Halloween with the kids

Halloween this year to us the St. George...the condo. My kids all joined me for a quick weekend. I have been so busy with my father that I have had not much time to get away. We had two weeks planned but those plans did not pan out. However, ever we took what we could get...games every night. Lots and lots of food and pool time. Trick or Treating...and some nice lady stopped us on our daily return from the pool and gave us a ginger bread house to decorate. It was fun!!!
We played somegames in the evening hour....look at our Trick or Treaters...

 This little boy is so stinking CUTE!!!

 Some how we did not get a face shot of Avery Mae....

 I think they had a long day....

Little Ella's first time Trick or Treating with Mom and Dad...
We enjoyed one of our favorite spots; Hiking in Snow Canyon

Journal of my Father

Dad is doing great...today he had a follow up check up and according to the Doctor 10% of people that needed what he had done do not make it to surgery, 50% don't make it through the surgery, another 10% dont's make it through the recovery...he's made it this far so I say he's doing great!!!

November 9, 2010

In Ely...visiting my Father who is a bit tired today but now walks pretty darn good with the walker. It will not be long and he can get rid of it!!! I came up to check on him, prepared a months worth of food so that it will be a little easier for them.

November 4, 2010

Dad is on his way back to Ely...I know he will be excited to finally be in his own home!!! Other than it is still hard for him to walk on his own...among daily task he is well enough to get out of the hospital. We were hoping to get him in to a care center but he's not yet up to the daily 3 hour physical therphy they offer. I think getting home all and all will be the best thing for him.

October 27, 2010

Another rainy day...heading to the Hospital for a visit with my Father. Since his surgery he has had to learn to walk again. Yesterday the nurse was helping me get him out of bed. When she askd him to move his legs he told her...these are not real legs, there a long piece of pipe with a brick for each foot!!!

October 26, 2010

Every day my Father gets stronger...today I got him in a wheelchair and we explored all the hallways and views from the 4th floor. He is getting very anxious to get back home to see his dog.
October 24, 2010

They move Dad to another room...he struggles with getting his food down, swallowing....I guess this is part of the next step of recovery, along with speech, walking ect.
October 20, 2010

My visit today with Dad...he's talking more, lady is here exercising him. He is sitting better and moving his limbs better...he's holding his head up very well and eating chicken broth...maybe by Thanksgiving he'll be ready for a feast!!! Currently they are working on getting him to stand...he's not there yet but improving very well each and everyday.

Oct. 17, 2001

Report on my Father....he can take drinks (thicken) now. He is still a bit confused so at times he can be pretty entertaining with stories. I was born in 1960 and when I came in to see him he ask me to tell the story about a heilicopter in world War 2. I was clueless! He commented on one of the nurses being mean to him for no reason. I asked him to point her out, she was on duty. Boy did he ever give her the look when she told him he could not have any water yet. He is so getting back to his spirited self!!!

Oct. 16, 2010

It has been 9 days since my father went into surgery...today no tubes, oxgen mask, he's making small steps forward and we are so very proud of him. It still hurts to see him laying in bed....I guess anyone you care for it would bother you. So my wish today is by Thanksgiving I hope, wish, he's up given us all HELL...his normal self!!! Today he continue's on and off running a fever, as of yet they have not been able to find the cause. A number of test are being done, all in all he improves baby steps daily...
Oct. 15, 2010

So today my Dad awoke....he knows who we are...squeezes our hand...smiles with his eyes. I am so excited, can't wait to see him again tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oct 13, 2010
 
Yesterday was a bit of a worry....the Doctor ordered a cat scan on my Father. Needless to say there are a million things that run through one's mind of the possible things that may or may not be going on. Hurray....the results came back and we have no brain damage ect. Now Dad, tough as nails, old Bluzzard, my Hero wake up and smell the Fall in the air!!! 
Oct 12, 2010
 
I think I can handle this week better....my toe nails are painted...I love pedicures. I believe they are a cure for most things that stress a woman!!!  
Oct. 11, 2010
 
My Father is hanging in there...there are a few hurles. It looks like a couple of weeks before he may go home. Still going on a day to day basis....  
Oct. 9, 2010
 
My Sweet Husband looks pretty sweet, cute laying here beside me sleeping....however his snoring is not as cute!!!  
Oct. 8, 2010
 
I went in this morning to see my Father...he is still very much sedated, which is good because he needs the rest. He looked good, he looked strong, it was peaceful watching him. I hope that they will let him rest a long while before he begins the process of recovery. Even tough Bluzzards need time!!!
Oct. 7, 2010
 
Dad is having extensive open heart surgery, slaving of the heart, valve put in, three by passes, and repairing a hole in the heart. All in all the Doctor saids he is holding his own. He a tough old guy...in fact the Dr. said if he was'nt he (meaning the Doc) would not have consider this doing this surgery.
 
