Onions and Pull-ups

In a rush to get the house clean, I found some of Anna's pull-ups stuffed into the magazine bin. They seemed to be filled with something, but this wasn't too surprising to me at the time.



Anytime I put shoes on, I know that it's likely that one of the kids, or perhaps one of the cats has left me a hidden treat. Imagine my surprise when I encountered this.



Grateful as I was to find the red onion, I began to wonder what on earth could be hidden in the other pull-ups.



These kids keep me laughing, and I hope that's enough to keep me young!

:)

Autumn Colors

I love Autumn. The vibrant colors of the leaves, the final harvesting of vegetables and the preparations for Halloween. This isn't my favorite season, but it's certainly one I love. We spent many weekends through September and October taking pictures through the canyons and in our own yard. We visited Squaw Peak in time to see these vibrant colors.


We also visited a nice spot somewhere in American Fork Canyon right before the big color change. We roasted marshmallows and hotdogs and loved the scenery found in every direction. I feel so blessed to live in an area where there are so many beautiful places to visit.




Here are some fun photos we took in our yard. I am so delighted that we have one of the most colorful yards in the neighborhood.







We also visited Gardner Village this year as a family and enjoyed the festive atmosphere. Although the crowds were a bit much, it's one of my favorite memories in the month of October.

9 Months Old

Today Ian turned 9 months old. He's celebrated the day by going to the doctor for shots, which he was very unhappy about. He then spent many hours playing toys with Anna, or I should say that he spent many hours trying to play with toys that Anna kept taking away from him.

Ian is my tall skinny boy. His height is in the 75th percentile while his weight is in the 25th. He's been crawling around the house since 7 months old, and is fast enough to keep Atticus the cat running for cover. Ian is very curious about everything and rarely misses anything happening around him. In only 9 months, he's grown so much and still fills my life with joy. How on earth did I ever get by without him?

Tonsillectomy

On July 31st I had my tonsils savagely ripped from my throat and placed in the garbage. What sort of cruel world do we live in where people walk into these torture chambers (called hospitals), willingly sign the consent forms saying they acknowledge that they could "die" from the procedure and won't sue the doctor, and then allow themselves to be put to sleep while crazed doctors and their sidekick nurses go to town cutting into their bodies? It is our world! We are the people who sit by and let these things happen. the Doctors and Nurses could very well be vacationing in Hawaii during our painful recoveries. They give us drugs like Percoet and Loratab to keep us happy until the pain subsides, but what we don't realize is that we're given just enough medicine to keep us happy for like 4-5 days, and the pain doesn't stop that early. No my friends, the pain rarely stops that early.

I stumbled across this website before my surgery and boy did the advice on it help! Most people think that tonsil removal for an adult would be easy, but let me assure you that it is quite difficult.

I am so grateful that Levi took a week off work to take care of me and the kids through the most difficult stage of my recovery. He was wonderful! He made sure I stayed hydrated, ate at least a little food, and kept me up on my meds. He took complete care of the kids, the cat and the house as well. By the end of the week, he was anxious to get back to work! I imagine that he found homemaking life a bit more challenging then he expected. :) Thank you Levi!

4th of July Fun

The month of July is almost over and I'm finally getting around to post our adventures over the 4th of July weekend. We drove to Washington to spend some time with Levi's parents. When we arrived, Anna was thrilled to discover a big house to explore, a young Doberman Pincher, a pink bed with her name on it, and a basket of new toys. What more could a 2 year old ask for? One of those new toys was a stick horse. Anna would drag it downstairs, place it on the coffee table and put it to sleep. Thinking back, I still giggle at my funny girl.


On the 4th of July, we attended a local parade and browsed stalls for trinkets. Anna received so much candy from the parade, we were having to sneak much of it away while she wasn't looking.

That evening we were able to watch the fireworks off the balcony as they exploded over the Puget Sound. That view will always be one of my favorites. It was fun to eat kettle popcorn and watch the fireworks explode. This year they had some fun heart shapes and smiley faces. Loved those!

