Gone... but not as far away as they could have been

Today, Diana and Jonny moved out. Diana made some decisions that she felt would be best for her and Jonny. She wanted to move from Antelope to Philadelphia to be with her boyfriend, but he isn't quite ready for that level of relationship.

So, she went back to Salt Lake City. NO, SHE DID NOT GO BACK TO HER EX! She went back to set up shop with a friend of hers who had a baby about 5 months ago. She left around 3:00am, and got there in the early afternoon. We kept in touch her entire trip, and her trip went well and safe.

So, I sit here with a (temporarily) empty apartment. My old roommate Mike is moving back in at the end of the month. Hey, he pays his portion of the rent on time all the time! And he has and continues to improve his life. He is a good friend, inherently honest to the core, and I trust him implicitly. He doesn't mind my wanderings at 4 in the morning when I am on my way to an event. And I get cat-sitting out of the deal if I go out of town, say, to Salt Lake City. :-)

May I introduce...

David and Candace Roberts!

Yes, my son is now married. Candace is an incredible welcome asset to our family. She has already been my second daughter for years now, but their making it legal makes it just that more a joy! Their ceremony was beautiful. My brother Steve was also married in this joint ceremony, to a wonderful woman named Debra.

Welcome to the family, Candace! May you and David have a long life together. You truly are soulmates. And a welcome to Debra as well!

The Leader of the Band (1951-2007)

I was getting ready for work very early this morning, and was watching the news as I do just about every day, and found out that one of my favorite music artists, Dan Fogelberg, passed away from prostate cancer yesterday. I knew he had been battling it for a few years.

This talented artist's music influenced a lot of my thinking (and my choice of music) over the years. His gift of the ability to pass on incredible emotion in his music is one that many of his fans deeply appreciated. When I moved from home in 1984, I left the song, "The Leader of The Band" on the turntable at my father's house, with a note asking him to play it. I don't know if he did, but I do know that when I retrieved my music collection later from my father's house, that 45 was not in the collection (Do you still have it dad? If so, please keep it. I meant the thoughts in the song that day!). Here are the lyrics to that song, for those of you that may not recall it, or who have never heard it:

The Leader of The Band

An only child alone and wild

A cab'net maker's son

His hands were meant for diff'rent work

And his heart was known to none

He left his home

And went his lone and solitary way

And he gave to me a gift

I knowI never can repay

A quiet man of music

Denied a simpler fate

He tried to be a soldier once

But his music wouldn't wait

He earned his love thru' discipline

A thund'ring velvet hand

His gentle means of sculpting souls

Took me years to understand

The leader of the band is tired

And his eyes are growing old

But his blood runs thru' my instrument

And his song is in my soul

My life has been a poor attempt

To imitate the manI'm just a living legacy

To the leader of the band

My brother's lives were diff'rent

For they heard another call

One went to Chicago

And the other to St Paul

And I'm in Colorado

When I'm not in some hotel

Living out this life I've chose

And come to know so well

I thank you for the music

And your stories of the road

I thank you for the freedom

When it came my time to go

I thank you for the kindness

And the times when you got tough

And Papa I don't think I said

"I love you" near enough

The leader of the band is tired

And his eyes are growing old

But his blood runs thru' my instrument

And his song is in my soul

My life has been a poor attempt

To imitate the man

I'm just a living legacy

To the leader of the band

I am the living legacy

To the leader of the band

Goodbye, Dan.

Thanksgiving

Diana, Jonny, and I all went to Tehachapi for Thanksgiving at my cousin's farm. It has been fun, albeit short. Getting to see my cousin, her family, my aunt and uncle, and my grandmother was really fantastic!

Unfortunately, we need to leave in a little while to go back home (Both Diana and I have work tomorrow). Here are some pics!

Diana and Jonny on one of their horses.








Turkey... yum!!!












L. and I share almost the same birthday! So we celebrated together!














Jonny in a playhouse.














Most of us in the pic!

Away for Thanksgiving

I have decided to travel for Thanksgiving and go down to my cousin's house in Tehachapi. It is soooo nice to see my family! Diana and Jonny also came with me. We tried to bring our roommate, but she has negative feelings about Thanksgiving (her family always fights... I tried to explain to her that most families really don't fight like that). Maybe next time!

Anyhow, I will be on the road for a day or two. Enjoy the Black Friday sales!

Honoring Our Veterans

Please take time today to honor those who serve, and who have served, to defend our country. Regardless of your political beliefs, they deserve our respect for their willingness to lay down their lives defending us.

I thought I would share a picture of my grandfather, Willard Dorsett, taken during World War II, that I found. I wish I had a picture of my other grandfather, Alfred Meyers, that I could show you. Both served in World War II with distinction. I am so proud of their service.













