Garrett & doctors

bloggers from Pluto
Ever since Garrett had tubes put in his ears and spent a few ER trips drinking charcoal powder after getting into poison, he has had an aversion to doctors.
First there was Dr. Ta from Vietnam who diagnosed him with cat scratch fever, and then dug in his ears saying "Just wooking, juuuust wooking" while Garrett
cried. Then the woman who gave him the first full exam before scout camp. He was furious at me for not informing him before hand what was going to happen during the exam. Today we went to the doctor because Garrett had a sinus infection. With the military system, you get what you get, and you don't throw a fit, and sometimes you wonder where these doctors are coming from. Anyway, back to my story, Garrett was upset about having to go to a doctor, and I was reassuring him from every angle that I could - what was going to happen (look in ears, nose, and throat) that the doctor would probably be cool, everything would be okay. Garrett and I even played a game in the exam room asking each other questions like "What's your favorite car....etc". The doctor walked in and I believe it was a doctor we had gone to before, but "he" was now a "she", and had undergone a sex change operation. She was 6'2, tall and thin, her own long blonde hair, nails done, makeup on, with very manly face, hands, and voice, but also soft and gentle and feminine in mannerism. She was very kind and I was trying so hard to concentrate on what she was saying, but I couldn't help studying her face and thinking about what she must have gone through to come to this point in her life. Garrett had a wide eyed stare and was very uncomfortable. He kept looking at me like "what is this? what do I do? " I could see his mind flashing back to Dr. Ta and all the other line of military doctors we had gone through. All the active duty marine doctors are deployed right now, so the miltary is going with civilian doctors. Where they are getting them from, I have no idea! Of all the things I tried to reassure Garrett about, this was not on the list. To her credit, she did a great job diagnosing the problem and getting us to the pharmacy. At least this time we didn't get the guy who looked at Garrett's chest and recommended plastic surgery to make his chest area smaller. It's hormones right now sir- even I know that! Any way, I have Garrett's permission to write this, and after today, I think Garrett has had some tough breaks with doctors!

Random Holiday THoughts

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ggers from Pluto
We have had these great photo ops and the camera battery is so low, it didn't work. A couple of funny things I want to remember. Today Madion's friend Kana performed a Mozart concerto with the local youth symphony, and Madison turned pages for her. It was a big deal - full auditorium and very good symphony. Madison came on the stage carrying Kana's bench and set everything up. Some people behind us said "Wow, look at her! She's the pianiast!" Then Madison sat down and the people behind us said "Dang, she's just turning the pages. Kana is ony 17 and she played the concerto flawlessly. Amazing! She's going to Boston next year to study music. It was a two hour concert - very long! This morning we were working on a talk with Livi for primary, and it was about the Book of Mormon. Becca was sitting by listening while Livi and I were talking about
Nephites, Lamanites, and other Ites. Becca said "don't forget about termites" then she said "you say Term- ites" and asked us to repeat it over a few times so we could get it. Another great time - last week we went to Historic downtown - Rhett was on the roof wrestling with the lights, so I took the girls. We started out at the libary at a paws for reading program where the kids can pick a therapy dog and sit and read a book while the dog sleeps or whatever. Becca said she wanted to have a dog that needed a good belly rub, so they assigned her to an older black lab named "Annie". Olivia got the funniest hyper bulldog named something or other. We're doing to do this every month - I've never seen the girls so excited about reading. We then walked down the main street. The Christmas parade was that same evening, so people were setting up. It was funny because all these church groups were giving out candy canes and spiritual messages, and handing out hot chocolate which burned all our tongues. Then, the most authentic Santa and his Elf came strolling down the street, followed by children and their parents following them to a bed and breakfast where Santa would talk with the children. Again - my camera out of batteries. This Santa looked like a folk singer - real gray beard - a cross between Jim Henson and Jimmy Buffett. His elf walked with a knarled wooden walking stick - he looked right out of Hobbitville. Of course we turned and followed the skipping, running, and magical line into the B&B. Becca and Livi sat on his lap, and he entranced them, taking the time to talk with each one for a few minutes. I couldn't believe how non commercialized Livi and Becca were. Livi said she wanted "crafts", and Becca said "science". Santa said, "well, science is a broad field, what kind of science". Becca was speechless, then just nodded when he said "You want to experiment with things?" Then santa leaned over to the elf and said "write that down", which the elf did with his big feathered pen. It was one of those moments that you want to remember for all time, that you just run into this kind of Christmas magic without even looking fo it! The finale was going to the old fashioned candy store and looking at the hundreds of candies in the glass jars - I think I'm going to buy a big sack and put it in all of our stockings at Christmas after Santa is finished. So that's about it. I've found another precious yard ornament to take a picture of - how bout Santa's sleigh being pulled by eight tiny pink flamingos. I'll recharge this silly camera and hopefully we'll have some pics. Talk with y'all soon.

