Return With Honor

So it has taken me awhile to post this blog mainly because I was waiting on pictures. Now that I've had them a couple of weeks I no longer have an excuse for my procrastination.

In one of my previous posts I shared how excited I was for my cousin Jory to come home from his mission in El Salvador...well now he's been home for a little over a month. It was one of the best days I've had in the last few years considering everything that has happened in the last two years.

I traveled to Utah on July 30th to help my Aunt Deb get everything finished for his return. Most everything had been done but we did a little bit of cooking to have meals ready for family throughout the week. Aunt Deb was a basket case (sorry if she reads this, but it's true). She was so excited and so exhausted that we're lucky she made it through the week.

August 4th was the big day and we were cleaning like crazy, decorating the outside of the house and front yard, and monitoring Jory's flight online. It was late getting into Miami from El Salvador but it wasn't a big deal because he had a long layover, but then his flight didn't leave Miami on time which put him into Dallas just a few minutes after his flight was supposed to leave for Salt Lake. We were on our way up to Salt Lake to pick up my dad and Bryten and then we were going to hang out at the airport and wait for the rest of the family to get up there for Jory's flight which was supposed to get in at 7:44. We found out that Jory did not make his flight which would now put him into Salt Lake at 11:15pm. Deb was in a panick, we had to call all the family and tell them not to come till later.

So once my dad and Bryten got in, we went and had dinner at Wingers and then went to Aunt Diana's to visit for awhile. We had a lot of family there at the airport and as you can see from the pictures we were very excited to hug that boy. How proud I am...and was of Jory and all that he accomplished and the example he set for not only the younger generation, but for all of us. I love this boy with all my heart and know how proud my mom is of him as well.

20 Years Has Come And Gone

Wow...where does time go? It just didn't seem real that my 20 year reunion was last weekend. You never think about that when you are graduating..."oh, I can't wait for our 20 year"...yah..random huh?

I had really debated going to my 20 year reunion after attending my 15 year reunion. There were some girls that I ended up having some issues with shortly after graduation and I always feel anxiety when I have been around them at reunions...plus, at the 15 year I was one of the only divorced classmates (at least that I knew of). It isn't all that much fun attending a class reunion with no spouse or date. It was probably just me and my insecurities but I didn't feel that I belonged and I didn't feel like anyone cared that I was there. I left that night and told myself, not again.

I changed my mind however this year. Those insecurities are just that and I realized that it is what you make it. So, I kind of volunteered to help out and was asked to do the reunion dvd. I got involved in the planning and helping do whatever I could. I contacted classmates and tried to get a lot of them that were thinking about not going for some of the same reasons I had been. There were several classmates now divorced, still holding grudges against people, feeling insecure, etc...I am so glad that I made the decision to go and be part of it. I had the BEST time at the picnic and the dinner. It was a lot of fun. I've gotten to know some of the people I didn't really know back then, and I felt good about myself! I think having a different attitude is what it is all about.

I was looking forward to seeing one of my best friends from my senior year, Gayla (Bigler) Smith. I had not seen her since the 15 year. She is still athletic, skinny, and always on the go.

Here we were 20 years ago with our good friend Melanie Chapple
and..here we are 20 years later.

I was also thrilled that a good friend, Maury Flake came from Utah. He was always a good friend, and such a neat guy! His wife was such a doll too!

Here we were 20 years ago....
Here we are now... (also Dee Nichols on the far left)

This is an amazing friend of mine. We worked hard to find classmates and Lilli is honestly the best salesperson, she can sell ice to an eskimo. I think half the people that showed up did so due to her hard work.

This is us 20 years ago... and now 20 years later (we are on opposite ends)

The reunion started off with a few issues, um...er...no power? Yah, that kind of put a damper on things but a couple of the guys went and got a generator so we would be able to play the dvd and at least have sound for their skit (which was absolutely hilarious by the way). We all ate dinner in the dark and the lights came on just as we were finishing eating. The rest of the evening was a lot of fun.

