My Personal Realization

I have come to realize that I do not have any close friends. Well, I have one who I've been a friend with since childhood, but even we don't communicate much anymore. I haven't always been like this. I used to be very social and had a few good friends that I would see regularly. We would hang out and let the kids play or we would pile all the children in one house with a sitter and go out as a group. It was fun and kept me in touch with the world. I don't know. Maybe marriage changed me. Maybe I just got too caught up in my life to realize that nobody was sticking around anymore. Or perhaps I just let those relationships fall. I don't know. Don't get me wrong-I still do stuff. I go out to parties occasionally or meet a friend for lunch-things like that. But I don't have anyone who I can trust to come rescue me when I'm overwhelmed with life. Sometimes a phone call just isn't enough. Sometimes I need to get out of the house, away from the kids and husband, and just hang out with somebody.

For 2009, I think I will start nurturing the relationships I have formed. I will follow up with those who I occasionally talk with and I will invite more people into my life. I will reestablish those bonds that have been dissolved and reconnect with old friends. I will be more social. So for those reading this, be prepared for some overwhelming love from me in the near future. But please, please help me out here too. I've secluded my self for quite a while now and it may be a struggle breaking away from it! In May, I want to celebrate my 30th birthday with real friends. With good friends!

Salvador Marco Díaz Becerra

So my life has been a little unusual lately. Last Sunday, Dec. 7th, my father-in-law passed away from a heart attack. This obviously caught us by surprise and I watched as my husband got the call from his brother. I knew right away what happened. It's a weird feeling to see somebody you love hurting so much, especially when you can relate. I lost my mother several years ago and know how difficult it is, especially at our age. My husband and I are still in our 20's and in no way should loose a parent yet. But life happens and you have to learn from it.

My husband is very family oriented and has always stayed in close contact with his parents. He immediately started looking at flights and by 4:00 am, was on his way to the airport to fly to Peru. Yes, for those who don't know, my husband is from South America. He was born and raised in Lima, Perú, but has lived here for over four years now. His father, Salvador, was able to travel here this last summer for the first time since Sandro & I have been married. He met his new grandchildren and had a wonderful time with them. He tutored my older son in math and helped my daughter with her new baby doll. He spoke with my youngest son and felt joy in being able to communicate with him. Our youngest is the only one who knows Spanish, as my husband has spoken to him in his native language since birth. Their abuelito does not speak any English, so to be able to communicate with one of our children is a gift to him.



I am grateful for this man. He raised a wonderful son who brings so much happiness to my family. He taught him to be strong, to have goals, to want success, to love endlessly, to live the moment, to desire more, to apprecciate family. Thank you.

Green With Envy

My sister-in-law danced with Edward. Yes, Edward Cullen. I am so jealous. She freaking danced with Edward Cullen! Did you hear me?!

The Moody Blues

I won tickets off the radio this morning to see this band in concert next week. One problem though. I don't know who they are. I recognize two of their songs and that's it. TWO. So help me out fellow bloggers. What songs are they famous for???

A Christmas Poem

*Twas the month before Christmas*
*When all through our land,*
*Not a Christian was praying*
*Nor taking a stand.*
*See the PC Police had taken away,*
*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*
*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*
*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*
*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*
*December 25th is just a 'Holiday'.*
*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*
*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*
*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*
*Something was changing, something quite odd! *
*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*
*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*
*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*
*At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*
*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*
*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*
*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*
*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*
*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*
*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!*
*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*
*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*
*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*
*Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*
*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*
*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*
*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*
*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*
*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*
*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS,
*Not Happy Holiday!*

Getting to Know my Family

I want to start blogging about my siblings and in-laws. To start this off, I chose to talk about Mindy.