I have also added a picture of myself with two of my brothers, Josh and Daniel. They are both serving currently. Josh is in the Army reserves, and Daniel is active in the Air Force. Daniel is on the left, Josh on the right. Why am I in uniform? I am in a DMAT, part of the National Disaster Medical System. But I am not the focus of today, they are. This is just the only picture I have of them in uniform.

Family Updates

David and Candace have been in Denver almost a month now. They are doing well, and getting used to the difference in lifestyle from California living. They are living with my brother Steve and his girlfriend/fiance' Debra, her daughter Crystal, and Crystal's boyfriend. Tight quarters!

No pics from them yet.

Diana is enjoying her new job, working in a call center for AT&T. Jonny is doing well, growing like a weed! I attached a pic I took tonight of him. In the pic, you can see that cute nose and chin of his! He's a delight to have around (even though he broke my nose - I know it was not intentional).

My dad and my stepmom are doing well, as is my family in Las Vegas. I miss them all so much! Might get to Tehachapi for Thanksgiving this year. It will be nice to see everyone!

17 Mo old Breaks Grandmother's Nose

Yeah. Either that, or the worst bruise in the world.

Jonny and I were cuddling Friday evening, and he suddenly turned over and whacked me with the back of his head. HARD. I felt and heard the crack of the cartilage breaking away from the bone right where the two meet. Weirdest sound from the inside. Thankfully, our roommate was here and grabbed one of my instant ice packs (once I told her where it was) and brought it to me. She took Jonny and I sat there icing my nose for the next half hour, dealing with my eyes tearing, even though I wasn't crying.

I let Diana know by text message (she was at work at the time) once I was able to, and she asked if I was going to the E.R. I told her no, since the fracture wasn't displaced (my nose still looks like its usual self), they wouldn't be able to do anything except refresh my ice pack. And take $50 from me.

I have some bruising, although it is hard to spot. Thankfully.

Rough and Ready

I am away on a deployment exercise through Sunday, down in Southern CA. I hope to meet up with my father and stepmother, maybe for dinner. They are just a few miles down the road. :-)

Rory 11/5/59-7/28/04

Three years ago, Rory ascended to heaven, surrounded by David, Diana, and myself. Though he is no longer in pain, we still here on Earth are.

I miss you, lover. My heart still aches for you!

We all miss you.

Heaven's Children

My cousin's recently miscarried her son, and yesterday they held the service for Nathaniel. His premature death has made me think a lot lately. This thinking finally came to fruition via a small poem/story I title simply, "Heaven's Children":

Heaven’s Children

When a child does not make it to birth, we always ask “Why?…”

One question that comes to mind is, “Why does the Lord call them home so early?”

- Is it because He saw something special in them to begin with?
- Is it because He knew those perfectly untainted children have unique views?
- Is it because He knew they would have overwhelming problems after birth?
- Is it because He heard they needed special protection that this earthly life could not provide?

My own twin son did not make it to birth. He never made it past the first trimester. That was over 21 years ago. Only my husband and I know the personal feelings we had about this. Back then, they didn’t even acknowledge that my son was a twin until after he was born. It never was documented, so only my husband and I (and the doctor attending) know for sure. For years, I blocked that pain, not accepting it. That changed after my husband passed away. I began to look inward at myself. And at some forgotten things, including my son that never made the journey through birth and childhood.

My personal view is that the child not meant for life on Earth, has been granted a very special place in Heaven, to be cared for by our Heavenly Father. They are never tainted, never needing forgiveness. They are, truly, Heaven’s Children.

Renee Roberts, 2007

Note to my cousin: I know your heart and arms ache so much right now. Rest assured, it will ease... in time. We are all here to support you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family.

Jonny's First Birthday Cake!

Jonny's first birthday was on Tuesday. Due to work schedules, we finally held Jonny's "party" tonight. Well, sort of. It was just David, Candace, Mike, Karen (Mike's GF), Diana, Colin (Diana's BF), myself, and of course, the birthday boy himself! A "micro" party, of sorts.

I gave him his birthday present from me earlier, a baby piano (that 4 key model). He LOVES it! He sat there for a half-hour playing it. Imagine both hands on 4 keys. Now, think Beethoven's 5th! It was great!

So, tonight we got together to sing him "Happy Birthday". Diana made a carrot cake (No nuts in or on it), with cream cheese icing. We got a short of Jonny sans cake:


And then we gave him his piece of cake, and sang to him! He stuck his fingers in the icing, and sat there opening and closing his hands feeling the sticky frosting. Then, he tasted it... "Oooh!!!" is the best description to his response.

Then, he dug in...



















Doesn't he look cute?

He decimated that cake! And conditioned his skin at the same time!













HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY JONNY!