During our visit we were able to make arrangements to visit with our friends Jason, Carla and their toddler Cora. They now live under 20 miles away from Levi's parents, so it was exciting to visit with them after being apart for a year. Anna and Cora were born a week apart and spent much of their first year together. After a year apart, it was so exciting to see the girls play together again. They ran through the house laughing, hugging and getting into general mischief. It was fun to see Jason and Carla again after so long. Even though it's been a year, it felt like old times with our visit.



We visited the Tall Ships museum and saw a replica of Columbus's ship. I was very surprised at the small size of the ship. During that visit, we were able to board a military boat and see the ships up close. On the dock, there were people dressed in pirate costumes and making the general atmosphere fun. One pirate had a pet rat that Ian enjoyed touching with his pointer finger. I wasn't fast enough catching the picture, but here is a cute one.





Our last days there were spent at the Tacoma zoo and at the beach. The zoo was exciting for the kids and Anna especially enjoyed feeding the petting zoo animals. The beach is in walking distance from the Pearson's home. Anna delighted in playing in the water and couldn't understand why us adults kept trying to point out sea shells and other boring things. Water is so much more exciting.





We enjoyed our 4 of July weekend and are grateful to Levi's parents for opening up their home for our family.

Happy Anniversary!

Today we are celebrating our 4 year wedding anniversary. It's been an interesting and fun 4 years. I have grown so much since I first met Levi. He truly makes me want to be a better person. He has introduced me to so many new things, like the world of sci-fi, road cycling (jerseys and all), interesting books, different perspectives on situations, the thrill of science, and yummy gourmet food. He willingly listens to my endless chatter and still has time to listen to the kids talk on and on. Each morning he wakes up early to take care of Anna so I can get a few extra minutes of sleep before Ian wakes up. He often takes the kids and Atticus off my hands so I can get things done around the house, or just enjoy some personal time. He is quick to notice my hard work and shows his appreciation. Levi truly takes excellent care of our family. Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband!

Memorial Day

This year for the Memorial weekend, we got together with my family for a big dutch oven cook-off. My sister made some BBQ chicken, my mom made her dutch oven enchiladas, and I made some onion corn bread. Darrell brought some ice cream and Dave brought chips. Darren wasn't able to join us for this event. Not to sound so proud, but I think my corn bread was the best dish there. Although I'm not sure the other competing chefs would agree.
Linda was kind enough to host the event in her back yard, and the weather turned out to be perfect. At one point Linda took me for a ride on her new 4-wheeler. She can drive down the street a short distance and jump on trails that take her up into some very beautiful hills. Many wildflowers are out and added so much color to the area. Anna also took her first ride on a 4-wheeler, and enjoyed it for a very short time.

Today we did something I've been meaning to do for quite some time. We visited Liz's grave for the first time since her funeral. I knew it would be difficult to go see her, but didn't realize how emotional I would feel. As we approached the area, I kept remembering things about her that made her so unique. I loved the way that she would take a genuine interest in everyone around her. She was so quick to pick up on even the smallest things. For instance, if I lost even a few pounds, Liz would notice. Or if I bought something new, she was quick to ask about it. I remembered times when I would just sit and chat with her for hours. Many years ago when I was still single, Liz set me up with a guy who turned out to be awful. I remembered how we would laugh at those date stories.

It seems so cruel that we all have to move forward with our lives. We are expected to mourn for our loved ones and be back to normal life in less than a week. It seems like time should stand still, at least for a while. This week marks 5 months since we lost Liz. It's shocking to realize how quickly the time has passed.

I'm so grateful that I have my husband and two beautiful kids to help me move forward, even when I want time to stand still. It feels wonderful to be loved and needed!

Here are some pictures of Anna playing baseball with the neighbors over the weekend.

Happy Birthday Anna

Anna turned 2 today. She spent the day playing with Ian, watching Boo, and playing with her new doll pack and play, and mailbox. When Levi got home from work, we too her to the nearest aquarium that's open late (Cabella's), and she had such fun watching the big fish feed on the goldfish. She also enjoyed running through the store and playing in the very large set up tents. When we got home, she enjoyed her very delicious chocolate cake and ice cream.