Mindy is my oldest sister. Since there is about a 12 year gap between us, I didn't grow up with her much. I remember visiting her at BYU and her wedding, but other than that, I don't remember her living at home with me. But after she married, she would always come to visit us. I always looked forward to seeing her! I remember when she had her first baby. She sent us pictures of her in little tiny pink 'sunglasses' while she was 'tanning' under the light. She was actually jaundice, but we all laughed at how cute she looked. Mindy would always write funny little comments on the back of her pictures that would make us feel like we were right there next to her.

As I grew older, I developed a closer relationship with her. I had children and would call and talk to her about my struggles. She became a person for me to look up to. Always strong in her beliefs, both religious and personal. Always in a positive mood, at least when we spoke or saw each other.

I have always thought of Mindy as the rock of our family. She used to put together a family newsletter and have us submit articles and pictures and little things that we could share with everybody else. I looked forward to reading them when I received mine and would laugh at all the little funnies she would add. When our mother passed away, she dedicated the next newsletter to her and made sure to send one to our extended family in Utah and elsewhere.

Now that we started blogging, it has been more fun to read all the things she does or thinks or experiences or learns. I never know what to expect when I review her page, but I always leave with a good feeling. And I always learn from her. I wish we lived closer, as I know we would visit often, but I still look forward to the opportunities when I do see her.

This past summer, she came to visit and brought the whole family! It was definitely a treat to see how much her kids had grown, as I hadn't seen them since our family gathering in San Diego many years before. I grasped on to how much she loved her family and how beautiful she had made them become. She cares for them and nurtures them and I can see through them how much they enjoy being a family. Each one has their own personalities and are very different from the other, but in the end, they are a very fun and happy group of siblings.

Mindy dear, you are still my rock and I still look up to your example. Thanks for believing in me.

Top Ten Reasons I LOVE My Phone (and service)

1. Unlimited text, pics, and a large amount of minutes that comes with the package. Sprint mobile-to-mobile minutes and the typical free nights/weekends.

2. Free long distance, no roaming charges (yes, I said NO roaming charges), and lots and lots of apps to keep me occupied.

3. Sprint Navigation. Fantastic! So my husband and I went through Texas earlier this month and discoverd how totally awesome this is! With the built in GPS system, we can locate the nearest location of anything we want. We can find out the prices of local gas stations and movie times. We feel very cool with this feature. VERY cool.

4. The internet is fast and accurate! I can google, check my banking info, and email. I even have it set up so that I get emails directly to my phone, which is great because I used to check my personal email about once a MONTH!

5. Sprint TV. I can watch FULL EPISODES of Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy any time I want! Plus it's commercial free! I can watch a bunch of other stuff too, but who cares. These are the only two shows I watch regurlary. Which means that I can watch them from home Thursday night and AGAIN from my phone Friday! Super cool. Don't be hatin'.

6. Texting is super fast. Some of you may be like, "Whatever. Mine can text fast too." But you have to understand my last phone. It had a 5 second delay on it, which STINKS when trying to text. Plus I was texting off a regular number grid, not a full blown keyboard.

7. My camera and video stuff is cool too, cause I didn't have either one on my last phone either. It was like a minature dinosaur! But with this one, I can record the kids and sent it to their dad's email. They love doing this too. They showed off their rooms and told him about all the cool things they like to do. It was neat.

8. It's a red Blackberry Curve. I love red. Red is my all-time favorite color. When I moved into my house, it was awesome because my sister (who owned the house before us) had painted the kitchen red. And with our new appliances now, it is totally rockin'. Really.

9. I can listen to music or watch music videos while I'm downstairs in the warehouse at work. I have to send out literature sometimes, and it gets really boring down there in the room all alone. I even watch tv while I'm down there packing it all up. Super cool feature.

10. The calculator is so easy! It consists of using the qwerty board as a full calculator pad. Maybe it's like that on all qwerty phones, but it's new to me. I love it!

So now anybody can call me on it and it won't break the bank for me! Seriously, I love that! Unlimited text, pics, free long distance, no roaming charges, navigation, humongous minute allowance, internet access, cable tv, satellite radio-all mine. Well, mine and his. Plus we just got our rebate check, so that makes me more in love with it. Hey, money talks for me! Later hater!

