together. We cooked, told stories, and went through the ads...a million times.
Dinner was fabulous and muchly enjoyed. However, it seems like a whole lot of work for a 30 minute feast, followed by a couple hour clean up. We then headed back to Salt Lake.
Kristie and I headed over to Toys R Us about 9 and the line was crazy! It wrapped all the way the back and went on...it was a full block. Kristie and I waited in line and finally at 10:45, when we hadn't even made it inside yet, and someone stated there was a fellow shopper who had had a seizure and they weren't letting anyone in, we called it quits and headed to Wal Mart.
Stacy and mom met us there and we ROCKED it! We got jammies, playdough, Buzz, Shop vac, steam mops, crock pots, movies, and a bissell! It was so fun! I LOVE THE RUSH OF A GOOD DEAL!
Once we were done there, Kristie and I loaded back up and headed for the Toys R' Us in West Valley. The lines had died down a little, since it was now 1:30 am, but they didn't have what we were looking for. So, we ran home, heated up our hot chocolate, printed off a coupon and headed for Sears.
We got to Sears about 2:45 am and I started standing in line for a washer and dryer. About 15 minutes into it, someone behind us stated there was a sign that said if you wanted the dryer to go to the back. So Kristie ran to the back, to find it was true and the first 4 people in line were there for the washer and dryer. Each store only had 4. The workers opened the door a little after 3:00, past out the 4 tickets and sent the rest of us on our way.
I called Mom and Garry and asked them to head for the base. They base had a washer and dryer as well for close to the same price. They said they would keep me posted.
Kristie and I went home feeling a little defeated and a lot tired. At 4:00 am we headed home. About 4:05 my mom called and THEY GOT THE WASHER AND DRYER for us! HOORAY!
I finally called it good about 5:00 am. I could have kept going if the funds could have too! Oh, how I love Black Friday! It truly is becoming a part of my Thanksgiving celebration!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
2 Days+A Sleepover=VERY GRATEFU:L
This week my family and I were reminded of just how lucky we are, and how much we are grateful for. This week we have all of our family members still with us, and it could have gotten a whole lot of scary if everything didn't go JUST THE WAY IT DID!
Sunday afternoon I was speaking with my dad. As we were about to hang up, he said, "Hey, LD. I guess I better tell ya, or Kel might beat me up!" Okay...he proceeds to inform me he is going into the U of U hospital for the next five days, due to pancreatitis. He stated it was nothing serious, he just needed to have a liquid diet and some antibiotics. After several promises that this is all it was, I told him I would be up Monday after work for a visit and hung up.
Monday I went to work, and was going to go see dad pretty quickly after. As I am driving home, I get a text from Kel, "Ok, here is the update, the pancreas is look good, but they are going to do an angiogram tomorrow. He is being admitted to the cardiac unit on the 4th floor.
At that point, things changed and I got a whole lot of stressed! How in the hell did we go from pancreas to cardiac?
After a few phone calls and a short errand, I headed up to the U to figure out what was really going on and spend some time with the padre.
Once I got up there, I found out they had to go through the ER because the admitting papers hadn't been done correctly. While he was in the ER my dad started telling the doctors all of his symptoms...they immediately began to look for signs of a heart attack.
As I was in the hospital with dad, I could tell he was pretty nervous,. as we all were. We didn't know what they were going to find, and we were scared. My dad asked me if I would mind calling in the next day and spending the night at the hospital with my dad...DONE!
That night Dad and I just talked and hung out. We finally headed for bed about 12:30 that night. We were awakened 5 times between 12:30-3:30. At that point dad was so nervous there was no going back to sleep...we talked. I treasured the time I had with my dad, we hadn't spent that much time talking in a long time.
Tuesday morning I ran into Nathan and he bought me a much needed coffee. He then clocked in and came up to the room to be with dad for some time. By about 10:30 Kel was there with another coffee...THANK GOD!
Dustin had called in sick so he could go babysit Stacy's kids and Carter so S could come up also. Shane stopped by about 11, and Stac was there by 11:30.