patience is the goal

Last night the sister missionaries came over for dinner and Madison and I went with them to teach someone. Both appointments they had made and confirmed were not there, but the sisters remained totally positive and enthusiastic. One sister lives on a cattle ranch in Blackfoot, Idaho, and the other is a U of Utah grad. who was an accountant in SLC. We ate Thanksgiving leftovers and they talked about how they are working this month specifically on the attribute of "patience". I really thought about that - and decided that patience will be the thing I'll work on this month too! It's especially easy for me to get flustered with all the things that need to be done around the house, but I'm realizing that there is no such thing as "done" - so enjoy life already! Today went really well because we did jobs in the morning, and then went swimming at the YMCA as a reward. Becca & Livi were totally excited and joyful about going swimming, and Rhett was the favorite playmate. Cecily was totally relaxed in the warm water, and just had this funny look on her face of totally "zoning" out while she floated around. Something about water and babies! Some of my most happy memories with the family were when we went to Centennial pool in Longmont, and I held onto dad while he swam under water. Madison and I went out a little while on black friday, but after a few hours decided it was a really bad idea and headed home. I don't think anything is worth the lines and the crowds. My favorite time on black friday was the day after mom & Jim's wedding in Ashton when Kendi and I went out at 5 a.m. with a game plan. We were nuts and had a great time. Favorite memory from this year's Thanksgiving - seeing Rhett, Garrett, and Madison totally covered with mud from the Turkey bowl. It was raining but the people came out anyway to play. I wish I would have taken a picture!
That's abut it!

When we woke up this morning and went out to get the paper, we found that a cat had grown up in our planter during the night! We're not sure exactly why mama cat from next door loves this spot more than others, but this is her new hang out.

I like this picture of Cecily because it shows her large two front teeth with their little gap in the middle. Kind of like David Letterman. She'll be one next week! All of the family was home today! I made two pies and tried a new recipe for Coconut chocolate pecan pie from Mrs. Fields cookbook. I also made the green beans, sweet potatoes, and cheese ball today. The deli manager said the store had no Roefert cheese, but said that Gargonzola was pretty much the same. I used it and it is pretty strong. I think I like this cheese ball more than the rest of the family. Dang! As I cooked, I thought about the family and all the Thanksgiving traditions we have made together. I hope you all have a fun time tomorrow. Love to you!