We are not out of the woods yet....Doctor just came and talked with us. Now we are waiting to see if things are going to hold up....it is a difficult surgery, it may be a week before he wakes up.  
Oct. 6, 2010
 
Dad's in surgery...so far things are going smooth. He was in very good spirits going into the surgery. He has a lot of family cheering for him!!!  
Oct. 6, 2010

Went to the Zoo, Lila and the kids, myself, Dad, Mildred and Sarah...
Oct. 4, 2010 

Shelley, Ella and David...Kyle and Megan where here for the weekend, it was wonderful. Baby Ella has some great parents and she is such a happy baby. It was wonderful to see my son and Megan so happy. Lila, Avery Mae, Madelyn, and Ty just arrived. It is going to be another few wonderful days spent with family!!!  
Oct. 3, 2010
 
It is going to be a scary surgery and the chances are 50/50...we are taking in all the time we can and it is nice...My kids and grandkids have gotten to visit. Dad, Mildred, and Sarah are staying at my home....busy cooking meals for every one.
Oct. 2, 2010

My Father was suppose to go in for heart surgery this morning at 7:30...it has now been delayed until next Wednesday. This is hard and good at the same time. Good because we get to enjoy somemore time with him...It's going to be a sweet weekend!!!  

Oct. 1, 2010

LDS.org - Liahona Article - Voice of the Spirit

LDS.org - Liahona Article - Voice of the Spirit

Look what's on my kitchen counter/ pantry...2010 garden

New Jersey here he comes....

Picture of Brent and Ryan just before we may the final drop off...bitter sweet moment...

Picture of everyone excluding Heidi and I the morning Ryan headed to the MTC....breakfast at I-HOP

Ryan Elliott enterd the MTC July 14, 2010...He did a great job on his talk/farewell June 27, followed by a super luncheon...

This week last Monday night Aug 2nd Brent got a phone call from Ryan he was at the Denver airport awaiting his flight to New Jersey...since then we have recieved this note.


Heidi Elliott Porter August 4 at 8:27pm

 Hi Daddy Guess what?!?! I just got this message! It made me smile and thought you might like it too!

Hi Heidi,

I know that you don't know me, but we have a mutual friend in common. Deanna Munoz is one of my best friends. I live in New Jersey and tonight I met your brother. :) I just wanted to let you know that he is doing great and he is in a wonderful ward (its my ward) and we will take care of him. Just wanted you to know that he is well and is in good hands out here in Jersey! :)

Jessica Edstrom

This was sweet recieving this...I know because when Kyle was out on his Mission at three different times I receive random phone calls from people who had just visited Fiji and met my son...they would call and report he was taken care of and doing well. Kinda brings tears to your eyes...

July 10 Kyle and Megan get married...

This day was another one of those special memories...my third child gets married in the Bountiful Temple. This is the same Temple Brent and I where married in. We had a very nice luncheon followed by a evening reception. It was a great day!!!

Grandcritters June 2010

Quotes....

"A tranquil conscience invites freedom from anguish, sorrow, guilt, shame, and self-condemnation. It provides a foundation for happiness. It is a condition of immense worth."
—Elder Richard G. Scott
Ensign, Nov. 2004, 15

"After this life, you will be restored to that which you have here allowed yourself to become."
—Elder Richard G. Scott
Ensign, May 1997, 54

"Well-taught doctrines and principles have a more powerful influence on behavior than rules. "
—Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Ensign, Nov. 1999, 79

"Our friends should be companions who inspire us, who help us rise to our best."
—Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin
Ensign, Nov. 1997, 34

"As the teachings of the Savior are consistently obeyed, life will be beautiful, the future secure, and there will be capacity to overcome the challenges that cross our path."
—Elder Richard G. Scott
Ensign, Nov. 2001, 87

