The W M Hymas Family

Election Day

2010-11-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Family, Today is Election Day. Grandpa and I have been to vote. It is now 11:00. When we were there an hour ago over 200 people had already voted. I was so glad to hear that. I hope all of you have or will vote. It is important that we all do. It is our duty.

There is an editorial in the paper today that says " Students should learn to vote." After all it is your future and your money. It is your future that is being determined by leaders in Washington. It is your money that is being spent by leaders in Washington. I encourage all of you to read the papers, and watch the news. Get involved. Your vote counts.

Enough lecturing for now. As for news. Grandpa and I are about the same. We get older every day, but grateful that we have each other to care for. We are also grateful for a wonderful family that takes care of us. Kurt came down today to help Grandpa put the snow blower in the trunk so Grandpa could take it to be serviced. As he left I told him, with a wink, that we were just getting it ready for him.

We love having so many grandchildren in Provo at this time. I know we could call on any of them for help. It gives me a feeling of security. Thanks

Family News. Ryan is doing well at his CNA job in Orem. He likes it a lot and Erin says they like him a lot. Way to go Ryan. Kurt has an internship with Delotte-Touche accounting firm in Washington D C for the summer. He and Julie are looking forward to that. We enjoy having them live so close to us and in our ward. Jordan and Tara are getting close to their wedding da te. They are driving to Arizona on Friday. Tara will stay there as she is off track for three weeks. Jord will fly back until just before the wedding on the 20th. Tara drives to West Jordan every day to do her teaching. Allie is driving to Sanaquin every day for her Cohart. That is part of her training for teaching. It will only be for about 6 weeks. She will still have her student teaching to do. Alex says he is "keeping the wolf from the door." Andrea and Mike are doing well. Andrea is at R C Wileys. She has a cute Blog there. Mike is working hard at school and St Marks Hospi tal. He hopes to hear in about three weeks if he is accepted at West Minister Nursing Program. Good luck Mike. Stacie has stars in her eyes. Her friends name is Bennett and they are really cute together. Ethan is 16 tomorrow and getting ready to drive and date. He is a good boy. Preston had his broken are operated on two weeks ago and has done real well. I think he has to wear the cast about two more weeks. Erika reports(not too often) that they are doing fine in Iowa. She is really proud of Justin. He is doing well in school. Last I heard Brigham was thinking of going with his Dad's firm. Good move. Kirsti and Paul are consummed with the house they are remaking. They have a big year ahead of them. Charlotte has been in the hopital for several nights with Croup. It reminded me of when her Grandma Laurie was just about her age, she too had the croup. The doctor made a house call and then called me the next day to make sure she was doing okay. She was very sick. Hope Charlotte is doing better now.
Kamron is up to his ears in studying for his MBA class. Maren is very supportive. I think Lars and Kelli are fine. Posting keeps Kelli very busy and Lars enjoys his new job. Jill is busy with her Pre-school. She enjoys it. Karen is busy with her little family. Her baby is real cute. Doesn't look like the girls. No new news from Brett and Ericka. Billy is dating a darling girl. He is working at "Orange Soda". It is on line advertising(I think).

Rob is in Denmark with his work this week. He is always busy. I just heard this week that Scott is the Chairman of the Federal Reserve. I think that is for this district. Whatever it is a nice honor and more work. Marilyn is busy with school again. I think she is taking about 3 classes. Rick still gets a little golf in. Kathy is busy planning a long distance wedding and Alison keeps busy with her Relief Society Duties and boys football, tennis and soccor.

Pres. and Soro Lundberg and Joshua are still really busy in Romania. They have had ups and downs, but seem to continue on in the wonderful work they have been called to do.

There I am through for another 6 months. Love to all.

Voting Day

2010-11-02T10:06:00.000-07:00

2010-06-03T12:23:00.000-07:00

I just looked at my blog and found out how out of date it is. Last year we celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary and I did blog about it. Next Tuesday we celebrate our 61st anniversary and I havn't blogged since last year.

As this has been a year with quite a few things happening in our lives I'll try to blog again. The only troouble is you all know all I know.

In January I had a new hip put in. Dr. Sorenson, my knee doctor, also did my hip. There was a little hang up as he broke my pelvic joint. I was in hospital three days and then in Stonebridge Rehab for one week. I feel like my complete recovery has been a little slow. It is my walking that is poor. I had a lot of TLC from all of my family and especially from Merrill.