Becca

We have some friends from Utah staying with us this week. Their oldest daughter is having a wedding reception here at the Stake Center, and our home is becoming "reception grand central station!" All the reception stuff and wedding dress is stranded in Wyoming with a broken down R.V. that the groom's parents were driving, so the brides family is starting from scratch, except for the dress which is being Fedexed. They have good attitudes about everything though. I might be having a little crying jag at this point. The bride's grandmother is also staying here. I was worried that she might not enjoy staying here, but she has been really helpful, playing with Cecily and helping in the kitchen. The only thing really different is Madison and Garrett are sleeping on the couch, and I am making bigger meals. Last night we all sat down and blew up pink balloons while watching "Nacho Libre". Jack Black is so fun to watch! I love the songs he makes up.
Becca lost her first tooth this week. In typical Becca fashion, she wanted to do things her way, which means the she didn't want the tooth fairy to get near the tooth. She was very upset about the whole idea, and wanted to keep her tooth. She didn't even want anything under her pillow. The tooth fairy didn't come according to Becca's wish until the second night, when we wrote a long letter explaining Becca's desires and asking if the Fairy could find it in her heart to leave the tooth and a little cash. Wish granted! I made a big mistake with Becca this week! Livi left school early to go to the dentist and I forgot to tell Becca that Livi wouldn't be riding home on the bus with her. To add to this, I forgot to walk to the stop and get Becca. Usually Livi and Becca just walk home from the stop because it's just at the corner. Becca was sure that Livi was on the bus somewhere, and that Livi had missed getting off at the stop. She made the bus driver stop the bus and look for Livi. Becca wouldn't leave the bus until she knew where Livi was. She became very upset and stood at the corner talking with the bus driver. A kind neighbor walked her home - tear stained to a very chagrined and sad mother! When she saw Livi, she ran and hugged her. What a sweetheart. I will NEVER make that mistake again.

Rednecky Photos

This yard ornament definately was a photo opportunity in my book.

This grocery store is run by wonderful folks with southern accents as thick as grits! They sell wonderful brown eggs and fresh produce.

Nascar and Confederate flags can be seen here and there. The Civil War is still an issue for

a lot of folks, and many think that the Confederacy won!

The same yard as the flag, the man posts his political views by the road from time to time. This sign is one of his tamer ones! He asked me if I have family in the military. I said my husband. He said his son is in Iraq right now. I think his motivation for serving in the military is pretty much based on the sign.

Some other favorites: On the back of car windows "Drivin in the memory of Grandma" and then liststhe dates when grandma lived. Have you ever seen these? Please feel free to post your favorite things that give your area flavor! I posted a blog before this about Becca if you want to read more! -Melecia

Dating your dad, and the trunk or treat

Rhett and Madison went on their date Saturday night - to "Pancho Villa". Madison "Dad told me to always wait for the guy to open the door for you... no matter how long it takes. For some of the guys I know, they will drive off before they even notice that I'm still by the door." Question for the family - What was your most memorable date?

I love getting ready for the trunk or treat! What a joy! I was too lazy to get a good costume this year, so I went into the mismatched sock bascket and pinned ALL the socks to my old shirt. I had some good guesses for my costume: static cling? a magnet? dirty/clean laundry? house wife? I just nodded and said "yes" to all of the above.

A little more creative and excited were the kids! From left - A secret service agent, a kitty cat with some style, Elizabeth Swan (friend to Captain Jack Spratt), a duck, and an 80's girl. Madison could not find a costume, so she searched through my closet and came upon an outfit i wore years ago. She laughed at the fact that i once wore that. Rhett was able to come home from a trip and join us near the end of the evening. Everyone looked so cute and we all got hopped up on candy.

It is so great to have older kids that help us take such good care of the younger ones. They are really great! When Rhett got home, I tried to kiss him while he was holding Cecily. Cecily was totally jealous and tried to pull my hair out by the roots and scream every time I got close to him! We played a little game with her - she was really wanting to be the total center of daddy's world, and no other woman was going to get even close! I asked Rhett if he could watch the kids a few hours on Saturday so I could get away by myself . He was very kind and said "Go - enjoy yourself!" I got in the van with a map and drove to see some fall leaves in the Shanendoah foothills and stopped by Graves Mountain Apple Orchard. The apples were already picked and in large crates - sold for $16 a bushel! There were six or seven different types of apples. Lots of people were there filling up crates - restaurant owners and staff, people from the city, people from the country. I think I went a little crazy and brought home two bushels. The day was windy, and the fall leaves were bright colors - they blew against the windshield like a confetti parade. I sang to the radio - listened to music loud - and stopped at the Plow and Hearth outlet store - found some Christmas ornaments for the kids. Came home feeling totally refreshed! Sometimes a mom just needs a little r & r. Rhett had to go to Florida today, but because of that little trip, I'm ready! Coming to tomorrow's blog - Redneck scenes. Have a wonderful day and thankyou family for being so understanding of my crazy self. I love you!

