Millie

This is my mother-in-law,Millie. She is a spunky, thoughtful, classy lady. Tyson said it best "You always know where you stand with her, but you always know she loves you!" We have been blessed to have Millie staying with us the last three weeks of her life here in Arizona. She has not felt her best and even had a four day stay in the hospital. When she got out, she started acting like the Millie I know. On Thursday, February 17, 2011, she got up that morning and asked "what are we going to do today?" I told her anything she wanted. We drove to Sun City and got her hair done. Then for lunch we ate at In n Out Burger. We started our shopping at Joanne's Fabric Store. As we were driving to the next store, a minute or two away, we were chatting. As I parked I told her I wanted to go into TJ Max. No response, when I looked at her she was nodding as if she were sleeping. I tried to get her attention a few more times and asked if she was ok. When she answered speaking slurred and gibberish, I knew something was wrong and thought she is having a stroke. I rushed her to the hospital in 15 minutes and they gave her the best care until she passed away 9 hours later. I am going to miss her. I have always appreciated her thoughtfulness towards me, my children, my family and friends. This picture was taken October 30, 2011 the day Tyson and Courtnie were sealed in the Temple.
This is Millie's purse, the #1 necessary accessory for any shopping trip!
Some of Millie's favorite shops
Here are Millie's rings and watch. I had the nurse take them off right after she passed away. I plan to put them on when we dress her next week. I am grateful for the time I got to spend with Millie. I am grateful that her and I were on good terms when she passed. I have come to recognize her as a daughter of God who has many wonderful talents she shared so freely with all of us. I look forward one day when I get to see her again.

Valentine's Day!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! This morning Clinton showed up with these lovely flowers for his Mom and Me. He has always been such a thoughtful husband. He really knows how to make my day. He said that these flowers could be planted outside later. How wonderful! To have them around all the time for me to remember him and how awesome he is. Millie's flowers
My flowers and a card
Presenting.... (drum roll please!) My Valentine! He proposed to me 29 years ago today! I am sure glad I said yes! We have had quite a ride. There have been ups and downs but never a dull moment. We have settled into our empty-nester-life in Arizona quite well. We are having trials that are helping us to grow in many different ways; We are being blessed in so many wonderful ways; We are making new friends; and stepping out of our box every day. We are having a grand adventure. I wouldn't trade these experiences for anything. Our life is good and I am glad we are spending it together! I Love You, Clinton, more each day!

Valentine's Weekend - Continued

Clinton's Mom, Millie and his Aunt Leora are amazing women. Millie is 87 and Leora is 91. You wouldn't know that to be around them. They are still very on the go people. I want to be like them when I grow up. Today we had Sunday dinner with them. What a nice way to spend part of our Valentine's Weekend. Leora lives in Sun City, not very far from us, during the winter months. Millie and Leora
This was our dessert. It is a fresh strawberry pie. Soooo delicious! Since I have learned to make pie crust, I am trying out all kinds of recipes. This is a big favorite. Perfect for Valentine's Weekend.

Valentine's Weekend

Cole brought the kids over today. Grandma Millie is here and she wanted to see them. It was so fun to let my hair down and play with the kids. I just love hanging out with my "Arizona Grandkids"This is the Valentine I gave my grandkids. Heart-shaped Rice Krispie Treats. Yummy!
Nothing says "I Love you" like being stickered! Thanks to Deegan! The kids and I made Valentines to send to Tyson, Courtnie, Kaden, Emma, Brock, Carrie and Chelsi.
Londyn is just like her Dad. When Cole was little he liked to play in boxes too.
Grandma Millie making us egg salad sandwiches for our picnic.
Deegan and Treyton
Cole and Londyn
Cheyanna and Jordan
Grandma Millie
It is amazing the adventures the kids think up. Deegan and Treyton on our fence. The kids also had fun riding their scooters around the park.
Cheyanna
Jordan
Treyton
Even Cole got in on the action.
Grandpa and Londyn
Clinton and Rochelle
What a beautiful day in Arizona. It is in the mid 70's and it is February. No wonder I am enjoying living here.

Book Club

These treats were divine!
I am in a Book Club. I just love to read. Last night these fun ladies and I got together at my house to discuss "The Forgotten Garden" by Kate Morton. We decided it was a good book, a mystery and a love story all wrapped into one. I enjoyed it enough that I didn't mind that t was over 500 pages. Because the book was set in England, and everyone has to have "tea", I decided to serve Lemon Scones, with Lemon Curd and Devonshire Cream (all made from scratch). The drink, of course was Hot Chocolate with a touch of cinnamon (also made from scratch). I even used my Grandma Barrett's teacups and saucers. We had a great discussion of the book and then talked and laughed until late. No wonder I love Book Club!
The ladies that came were Tiffany Thomas, Melissa Morse, Linda Spezia, Mitzi Hancock, Leslie Wright, Kathy Lorenzana, Ellie Pace, Carla Hansen, Wendy Morejon and Me. We had one guest, it was Millie, my mother-in -law.