Weddings really filled up most of our time last Fall. Brett and Ericka were wed in October, Alex and Allie in November and Andrea and Mike in December. Julie and Kurt tied the knot in April. They all seem to be doing fine. Brett and Ericka have puchased anew home in St. George. Both of them graduated from collage. Ericka with her associates degree, and Brett with his Masters. Alex and Allie are living in Provo. They both went to school winter semester. Allie also went Spring. Alex is working full time at the Provo RC Wiley store. Allie works a the health center. They have had a little bad luck. Their car was smashed up and Alex's bycicle was stolen. Andrea and Mike are doing great. Andrea is working at RC Willey and Mike is attending the U. He also works at ST. Marks Hospital. When they first got married they lived in Uncle Matthew's house, but it sold and now they live in an apartment near City Creek Park. Mike has a really busy schedule. Julie and Kurt made it to New York. T hey drove to
kentucky and then Kathy and Abbie drove them to NYC. I haven't heard how Julie's job is going or if Kurt got any work yet. Kathy said there apartment is clean and convenient. It is a studio apartment. What do you expect for $1000 dollars a month.

Weddings were not all that filled our days. More new babies joined our family in 2009. Penelope Morris, Parley Banks, Annika Jeppsen, and Trenton Lundberg brought joy and happiness to all of us. Then Carson Hymas and Claire Lundberg came in 2010. I hope I haven't missed anyone.

Lars and Kelli graduated from BYU. They are building a new home. Kelli is working for a dentist and Lars will be starting work for Medallion Bank in several weeks. Justin graduated from the U and is now in Podiatry school in Des Moines Iowa. Brigham as been clerking for a judge in Salt Lake. He and Kristen are also new home owners. Brigham will be looking for employment in a law office soon. Billy also graduated from BYU. He is going to stay in Provo and is employed and also looking at other opportunities. Greg graduates tomorrow from high school. He will be in Provo next year and will be attending UVU. Kurt was also accepted into the Masters of Accounting Program at BYU.
Jordan is also in Provo. He is in the accounting progam and working at the MTC. Jord also has a very lovely gilfiend, Tara. Billy calls him Mr. Provo.
Kamron Dalton has also been accepted in a BYU MBA program. He will d0 it in Salt Lake. Cristina also graduated with her Masters Degree. She and Brandon are trying to buy a house.

Ryan and Erin are planning a July wedding. Ryan took the CNA class and is preparing to take the CNA test.

Abbie, Ethan and Preston are three busy teenagers. Abbie and Ethan are both driving. Preston enjoys life playing baseball and he and Ethan both play tennis.

Rob made a job change in April. He left Lexmark and is now working for Termapudic Mattresses. Big change. Rick and Marilyn bought a lovely home in St. George.

Merrill and would like to be as we were when we were 70, but have decided that just insn't going to happen. We do appreciate all the joy and happiness you all bring into our lives. We still try to serve when ever possible. Merrill spoke in church on Easter Sunday and I spoke on Mother's Day. Wednesday still finds us at the JSMB and we visit teach and home teach. I also take care of the book club and sewing group. We are grateful for professional lawn care people and window washers. Love to all of you. Mom

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND 80TH ANNIVERSARY

2009-07-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

HI EVERYONE. It is Sunday afternnon and I am just getting to my computer to blog about our wonderful week. As you all know we have been celebrating since June 8th our 60th wedding anniversary and it will continue until July 18th my 80th birthday. Merrill's actual date of birth is July 16th. What a wonderful time. It was all celebrated Thursday July 2nd at a dinner at Thanksgiving Point. We had a room full of BEAUTIFUL & WONDERFUL PEOPLE. There were 42 of us and then Brett and Erika, his friend, came as we were finishing up. Those missing were Scott, Laurie and Josh Lundberg, Billy and Jordan Hymas. My two sisters were there with their husbands, Marilyn and Roy Nelson and Judy and Gary Carter. Also Brandon and Cristina Boey, Mike Burgeson, Andrea's friend, and Allie Langston, Alex's friend, and Erin, Ryan's friend were there. Also Brynlee, Penelope, Parley and Annaka, our newest arrivals. This party was hosted by our children and spouses, Rick and Marilyn, Scott and Laurie, Rob and Kathy, and Scott and Alison.

We had a deliciious meal. Especially the pork chops. There was a slide show of days gone by which Justin Banks had put together. It was running while everyone was arriving. Thanks Justin.

Then we had a guest performance by Carnac, alias Rob Hymas. He was also the emcee. Then all of the children and their spouses and Cristina paid a tribute (roast) to us. Many more tributes than roasts. Kirsti read a letter from Laurie and Derek read one from his Dad, Scott. We appreciated all of the many nice things that were said and had a good laugh at some of the others. Laurie's paragraph about the ventroliquist was a hoot. Not many of the family were aware of her secrest desire. Ryan also got a few good laughts as did everyone else.

Chad, Jill's husband was in rare form. We all were worried about Andrea's friend Mike, but he seemed to take it in stride.(Actually Chad seemed to be sitting at Mike table more than at his own. We found out later that Chad had changed the place cards so he could be close to them.