-Melecia

bloggers from Pluto

The early morning hours....
Mornings start early here. Rhett is up at 4:30 - goes for a run and leaves for his trek to work. This morning was my morning for the seminary
carpool. I hear madison saying "Mom, it's time!" Then I just roll out of bed, have my jeans and coat there at the foot of the bed, and go straight out to the van.
First we pick up Mia and Kat - beautiful sisters who live in the neighborhood but for whatever reason are not close to Madison, then Ben, with his large trombone
case and funny humor in the morning. Ben's parents put a bench out by the road so he can wait for us, and on a clear day, he tells us about the stars and constellations that
are out. Then Lee, a homeschooled boy who wishes he were in high school, but who has a very controlling mother. Lee comes straight out of bed too - usually just wearing a t-shirt and shorts. Lee looks much happier, though, when he gets in the van and the only seat left is to be wedged between Mia and Kat in the back seat. Madison controlls two things: the radio and the heat, which she blasts as high as she possibly can - though it never starts to get warm until we get to the church. This morning the Wolf family were pulling up just before us, and so for whatever reason it was a race to see who could get in the building first - everyone was running for the door saying go! go! go! Ben was funny this morning - he said "Sister Jefferies - your hair looks like mine did before I combed it this morning". I looked in the mirror for the first time and I was sporting a truly eighties
"Flock of seagulls" hairdo. People pay big money for hair styles like that, and I had done it without any effort at all. Steve - you came to mind at that moment! On my way home, Madison has the heat blasting to 76 degrees or so, and I am nauseous from the sudden change in temperature. I turn off the heat and pull in the driveway. Carpool over! Cecily is up and making noises in her crib. I take her back to bed for a few minutes - this morning she is cuddly and snuggles up next to me in her warm little sleeper. I lay and listen to the soft baby sounds that she makes and realize that cuddling next to a happy baby is one of the most wonderful things in the world. I love that this baby loves to be kissed too! Garrett is up now and sore - sore because he played a great game of football yesterday and sore because he just got his bottom braces on, and he has to slurp his cereal. (Very annoying noise). For you football fans - Garrett played defensive tackle and right guard. There team has lost every game, but yesterday they played brilliantly, and were in the lead until the very last thirty seconds of the game. I thought of a really funny thing for the next blog entry. On my driving route to the high school, I see so many little redneck things out, that I am going to do a photo collage of the things I see which will give you a taste of some of the area culture! The leaves are also very colorful right now, so I'll include some of that. Wish you could come and see the beautiful fall leaves here!

My first blog entry

October 24, 2006


e been quietly reading your blogs for many months now and laughing every minute of reading it. So here is my addition to keep you up with the all have reassured me that blogging is the easiest thing in the world - we'll see! You haven't seen
techophobe in action yet. Livi promises to give me my first lesson this week. Yes, she is
teaching me how to do power point presentations. Am I the only one who doesn't know how
to do this?

Last month we took turns going through the temple and watching the kids at the visitors center. ince my superpower is making milk, I had to have Cecily close by. Then we went to the National Zoo to meet the new baby Panda. He was curled up wilting in the hot humidity of the day.

Okay! Madison is really sixteen! While Madison was away, her friends came and decorated her room. She also got some balloons from friends that day to carry around the halls at high school.

Laundry nirvana - an empty basket that also serves as a Nascar racer for Becca & Cecily.

Madison before homecoming. Dress hunting in the stores didn't find much that she could wear, so we took parts of each dress that she liked and found a pattern. I actually sewed this! Before you get too impressed, I had to pick out errors everywhere, but man was I proud to get that thing done and fitting Madison as well as it did! Madison is going on her first date this weekend - a really good looking older man - Rhett!