Updates

OK... Its been a while since I posted. I have been sooooo busy, you would not believe it! Let's see, where do I start?

On April 19th, David and I went out and brought Diana and Jonny back to California. Things were getting worse and worse every day for them. Jon was acting increasingly more bizarre, also refusing to see Jonny (except for the day before we came back, ironically enough). I strongly suspect he is using meth or coke right now. His color was horrible (yellow, including his sclera - the whites of his eyes). He damn near ran over my feet when leaving Diana's apartment. We were all becoming more concerned that he would be physically violent (as if mental and emotional wasn't enough). We were so relieved when we got back here!

Diana and Jonny are doing well. Jonny is walking EVERYWHERE! He turns 1 on May 22nd! Diana is working, and looking for better work, while getting back in school to earn her degree. I know all of this is so hard on her, but she is doing the right things for her and Jonny.

I started bike riding to and from work. I can't ride anywhere near all the way (yet), but I am working on it! I ride at least 5 TRUE MILES per day (over hill and dale, so-to-speak). Some days, it is as much as 20 miles (whew!). The cost of gas is just too much, and I need the exercise. I was a little bummed at my WW Weigh-in last Saturday, as I had gained weight. But my pants are looser, and muscle weighs more than fat. I am hopeful that I will see a loss this week at the scale.

Financially, things are not good. It cost quite a bit to get Diana and Jonny back here, and honestly, it was money I can't afford. And diapers, etc add to the cost. Diana is working, but it isn't much right now (Which is why she is looking for better). I am trying to figure this all out, but frankly, I need more money or less expenses. All my reserves are gone. For those of you I have helped in the past, please considering returning the favor. We really need the help. I don't often ask for help, but this is rough right now. Many of you know I work more than one job (I have 4, actually. All but one are VERY part-time, and intermittent), so you know I try to do things myself.

Of Easter and Loneliness

I have always enjoyed Easter. It is a reminder of my commitment to my Christian beliefs. I was baptized on Easter when I was a young girl., at the church that many of my family would go to for years, even if only intermittently for me. I was married in that same church.

And it traditionally has been a chance to meet up with family, catch up on activities, and enjoy a good meal together. I love having family around, even if it is only one or two family members.

Maybe I am just feeling "empty nest syndrome", or maybe being selfish, but this Easter just doesn't feel right. David moved out a few months ago, and although I have a roommate, he has his own life. No one coming over, no dinner (except what I made for myself). Even though David is less than a mile away living with Candace and her family, somedays like today, it seems like he is thousands of miles away. He is still recovering from tonsil surgery, so he wouldn't be up to coming anyway.

And I miss Diana and Jonny. I know it won't be long until they are here, but it can't come soon enough for me. Being so far away from them has left my heart aching.

I did go to Bloodsource and donated platelets and red cells today. Giving of myself did help me to feel a little better about today, but it still doesn't feel right.

Maybe next Easter will be better.

My newest niece

On Thursday, my brother Danny got a wonderful birthday present: He got to really see his unborn daughter. This picture was taken during their OB appointment "4-D" ultrasound. You can see her smiling! (I have a bunch of other shots Danny sent me, but I thought this one really showed her face).

She is soooo cute!

Danny & Jacquelyn, have you picked out her name yet? I hope you don't mind my sharing.

Nashville

I have been on a little blogging break for the past 10 days.

Nashville is where I have been since last Friday evening, attending the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) Conference. This conference, held yearly in different cities, offers all members of NDMS the chance to get together from all over the U.S., see friends from previous deployments, to listen to our government tell us of upcoming items of interest, and most importantly, to learn many, many new things in a brief period of time. Last year, I took a class that blew me away, called Advanced Radiation Life Support. This year, it was Teaching Emergency Response Personnel. The original instructor, a gentleman I have taken courses from before, was unable to make it due to the snowstorm that hit New England last week. The replacement was someone who has a lot of "off-the-cuff" knowledge, that he imparted on all of us. I have pages and pages of notes, and feel that I got 150% of what I expected previously of the course. There have been other courses I took, but this one course really was the "whiz-bang winner"!

So, I have been staying at an incredible hotel, the Gaylord Opryland, located next door to the Grand 'Ole Opry. This hotel is, for lack of a better word, MASSIVE. It has 2880 rooms, three totally enclose atriums, live plants everywhere, and some wonderfully renovated rooms. My first room wasn't renovated, but I was moved to another room due to a problem in the first room. The difference is like night and day. Imagine a step above a Motel 6 for the first room, and a 4 star hotel room for the next.

I even took in a show Saturday night at the Grand 'Ole Opry with a good friend of mine, Barbara, from NJ-1 DMAT. We got to see Loretta Lynn, along with many other artists. For those who don't know, the Grand 'Ole Opry is done as a radio show, but the stars are really there. Loretta Lynn still has that incredible voice! It was a lot of fun!

