Well, the superstitious believe that bad things happen in three's. I don't consider myself to be a superstitious person, but my family experienced the third bad scare in less than two weeks.
My dad has been working on putting a new roof on a storage building behind their house. He and my sister were taking some measurements so that they could order the plywood, when my dad got stung by a bee. Now, for most people this would not be a big deal, but my dad is severely allergic to bees. The last time he got stung was about 6 years ago, and they told him then that if it happened again, he may not live through it. He immediately started to get really sweaty and shaky. He went into the house and asked my mom to take him to the clinic right away. On the way to the clinic my dad told my mom not to call an ambulence. By the time they got there, he could barely walk. The last thing he remembers is sitting down in the waiting room, and saying, "I can't breathe!" I guess it was a mistake to go to the clinic since they are not authorized to give epinepherine shots there, and besides it was a holiday and there were no doctors at the clinic. By this time my dad was unconcious, and they decided to call an ambulence. The EMTs gave him three shots of epinepherine, but he continued to get worse. The people at the clinic wanted to send him to the hospital in Monticello, since that is the one they are affiliated with, but the EMTs on the ambulence didn't think he would make it that far, so they took him to the new Blue Mountain Hospital in Blanding. As soon as they got there, they started to put the life support tube down my dad's throat. The doctor said that they barely got it down before his throat closed completely off. Since there is not a life support machine at this hospital, they had to fly him to Grand Junction.
Before the plane arrived, my brother-in-law Josh, and his dad Taylor gave my dad a priesthood blessing. In the blessing, my dad was told that he still had work to do here on earth, and that he would recover completely. Even as I watched my daddy's lifeless body laying on the bed, a feeling of peace came over me, and I knew that everything would be okay.
There wasn't room on the plane for my mom, so Kenny and I left Stetson with my sister Candice, and drove my mom to Grand Junction to be with my dad. When the plane arrived in Grand Junction, the situation still looked grim. When we got to the hospital, the doctor met us at the door. "He is doing much better, and we are taking the tube out right now. In a few minutes you can go in and see him," he said. I felt as though a 1,000 lb weight had just been lifted from my shoulders - it was a miracle! Since only two people were allowed in the ICU, Kenny stayed in the waiting room while my mom and I went in. Tears of joy welled up in my eyes when my dad turned his head to look at us - he was alive! I held his hand and kissed his cheek; he tried to squeeze my hand, but those big strong hands were as weak as a kitten. His toungue was still swollen and his throat was very sore, but he tried his best to talk to us. When we told him that he was in Grand Junction, and that he had gotten there, not only by an ambulence, but also by life flight, he was a little angry - but we don't care, he is alive, and that is worth it, no matter what the cost!
We stayed at a hospitality house run by the hospital. My dad continued to improve, and the next day they moved him out of ICU. A chest X-ray showed that a portion of one of his lungs had collapsed, but was starting to heal. On Sunday, my dad was released and we were able to bring him home. Through it all I was amazed by the quiet strength of my mom. As hard as this was on me, I knew it was 100 times harder on her! But her faith never wavered, what an awesome example!
I believe the Lord gives us trials to test us and provide opportunities to bless us. Through these tough times, my testimony has grown so much. I have felt that the Lord was right there beside me, giving me strength and peace. I am reminded of the feeling I had when I visited Martins Cove and read the testimonies of the survivors - what a blessing it is to feel so close to the Savior! I know that he lives, and it is through him that we will be saved. I am so grateful for this knowledge, and for his power here on earth. In his Holy name, Amen.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Miracle number three. . .
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Family Fun!
Grandpa Grover and his grandsons
Dad and Stetson by the old merry-go-round
Mom and Stetson on the old picnic table
Stetson's favorite activity was going down the slide with his cousin J.D. I think he "crashed" at least 10 times that day, but a hug and a kiss from mom was all he needed, and then he was off again. 
Saturday night we had a talent show, and I was grateful that McKady was feeling well enough that we were able to perform a clogging number together. 