Thankfully they had given dad some meds to help him relax and he became pretty funny. The jokes began and the room lightened. At 1:40 they finally took dad back.They told us if there were arterial blocks they would do the interventions right then.He and I made our promise...that I would see him in 3 hours, if not sooner, he promised back...and off he went.
I hadn't eaten since lunch time the day before and was starving. So Kel took Stac and I down to the cafeteria and fed us lunch. Once we got back upstairs, my phone rang, and they told us dad had two blocked arteries and the interventions were beginning now.
An hour and ten minutes later, my dad came out laughing. He was in a great space and doing fine. They had to put two stents into his arteries, and things went well! One of his arteries was 90% blocked, the other 95%. We are VERY lucky my dad had not had a heart attack!
We got him back to his room, moved rooms, and then I was ready to call it. The "storm of the decade" was about to hit and I wanted to be home before it got bad. I gave my dad loves and Stac and I headed home.
Today I am SO grateful to still have my dad. To have the family that pulls together and supports one another when things get rough. I have a WHOLE LOT to be grateful for this holiday season!
Sunday afternoon I was speaking with my dad. As we were about to hang up, he said, "Hey, LD. I guess I better tell ya, or Kel might beat me up!" Okay...he proceeds to inform me he is going into the U of U hospital for the next five days, due to pancreatitis. He stated it was nothing serious, he just needed to have a liquid diet and some antibiotics. After several promises that this is all it was, I told him I would be up Monday after work for a visit and hung up.
Monday I went to work, and was going to go see dad pretty quickly after. As I am driving home, I get a text from Kel, "Ok, here is the update, the pancreas is look good, but they are going to do an angiogram tomorrow. He is being admitted to the cardiac unit on the 4th floor.
At that point, things changed and I got a whole lot of stressed! How in the hell did we go from pancreas to cardiac?
After a few phone calls and a short errand, I headed up to the U to figure out what was really going on and spend some time with the padre.
Once I got up there, I found out they had to go through the ER because the admitting papers hadn't been done correctly. While he was in the ER my dad started telling the doctors all of his symptoms...they immediately began to look for signs of a heart attack.
As I was in the hospital with dad, I could tell he was pretty nervous,. as we all were. We didn't know what they were going to find, and we were scared. My dad asked me if I would mind calling in the next day and spending the night at the hospital with my dad...DONE!
That night Dad and I just talked and hung out. We finally headed for bed about 12:30 that night. We were awakened 5 times between 12:30-3:30. At that point dad was so nervous there was no going back to sleep...we talked. I treasured the time I had with my dad, we hadn't spent that much time talking in a long time.
Tuesday morning I ran into Nathan and he bought me a much needed coffee. He then clocked in and came up to the room to be with dad for some time. By about 10:30 Kel was there with another coffee...THANK GOD!
Dustin had called in sick so he could go babysit Stacy's kids and Carter so S could come up also. Shane stopped by about 11, and Stac was there by 11:30.
Thankfully they had given dad some meds to help him relax and he became pretty funny. The jokes began and the room lightened. At 1:40 they finally took dad back.They told us if there were arterial blocks they would do the interventions right then.He and I made our promise...that I would see him in 3 hours, if not sooner, he promised back...and off he went.
I hadn't eaten since lunch time the day before and was starving. So Kel took Stac and I down to the cafeteria and fed us lunch. Once we got back upstairs, my phone rang, and they told us dad had two blocked arteries and the interventions were beginning now.
An hour and ten minutes later, my dad came out laughing. He was in a great space and doing fine. They had to put two stents into his arteries, and things went well! One of his arteries was 90% blocked, the other 95%. We are VERY lucky my dad had not had a heart attack!
We got him back to his room, moved rooms, and then I was ready to call it. The "storm of the decade" was about to hit and I wanted to be home before it got bad. I gave my dad loves and Stac and I headed home.
Today I am SO grateful to still have my dad. To have the family that pulls together and supports one another when things get rough. I have a WHOLE LOT to be grateful for this holiday season!