Happy Birthday my darling girl!

Easter 2008

It's been hard to find time to blog lately as there are so many distractions keeping me away. One is the ever fun "Facebook", the other is the TV. Last week some of my favorite shows came back. They are, The Bachelor (this one is mighty fine), Dancing with the Stars, Beauty and the Geek, and a new show called New Amsterdam. I have also been watching Stargate and Firefly. The TV and Facebook are not the only things that keep me away from my blog. I've been digging in the back yard for weeks now, trying to get flowers planted, and the garden area cleared and ready for planting. I've also been arranging bids with several contractors for a new roof and a new fence. And as always, Anna and Ian keep me busy and awake at nights.

Easter 2008 was a great one for the Pearson family. My sister and I organized a family party and we chose my house for the location. Everyone but my younger brother was able to attend, and we are thrilled that 19 people were able to feast in our home and enjoy themselves. After we ate, all the kids ran into the back yard to enjoy an egg hunt. Many of the eggs were filled with fun toys that the kids later used for bartering and trading. We then had a game of touch football, then the kids enjoyed making ho ho racecars with peep drivers and spree candy wheels.

Anna was thrilled to have all her cousins visiting her. She shared her toys and delighted in all the attention she received. Ian was by far the most popular person at the party. His aunts, uncles, grandma and cousins were all anxious to get their turn to hold him and get some coos, giggles, and cute gurgling sounds. Levi enjoyed snapping pictures of all the events, and I enjoyed showing all the kids how to make food racecars.

I can't remember the last time we were all able to get together and have so much fun. The last few times we've gathered together it was to mourn for our loved ones, Grandma and Liz. With Spring here, flowers starting to bloom, and playful times like yesterday, it makes it a little easier to move forward and enjoy the precious lives we are blessed to have.

Grandma Beth Lloyd

This morning at 8:30am, my grandmother Beth Lloyd passed away at the age of 86. She is from Ontario Oregon, but had been living with my aunt in Price Utah for the last few years. She died with my aunt by her side.

She lived a long and very full life. She was a remarkable woman who blessed the lives of many people. I remember many trips to her home in Oregon. There was a scent to her home that I can still remember to this day. I don't know how to describe it, but it's something I'll always remember. She always had little treasures around her home for us to explore, and we loved those adventures. She wanted us grandkids to be happy, and she pushed us to make good decisions and live good lives.

It seems strange that in a little over a month, our family has lost two loved ones, and they both share the same name: Elizabeth Lloyd. I hope that in Heaven, they are together, free from pain, and are watching over the rest of us.

Goodbye Grandma. We love you and will miss you dearly!


*Update*
Here is a copy of Grandma's obituary.
Elizabeth Joan Wilson Lloyd
Oct. 3, 1921 - Feb. 5, 2008

Price, Utah — Elizabeth Joan Wilson Lloyd, age 86, of Price, Utah, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008, in Price, Utah. Elizabeth was born Oct. 3, 1921, in Lund, Idaho. She was the first and only daughter of Joseph Ellis Wilson Jr. and Annie Izatt. Her youth was spent in Lund, Idaho, on the family farm. She loved being outside.

She attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, for one year before she got married. She married Clarence Parke Lloyd on June 6, 1940, in the LDS Temple in Logan, Utah. They lived in southeast Idaho for six years. In 1946, they moved to Ontario, Ore., for 57 years.

Clarence and "Beth" were blessed with seven children. Elizabeth worked at Ore-Ida foods in quality control for 28 years.

Throughout her life, Elizabeth was active in her church. Elizabeth and Clarence worked in the Boise Temple for two years.

After Clarence passed away, Elizabeth served a mission in Arkansas. She loved being in the mission field and met many people who have made lasting impressions on her life, as she did on theirs. For the past five years, Elizabeth has lived in Price, Utah, with her daughter, Annette.

Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Melvin Howell (Marsha), Turlock, Calif., and Mrs. Steve Swasey (Annette), Price, Utah; four sons, Howard (Judy) Lloyd, Jerold (Susan) Lloyd, Wayne (Luann) Lloyd, Salt Lake City, and Stanley Lloyd, Bellingham, Wash.; 36 grandchildren; and 45 great-grandchildren.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Lloyd; one daughter and son-in-law, Jeanette and Tomas V. Moore; five brothers; and three grandchildren.

Funeral services in Price will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008, at Fausett Mortuary, 680 E. 100 S., Price, Utah. A viewing will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Fausett Mortuary, prior to the services.

Funeral services in Ontario, Ore., will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, at the Ontario LDS Fourth Ward Chapel, 1705 N.W. Fourth Ave. Viewings will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, 2008, at the church, and Saturday, one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Rosedale Memorial Gardens, Payette, Idaho. Services are under the direction of Fausett Mortuary.

Time Heals

It's been a month since Liz passed away. I have to confess that I've been trying hard not to think too much about it, but everyday things remind me of Liz, and of how much I miss her. For instance, every time I hear the song "Quack Quack" by The Wiggles, I can see Liz singing and dancing to the tune. When I watch a chick flick, I'm reminded that she always knew the best chick flicks and had a huge collection. The PJs I'm wearing right now were once hers. Her favorite color is the same as mine, pink. The cold weather reminds me of the times I would drive to Logan and spend the weekend with her and Dave. Liz even gave me a tour of USU when I was trying to decide what to do with my life. She is the one who pointed out that Me, Dave and Darren all had the same funny eating habit. My friend Missy wrote a title of one of her blog posts that popped another memory from the 2007 family Christmas party where she and Dave sang the song, "Baby it's Cold Outside" written by Frank Loesser in 1944. There were no dry eyes in the room after they sang. Every time I bundle Ian in his blanket I'm reminded that it's the last thing she ever made.

Days after Ian was born she asked to hold him, and since we were in a hurry and he was already bundled and asleep in his car seat, I didn't want to get him out for her to hold. This memory will haunt me, as I knew at the time that she was very ill, but I believed that there would be plenty of other opportunities for her to hold him. I was so wrong. When she started to decline, it all happened so rapidly that we were all in shock. By then, it was too late.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I miss Liz. I'm sorry that I didn't get to tell her how much I loved her and how she blessed my life. I'm sorry for all the missed opportunities I had to call and chat with her. I'm sorry I moved too far away to visit her often and help out with her kids. I wish I could have held and hugged her in her last days. Oh, how I miss sweet Liz.

Elizabeth Marie Lloyd

Elizabeth Marie Lloyd finished her earthly mission and returned to her Heavenly Father on December 29th, 2007. Family and friends joined together last Friday, January 4th, 2008 to celebrate her life and mourn for her loss.

Here is a photo of Liz taken the summer of 2007 at our cousin's baby shower. With her is our niece Tilly.



You can view her obituary at this link.

I will also post a copy of the obituary here.
"Elizabeth Marie Lloyd 1974 ~ 2007 Elizabeth Marie Lloyd passed away Dec 29,2007. She was born June 21, 1974, to Duane and Tamara Davis. Married to David Bryant Lloyd Sept 9, 1995 in the Salt Lake Temple. Received a Bachelors in Family Human Development at USU. Elizabeth was a remarkable, wonderful, and beautiful woman. Her greatest achievement and treasure was her family, her husband and two beautiful children whom she always put first. She had a quick sense of humor and loved to laugh. She also loved life and always saw the beauty around her. Making friends was natural to her. She was just herself and you couldn't help but love her. Elizabeth faced her battle with cancer like she did with everything else, head on. To her family she was our love, our strength, and our life. Elizabeth, we all will miss you, we will never forget you and will always keep you in our hearts, and will always love you. Survived by her husband David and two children Emma and Tyler, and large extended family. Funeral Services will be Friday, Jan 4 at 11:00 am. at the W. Jordan 23rd LDS Ward, 7255 S 2200 W. a viewing will be held one hour prior to services. Online condolences at serenicare.com Special Thanks to Intermountain Hospice, and Garden Terrace.
Published in the Deseret News on 1/3/2008."

