Finally, Another Male in the Ridgway Family!

No, I am NOT pregnant!  However, for Christmas the girls got a puppy and he is a male.  We have named him Finley Coconut Ridgway and he is a bundle of fluff and fun!  He is a Havanese, which is a non-shedding, non-smelling, good with children dog.  They are much like a Maltese.  Marcus and I drove half way to Palm Springs to pick him up from the breeder.  Marcus LOVES dogs and has wanted one for some time, but I am the sceptic.  I do have to say though, that he is darling and so well behaved so far so he is stealing my heart more and more.

Christmas was wonderful, bitter-sweet, but fabulous.  The girls excitement was contagious.  I missed Eden horribly the weeks leading up to Christmas, but I did well for the most part last week.  I just remember last year at this time thinking about how she was going to react to Christmas at almost 10 months old.  I had her stocking purchased and a dress to match her sissies.  We did spend time at her grave the week before Christmas singing her songs and telling her all about our festivities.  That seemed to ease my heart.

We did not get the girls too much this year outside of the puppy.  He stole the show on Christmas morning, for good reason!  Marcus and I received a most unexpected and amazing gift from or parents.  The two couples combined forces to purchase the headstone for Eden!  Needless to say, we were very overwhelmed.  All we have to do now is pick out what we like and fill with what we want it to say.  Our goal now is to have it complete and ready to unveil by her birthday.  We had a wonderful week spending time with family and friends and trying to focus on the birth of our Savior, for He has given us so much this year!

The girls tree in the great room.  Emerson was so tired, but Ainsley is always ready for a photo-

 op!

I love our "fancy" tree and I think Marcus does a fabulous job on it.  He really does the entire thing himself, he even goes shopping for the supplies on his own!

All decked out in the Christmas dresses.

Enjoying the Christmas lights at the Mesa LDS Temple.

Ainsley is so thrilled, but Emerson is a bit shocked!  She kept saying, "A real, live puppy!"

Look at Emerson's face.  Priceless.

He was passed back and forth like a hot potato!

What a cute little fluff ball with tons of energy.

Still hugging and holding him.  Yes, they were fighting over him within 5 minutes.

A dream come true for any child!

It would be a shame to let his feet actually touch the ground!

"But mom, I think he coldy, coldy."

Finally a moment to rest in my new bed.

Now that is one tired little puppy!

We wish all of you a very happy, healthy and safe New Year.

Have You Been to Heaven?

I wanted to share a conversation that Ainsley and I had on Wednesday.

Dad:  Everyone in our house is sick!

Mom:  Not everyone, I am fine.

Ainsley:  Not Eden (pointing up toward the sky), she's not sick anymore.

Mom:  No, Eden will never get a cold in heaven.  She will be healthy forever now.

Ainsley:  Mom, what is heaven like?

Mom:  Well, it is very pretty with lots of flowers, trees, butterflies and happy people.

Ainsley:  Have you ever been there?

Mom:  Not that I can remember, but at our church we believe that we lived in heaven with God and Jesus before we were born.  We can not remember though because when we come out of our mommy's tummy we forget.

Ainsley:  Can I look at pictures of heaven on the computer?

Mom:  I don't think anyone has pictures from heaven.

Ainsley:  I have an idea!  We could send Eden a camera in heaven, she could take some pictures and then send the camera back to us.  That's how we could see heaven!

Mom:  Wouldn't that be wonderful if we could do that!

I love my Ainsley for her logical thinking and simple faith.  Oh, to be a child again!

The Life of a Princess

The life of a princess is not easy I am sure, but my girls do it oh so well!

They absolutely LOVE to play dress up and strut around in their princess attire all day, every day.  It is all I can do to convince them that we don't wear our princess dresses to church.  In their mind no outfit is complete with out shoes, purse and of course, the crown!

Last week at their gymnastics class they were exceptionally good so I told them they could choose what we would have for lunch.  They decided on my homemade buttermilk pancakes and this time Ainsley wanted to try them green.  I have never put food coloring in my pancakes and they thought it was so cool.  In fact Ainsley even told me that I was "awesome!"  So, for lunch one day last week we had green pancakes and chocolate milk.  A real treat for both me and the girls.

A true princess!

She loves the camera!

Ready for the ball.

Lip smackin' good!

It really was a tasty lunch if I do say so myself.

A few days ago we had our family pictures taken.  Every few minutes Ainsley would ask the photographer, who is a family friend, if he would take only her picture.  She had about 3 of her own photo shoots and she posed like a true professional the entire time.  I do not know where she learned this, but she LOVES the camera.  In fact, just yesterday she told me that getting family pictures was so fun she wants to do it again real soon.  "But this time," she said "can he take lots more pictures of just me and not the rest of you?"

