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Sunday, November 8, 2009

This is not about flowers but I thought I'd share some of my cuttings from my rose garden with you. Wish you were here to smell them!
This is actually about a surprise trip Chelsee and I made to Kentucky to be with our sweet young friend as she gave birth to her first child. Meghan (Linnell) Nielson has been a part of our family since Chelsee and her were in Jr. High. They bonded at girls camp and have been best friends ever since. That is their story. My story is that I have loved Meghan with a mothers heart since the beginning. I watched her grow from pre-teen to beautiful young woman to now a radiant wife and mother. She inspired me with her strength through her storms. She has a calm sweet spirit that is no nonsense. It was good to see into her and Bryces world so far away from Arizona.
After our surprise visit on Monday night we took Bryce and Meghan out for dinner at Cheesecake factory...her last meal!


Our bed and breakfast was amazing. It was like going home every night or early morning as the little guy didn't want to show up until the early morning hours of Wednesday
Here we are Tuesday morning having just arrived at the hospital. Megs is on petocin but feeling no pains yet. I knew we were in for a long day at that point. Little did I know it would go into the next day!
Finally he arrives! Meghan was so calm and level through it all. He ended up being to big to deliver naturally so they had to do a C Section. He was a chunk! He weight 9lbs. 3 oz. and was 20 inches long. Even his forehead was chubby!

Babys first kiss from Mommy
Introducing the new Nielson addition...Dax.

I am so proud of this young couple. They are doing so well as they begin their life together. I will always cherish our time together this November 2009.

Much love...













Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Especially for Grandma Linnell and Grandma Nielson

Here he is!!!! Delivered 1:08


9lbs. 3 oz. 20" long!

Chelsee and I are here in Kentucky awaiting the delivery of Dax Nielson...Bryce and Meghans first little baby. I know there are family members far away that would love to be here and so we thought it would be a great idea to post as the day goes along so you can feel like you were here...via cyberspace. So here are the first of the pictures...enjoy!
Bryce met us at the airport and helped get us settled into our room and then off to surprise Meghan. In the words of Chelsee:
Flight to Kentucky - $250.00
Gross airline food - $12.00
Surprising my BFF - Priceless!
We decided to go to Cheesecake to celebrate a new baby coming, friends and family but mostly because we were all just hungry. Meghan is as calm as can be... Chelsee on the other hand is running around making sure the machines are all working. Currently the machine is beeping for some unknown reason. Chelsee is sitting here saying..."Make it stop!"

Mom and Dad to be on the eve of there little baby boy coming...

Sitting in our B&B room (so cute) and visiting until midnight. It is great to laugh and catch up.

Norton Women's Pavilion

The parking lot was full so we had to park on the top! This is the entrance to the hospital.

Getting closer...

Meghan and Bryce are in room #5

Meghan was fast asleep...until Chelsee took this picture and woke her up.

Bryce is not doing school work though that would be assumed. He is busy talking to all the friends and family that are anxiously awaiting Dax's entrance.

Picture of Mom and babies heart rate. Looks like Meghan doesn't have one?

Taking lots of pictures.

Dax's first bed.

Playing cards on Meghan's belly.
They just came and upped the dose of pitocin. This little guy is not getting the hint. No pain yet... Almost time for lunch...Meghan gets ice chips...yummy!

More coming...

OK, it was only one minute later that a doctor came in and broke Meghan's water so it begins. The contractions are coming quickly. She doesn't feel much pain yet. It is 12:25 pm.

12:55pm: The contractions are coming every 45-60 seconds. She is trying to relax and breathe through them so the only sound in this room are my keys on this board. Bryce is sitting with her and helping her through the contractions. I am reminded of the amazing bond that occurs between a man and a woman when they bring a child into the world. Meghan is being strong, as always and Bryce is being sweet and attentive...and on the concerned side.
another update coming soon.

2:11pm- Meghan just had the epidural. She is feeling great! Thank heavens for modern medicine! We are just talking and laughing, things are going great here in room #5!

