New Camera

Hannah, our little mover!

Guess What? I got a new camera and here are a few of the pictures I have taken. Getting better with each picture. Mike and Whitney sharing a loving moment. Mike practicing to be a dad of a son! Any day now.

Hannah having fun at McDonald's for Sariah's birthday.

Cute little Hayden!

Sariah being cute.

Bekah Shining

Whitney, What else can I say! Cute

Christmas Eve

This if a few of the chldren preparing to be in the manger scene.

Baby Hayden (Bryan and Chelsey's baby being the baby Jesus, While sheep look on.

Once again it was a great Christmas Eve. The Children made great angels, shepherds, baby Jesus, Wise Men, Mary and Joseph. Lloyd and Claudia out did themselves with the supper. The Welch's came and Caroled for us. It was beautiful. I enjoyed having my children and grandchildren home for the holidays. The weather wasn't the best but the company was great!

Baby Shower fun!

Jaylynn (not sure on the spelling) and Whitney playing the Piano

How precious, Linda giving baby Jay a big Kiss. It looks like he doesn't no what to do.

Linda you read a great story!

I thought I would share a few pictures of the baby shower for Wilson and Nicole. Linda was having fun with the little ones reading them a story. Fun! They loved it!

Merry Christmas

Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Chirstmas from the Hendershot family. Sometimes we look a little silly but that is just the way I like it. We Pray all will be safe and enjoy the season.

O kay, I have dreams, some good and some not so good. This morning it was a good dream. A bunch of people were all in the chapel and I was having a group sing but I just wanted men so I made all the women go back and sit down. When they were finished singing Bryan started being silly, singing something about BJ being here. Then he takes off with this rich voice singing, Lift the Wing, with Kevin at the Piano, the two blending as one. He sang this song at Kevin's funeral. The words: But when I'm miles and miles apart from you, I'm beside you, when I think of you... Were the last words I remember before waking up. This type of dream is so much nicer than some of the others I have had. A couple of weeks ago the sister missionaries called to the house to ask if one of us would go to an appointment with them. I was on the road so Shawnee called me to see if I wanted to go because she didn't want to. I thought of all the excuses of how I could to get out of it and finally just said I didn't want to, Immediately when I hung up the article I had read the night before by Pres. Faust on consecrating yourself to the Lord came blasting into my mind. I quickly called Shawnee back and said I would go. Not wanting to be a disappointment to the Lord. That evening as we finished watching, Finding Faith in Christ, the gentlemen we were visiting asked, "Why do some people seem to have all the miracles happen to them while others are so burdened with trials? Where are the miracles today?" As I pondered this question a thought popped into my head ( the still small voice) and I told him, "Miracles are in the eyes of the beholder." I then bore testimony of the miracles that have taken place in my life. They are there if we look for them: The beautiful sunrise, the still small voice whispering to me telling me to go with the sisters that night, children's laughter, good health, being able to go on when you feel like giving up. Everywhere I look miracles are taking place. I am so blessed and know that I am being watched over. We are all blessed with many miracles, Take the time to see them and then cherish them because miracles are in the eyes of the beholder!

Can you believe it? Thanksgiving already at our door step! It seems like we just started school and here we are heading into the busy Christmas season. There's: music in the air, laughter from the children, children trying really hard to be good, adults with short tempers trying to be patient, people sneaking around telling fibs to avoid being caught doing acts of kindness, baking aroma wafting in and out of rooms from lighted candles and baked goods, hiding gifts hoping you'll remember where you put them when its time to put them under the tree, telling the Christmas story while setting up the manger, acting out the story, and getting together as family and friends, and remembering the sweet spirit that comes from giving. Yes, Christmas and Thanksgiving is a time for all these things. I pray as you enter into this wonderful season you remember all the many choice blessings and feelings we enjoy because of the blessed event of the Savior's birth.