Here are a couple pictures of the guys (Scott Smith, Travis Caskey, Jason Lyman, Mark Wilson and Dustin Franco) during their skit.

Last but not least, here are some group pictures.

and it will seem like tomorrow when I head to my 30 year and look back and say again...where has the time gone?

2 Years ago...good memories, amazing family

I've been missing my Utah family a lot this week. Probaby because I'm getting antsy to head up there in a few weeks. As I mentioned in an earlier post, my cute little studly missionary cousin is returning from El Salvador on August 4th. I'm so excited to see him, along with the rest of the family. It got me thinking about July (2 years ago) when I went through the temple and Jory was leaving on his mission. It's hard to believe that amazing day happened 2 years ago this month. Most of my family was there. They are all amazing (even the ones that did not make it). It's easy to see why I love my family!

And...WOW...what a difference in the "then and now" of me. YIKEES.

Me and my baby girl. (wow has she changed in 2 years)

The Tucker Clan

Megan, Ryan, and Uncle Paul.

We're missing Aunt Sharlene and Cameron. Can't say enough good things about them.

This is my studly cousin Jeremy and his wife Michelle. She is beautiful. She reminds me of a brunette Carrie Underwood. She's sweet as can be and I'm so glad she married into the family.

There are not words to describe this girl...well maybe a few:

• nutty
• hilarious
• crazy
• fun
• did I say nutty? Oh, I did?

Bree is definitely a favorite among the younger cousins, she knows how to have a good time. Always fun when Bree's around. Love her to death.

Jen (aka Buffwoman) and her amazing husband Jeff-er-ey!

Jeff holding Will, and baby Granter Bean in the tummy.

I love this family. If you are looking to play games and listen to one of the most wittiest girls around...it's Jen. That girl comes up with the most random things to make you laugh. (More to come on Jeni later).

This is the studly beastmaster Elder Porgy (aka Jory Porter)

Love this kid and can't wait to see him.

He doesn't know I had surgery. I wonder if he'll notice I don't quite look like Jabba the Hut anymore.

Me and 3 of my favorite boys on this earth. The other favorite is in heaven (little Micah).

These are my favorite nephews...(ha ha and my only nephews).

Aunt Diana and Aunt Jessie (did I mention that I have amazing Aunts...all of them).

Aunt Debbie, Uncle Ron, Miranda, and again the studly Porjmeister. So greatful for Aunt Debbie who really pushed me in the right direction so that this day would be possible. Not sure what was going on with Debs, mine, and Ron's faces in this picture...hmmm.

This is one of my favorite pictures. It's my favorite because my mom is in it and because she is there with me at the temple, and because it's a 4 generation photo. Grandma Peel, Mom, Me, and my princess Bryten.

Mom, Me, and my sister DeAnn (What a great picture to have of the three of us).

This is just part of the Utah Family I am missing! Just looking at this right now makes me cry...I am truly blessed to have so many wonderful family members that were there for me that day. I love them all so much.

Another special picture...one of my dearest friends flew up with me to be there that day. Love ya Kari!

I feel much better looking at my post below...after looking at these photos.

Special times though

50 lb. update

The last two months have been very slow in my weight loss progression. Partly because I wasn't riding my bike due to my gall bladder pain, and now partly because it's too dang hot to get out and do anything. What was my excuse 2 weeks ago when the weather was nice...um...didn't have one. Regardless, I have finally made a slight nudge on the scale needle and have hit my 50lb. mark.......only 35 more to go. You Can Do IT.

A month of Re-Cap

O.k....so...it's been a month since I posted anything. ShAmE oN Me! Thank goodness a friend called me out on it...whew. Thanks Deborah.

On May 12th, I had my gall bladder removed...everyone was dying to know that right? I had a lot of pain for about a month, finally found out I had gall stones. Not fun...and a lot of pain. The upside? I can now play dot - to - dot on my tummy. Anyone up for a game? O.k...just kidding.

