Last fall, Ellen mentioned something about what the side effects of the medications were doing to her face and she felt conscientious about her appearance.  It broke my heart that she would feel that way and I was inspired to write the following poem for her.  She said she loved it and it warmed my heart to know that.  She was such a beautiful person. 

The beauty of a friend
Is not seen through outward appearances
Beauty is seen through caring eyes
And felt through unconditional love.

The beauty of a friend
Is shown through the touch
Of a caring hand in a time of need
To feel the compassion and understanding.

The beauty of a friend
Is proven by unselfishly giving
Of their self, even in their troubled times,
Always helping and never judging.

The beauty of a friend
Is given through a kind comment
And words of encouragement
When one needs it the most.

A beauty of a friend
Is defined many ways
But the most simple way
Is to say, it’s you.

-- KJR
28 November 2006 

Rest in peace, sweet Ellen.  You were such an inspiration to me; not giving up even when the news was grim.  You were a true friend and shared my tears and listened when my cat Ashley was ill and then when she died.  Sending love and hugs to you in Heaven. 

Why is it that when life should calm down (on my break from school) it doesn't? It's been a busy time filled with good and not-so-good times. I appreciate all the comments and emails to check on me during my absence; each person made my cup runneth over. Be warned, this is a long post because there was so much that happened and I'm barely catching my breath now.

1. I'll start with a big gee whiz; today is my parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary!

Here is a poem I wrote from me and my siblings:
Fifty years together
Is more than just a marriage.
Fifty years of devotion
To one another and our family.
Fifty years of friendship
One another’s best friend.
Fifty years of cherishing
Every day with one another.
Fifty years of love
That grows stronger still.
Fifty years of hard work and labor
To raise our family and care for our needs.
Fifty years of a home
Where we grew and thrived.
Fifty years of providing a safe haven
Where everyone feels safe, loved, and cherished.
Fifty years of guidance
Teaching us life's essentials.
Fifty years of laughter
To celebrate life and get us through the tough times.
Fifty years of memories
That we hold close and dear to our hearts.
Fifty years to have you as our parents
Is a treasured gift from Heaven.
Happy 50^th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!
All our love,
J Dee, Bob, Susie, Kathy, and Karen.

We threw them a party this past Saturday evening that included a family dinner and an open house for extended family and friends.   What a fantastic party it was and many people came to wish my parents well and to have many more years together.  (Mom is second from left and Dad is in the middle; surrounded by friends.)  The weather cooperated until the last half an hour then decided to storm.  All the tables, chairs, food, photos, and other items were cleaned up in a matter of five minutes due to all who were there at the time.  We didn't let it "dampen" our spirits, we moved the party inside.  Mom and Dad had such a great time and that was the best gift to us. 

Of course, I over did things and was miserable and living on pain meds.  I had my Remicade treatment on Monday and the doc felt sorry for me and gave me a cortisone injection in my right knee.  It's still hurting but it's getting better.  I will be able to get back to my physical therapy on Friday.

This afternoon, I will take my parents to Salt Lake to visit Temple Square where their marriage began 50 years ago. I'm looking forward to it and am excited to take their photo at the reflection pool where it is so beautiful. Mom has a hard time taking Dad places like that alone and I'm honored they asked me to be with them on their special day. The plans may change if Dad isn't feeling up to it but I have a feeling he will be.

2. The next gee whiz is quite exciting for me!   On August 6, I submitted three photos to the local county fair in the Pro-Amateur class (since I sell photos online, I couldn't submit amateur), one in the Macro category, one in the Flower category, and the last in the Scenic category.  The fair opened on Aug 8 and I was supposed to get a call if any of my photos placed but I didn't so I assumed I didn't win anything.  I was disappointed but proud of myself for trying.  On Aug 9, my brother sent me a text message, "1st place, congrats."  Apparently, a waitress who works with my sister Susie told my brother that I won a first place ribbon when he was at the diner for lunch.  He could only tell me that it was a rose... OK, but which one?!... I submitted two. 

