Today I Got To Enjoy...

Because my sister willing worked for someone else today, I got the lovely opportunity to sleep on her cold, slippery, leather couch last night so that I could be there in the morning to watch her kids.  So this morning I got to enjoy hearing little kids sounds coming from their rooms wanting out of their beds and then got to surprise them with me instead of mom.  I love kids in the mornings, they are so cute with their hair sticking up in different directions, their purple tinkerbell pj's, and their morning voices.  Aidree ate 2 bowls of Trix, while I enjoyed the adult cereal, even though I stole a handful or two of Trix.  I mean really, we'd all love to eat Trix over the adult cereal any day.  I got the kids dressed and ready for the day, we watched Tarzan twice, and I helped Aidree brush her teeth.  I sat Aidree on the bathroom counter so she could watch herself in the mirror as she brushed her teeth; for some reason she likes to do this.  Actually I think she just likes to play in the water, because I found her trying to wash the mirror with it at one point.  I thought this would be a cute picture, so in the short time it took me to grab the camera she found my brand new toothbrush and decided to brush her teeth with mine instead of hers; that wasn't cute.  Bridget wasn't feeling well today, which I enjoyed because she laid her sweet head on my shoulder all morning, until I finally gave her a little too much dimatap and she ended up sleeping 4 hours after I put her down for her morning nap.  Mom came to rescue me for the afternoon, not that I couldn't have handled them, but I wanted to catch a gym class, none of which are as good as the ones in CLT, I might add.  I took cute pictures of the kids this morning and would love to post them, however I took them with Tristen's camera which is at her house, so I will have to post them tomorrow.

I did get a sweet card in the mail all the way from CLT from mama Middlebrook and had a lovely phone call from CLT this afternoon all which brightened my day until I heard they had 75 degrees today which of course made me a bit jealous that I'm not wearing flip flops.  Well, maybe I would if I could find the flip flop box...

A Sunday Drive

Today was Stake Conference.  It has been a very long time since I have sat in the church building that I grew up in.  Today I did just that.  As I sat there I thought of my testimony and how it was developed in that very building; all because of amazing primary teachers, young women leaders, and sunday school teachers who along with my parents taught me the gospel.  It was fun to run into people that I grew up with, teachers who taught me and friends who are still friends even though I haven't seen them in years.  Being that we only went to 2 hours of church today and it started 1 1/2 hours earlier, we had the afternoon to go on a Sunday drive.  It was fun to discover a little part of Idaho I'd never seen.  We went to Jump Creek to see a waterfall.  I had no clue there was a waterfall so close to where I grew up.  I love waterfalls, always have.  In order to see this little waterfall we had to hike through some unsteady rocks.  Thank goodness I didn't step wrong, because it would have been a rather wet ride back.  It was a fun little excursion for sure! 

I can't figure out how to turn this around, so just turn your computer  so you can see what it's suppose to look like.

Spring really is around the corner, it has to be.  You want to know why I know this, because I saw green today!  Yes, there was a lot of brown, but I saw hints of green!  I even have proof.  See!

I could get into Sunday Drives for sure, especially with spring on the way!  However one of these days I really need to make a trip up to the mountains to see some snow before it melts.

It's Another Fabulous Friday

It's been another fabulous week!  For some reason this seems like it's been a long week, but then I can't believe it's Friday night and yes, I'm home blogging because I just finished a shift that I got called in for, but at least I got called in last night and not this morning.
1. Last Friday Alisha and I went uptown and tried a new restaurant called Forks.  All of their food is grown in Idaho.  It was pretty good, a little pricey for lunch, but a nice new experience. I loved the windows in the building and the ambiance of the lunch crowd.
2.  While uptown we stopped off at Anthropology where I bought three vintage knobs for when I get around to making a necklace holder.
3.  Sunday mom made rolls for dinner; always a treat!
4.  For a moment on Sunday afternoon in my parents driveway, I felt like I was 16 all over again!!!
5.  I taught RS on Sunday which gave me an opportunity to bear testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith.
6.  Wednesday evening I enjoyed dinner and a great conversation at Barbacoa, what I've heard to be one of the best restaurants in Boise.
7.  Getting called in today was only great because it was time and a half, that means I should have enough money for an expensive plane ticket somewhere warm in April, since my co-workers were nice enough to switch with me giving me 10 days off in a row!
8.  My friend Pam had a miracle baby this week; miracle meaning she was growing in the abdominal cavity and was never caught on any U/S or even a CT.  I'm so happy for her and think I need to make a trip to FL to visit her.
9.  I enjoyed my first of many tubs of sweet strawberries for the season; I feel spring is just around the corner or at least that's how strawberries make me feel!