We seem to be talking more and more as a family about Eden.  It must be that we are all missing her terribly during Christmas time.  On Wednesday night, right after saying "amen" from our family prayer Ainsley yelled "I just heard Eden's voice?"  Marcus and I were a little puzzled, but asked her what she said, "She said, Ainsley I love you."  Ainsley is one special little girl and I do not doubt that she hears Eden whisper to her from time to time.  

We miss you and love you little Eden and hope you stay close during Christmas!

Tis the Season

As the Holiday season goes, I would feel ungrateful if I did not write down a few of my blessings.  I really do feel so blessed and despite the challenge we faced this year, I am grateful for so many things.

1.  I married my best friend and literally the "man of my dreams!"  Our story is one for the ages and I tell people all the time that marrying Marcus is a dream come true for me.  I love him now more than ever and I am so thankful that the Lord blessed us with a strong relationship to not only weather, but to become closer during our trials.

2.  I love my girls and I am humbled each day to be their mother.  Ainsley definitely keeps me on my toes and although it is difficult to parent her at times because she is so intelligent, I believe she makes me a better person.  Her smile melts my heart and her laughter is contagious.  Emerson is a ray of sunshine in our home and no matter what mood I am in, she ALWAYS lifts my spirits.  She is always up for some fun and will dance to any music, even hymns in church.  When you've got rhythm you have to shake it, I guess.  She loves life and keeps the rest of us from being too high strung.  Eden, although with us on earth for only a short time taught us to cherish our "little moments."  She reminds me every day that I am part of an eternal family and that the Lord really is mindful of me.  She was an example of strength that far reaches any I have known.

3.  I LOVE my parents.  They have done more for me over the years than I deserve.  I can say without hesitation that I was blessed with excellent parents who taught me through word and example and who have never faltered in their support or love for me.  I hope to be the mom to my children that my mother was to me.

4.  I feel privileged to have good friends.  I have never been one to have really close friends, but as I get older and wiser, I realize that my friends are essential to my happiness and they are closer to me than I previously admitted.

Of course, my list could go on forever, but I want you all to know that although I have good and bad days, I still have a thankful heart.  I know I am blessed and I know that Christ loves me.  Life isn't easy, we all know that, but my challenges seem lighter when I strive to be positive.

We worked all weekend to put up the Christmas decorations.  Really, I can not take any credit because all I do is clean, Marcus puts everything up and arranges it BEAUTIFULLY.  We really love to go all out at Christmas and he sure has an eye for decorating.  IT was so nice having him home for one extra day as well.

Emerson has a couple of new sayings.  She loves to say "that's pathetic!"  If I drop something or don't match her clothes just right (she is a fashionista!) then I hear it, "that's pathetic mommy!"  We also do not have hair do's in our house because according to Emmy, the are "hair dudes!"  Gotta  love them.  

Today, I Cry

It is amazing how my emotions can creep up on me.

Most of the time now, I feel like I am doing fairly well, but there are  moments, long and short, that I am beside myself with grief, pain, anger and heartache.  Today has been one of those moments.  The ironic thing is that there is no particular reason why I should be missing her so much today more than any other day.  On my difficult days, I seem to be surrounded by families, children and babies, all of whom appear to be without worries, cares or concerns.  I know this is not true, but the mind can be so tricky.  I do not wish this experience of losing a child on anyone because as a parent you feel like you are alone on an island even when you are surrounded by so many that love you.  When I cry, people look and they know why and it's an awkward silence.

I have thought many times lately that since we are in the season of thanksgiving, I should be more grateful, humble and focus on my blessings.  However, the carnal human side, the little red devil on my shoulder, makes me think "How was I blessed by having my baby die?"  "Why didn't my miracle come like I wanted?"  I pled with the Lord like everyone else, "Why did it have to end this way?"  "Why are the days not getting easier and my heart not hurting less?"  Then I am reminded that the Lord knows all and has a plan for our family.  It might be a very different plan than I had in mind, but I do not know everything as He does.  It is these moments that I believe help me to move forward an inch more and rekindle the happiness that once filled my soul.  I used to be a carefree, happy go lucky laugh at the world sort of person.  Now I am more somber, serious with much on my mind.  I am changed and forever will be, but that does not have to be a bad thing.  I can become whomever I decide to be so tomorrow I will put on a happy face and smile at those I pass.  This is what Eden would want, this is what Eden deserves.