"Every time that I have listened to the counsel of prophets, felt it confirmed in prayer, and then followed it, I have found that I moved toward safety. "
—Elder Henry B. Eyring
Ensign, May 1997, 25

"The Lord has His eye upon you. He loves you. He knows you. He knows your triumphs and your trials, your successes and your heartaches."
—Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin
Ensign, Nov. 1999, 39

"Often we do not know what we can endure until after a trial of our faith."
—Elder Robert D. Hales
Ensign, May 1998, 76

"An ideal marriage is a true partnership between two imperfect people, each striving to complement the other, to keep the commandments, and to do the will of the Lord."
—Elder Russell M. Nelson
Ensign, May 1999, 39


"Though this world has a way of diminishing and demeaning men and women, the reality is we are all of royal, divine lineage."
—Elder M. Russell Ballard
Ensign, May 2004, 86

"The Church is a place where imperfect people gather to provide encouragement, support, and service to each other as we press on in our journey to return to our Heavenly Father."
—Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin
Ensign, May 2005, 28

"Do not postpone a prompting; rather, act on it, and the Lord will open the way."—President Thomas S. Monson Ensign, May 2005, 55

"When you feel weak, discouraged, depressed, or afraid, open the Book of Mormon and read. Do not let too much time pass before reading a verse, a thought, or a chapter."
—President Boyd K. Packer
Ensign, May 2005,

"In our hearts do we feel a sense of gratitude and devotion to the Father? Are we of one heart with Him to whom we owe everything? The test of our devotion to the Lord seems to be the way we serve Him."
—Elder L. Tom Perry
Ensign, Nov. 1998, 74

"Dwelling in the world is part of our mortal test. The challenge is to live in the world yet not partake of the world's temptations which will lead us away from our spiritual goals."
—Elder Robert D. Hales
Ensign, May 1998, 76

"Choosing to do what the Lord has defined as right will, in the long run, always lead to the best outcomes."
—Elder Richard G. Scott
Ensign, Nov. 1998, 69

"Once we know a spiritual truth we must choose whether we will conform our lives to it. "
—Elder Henry B. Eyring
Ensign, Nov. 1998, 34

"As the teachings of the Savior are consistently obeyed, life will be beautiful, the future secure, and there will be capacity to overcome the challenges that cross our path."
—Elder Richard G. Scott
Ensign, Nov. 2001, 87

"Character is woven patiently from threads of principle, doctrine, and obedience."
—Elder Richard G. Scott
Ensign, May 2003, 77

"Be humble. There is no place for arrogance in our lives. There is no place for conceit in our lives. There is no place for egotism in our lives."
—President Gordon B. Hinckley
Ensign, Mar. 2001, 64

"The doctrines of eternal salvation are not unclear or uncertain, but rather they are consistent with revealed truths, both ancient and modern. "
—Elder M. Russell Ballard
Ensign, Nov. 1999, 63

No teaching is equal, more spiritually rewarding, or more exalting than that of a mother teaching her children."
—President Boyd K. Packer
Ensign, Feb. 2000, 16

Fill your minds with truth. Fill your hearts with love. Fill your lives with service."
—President Thomas S. Monson
Ensign, Nov. 2004, 70

News...News...News...

Got a phone call today...Baby Ella is rowing over, laughs and smiles all the time now!!!

Happy Mother's Day to me.....

This year I enjoyed both of my daughter's coming up for a visit with all the grandbabies. For my Mother's Day gift they gave me a really pretty necklace. I Love It....I wanted to get a picture of myself with all the grandchildren. However, four where in St. George, and one insisted on a nap. These three could not get away from their Grandma's grasp!!! Brent treated me to a Play at Rogers Memorial Theatre "Steel Magnolias" and a steak dinner at Ruby River in Ogden....

Getting caught up....March and April of 2010

I love the concept of Blogging. I would love to find the time to print my blog out in book form for me, kind of like a journal. The point though is finding the time...Since Baby Ella was born and Shelley and her made a visit many other family thing have taken place. I am totally behind!!!

Let me list some,
Attended a Missionary farewell...Brant Buckner we are proud of him!!!

Visit to Las Vegas to celebrate a belated birthday for Madelyn...

Lila has completed her kitchen remodeled and is now moved in to her new home.

Shelley has remodeled her home, refurnished and Baby Ella had her baby blessing!!!