It was truly a night to remember. Thanks so much to all of you for making arrangements for baby sitters, travel plans and taking time from your busy schedules to make it so nice. We hope those that were not there will know how much they were missed and are loved and appreciated for the missionary work they are doing. And Billy we are glad you are working so hard to keep the people of Wisconsin safe. We just hope they appreciate your endeavors.

Rob and Kathy stayed at the Calls, but were back and forth. It is nice our houses are so close.
Friday night Rick & Marilyn, Merrill & I, and Rob & Kathy and Family went to Scott and Alisons for hamburgers etc. Saturdaynight we went to traditional dinner and fire works at Oakridgel
Saturday night Rob Hymas family went with the Calls to Stadium of Fire. They said it was good.
There was a lot of traffic on the way home, both ways red lights and white lights.

Dad and I both commented that we had felt quite well during all of the activities. When we sit down we feel good. I t was great. Thanks again to all of you. I don't know how to do pictures. I need a quick lesson.

Counting My Many Blessings

2009-06-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

Today I have been reading all of your blogs and suddenly tears fill my eyes as I realize how blessed I am. I am blessed to have all of you in my life. And as these new babies, Penelope, Parley and Annaka Joy have joined our family I am overwhelmed with the love we all feel for each of them. These little spirits just bring love with them. I am also grateful that they are so wanted by their parents. In todays world that is not always the case.

Last week we went to Rexburg, Yellowstone and Jackson Hole. The Kings drove. We had a nice time, but Merrill didn't feel too good. I think he had a little bug. Everything was so green and beautiful. In Rexburg I was overcome with how beautiful that temple is. It was just dusk and the temple was lit up on the outside. It was really lovely.

Lars dropped by yesterday about 1:00. He had an appointment at 2:00 for an internship at a place at the bottom of our street. He was excited about it. We really had a good visit. For you that may not know, he and Kelli have moved to Salt Lake. They live just across the street from Ken Price Park. They will commute to Provo the rest of this semester and then Kelli will be able to finish school in Salt Lake. Lars will continue to commute to school and to do postings. Good luck to them.

Scott Hymas family are going to Hawii for a vacatiion on the 19th. I'm sure they will all have a good time. Andrea did a great job at her homecoming. It is good to have her home.

Our book group read an interesting book, Gilead. We had a good discussion on it. Next month we are reading a much lighter one, but I can't remember the name of it.

Well, I need to get busy. I did get the ironing done before I came to the computer. I was afraid if I came to computer first I wouldn't do the ironing at all.

We did have out 60th anniversary this week. It was very quite as you all know we are celebrating on the 2nd of July. We are really looking forward to it. Hope you all are. Again I realized how blessed I am to still share my life with Grandpa. He has been and is such a good husband. Love him much.

Love, Grandma

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

2009-01-26T11:33:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends, I just noticed that I have not blogged since December 26th. What kind of blogger am I? (Don't comment on that!)

My problem is that my life is kind of boring right now. I have been doing some reading. I read "Massacer" and am now reading a book called "Left behind to tell."I pulled out a counted cross stitch that I have been working on for about ten years. (that is an estimated guess. ) I have done so much on it, I hate to just leave it, but when I spend about three hours on it and have only about an inch square done. l What is your opinion? We've watchaed about every football game and basketball game possible. We went to BYU/San Digo game. It was good and we were glad we went. JSMB still takes our Wednesday evenings and Church takes care of Sundayl.

Rob is coming to visit on Saturday. He will be here just until Tuesday morning, but it will be good to see him.

We went to dinner Friday night with the Scott Hymas family. Alex didn't go as he had other "plans". Preston also didn't go as he had a winter camp out. Bless those Scout Masters. It was fun, but we decided that Friday night in Provo should be done before 5:00.

Grandpa and I are both feeling pretty good. We love our family and appreciate all they do for us.
Love, Mom

Day After Christmas 2008

2008-12-26T11:23:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends, I have just spent most of the morning looking at all of your blogs. They are great and make me feel guilty for not doing better. Also make me feel envious for not doing all the fun things you all do. Also make me feel boring after seeing how creative you all are. Also makes me feel very grateful to have all of you belong to me. I love you all so much.

Christmas was a little different for Grandpa and me this year, but it was fine. The weather didn't cooperate very well. Lots of snow. The perdictiion for Christmas Day was probably worse than it really was, but besides the weather we found out that we were quite tired after Christmas Eve. That tells both of us that we really are closer to 80 now than 79. I keep telling myself that there is no difference, but---.

We had a great visit with Laurie on Wednesday. We tried to use our new Skyp, but still need a few more instructions. Actually Josh skyped us and we could see him, but he couldn't hear us. He looked good. Then Laurie got on. Same thing we could see and hear her, but she couldn't hear us. We have new speakers, but don't know how to get them on. HELP

It is awful to be dependant on other people for our need. Our neighbors are so kind to do our walks. Grandpa hates having them do it, but we both appreciate it.