3:30pm - She is sleeping peacefully. She is dilated to a 4 1/2 and the nurse informed us that she will probably take a while before delivery. Live from 5...

5:00pm - hanging in there. She has not been checked yet so we are not sure where she is at. It is past due so hoping for a better update soon...

6:15pm - She was checked 15 minutes ago and was only at a 5 so...Dax is settled in for a little longer I think. She is sleeping which is great. I imagine this will be a late night delivery! We'll be back in another 30 or so...

7:00pm - good news! Meghan just threw up! I don't know if that is good news except that it meant closer to delivery for my daughter in law Lael!? She is now eating ice chips. Her only challenge is that she is a bit numb and bending to reach the trash can Bryce grabbed for her was a bit challenge but not to worry. It was fast and close enough. Chelsee disappeared and reappeared to announce that she thought leaving was better so there weren't two people throwing up. She is so thoughtful.

10:50pm- WE ARE PUSHING! Well when I say "we" I mean Meghan...Dr. Walsh (the obgyn) said it could be an hour or so of pushing before he gets here. We have a countdown! She is doing great, though she has thrown up 5 times total now. I think the next update will be with pictures of baby Dax!

11:40pm-Still pushing...what a trooper! We did see his head though, he has dark black hair!

12:25am- Meg has been pushing for 2 hours now and Dr. Walsh has decided that since Dax is so big and he has not made much progress that a C-section is in both Meghan and Dax's best interest. Meghan is brave and is okay with the decision. She and Bryce will be heading into delivery soon. Updates to follow. If you are still reading this, say a prayer for her and Dax. We all will be here in room #5.

1:00 am - OK, we packed up the room and are officially homeless. It will take an hour before we see Mom, Dad and baby Dax. They are both at peace. I think Megs is relieved. She is soooo tired! I asked the Dr. about the current opinion on C-sections. She said she may have to have them for future deliveries but not always. Dax is just to big. She also said that it would not limit the number of children they could have. That is usually a concern. Bryce was able to take his camera with him and will be able to take pictures after things settle down. It will be late but we will post what we can before we head back to our hotel and a few hours of sleep. Chelsee and I are planning on cooking tomorrow and putting meals in the freezer. Stephanie (Megs BFF in Kentucky) assured me that the ward will take good care of them in light of the longer recovery. See you in an hour.

2:00am- Are you still there? Dax Nielson is officially here! Dax's proud Dad just came to the waiting room to announce to Me, Chelsee, and Meghan's other BFF Stephanie that he is here safe and sound. Pictures coming soon!! Congrats Meghan and Bryce! We love you!!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Sea Cucumber anyone?





The people here have been so kind. OK, so maybe not the taxi cab drivers. I learned that though their voice inflections are severe...and a bit raised...that is just the way they communicate. They could be proclaiming there undying love to someone and sound like they wanted to punch them in the nose. This was something I had to get use to. We did get to experience more of the food eaten by the locals.It is always a bit risky. I was able to get through almost every meal without too much anxiety. Bob on the other hand had a business dinner that defied all logic. This particular blog is not for those with tender stomachs...so ye be warned! The picture of Bob and I is at a restaurant used by the locals. The black things were fungus. Yes, I just kept telling myself..."it's a mushroom". It didn't help.Bob had the opportunity to be served a "sea cucumber" at a business dinner (no I was not there). He asked if it was a vegetable and much to his dismay his host said...No...it's a worm. They mine it from the bottom of the ocean and it is a rare delicacy. They take out all the insides, make it into a chunky gravy and serve the flesh of the worm, whole, on top. Hmmm...yummy. The picture that looks like a cucumber...yes that is what they served him and no he did not eat it...well one small tiny bite just to be polite.
As always it is good to be back home. I could not blog while in Beijing cyberspace so here it is ... a bit late and forgetting something I'm sure.
My next blog will be about fish you catch from the "top" of the ocean like salmon...
Loves...

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

I love you Dad...