I am still here tonight, but getting ready to leave tomorrow after the conference ends. Time flies so fast when you are learning and having fun! I will post some pics as soon as I can.

Of Cookies, Jonny, Tendonitis, and more...

First, here are a few pictures of Jonny!





































Now, many of you know that I am a Girl Scout Leader. And yep, it is that time of year again... GIRL SCOUT COOKIE TIME! If you are looking for cookies, get in touch with me! We still have plenty of all varieties, including the new Sugar Free Little Brownie cookie! (It really tastes yummy!). The other varieties are: Thin Mint, Samoas, All Abouts, Cafe Cookies, Tagalongs, Do-Si-Dos, and Trefoils. Price: $3.50 a box + Shipping to get it to you.

I am battling tendonitis in my right wrist again, and am sitting here splinted to try and alleviate the pain (That and NSAIDs). Ugh. It has got to get better quick. I don't want to go to Nashville splinted later this month. If it isn't better soon, I guess I will get it seen.

I am back on Weight Watchers again, and seem to finally be losing weight again. Maybe my body needed a "diet break". :-)

Shooting in Salt Lake City Last Night

By now, you may have heard about a shooting at a mall in the Salt Lake City area. I wanted to make eveyone aware that Diana and Jonny were nowhere near it at the time. Diana was in school last night when it happened, and Jonny was being babysay. I found out through a "breaking news alert" on my cell phone that I subscribed to. Yeah, I immediately got worried and called Diana, who let me know that she was in class, and they had just heard about a shooting, but didn't know much else. I gave her what info I had at the time, so she could update her classmates.

If you didn't hear about it, here is some information:

An 18-year old while male entered the Trolley Square mall in SLC around 7:00pm last night. He had a shotgun and a handgun. He randomly shot people as he walked through the mall. He was shot dead, possibly by an off-duty officer. The shooter killed 5 people, and critically wounder 4 others.

My prayers go out to all the people who were affected by this tragedy.

To learn more information, go to these sites:(Warning: Don't show these sites to small kids. There are some pictures there showing bodies. No blood, but definitely bodies.)

• KSL (Local TV): http://www.ksl.com
• KUTV (Local TV): http://www.kutv.com
• Salt Lake Tribune: http://www.sltrib.com

Back in Antelope

Wow! It has been a while since I posted! I went to the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show (Held in Las Vegas). I am very thankful my employer paid my salary while I was at the show. When I learn about new technology, they do as well. There was pre-conference stuff I attended on Saturday and Sunday, along with the show on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (I actually wasn't on the show floor Wednesday... I listened in on the webcasts as I was on my way to Salt Lake City to avoid driving in the impending snowstorm). Webcast and podcast listening on the Treo 680 is surprisingly simple. And I-15 has about 90% connectivity from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City. I will talk about it another time.

CES itself was wonderfully exciting this year. What is the big buzz for this show? UMPC's (Ultra Mobile Personal Computers), accessories for EVERYTHING, Microsoft Vista, and Bluetooth (although you could consider them accessories - they deserve a category all their own). I wanted to stay longer, but couldn't risk the weather. And I was glad I left Wednesday...

I got to Salt Lake City on Wednesday night. The trip was nice. I-15 is a wonderful drive! On Thursday, we got 6 inches of snow at Diana's apartment (I measured it just for chuckles). It snowed and snowed and snowed. I've been there during snowfalls before. This was a lot, even for SLC. There were over 500 accidents on the roads during this snowstorm. I-70 was closed for a while south of Salt Lake City. We still went out and got some things done, but we were REAL careful and didn't venture too far. I love my Jeep... no slip and slide. I am permanently sold on 4WD. ALL of my vehicles will have 4WD in the future.

The cold afterward was another thing. It was so cold out there, it took our breath away when we went outside. The low was around 0 to -2 (yes, NEGATIVE 2) degrees, and the high was 15 while I was there. We stayed inside a lot. Good thing. Jonny had a cold that turned into an ear infection. Poor guy was so miserable on Saturday. We took him to the E.R., who put him on antibiotics and agreed with me on using a decongestant and cough suppressant for his symptoms. Within 24 hours, he was a renewed child! I had to leave at this time, and didn't want to!


I did take Diana out on Saturday night for her birthday (even though her birthday was on Sunday). She wanted to go to Red Robin, so we went there. Neither of us had been there before... they have great burgers! And bottomless fries (not good when you are on Weight Watchers, but neither of us ordered more than what was on our plates). I managed to tell the waitress that it was Diana's birthday without Diana seeing me do it... hehe... they delivered a GIGANTIC piece of ice cream pie for her birthday, free of charge! It was fun! Happy 19th birthday, hon!