Christmas Eve was great at Rick and Marilyn's. So good to see all of you. We missed those of you who were not with us, but know it isn't always possible for all of us to be together.

Hope you all have a Very Happy New Year. Love to all, Grandma

Day Before Big Game

2008-11-21T10:03:00.000-08:00

Dear Family, Yesterday I did have a busy day so thought I would share it with you. First I went to my Book of Mormon Class, at 1:00 I had sewing group at my house, 4:00 found Dad and I at BYU to see one woman show, "Belle of Amhurst" put on by Elizabeth Funk, friend and ward member. It was very good. At 5:30 we went to Brick Oven with Lowell and Robison, who are also friends, and have just moved from our ward up to Midway. After dinner we went to BYU Basketball game.(We w0n). I was glad to see I could do it, but today I'm doing nothing except reading your blogs.

We are excited about the ball game. It should be a good game, and I have faith.

Dad is about the same. It has been almost a year now since his surgery. Kirsti and I were trying to think what we did last Christmas Eve. I couldn't remember and Kirst finally remembered that was when her folks announced their mission and dad and I were home. Glad that year is behind us.

We hate this financial crunch. Hope all of you are okay and will be okay. My only advise is hang in there and pay your tithing.

We love you all. Love, Mom

Game Day

2008-10-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Family, My Blogs are so boring compared to all of yours. You are great and do a good job. Can't say much for the Sora Lundberg, but she does seem a little busy and also the Lars Lundbergs. Can't read theirs when they do write, but would like to hear more. I heard through the blog that Brett now has a blog. His address is a little different so I am waiting for clarification on that before I pass it on.

Not much news on the Provo Family. Our days seem to be spent going to the doctors. Went to knee doctor yesterday as the replacement on the 1st knee seemed to be giving me problems. He said everything looked stable and felt like it was the soft tissue that was giving me problems and wrote out a prescription. (Doctors are so good at doing that.) Dad and I had on our badges that we wear at the JSMB as we were headed there. The Doctor thought it was just great that we did that. As we climbed in bed last night I told Dad what the doctor had said and that it made me feel how important it is to always look at the glass as half full instead of half empty.

Times are a little scarey right now in our wonderful country, but we must remember what a wonderful country we do live in. We especially are so fortunate to have a prophet to guide us. He has been counseling us for years as how to prepare for this day. Now we are being put to the test. All of you remember to pay your tithing, tighten yours belts a little and hang on tight.
We are all in the same boat and we will weather this storm together. Be sure to vote. That is what gives you the freedoms to enjoy or to critisize. If any of you get in a real financial bind remember we are here for you.

Today is an important day. BYU plays TCU. I feel this is one of the biggest games. My stomach is churning already. Everyone keep your fingers crossed. (Family Joke)

I need to write my missionaries. They are all doing real well. Love to all, Grandma

What happened to September

2008-10-06T08:43:00.002-07:00

It has been so long since I blogged I can hardly remember how.

Dear Family and Friends, I really don't know where September went. I think there was not much going on in our lives other than sitting on the couch watching a little football, and a lot of politics. We will be glad when the elections are over except boredom will really set in.

The most important thing to take place in September was the birth of Charlotte Laurie Lundberg. Better known to all of us as Charley. She was born on the 27th and weighted 9lbs and 7 ounces. I'm sure if you read Brigs blog you will learn more about her. I do know she went to the pumpking patch to celebrate her first week of birth. Kristen seems to be doing fine. Her Mom is back there for two weeks.

Dad and I went to the doctor Friday and he said "yes we have bad backs, yes they will get worse, try these pills and I don't consider you really sick compared to others I see. So I have decided to quit whinning and live with it. We know there are many worse off than we are. He said we should go to Romania. The pills make us sick to our stomachs and don't seem to help much. Getting old is for the birds. We are so grateful to have each other to lean on.

We really enjoyed Conference. I thought the talks were wonderful and the music was
so beautiful. I think we all need to take their advise and watch our spending. Could you believe the temple announcements. Derek and Adrienne went crazy when they said Kansas City area, Lundbergs in Europe were especially thrilled about the Rome Temple for the saints in Romania. Much closer than Germany. I think we were all excited and thrilled about Rome. I'm sure you Argentine missionaries are thrilled to death about the one down there. It is an amazing church isn't it? Cristina was thrilled about the one in Rome also and hopes her mom can go through it before it is dedicated.

Justin has had an interview in San Francisco for Podietry School and was accepted. He is also going to Des Moines Iow this Friday to interview. He thinks cost wise that might be the better one. Way to go Justin. We are all proud of you. Good Luck Friday.