Today was my fathers 80th birthday. Those of us that live here in Arizona, came to celebrate it with him. Cathy, Barry and Christina were there as well as Brad, Lael and kids and Chelsee and
Ben. Mom wanted to make sure to mark the event with family, pictures and of course his favorite dessert...Cherry Cheesecake. Now that he seemed to remember! My Dad is in the final stages of Alzheimers and this disease is nothing like what they show in the movies. His words are gone except on a few rare moments when he can respond with a correct yes or no. Even then, I think we just get lucky. For me, the best moment is always when I come to visit and he looks at me and in just a few seconds begins to smile. This is always followed by a warm hug and a kiss. His brain cannot remember my name or that I am his daughter but his heart remembers...I am certain of it.
So with my blessing of memory I would like to share with you who my father was to me. He was big and strong and always carried me to my bed when I had fallen asleep in the car after we had all gone to the drive-in movies in Emmett Idaho. I was always just awake enough to be aware that he was doing this for me. It still warms my heart to think about it. He was handsome. I was always proud of the way my Dad took care of himself. He struggled to provide but never stopped trying and Mom always made it stretch enough. My mom use to say that a woman can shovel more out the back door with a spoon than a man can bring in the front door with a shovel. Mom was always careful with her spoon. My Dad loved me and I knew it. I use to think that Dad called me specifically everyday to tell me he loved me. Now I realize I probably just answered the phone a lot. But it made a difference in my self image. Fathers have no idea the influence they can have on their daughters self worth. If she feels loved and accepted by him, they will not go try to find approval in the wrong place with the wrong boy. His greatest lesson to me was love. Dad and I chose different religious paths. Regardless of that difference he never discouraged me from my activity in mine. It was not until I was in my adult years and a parent myself, that I realized what his actions meant. He loved me enough to let me choose, regardless of our difference. That took a lot of unconditional love and I will always be grateful for his example and tolerance.
So Dad, here's to you and our memories of the heart.
I love you
Christi

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

When life gives you berries...













This is a family vacation with the Cheneys in Cascade Idaho. We picked berries...


It has been some time since I have written. In my efforts to be productive after Annie left, I out did myself. The cobwebs and dust have been flying as I immerse myself into all kinds of memorizing. Not only am learning Spanish but am serving as an Ordinance Worker in the Mesa Temple. I'm certain that the temple will be a peaceful sanctuary again someday but for now there is so much to learn! As for my Spanish...I can ask you your name, where you live, numbers, how to ask for and tell time and all about the verb "ser". This is going to take a long time!
It feels like peace and turmoil are at odds more often lately. Current economic and personal challenges have a domino effect and it seems to be touching everyone. So everyday I remind myself that I am equal to the challenges, allowing my faith to dominate my fear and worry. This reminder is my gift to my family and to myself. Living by true principles allows me to act and not be acted upon.
We had some time with our family at the ranch for Labor Day weekend. I planted blackberries three years ago and have had almost no harvest. Much to my delight on Saturday morning my son asked me if the berries were edible... I thought "berries?" Do I have berries? Silly Brad, I plant everything knowing Cole will try to eat it! So I had great fun harvesting the ripe berries with my grandkids. Most wanted to pick them but did not want to step into the dirt and get their feet dirty...who are these kids?

My prayers to all those who struggle with what tomorrow may bring... Remind yourself of what you simply can't lose and then all the rest just doesn't matter.

I am reminded of a saying I learned from a branch member:
Caras vemos, corazones no sabamos! (We can see your face but cannot know your heart) It reminds me of the verse in a hymn - "In the quiet heart is hidden sorrows that the eye can't see". May you have strength against this day...and tomorrow too.

