Freshman Dance for Michael

Tonight was Michael's Freshman Dance for school.

He went and met friends at the dance since he is not allowed to date until he is 16. He wore black pants, black shirt, matching tie, and grey/silver vest with dress shoes. He really looked nice. He only stayed at the school dance until almost 9 because he wanted to go to the stake youth dance that was also going on. I can't say that I am sad about that.

He did ask me to take him today to have his brows waxed. I took him and my manicurist, Helen did it for him. She did not even charge him (or me for that matter). Justin would have a cow if he knew that I allowed him to do that. He was so happy to get that done. He is growing up to be such a good young man. He is respectful of the girls and that makes me proud. He wants a facial because of his acne and since it is so hormonal, I want him to have it to help keep the skin healthy. I hope I can get him one soon. He is interested in keeping his skin clear. Nothing wrong with that.

He begins High School formally in September. He was talking to me tonight and said that he is interested in being possibly a building engineer. I hope he does. I am one proud mom.

New Bishopric

Yikes! The month is almost over.....already? I am happy today that there is progress. The lady that I deal with while doing taxes woke up and realized that she was in the wrong for her actions and her comments toward me. She went out of her way to personally apologize in person for what she said and how she did it. That made it so easy to forgive and let go. For that I am very happy.

Sunday we were blessed with a new Bishopric. Bishop Frandsen was released just 3 weeks shy of 7 years of being bishop. Bryan Cox and Bill Anderson were released as well. Bill is also retiring from the shipyard at the end of March as well. Talk about lifting huge loads. I can honestly say that I do not think anyone was surprised that our new bishop is Chris Bryon. He is such a good and humble man. Some for months jokingly called him Bishop Byron. We now get to tease him as he LOVES the movie Nacho Libre. I think we were kind of surprised at his counselors but good choices none the less. First counselor is Matt Holyoak, attorney and Second Counselor is Michael Redd. They will guide the ward well. I did tell Chris that I hesitated to say congratulations as it was more like condolences but that he has full support. I guess that Best Wishes is the best that could be said.

Baseball tryouts are next week and Michael is a nervous wreck. I am sure he will do well. People that we know that are now in college playing baseball have said that the coaches are already talking about him so I am sure that is good to know.

We did have to deal with someone making the statement that the men in the church are lazy about their spirituality and callings compared to women. I am sure that was not what she intended to say, but unfortunately that is what came out. I know she really hurt Justin. He said something to the person and they
have talked about it. It was just very insensitive.

Talking about insensitive! Yipes! Dave (Justin's Step-dad) just called to say that Justin's Great-Grandma Ross passed away. He said to send a funny condolence card to he could laugh about it. It is no laughing matter. I know that people deal with death differently but the cold and callousness was just horrific. I am sure that Grandma Virginia is just really hurt. It is her mom. I am sure it is a relief in some ways but it still hurts.
I never knew her but my heart goes out to Virginia. This is when she needs support and not crappy attitude.

Well better get busy. TTFN!

February is in full swing

Well, I am off shortly to do taxes. The one lady I work with is really making me mad. I was accused of acting like I am in charge so I really hate to see how she feels when I send everyone to her when I am asked something. There will be people from the IRS today and I will put a bug in some one's ear.

Love my new primary care doctor and my allergist. I am feeling better with the changes that have been made, but testing for allergies does not happen until Tuesday. Cumin and Balsam Fir are on my list to check on.

Michael is all registered for the BYU padded football camp. He is excited. He is trying out for the HS baseball team in a week or so. That will be good for him if he gets on the team.

Justin is getting settled with his new psychologist. I think that will help. Downside is that his parents are determined to come up to visit. Thanks heavens, that his mom has allergies to most of the trees around us so we are meeting up on the other side of the water. I am just so sick of all the games that they play. Justin says I am not trying, but I have no faith that they will act appropriately. I will be pleasant and cordial but that is where it ends. They killed any feeling of closeness that there was. I just can't tolerate them any more. I went through so much therapy and learned not to be co-dependent and they are one huge co-dependency. Dr. Valantine told me that it would bother me once I learned to control it and he is right.

Well I best get going for now. Heaven forbid that I am late. I will be so glad when today is done. This is a dread for me to go deal with this person. TTFN

January is gone already?...........

Yikes! It is already ground hog's day. I wanted to make a post mid-January but man it has been rather crazy of a month. I had to cram for my tax test and passed that. Whew! I also made 2 baby blankets for Bonnie's daughters and one for a lady that Justin play's online game tours with that is very ill back east. Here are pictures of the finished blankets.

