Life is so good. I just returned from Cleveland, I was there for 9 days visiting Heather, Jared and their three children, Abbie, Will and Thomas. The time passed by too quickly, as it always does when I am visiting the grand babies. I was hoping the weather would be warmer there and that I would be outside a lot. I did have 2 days that were probably in the 50's but then it rained and snowed a little and there was a cold breeze blowing and it felt like the weather from Alaska had followed me.

I slept in the family room on the futon. Every morning I would hear the patter of little feet coming down the stairs and opening the door looking for me and a movie(monie)and cuddles in my warm blankets and eventually some breakfast. Abbie 3, was usually the first, followed by Will 2, after he had cuddled with Heather for awhile, Thomas, almost 6 months came down a little later with Heather.

I juiced carrots most mornings and one day we used the carrot pulp to make a very healthy carrot cake. Abbie and Will had a great time mixing the ingredients and tasting them. They really went to town on that carrot pulp. Another morning we mixed up some carrot pancakes which we enjoyed. One morning Heather and I were watching one of her neighbor's children, 3 little boys also age 3 and under. So we had 5 very active little ones and the baby and I thought let's have playgroup. I grabbed my carrot pulp for the day and gave everyone a small pie pan full to play with on the table. Abbie and Will were old pros handling it but the visitors really didn't know what to do with it, they cautiously tasted it, then poked and patted it and enjoyed it.....that kept the group busy for about 20 minutes. After moving to the floor we read a few books and did some finger plays, then Heather put on the music and we danced around the kitchen, by then they were ready for lunch. when their mother arrived they had had an interesting play date at Heather's house.
I don't think many little ones get to have a sensory experience with carrot pulp.

While I was there Thomas had an allergic reaction to some amoxicillin he had been given for an ear infection. He was covered with red welts, from head to toe and he was a miserable little guy for several days and nights.

We went to the science center one afternoon, a museum of natural history one morning and the library another day. One day after a rain storm they put on their rubber boots and we went muddle jumping. We waded and jumped in the mud and water puddles all around the block. The kids were pretty wet and muddy by the time we got home.

My time there was a special treat. Children, grandchildren and families are the treasures of this life and the life here after. Families can be forever. I am so grateful for this knowledge.

It was my birthday this week! Yes, I am still here and I am so grateful for another birthday. A year ago in May I was wondering how much longer I would be here. It was a wonderful day. Phone calls came from all of my children, when Will, my two year old grand son wished me "Happy Birthday" he just continued with "to you" and Abbie joined in and they sang the Birthday song to me in their sweet little voices. My brothers, Randy and Stephen called and so did my sisters Marilyn, Suzanne and Patty and of course my mom. At work they spoiled me with cupcakes,flowers, cards, banners and the traditional Purple cape, magic wand and tiera. I heard from friends on Facebook, on my email account and by cell phone. Brian and I spent part of the evening with the missionaries teaching Roger and Lisa who we knew when they had a store in the old Cottonwood Mall here in Wasilla. Everyone sang Happy Birthday to me when we arrived.
Waiting at home was a special gift from Brian---a Kindle,,,He really surprised me! I didn't even think I would necessarily want one but I am excited to download some of my favorite books and my scriptures. It will be so nice to take with me when I travel because it is light weight and compact.
Life if precious, I know that and I am grateful to have a little more time to enjoy the love and friendships of so many choice people. Thank you, again for your prayers. I know they are heard and that they have been answered. I love you all.