On May 23rd we remembered our sweet Mom, Grandma, Wife, Sister, Aunt, and Friend. (post below). What a great day it was. Not great because she was gone, but great in the sense that it was a special day to us...a day to remember and honor her. It was also my Aunt Debbie's birthday...yes...my mom passed away on her sisters birthday. It's one of those bitter sweet things. My Aunt feels that it is an honor to share that with her sweet sister.

Mom and Aunt Debbie

May 29th, Bryten and I flew to Georgia for a week of fun and work. I had to work so I decided that this time (not knowing if we will get another opportunity) I'd take Bryten a long. She has never been further East of Arizona so this was a brand new experience for her. We went to Six Flags over Georgia with some great friends, spent the day in Tennesee with great friends, ate dinner and spent time with great friends, went to the laser show at Stone Mountain with great friends, and there were still more great friends that we didn't get to spend time with....wow...GREAT to have great friends. We took lots of pictures and had a great time...it was glad to get back home though.

Me and Bryten in Tennessee

Bryten at the lookout tower at Ruby Falls (TN)

The Bowens...in Tennessee (Sarah, Madi, Cayla, Clay)

Magnolia in the Bowens front yard

Getting ready for the laser show at Stone Mountain

Clay is such a bad driver...he got car sick...not not really...someone else did it and Clay is pretending.

Riding Superman at Six Flags...I'm not really in pain...just laughing hysterically. Clay...not so sure if he is o.k.

Bryten taking picture of herself (common activity) on top of Stone Mountain

Ryan and Deborah White at Six Flags - more of the great friends we have in GA.

The following week Bryten left for girls camp at Camp LoMia....she had a lot of fun and made some good friends. She played Barney the purple dinosaur in her skit and colored her hair purple with pink polka dots. Can you say Goofball?


Last Monday we had Grandma Salladay move in for awhile. It has been an experience, but I'm sure one that someday we will look back on as a blessing.

I've been working every night putting together the memory dvd to played at my 20 year class reunion...HEY...who just called me old?? Dirty...that's not nice. I'm having a blast putting it together and hope that they like it. I would post it on here when I'm done but I think it's too big...and too long. We'll see.

That's a re-cap of the last month or so....


Now it's the class reunion in a few weeks and then....off to Utah for Elder Porj (that's Jory in family talk) to return from El Salvador...can't wait. I love that kid...um...now I guess he's a man...but he's a kid to me.

A Birthday for Eternity

May 23rd, 2009 my dear sweet mother celebrated her first year in Eternity.

We honored her memory by visiting her gravesite in Mesa and taking purple flowers to her.

Mom loved purple....

She loved any tree or bush with purple flowers and was delighted when the bushes along the road going through the Williams Gateway airport were in bloom...she loved receiving flower arrangements with pretty purples, pinks, and blues in them. She would let you know if the flower arrangment had too many yellows and oranges.

Dad, DeAnn, Matt, and I went and got flowers and headed to the cemetary. Her headstone was just recently laid in the ground in April so it's been there a short time and it was pretty messy with leaves, dirt, and some of the stuff they used on the granite when carving it. We got some water and DeAnn and Matt washed it off pretty good. We put the flowers on the grave and took some pictures.

We talked about some of the things that we remembered and what the mourning process has been like.

Some people mourn right away, others hold it in and mourn later when they are ready, some mourn privately, and some mourn with family and friends. For me, the mourning process comes in stages. It continues. You remember things and experience things that will cause a new emotion or feeling within you and you go through it but it doesn't all happen at once.