Monday, November 22, 2010
A Snowy Memory
Saturday night was the first big snow of the year, and boy did it snow. I was headed to a surprise birthday party, and the snow had begun. By the time I was half way to my sister-in-laws to drop off Little Man, the freeway was scary covered in snow. However, by the time I got to the destination North, it was rain and we were good to go.
I drove out with Kristie and Rand because Dustin was going to meet us after he got off work and I only wanted one vehicle. The party begins and the snow continued to fall. Every half hour or so we would go outside and the snow continued to fall. As the night went on the snow continued to accumulate and when we left at 2:00 am, there was probably close to ten inches at Mandy's.
Dustin and I went and picked up Carter, but the freeways were clean and I decided to just take my truck home as well. Most don't know, but I do not handle snowy roads well. I have massive anxiety over it and chose to avoid it as much as possible. But with the roads in decent shape, I decided to go ahead and drive the suburban home.
That night, depending on where you are in the Valley, there was a fresh 10-18 inches of snow on the ground. The one thing about snow is it is absolutely BEAUTIFUL for the scenery.
Sunday morning Dustin wanted to sleep and Carter was not going to let that happen. So, we dressed and went on an adventure to the grocery store and a stop for coffee. As I was driving I was in complete awe of the beauty and truly enjoyed my time being outside...probably will be the only time this year, let's be honest.
That is not all I wanted this to be about though...Saturday night driving home I had a memory flashback that I hadn't thought of in years and years and I want to write it down so I never forget it again.
It was probably the second winter after my mom and dad had seperated. My dad had an apartment that we called "The Treehouse" because he was on the 3rd floor and a tree covered the apartment. We loved our hangout and time with my dad.
One night, a snow storm came about, and I want to say it was the beginning of the winter season. We watched as the complex filled with snow and beauty. It was late, I don't remember time but I know it was late. And someone...probably dad...decided we should go have a snowball fight.
We didn't have the proper attire, but that never stopped us before. So we used what we had...Dad's socks! His socks quickly became ear warmers and gloves, and out the door we went, just dad and us three girls.
We threw snowballs.
We chased one another up and down the parking lot.
We laughed and tee-heed for what seems like now hours.
We set off car alarms, and WE. HAD. FUN!
I loved that night! We went in we made hot chocolate, and I am sure crashed hard when it was finally time. But looking back now, what a great memory! What a fun time for my sisters and my dad.
I hope Carter will have memories with us such as that.
WELCOME WINTER!
I drove out with Kristie and Rand because Dustin was going to meet us after he got off work and I only wanted one vehicle. The party begins and the snow continued to fall. Every half hour or so we would go outside and the snow continued to fall. As the night went on the snow continued to accumulate and when we left at 2:00 am, there was probably close to ten inches at Mandy's.
Dustin and I went and picked up Carter, but the freeways were clean and I decided to just take my truck home as well. Most don't know, but I do not handle snowy roads well. I have massive anxiety over it and chose to avoid it as much as possible. But with the roads in decent shape, I decided to go ahead and drive the suburban home.
That night, depending on where you are in the Valley, there was a fresh 10-18 inches of snow on the ground. The one thing about snow is it is absolutely BEAUTIFUL for the scenery.
Sunday morning Dustin wanted to sleep and Carter was not going to let that happen. So, we dressed and went on an adventure to the grocery store and a stop for coffee. As I was driving I was in complete awe of the beauty and truly enjoyed my time being outside...probably will be the only time this year, let's be honest.
That is not all I wanted this to be about though...Saturday night driving home I had a memory flashback that I hadn't thought of in years and years and I want to write it down so I never forget it again.
It was probably the second winter after my mom and dad had seperated. My dad had an apartment that we called "The Treehouse" because he was on the 3rd floor and a tree covered the apartment. We loved our hangout and time with my dad.
One night, a snow storm came about, and I want to say it was the beginning of the winter season. We watched as the complex filled with snow and beauty. It was late, I don't remember time but I know it was late. And someone...probably dad...decided we should go have a snowball fight.
