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1 month ago
The last two weeks have been pretty busy but, I am looking forward to things winding down....
2 Sundays ago Ryan received a call from his sister telling him that she was taking their Dad to the E.R. (Ryan's Dad had been feeling ill for a long time but, had been waiting for his insurance to kick in). So, Ryan and I left sacrament meeting before the opening song was sung and met them at the hospital. After a few tests they came in with a diagnosis of acute kidney failure. Ryan's Dad then began a 7 day stay at the hospital. His kidneys had shut down due to his prostate being enlarged and cutting off almost everything. He gave everyone quite a scare and is now a poster child for "getting your prostate checked". However, during the week of his stay I had the opportunity to sit with him during the days and we got to learn a lot more about one another. I have always really liked Ryan's Dad but, he can be quiet so, we had never really talked much. We talked, laughed and he slept a lot but, we had a good time. Ryan took the night shift with his Dad so, I dont think he quite got the bonding experience like me :-) However, I am happy to report that his Dad is home and gradually improving. He will be seeing his nephrologist and urologist very soon. Ryan's Dad's kidneys and prostate are still being monitored.
The same week (Tuesday) that Ryan's Dad was in the hospital I received a phone call that my Grandfather had passed away. As I had previously posted this was very expected and a relief. However, losing a grandfather is still not an easy thing to do. I was in Ryan's Dad's hospital room when I received the call. So, he cried with me (gotta love the guy). On Friday, Ryan and I flew to Idaho and attended my grandpa's viewing that night. (Yes, those of you who have asked that was my birthday). Saturday was Grandpa's funeral and it was a great funeral. ALL of the cousins were there. Devin gets the prize for longest travel, he came from Argentina :-) Scheduling worked out perfectly and we were ALL there. We dont think that has happened in easily over 10 years.
All of the Grandson's were the pallbearers. Grandpa received military rites. He fought in WWII in the Battle of the Bulge, he was a POW and received the Bronze and Silver star. We were all very excited that there was still NO snow on the ground :-)
Gary was the mortician/funeral director and trumpeter. It's a small town remember :-) He did an amazing job with my grandpa, the services and playing taps.
Later that night Ryan and I went to Chiz's for my "birthday dinner". Chiz's is a must do if you are ever in the St. Anthony area. They serve American and Chinese food and the BEST prime rib you have ever tasted. 
This is the inside of Chiz's. It is literally a 3 sided counter with bar stools all around. I think we counted once and there are 22 seats. I promise you'll LOVE IT.After we came back from Chiz's the WHOLE family got together in the front room. And sang all night long. Yes, corny I know. But, soooo much fun. We sang hymns, show tunes and just about anything else. We have some amazing talent in the family and really enjoyed listening to them. And the rest of us would just belt it out. I do have pictures of absurdity but, for some reason they are way blurry. SORRY.
And yes, by the end of the night Idaho had a fresh blanket of snow.
Ryan and I traveled home on Sunday and looked forward to a CALM week. And it was....I went to work and school :-) We enjoyed Thanksgiving with the family and I almost all of my Christmas shopping done :-) I had a professor one year tell me that she strives to have all of her shopping done by December 1st so, that she can focus on the real meaning of Christmas. I really liked that idea and I try very hard to do it. Ryan and I got out all of our Christmas decor this morning, the season has officially started in my home :-)
And for those of you who keep bugging me for a pic (Ashley). Here I am 33 weeks 1 day in all of its large glory
P.S. Cousins please send me what pics you have grandpa's funeral. I didn't take many pics and half of mine are blurry :-(
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Jocee Bergeson said...
I don't know if you know, but my mom is from St. A so we've been to Chiz's a lot and love it! Fun to hear what you've been up to. Sorry to hear about your Grandpa...neat to have all the cousins there, though.
November 30, 2008 at 7:52:00 PM MST
ashley & joe martin said...
Thank you for the picture. You look great, I still think your small. One day we need to go to St. Anthony together since we both have family there.
November 30, 2008 at 7:56:00 PM MST
Britt said...
my goodness what a week. I am sorry you had to do all that on your birthday.
By the way.. your beelly is ADORABLE!
December 2, 2008 at 3:53:00 PM MST
devin said...
Haha I love the picture of Ryan in the snow! He was so excited! You all really need to come up in the Winter!
December 10, 2008 at 4:38:00 PM MST