Finding Joy

I went out with the sister missionaries tonight. They are teaching a lady who is new to the area. It was nice to be able to bare my testimony about the Savior and Joseph Smith. It is amazing if we think about it, how much we are loved. Our Heavenly Father has provided a way that we can return to Him. As I was sitting in the temple on Saturday it reminded me of how He has made it possible for each of use to return to Him through the atonement of our Savior our personal Redeemer. I know He is aware of each of us and is waiting for us to come unto Him. I loved how President Monson's admonished us to find joy in the journey. The Savior invites each of us to receive Him. As we approach this Christmas season may we find joy in the little things, may we find joy in serving others, may we find joy in knowing who we are, may we find joy in receiving Him.

Linda tagged me. This is the fourth picture in my fourth folder. It was taken last Thanksgiving. I went to the temple this weekend. I love the peace I feel there. It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is around the corner. I get to go to Texas this coming week for a reading conference. I hope it will be a great learning experience. I hate missing my students. I have so much fun with them. Today one of my girls said I needed to be President. When I asked her why she said, " your cool and your a teacher!" Maybe we do need a teacher as a president. I just know it will not be me!! Enjoy voting tomorrow.

Some things I have learned

I was reading in my journal the other day. I would like to share one of my entries. May 22, 2008 How often the word “Why?” has been emitted from my thoughts or mind yet the answer eludes me time and time again until a moment way down in time I understand the why. Often our prayers seem to be unheard and I stumble groping for peace, hope, or assurance that I am headed in the right way. I was contemplating several of the 'whys' in my life and realized if it weren’t for these ‘whys’ I wouldn’t know love, the kind that is eternal. I wouldn’t know joy, the kind that can come from being a mom and a wife. I wouldn’t know deep anguishing pain or sorrow for those you truly care about. I wouldn’t know anger, happiness, misery, forgiveness both being able to be forgiven and for being forgiving when someone has hurt you deeply. I wouldn’t have known laughter, the kind that makes your heart soar. I wouldn’t know misery and unconditional love, the kind that keeps on giving even when you don’t deserve it. I wouldn’t know peace, the kind that comes from knowing who you are. I wouldn’t know kindness, thankfulness and gratitude. I wouldn’t have courage to face each new trial. I wouldn’t have wisdom beyond my earthly capabilities. Yes, the ‘whys’ may be painful but they are what has shaped the woman I have become.

Seasons

Wow! I am not looking forward to the cold weather. I loved the fall colors but it always is a prelude to the winter. I guess I need to think that after winter is Spring my favorite time of the year. I don't want to sound like I am complaining because I am grateful for each season and the promises each one brings. It is just that I enjoy some more than more. Today I have been the shredder queen. I was going through my papers and decided I needed to do a little draw cleaning. I got two big bags of shredded paper from three drawers. I can't wait until I hit my filing cabinets. Poor Shawnee has had to take care of me once again. I came home from school yesterday with a sick stomach. She makes a good nurse for me. Well until next time.

Tagged

Tagged 8 TV shows I like to watch:

• Gilmore Girls
• Reba
• Wheel of Fortune
• Hallmark channel
• What ever Shawnee has on
• I lead a boring life

8 Favorite Restaurants

• Olive Garden
• Cracker Barrel
• Quiznos
• I can't think of any other place. I live in a small town and don't get out much

8 Things that happened yesterday

• Woke up
• Went to work
• Taught my students
• Taught my reading class
• Went home
• Threw up
• Threw up again
• Went to bed

8 Things I'm looking forward to:

• having all my children home again
• Spring
• finding just the right place for Kirk
• giving back all the pots and pans from the generous people who brought food
• getting all my paper work done
• getting my bills payed off
• feeling better
• hugging my grandchildren~!!!

People I tag: Mandi Lauri

Anyone for Salsa cheese dip?

I had Kirk home this weekend. It was nice to see his smiling face. He loved Shawnee tickling his feet. He is very spoiled to say the least. It was so funny yesterday when he was eating lunch he got hold of a jar of salsa cheese dip and was eating it out of the jar. He was eating it so fast for fear I would take it away. By the time he was finished with it I could almost see flames coming from his ears. He looked at me kind of startled then drank a BIG glass of milk to cool himself down. I had to chuckle because of his expression. I am not sure if he knew what was happening.