We didn't have the proper attire, but that never stopped us before. So we used what we had...Dad's socks! His socks quickly became ear warmers and gloves, and out the door we went, just dad and us three girls.
We threw snowballs.
We chased one another up and down the parking lot.
We laughed and tee-heed for what seems like now hours.
We set off car alarms, and WE. HAD. FUN!
I loved that night! We went in we made hot chocolate, and I am sure crashed hard when it was finally time. But looking back now, what a great memory! What a fun time for my sisters and my dad.
I hope Carter will have memories with us such as that.
WELCOME WINTER!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thankful Letter #3: To Nathan
Dear Nathan,
I am participating in a challenge to write a letter a week to someone who I am thankful for. Today, I wanted to write you. I have been waiting to write this because I wanted it to be meaningful and I had to think hard about what I wanted to put down in words. I am going to attempt it.
You and I have been friends for over 20 years now, and there is not a major memory in my life that does not have you in it. From 4th grade til now, you have always been someone I count on and someone who will guide me. For that, I am so thankful.
I look at the curves life has thrown the two of us and how much we have been through together, and I can’t even begin to express the gratuity and love I have for you. When something goes on in my life, good or bad, you are one of the first I want to call. You provide me comfort, support, strength, laughs, and a good margarita if I need it.
I know right now we aren’t talking as much, but that is just because life is so busy for the two of us. I know there is so much going on and we feel like we are drifting. The one thing I have learned about you and me, is the drift goes away and we come right back together, closer than before. So, please don’t worry.
I am so excited for you and what life has in store. Over this past year, it seems like a lot of things have ironed themselves out for you. I couldn’t be more thrilled. You have had so many trials and you continue to fight and work towards your ultimate dreams. Now they are just right around the corner, and I am so happy for you!
I love the relationship you share with Carter. He loves his Uncle Nathan! I am so grateful that you have taken the time and made sure to be such an active part of his life. He so loves when he spends time with you and gets to interact with you! I love to just sit back and watch the two of you share your bond and play!
I hope you know just how much you mean to me. You are someone who I truly can’t imagine my life without. Thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for helping me get through my parents divorce. Thank you for continuing to be my friend when I moved to Woods Cross. Thank you for taking me to prom! Thank you for being there in college. Thank you for having the house to hang out in. Thank you for being so strong and willing to fight for all you want. Thank you for being there for my family, like they are your own. Most of all, thank you for always being there for me. Thank you for being my support through so many events and helping me work through them. Thanks for being my best friend no matter what!
I love you Nathan Paul!
Love Always and Forever,
Lindsey
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Under Contract
Well...it looks like it might happen. On Thursday Dustin and I signed papers to put us under contract with the house!!!
WE. COULDN'T. BE. MORE. EXCITED!!!
It is going to be SO busy.
I am a whole lot of overwhelmed.
I am going to have a ton on my plate.
It is going to be worth ALL OF IT!
We close December 8th, if inspection and appraisals go right. We get keys to our new home December 10! It will be here before we know it.
Best part?
WE. ARE. IN. FOR. CHRISTMAS!!!
WE. COULDN'T. BE. MORE. EXCITED!!!
It is going to be SO busy.
I am a whole lot of overwhelmed.
I am going to have a ton on my plate.
It is going to be worth ALL OF IT!
We close December 8th, if inspection and appraisals go right. We get keys to our new home December 10! It will be here before we know it.
Best part?
WE. ARE. IN. FOR. CHRISTMAS!!!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Letter #2: To: Aunt Tammy
Dear Aunt Tammy,
It is November and I have accepted a challenge out in the technology world. The challenge; to write one letter a week to someone you are thankful for. I write it on Wednesday and then “Link” up with others on Thursday and share. This week, I want to write you.
I have always been so grateful for the relationship you and I share. We are so much alike and I have always felt like you were someone I could talk to. However, over the past few years, as I have gotten older, I have recognized so much more of who you are!