This was for Cheryl and baby Logan. Sports ball fleece lines with blue flannel. The blanket is large enough that they can use it until Logan is about 5 and maybe longer.

This is for Stacy and Baby Girl Halladay. This is pink and brown diamond lined with pink flannel. It is large enough that she can use it for years as she grows.

This is the one for Rosemary. Hope this helps Rosemary stay warm especially with the blizzards back east.

Then having 3 allergic reactions in as many months and they are getting progressively worse is a bit scary. Trying to get established with doctors, etc. school semester change for Michael and lots more happening.

The allergic reations have become so bad that I now have to carry an Epi-pen with me. I had a slight one in November right before Thanksgiving. Then on the 14th of this month, I got weird sensations in the morning as I went to my friend's home to start the day. I had not eaten anything out of the ordinary. Took three Benadryl and thought it was ok. On the 17th I woke up with my right eye swollen and puffy and went into the eye doctor. They said it was allergy build up in the eye and gave me meds that work really well. Then on the 26th I made curry (homemade) and the following morning I had a swollen lip and this was the second day that I was not to take histamines as I was to have testing on the 31st. Called the allergist and they said to take 3 benadryl and if it did not help go to urgent care. I took a nap after taking the benadryl and I still had a swollen lip. Off to urgent care I went. It was not bad so called for one more dose of benadryl and have the Epi-pen in case of emergency. Then over the weekend we had a couple from the ward move into the complex where we live. I offered to make them curry as they both love it. I made it Sunday after church and took one bite to taste it. BIG MISTAKE! I immediately started to feel my lip swell and then my throat started to swell on the left. This worried me. I took 2 benadryl as I wanted to take only a small amount as I was to have testing (crossed fingers) in the morning. It took away the lip swelling but the following morning I could still feel some tightness in my throat. I was disappointed because I figured that they might not do the testing. (Hate the testing anyway, now I have to wait some more) We talked about it and I am really thinking that the culprit might be cumin. I have to take a small amount with me when I go back on the 15th for testing. In the meantime, I am NOT going to eat cumin. It is rather puzzling for me as I have eaten cumin before but maybe not in such quantity and concentration.

Justin is getting settled in with his new psychologist, Dr. Bill Chalstrom. He seems to like him and opens up to him somewhat. We will see as time progresses.

Michael is starting his last semester as a 9th grader. He is a "freshman" but he will officially be in High School next year. He saw that BYU puts on a football camp for high schoolers and asked if he could attend. We decided that it will have to be a bit of an early birthday present as it is $400 for 4 days in Utah, plus he has to have all of his own gear (another $400+). He really wants to go work with the BYU staff. I hope it is a great experience for him. Justin and I will go with him and while he is doing that we will be going to church sites and some different temples as Justin has never been to Utah before. I really want to go to Manti as my great grandmother and grandfather were married there. I always said I wanted to go there. Rather excited about that one.

Doing taxes on Friday & Saturday starting this week, until April 16th. Some changes so the first few days will be a little nervous until we can get a few under our belt. Looking forward to being back with good people and learning more each time.

This month will go fast I am sure. Stake Conference this weekend. We should be getting a new Bishop soon. We will see how things go. Maybe this weekend. Blue & Gold Dinner this month for Cub Scouts. Michael will have 3 more merit badges toward his Eagle Scout achievement.

I have to get to a follow up with the eye doctor so I will end this for now. TTFN!

Happy 2011.....or 1/1/11

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Well, It is 1.1.11. I am going to try to make it a point to post more often this year. We brought the new year in rather quietly. We were at home and Michael had gone to the youth New Years multi-stake activity. The kids could ice skate at the YMCA from 7 until 9 and then they went to the Perry Ave building to have a dance and bring in the new year.

Justin and I were at home. I made a nice Prime Rib roast and we had a nice quiet dinner. Justin has a hard time hearing people shoot off fireworks. It can send him into a flashback and so we watched TV and I started working on a project for a Christmas/Birthday present for 2011. I had to pull out a wad of yarn to get it started and so since the cats were trying to mess with it, I had to use up all the yard before putting it away. Michael arrived home shortly after 12:30A. He had a good time except that he ran into a handrail and considering that he hit rather hard his right leg just south of the groin it is rather black and blue. Ouch! He said that he had a great time other than that painful experience. I could not sleep and was awake until about 4:15A before I finally was able to sleep a bit. Woke up at 10A but am tired and feel like I am slower than molasses.

