New Years Eve!

Me an Rhubin went to a New Year's Eve party for about 2 hours, It was fun but we were tired and came home and were in bed by 10:30. I guess that it a sign that we are getting old, (or trying to recover from surgery).

Rhubin Shooting!!!

Rhubin had a great time. He went from gun to gun! I think he was trying to stay warm!

Noah shooting!

Noah shooting, like the gloves, he stole moms gloves because his hands were getting cold.

Payton shooting!

Payton had a good time! In fact he went back on Monday with his dad and a couple uncles shooting.

Pistol shooting!!!

I like shooting the pistol. I did shoot some other guns, but the pistol is my favorite!!!

New Years Eve!!!

We decided to go to the shooting range as a family. We loaded up the guns and ammo and headed up there. Rhubin is showing the boys how to put the shot gun together. We had tons of fun, however, when the wind started blowing, it got cold!!!

Christmas Phone call from Elder Thomas!!!

Yipee a phone call from Elder Thomas! What a awesome day. He shared with us about the people in his ward and area, they are amazing people and he loves serving in that area. He told us that he was driving and they got a flat tire and so they got it changed and then let the gentleman that is over the missionary cars what had happened. Willy then found out that he could not drive for the first 9 months of his mission, (because of his past ticket history) I guess you could say those tickets have come back to haunt him. He laughed about it and said it was ok, but is looking forward of when he can drive again! Live and Learn! He talked to us about the food and what it looked like in Canada. Willy got to talk to Grandma Morrison, Kayla, Steve, Jessie, Jo, Chanel and Lacie and all of us. It was a awesome visit and look forward to Mother's Day for the next call!!! Keep up the good work Son!!! We love you tons!

Boys certificates

The boys came home with each a certificate today, Payton for a 3.49 and Noah for a 4.0 GPA!!! They are such goof balls! I can never get them serious for pictures!

Payton's Winter Band Concert

He is so cute!!! He did a awesome job on the bells and drum at the concert. Got to love the smirk on his face!!!! That's Payton, always smiling!!

Gratitude, Service, Tis the season!!!

As I have been able to watch more TV than usual and see things that are going on all around I feel so blessed with what we have. I watched the CNN Heros the other night and was enlightened with many things that we take forgranted. Thank you to all those people who protect us and help those in need. There are so many people who donate time and put others first. As I have been sick and not been able to do much I have been a receipant of this time of service. I am always willing to help out wherever needed, but when the roles reverse it is hard to a receiver. It is the most busy time of year for the holidays and and I have had meals coming in to our home so that I do not have to cook. I am so grateful for those people that have helped "lessen" my load. This I am very greatful for. I hope that I can do something in return for someone this season as well. So with all this being said, please be grateful for the many things we have that other countries do not have, let others do service for you and in return you help someone else out along the way, and remember the real meaning of Christmas. Thank you for unconditional love!

Willy-update

As usual, I check my email several times through out the morning, knowing a email is coming. One of these times I will stop doing that......I just get anxious for those weekly letters. I get the emails the same time each week, but it does not matter, I still check like a mad women hoping it is there earlier. Enough of me, lets talk about Elder Thomas. He is doing well. Him and his companion are adjusting to the newness of each other, it must be hard to change companions frequently, especially when you are finally comfortable. Willy shared a experience with us this week, that they had a few minutes before they needed to be back home, they stopped and prayed in the road and then went and knocked on a door, there was no answer, and just as they were about to leave, the family came to the door, and was thrilled to see them. They talked or a few minutes and they hope to continue to go back and teach them. He said it is nice that Lord is with them and helps direct them and know what to do. He has been also teaching the less active. He enjoys that as well. He of course will be waiting for his call at 11 AM Sunday morning. WE are all anxious to talk to him and hear how things are going. That will be a fun note to write about it.

Mom chillin'

This is me 2 days after coming home from the hosptial. I am looking swell!!! Lovin the hair. My girlfriends came by to visit and brought me a Jamba Juice!!! It was so yummy!!! Best thing I had since I got home. I am moving around much better and feeling better. I know it takes time and to be patient.

Flowers to bring Cheer!

I love flowers! These are flowers I got while in my stay at the hosptial. I love the bright cheer they bring!!! They sure did make me feel lots better!!!

Long Sickness Haul-but has a end!

