Billy is SICK

I just hate it when Bill gets sick. He's my anchor, but I'm being selfish. He went to the doctor today and was diagnosed with Bronchitis.

Another MRI

I went to Dr Felix, yesterday, for my two month and one week post-op check up. For the amount of time doctors spend with their patients, how can they know anything about them. I've spent more time with the produce man at Lee's. My cute Billy Bob, showed up for my appointment. He's such a dream. He entertained me, as he always does.

Felix asked me some questions, checked my reflexes, had me stand on my tip toes and said, "Let's do another MRI". That's the solution to "not knowing" what in the crap is wrong with me.

When scheduling my MRI, they asked me if I was claustrophobic. Oh my heck, am I EVER! ! ! The good news is that there are drugs for that and when x-raying the back, they no longer make you go into the long, narrow tunnel, head first.

I will need a driver, as I plan to take a boat load of sedatives. Please don't think ill of me.

62, Our Boy in Blue

Ethan told me the other day that he just hates his picture taken on the side lines. He doesn't like the way his bUttom looks! Yes, you heard me correctly. The issue of weight never escapes us no matter our size or age.

General Conference

The afternoon General Conference session, Danton and Cricket are getting a lot from the messages. Danton is laying on his new love sack, which has found its way into our family room. . . like we have room for it. . .does he? ? not!

Conference was wonderful. I was touched in many ways, and answers to my prayers were revealed. I am so grateful for a Prophet of God on the earth today, to lead and guide me. To inspire me to want to do better and be better. All the talks were inspirational.

Brady, Jess, Dana and kids came to dinner at 5:00. We tried something different. We cooked a very easy dinner, one that seems to be popular among the kids. . .TTC (Tater Tot Casserole). I'm not a big fan but I have to admit that it did taste good to me. I made homemade brownies and hot fudge to have with ice cream. YUM! ! ! !

Around 8:30 p.m., when everyone had gone home, Dan, Danton, Ethan and I laid on our bed and floor and read the Book of Mormon. This doesn't happen often, but I loved everyone minute. I think the boys did too. I didn't hear any snoring until after the last verse was read and the pray was said. . . .that's a good sign. It feels so great to read the Book of Mormon together as a family. The blessings promised when we do so are unbelievable and undeniable.

Donation to Locks of Love

Dana cut her hair on Sat. to be donated to "Locks of Love".

Enlarge your Thought

"We lift ourselves by our thought. If you want to enlarge your life, you must first enlarge your thought of it and of yourself. Hold the ideal of yourself as you long to be, always everywhere."

Skyview Homecoming Game Extraordinaire

September 26, Friday, 2008 - Skyview Homecoming Game

Score 34 SV-24 Bonneville

What a blast !

My mission was to save seats, good ones. The Monday, before the game, the bleachers began to look like a patchwork quilt. I knew it was only a matter of time before all the good seats would be taken. I got to the field on Wed. morning bright and early, hobbled up to the field, and carefully placed my two blankets on benches that I thought would be ideal, considering what was available. Was I ever wrong in some ways, and other ways, it was eventful and entertaining. We ended up on the benches on the isle across from the student section. Students NEVER sit during a game. To see the North end of the field, like around the 20 yard line was nearly impossible. Oh well. Dan rang his cowbell loud and clear in the students' ears. It was quite funny to watch.

We were delighted with Megan, Jon and Olivia joined us at the game. During half-time, Livi and I went down to buy a bob cat sucker and face tattoo for her. We bought them from Celia Ashcroft, she was selling them for the band kids.

Skyview's Cutest Fan

Before the game began, I went down to the side walk to take pictures of Dave Fox arriving at the game, from the Sky 2 Helicopter. I happened to see Josh Barson and asked him to smile for my camera (my phone) to be used on my blog. I was also his sub today in P.E.

Josh, Skyview's #1 fan! ! !

Dave Fox from channel 2 news tossing little footballs to the students. He's a big guy. Bigger than he looks on TV. Television added 5 inches and 30 pounds to him. Note his skinny legs.

The copter hovering over the field and caught

JD Falslev making two touch downs.

Sky 2 circling the stadium

Dan and I had a great time at the game. It was fun watching the enthusiastic students. Many of which were Ethan friends, that sat close to us.

Unfortunately, it was such a close game that Ethan did not get to play. But he sure looked cute standing on the side lines. That's our boy.

The day before, Dan and I went to the JV game at Bonneville where Ethan played a lot but unfortunately they lost. So the win on Friday was awesome.

"Survivor" Set To Debut In Gabon Jungle

Oh my heck, Survivor is on tonight, I can hardly wait. I am a survivor addict and proud to admit it. May the best woman win! ! ! !

It's "National Watch as Much TV as You Can Week", I'm all over it.

“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?”

In the temples of the Lord, we learn obedience. We learn sacrifice. We make the vows of chastity and have our lives consecrated to holy purposes. It is possible for us to be purged and purified and to have our sins washed away so that we may come before the Lord as clean, white, and spotless as the newly fallen snow.