After watching us dance, Stetson and J.D. hopped up on stage and wanted to perform too. So, we turned on some music, and they really busted out the moves - a little bit of clogging mixed with marching, and even some hip hop. 
They weren't the least bit intimidated, and seemed to love the attention; it was hilarious! I was so sad I didn't have my video camera, but luckily Kenny had the still camera, and was able to get a few pictures even though it was pretty dark.
McKady has been tending Stetson this summer for 8 hours every day while I am working, and Stetson LOVES her. He missed the family so much when they were gone for a week, and they were all greeted with hugs and kisses when they returned. McKady is recovering from her seizure, and adjusting to the medication. She was able to attend the reunion, and have fun with her cousins. We feel so blessed that she is still alive!
A few days later we had the opportunity to spend some time with Kenny's family. Tony and Kerry and their kids were here on their way home from California, and we all went to Dry Wash for a cookout and some canoeing. Andy and Alicia were even there with little Dodger, I think this was his first cookout, and he was super good the whole time! 
Stetson LOVES watermelon, but what kid doesn't? 
Stetson playing in the dirt with cousins Jessica and MeganIsn't family wonderful?
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Another Big Scare
My brother Jens has played baseball this summer, and his team qualified for the state tournament. Since they would need to be up north most of the week, my parents decided to make a family vacation out of it. They went to my cousin's farewell in Logan on Sunday, and then to Lagoon on Monday. Jens played his first games on Tuesday; since he won those he played again on Wednesday in Payson, UT. They were in the parking lot, waiting for the game to start when my sister McKady started having a seizure (she has never had one before in her life!). She bit her tougue pretty bad, and quit breathing. My mom called 911, and my dad just tried to hold her. He said he felt the life go out of her body and he commanded her, in the name of Christ to come back, then he gave her a priesthood blessing. Immediately she started to breathe again. My dad whispered in her ear that he loved her and that her Heavenly Father loved her, and suddenly her eyes opened, "he is here with me," she said, and then her eyes closed again. She doesn't remember anything until she came to in the ambulance when they were trying to giver her oxygen. They ran a bunch of tests at the Payson hospital, and coudn't find anything, so they sent her to Primary Children's hospital in Salt Lake where she was seen by a nurologist. They did a brain scan and found a small scar on her brain just above her left ear that was shooting electodes (or something like that), anyway, that is what caused the seizure. They put her on some medication, and she was released. I know that it is because of the power of the priesthood, and through God's will that she is still alive today. I am so grateful for the gospel in my life and for the wonderful men in my life that live worthy to hold the priesthood so they can act in the name of God at times like this. Thanks to everyone who has prayed for McKady and my family during this time - I know it has helped!
Oh, and Jens' team lost that game, and the next, so his team is out of the tournament.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
A Big Scare
I have a terrible habit of leaving my keys in my car. I mean, I grew up in Blanding - who doesn't leave their keys in their car in Blanding? Well, I learned my lesson the hard way - when you have a 21 month old baby that knows how to open car doors, it doesn't matter where you live, you should never leave your keys in your car - especially if you don't have a spare! Yesterday at about 4:00 pm I went to pick Stetson up from my sister's house after I got off work. He was still asleep, so we were sitting there visiting. About 4:30 he woke up and him and his cousin J.D. went outside to play. After a few minutes I went outside to check on them, and couldn't find them anywhere. Suddenly I heard my car door shut, and J.D. came walking out from around the house. I just knew he had left Stetson in there alone, and I prayed that they hadn't locked the doors, because once again, I had left my keys in the car (after all, I was just going to run in and get Stetson). I ran to the car, and it was locked; my sweet little son was smiling at me through the window. I took a deep breath and tried not to panic. I started talking to Stetson, trying to get him to push the unlock button, but he didn't understand and just kept trying to open the door. My sister ran in the house to get a hanger and I tried another approach. I told Stetson to get mommy's keys, and surprisingly he knew right where they were. I tried to get him to push the buttons on the little unlocker thing, but he just held up the key, proud that he had done what I had asked him to do. It was about 92 degrees outside, and