Busy days...

This last little while has been pretty busy. Darlene had surgery on Sept. 11 to remove some cancer. The surgery was successful, she will still need to have chemo and radiation. Mom and I went down and sat with Terri, Earl and Darlene all day that day. I've never heard Earl talk so much in my life, he was nervous, and it kept him going. Right down to him asking, "Where do you suggest buying furniture? I guess it depends on what you're looking for. There's this place..." He just kept going without taking a breath. It was pretty funny, and as soon as we knew that the surgery went well, he was as silent as a mouse. Darlene coming out of it kept us all entertained, and Collin said that we probably were able to get a glimpse of what she'll be like, when she's at Grandma's state and in Apple Village.

Mom and I threw a "coming out" party for Adelynn, instead of a shower, that everyone got to come to last saturday. So, all week long we were preparing for that. Before that party, Darlene and Earl celebrated their 50th anniversary. Terri threw a party, but then ended up in the hospital from Tuesday to a few hours before the party. I went down early and dropped off the chinese chicken salad, and cleaned Grandma's house, so Darlene didn't have to, and then came home, because Ford had a performance with the singing group he's in. He was absolutely darling! I'll post pictures at the end of this post.

Then, we went to the party. It was fun to see everyone. It was weird having a party at Grandma's house, and have her not there. I'm not going to lie, I teared up. It was great that all of Darlene's kids, kids-in-law, and grandkids were able to be there. It's rare that EVERYONE comes, so that was nice. It was a neat party!

We got home really late, but had to finish as much as we could that night. So, I didn't go to bed until 2 something, and woke up at 7 to go to a practice for Standards' Night, and then get ready for the party. We had a really fun time, and everyone loved Adelynn. Everyone, but Gracie, who was very jealous if her mom or grandma touched Adelynn, as long as they weren't touching her, she was fine. So funny! We had great food and great company. Thanks to everyone who came!

Sunday was Grandma JaNae's birthday, and we went down after church for a party in American Fork. It was really fun! The kids were darling, and it was great talking to everybody. The little girls all line danced to some Hannah Montana song, and then Mandi started playing other line dancing songs, and we danced to that. It was hilarious! I couldn't believe Grandma was okay with us all dancing in her family room and having the music up loud. What a funny thing!

On the way home we were laughing about it, and then Mom got a phone call from Darlene that stopped that mood immediately. Russ, Terri's husband, passed away that night. I'm really glad that he came to the party on Friday and that we were all able to talk to him. My heart goes out to them, especially to Miss Erikka. I know what it's like to lose a dad, and I was glad I was able to be with her for a while yesterday, so she could ask questions, and we could just talk. It's so unreal, that he was here, and now he's not, in so short a time.

Well, that's what I've been up to in the last couple of weeks since my last post.

I have an addiction I need to admit! I love Jane Austen novels. I've written before about how I love Pride & Prejudice. I love to read it, I love to watch it. I often remind myself of Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail, when she's talking about not knowing who is more prideful, Elizabeth or Mr. Darcy, or can't wait to find out what's going to happen next. I have to say, I've read all of her books a few times. A while back I found a book with a compilation of all of her novels and some short stories on some clearance rack and bought it for $14.97, hard back! I was so stoked! So, in the last couple of weeks I've read Sense and Sensibility and now I'm on the last page of Pride & Prejudice. I can hardly stand that it's over. I love Mr. Darcy! I know everybody loves Mr. Darcy, but I find myself reading his monologues over and over again just loving him. So, there you go, I've confessed! Now on to Mansfield Park!

Today was pretty much a fantastic day! It was jam packed, super crazy, but really nice! There was a baptism at 1:00 of this guy that married one of Mom's laurels. It's neat to see the changes that take place in everyone's life. I was thinking that maybe the entire reason for their little girl to come into this world, the way she did, was to bring him to the gospel. The spirit was very strong there. He had tons of supporters! It was so great to see all of these people that love him and their family step in and show their love and support. There was only standing room in the relief society room, where the font is. These little girls sang a song, that I totally wished I could remember, but I can't, but it was beautiful! I've never heard two voices blend so well, and I've heard millions of people singing! His mom-in-law gave a talk about the Holy Ghost. Once we're baptized members of the church, we take on the name of Jesus Christ. When we are confirmed we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost. We have the Holy Ghost with us constantly, if we live the way we should and keep our covenants. She said it this way, "We're not lucky enough to be living on the earth WITH Jesus Christ, but because of that HE has given us the Holy Ghost, which is HIS way of walking with us through everything." Through the ups and the downs, the joys and the sorrows, the Holy Ghost is with us, to comfort us. Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. He's our elder brother. The Holy Ghost is the Comforter. He does just that, comforts us.

After the baptism, I played the piano for a practice for a play that a few of the youth in our stake are doing for "Standards Night." Then I went to the temple and did some work there. What a wonderful day!