Mucho Amor...Christi/Mom/Grandma/Friend

Sunday, August 9, 2009

"Strength against the day"



Kendra and Nathan came to visit us here in Arizona several weeks ago.   Every moment can hold a moment of inspiration if we are open to it.  Mine was one morning at breakfast.  Kendra and Nathan made breakfast because I am such a good hostess?!  We sat down and I had Nathan offer a blessing on the food.  He was doing all the work that morning apparently....I hope I did the dishes at least.  It was a just a few words buried in the prayer that caught my attention and my heart.  He asked that the food "give us strength against the day".  He didn't say "for" the day.  He said "against" the day.  That's different.  I have given this much thought since. This earthly experience was never meant to be easy...each day requires some strength to get through it.  It feels like an emotional friction.  
Where is my source of strength?  
  • Loving my grandchild
  • Laughing with my husband
  • Holding my daughters hand when we are walking
  • Going to the temple with Lael and Chelsee
  • Time with God
  • Music
  • A clean home
  • A chance to help
  • Faithful observances
  • Faithful friends
  • Faithful family
  • My sister
  • Lunch with my daughters
  • Convincing Wesley and Cole that Grandmas kisses are "precious" not "pooky".
  • Fall in my gardens
  • When my son teaches
My greatest hope is that I not rob anyone "strength against the day" with words that I may say but that they leave feeling encouraged and ready to fight the friction around them...  

Thanks Nathan for inspiring me with your prayer. 

Much love to all that reads this...

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Stepping into the darkness one foot at a time...


Sometimes I think I think to much.  As I gather up the courage for this next season I rarely here from older women the struggle I seem to be going through.  My greatest fear is that I will become obsolete.  As your children become adults they begin to make decisions separate from the council of Mom and Dad.  It's is the greatest blessing of a parent to see your children independent of you and making decisions...good and bad.  It's how we learn.  So after anguishing through many trains of thought I finally realized I was simply stalling.  For all the times I have told my kids to have couarage, do the hard things, keep progressing, I was not listening to my own council.  So two days ago I called Mesa Community College.  It was just a phone call.  I was not committing to anything.  I talked to a very nice man that informed me that taking a spanish class would require that I take the Placement Test!  OK, so forget the whole thing.  I haven't taken a test in 30+ years and even then I was not very good at it.  I realize that they just want to determine what level of skill I was at in reading, english and math, I did not want to expose myself to possible humiliation.  The last test was at 5:00.  I had time to make it.  I don't know what forced got me in that car but I found myself driving to the school.  The entire time I challenged myself if this was the right thing to do.  I was struggling to find the testing center when a man came up to me and asked if I needed help.  To my surprise it was the encouraging man on the phone just several hours before.  My first tender mercy.  He calmed my fears all the way to the testing center.  I find myself in a room full of 20 year olds...again the doubts come but I was stuck in that room rather I liked it or not.  I took the test and found that my english was above average, I tested out of reading and I bombed math.  No surprises there.  OK, now I have done the hard thing, I can go home and feel good about my step into the darkness.  Not sure I want to commit to the next step of signing up for a class yet.  
The following morning Monica Reyna came to visit teach me and the message almost took my breath away..."Seek Education and Lifelong Learning".  My step of faith just received an answer!  It was a moment of tender mercy.  It was Elder Hales comment that sealed my heart to the idea of taking that spanish class.  Here is his council:

"A few of the basic attributes needed to become a lifelong learner are courage, faithful desire, humility, patience, curiosity, and a willingness to communicate and share the knowledge that we gain.  My dear sisters, don't ever sell yourself short as a woman or as a mother.  Do not let the world define, denigrate, or limit your feelings of lifelong learning and the values of motherhood in the home - both here mortally and in the eternal learning and benefits you give to your children and to your companion.  Lifelong learning is essential to the vitality of the human mind, body, and soul.  It enhances self-worth and self-actuation.  Lifelong learning is invigorating mentally and is a great defense against aging, depression, and self-doubt."

I got in my car and drove to MCC and signed up for Spanish 101, T,Th from 1-3.  

I am very nervous but it is my turn to do for myself what I have helped everyone else around me do.  I have been the wind beneath everyones wings...it is time for me to be the bird.  Wish me luck!