I am guessing the temperature in my car was much warmer than that, as it had been sitting in the sun all day and I have black leather seats. I could see the sweat beads starting to form on Stetson's nose, and his cheeks were starting to get red. Candice came back with the hanger and we did everything we could think of. We didn't call the cops because the last time my keys were locked in my car and I called the cops they said that they didn't have the equipment to get into my car, and they would just have to break the window. Luckily that time the door was slightly open, and they were able to stick a bar in and unlock the door, but this time we didn't have that option. I called Kenny and Candice called Josh, and we kept trying. When Stetson realized that he was trapped, he started to cry. By now he was sweating so much that his hair was wet, and his whole face was bright red. I panicked! I picked up a large rock and hit the window as hard as I could - to my surprise, it didn't break! I tried again and again, but only succeeded in scratching the window. Of course this upset Stetson even more, and he started screaming. By now I was sobbing, not only out of frustration, but also out of fear; my son was in real danger, and I was helpless - worse than that, I was to blame. Can you imagine how Kenny felt when he pulled up to this sight? Josh got there about the same time, and when he saw Kenny pulling his ax out of the back of his truck he said, "wait, that will cost you $1,000!" "I don't care" Kenny said, and then took a swing. I will never forget the sound of that window shattering, I felt a combination of relief and pain. It seemed like it took Kenny forever to open the door and pull Stetson out. I just wanted to hug him and never, ever let go; but he was covered in tiny pieces of glass, and was already bleeding a little on his arm and leg. We got him cleaned up and cooled down, and after two popsicles, he even calmed down. I think it probably took me longer to calm down, and I am sure I will probably have nightmares about it for quite awhile. I am so grateful that Kenny was in town, and able to come and help, and that Stetson was okay. Even when we make stupid mistakes, the Lord watches out for us, and I am so grateful for that! I learned a great lesson, and plan to get a spare key as soon as possible!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
More Birthdays, and Summer Fun!
To celebrate McKady's birthday, my parents rented the pool, and we had a 'surprise' birthday party with all her family and friends. Stetson was a little unsure about the 'great big' pool at first, but he got used to it, and had a great time!
Well, you can see where Stetson gets his good looks! The older Stetson gets, the more he looks like his daddy - which is fine with me!
Playing basketball - Kenny and Stetson against Darin and Ian
Kenny and Steston won the prize for the most floaties - hey, at least I didn't have to worry about them sinking!
Elder Grover is currently serving in the Oklahoma, Tulsa mission in Centerton, Arkansas. He will turn 21 tomorrow, July 13, and we are looking forward to his return home on August 15th. After his mission he plans to attend BYU, and would like to go into the medical profession. He is an awesome person, and has been such a great example to me. Happy Birthday little bro! I love you tons!
Fireworks at Grandma's house. What is better than playing with a burning stick, and having it be okay? Stetson looked at me like I was insane when I handed him this sparkler - we are always telling him to stay away from fire, and definately not to play with sticks that are on fire, so it was a little confusing. He was a little nervous at first, but soon got into the spirit of it, and waved it all around. It was all good until he touched the end of one after the fire had gone out and burned his finger - he wouldn't touch another one after that (at least he is a fast learner!).
We actually got some cherries off our cherry tree this year - yay! Stetson helped me pick them, and then proudly carried the bucket into the house. . .
. . .and then he tripped! But don't worry, he is a very big helper, and helped me pick up all the cherries and put them back in the bucket. Thanks Stetson!
Friday night pizza and a movie. Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Happy Birthday. . .
Born to Andy and Alicia on July 1, 2009 
Stetson watched the parade with Kenny, but lost interest about halfway through and this is how he enjoyed the rest of the parade.
The highlight for me was performing in the variety show, along with the other cloggers I have been teaching this summer. I didn't get any photos because Kenny and Stetson were home sleeping, but it was tons of fun!
We had a picnic at the park with my family, and then had a front row seat for the fireworks. They were incredible! Stetson was not the least bit impressed, in fact he hid his head under the blanket and whimpered the whole time! He really hates loud noises or yelling, so I can understand why he was scared - maybe next year he will enjoy it more.