From the Mouth of Bebito

"Why is your shirt so dirty? Did you play in the dirt?"
"No, I wiped my boogers on it."

In reference to my loose hair strand: "Mom, look! You have a hair snake!"

When I told Bebito who Whinnie the Pooh was, he asked, "Oh, well can I call him Sham Pooh (shampoo)?"

"Mom, my hair is coming off."
"What? Why?"
"Because last morning you gave me a haircut."

Just Wondering What We Can Expect Now

Something I Read...

We are sitting at lunch one day when my daughter casually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of "starting a family."

"We're taking a survey," she says half-joking. "Do you think I should have a baby?"

"It will change your life," I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral.

"I know," she says, "no more sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous vacations."


But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my daughter, trying to decide what to tell her. I want her to know what she will never learn in childbirth classes.

I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing will heal, but becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will forever be vulnerable.

I consider warning her that she will never again read a newspaper without asking, "What if that had been MY child?"

That every plane crash, every house fire will haunt her. That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die.

I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub. That an urgent call of "Mom!" will cause her to drop a soufflé or her best crystal without a moments hesitation.

I feel that I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed by motherhood. She might arrange for childcare, but one day she will be going into an important business meeting and she will think of her baby's sweet smell. She will have to use every ounce of discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure her baby is all right.

I want my daughter to know that every day decisions will no longer be routine. That a five year old boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the women's at McDonald's will become a major dilemma. That right there, in the midst of clattering trays and screaming children, issues of independence and gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child molester may be lurking in that restroom.

However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constantly as a mother.

Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself.

That her life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child. That she would give herself up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years, not to accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her child accomplish theirs. I want her to know that a cesarean scar or shiny
stretch marks will become badges of honor. My daughter's relationship with her husband will change, but not in the way she thinks.

I wish she could understand how much more you can love a man who is careful to powder the baby or who never hesitates to play with his child. I think she should know that she will fall in love with him again for reasons she would now find very unromantic.

I wish my daughter could sense the bond she will feel with women throughout history who have tried to stop war, prejudice and drunk driving.

I want to describe to my daughter the exhilaration of seeing your child learn to ride a bike. I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog or cat for the first time. I want her to taste the joy that is so
real it actually hurts.

My daughter's quizzical look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes. "You 'll never regret it," I finally say. Then I reached across the table, squeezed my daughter's hand and offered a silent prayer for her, and for me, and for all the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this most wonderful of callings.

Yes, Today IS the Day!

DID YOU?

Yes, I stood in line first thing this morning and did it! I got the kids up early, dropped them off at the daycare about 15 minutes earlier than normal, and proceeded to my polling place. When I got there at 7:10, the line was already out the door and wrapped around the parking lot. 10 minutes after it opened! I sent a text to my sister to tell her where I was and how long the line was and that I was leaving so I wouldn't be late for work. So silly me, I got out of line, hopped into my car, called my boss back to tell him I was NOT voting yet and was on my way. Ugh. Then my sister texts back that I have 2 hours, by Oklahoma law, to be able to vote. Hmm...U-turn...back in line. Only in the brief time it took to knock some sense into me, about 25 other people got in line. Oh well. So for another hour, I stood in line with half-frozen fingertips and waited. Once it got to my turn, my name was NOT on the registry log. But don't panic. You see, I had just voted in the primary elections, so I already knew what to do...as I had the same problem then, but with a much, much shorter wait. My name was still registered as my previous name and I was still voting at my old polling post. So yes, I did get to vote and it was fantastic! I love voting! It was a refreshing feeling when I left that place, proudly showing off my new sticker! So hey, if you're reading this and haven't cast your vote yet, get up and do it!!!