Megan located a cute apartment and Kyle has moved into it until the two of them are married... he is now living in Cedar City, Utah.

Kyle turned 24 this year...Happy Birthday Son!!!

I have been busy making preparations for Ryan's Mission farewell dinner.

Baby Ty is now on the move crawling!!!

My purse was stolen, along with my phone and camera....I did get a new camera now I can post a few pictures.

April 11, those attending Ella's Blessing...

Back roll left to right..

Brent Elliott holding Madelyn Harper, Georgieann Elliott, Blake Brooksby, Travis Harper

Scott Brooksby, Kyle Brooksby, David Crowther, Mace Hardy, Pam Crowther, Sheryl Hardy...Front row left to right Idena Crowther Ward, Shelley Crowther holding Baby Ella, Megan Elliott, Karen Brooksby, Avery Mae Harper, Lila Harper knealing with Ty Harper...

Thank you everyone for sharing in Ella's special Day!!!

April 11, 2010 Ella McKinley Crowther was blessed by her father!!!

Happy 24th Birthday to my

son...I have a picture of the cake but failed to take a picture of him. My what was I thinking!!!

...Happy Birthday Kyle Brooksby ...

Like I said cute Grandaughters...Avery and Madelyn....I like to call her Maddy but lately she corrects me and saids Grandma my name is Mad- del- lyn....very pronouce...

Do you think this girl has got style...when your this cute it does not matter what you wear!!!

Picture of Avery Mae from my Las Vegas trip...

Shelley and Ella make a visit...

A few weeks ago my purse was stolen. To be truthful having my credit cards and drivers licence taken and used wasn't what bothered me. It was the taking of my grandaughters favorite purses, and the camera and phone that was in my purse that stinks. I do not like not being able to able to call my kids at any given time...a visit from Shelley and Ella was wonderful. Ella is already changing....she's sweet.
Shelley and David had some really cute pictures taken, I love them all. Now I need to head to the store and print some up to hang on the wall. It is really been fun getting to know these grandkids...

The meaning of GRAND


–adjective

1.impressive in size, appearance, or general effect: grand mountain scenery.

2.stately, majestic, or dignified: In front of an audience her manner is grand and regal.

3.highly ambitious or idealistic: grand ideas for bettering the political situation.

4.magnificent or splendid: a grand palace.

5.noble or revered: a grand old man.

6.highest, or very high, in rank or official dignity: a grand potentate.

7.main or principal; chief: the grand ballroom.

8.of great importance, distinction, or pretension: a man used to entertaining grand personages.

9.complete or comprehensive: a grand total.

10.pretending to grandeur, as a result of minor success, good fortune, etc.; conceited: Jane is awfully grand since she got promoted.

11.first-rate; very good; splendid: to have a grand time; to feel grand.

12.Music. written on a large scale or for a large ensemble: a grand fugue.

Rogers Memorial Theatre...

For Christmas since Brent and I got married he has purchased season tickets to Rogers Memorial Theatre... I have loved it. As you can see we have some fun plays to attend this year. Tonight it was HMS Pinafore; very cute. Aboard the ship, H.M.S. Pinafore, Captain Corcoran’s daughter, Josephine, is in love with a lower-class sailor despite her father’s intentions to wed her to the pompous cabinet minister in charge of Britain’s Royal Navy. Ever the dutiful child, Josephine abides by her father’s wishes at first—but true love’s siren call convinces her to elope with her heart’s desire! They are caught mid-flight, but as a result of a surprise disclosure from a local bumboat woman, things change dramatically for our lovers in the end...

Ward Hawaiian Paradise Cruise

One of my callings is the activities chairman...I love it; Brent saids he's called by default. Let's say he's learning to like it. We have lots of fun things planned this year, our Hawaiian Cruise March 6, was a success. Thank goodness we have dollar stores, I found most of the decorations there. Kathy Rodda had some beautiful large shells that we use to decorate our buffet table. Sharon Fredricko loaned us a large tropical looking plant for the center of our buffet table. To get our large gym to look somewhat like the inside of a cruise boat John Anderson printed up huge port holes...they are my favorite! I have a wonderful group of people I work with. I wish these pictures could really reflect how nice the Hawaiian Cruise looked... 

I am looking forward to more fun things to plan...I guess I am somewhat of a party girl at heart....