“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?” We can see in vision the almost endless hosts of the elect, the devout, the believing who shall come to God’s holy sanctuary to seek its blessings. As they enter those hallowed halls, Nephi would remind all that “the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name” (2 Ne. 9:41). By President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency


Taken last Saturday (9-20-08) after the rain storm by Dana Preece on her phone.

Willie's Homecoming

We left at 8:30 am to go to Willie's homecoming in Pleasant Grove. Willie is Deniece Liljenquist's son. Deniece, my dear friend that passed away on April 2, 08. Willie gave an amazing talk. It was hard not to get teary eyed thinking about Deniece not being there. While at their home, amongst the hordes of friends and family, Dan and I could not keep the tears from misting our eyes. That's the first time we'd been in the house since Deniece passed away. I'm sure she was there.

After our visit, we drove over to Springville to visit Russ and family. They have a new home and Dan and Ethan haven't been there. It was great to see all of the family, even Russell Floid Whippersnapper, my pet name for my little brother.

Sky 2 Copter

Skyview played Roy at Roy last Friday night the 19Th. We were honored with the appearance of the Sky 2 Copter, featuring Dave Fox from channel 2 News. He stood on the platform to the right of the helicopter and threw down footballs to the Roy fans. What a treat to witness.

By the way, Skyview won something like 62 to zip. Ethan got to play the fourth quarter. Dan and I enjoyed the game. I am staring to love football games, the cool weather, the screaming, the smell of hot dogs and hamburgers, and our cow balls ringing. . . .and of course, getting to see Ethan play.

Ethan #62

Triton, the stud muffin

Introducing Triton, Cricket's suitor. Yes, our very own Princess Cricket the Bella Bambina of Hyde Park is at the breeders. We could have puppies in two months. They will be for sale. . . so start saving your money, for pure bred mini pins.

Cricket, our princess. . . . but that's not what Dan calls her. I can't print the name he so compassionately calls her.

Ethan loves his girl, as does Danton.

Live in the present. . . .

"One day at a time - this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone: and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering."

Ida Scott Taylor1820-1915, Author


This is so true. What a great quote! I love it, something to think about.

Pain

"Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever."


Lance ArmstrongCancer Survivor and Athlete

69 to 6

Today, the JV team played Roy and smeared them. Ethan played well. Danton and I were able to go together. He took the evening off to watch Ethan. After the game, Danton and I had salads from Costa Vida and Ethan had a team dinner. Dan is in SLC for Power Training. Skyview plays Roy tomorrow at Roy. Dan is meeting me there on his way home from SLC. I'm hitching a ride down with a friend, Mary Lee Warren. Life is good.

Skyview vs. The Box Elder "Bugs"

Friday night, we enjoyed an evening in Brigham City watching Skyview slaughter Box Elder. "It was a lovely evening", Dan declared, "not a cloud in the sky". Brady put blankets down on the bleachers that afternoon to save us a prime location. It was packed, alot of support from the Skyview fans. Ethan got to play at the end of the game. That's our boy number 62. Brady and Jess joined us at half time, and it was a delight to see and hear them. Brady bought two large cow bells and welded them together into one giant contraption. We are the cow bell family, and Brady did us proud with his bells.

After the game, we picked up Ethan at Skyview and took him to Angie for a bit to eat. I was craving pancakes at 10:45 at night. No I am not pregnant.

They were set free. . .

She came back

Today, Dan set all the birds free. We took them to the Jensen Historical Farm. It will be a wonderful home with their very own pond and lots of friends. Frank (goose), Lucy (goose), Franchesca (goose), Lucy's three babies, Chester (duck), and two un-named white ducks were set free from the bondage of life on the Balls' farm. Truthfully, Dan was so sick of the noise, that he had to get rid of them. We also gave our two chickens to Mark Ashcroft. The white hen was eating our tomatoes. Only one hour at her new home, the white hen (Raquel) was back home with us. We can't get rid of her.

Dan feels like a new man. . . .the pressure of the birds are off his shoulders and he's a free man.

What I did in my spare time

What I did in my spare time while I was recovering from back surgery. . . .I had a few weeks on my hands and my bed was my favorite place to be so. . . . I watched all three seasons of Prison Break. I think watching the seasons is the best way to watch them, you don't have to wait a whole week wondering what happened. I am hooked for life. I look forward to Monday nights at 8 p.m. And of course, I watch it after Family Night. . DUH!

Prison Break

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Have I lost my vision, my eternal perspective?

I have been feeling a bit discouraged due to my back problems, loss of mobility and some weight gain. I picked up the Ensign for this month, and thumbed through it and happened upon this article. "Looking to the Lord", by Mary N Cook, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency. She talked about challenges and "when we focus on the narrow view of our circumstances, we may miss seeing many of the opportunities the Lord has in store for us. Do we allow our circumstances to limit our view, or do we look up to the Lord, who can expand our vision?"