We are experiencing some very COLD weather. Wednesday, we woke up to about an inch of snow. Some of it is still there as we have not even hit 40 for a daytime high and we hit freezing (32 degrees) by the time that the sun goes down. We have been in the low 20's and high teens since. We had some sun today but anything in the shade is still frozen and there is ton's of black ice. Even though I was burned by our heated blanket a few weeks ago, I am very grateful for it.

Today, we were able to go out and get two pair of shoes for Justin on sale for $39 and the combined total if not on sale would have been over $100. Felt good to know that we got such a good buy.

I have two baby blankets ready to be done for a baby shower at the end of the month. I am really going to try to get some things made up in jars so that we will have gifts on hand when we need them. I am also putting together projects for Christmas this year. Hopefully, all will go well and I will be ahead of the game this year.

I love the early meeting schedule but tomorrow is the first week. I am just not looking forward to it. We will go from 9A - 12P. It will be a pain for the first few weeks but in the end it's ok.

Thursday, I have an eye appointment as my eye has been tearing a lot and it is on the sticky side. I will have a new prescrition for glasses so we will see what comes of that. Justin sees his new psychologist on Friday to begin that new relationship and path. He is excited but apprehensive none the less. We just need to get through the awkward part of things and once there is a routine it will be better.

Michael heads back to seminary and school on Monday. That means I am up at 5A with him and will be able to go back to sleep after he is dropped at Seminary each morning.

Today, Justin requested that I make my pork ribs as it is something that has become a tradition. I will probably not last too late tonight as I am tired. Puppy and kittens are doing well and loving their new beds.

2010 Year End and on to 2011

I have some time to breathe and get caught up on some things. I was rather crafty this year when it came to presents for Grandpa Raul and Justin's parents this year. I decided to make the presents for them. I made them each a fleece blanket and pillow cases.