I never realized how much you carried on your plate, balancing it all. Now that I can see that much more, I am in awe of you even more so. You have raised two amazing men, kept a marriage for 30+ years, and been an incredible educator on so many levels. I have also seen you care for your dad, take on the role of support for so many friends and family members it is incredible. You are there for so many people. If someone calls you answer and give them the love, support, advice, comfort,, hope, reality, or truth they are seeking. You are a rock for so many, including me!
To have you as my aunt is truly such a privilege. You are someone whose opinion I so greatly respect and rely on. I have called upon you and your thoughts through so many different times in my life, and after we finish our conversation I always walk away feeling so much better. Even if it may not be exactly what I want to hear, I always think about what you have said. For that I am so grateful.
You have supported me and my family in so many things. I love the relationship I have with you and know it is one I can trust and rely on. I will always treasure our bond, and for that I thank you!
Thank you for loving me just exactly as I am. Thank you for supporting me in my schooling. Thank you for being someone who is always so excited for the milestones happening in my life. Thank you for loving El Trucko! Thank you for believing in us and helping me work through things when I didn't know quite which direction to go. Thank you for so many more things that you have done for me over the past 28 years. Most of all thank you for loving “Our Baby” as much as you do! I love that you you love him like we do!
I love you so much! Thank you again for everything! Thank you for being my fabulous Aunt!
Love Always and Forever,
LD
Sunday, November 7, 2010
And We Wait...
Last night Dustin and I put an offer on a house. We are so anxiously awaiting, but won't know until Tuesday. This house is absolutely darling and WE. LOVE. IT.
We are keeping our fingers crossed, I am saying my prayers, and everything else we can do to get this home.
I have posted a few pictures, but I am not going to get to over zealous until it is under contract.
I'll keep you posted!
We are keeping our fingers crossed, I am saying my prayers, and everything else we can do to get this home.
I have posted a few pictures, but I am not going to get to over zealous until it is under contract.
I'll keep you posted!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
My 1st Letter: To: Dad and Kel
November 3, 2010
Dear Dad and Kel,
As you know it is November, and I have decided to take on a challenge to write a letter every Wednesday to someone I am grateful for. Before I even took on this challenge, I had been thinking a lot about my years at home and how much I enjoyed where I grew up. When I came across this challenge, I decided you two would be the perfect people to start this challenge with.
On Halloween Eve, I was at my sister-in-laws for chili and trick or treating. As I was hanging out with the family, my 14 year old niece and a group of her friends showed up and “crashed” the kitchen. They were laughing, tee-heeing, being loud, and I LOVED it! As I was sitting back observing this “chaos” I immediately went back home when we had these exact moments at our house. I went back home and saw the faces of 1 million kids coming in and out daily for any one of us or all five! I went back home to where the kitchen was the local hang out for everybody and the laughing was pretty contagious and continuous.
Later that night my sister in law made the comment that she wishes her kids would have their house be the hang out house. She loved having them all there and wanted it to happen more. With that statement, I said…”that was my house growing up.” We were the house where everybody went to and hung. We were the house that fed a bajillion kids dinner regularly, had people sitting on counters, and just hanging out. I am so grateful for those times.
I have really missed my siblings this past month, and all the fun we used to have as the NelTon gang. It seems like it has been a long time since we were together, just being our crowd. Between schedules, kids, work, and life in general it is hard to get all 7 of us back together. I am looking forward to the time this holiday season with our family. The e-mail regarding the NelTon annual Christmas party gave me the first holiday jitters this year!
Thank you for raising us kids in the open environment where friends were always welcome. Thank you for supporting every one of us kids in the way we individually needed support. Thank you for allowing so many “adopto” kids into our home and always being an adult so many could count on and rely on to be there for them. But most of all, thank you for being my parents and helping me become who I am today.
I love you both tons and tons!
Love Always,
L.D.
I Accept The Challenge
Today I accept a challenge. I am going to write at least one letter every Wednesday to someone I am thankful for. I challenge you to read this http://www.number17cherrytreelane.com/2010/10/thankful-on-paper-2010.html and write a letter as well!
My first letter will be posted this evening at the latest.
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