As I was sitting listening to conference today, I realized how blessed I am. The talk by Elder Holland touched me so much. I have been so blessed by so many angels these past few weeks. I want to testify that there are angels all around us. These angles seem to know what I need, a hug, a smile or just a listening ear. If we take the time to look around they are everywhere. I pray that we can all be angels to those around us. Here are a few of the angels in my life these past few weeks.

I want to thank everyone for their love and prayers this past two weeks. We have felt them as a family. It is amazing how much strength comes from those who share a hug, say a prayer for us, say a kind word and give us a smile. These things help us to continue on. We will miss Kevin and his laughter, service and love but know he is not hurting any more. Again thanks to all of you out there who have sent your love.

Thank You

I want to thank everyone for their kindness, prayers and concern at this time of Kevin's passing. I know he has touched many lives and will be missed by all. You could hear his laugh for yards and yards. He loved a good joke and sharing with others. Kevin loved people and seemed to be energized by them. He loved to serve in the temple and the passed year with all his sicknesses and trial he has been unable to attend. It broke his heart. I will miss the beautiful music he would play, his unique sense of humor, his laughter, his help around the house and too many other things to even mention. Again thank you all for your love, support and kindness.

Life

Life marches on even when we aren't marching with it. It seems like I am so far behind in all my paper work at school. I am not sure when it will all get done but it will eventually. I have always worked well under pressure! (actually I have had to learn how to:) I really am so excited because I have been able to take a shower in my bathroom. Mike got the grout work done enough so that I can use it. It is turning out so nice. I would post pictures but of course when Kirk was home he got a hold of my camera and twisted the lens and now it won't open. I guess it is time for a new one. I'll have to start saving my pennies so I can purchase another one. Kevin went through the surgery very well, I was very proud of his courage. I love having Shawnee home. She keeps me on my toes in a good way. As I was reading my scriptures this morning I was reminded yet again how quickly we can vear away from doing what we know we should. I was reading about Samuel the Laminite and how he cautioned us to not be prideful and that we need to turn our hearts to the Lord. I pray that I can remember these teaching and act accordingly.

Have you ever gone to an amusement park and gone on one of those rides where you go round and round? Well, sometimes my life feels like I'm going round and round without the ride slowing down. I keep thinking things will slow down but they haven't yet. I started teaching two classes for the teachers at school for university credit twice a week. This is keeping me on my toes. Kirk came home for the weekend. The moment he walked in he was going round and round. He took out a pan from the cabinet, put water in it and proceeded to put it on the stove. He wanted to turn on the stove but he didn't quite now how (I'm counting my blessings on that one). Next, he grabbed the box of Cream of Wheat and started to pour it into the water. I quickly grabbed it before it spilled all over that place. Cream of Wheat is NOT fun to clean up (I know from past experiences). Because I wouldn't give the box back to him he went to the cupboard and grabbed a bad of Macaroni, the little kind you make salad with. The bag hadn't been opened so he squeezed the bag until it popped. Out came little macaroni flying all over the floor (I'm still finding the little elbows under my feet). I quickly grabbed the bag while he went looking for something else to put in the water. Finally I told him I would make it for him if he went and sat down. H e went and sat on the couch for a few minutes while I started to fix supper. Of course he didn't want what I fixed so he ate yogurt. The next morning I went to run some errans while Shawnee watched him. While I was gone he seizured. While I was canning peaches he seizured again. Then he seizured again. It is so hard to watch him go through these knowing we can't do anything at the moment. One feels so helpless. Sometime that day he grabbed my camera and twisted the lens and now I know longer have a camera that works. I guess the comment I made after taking his pictured effected him. I had taken a picture of him and told Shawnee, "I have a few shots of him with this pose". He was sitting on the couch leisurely looking like the king of the couch. After our trip to Red Apple to get more cat food, he was so tired he rested for a few minutes. One never knows what he will investigate next so you need to be on your toes at all times. The stories could continue but for lack of space I'll feel the rest to your imaginations:). Sat. morning Erik was hooking up a heater and didn't realize the power was on and shocked himself. I felt so bad. Juanita came over and helped me finish up the peaches and pears. THANKS! The next day, Sunday was Kirk's birthday, 21 years old. Shawnee made brownies (my favorite) so Juanita and I lit the candles and had him blow them out. We then headed back to Thermopolis to take him back to school. On our way there we came upon a motor cycle accident near Greybull. The body was spread on the ground with the bike over on the side. It was a terrible sight. It really made me realize how fragile life is and how quickly things happen. I offered a prayer in my heart giving thanks that Kirk was okay and that Erik was fine. Kevin goes in for surgery tomorrow. Hopefully all will go well. Life is so short and we never know what is going to happen. Just know that I am so grateful for my children and my husband. I love all my family (those of you out there reading this). Even though sometimes the ride goes round and round and it doesn't seem to slow down, enjoy and rejoice for each moment!