Then that evening, Susie and her friend were at the fair and she called to tell me that I won. I was so shocked that I had to sit down and I even told her not to joke around about such things but she laughed and said she was serious. 

The next day, I took my parents and my niece to the fair where we saw my photos with the ribbons.

1st Place in Macro, "Yellow Rose of Utah"

1st Place in Flower, "'Peace' of My Heart":

and 3rd Place in scenic, "Mount Nebo in the Fall":


3. The next gee whiz is that my niece, E, lost her two front teeth and one on the bottom. This photo was taken at my parents' anniversary party, she was having so much fun. Yesterday was her first day of Kindergarten where she is attending a special class to help with her developmental delays. She'll be six in a couple of weeks - wow, time flies.

4. During the last week, I've received a new hard drive at one office and a "better" computer at my other office. As nice as it is to have new and better things, it's a big pain to get everything loaded again. Gee whiz, a huge pain.

5. I taught part of an Interviewing Skills workshop last week. I was in charge of the "mock interviews," which was a lot of fun. I enjoyed being part of the team and making a contribution. Gee whiz, even two students asked if I was going to keep teaching classes. Aww! I actually am thinking about it. I was nervous but the students were great and I enjoyed interacting with them. The workshop was a success and the people who asked us to produce it is happy and it will probably continue.

6. Tuesday afternoon, I attended a graduation ceremony for one of the groups that graduated the training series and it was awesome. The National Anthem was played then it was followed by a prayer (invocation) which off-set the chills I already had from the Anthem. How incredible it was, to witness all the "politically correct" crap in the world around us then to be in a room with about 300 people sharing what our country stands for. The prayer was non-denominational but it was clear that we all honor God and His higher power.

7. After the ceremony, some of the students unveiled a gorgeous wooden eagle statue that a student carved with a chain saw. The statue was given in thanks for the program and all who were involved. Many of the students wanted it to be displayed in the building my group works in, but the funding organization will have it in their building. It's still one big gee whiz, in my opinion, and we are still in awe of the gesture!

8. Gee whiz, as of Monday, I started my LAST term in school. Gee whiz, eight weeks and I will be DONE with my bachelor's degree! As of Monday, I was already behind since the weekend was so busy, I didn't have time to do my "pre-reading" and I'm still going insane. I took yesterday off to rest my painful knee and did some reading and started on my homework. Both my classes are online and there is a lot of work to be done but I think I will enjoy the classes: Intro to Visual Arts and Intro to Music.

9. The not-so-good gee whiz leaves me heart-broken. That stray/lost kitty that I had a friendship with had to end because she (I found out he is a she) has severe biting and behavioral problems. I worked with her and thought that I could make a difference but I couldn't. She bit me twice without provocation and the bites were deep and far from gentle "play" bites. Both bites left me bleeding and feeling awful for her. I placed a sign on our mailbox out front for ten days but no one inquired about her.

Yesterday, the little girl next door told Mom that the kitty bit her as well and the decision I was putting off couldn't be delayed any longer. I had to call Animal Services to come get her. I had her in the garage eating and I held her as I took her to the truck and she freaked out as I placed her in the cage (which ripped my heart open) but the officer did not close the cage quick enough and she got away but not before biting my thumb so hard that my nail and side of my thumb are bruised. There are bite and back claw scratches on the backs and underside of my hands - they look as if I've tangled with a meat grinder. She doesn't have rabies or distemper but I soaked my wounds in hydrogen peroxide all afternoon because I'm prone to infection.

The officer was supposed to bring a trap in the afternoon so we could trap her overnight but he didn't so we'll see what tomorrow brings. I'm scared if we do catch her because either way, I am going to cry more and feel as if I've let her down. My heart is hurting but my head is telling me I have done what I can and there's nothing more I can do. There is one small saving grace and I pray that someone has been looking for her and that the officer will have record of them. Gee whiz, sometimes life really sucks

! I believe I'm gee whizzed out for this week and I think I've summed up all that went on during my absence... or at least the interesting things ;-). I hope that everyone is well and that I can catch up with you all soon! Gee whiz, have a great day!