One of the things that I remembered yesterday, that I will never forget is the AM/PM story:

One Saturday my mom and I were going to the mall and we stopped at the AM/PM for gas. The sign above the gas pump said that if you purchased so many gallons of gas you received a bottle of dasani water. Mom loved dasani water so she purchased enough gas to get her a bottle and me a bottle. She went into get her water and then came running out, jumped in the sequoia and said..hurry let's go, he's calling the cops on me. I put the car in reverse and sped out of there. She was in a panic and mad as all get out. When she finally told me what happened I about died laughing. She had gone in and gotten her two bottles of water, gone to the counter and he refused to give her the two bottles. He told her that just because she got double the gallons required for one bottle, the limit was just one. She was mad and said the sign did not say that. He argued with her so she took the bottles of water and kind of threw them at him. He grabbed the phone and told her he was calling the cops...so out she ran.

That's my mother...lol Althought it was an emotional day, we really focused on the positive things and not the sad part of it. We miss her but know she is where she needs to be and we will do what we need to do to be with her again.

More pictures from yesterday

Eating My Words

So...I obviously use a certain word too much....as I found out last week. I love to read all the cute things that everyone's little ones say...they are so cute and the comments are hilarious. Although mine is no longer "little" I had to laugh at Bryten the other day....here's the story:

So the week before last I get a call from Bryten (from school)

Bryten: Mom, I need money, it's Spring picture day.
Me: And you are telling me this just now?
Bryten: I wasn't in class when they handed out the flyer yesterday.
Me: You're telling me that they didn't hand out anything to any of you until yesterday.
Bryten: Yes, mom!...I need the money today.
Me: Bryten, you didn't even do your hair today, nor did you where anything cute.
Bryten: I always look cute mom and I look fine. I think it's rude when you say I don't look good.
Me: Whatever Bryten, I'm not paying for pictures that I don't like.
Bryten: You have to pay today in order for me to do retakes on retake day.
Me: O.k, I'll bring the money down.

I get to the school and fill out the picture order, put my money in and leave. I then check with the school to find out that there is no "retake day". I'm livid at this point and I let Bryten know it when she got home. I always like my child to look cute on picture day.

So last week I was out of town, in Alpharetta Georgia and I get a voicemail from Bryten:

Bryten: Mom, guess what...I got my pictures today and I think that they turned out cute. I think I actually look good. I know you were all "pissed" last week (THERE IS THE WORD I WAS TALKING ABOUT) but if you look at these pictures and say they aren't good then you are basically saying that I am ugly...so...you better not say that when you see them. so yah. I like them. bye...I love you.

I listened to that voicemail while driving and busted up. Not only was she giving me attitude, but she used the word "pissed" which she has been told not to use, and she uses some kind of guilt method to make me feel bad if I don't like the pictures.

So l get to see the pictures last night...and of course my daughter was right, they were cute. I have to eat my words. I can admit when I am wrong. Now, are they the best pictures she has taken? No, but my daughter is still cute...even if I am biased.

3 months post op - and 32 lbs down.

Today - 2/6/09

Here is a picture of me today (above in black) and the picture of me on my Surgery Date 10/22/08 (on the left in blue)

K, so we are now officially under 200 lbs. I was really scared to post that amount out there but then decided that it really isn't exciting unless you know the details.....sooooo yes I am no longer in the 200's YIPPEE! I went to Costco Wednesday and bought this black shirt off one of the tables. I have not ever been able to buy a shirt at Costco and not only did I buy it...and did not try it on before buying it...but it fit when I put it on. For those of you who have never had to shop in the plus sizes, this is an extremely cool thing. YIPPEE again! Give me another 10 lbs and I will be flying high! A natural high that is.

Here is another from today!

Snip-Snip-Clip-Clip

Bryten has been begging to get her hair cut short. I of course love her long hair but after finding chunks of it in the sink the other day (a-hem) I decided that I would have someone cut it and avoid her taking more chunks out of her beautiful hair. Needless to say I was not happy about the do it yourself haircutting that she performed on herself.

One of my best friend's daughters is a beautician so she came over and cut our hair tonight. Luckily she talked Bryten out of going as short as she had wanted to. It turned out cute. Now...let's just see if I can get her to keep it styled cute.

Here are a few pictures of her new hair-do.

Bryten's new "do"

Look at all this hair that was cut off between the two of us!!! Yikes!