The material above is the material that I used for the blanket. It stated Live, Love, Laugh and had wine glasses on it. It reminded me of Grandpa Raul. He told me though right now he is not on the wine cycle but is on the chocolate and sweets cycle. The pillowcases were a Susan Winget fabric and it was pine cones and pine branches.
I finally got pillowcases made for Justin from the fish fabric that he picked out a year ago. I really used my gift from last year to make gifts this year. I am starting to plan the gifts that I will make next year and give to people. I also thought of somethings that I can make up and have on hand if there is a birthday or anniversary and we need something. I was told that the gifts I did last year and the few that I did this year were very creative and different. I hope I can keep that going.
Michael was very excited with his gifts this year. He had gone to Big 5 and found some shoes that he wanted just before Christmas. I had him put them on hold and then went back and got them with the intent to give them to him as a gift. I also had him pick out a new baseball glove that he wanted for the upcoming season. I went and got that too. I had the box from an order that I had just received from Boy Scouts and so he was totally thrown that here was this box and I had it packed in such a way he was totally stumped as to what it could be. We had been at Costco around Thanksgiving and he saw a sled/bodyboard and since it was under budget we got that as well. I had the large bags for wrapping and it was behind the tree. We were able to surprise him with his gifts this year which was a nice change.
Justin was totally surprised that I was able to find a game for his PS3 that he had been searching for months for. I also got him a charging system for the controllers for the system as well so that they can be charged together and not just one at a time. I found a jacket and 2 shirts that he wanted as well. I know that he was shocked and overwhelmed. He was kind of upset to think that I only had 3 presents to open when he had about 6.
Justin got me a Pan digital ereader. I am rather excited as I can carry that with multiple books and it fits in my bag. It can also access the Internet, email, etc. Not too bad. Michael gave me the Whistle Stop Cafe cookbook as well as an Indian Cookbook that I had wanted. So over all not a bad Christmas for us.
We felt so bad as Grandpa Raul was alone for the Holidays. We made sure to call him and make sure that he was okay and let him know that we love him. He spent most of the day at church serving at masses. I guess not a bad way to spend Christmas but we would have liked it if he was here with us and able to relax and enjoy. Had to laugh as he said that he had tamales and he had eaten some of them. When we were talking about it he said that his favorite was pork with red chili so I guess that I better work on making them and see if I can have some for him next year. Not a bad thing to have to work on to perfect. LOL!
We have been blessed this past year with great friends and good times as many blessings and tender mercies from our Heavenly Father. The last fight/hurdle that we had for the year was that the VA was trying to declare him incompetent and that he would have to appoint a fiduciary's. We were able to get good direction from Brother Palmer at church who had actually worked with the VA and visited with vets that were declared incompetent. He had advised us that we should get letters from Justin's psychologist, psychiatrist, and any creditors that we could that would vouch that he was competent to handle his finances. The greatest letter came from his psychiatrist Dr. Alan Radant who stated that most that were incompetent were ones that had issues paying rent, basic necessities, gambled or drank and in the entire time that he had been a patient that had never been the case. The same was also stated by Dr. Jerry Butler his psychologist. They notified us on the 21st of this month that they signed off and that Justin was deemed competent. What a weight lifted!
This year has given me medical/prescription insurance since Justin's disability rating is now 100% totally and permanent. This is such a huge relief as well.
We were not sure in November when we got the letter from Dr. Radant if we would ever get home. On November 22nd we had gone over to Seattle for Justin's appointment and then after we decided to go to the Supermall in Auburn. We do not get to go often so we took the time. We got Justin something from Casual Male XL Outlet store, had lunch and then headed home. We thought we would be home in an hour or so we thought. I decided that I would drive around instead of going back up and taking the ferry. That ended up being a good choice and must have been a prompting from the Lord. Once we crossed the Tacoma Narrows bridge and got close to the Kitsap County line the weather decided to go south. Snow up here is rather out of the ordinary and so it does not take much to shut down most everything. The closer we got to thinking we would be getting home the longer it took. We were on the road for about 4.5 hours for what should have been about an hour drive.
The snow became heavier and it grew colder. The speed we could travel was slower too. The scary part was when we were coming around the bend in the sound/bay and people were not paying attention to the road and that it had become like driving on a bed of ice. We got stuck when someone ended up backed into the center divide and everyone stopped. I was up on the shoulder as I was trying to keep traction and just kept saying/praying "Don't Stop". Well, needless to say I started to slide sideways and just kept praying that I would not hit the car(s) beside us. Thank heavens we stopped and did not hit anyone. I finally got moving again and got past it. We spent about the next 3 hours trying to go less than two miles. We sat at one corner for over 45 minutes. The hard part was that we live in a very hilly area. You must go up and down hills at some point. We finally got to an area where I could get around and I said prayers each time that I knew that I had to deal with a hill. Justin was very anxious and I did my very best to stay calm. I was able to get over all the hills and get home. We noticed on the corner that most were without power. We got home and were rather relieved that we had power. Well that was until we got to the door of the house. Poof! Power went out. It was about 7PM. We were lucky. We sat around for a bit to talk and unwind. We gave up and went to bed at about 8:30PM. I fell asleep because I was exhausted from the drive. I was awakened by the light in the room around 11PM so I guess we did not turn off switches before we went to bed. I got up, turned off lights and fell right back in bed. Over all we only had about 6 inches of so of the white stuff but it shut down the entire peninsula until Thanksgiving. We had prepared and we were safe. We had our fireplace and blankets so we made it through. Others were not so lucky as many were still without power on Thanksgiving.
The year is drawing to a close. It has been a good year and although we have had our bumps it has been smoother that others. Michael is now 14 and will go to the Multi-Stake New Years Eve celebration. They go ice skating and then to a Ward building for more festivities. It is over at about 12:15A. Justin and I get a nice, well hopefully quiet, (if they do not light off too many fireworks, that does a number on Justin) evening at home. I will make a Prime Rib Roast and then Ribs for New Years Day. I guess it could be worse. I could have to pay for those dinners if we were to go out.
I will still be working on perfecting Indian dishes this year. I am looking forward to it. Bring it on 2011, we are looking forward to a new year. Tomorrow, Justin sees Dr. Butler for the last time as he is retiring and then has an appointment on the 7th with a new Dr. to continue the work with the PTSD. We will see what happens and if it is a good fit. Dr. Chalmers seems to be very good on paper anyway. We will take each day as it comes. Hope everyone had a great Christmas.

Christmas Letter 2010

Happy Holidays! It is hard to believe that it is December already. Time has gone extremely fast this year. Maybe it is me and the fact that I am getting older. 2011 will be here before we realize it. We have had a rather good year considering that it could have been worse. Just days before Thanksgiving we were hit with a snow storm. We got about 6" of snow, which may not sound like much but, for us that is a hefty amount. We were out as it hit and spent 4 hours trying to go 16 miles to home. It shut down the city for the week. It was also power outages because of wind that made things rough. We made it though without much problem.
Michael is in 9th grade this year. He is a freshman but is still at the Jr. High. He played on the football team and did very well this year. He is going to baseball practices already and try outs are at the end of January. He really wants to play this year for Olympic High. He is doing well with grades and is working already to make sure that he is accepted to BYU. We went to a seminar that is on a 3 year rotation and he is planning. This summer just after school was done he went on a pioneer trek with the youth. I will talk about it more later.