A Very Merry Christmas

Christmas this year was kind to us. Liz was able to see her kids open the presents she picked out for them earlier this year. A Christmas eve snow storm gave us a beautiful covering of fresh powder on Christmas morning. The air was crisp and the sun shined bright. Anna loved her toys, Ian slept through everything, and Levi and I spoiled each other with gifts.

The Christmas tree was beautiful and Anna loved to play with the different ornaments. It's sad that soon we will need to take it down, as it's starting to rapidly drop pine needles over the floor.

I hope this last Christmas was a good one for you all, and left you feeling love, joy and peace.

Our Dear Liz

For many years, my sister-in-law Liz has been fighting cancer. Tragically, the fight is about over and we are all praying that Liz can live long enough to spend one more Christmas with her loving husband Dave and her two children, Emma and Tyler.

The Deseret Morning News published an article on my brother and his family yesterday, December 23rd. You can view the article at this link. Since the article won't be available to view for long, I am going to paste a copy of it into this post.

I'd like to thank Lois M. Collins for writing the following article.

"Wishes at Christmas come in all sizes. You can pine for world peace or a new Barbie. David Lloyd is praying that his wife, Liz, can hang on long enough to enjoy one last Christmas with her family.

He wants to watch her watch Tyler, 7, smile as he opens the toy train they picked when Liz was feeling better. To enjoy, once more, the excitement of daughter Emma, 9, as she unwraps a doll.

It will be, without question, Liz's last Christmas. At 33, she has battled brain cancer off and on since Tyler was just a baby, winning some rounds and losing others.

But today she's winding down in a nursing home, her care provided by Intermountain Home Care's hospice service. That is, ironically, husband David's employer. She now has three aggressive tumors and moves in and out of consciousness.

The family was living in Logan when Tyler was born. When he was seven months old, he had a cold that wouldn't quit. They took him to the hospital and, in a whirlwind of discovery and activity, he was soon in an air ambulance flying to Primary Children's Medical Center. Not long after, David and Liz learned their baby would need a heart transplant although he was, for the moment, stable.

Liz, meanwhile, had been having severe headaches, and an MRI revealed a tumor on the right front side of her brain. She scheduled surgery for that weekend, anxious to have it over so she would be recovered enough to care for her son before his dramatic surgery.

Three weeks later, Tyler received a donor heart and, for a change of pace, all the news seemed to be good. Both mother and son were doing "remarkably well," David says. It would not be long before they were both back home, each getting a little stronger every day, life returning to normal.

But the need for ongoing medical monitoring meant they wanted to be closer to their doctors. David quit school, found a job in Salt Lake City and they moved.

A year later, the cancer returned, and Liz again had brain surgery, followed by radiation. The recovery was a little rougher that time. Still, she seemed cancer-free for quite a while.

Bad news this time came packaged as a seizure. Sure enough, says David, the cancer was back for round three.

The tumors were too big for radiation and in a bad location for surgery. They agreed to try chemotherapy, and "although no one offered a lot of long-term hope, the chemo worked wonders, better than anticipated," David says — until this fall, when yet another tumor appeared.

It has not responded to chemotherapy, and Liz has been losing mobility on one side. She has trouble walking, her speech is fading, and both memory and comprehension are now a struggle, as well.

She was determined to make it through Christmas, and he had hoped to keep her home and care for her, but her need for assistance has outpaced her small family's ability to provide it. So she's in a care facility, and they visit all the time.

Christmas is bittersweet. On the days when she's felt better — and they're getting fewer now — she's talked about the holidays and gifts and what she wants her kids to remember. Earlier this year, she helped select the special presents she hopes to see delight them.

David's mother-in-law and friends, meantime, are trying to raise some money to help David pay bills not covered by insurance. Friends have established an account at Zions Bank in the name "David Bryant Lloyd Donation."

All they want for Christmas is Christmas. Together."