In The Land of England

Many people have asked me to do a post with an update on my status.  Don't really enjoy talking about myself...but decided to do it,  because I owe many of you a HUGE thanks!

Over the past month family and friends have made my life possible. It is an uneasy feeling to have to rely on everyone to do everything you should be able to do.  Thanks to all who brought in meals, drove carpool for a month ( thanks Katie), cleaned my house, took my kids, called and visited!

A special thanks to my man, Paul, for running our household.  I must say he is doing a great job.  I have not put the kids to bed in over a month!  He has kept up on all the laundry AND dishes, made many meals, taken the kids on adventures so I could rest, taught our primary class alone, got all the kids halloween costumes and  NEVER once complained.  I think he may be more anxious for me to be better then I am.  I'm pretty sure I have the best husband in the world!!!!

Everyday I seem to be a little bit better.  I am having about 2 hours a day that I feel like I can move from the couch.  I've been spending that time outside visiting with my neighbor on our porch as the kids play. It has been so refreshing. 

For those who have not heard the recent update, they think I have a virus.  I go to the doc on Tuesday again and hope to learn more.  All he told me over the phone what that I have a virus and that it can cause growth issues with the baby so I'll be monitored more carefully over the next few months.

I've decided that this coming week, better or not, life is going to go back to normal.  My kids might be very sad because that means grandma won't be picking them up from school as often, but I'm sure they'll adjust!

Once again THANKS to everyone for all you have done for me and my family.  It is truly appreciated.  And if anyone is wondering, I have discovered that you can watch family feud almost all day, and Legally Blonde is on almost everyday.

I decided we needed to go do something fun that was indoors.  We found ourselves in good ol' Provo for a little lunch at the creamery and a trip to the dead zoo, in the words of KK.  In reality it was the Bean museum.  Which for years I thought was a museum of things made out of beans.  So I have to side with KK name for it.  It makes much more sense!

Sam enjoying a little ice cream!  Yummy!

We love the 4th of July at our house.  Every year we wake up early and head down to Provo for the parade.  The kids love it!

After the parade we always head over to my favorite aunt's house for a yummy breakfast and a dip in their pool.  The kids had a blast swimming.  Sam even jumped off the diving board for the first time.  He was very proud of his accomplishment.

We ended the evening with some fun fireworks...which I'm not a fan of.  They scare me with little kids.  Who's idea was it anyway to put fire on the end of a metal stick then hold it and wave it in front of your face?  Oh well, against my better judgement my kids enjoyed every minute of the danger!

Diane's 6 kids and incredible husband Willard

The whole week was

 such a wonderful week.  I have been so blessed to get into a the most incredible family.  I have the best sister-in-laws in the world!  Monday we went to the funeral home an made all the preparation for the funeral. (Which I hope not to do again for a very, very long time!) Wednesday was the viewing, and Thursday was the funeral.  It was such a nice service.  Paul spoke and did an great job.  Everyone who spoke did wonderful! I'm pretty sure Diane was happy with it. Friday night the boys and Willard all went golfing, and the girls had a GNO at the Cheesecake Factory.  It was so fun.  Saturday night we all headed up AF canyon for a picnic.  The grandkids had fun playing while the adults chit chatted.   It was a really nice week.  We all enjoyed ourselves, and I'm pretty sure Diane enjoyed it all with us.

   

Finally posting a picture of Ellie's broken arm

I thought this was post worthy!

Diane has been fighting Alzheimer's for a long time. Here is a copy of her obituary, and I also copied the link if you want to go see it.