Motivational Note of the Day

No one may know what you are going through right now. No one may know how many times you continued to get up even when you didn't have the strength. No one may know how many times you said "no" to the enemy of temptation, suicide or addiction. Maybe no one heard you speak up to your bill collector or when you were disrespected by a family member, friend or co-worker. No one may know how many times you have prayed for help just for the hour. So often your bravest faith-walking times will happen without a witness. You will experience private moments of victory without applause, points, a hug or a pat on the back. But God sees you and hears you. You are growing everyday in courage, action and faith. Acknowledge your progress and walk through your valley of fear confident with the whole armor of God, the belt of truth, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit What does it mean to endure? --- To carry on through with faith and courage despite hardships, to make the best of a tough situation, to bear, cope with, to live through, press on, to persevere, to stick on, to suffer, to go on, to breathe, to prevail, live through, persist, pull through, ride out, survive, weather the storm, withstand and "grow" to the other side of your circumstances. There's a definite relationship between optimism and faith. Faith provides an enormous sense of hope, an assurance that even if things aren't going well, there is a pathway through the darkness. Things will get better. In order to get from what was, to what will be --- you have to go through what is. If you believe you can make it through this --- you will. If you believe you can't make it --- you won't.

~ Jewel Diamond Taylor

A Little Jingle to Get you in the Mood

*'Twas the night before elections*
*And all through the town*
*Tempers were flaring*
*Emotions all up and down!*

*I, in my bathrobe*
*With a dog in my lap*
*Had cut off the TV*
*Tired of political crap.*

*When all of a sudden*
*There arose such a noise*
*I peered out of my window*
*And saw Obama and his boys*

*They had come for my wallet*
*They wanted my pay*
*To give it to the others*
*Who had not worked a day!*

*He snatched up my money*
*And quick as a flash*
*Jumped back on his bandwagon*
*With all of my stash*

*He then rallied his henchmen*
*Who were pulling his cart*
*I could tell they were out*
*To tear my country apart!*

*'On Fannie, on Freddie, *
*On Biden and Ayers!*
*On Acorn, On Pelosi'*
*He screamed at the pairs!*

*They took off for his cause*
*And as he flew out of sight*
*I heard him laugh at the nation*
*That wouldn't stand up and fight!*

*So I leave you to think*
*On this one final note-*
*IF YOU DON'T WANT SOCIALISM*
*GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!*

Mother Dear

I think the greatest thing I miss most about my mother is not being able to spend time with her. I'm at a point (and age) in my life now where I would really enjoy her company. Of course I always have enjoyed it, but what I mean is that it would be fun to call her up and take her out to lunch or something like that. I am also married to a man who had never met her. He has always told me that if she were still alive, he would welcome her to live in our home. I think they would have gotten along very well. I would like her to have seen me happy with somebody that cares for me this much. I would like her to have met my little boy too. I don't think he understands about "Grandma Cookie" the way his brother and sister do. He just likes the name! So what can I do as a tribute to my mother on her birthday? Well, just like any person would, I'll make a list of all the great things about her!

*My mother made friends with everybody
*My mother sacrificed for her children
*My mother loved our Heavenly Father
*My mother showed never-ending mercy to her children
*My mother was a great leader
*My mother knew the scriptures and read them many, many times
*My mother loved me and proved it every day
*My mother had nine children and took in three more
*My mother knew the meaning of unconditional love
*My mother was fun and a little nerdy sometimes
*My mother was realistic
*My mother became my best friend
*My mother forgave many, many times
*My mother spoiled her grandchildren
*My mother lived as a daughter of God
*My mother loved to fish
*My mother cooked one mouthwatering Thanksgiving dinner
*My mother baked the best lemon meringue pies
*My mother taught me how to be a mother
*My mother was very affectionate
*My mother left behind a great legacy
*My mother loved to sit and talk
*My mother was a good comforter
*My mother became my role model
*My mother is missed dearly and thought of often

Happy Birthday Mother

Elizabeth feels...