This is a long post, sorry! As you all may know I have been on and off sick for alittle over 4 weeks, many trips to the doctor, gall bladder ultrasound, stomach ultrasound, pelvic ultrasound, a night in the ER. All coming up with nothing wrong, and I was normal. Still having stomach aches and nausea....they referred me back to my OB doctor. I could not get in to him, so I insisted that I see someone. Glad that I did. I saw a Dr. Jacobs. He told me he knew where I was coming from, but it was not a OB issue, it was a stomach issue. Said he would see me to the end and help me get where I needed to be. He set me up for a a couple of CT scans for the following Tuesday. Told me some signs to watch for and if they got worse to call him. He had 3 ideas of what it was: Diverticulitus, Bowel Obstruction, Adhesion disease. That was on Thursday. Saturday morning got up and was about my business when something happened in my stomach area, I knew it was not normal, called my husband at work and headed to the ER. I was not there very long, when I had two CT scans, and IV in my arm, and a surgeon in talking to us. I had a abcess that had burst and was on the bowel wall. My diagnosis was a serious case of Diverticulitus. They contacted Dr. Jacobs and he would be in to see me. I was admitted to the hosptial on Saturday, had IV antibiotics and medications, Tuesday I was headed to Surgery. I want to say that Sunday and Monday is a fade for me, I do not remember much because I was so sick and out of it. Tuesday morning came and we were set for surgery. There was two things on my mind, One: it was Willys P-Day and how would he handle the news of me, Two: I did not want to have to have a "poop" bag! So I go into surgery. I am in the recovery room, and as I am coming to, I ask the dear old man nurse, "do I have a poop bag?", he said, NO Dear you do not not, your surgery went well. That is the last thing I remember until he gave me a Orange popscicle. He was my new best friend. When I was admitted to the hospital, ALL food stopped. I got ice chips....Now I am not a small gal! Ice Chips. Needless to say, I have survived. I was anxious to get to the room and see my family after knowing that the surgery went well. I got to the room and the first thing I asked Rhubin, Did Willy write and how is handling all this? Yes he wrote he is good, and said I would be well taken care of while he served his mission. I remember rambling on and being in and out of it. I had several IV's during my stay, they kept blowing so my poor arms have tons of bruises. They said next time I ever did something like this, a PICC line is what I would need. I got to come home on Thursday night. It is nice to be home, but I know I have a road ahead of me to recover. I am so blessed for the doctors and for Dr. Jacobs for listening and being on the right track! Today I am glad I am able to get up and walk around, and be home with family.

Willy-update

Willy is doing wonderful. He is in the same area for now. His companion did go home and he got a new companion. He seems to really like him. I was worried about him finding out my illness and surgery and how he would react. However I know that he has grown from his response. He said that he knows that nothing will happen to mom while he is serving. He knows that all will be taken care of. What an example of faith that is. Of course the day he wrote was the day I had surgery, when I got back to the room, I asked Rhubin, did we get a letter, and was he ok with everything. Funny how you can go under and that as a missionary mom you worry about that weekly letter. So blessed to have him serving and being a example to his parents, brothers, and family and friends. Love ya tons Son!

Willy-update

Willy is doing well. He is worried about getting a new companion. His companion goes home on the 14th so he will be getting a new one. he has learned alot from this one and will miss him. He is excited about his phone call on Christmas. He gets a 45 minute call and we call him. We just need to set up the time. We are all excited to hear him also. He has been really busy. He is excited to start his 12 days of Christmas that we sent for him. We are proud of him!

siblings

We are not together very often, but I happen to be able to get a picture with my siblings. Tanis, Kai, Darwin, Me and Mindy!!!

Morrison Family Christmas Party

Today was a awesome day. It is always nice to get together with family. We have some family traditions that are always fun. We had a awesome lunch and visited, then we had a gift game for the kids. Then we sang some Christmas songs while Grandma Morrison played the piano! Then the family favorite is to make candy bar trains. Since I was alittle girl, we always make trains every year at Christmas. It was fun to watch how the kids come up with their trains. They are so creative and use their imaginations. I did make a train for Willy seems how he was not there.
One of the family favorite desserts is Oreo dessert. It was yummy! I think mom and dad are ready for us all to leave when the time comes, the house does get busy and loud. So blessed for the holiday season and remembering what is important to us. I love Christmas and we are so blessed! Enjoy a great holiday season and always remember what is important.

Payton and his train

Payton and his train! Good family fun!

Noah and his train

Noah and his train. Had a great time at the Morrison family Christmas party today.

Family Fun-Traditions

The Morrison family has a tradition that when we have our family Christmas party that the kids make candy bar trains! Willy was missed, so I made him one!!! Mom loves ya Elder Thomas!!!