We also got her some furniture for her living room. When she moved into this apartment, she didn't take any furniture except Jonny's crib and changing table, and a mattress for her. She found a couch, chair, and ottoman for $40 on Craigslist.org (Great site!), which was in great condition! So, that was my present to her (her request). It is a cute set, and Jonny loves them as well. You should have seen how we got it from South Jordan to Diana's apartment! It was COLD, and the back of the Jeep was open, with the couch sticking out about 2 feet, and the chair on top of the Jeep on the rack. Jon got the ottoman home in his trunk, with Jonny in his car. Use your imagination for the picture... Not a bad set for $40, huh?



My trip back home was uneventful, which is a surprising departure for winter travel. The roads were clear (Some of you might recall my last trip took 15.5 hours... this one... 9). It was bitterly cold, with a high temp of 28 degrees, and a low of 3 while I was travelling. The northern Nevada desert was covered with snow most of the trip. There were a few clouds, but it was so cold, they wouldn't snow.


I know most people think "Desert? There's nothing in the desert but, well, desert." They can't farther from the truth. The desert is a delightfully beautiful place, but can be inhospitable and unforgiving. Always travel with an emergency kit of food, water, blankets, and a first aid kit. Especially in the desert, regardless of time of year.

Even sick, he's cute!

Have A Happy and Prosperous New Year!

To all my family and friends:I didn't get my letter out this year with my Christmas cards, so here is what I was going to send:


Wow! This year has been a whirlwind of activity! And one that has brought changes to all of us. First, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. I hope this letter finds you in good spirits, and spending time with family and friends.

The New Year started for David and I with a move. We found out 3 days before Christmas last year that the house we lived in was being sold. Try as we did, we could not convince them to wait until summer to sell, so we needed to find a new place to live. A few calls and visits later, and we signed a lease for an apartment. I swore I would never share walls with anyone again, but here I am! My neighbors for the most part are quiet at night, and the complex has children everywhere (I love listening to kids!). Many of the residents here are of Russian descent, and some do not speak English, but we all get along. The apartment is only a few years old, so everything generally works. I have the world’s smallest porch, but it is nice. Mike, our roommate and friend, also moved with us. He has lived with us since August 2005, and is a longtime friend of mine (I used to work with him).

Rory’s father passed away in April. I miss his conversations on the phone. I know since he had the stroke a few years earlier that many people wouldn’t take the time to listen to him, but he was the same guy. He just spoke slower. I will really miss him.

After Rory’s father passed away, Rory’s mom made the decision to move closer to Luane (Rory’s sister) in Connecticut. She is living in a senior housing center, and enjoys the area a lot. I really want to go out and visit her. We talk on the phone, but it isn’t the same. I haven’t seen her since January 2005. I miss her.

I finished school in May, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Biology, concentration in Microbiology, and a minor in Chemistry. Although I had graduated, it took CSU Sacramento until October to send my diploma. But, my degree was on the national system by July, which was good. Suddenly, I was looking for work again!

Before graduating, I had taken an exam for a state job. The title was “Hazardous Substances Scientist”, and I scored very high. I was in the top 3 scores. The only person above me for some time had been on the list for almost a year, which suggested that he/she already found a job elsewhere. So, then the “Employment Inquiries” started coming. I responded to all of them, and interviewed in Glendale. Didn’t get that job, but I later interviewed in Sacramento.

In the meantime, I was working 4 part-time jobs to make ends meet. DMAT, the Rivercats, a friend with an EMS company, and Bloodsource, the local blood bank (Like Red Cross – all voluntary donations). I worked there until last August, when I took the job that was offered to me at the Sacramento office of the Department of Toxic Substances Control. Yes, it is a state job, but the pay is ok, and the benefits are wonderful. This job has given me a chance to learn many new things, and to consider a different path for my life. I plan on staying in emergency medicine, no matter what, but I can certainly consider different directions.

During my final weeks in school, I was nervously awaiting a phone call… from Diana. She was expecting, and her due date was around my last days of school. I got through finals (Don’t ask me how!), and went straight out to Salt Lake City, UT on May 18^th, right after my last final. My mom went out there, too, although she wasn’t able to stay until the baby was born. After a “trial of labor” with medication, Diana came home for two more days, then the real labor started, and she was admitted to the hospital. Diana and Jon welcomed Jonathan Douglas Lester II into the world on May 22. Little Jonny had a bit of a rough start, with a high bilirubin count around 4 days old, but home UV light therapy for a few days fixed that! I stayed another week, but then had to leave.

David proposed to Candace in July, and she accepted. He borrowed my wedding rings (on my suggestion) so that he could “do it right”! They haven’t set a date (yet), but they are beginning to see that married life carries with it some good things, and are considering when to “tie the knot”.