Elizabeth "Feels So Good".
Elizabeth feels right at home in the mission house.
Elizabeth feels the weakness of her own voice in comparison with that of the black people.
Elizabeth feels she doesn't have a life like others who have a secure roof over their heads.
Elizabeth feels John's (insert Sandro's name here) thigh separate hers and press against her.
Elizabeth feels she deserves more public attention.
Elizabeth feels that she has been lured to Africa to be chastened and chastised.
Elizabeth wants to fight.
Elizabeth wants Jack (Sandro), but is afraid to tell him.
Elizabeth wants May-September romance.
Elizabeth wants everyone to know that neither is she.
Elizabeth wants records returned from Deseret News.
Elizabeth wishes she was out climbing trees.
Elizabeth wishes to discuss cancer.
Elizabeth wishes there was some way they could be together.
Elizabeth wishes to rid England of "papists".
Elizabeth admits to Oprah that she could tell by the look on the medical technician's face that the news wasn't good.

So tell me, what do you feel, want, or wish, etc?

New Addictions

Mine
His

They have sattelite tv.
And sattelite music.
And awesome internet.
And a cool camera.
And free texting.
And they are so much fun.
Enough said.

My New Favorite Room

Before & After

BEFORE
Look at the floor in the background.

and the backsplash

AFTER
This is my floor now.

This is the first attempt at our backsplash.

This is what it looks like now. A BIG improvement.




I had them arrange the inserts differently so that they weren't hidden under outlets or cut at weird places. This way they are displayed better and a curved border is places around the edges. The tiles are placed evenly and it finally looks complete. Now to move on to the next phase...

Polka Dots!

I love the storage under this bed.








These are plastic see through stickers that attach easily to the walls.



This is the extra piece I found when I went to pick up the bed. It matches perfect!

All the kids seem to hang out on this rug now. It is very comfortable and soft.

I think she is pleased, don't you

Make Over 101

Ahh, it feels good to relax. Ok, so I haven't relaxed much, but my life is starting to unwind now. My brother has moved back to his home, my father is here visiting and helping my brother get situated and ready for his move, and my home is getting a nice little face lift. "What" you ask me? Oops...I spilled the beans. You'll just have to wait a little longer to find out about the face lift. Let's just say that the new tile has inspired us to do a bit more in that room. Pictures to come. Promise.

I totally redid my daughter's bedroom this weekend. The walls are repainted in their fun pink shade, but with a slightly glossier tint to keep them clean. The main wall is painted purple-with paint I got at half price off the 'oops' shelf. This mis-tinted can is actually what inspired me to finally get it done. She downgraded from a queen bed to a twin captains bed, which has drawers underneath to keep her from shoving everything underneath it when she cleans. I got this bed and frame from the clearance room at Mathis Brothers (my all time favorite furniture store). When I went to pick it up the next day, they had a new piece in the room that I fell in love with. It is actually the end piece to a loft bed, but it has shelves and drawers and is white with drawer covers that interchange to four different colors! So I of course had to buy it too and make it fit into her decor. I'm all about the clearance stuff. I actually went back again after finishing her room to see if anything else had been added. Her bed set is discontinued and should be making itself to the clearance room any time and I would LOVE to get the matching nightstand or mirror/vanity or desk for her. Anyway, I detoured there. Her room also has a new bed set from Target-the purple children's quilt with polka dots and dangling fur balls. So cute. I also polka dotted her walls. Yup, I sure did. Oh, and I found a furry purple rug to pull the room together. I'll just have to take a picture tonight and show you. She is in love (and secretly I am jealous that I can't sleep in there).

Top Ten Reason's Why Elizabeth Needs To Go On A Cruise

In case you were wondering if I fell off the face of the earth or ran away to Timbuktu or was hiding out under my desk, rest assured that I am here. And although I would LOVE to do the above for a while, I won't. Instead, I will carry on with my crazy little life for a bit longer.

Let's review what is going on with me, as we could all use a little pity party from time to time.