Fab Friday

This week brought many fabulous things.
1.  Last Friday I was able to pick 3 of my cousins up from the airport.  They are all sister and live in Phoenix, Seattle, and just outside of NYC.  It was fun to be the first to see them.  One I hadn't see for at least 8 years.  They were hungry when we picked them up and wanted to go to a fun, yummy restaurant.  So I took them to my favorite fun place, The Brick Oven Beanery.  It was yummy indeed.
2.  We paid tribute to grandma Friday, Saturday, and gathered together again on Sunday.  Family time is always wonderful.
3.  Wednesday morning we woke up to a surprise; a few inches of fresh snow.  Even the weatherman wasn't expecting this.  Of course it was melted by early afternoon.  It was nice while it lasted though
4.  I experienced art culture and the ambience of the Karcher Mecca on Wednesday evening when I went to dinner and a movie in a theater we had to ourselves.  Of course who else would go to a movie on a Wednesday evening.  It was by far one of the funnest evenings I've had in a while.
5.  I've enjoyed 2 great PiYo sessions this week.  If you have never experienced it, give it a try.  I always feel longer and leaner when I finish a class.  If only it would stretch me a few more inches that would be great.
6.  My niece fell asleep in my arms yesterday afternoon when I was watching, "Dear John."  Who doesn't love a sleeping baby and a free afternoon to watch a Nicholas Sparks film?

Saying A Final Goodbye At Least For Now

I think this was one of the last pictures I have with grandma when she was well.

Last Friday night was grandma's viewing and my cousins bridal shower; I know crazy.

Saturday was grandmas funeral.  We woke up to fog and the smell of rain.  I wanted blue sky and sunshine as we had had the day before, but maybe grandma liked rain; I don't know about that.  Because I played the organ my sister and I went to the church a little early so I could set the settings on the organ.  Grandma was already there in the RS room.  It was nice to be in there without a crowd to say a final goodbye.  I carried with me in my purse grandmas perfume and Tenielle and I took turns giving her a few final sprays so that when grandpa came in she would smell as she always did.  I missed the family prayer and the closing of the casket, which I was okay with because I got to play the organ as they brought grandma into the chapel.  I felt that I was able to give her one last gift as I played a mothers medley both as they brought her in and took her out.  The funereal was a beautiful tribute with both laughter and tears.  I am positive that grandma was smiling down on all of us as she listened to the words of love that were spoken of her.  I always love musical numbers and the ones in her honor that day were perfect.  Tony and Tanner sang, "Just Beyond The Moon" with the guitars.  It was grandma and grandpa's song.  They sounded amazing and from my seat on the stand I saw many shedding tears.  It was so cute when just before they sang, Grandpa stood up.  I think he was doing so because he was tired of sitting, but I also think it was his way of singing their song in his heart to her one last time.  The other musical number was performed by 46 of the 50 grandchildren and some great grandchildren.  We sang I Am A Child Of God and Love Is Spoken Here.  They were beautifully done.

One of my youngest cousins Reagan who I think is a doll!

Some of the girl cousins

All 4 of us were born the same year.  Sure love my cousins.

Here is the bouquet we made for grandma in a suitcase.  

Loved grandmas hands.

I rode to the cematary in the car with my aunt and uncle from Phoenix and my grandpa; just behind the hurst.  The most amazing sight came as we were leaving the chapel.  A train with its headlights on, was waiting on the tracks.  Throughout the funereal stories were told of grandma boarding the train, her life as a girl living in a box car with her family and her love for trains.  We all noticed the train, which to us represented grandma saying her final goodbye at least for now.  

Me, Deborah, Alisha

Cousins Katie and Alisha

After the funeral we gathered all the cousins and took a picture.  It is a pretty remarkable sight indeed.  

The ward gave us a wonderful luncheon, which included red jello with banana's.  Grandma would have loved it.  They must have known that was grandma's signature dish.  That evening, we all gathered at grandma and grandpas house and each one of us granddaughters were able to choose a doll from grandmas vast collection. We also had a mini talent show with Tanner and Tony singing, Just Beyond The Moon again, twice.