"Challenges-such as poor health, loss of a loved one, accident, divorce, or financial reversals-are a part of everyone's life. We all encounter unplanned difficulties. Responding positively to those difficulties is a great challenge."

"In For the Strength of Youth, the First Presidency PROMISES: "The Lord will make much more out of your life than you can by yourself. He will increase your opportunities, expand your vision, and strengthen you. He will give you the help you need to meet your trials and challenges."

I have struggled with what to do with my life. . . . how can I make a difference? I exist in no man's land these days. My prayers haven't been fervent and I am lost. I thought that this surgery would instantly fix my back and leg problems and I would be good to go. I haven't looked to the Lord for help and I realize that I can't exist without his help. I'm helpless without Him.

Because of this wonderful article, I realize that my Heavenly Father can expand my limited, mortal vision to an eternal perspective. I've temporally lost my vision, I can see that now.

Sister Cook said, " Through answers to prayer, I have learned that the Lord knows me, loves me, and is aware of me and of my circumstances. This knowledge has given me the faith that He will continue to help me meet future trials and challenges as I look to Him for opportunities and "choose rigorousness and happiness, no matter what my circumstances."

This is my goal to pray with real faith for direction and vision for my life. I'm excited to take on this challenge and will let you know what miracle happens in my life. There will be a miracle, I know this without any doubts.

Something I loved. . . .

Something I loved and brought me great joy, has brought me much sorrow and discomfort. Yes, making this beautiful Snow Woman caused the pinched nerve or lateral stenosis in my lower back. What is stenosis- "a narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress sensory nerve fibers causing lost of sensation". Yes indeed, I have loss of sensation in my right foot.

I am presently going to physical therapy in hopes of regenerating the nerve and strengthening my leg. I have no strength in my right calf or foot. The reason why can be explained to me a million times and I still don't understand how a nerve can cause such chaos. I have to admit that I am a bit discouraged with the loss of mobility. Walking isn't fun anymore. It's a chore. Stop complaining. . . .at least the terrible pain in my leg is gone. I must have patience and let time heal. But I don't wanna. I'll keep limping along.

When I can start taking my long walks down 8th East, and you drive past me. . . .HONK for Jan.

Time shared with my BFF

Livi came over today for a visit and we decided to make bracelets. I had fun making her a Halloween necklace and bracelet. I learned a lot from Liv today. . . wink wink Megan. A few family secrets were shared.

BFF: Best Friends Forever

Time Flies

Can I just say that I've spent over three hours on my blog tonight and have only done four posts. I'm a mess. How's a woman to ever catch up? ? ? It's not like I have a lot of time on my hands. Besides, my bum is killing me.

One day, I"ll have this blog printed and bound to serve as my 2008 journal.

Sunday Dinner

Everyone came over for dinner today. . . grandma Balls, Brady and Jess, and the Preece. Oh yeah, Dan, Danton, Ethan and I. We had turkey steaks, corn on the cob (from our garden), funeral potatoes ( I made them for a change instead of Dan), Waldorf salad, and green beans (grandma made) and yummy brownies (Danalin made). Some of us ate until we pucked. . . lol. It was fun to sit around and visit. The kids played outside some and the boys play a video game. I sat on the couch and rested my back.

Baylee is sitting up and crawling some. . . . .she's growing up. And she likes the favor of my Zinnias!

The Hole

One Saturday, Dan and I went down to Brady and Jess' to help Brady put in their patio doors. Last weekend, Jess' father came from Wisconsin to help Brady cut a huge hole in the back of their house, through brick and concrete to create a place for double patio doors. What a process. My hat goes off to Brady and Will.

Dan's favorite face! I'm quite fond of it!

We enjoyed our time with Brady and Jess. Dan loves working with his boys. Ethan stayed home that day as we left home early on a Saturday morning and he wanted to sleep in. However, by 11 a.m., he was texting me and wishing he was there. He loves spending time with Brady and Jess. Jess made a special trip back to Hyde Park to pick up Ethan. After the project was completed, Dan and I went home and Ethan stayed the night. He and Brady stayed up late watching war movies, and had their favorite $5 Pizza, which now cost $9. Jess and her firends went to Peach Days. Ethan went to Elders Quorum with Brady on Sunday morning. We had dinner on Sunday at 5 and Brady and Jess brought our little boy home to us.

Skyview vs Logan

Ethan dressed for the varsity team last Friday. He didn't see any playing time but he looked like he was having fun from where I sat in the bleachers. He looks so cute in his little football suit. Skyview cleaned Logan's plow. Danton, Dan and I attended the game. The new football field was packed. It was fun to have Danton be able to come with us. He usually works Friday nights. We, of course, brought and rang our cow bells. Danton was even getting into it. I'm not sure if those around us appreciated the noise. It was a brisk September night in Cache Valley. What a way to spend a Friday night. I have no clue what the score was but does that really matter? Skyview won their rival on their own field.

Ethan is on the third row from the top, fourth from the left. . . in case you were wondering.