Alex was mad an assistant to the President in Argentina. He will be home on December 20th. He will enter BYU Winter Semester. Andrea , Alex and Jordan are all having great missions. They are not without their challanges, but that is how we grow isn't it.

The Laundry Room is calling my name so I must go. Merrill does appreciate clean clothes. I will try to do better at keeping my blog up. Love to all of you.

What happened to September

2008-10-06T08:43:00.001-07:00

The end of another week.

2008-08-23T13:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends, I didn't realize that I hadn't posted for over ten days. As I was wondering where time goes, I realized that my time has gone sitting on the couch watching either the elections or the Olympics. The Olympics have been great. Can't say as much for the elections. However, I'm sure you all heard today that the big secret is out. Joe Biden is to be the running mate of Obamha. He told Biden on Thursday and the media have been so upset with themselves that they didn't find out until midnight Friday night when John King, of CNN, finally found out and announced it to the world. I heard one lady said she was up all night checking her TV and Internet to find out who it was. The ironic thing they have been saying all week that it would be him. Politics!

Last weekend we did go to St. George with the Kings. We saw "Sound of Music" and "Les Miseralbes." Liked "Sound of Music best." We stayed in the Lundbergs home and found it to be very nice. Sat by the Daltons at the theater and saw them again as we were coming out of the "Bear Claw" where we had a delicious breakfast both mornings.

We also got to visit Brett at his work. We were very impressed. He has a very nice office. There were four women in the office at the time that he works with. They love him. They say he makes their day. When we went to breakfast he brought his friend, Erika Ahlson. She was very very nice and real cute. It was good to see him in his enviorment and how happy he is. He has been working on two masters this past year. This semester he is going to concentrate on the Rehabilitation one the he is getting through Utah State. He will put his Forensic Science on hold for a semester. He made us proud.

My knee is doing real well. Grandpa isn't very comfortable. His back is still a pain.

I hope you are already for next Saturday, when BYU football starts. Yeah. We are looking forward to it. We got a pass behind the credit union again which will make it nice for us.

I'll close for now. Keep well, safe and happy. Love, Grandma

My Recovery is about over.

2008-08-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends, Today is my next to last day of Physical Theraphy at home. I can bend my knee 1115%s. I am walking well can even go up and down stairs using both legs tentatively. I am only taking two Tylenol at bed time now. Most of the strips(that form the bandage have peeled off now, and I can turn the bycicly wheel all the way around. I don't know if that sounds good to you, but it does to me. Jeremiaha, the other man in my life for the last month, came today and will be back tomorrow to finish up the paper work. Yeah. I do have an appointment with Dr. Sorenson on the 25th of August and if he thinks I need more theraphy I will go to one of the offices around here as an out patient.

The first thing I am going to do is drive the car!!. My dear husband has said absolutely not until Jermiaha says I can. You know how he believes in keeping the rules. It is really hard to have him take me where ever I have to go. Bless him he has been great though.

Saturday we went on a nice drive up to Mirror Lake and then through Evanston and into Wanship for a nice chicken dinner. We got home about 5:00 and immediately had a nice nap.
Love those naps.

Hope you all are getting to see some of the Olympics. They are exciting to watch.

I am going to the JSMB Wednesday and then to ST. George on Thursday morning. We will see both plays and then back home Saturday to go to The McCleary wedding reception. It sounds fun just to be thinking about being up and going.

Hope all is well with all of you. Anxious to hear about Justin and Erika's trip to Baltimore. I just looked at the map and I think Georgia is across the Black Sea from Romania. A new worry.
I'll close for now. Hope all is well with all of you. Love, Darlene

PS to Last Posting

2008-08-03T08:39:00.002-07:00

After my frustrating day, we watched TV until Bed time which for us is 10"00 news time. We snuggled in our bed, turned the TV on and it was nothing but snow. Now when your bed partners day can't end until he sees the 10"00 news it was bad. He's up out of bed, checking TV's upstairs and down. None working. He is sure the man that repaired the computer had ruined everything else. We have comcast for both computer and TV. At about 10:15 we turned the lights off, but I could feel him tossing and turning for quite a while. Next morning I had Merrill turn TV on and we had a beautiful picture.I called my neighbor,d she also has her telephone with Comcast, and she and her family had also been frustrated. Apparently it had been a local problem and not just ours. Thank goodness.

You can probably tell I am getting pretty bored with my house confinement. Things are going well. The therapist is coming next week and then that will be all. I'll see the doctor on the 25th and if he thinks I need to go for outside theraphy I'll do that.

Jeff and Marilyn got home last night, but when I called the house about 8:30 Ryan said that Rick picked her up at the airport and then they headed for Park City. He must have had something up there that he wanted to go to. I bet Marilyn was completely worn our. I havenn't called this morning. She leaves for camp tomorrow morning. I am anxious to hear about their trip.