Justin is doing okay. We received notification around our anniversary that he was given the status of 100% total and permanently disabled by the Veterans Administration. That was not an easy road but we did it. He still battles migraines sometimes daily as well as the insomnia. One physician is trying to look at the big picture to see if there are other factors that may be contributing to that. We have to keep working on it. This ruling gives Michael and I medical coverage, which is such a relief. We now teach Webelos/Cub Scouts and so that is a new adventure for us. He keeps busy with college courses, helping me with the projects for the boys as well as playing games on the computer.

I am still working at the Family History Center each Wednesday from 2P until 6P as well as still doing PR for the Kitsap BlueJackets. I enjoy it. Then teaching the cub scouts, keeping all of the schedules together and straight, running Justin to his doctor appointments and keeping my head on straight is quite a load at times. Typical Mom chores.

This summer as I said, Michael did a pioneer trek with the youth from church. Justin and I were called to work on the base camp committee. We helped plan and prepare all of the meals that were served the 4 days. We were supposed to be around Mt. Rainier but just a month before the location was changed to the border of Washington and Oregon by the Columbia River in Eastern Washington, Near Tri-Cities. We had cool weather and going there it was 95 and humid. The participants had a hard time because of it. Lots of blisters, heat & hydration issues, rashes as well as bug bites. I got them really bad on my arms and legs. They sent me home early the last day because they wanted me to get Benadryl in my system on a regular basis. I have some good scars from all the bites but okay none the less. Michael was the biggest kid in his family and ended up being in the yoke of the handcart 98% of the time. He had to step out when they did the women's pull but then took over again. His Ma & Pa really praised him for his help and his attitude. They sent us a beautiful letter telling us what a special spirit they feel he is. We are very proud of him.

In July, we went down to California to visit with friends and family. We were there for 2 weeks. We had a great time. Grandpa Raul was gone but came back just in time that we could spend a day with him. We would have been really disappointed if we had not been able to see him. We spent 3 days in San Diego with the Martin's and that was a great visit. We love them so much. In Los Angeles we were able to visit with the Vargas' and get together with Brain & Sarah Thomas and their girls. They now live in Minnesota. It was great to catch up with them as well as others we do not get to spend much time with. We also spent some time with Justin's parents while in California.

In August, we experienced the loss of my Great Uncle Ray. He was 94. In some ways I was happy to know that he was freed from the confines of his earthly mind and body, but the loss still hurt my heart. I do miss him He was always so active both physically as well as mentally until almost the end. The positive side of this was that we are so glad now to have the contact with his daughter Linda, her family and his son Don and his family. We are so glad to have communication with them now. Uncle Ray will be missed but he is now with his parents and family that have been patiently waiting for him. I am sure it was a glorious reunion. In retrospect it does not seem like it was 7 years ago this month that we lost my mom. Uncle Ray actually died the day before her birthday. I am really missing her.

In September, we had gone down to Astoria Oregon to the Commercial Fisherman's Festival. I called my Uncle Ben who lives over in the Portland area to see if it was possible to stop by and visit with him. I did not realize that we were so close to the Portland area being here in Washington. That weekend we took the opportunity and went to go visit with him and his wife Kathy. Justin and Michael had never met them. It was great to see Uncle Ben after so many years. I had forgotten that family had told me that he was due to have heart surgery at the beginning of September. He was looking great when we visited. He said that immediately after the surgery that he felt so much better. It was kind of fun to be able to tell him some things that he never knew. I told him that Uncle Ray was 2 years older than their mother (my Great-grandmother) was at the time of her death. It was nice to walk down memory lane a little, as the last time I was really in Portland was to visit him and his family when I was maybe 8 or so. I remember that his kids had been sprayed by a skunk and they had to bathe in tomato juice to get rid of the smell. I am pleased to find that both of his girls are here in the area of where we live and his son is there near him. It was a great visit and we hope to see him and Kathy more frequently. I hope to also be able to get together with his girls since they live in my neck of the woods.

It is so good to be able to be in contact with a lot of my extended family on Facebook. I am under the impression that I have some cousins near in the Vancouver, BC area as well as here in the Puget Sound. It is a blessing to find that there is family so close.

I have rambled on long enough. I will close this newsletter for this year. We sincerely hope that all of you have a wonderful Christmas season. We are busy but cherish our friends and family. Please keep in touch. May God Bless you and keep you in the coming year. We wish you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. May 2011 be filled with many blessings and fun filled memories for you.



Love and Holiday Greetings,

The Leyva Family ~ Justin, Shirley, Michael, Smokey, Sylvester, & Shadow