Diane L. England 1944 ~ 2008 Diane Lewis England, 63, died peacefully Sunday, June 15, 2008 at home due to complications of Alzheimer's disease. She was surrounded by her family who loved her dearly.She was born October 18, 1944 in Salt Lake City, UT, a daughter of Raymond and Ruth Brown Lewis. In Junior High School her family moved to Southern California where she helped with the family catering business. She married R. Willard England on February 4, 1967 in the Los Angeles LDS Temple. They resided in Sandy, Utah for 28 years, where they raised their six children before moving to Highland, Utah in 1997. Throughout her life she was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many church positions including: Primary Chorister, Ward YW Advisors and President, Stake YW President, and Stake Camp Director. She was most currently a member of the Highland 13th Ward. She attended BYU and graduated with a degree in Child Development and Family Relations, and later earned her teaching certificate. She taught 1st grade ALPS in Jordan School District, loved her students and was a highly respected teacher. She is survived by her husband, R. Willard England, Highland; six children and eighteen grandchildren. Her children are, Deborah Hillock (Stephen), Lehi; Ronald England (Cindy), Helotes, TX; Edwin England (Shannon), Sandy; Jeffrey England (Cindy), Highland; Paul England (Sarah), Draper; Russell England, US Army. Also, surviving are two brothers and six sisters, Wendell Lewis, SLC; Rose Neeleman, Sandy; Cindy Karrington, SLC; Gayle McNeal, West Jordan; Connie Davis, SLC; Ginger Hawks, Toquerville; Penny Brown, Ephraim; Scott Lewis, Ivins. Diane, you will be missed in so many ways. You truly will be remembered as a caring and loving mother, grandmother, and wife. You touched many lives with your optimistic love of life. You lifted us all and made us better. Thank you for your Christ-like example. We love you. A special thanks to all those who provided countless hours of love and service. Funeral services for Diane will be held Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in the Highland 13th LDS Ward Chapel, 5848 West 11000 North, Highland, Utah. Family and friends may call on Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Warenski Funeral Home, 1776 North 900 East, American Fork, Utah. and an additional viewing at the church on Thursday morning from 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment at Highland City Cemetery. Published in the Deseret News on 6/17/2008.

Kid to the right choked, kid to left blind

Ellie also broke her arm this week on the monkey bars.  That girl has the biggest pain tolerance ever!  She cried for a bit, then was done.  Slept through the night and went to her last day of kindergarten with a broken arm!  I could see in her eyes that she was in pain, so for my piece of mind I took her to the doctor after school.  It was broken and she picked out a cute pink cast to match all her pink cloths!  She has yet to c

omplain or let it stop her from anything.  And for those of you who don't know, as I didn't, cast are now waterproof so she can even swim!

We have been enjoying a fun few days up at snowbird.  I

t has been so nice to sit and relax and enjoy the kids.  We've spent a lot of time at the pool, which the kids love!  

1. Going to the store with no kids!

2. Date night with Paul

3. Tile floors that appear clean, even when they are filthy!

4. Hanging out with friends and family and laughing over nothing.

5. Toilet paper....I was stranded earlier with no one to save me but my 2 year old.  He did save me with one baby wipe....man those things are cold!

One last one...sleeping through the entire night with no one having a bad dream, or needing their covers back on.  That is the best!!

I guess now I get to tag someone....I choose Kaite Burgi :-)

Speaking of losing teeth, Ellie lost her first tooth yesterday at Awesome grandma's house.  It was very exciting.  Awesome grandma played toothfairy instantly and gave her a dollar, then we ran into grandpa Mark on the way out and he gave her a handful of change.  As we drove away Ellie say " They were so nice to me....AND they made me rich!!!"

We are very happy and excited to be in our new place.  We are loving the extra room.  The kids love having a basement to go play in, and I love that the mess stays down there!  We are slowly getting more and more settled.  Hopefully by the end of next week we will be all settled in.  Our kitchen is getting redone this week, so I'll be able to get all my kitchen boxes unpacked.

I've had to start driving our kids to school, because they don't bus where we are at now, and 

Friday I forgot to pick up Sam.  Half hour after school got out, my friend, Ashley Boyle, calls and tells me she is at the school with Sam.  I was trying to figure out why she was telling me that, and I dawned on me that it was short day.  I felt so bad.  Ashley was sweet and brought him home for me.  Both Sam and I were grateful.  I have now set my cell phone to go off 15 mins before I need to pick up Ellie and Sam everyday.  Hopefully, I won't forget again!

Yesterday was Carter's 2nd birthday.  He enjoyed every minuet of it.  We had a little party with family that night at our house.  He got spoiled with lots of nice gifts and fun cousins to play with. It was fun to see everyone and visit.

Mother's Day started off with a bang at our house.  I was spoiled with lots of cute cards and a yummy breakfast prepared by my hubby and kids!  They made me feel like a queen.  I'm pretty sure I have the best kids and husband ever!  I feel very blessed to be a wife and a mother.