Have a good Sunday. Love you all

P

2008-08-03T08:39:00.001-07:00

A Frustrating Day

2008-07-31T17:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends, This morning went well. Merrill got up and pulled up the e-mails. About 11:30 I went down with good intentions of writing to the Missionaries. Well I couldn't pull up "on line." I waited an hour and the tried again. Still nothing. So we called comcast and they said they would be out before 5:00 and would call. They called, but didn't get here at given time. I went down to check the computer and it seemed to be working. I called the place to tell them it was working, he said okay hold on and I'll cancel the trip of the repair man. As soon as he left it went off again. He came back, I told him and he put me on hold for another 10 minutes. But when he came back he said "I've pulled some strings and some one will be there in a half hour. Well that was fine, but I had the therapist coming in a few minuter. Sure enough he came first. So there he and I were laying on the family room floor as he was trying to teach me how to get down and back up. In walks the repair man. I left him to Dad to take care of. I just ask Dad if he explained to him why this gray haired woman and good looking young man were rolling around on the floor. Guess what he didn't explain to him. He did get the computer working again.

Dad went to the Joseph Smith last night without me. He enjoyed it and I got along fine.

Marilyn and Jeff will be home Saturday at 6:00pm. From what I've heard all has gone well.

Preston and Ethan are at Scout Camp. Scott spent one night with them.

Not much more to report. Ill be glad when I am no longer house bound. As long as I have Home Health Care Coming I am, but that will probably be for only one more week and a day. Yeah
Love, Mom

Two Weeks + one day After Surgery

2008-07-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Yes, it has been two weeks and one day since I entered Alta View Hospital and had a total right knee replacement. Merrill took me to see Dr. Sorenson today and he and his nurse were very surprised at at how well I am doing. I am down to using one arm crutch and can really do okay without it around the house. He was also surprised to learn that I had only used Tylenol. A nice surprise for me was that I could remove those awful white hose. My leg was hardly swollen so he said take them off. I think they have you wear them to guard against blood clots. I hope he is right about taking them off. Usually you have to wear them six weeks.

I want to thank all of you for your faith and prayers. When each doctor has expressed surprise at my rapid recovery Dad and I just look at each other and say "prayer." I did let Dr. Sorenson know that I felt he had done a real good job. I see hin again in a month.

I'm especially grateful to Merrill for his good kind care. Being "the mom" is not his bag of tea, but he has done very well.

Hope you all had a nice 24th. Seems like our family was kind of spread out this year. I will try to bring you up to date on the comings and goings. Dad and I watched the parade and then about 5:00 Alison came down. She had to pick Ethan and friends up from a soccor camp at BYU at 8:000. She brought dinner and did dusting and vacuuming. We had a nice visit. The rest of her family that live at the house right now were at a Bees Game with her extended family. Scott had worked as he usually does on holidays.

Marilyn and Jeff left for Romania about 5:00. I hope they made it. We didn't hear from Rick yesterday, but did the night before. He is still working long hard hours. Rob & Kathy, Julie and Greg were to leave today for a river trip with the Young Adults. I don't know if it was Stake or Regional. Rob was in charge of it. They will return Sunday afternoon. Abbie couldn't go as she made the soccor team(yeah) and had to home for it.

Paul and Kirsti celebrated with the Jeppsons Wednesday night seeing fireworks and parade in Bountiful. They were alone on Thursday, but did chores etc. Lars & Kelli, Justin and Erika, and another couple went to St. George. The Daltons went to Rexburg to reunion with Maren's old roommates. I don't know what Jill and Chad were doing. Karen was probably just getting Jeff ready to go away. She is a dear. Cristina and Brandon are probably enjoying their last few days in D.C.

The Physical Therapist just called and said he would be here in a few minutes. I have not done my exercises very well today.(I hate doing them.) I will close for now. Hope you are all doing very well. Love you a lot. Grandma Hymas

2008-07-08T08:47:00.002-07:00

Dear Family, For our 5th trip in 7 days we went to the Jeppsens for dinner. The Daltons, Banks, and Lars Lundbergs were there as well. Paul had prepared chichken and everyone else brought something. I made a flag cake. The little kids liked it. Pepperidge pound cake, cool whip, strawberries and blueberries. )

On Monday Greg came and visited for the afternoon. It was so good to see him. He had been to the Call Reunion in San Francisco and then drove to Utah with Guy and Chris. He is going to Youth Conference Thursday with his cousin Sam and then will fly home when it is over.

Had word from Laurie today. Sounds like they hardly have time to breath. Loves the missionaries. She said they treat them likeRoyality. I think they are really working very hard, but enjoying it. Hope they can keep up the pace.