I went back out to Las Vegas and Salt Lake City for Labor Day weekend, and for Thanksgiving weekend. While in Las Vegas, Dan, Josh, and I all got pictures taken of us in uniform. I miss seeing Diana and Jonny all the time! I want to be out there everyday, watching him this first year. Diana sends me pictures just about every day (I am so thankful for picture messaging on cell phones nowadays!), so I get to see those little glimpses of Jonny.

After a rough last few months, Diana and Jon have decided to break up. Diana moved out into an apartment of her own, still in Salt Lake City, so that Jon can be a part of Jonny’s life. I know both of them love Jonny dearly, but Diana has matured more, returning to school as well as working full-time (and caring for a baby!), and realized that she and Jon were not going to be together forever as a result. Jon has some other issues to deal with that were taking priority over Diana and Jonny. I hope that he gets control of those issues, and continues to mature and be a part of Jonny’s life. He is a great guy, and I know he loves being a daddy to that little guy. They are sharing responsibilities for Jonny, alternating caring for him to accommodate their work schedules.

I helped both Diana and David to obtain newer cars that will carry them for a long time to come. It put my plans to buy a newer Jeep off for some more time (another year or two), but it was more important to help them.

So, here we are at this wonderful time of year! My finances don’t allow me to travel to see everyone this year, as I want to do. But I will sure try to stay in touch!

I wish all of you a wonderful New Year!

He's crawling EVERYWHERE now

Jonny got his crawling legs, and now he is getting into everything, according to Diana! Now, she has to babyproof EVERYTHING...


Anyhow, here is a great pic of the munchkin in his Santa suit:

Time Flies

Its been a few weeks since I posted. I can't even believe its been that long! Since I posted, my 43rd birthday has passed, and I got to see my daughter Diana, my grandson Jonny, and Jonny's father, Jon over Thanksgiving weekend. I really had fun out there, and wish I could have stayed longer. Diana, Jonny, and I spent Thanksgiving together. I showed Diana how I cook turkey, and we had mashed potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce, and other good things. Pumpkin pie waited until the next day. We were too full to enjoy it until then.

Jonny is 6 months old now, and the sweetest little guy! He smiles all the time, and is so close to crawling! When I was there, has would crawl a little, but land on his belly, doing that kicking thing babies do when they are learning to crawl. He is so cute!

Diana and Jon broke up, and Diana moved into her own apartment. Its really nice, from the pictures I saw. She needs everything, of course, but has a bed, and Jonny's crib and stuff. She needs furniture, towels, blankets, kitchen stuff, all the things we need when setting up a household.

She wants to stay in town, so Jon still has access to his son, which I think is a good idea. I hope that he becomes more responsible, and really takes on the challenges he needs to so he stays an active part of Jonny's life. They both love that little boy!




Here's some more pics of the magic munchkin:







My trip back was a different matter...

I took off early on Sunday, intending to make it over the Sierra before the storm hit that was expected. Had minimal problems, until I got past Reno. Then, the storm and I met each other. It had arrived in the mountains a few hours early. I got to the base of the mountain, and was heading up toward Truckee. Then traffic stopped dead. And crawled... and crawled... and crawled. It took me 3 HOURS (normal = 10-20 min) to get to the old agricultural station, where the chain controls were, in Truckee. Ugh... got waved through (Thank God for owning a 4WD Jeep with snow tires!). I drove at 20 MPH average (Max 30 MPH) for another 2 hours. Finally got out of the Sierra and home.

Normal trip = 10.0 hours
This trip = 15.5 hours
Worst trip = 16.0 hours

It was close to the worst trip to or from SLC that I have had. But, I got home safe. The combination of holiday traffic AND chain controls. Ick. Of course, our kids and grandkids are worth it!

More Pics

Now, you'd *NEVER* know I was a proud grandma, would you!


I love his smile!

Here's a shot of Diana and Jonny

Jonny in costume!

Isn't he CUTE????

All of us in uniform

I don't think I have shared this online yet. Josh, Dan and I got together briefly over Labor Day Weekend, and took a pic of us in our uniforms. It was a special birthday present for our mom. Dan (left) is in the Air Force, Josh (right) is in the Nevada National Guard, and I am a member of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) in DMAT CA-11. This is the first time we have all been together in a VERY long time! Now if I can get John and Steve to join us in a shot...

Such a cute pic!

This is one of the latest pics of Jonny. Isn't he cute all passed out on his swing?

10-6-84... 22 years ago today

Today would have been 22 years of wonderful marriage for Rory and I. Each October is very difficult for me since Rory died, especially when this day approaches. I still wonder what my life would be like with him here beside me, rather than alone. Yes, I know I wouldn't be where I am. But still... I'd trade this current life for him in a split second... if he wouldn't be in pain. God, I miss him.