It's so much fun to read everyone's post. There are times when I wish I could reach out and touch some of you. Give you hugs and resure you that even though times are hard there is also so many wonderful blessing we can gain from these hard times. As I reflect on my life I realize that I have been blessed beyond what I deserve but I am so grateful for these blessings. Here are some thoughts I have gathered that I would like to share. The knowledge that Heavenly Father loves us and that we are His Children should give us added strength, comfort, and hope to live this mortal life. We all need to recognize our worth to the Lord. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves.” Finding out who you are is one of life’s greatest quests. President Faust explained, “You will be happier if you know who you are and feel good about yourself. Who you think you are and who you really are can be two different versions of yourself. From an eternal perspective, these two version need to come together. God knows you and what you can become because He has known you from the beginning when you were His spirit sons and daughters. What you become will depend in large measure upon how you follow righteous principles and do good works.” President Faust of the Seventy, offer five ideas that might help us learn to like our self. 1. Change Bad Behavior Reframe from repeatedly thinking or saying negative words about yourself—there is a clear difference between humility and humiliation. Only the voice of Satan will cause you to feel of no value and try to make you believe you can not change. 2. Forgive ourselves and others Often we may forgive others but we can’t seem to forgive ourselves. If we offer forgiveness to others, but not ourselves, we are in a sense turning our back on that precious gift of the atonement. To forgive yourself and others, you must trust the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Our Father in Heaven is saddened when we limit the power of His son’s atoning sacrifice. 3. Gain confidence by making good choices We grow and develop by making good choices. Confidence comes as we decide to pray daily, attend sacrament meetings, keep the word of Wisdom, obey our priesthood leaders, read the scriptures and control our bodily appetites. Gordon B. Hinckley: “There is a mighty strength that comes of the knowledge that you and I are sons and daughters of God. Within us is something of divinity. One who has this knowledge and permits it to influence his life will not stoop to do a mean or cheap or tawdry thing. 4. Give Service When you are busy helping others, you will have less capacity to agonize over your own shortcomings. 5. Choose Happiness Optimism is a virtue that allows us to see God’s loving hand in the details of our life. Only you can decide how you are going to feel. Change the way you look at things!