Another Fabulous Friday

Another week is over and done.  Even though sad things have occurred this week, wonderful things have as well.  I think I'm going to focus this weeks fabulous friday on happy things about grandma.
1.  Last Friday I had the opportunity to be with just grandma.  Grandpa went to the bank and my aunt who was at the house took a nap.  I am so glad it was just me and grandma for even just 30 minutes.  I had her all to myself and didn't have to share her with anyone.  The entire time I watched her chest go up and down and reflected on my time with her over the past 3 months.
2.  Grandma was still with us after I got off work on Saturday evening.  It was the last time in this life that I would kiss her forehead, tell her I love her, listen to her breathing and feel her pulse.
3.  Grandma passed with out pain and peacefully with my dad in the room Sunday evening.
4.  It was a sweet experience to watch her leave her home for the last time.
5.  I left work a little early Tuesday and was able to get to the funeral home just as the finishing touches were put on grandma.  I got to spray her with perfume and will have the opportunity to do it one more time tonight.
6.  I watched grandpa as he saw grandma dressed beautifully for the first time in her white dress.  It was so touching.  When he saw her, he said "she isn't waiting just beyond the moon, she just went straight to Heaven."
7.  I enjoyed last night watching as my aunt put together all of the flowers I had gathered yesterday to make a beautiful arrangement for grandmas funeral.
8.  We have been blessed with love and kindness from neighbors, friends, and ward members as they have shared their condolences with our family this week.
9.  We have felt the many prayers in our behalf this week as we have been able to reflect on the plan of salvation and our testimonies knowing that we will be with our grandma again someday.  We are grateful knowing that she is with her family in heaven.

Grandmas Obituary

Katherine Amanda (Thomas) Young 

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Katherine Amanda Thomas Young 86, of Nampa, passed away Sunday February 5, 2012, at her home surrounded by her family. Kaye was born November 21, 1925, to Walter A. and Anna Price (Roe) Thomas in Modena, UT. She was the sixth of eight children: Velma, Loyal, Ada, Allen, Dixie, Beth and Bruce all of which preceded her in death.
Kaye's father worked for the railroad giving them the opportunity to live in different areas of southern Utah, Peck and Caliente, NV. She spent most of her growing up years in Caliente. It was in Caliente at the age of 17 she met and married her husband Read Young. They were married on June 19, 1943 after a long two week courtship. They were then sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on February 6, 1948. Dad joined the Navy and Mom worked in Caliente while she waited 2 ½ years for Dad to return. They eventually moved to Dad's home town of Nampa, ID, where they started their family and built their home where she lived the rest of her life.
Mom's greatest role in life was that of Wife, Mother and Grandmother. Mom didn't believe in doing anything half way. She made every holiday magical! Her home would be transformed as each room was completely and elaborately decorated especially at Christmas. She loved camping which always included homemade long johns (maple bars), playing cards, s-more's by the campfire and breakfast made by Dad. Mom loved all sports. She especially enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren play.
She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many capacities in the Primary and Relief Society organizations, but her greatest calling was that of a visiting teacher. Mom always went above and beyond to do for others. After Dad retired they both enjoyed spending a day each week serving together in the Boise LDS Temple.
She is survived by her husband of 68 years Read Young; their 10 children: Walter Scott (Carol) of Nampa, Leslie Ann (Gordon) Gaisford of Phoenix, AZ, Charles Read Jr. (Dorothy) of Nampa, Tony Monroe (Linda) of Nampa, Douglas Allen (Candice) of Twin Falls, Charla Kaye (Dan) Hughes of Nampa, Rebecca Jo (Doug) Emery of Homedale, Sherri Dawn (Stuart) Vickers of Nampa, Christopher John (Cindy) of Nampa and Karra Lee (Michael) Ramirez of Nampa. Also surviving her are her 50 grandchildren, 81 great-grandchildren with 2 more expected this year.
Mom has talked of nothing more than of taking the train home to Caliente, NV to be with her parents and siblings. We as a family are happy that she has now been able to board that train and return home to where she will be greeted by her parents and all of her siblings who have gone on before her and who have been anxiously awaiting her arrival.
The past two months have been one of great reward to her entire family. How grateful we are to have had the opportunity to service her and in a small way give back for all that she has done for us. The Read Young family would like to express our gratitude to Legacy Home Health and Hospice for all of the care and compassion that was shown our Mother.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 11, 2012, at the Nampa Northside LDS Chapel, 18463 Northside Blvd. Nampa. A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 10th at the Zeyer Funeral Chapel, 83 N Midland Blvd, Nampa. (467-7300) and at the church from 9 to 9:45 a.m. prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the LDS Missionary Fund O/C Bishop Shawn Adams, 7379 Canterbury Lane, Nampa, ID 83687