Got to get a little cleaning done. Have a good week all of you. Love, Darlene

Sunday at the Lundbergs

2008-07-08T08:47:00.001-07:00

July 4th Week

2008-07-03T17:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Family, I wrote a wonderful blog and then I lost it. I forgot to save it. What a slow learner I am.

We are really having hot July weather. However the days are beautiful. Blue skies, green grass and mountains are green.

Today our friend, Glen King had his gall bladder removed. I think asl went well. He is like Uncle Gary and has one thing after another.

Last night at the JSMB we saw Brandon's cousin. Those of you that were at the wedding will probably remember her. She was a darling girl who was a missionary on Temple Square. I have watched for her ever since the wedding. Last night she walked by me and I called to her and said, "Are you Brandon's cousin?" With a surprised look on her face she said yes. As soon as I told her who I was she remembered me and came around the desk and gave me a big hug. She only has one week left on her mission and then will be returning to Singapore. However, she will be coming back to attend BYU. I was so glad I got to see her.

Julie had a wonderful time on her cruise. Her family is now in San Francisco attending a "Call Family Reunion.

All of our missionaries are doing great. I think Alex is probably the most obedient missionary ever. He wrote how he had been having a great discussion and noticed he only had a short time to get to his apartment at the time he should be there. I think what he said was that he hired a taxi and then had to run part of the way, but he made it with 2 seconds to spare. He will be home in December.

Andrea's reputation of being a peace maker must befollowing her around. She was just transferred to an apartment of girls that were not doing as they should. She loved her other apartment because everyone got along so well and they were having a good time. She will soon get things straightened out and all will be well.

Jordan is also doing fine. He loves Korea. It is very hot there and that is a little hard on him as he doesn't do real well with heat, but he never complains.

Big news of the month is that Alayna is being baptized. Can you believe she is eight years old. She was born when we were on our missions. Saturday will be her baptzim day.

Tuesday Grandpa and I went to Maddox in Brigham City for lunch with old telephone company
friends. There were 12 of us. It was our turn to be in charge of making the arrangements. One couple came from Pocatello.

Tomorrow is the 4th and The Scott Hymas', the Jeppsons, the Daltons and Grandpa and I as well as Rick & Marilyn's children are going to their house to eat and then to Oakridge for fireworks. Hope you all have something fun planned. Be safe.

By the way on the way to Maddox we stopped at Dr. Sorenson in Salt Lake and made plans to have my right knee replace on Thursday the 10th. Can you believe it. He promised me that all would go as well as it did two years ago. Please, don't worry I will be fine.

I hope all is well with our Romanian family. We are all anxious for your next e-mails. We are especailly anxious to hear about Josh's School. Remember you are always in our prayers.

I don't know it I covered everything that was in my original one. I hope so.

Love until next time. Love, Grandma

Freedom Festival

2008-06-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

Sunday Evening Grandpa and I attended the Sunday night Freedom Festival Program at the Marriott Center. It was really nice. The center was packed. Glen Beck, the Mormon Sean Hennidy, was the speaker. It was very patriotic. They also had a nice band and many patrotic songs were played. It is really a nice way to start the 4th of July Celebration. We were glad we went.

Another way we are knowing it is the 4th is by the weather. Yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far and the whole week is to be hotter than hot. I guess this is what we have been waiting for though.

Julie got off of her cruise with the Lewis family. She called last night and said she had a wonderful time. Her friend, Ben is going to stop by their place on his way to Cornell. Nothing more to report on that item. All of the Rob Hymas family is in San Francisco for a Call Family Reunion. I'm sure they will have fun. Even Kathy's parents were ablt to be there.

Chad had a birthday on the 28th as did President Lundberg.

We received our first 3-mail from Sora Lundberg today as I'm sure most of you did too.
It was really nice to know that they arrived in safety, that she is happy with her home and is ready to go convert the world.

Kirsti and the children arrived on Friday and I think Paul and Justin will get in today. Hope they are all safe and make the trip as planned. Paul doesn't start his job until the 14th I think Kirsti said. It will be so nice to have them closer.

Hope everyone has a great week. Love to all, Grandma Hymas

2008-06-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

Thursday June 26, 2008

THE LAST GOODBY ---FOR NOW.

Yesterday Merrill and I went to the JSMB as usual, but ask if we could leave an hour early as our daughter and her husband would be coming home from the MTC and would be leaving in the morning for Romania, and we wanted to tell them goodby. We didn't really want to tell them goodby, but as they would go whether we did or not we thought we'd better.