I have been tagged!! A little about me... What are the last 3 things you purchased? * Food- milk & bread & lettuce (what we live on) * Mike's birthday present(His birthday is Wednesday) * Gas (as always) What are the last 3 songs you downloaded? *I don't even know how to download a song! Oh wait, maybe a Sally DeFord song. What were the last 3 places you visited? (do you want places I go all the time or places I have traveled to?) Billings, Sheridan, Thermopolis * Japan as a teacher to learn about their culture and schooling * Utah to see my niece married * Idaho (visiting Shawnee) What are your 3 favorite movies? It's hard to name only three * Scarlet Pimpernel * The Magic of Ordinary Days * Charly What are your 3 favorite possessions? Since my family are not possessions I can't list them but they mean the most to me!! * My home * My testimony of the Savior * My scriptures What are your 3 wishes? * I wish my husband had good health * I wish I could understand what Kirk is thinking and trying to say * I wish everyone would stop complaining and be grateful for what they have (including me!) What are 3 things you haven't done yet? * Go back East * Applied for a principal job * Sing with the tabernacle choir What are your 3 favorite dishes? * Chicken Alfredo Just about anything that is made with chicken * Navajo tacos * Tuna Cheese swirls What are 3 things that freak you out? * I'm not easily freaked but I don't like heights * Being late for anything * ? Name 3 things you are good at? * Teaching children * Leading the music at church * Being calm (most of the time) Name 3 things you are currently coveting I don't covet (alright maybe my new bathroom and bedroom) 3 bloggers I tag Chelsey Kristen Mandi

I have a toilet!!! You can't imagine how much you miss something until you no longer have it. Kevin painted the rooms and Mike put down the flooring (and the toilet) and Erik worked on the wiring. It is all coming together. I will order my carpet tomorrow. Yeah!! There is still lots to do but as Mike said, "We've got more done in three days than we did in two months." It was the first day of school for the kids today. I worked in the office because there was a funeral that several of the workers were at. It was fun to see the teachers bring in the little ones. I heard a tail on my granddaughter. Her and a friend whose grandma's also works at the school were out wondering around when they should have been in class. Very independent!! Cute but watch out!

Twinkle Twinkle

You know that time of evening when the first stars start to appear and you see the first one, do you have the saying, "I wish I may, I wish I might have my wish tonight?" run through your head. Well when I see the stars I think of my son Kirk who learned how to play Twinkle, Twinkle on the piano many years ago and he played for me this weekend. Fun! Hope you enjoy as much as me. If we could capture his learning ability to the verbal language it would be a miracle. He is starting to use more words. The other day he was telling the staff at school he wanted to go home. He kept saying, "Home!" When the staff member ignored him, Kirk went up to her and said, "Speak to me in words!" Do you think he may have heard that before. She just laughed and told him for the hundredth time he was going home on Friday. Thank goodness for great helpers.

My how time flies. I have been busy mudding the front bedroom. Hopefully by the end of next week I can paint the room and them Mike can get started on the tile work. It is starting to look like a bedroom once again. My niece Leslie (Pauline's daughter) called and said she had a little boy on the 25th. With all the fires around the area the sun sets have been beautiful. The sky is filled with oranges and reds. The air is thick of smoke. Well not much else has been happening in my life, So I will sign off for now.

Yourself

What a nice weekend it was. I went to the movie the Emma Smith Story last night with Nicole, her mom, Whitney, and Shawnee. There was a part in the movie that rang true for me. When Lucy was talking to Joseph after one of their children had died and he was watching Emma out the window mourning her loss. Joseph said, "She is a strong women!" Then Lucy in return said, "Being a strong person is often lonely." Or close to those words. How many of us appear to be strong yet we are so lonely? I had to give a talk today about who we are. I hope what I said helped those who listened. I know I came away with a greater sense of who I am. I remember all those times when mom or dad would say, "Remember who you are." as we were leaving the house. Good words to ponder on. I loved the praise from the 'Princess Diaries' "Pray to see yourself as He sees you." On that note, I pray you will all see yourself as He sees you.

Kids playing red light green light. This is the dough for the scones! Yummy!

What a fun evening! The other night I had Navajo tacos and invited several family and friends. I made four batches of scones to help feed everyone. The kids all had a great time. Ivy and her family were in town so they were able come and enjoy the evening also. Even my brother Lloyd came. What nice surprise. He is not much for social gatherings. We had quite a few little kids there and missed the ones that couldn't come because they were out of town. It's fun to see the next generation playing and enjoying each other.

Tourists

Just returned from going to Shawnee's graduation. I am so proud of her. It takes courage to quit your work and go back to school full time. Way to go!