Published in Idaho Press Tribune on February 8, 2012

Grandma Young, My Guardian Angel

Every day for the past 3 weeks when I have gone to my grandparents house I naturally have gone over to Grandmas bed and felt her pulse on her left wrist.  Tonight there was no pulse.  Grandma passed away at 7pm tonight, just 1 hour before I got off work.  I drove over to my grandparents an hour later and gratefully grandmas body was still there.  She looked so peaceful.  Everyone had already cried their tears by the time I got there; not fair.  Grandpa was sitting in the chair next to the bed and kindly got up for me.  My sweet cousin Katie came over to me and put her arm around my shoulders as tears streamed down my face.  She told me that Grandmas hands were warm just a few minutes before I got there, so she lifted the covers so I could hold grandma's hand, but I naturally went to her radial pulse.  It wasn't there.  I kept my fingers there waiting for a glimpse of a pulse, but nothing.  When the people from the funeral home came to get her, I had to go into the kitchen, but when they said they would just lay her on the cot, I came out.  As I watched them gently get her ready to leave her home that she loved, a sob came from my lips and I heard my dad say, "you should be use to this."  "It's different" I said.  It sure is different when it's someone you love.
How grateful I am for the plan of salvation; that I know I will see grandma again.  I imagine she is up in Heaven with all of her siblings, parents, and loved ones having an amazing reunion.  I know that families are forever.  I'm grateful now I will have two guardian angel grandma's watching over me.  We now prepare as a family to memorialize grandma, her life, service, and love.

Fabulous Friday

I've decided I need to focus more on the positive things in my life.  To me being positive is a sign of being grateful.  There are exciting and positive things happening every day, we just need to look on the bright side and let the positive overcome the negative drama.  The last few weeks have taught me to find excitement every day, because one day you might be laying in one position, in a hospital bed, in the middle of your family room waiting for the day when you will leave this earth and that will be it for your earthly mission.  So I'm going to dedicate Fridays at least for a while to finding at least 5 things that were fabulous about my week.  So here goes....
1.  Getting my 14 days of Valentines package in the mail (I mean I have been working on it since just after Christmas) to that one special person in my life and hearing on the other end of the phone, "A crappy day at work turned into a great day by getting a package from you."
2.  Having and spending lots of spare time over at the grandparents building relationships with cousins, aunts and uncles and spending time just holding grandmas hand.
3.  Wearing new clothes even if they are just a new pair of scrubs.  I like the flare look.
4.  My new favorite treat, healthy choice fudge bars from grandpa's freezer.
5.  Sharing my favorite southern treat of banana pudding with my western family.
6.  A sore behind from meeting with my trainer on Wednesday, not fun now but in a few weeks when I have buns of steel it will be exciting.

Hooray For February

I think this past January was the quickest January of my life.  Usually it seems that January is such a let down coming from the holidays, it always seems to drag on mostly because of the freezing cold temperatures.  However, not this January. A new job, grandma's declining health and higher than average temperatures have helped the month speed on by.  I'm hoping that tomorrow we will hear that spring is right around the corner, I mean really my NC friends are already enjoy spring, so why shouldn't we have it early here in Idaho too?

Tonight as I was leaving my grandparents, where I have spent the last 7 hours I mentioned that maybe the reason why grandma is still holding on is to teach us patience and to build stronger family relationships.  All those around the card table agreed.  We have always been a card playing family, but it's been a while since I've seen all of my aunts and uncles in a good card game.  I have distinct memories of seeing grandma around the table playing Rook, especially around the holidays.  The last few weeks have given us the opportunity to gather each day at the grandparents.  We all have busy lives, but we have been able to prove that we can slow our lives down.  If there is one thing I hope we remember is that we need to always be working on building relationships with our family, because in the end that's what matters; we've proven this over the past 2 months.  I've heard the words I love you more in the past 3 weeks than I think I have my entire life.  They come from everyone's mouth several times a day.  It has really been a beautiful thing.

This morning I decided that our family needed some cheering up, so what a better way to do it than with the southern delicacy of Banana Pudding, ok maybe not a delicacy, but certainly one of the best southern treats ever.  Can you believe though that the supermarket didn't have any ripe bananas and I'm talking the biggest supermarket in town?  And we made it late in the day so the nilla wafers were a little crunchy, but by morning if there is any left, it will be divine.  However I think my family was almost in heaven with a new dessert, as many had never had the treat.  As I was leaving a cousin came in and I heard my uncle rave about the banana pudding, it was awesome.  Yea, thanks to my southern friends sharing their recipe's with me, oh how I miss you all.

I love February.  It is such a happy month filled with my favorite colors of red and pink. Oh how I love red; I especially miss my red kitchen wall=( I love that February gives me a reason to think of all of the reason why I love the special people in my life and the opportunity I have to share those reasons even if they are silly through the 14 days of Valentines, yep one of my favorite months for sure.