His love wove its way into me
He won me with time... and persistance
His heart was bigger than his body
His soul was a part of me... and mine a part of his
I had him for 22 years
He has me forever

Our children got to know
The man I came to love
He saw grow and love themselves
He saw them become
He stayed for them... not for me
But his love stays on forever

His last breathe came
A day two years ago
His last heartbeat
Recorded always in my mind
He showed his love... with a touch
He said goodbye... without a word

On this day, the day we wed
I sit here weeping and thinking
Remembering and loving
His days on Earth I always cherish
And I know that my soulmate is waiting for me
For the day I return to him
--- Renee Roberts

Updates

Well, this week was the first week with DTSC. I love working there! Although I am not doing much yet (since I need a lot of training), I have provided assistance to them while I am learning how the department (and government in general) works. Some of it can be frustrating, but I really do like learning new things, this included!

My cousin Tammi and her family came up here on a brief visit. It was really wonderful seeing all of them after so long (Two years, since Rory's memorial service). I wish it could have lasted longer, but they didn't come up for a social visit. They were helping her husband's mother, who was in an accident up here. The girls all got to see some of the sights here in Sacramento, and they are applying it to their homeschooling.

I am taking a class through a local community college. Nothing much, but it is a pre-requisite for the paramedic program at the college. I like to keep my options open in this world. If I don't get into a P.A. program, paramedic isn't bad! Keeps me in emergency medicine!

Two Years Ago, A Light Went Out...

... and my heart was broken, on July 28, 2004. That was the day my beloved soulmate of 19 years, Rory, was taken from me. Heaven welcomed Rory that fateful day. I sit here two years later, not knowing why my heart feels so heavy, when I know that he doesn't hurt anymore.

This year, so much has happened. I graduated, my grandson was born, and I have restarted my life in a new direction. Yet I think back and miss him so, so much. My heart aches everytime I think of him. I miss his smile, his jokes, his ability to make magic (Yeah, Rory was a magician). I miss his smell. I had his pillowcase for the longest time, unwashed, because it still smelled like him. But my nana was right. The smell fades. And in time, goes away. The hurt doesn't.

But most of all, I miss him next to me, in my bed, every night, cuddling me. I still feel like he will be right next to me when I wake up. And of course, he isn't.

God, my heart aches.

Updates

Well, I am back to work, sort of. For my day job, I am working through a temp firm, at a local blood bank. Not quite what I want to do for a long time, but it is money at the moment. I am looking at other positions, and have one in mind specifically that I am hoping I get. If I get it, I will let you all know more about it, but I don't want to jinx it! I am still working for the Rivercats as well, and trying to pick up extra shifts any time I can get.

Diana and Jon sent me more pictures of Jonny. They are all doing well. Here is one of the pictures:



Isn't his smile cute??? I want to go visit soooo bad!

David is still working at a local big and tall mens store. He likes the work. He and Candace are still together, and doing well.

The hospital pic link

Here is the URL for the pics taken by the hospital: http://www.growingfamily.com/webnursery/babypage_view.asp?URLID=5F5S9V0P3T

Jonny is doing better!

His bilirubin is back down in the normal range. :-)

The doctor still wants him under the lights through today, just to make sure.

More Pics

Looking for more pics of Jon, Diana, and baby Jon? Look here: http://www.portable-essentials.com/family/lester/

I'm a Grandma!

Yep! Diana had the baby, Jonathan Douglas Lester II, at 6:53pm last night. He weighed 7 lbs 10 oz, and is 20-1/2 inches long! More pics later, I promise! I am working on getting one of Diana and baby Jon too!

I absolutely love the last picture of Jon and Jon! Jon will make such a fantastic daddy!

No baby yet...

Diana is not in labor yet. Her docs have agreed to induce her by Thursday if she doesn't go into labor by then. That said, she feels like she will go into labor any minute now (Could be hopeful thinking... but that's good!), and she decided to clean her house up... :-)

Anyhow, as soon as I know anything, I will let everyone know. I am heading out to SLC on Thursday after my last final exam (Cell Physiology... I am so excited about Diana, Jon, and the newest member of our family to arrive very soon, I can't even think right now!) I am so excited at being a grandma (In my family, I will be called "Nana").

Diana is having...

Yep! Diana just sent me a text message from her ultrasound appointment! She and Jon just found out she is having a boy! Oh yeah, her due date has been changed to MAY 22nd!!! (David's birthday is May 21).

I love both of you, Diana and Jon!

Everyone back where they should be

Friday, the van was fixed to make it driveable. The guys at the Les Schwab store were absolutely amazed that the damage wasn't as bad as previously thought. Given what it looked like when it arrived there (see the pics on the 2nd), they thought like we did that the front end needed major work. It still cost me almost $500 to fix it, not including the tow and stow charges of $150 to the local towyard where it was taken. But it was made safe to drive.

