Our Newest Grandson, Jace

A miracle happened this last weekend. Jace Sheldon Olsen was born on Friday, June 5th, in the evening in Salem, Oregon. Steve and I, being the proud grandparents that we are, flew into Portland the next morning. While we waited for Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. to roll around we occupied our time by wandering through acres of land and up and down what seemed to be an endless creek near the hospital. We also went on a five-mile hike by seven beautiful waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park. We further wandered around the capitol grounds in Salem never keeping far from our thoughts the real reason why we were in Salem. That reason being to pick up Jace from the hospital and bring him back to Forest Grove, Oregon where Julie and Sheldon's little miracle would live. It was the sweetest of moments and one that we will cherish in our hearts forever. We are so grateful that Julie and Sheldon let us be part of this special, sacred experience.

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday were full of loves and hugs and pictures galore as you can see from above. We love Little Jace, and he has found a place in our hearts already. We know he has fabulous parents, and we can't wait to watch him grow as he flourishes under the watchful, loving care of Julie and Sheldon.

Celebrating Mom's Life

On Sunday evening, May 24th, Mom at the age of 88 passed away from an untreatable blood disease known as Myelodysplastic Syndrome. I had been at her bedside along with many other family and friends for what then seemed to be an eternity. She had an amazing life full of family, friends, and church service. To celebrate her grand life and to honor her we all wore pink which was her favorite color. Mom wanted all of her children to speak at her funeral so all of us complied by delivering a message except Rich who gave the family prayer in the Relief Society room. Karen and I were able to veil Mom's face. LaRue Sutton gave the eulogy. She had been a personal friend of Mom's for 40 years.

After the funeral we drove in limos to the cemetery. Uncle Dick dedicated the grave. He is Mom's only living sibling. We then returned to the church where we had a delicious catered dinner. After taking a nap we then were all invited to Joe and Leslie Terry's house for a family party. Many enjoyed swimming and playing on the playground. Others visited and all enjoyed a pizza dinner. Sunday morning we went to Kim and Linda's house for breakfast before everyone departed for their various homes.

I am so grateful for my mom. I will miss her but I feel very comforted in knowing that she is finally back with Dad, Barbara, and Wayne plus her own parents and most of her brothers and sisters. She was an elect lady, and I am honored to call her my mother.

A Tribute to a Great Woman

My mom is very sick as you all know. She is terminally ill and has been in the Nathan Adelson Hospice. She is now at Linda's house receiving in-home hospice care. She will not live much longer. She has been fighting for years now a rare blood disease in which her bone marrow originally worked too hard and now it doesn't work hard enough to keep her healthy. The picture above was taken on the last day that Mom was coherent. I'm so glad that I could sit by her for six days in the hospice along side other family members and friends and share her final moments on this earth. All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my darling mother. I will miss her.

Missouri or Bust!

Today, April 27th, Melanie and Joe began their trek to a new home in the Midwest. They are moving to Jefferson City, Missouri. This is a sad day for me, but it is a happy one for them. They are so excited, and I can't really blame them. It's an opportunity to live in a smaller town and to start fresh with new jobs. They also will be living close to Heather and her family and close to Joe's dad and sister. Joe's dad lives outside of St. Louis and his sister, Denise, lives in Arkansas near Branson, Missouri.

For the last two weeks we have been busy helping Melanie and Joe with the move and doing favorite things one last time. We helped them with a garage sale that they had at our house and we helped clean their apartment after the movers finished packing the big items in the U-haul. For fun we went to BJ's, Tony Roma's and Viva Mercados for yummy dinners, got one last pedicure together, walked around the soccer park near their apartment for exercise and our nightly talk, and had a family dinner in which we celebrated Natalie's 26th birthday in combination with saying a final good-bye to Melanie and Joe.

I've spent so much time with Melanie over the years that it is hard for me to let go, but I wish her well and hope that Missouri brings her every happiness that she deserves. She is a terrific daughter and has been a great friend. Love you, Mel!

Announcing Baby Ashton

Ashton Thomas Ellsworth was born on Friday, April 10, 2009, at approximately 9:00 p.m. in Las Vegas, Nevada. He weighed in at 6 lbs. 11 oz and was 19.5 inches tall. He came two weeks early when Steve and I were in Oregon for spring break. When I got the first text message that Natalie was in labor at 6:00 p.m., we were 2.5 hours from Portland on the coast. I never would have made it to the hospital even if I had headed for the airport at that very instant. My guess was right; he came quickly.

Melanie was with Natalie the whole time and was able to witness up close and personal the delivery of a baby. This surely will be something that will further bond the two girls together forever. What a sweet and special experience to treasure. Steve and I came home Sunday which was the day Natalie and Ashton were released from the hospital. We visited immediately at their apartment. On Monday we celebrated a late Easter with Natalie, Thomas, Cali, Ashton, Joe, and Melanie. I made a lasagne dinner, and we had Easter baskets and an egg hunt just for Cali. The next day which was Tuesday, Natalie came over again with the kids, and we enjoyed another afternoon and dinner together. I am so happy!! Steve and I are now the proud grandparents of three granddaughters and two grandsons. Life doesn't get any better than this.

Spring Break in Oregon

Steve and I flew into Portland, Oregon on April 3rd, rented a car, and drove a little less than an hour to Forest Grove to spend spring break with Julie and Sheldon. We had a fabulous vacation. Oregon is a beautiful state with so many state parks, rivers, hiking trails, view points, and trees that one could never begin to count them all. We enjoyed a variety of activities including hiking, cruising on the Willamette River for a Sunday brunch, attending a play called "Wicked," shopping, touring Julie's school where she teaches 4th grade, eating out, eating in, and going to the movies.

Steve and I took two days and drove to Washington where we walked along a four-mile path by the Columbia River in Vancouver, attended the Holland Tulip Festival in Woodland, and drove to Mount St. Helen to observe for the second time the devastating aftermath of a volcanic eruption that occurred a few decades ago.

After returning to Forest Grove and meeting back up again with Julie and Sheldon we drove to the coast. En route we stopped at Tillamook, Oregon and toured the cheese factory. We went to Cape Meares and saw a majestic lighthouse with its spectacular surroundings. We then drove to Newport, Oregon and spent several days there enjoying the breathtaking coastal views, lighthouses, and aquarium. We rented a condo that had a view of the ocean from the balcony. One night Sheldon built a fire on the beach, and we roasted hot dogs and made chocolate S'mores for dessert. It was really cold and rainy on the coast, but it did not spoil any of our fun. It was a terrific break from school, and it made me anticipate all the fun we'll have this summer when we can travel again. Thanks Julie and Sheldon for taking such good care of us. It was a perfect holiday week.

Anderson Sister Weekend

This year we celebrated Mom's 88 birthday in conjunction with our sister weekend in Las Vegas with everyone staying at my house. Noticeably absent, I thought, was Barbara. It's hard to believe that she's been gone a year now. Even so, all of us that remain were in good spirits and enjoyed three wonderful days together catching up on what's been happening in each others' lives and making new memories to cherish forever. I am so blessed to have wonderful sisters. Because of Mom's poor health this year, we toned down our usual fast-action days, but good times still abounded. We enjoyed a pedicure and manicure, shopping and more shopping, dinners out, tea/lunch at a fun little quaint restaurant, model home browsing, and a combined birthday/baby shower party for Mom and Natalie. Becky surprised us all with matching Brighton bracelets. The girls' said "Sisters" and Mom's said "Mother." When the weekend was over, they all gave me a thank you gift. It was a cute lightweight blue and white sweater plus another white knit pull-over top. I am already looking forward to our trip next year!