On my way there I got to witness what it means to do the tourist thing. Mind you, I'm talking about buffalo as the tourists. There at fishing bridge were two big buffalo meandering across the bridge swinging their heads from side to side taking it all in. The approximate speed was 1 mile an hour. Next, I saw an elk. This elk must have had a huge headache! His antlers were at least as tall as he was. I couldn't count how many points there were because I personally am not a tourist and don't stop to take in all the wonders of the world. All I could think of was how must that must hurt carrying all that weight around. Then, I came to the west entrance of the park. Boy was I glad I was headed West and not East. The line just inside the park was over a mile long with everyone crawling at a pace of about 10 miles an hour. At the entrance there were cars lined up four lanes across and a fourth of a mile deep. I started counting my blessings at that point that I was not going that way. One of the highlights of the trip was watching Shawnee go across the stage. It brought back memories. Another highlight was going to the temple with her. Rexburg's temple is beautiful but a person could get lost in there. After the temple we loaded some of her things into the van for me to bring home. Thank goodness she had some nice neighbors who were willing to help. Over all the trip was very nice but of course I am glad to be home.

I feel so dumb. Mike came over last night to do some taping and mudding in the bathroom, and of course I couldn't find the tape I had bought last month to finish the project. I searched for over an hour and still couldn't find it. I think in one of my cleaning sweeps I threw it out in one of the many loads to the dump, unless it got up and walked away because it knew it would have to work sooner or later! I think the plug-ins walked away with the tape because I can't find them either. Thank goodness one of the many stores here in town had more tape. I did have to go to Cowley to get some of my supplies because good old Lovell didn't have any. Some days I wish there was a Wal-Mart closer than Cody for moments when my dumbness over shadows my smartness. :)

My Boys

Another week come and gone! Where does the time fly? Mike came over and we he got the dry wall up in the bathroom. Yahoo!!! I told him I needed my own bathroom. I can't believe how hard it has been to share after your use to your own space. (personally going through 3 doors to get to the bathroom is a little much) Selfish of me I know. I can't wait to get it all done. I just hope the money holds out for me. So far I have been able to pay for everything we have done with money I have saved up and my summer school money. I just didn't want to go in debt for it. Thank goodness I have wonderful boys who can do the work for me and they are GOOD FOR NOTHING! Bless them.

Battles

Kirk is home again this week. I took him to a new Dr. yesterday and they put him on more medication for the seizures. Hope it works. He did pretty good only a few blows. Of course when he came home on Wednesday night we had to go to Red Apple and buy CAT FOOD. He wanted sour cream but they didn't have the kind he likes so I stood there for five minutes while he continued to look for it. He wasn't satisfied with just the cat food so we started around the store yet again. You'll never guess what he chose this time! Something I don't use again. STRAWBERRY QUICK MILK so I'll save it for any of you out there that have kids that love it. That is if I can get it away from him. I choose my battles and that is not one I wish to fight!

Feelings

I love Sunday's. They seem to calm my spirits. I think it gives me an opportunity to be more in tune to the Spirit. I had a teacher during one of my classes tell us that we were not suppose to use the word feel when we explain something but sometimes it is the only word that describes the inner emotions the Spirit gives us. I really think he needed to do more feeling and less thinking. Shawnee was home on Saturday and left this morning. I am getting excited to have her home. I enjoy talking to her, she may tell me to go away. She went over to Bryan and Chelsey's to see Hayden and Hannah. She is one proud auntie. Of course I am a proud Grandma also. I was going to go over and see them also but decided I needed to stay home and take care of things here. I am just so grateful for family. I talked to my sister Laretta for a little tonight. I miss having my sisters close at hand. With Pauline's and Mona's passing it made me realize how fragile life is and we never know how long we will be here. Knowing this and understanding how important family ties are, Juanita and I started having a sisters night once a month. If any of you are in town the last Wednesday of the month come and join us. Most of the time Carrol, Lesa, Claudia, Juanita, Linda and myself show up. I know some of you are saying Carrol and Lesa are not my sisters but they feel like. I love them like my sisters. Most of the time we just talk and catch up on every one's life because we are all so busy and if we don't take time to meet it doesn't happen.