My nephew Travis just graduated from Weber State University, Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) Cum Laude. He was 1/100 of a point away from being Magna Cum Laude. I'm one proud auntie. Here are some of my favorite photos of Travis, which make me smile and laugh everytime I see them. (click to embiggen)



Here is a poem I wrote for him for his graduation and below the poem is the photo I took of him last night.

There was a special day,
Over twenty years ago when you were born,
In your tiny hands, you held hope and love,
From where you came, from up above.

Never before could I imagine
What an incredible gift you were from Heaven,
With the sweet red-haired boy
Who brought us so much joy.

As you grew, you taught us to express
All the love we had in our family,
You taught us to say, “I love you,”
From our hearts and verbally.

When you were young, you loved super heroes,
You were our Superman and He-Man,
You believed you could change the world,
By running around on the gymnasium floor.

One thing you may not know,
Is you were always my hero,
Whether in sports or standing in defense,
Of those who could not fight.

I loved Saturdays the best,
Because that is when I saw you the most,
Whether you were playing football,
Or spending the day with me.

I see you now and my heart swells,
For I see how you’ve grown and how well,
The boy you once were, now is the man
Who has made cannots into cans.

All you have accomplished,
Are realities from your wishes,
The boy who wanted to ease everyone’s pain,
Is now the man who has everything to gain.

It is difficult to express in words,
All that is in my heart,
How proud I am of the man,
Who is a son of my heart.

You have an amazing life ahead
And I look forward to seeing it all,
Congratulations, my Travis and Gomer,
And know that you will always be my hero.

The Easter Lily was there,
When our Savior rose.
A symbol of resurrection
And His enduring love for us.
KJR April 2006

Out of the mists
I see his face
Out of the cold
Is his warm embrace

Out of the darkness
I see the light in his eyes
Out of the storm
His heart is only mine

Out of the rain
He shelters my heart
Out of the shadows
His hand and mine never part

Out of the tornado
Is a love that stands
Out of the wind
Is a love that never ends

KJR
January 13, 2007

I want to look into your eyes
And never look away.
I want to hold your hand
And never let go.
I want to feel your sweet kiss
And never stop kissing.
I want to feel your embrace
And never part ways.
I want to feel safe in your arms
And never leave.
I want to walk beside you
And never feel lost.
I want to hear your voice
And never stop listening.
I want to hear your laughter
And never stop.
I want to ease your pain
And never have it return.
I want to share your passion
And keep it burning bright.
I want to see your smile
And hope it’s just for me.
I want to feel your soft touch
And always touch you.
I want to give you my heart
And always have yours.
I want to tell you my dreams
And know they’re coming true –
With you, my dream of dreams.

KJR
May 3, 2006

Hold on to the precious gifts,
Sent from Him above.
Hold on to those you love,
Who lifts your spirits.

Hold on to the friends,
Who you hold dear in your heart.
Hold on to the laughter,
And let go of the tears.

Hold on to their heart,
And keep it close to yours,
Hold on gently, not too tight,
As yours, their heart needs to soar.

Hold on to the bonds you share,
For they are all too rare.
Hold on to the understanding,
And strive to forgive.

Hold on to the good times,
And let go of the bad.
Let go of the regrets,
Set them free and don’t look back.

Hold on to a bright future,
Focus on letting go of the past.
Hold His hand in yours, and
Hold on for dear life.

KJR
July 27, 2006

His eyes, I cannot look away,
When they’re looking into mine.

His smile, that special smile, just for me,
Makes me want him, only him.

His laughter, echoes in mine,
Sharing a secret that is just ours.

His scent, as I inhale deeply,
That brings sweet memories.

His touch, the slightest touch,
Spreads heat and passion through me.

His lips, on mine and on me,
Starts a fire that needs to be fed.

His taste, what I crave,
And can never get enough.

His embrace, tight yet gentle,
I never want him to let go.

His love, ignites my love,
For him and only him.

Forever.

KJR
September 7, 2006