1. My oldest brother spent an entire month in ICU.
2. I was put in charge of updating my entire family/relatives/friends, etc on a regular basis. Even when I sent my regular emails, I had people calling me for updates-just in case something changed overnight or on my way to work.
3. I was put in charge of getting his house organized for him, which I totally failed doing because once I dropped the ball on this one, nobody else offered to pick it up for me.
4. I brought him to my home, unexpectedly, when he was discharged. We were unprepared for him to be leaving so soon and to be staying at our home. I know, you laugh at the idea of a month being too soon, but for us it was still too soon. He will agree as well.
5. I am now taking care of my oldest brother, while still continuing to work full time, mother three children (two of which have homework and school things to add into the mix now), be a loving wife, and cook and clean a lot more than usual.
6. I am in charge of contacting various doctors, caretakers, etc. for my brother, making sure the things the discharging doctor did NOT do are getting done, and updating the various institutions with his new insurance information.
7. Keeping my brother from trying to move into his home again before he is ready because he is dying from boredom and grasping the concept that he just lost an entire month of his life. Helping him to also understand how difficult it will be on us if he were to pick up any of his previous habits now that his body has completely detoxed from everything. Helping him understand that this is the best opportunity that he will ever have to start a fresh life.
8. Pay his bills, insure his car, take him grocery shopping, fill out various forms, clean up his room, spend my evenings planning out what else needs to be taken care of, sorting through his mail, deciding how to sort the funds according to priority, trying to stay sane while trying to do the same with my own bills.
9. Get caught up on two months worth of filing at work, since all of the above consumes my life and I have to use my free time at work to contact the various doctors, family members, and caretakers while responding to various emails and keeping up on the overflow of every day work.
10. Doing most of the above while at work, thus making it almost impossible to get the maximum raise when the time arises. Although I have a wonderful boss who understands my situation, it still effects my job performance more than usual, keeps me from getting the overtime I usually get and has caused me to use all of my vacation time from the various 1/2 days I've taken off here and there during and after his stay.

I think that's everything. Let's just say that it would be nice to have a moment to breath without having all the unorganized thoughts flowing throughout my head at the same time. Thanks for listening.

Easy as 1, 2, 3!

Oh, I'm so proud of myself! I finally figured out how to change my background without using the silly generic templates!!! Oh, I just love it! I even spent all day at work making a new header to match my page! Wow, I am sooooo productive!

Oh, How I LOVE Ceramic Tiles!

Sigh...yea, that's mine.

I also made my dining room into an actual dining room!!!


Well, dining room/TV room.

Actually, the back splash is being redone as soon as the installers get more ordered, but that will be covered in detail another time. Next project, new appliances!

Robert E. Nacey (my grandfather)

Robert E. Nacey "Bob" Our beloved father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Robert E. Nacey, passed away quietly at home July 19 surrounded by those he loved. He fought a valiant and courageous battle with cancer.He was born Dec. 20, 1925 to Elmer and Verda Osborne Nacey. After proudly serving in the US Navy in World War II and attending the U, he met and married his sweetheart and soul mate Barbara Maxwell in 1950. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in 1961. They became parents to nine children, six sons and three daughters. Dad's life priorities became God first, his family second, and even though he was a very diverse multi-state businessman, in the city or not, his cattle ranch in the Northern Black Hills became his third love and priority. Although city-bred, he was a true cowboy at heart, most comfortable on a saddle with his dog Essex beside him and working alongside his boys. He left part of his heart on that ranch when it was time to come home. Dad was a man who could juggle his businesses with family time. He owned/operated nursing homes for 20 years, flying his own plane to commute between them, and then on up to Bear Lake where he was a long-time owner/operator of Lakota Resort. The family spent many, many hours traveling in motor homes, campers, trailers all over the U.S., Mexico and Canada; and once was named the "Boating Family" by the Salt Lake Tribune. Dad was never afraid to try a new business venture, and never failed to have an intelligent answer to any question. Church callings included ward bishopric, stake high council, and veil worker in the Salt Lake Temple. They also fulfilled a Stake mission in New York State. Through these he found he had an exceptional gift for public speaking. He is survived by the love of his life, Barbara; Beverly Breen (sister), Don (brother); children: James (Connie), David (Margaret), Robin (Jody), Patrick, Michael, Shannon Pugmire (Kent), Shaun (Marla), Erin Nacey-Smith (Jared); 36 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents and his oldest daughter, Janet (Cookie). Viewing will be held Fri., July 25, 2008 from 6-8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Chapel, 4760 S. State St. Funeral services will be held Sat., July 26, 11 a.m. at the Heughs Canyon Ward, 6301 S. 2300 E. A viewing will also be held from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mausoleum, 2350 E. 1300 S. A very special thank you to the "angels" at Utah Hospice.