Yummy

Boy is it hot! I have been hiding in the house not doing much of anything. I was so bored yesterday that I made oatmeal cookies (sugar free). Of course I had to turn on the air conditioner just to stand the extra heat. I need to come up with something other than baking to do in my spare time. The problem is, I have lots to do, I just don't want to do it. Ever feel that way? I went to the family breakfast yesterday. It was yummy! Talked to everyone for a few minutes. Most people know how uncomfortable I am in social situations so it is a surprise I show up at all. Kevin painted some of the outside of the house this morning while I was out watering. Shawnee showed up at about 11:30. It's fun so watch her sleep and give me a dirty look when I make a noise that wakes her up. (She is a light sleeper!) I watched fireworks from my back yard, it's less expensive that way but just as beautiful. Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th and counted their blessing for being able to live in this beautiful land God created for us. If I were real smart Linda, I would have stock in Ritz crackers, Cheetos, tang, shorten, sour cream, chocolate milk, nacho cheese, etc..... at least I have a years supply if I ever get a cat or need a little extra for my meals! If I ask you to dinner keep your eyes open, you never know what might be in the food

Grandpa

Erik came over last night bringing me a page showing when my Grandpa Haggen came over to the US with my Grandmother. It was so exciting to see the date as well as a picture of the ship they sailed on. Grandpa actually lived in the US and obtained his citizenship June 18, 1913. He then went over to Norway on a mission. At the end of his mission he came back to the US. They left April 21, 1923 on the Stavangerfjord and arrived May 1, 1923. It was fun to see both their names on the list of people who came through Ellis Island. The house is at a stand still right now. Mike and Nicole are in California and he is the head contractor! I've done all I can (insulation) until they put up the drywall. I have been taking care of their yard while they are gone. They put it on the market hoping to make some money to build a new one. Lots of luck to them.

Weekend

Guess What? Yes today is my birthday. Do I feel older? NO! It has been a calm day. I took Kirk back to school this morning at 7:00, got back at 11:00, went to church, came home and took a nap, and now I am sitting here pondering on my life. For the most part it has been very rewarding. A few turbulent moments but those are the moments when I have to trust in the Lord. I know I would not be able to handle all that comes my way without the help of my Savior. Kirk came home on Friday for the weekend. He kept wanting to go to the Red Apple and I kept putting him off. At about 6:20 he had a major seizure again. I am so grateful we were home and not in the store. I had taken him outside for a few minutes and the wind was blowing. It wasn't too hot but his body over heated. When he came in to go to the bathroom he started seizing while sitting on the toilet. I carefully laid him on the floor and tried to cool him off with at wet rag. Needless to say we didn't go to the Red Apple that night. However, the first words out of his mouth on Saturday morning were, "Red Apple, Shoes". I finally gave in and we went to Red Apple. Of course he had to buy a bag of cat food, AND WE DON'T EVEN OWN A CAT!!! What do I do with the cat food? I let him take it back to school and let them try and take it away from him. Needless to say when Kirk comes home my weekend is a lot busier but interesting.

What's happening

Can you believe it is summer? The weather defies the calendar. The weather has always effected Kirk. The storms moving in and out seem to really effect his brain.The other day I got a phone call from Kirk's school. The director said Kirk was okay but that he had had two seizures that day. They were going to watch him and keep me informed. That night the cottage called at 9:15 and told me he had had another seizure and that they were going to take him into the ER to have him checked. I fill so helpless not having him close enough to be there in a matter of minutes instead of 2 hours. They did some blood work and determined he had low sodium. I am not sure why this would cause so much stress for him. The director said that before one of the seizures Kirk grabbed his head like it was hurting and then got really flushed and started shaking then went into the seizure. He turned blue and had a hard time breathing. He did the same thing last month while he was home. I think it is time to find and see the neurologist. Any clues out there?