Actually things went real well. They were already there when we got there. Laurie was in her cute satin pjamas that Brigham and Kristen had given her. The bedroom was full of suitcases, clothers, books etc. It seemed like they had been packing for weeks, but there was last minute things such as material they had received at the MTC, clean laundry of things they had worn at the MTC, what should go in the carry ons and what in the bags, that could only weigh 50lbs.
Justin, Lars and Kameron would weigh the suit case and then Laurie would either take our or add to. She finally decided they could take one more bag. I took three tries before Scott found the one that they both agreeded would be suitable. It got filled with medicines and toilitries. (Eric discovered that the eight bottles of calcium for Laurie expired in December.)

At ten thirty we decided that they were getting close to being finished, so we felt we should have our goodbys and take leave. Laurie and Scott were both so excited and so full of the Spirit that it make it easier to leave. Scott had read us a part of Elder Hollands talk at the dinner last night and got quite emotional reading it. They had loved meeting the missionaries that would be coming to them in Romania. They had visited with many of the General Authorities as well as being in classes with them. For me saying goodby to Joshua was perhaps the hardest. He was very sweet and gave us big hugs and kisses. He is very excited. I just thought how changed he would be when he returned.

Of course telling Scott and Laurie goodby was hard, but there were no big tears on either of our parts. Life is so interesting. You marry and bring these wonderful children into your lives. You love them so much, and you educate them, and teach them the gospel and pray that they will be good successful individuals, always active in the church and in their careers. And then all of a sudden they are gone doing just exaactly what you had wanted them to do and being just what you had prayed for them to be. I think this is just one of the tests we are given here on earth to prove our worth. I hope I can meet the challange for three years.

A few years ago I heard in church a lady say "You can't depend on your children for your happiness." The bottom line is that your relationship with your companion is the most important thing in this world. You must work on it being good every single day. I'm so grateful that Grandpa and I still have each other to go through these tests together. I'm grateful for my children and the joy and happiness they have brought and continue to bring into my life. I'm grateful for their mates. No mother could ask to have her children marry better, nicer, sweeter people than my children have. I love them all. I appreciate their parents so much just as I appreciate the parents of my husband. I can truly say that I loved Grandpa and Grandma Hymas as I did my own parents.

So today I start a new part of my life. Waiting for e-mails and blogs. Never did I think I'd see the day when I would be blogging. Life is wonderful and good. Know that I love you all. Grandma Hymas

Lundberg Setting Apart

2008-06-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

I know most of you were there or have probably already heard about the nice time we had at the setting apart of Scott and Laurie. However, I wanted to share my feelings. It was so special.
Elder Perry's office was on the second floor of the administration building. It had nice windows. His secretaries office was just out side of his. He greeted all of us as we entered. To start he ask me how I was doing. I said I was very proud of them, but would really miss them. He went around the room and talked to each couple. He found out where all of the boys had served their missions. When Justin said Albania he lightened up and said what a great country that was. Justin said he had been there at the time Elder Perry was the Area Authority there. When he got to Lars, Lars said that he had been in Columbus. Ohio. This is where Elder Perry had been when he was younger. Lars said he knew he had opened a Branch in a certain town. Elder Perry ask him how he knew that and Lars said "Elder Perry, you are a legend." After Ila introduced herself I mentioned that she was Elder Stucki's sister. He was glad to hear that. After he ask all of the men about their missions he ask Josh where he wanted to go when he got older. Josh said,"I'll go where ever they want me to go." Later he told him that he had been born in Romania. Elder Perry said how did that happen? Then Laurie explained and said now Josh was on his second mission. It was truly an experience to remember.

As we walked down the hall to the elevator an office door was open and it was Sheldon Child's office. We waited just a second and when he finished he came out in the hall and talked to us a minute. So that too was nice.

We then headed for Applebee's for a nice dinner Scott treated us to. Then we went to their house and played a game that Josh and Laurel like. We got home about 8:30. It was a full day but a very special one.

Learning to Blog.

2008-06-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Family, I have good intentions, but I'm a slow learner. Sometimes I succeed by trial and error and then I don't know how I did things. Thanks to Maren I'm trying to learn little by little.

Yesterday we had a nice day. After church we went to visit a couple we had served in on our mission in New York. They had just remodeled their house. It is always fun to remember old times. Had ice cream on their patio. This is the second time this week we visited a friend from the missionfield. First time was a lady who had been in Grandpa's first mission in Eugene, Oregan. Her husband had died and Merrill saw her name in the obituary so we went over to the viewing. We got there a little early and she and her brother were the only ones in the room. When Grandpa walked through the doorway she said, "Oh its Elder Hymas." It had been 58 or 59 years since they had seen each other. This really thrilled Grandpa. Although he couldn' decide if he hadn't changed or if he'd always looked old. Anyway we had a nice visit with her and were so glad we went.

Thanks, Brigham for helping me out too

I dreamed about Luke the last night. He was the star in a play and was so darling.

Love you all.