My oldest brother Roger is in the ICU with sepsis. He found a tick in his armpit July 7th and eight days later he called me to tell me that if he didn't go to the doctor, he knew this was his last day. I left work and when I arrived at his home, he was very dizzy and incoherent. It was difficult to carry on a small conversation with him. I took him directly to the ER and he was admitted with Phenomena. After being transferred to the main hospital, they changed his diagnosis and told us that he had a 50% chance of surviving through the night. Each day has presented a new challenge, but after one week, he is still surviving and slowly getting better. It has been a struggle and emotionally exhausting, but I know that some very positive results will come out of this. His life will change drastically and I know that as a family, we will be able to help him get through this.

I was with him before he was put under sedation. I helped my brother get dressed and held his hand in the car on our way to the hospital. I smiled at him and watched his body slowly shake as we walked into the ER. I listened as he spoke to the doctor, unsure of how serious this was. The doctor asked him a series of questions and when asked who I was, my brother said, "Oh that's Betsy, my little sister. She's the one who keeps our family together." Those words have floated around in my mind all week as I stare at him, holding his paralyzed hand, whispering to him how well he is doing. I know that he feels my presence. I could barely leave his side for days, and worry when I am away from him. He is my big brother and I am so anxious for him to wake up again and see how supportive his family is and how much we want to help him.

I know that he will make it through this. Our family is strong and we are all here for him, waiting for his recovery. We have flown in from many parts of the country to ban together. We are a spiritual family and have been blessed many times by the power of prayer and fasting. We stand together once again. The priesthood is a powerful gift and I know that the blessings he has been given are divine. I feel comfort through my family and am grateful to be a part of them.

Welcome, Kelly Elizabeth

When I was first divorced, my one year old toddler and 5 month old baby and I moved into a small house with my brothers Mike and Ben. Then Mike went off and got married. Ben and I moved to an apartment and then another and then a nice duplex. Over the course of three years he helped take care of my children and later told me that he wanted custody of them if something were to happen to me. He loved them as his own and they loved him back. They developed a bond that will last forever. He helped keep me sane and comforted as I struggled through a divorce and being a single mother. He would take the baby some nights so I could sleep better. Sometimes he would even bring her little crib into his room and just lay and stare at her. He fed her, changed diapers, snuggled, and disciplined. He became a wonderful male role model for them. He was the best person to have around at that time and I have always been grateful for his willingness to take on the many roles without question or hesitation. He is the closest sibling I have both in age and in relationship. He is only 16 months older than me. We shared many friends and attended school and youth activities together. He became my best friend over the course of our lifetime.

He is now married and living in Sand Diego. Monday he became a father of his own. Kelly Elizabeth is a very luck baby. I know first hand of the qualities that Ben has as a father and the attention that this new blessing will constantly receive from him. I congratulate him in every way possible and know that he will live up to her expectations throughout her life here.







P.S. She is grandbaby #35 in our family. And I like to think that she was named after me, but his wife's twin sister is named Elizabeth too. But I still like the idea...I'm just sayin'.