Lucky winner

The other night I went to a stake woman's conference. I was touched by the messages. They had asked the sisters that talk to commit to living a certain principles for about 3 months before they spoke and tell us how it changed their lives. It made me stop and ponder if I am doing all that I can, and the answer is a firm no. However, they did encourage us to be better day by day and step by step. They used the theme of Stand Strong and Immovable. I came away committed to do better. At the end of the meeting they gave away their center pieces. I happen to be one of the lucky people.

WOW! The sun if finally shining. I am not sure how to act. The rain was nice for the yard but I love the sunshine. I went to Billings yesterday to take Juanita to the airport so she could go see her babies! I then went and did some shopping for the bedroom and bathroom. It is so frustrating trying to find what you need when you don't know what it looks like in the first place. I was given a list and I hope I got the right stuff. Hopefully, we can get this project done within the next two weeks because Kirk will be home at the end of the month. Not sure what he will do with all the disarray. Maybe I should say, I don't know what I will do to keep him out of things. I can't believe how hard it has been to get use to only one bathroom again. How did we do it before?

If Walls could Talk

The other day while Mike and I were removing plaster and chicken wire from the walls, Mike found two old license plates nailed to the studs. He was so excited. One was a 1929 WY. and a 1931 WY one. They were both in great condition (can't imagine why!). Well, anyway Mike gets to keep them for finding them. As I was tearing off the walls I thought, and I wonder what history is behind all the walls. How many fingers, arms that look like being hit by shrapnel (like mine) and thumbs were hammered? How long did it take them to redo the old garage into livable space? Who helped? It really made me think of my Grandpa Haggen and my dad the whole time we have been doing this project.

Mince Meat!

My arms look like mince meat! The chicken wire is winning!!! All the walls are down and now comes the fun part, cleaning up the plaster from the walls. We have layers and layers of dust. Just when Kevin thinks he has got it all the dust settles and it looks like he never dusted anything. I am so glad he is the house keeper (he isn't at the moment). Mike and I took a trip to the dump on Saturday and of course we got there five minutes late. Can you imagine closing the dump on Saturday morning at 11:00 just when everyone needs to use the dump after spending the morning cleaning? Needless to say, I was frustrated, but Mike has a way and he talked them in to opening it up to let us dump. As we were finishing up we noticed five other people they let through so maybe the extra half hour payed for their overtime. I am now filling up a second load. Every muscle in my body aches. Oh well, it will be worth it in the end (I hope).

Whitney is a big help! She loves to help her daddy. I love to watch her help her daddy. He keeps telling me, "thats how she is going to learn!" I agree, but being a one year old, one must be careful of the things going in the mouth! YUCK!

Destruction

Well, the walls are coming down. Let me tell you it is no easy feat. The walls are plaster with chicken wire holding the plaster in place. I hope we haven't bit off more than we can chew. Both Kevin and I go to bed exhasted. I think old age is for the old. Oh, I guess that might me be. Thank goodness for boys who LOVE to help their mother, and can do anything they set their minds to. Thanks boys!

Memories

Well, I started summer school today. I am teaching 13 first graders. FUN! I have forgotten how much work it is to keep that many kids on task for more than 5 minutes. However, I do love teaching them. One little boy today said after we sang a song, "I hate singing songs because then I have them in my head the rest of the day." Ever had that happen? I think my brain is always putting what I hear to a song. At least most of them are good songs. On the way home from Gillette I was singing songs to Whitney, it reminded me of how I always sang to Kirk when he started getting antsy. Those were the good old days.

My Weekend

Baby Hayden Jackson Hendershot
Born: May 5th 2008
To: Bryan and Chelsey HendershoT

HI, I thought I would try my hand at this. I enjoy reading others and finding out what is happening in their life. I spent the weekend at Bryan and Chelsey's home with my new grandson, Hayden and my granddaughter Hannah. Fun! They are so much fun (I mean the grandkids). We tried to get all of the five grandkids together for a photo, boy was that interesting. Cute Kids! I'll try and post a picture of them.

Hannah, Whitney, Hayden, Sariah, and Whitney