Saturday, after having the van repaired enough to make it roadworthy, we caravaned to Salt Lake City. The roads were a little treacherous, but nothing like the night before. After a 5 hour trip, we made it to SLC, which made me VERY happy. Happy and thankful that nobody was hurt, and that they are safe and back in SLC at their home.

David, Candace and I stayed the night in SLC, then left yesterday morning for Sacto. Got home late last night. It was nice sleeping in my own bed again, although I am still pretty tired right now. The cats seemed to really miss us a lot. I had bedmates most of the night, purring away!

I stopped briefly at the accident site when I was driving back to Sacto. Diana and Jon really had a guardian angel looking out for them. When I was looking it over again, I noticed a concrete drain sticking out from the ground (about 5 feet long, 3 feet high) about 10 feet from where the van landed. If it had gone further and hit the drain... The thought scares the hell out of me.


(David, Diana, and myself yesterday morning at her house in SLC)

They were so lucky...

Tuesday night, my daughter rolled the van I had just given her.

It happened just outside of Elko, NV. They were about 20 miles outside of town, and hit a section of black ice. Before they knew it, they were spinning out of control on Interstate 80. When the van began to hit the median (dirt median between east and westbound lanes - no fencing), the tires on the left dug in. The tires were pulled off the rims, and they slid down the dirt median. They slid about 50 feet in the median, and came to rest facing westbound. The van landed on the left side.

Both Diana and Jon are fine. A couple of bruises, literally. But, after going out to the scene of the accident, it is clear that if this had happened 50 yards further or back, I don't think they would have survived. The topography of the area would have meant that they would have rolled end over end if it had happened anywhere else nearby. I am so thankful that they are ok.

The NHP officer who arrived at the accident started looking inside the van, with Jon and Diana outside the van by then. He finally asked them, "Where are the people that were in the van?". Jon and Diana replied that they were the ones in the van. The officer didn't believe them at first, then asked, "Why didn't you stay in the van?" They replied that they were afraid it would blow up (They smelled gasoline as they were getting out). "Are you ok?"... (Around this time, the dispatcher notified him that Diana was pregnant - I had let them know by calling Elko NHP dispatch, since I wasn't sure if there was an officer on the way or not).

The van, by the way, sustained a fair amount of damage on the left side. These pictures were taken after it was towed from the towyard to Les Schwab. The driver door is, well, screwed up. The window works with great effort only. The tie-rod may be bent, the tires went back on the rims without a problem. The front left panel is crushed in. The worst seems to be cosmetic (who cares...). The NHP officer that responded told Diana and Jon that if they had rolled it in the summer, that the damage would have been much worse. And, they might not be here to talk about it.

I am grateful for the NHP officer, the truckers that stopped to help (Thank you guys! I don't know who you are, but if you ever read this, email me.), and for the dispatcher who relayed information to me, and to the NHP officer, and to my daughter.

UPDATE: The van has been repaired enough to make it road-worthy. Cosmetically, it still looks horrid, but they can fix that later. We will head to SLC tomorrow.

Back in Sacto

Well, I got back to Sacto on Saturday, along with Diana and Jon. :-)

No, they aren't moving back here. They need a vehicle, and I had the van that was basically sitting doing nothing. So, I gave it to them. That van has seen 10 years of service for our family. I didn't want the hassle of selling it with all of its flaws, so giving it to Diana and Jon seemed right. I don't want Diana without transportation, especially while she is pregnant. Salt Lake City is might cold in winter. Heck, it was cold there last week while I was there! So, they are now driving back to SLC. Their visit was too short. I miss them already.

Today would have been Rory's 46th birthday.

Well, my brother Steve moved to Reno today... He found love on the internet. He's been back in my life for the last 4 years, moving from Kansas when things fell apart for him at a time things were doing the same for me, living with us, helping me when I needed someone to keep an eye on David and Diana, watching my place when I was gone, keeping me sane at times I was questioning my faith and my direction, and generally being... a brother. Dude, I am gonna miss seeing you all the time. But I am glad you have found someone to be a part of your life again.

(And yeah, I know... Reno is only 2 hours up the road. We will still see each other.)

I ended up travelling back to SLC when Diana got pretty sick. But, she is going much better after I.V. antibiotics. After 3 days, they have moved her to oral antibiotics, so I know she is happy about getting the I.V. out of her hand. Keep getting better, Diana!

So, aside from driving at low altitude on my way out there, I took more pictures on the way back! There were things I didn't get good shots of last trip, so I took a few more minutes, and here are a few of the sights from highway 80:


What the HECK is this? It is on t