My Sweet Eden,

Mommy wants to tell you how much I love you.  Not a moment goes by that I do not think of you or picture your sweet face in my mind.  If only I would have savored more the nine months we had, just the two of us.  I would have worried less and pondered more.  I would have spent more time talking with you and filling you in on our family.  I neglected to do so because I thought we had a lifetime to get to know each other.  I am sorry for this now.  I hope you know how special you are to me and our family.  You were definitely an angel that graced our presence.  Thank you for choosing me as your mother.  Your sisters love you and talk about you daily.  It makes me happy to know that you are happy and whole in the Savior's arms because I fear that your life on earth, if it had continued would not have been so carefree.  Stay close to your little family and do not ever be afraid to grace us with your heavenly spirit when the mood is just right.

I love you forever,

Mommy

Happy, Happy Birthday

Happy 4th birthday to my sweet, caring Ainsley Elizabeth

4 years old and playing soccer.

3 years.  She LOVES doggies!

2 1/2 in their Easter dresses.  They are fast friends.

16 mos.  The day that Emerson was born in her much loved Nemo jammies (it was so hard to get her out of them every morning).

9 mos and just learning to walk.  Since birth she has thought she's older than she really is.

6 mos.  Look at that hair!

4 mos.  She loved frozen carrots while she was teething.

The day she was born.  Her eyes were that wide the minute she came out and they didn't close most of the day.

Isn't she beautiful!  My Ainsley has always been wiser and more thoughtful than her years.  I thank her for teaching me how to be a mother and for making me laugh every day.  She loves to learn and has a memory like no other.  She is also a very kind, thoughtful and caring soul who is always concerned about me, Marcus and her sissies.  Not a prayer is said without mentioning Eden and if we forget she reminds us without delay.  I love my princess and wish her a wonderful year!

A Day in the Life

I just thought I would catch up with a few photos and such.  Nothing earth shattering, but I will take that for a change.  I do need to elaborate though on the medical bills statement I made a few posts back.  I am sure you all remember me telling you that Eden had surpassed her lifetime maximum payout with our private insurance and we were left with approximately $400,00.00 in medical bills.  Obviously, this hung over my head like an enormous, heavy weight.  I applied for state help (AHCCCS) because that is where I was directed to pay remaining bills for a deceased child.  We were promptly denied on account of a "verified deceased participant."  Since that day I made 10 phone calls trying to get someone to help me understand the decision and never received one return phone call!  Yes, I am still upset over how Eden's case was handled.  However, in the meantime Phoenix Children's Hospital sent us a Charity Application to fill out and submit with tax returns, back statement and property value information.  I received a phone call, on my birthday none the less, to tell me that our application through PCH was accepted and they have covered ALL of our Phoenix Children's bills 100%.  WOW!!!  This is a $360,000.00 account.  I am now working with the remainder of the providers to reduce our bills or have them written off.  I have found that most of Eden's providers have a charity application process, it is just not well known because they will take insurance money over anything.  It has really been a blessing for us to be forgiven of so many medical bills.  I will honestly say that I sleep better at night and I feel like I have been able to move forward a little in my grieving because of this.  Yet another tender mercy from our Lord!

 

Introducing 9 new members of our family, all named Ariel :)  As if we did not have enough eggs, Marcus wants the girls to learn about money and budgeting so the chickens and their eggs will be their little business.  Seven of them will lay eggs (4 green and 3 brown) and two are "friers".  That's right, Marcus will raise them to kill and eat them.  We are becoming quite the little farm family!

Me with my mom and dad on my birthday.  I LOVe my parents and I believe I am the luckiest gal in the world because I have AMAZING parents.  Anyone who knows them will agree!

Ainsley petting a goat on their class field trip to a farm.  You guessed it, Marcus came with us just to be on a farm again.  I think he's homesick!

Emerson was much happier petting the bunny.  I think she prefers animals that are smaller than her and don't have the potential to bite her or step on her!

We really are the ice cream family.  Some of my fondest memories as a child are of my family going to "Thrifty" for ice cream.  I am taking the photo, but yes I have a big cone as well :)  I LOVE my ice cream!

The Lord has truly blessed our family and although we still have difficult days, we thank Heavenly Father everyday for the opportunity and blessing that it was to have Eden with us on earth for her 4 months of life and how grateful we are to know that she will be a part of our family for all eternity!  We are blessed!

CA Prop 8 Opinion

Dad Here - 

Friends,

A few of my thoughts on the events of the past week surrounding Proposition 8 in California.

So let me make sure I understand what's going on... All those who are upset with Prop 8 passing in California have decided that the best thing to do is to pick on the Mormons?  Hmmmm, so one marginalized group decides that the best way to go and vent their outrage is to do it against another marginalized group in society?  Unbelievable.

I think it's important to remember that less than 2% of the state of California is LDS and nearly 31% is Roman Catholic; both faiths opposed the proposition.  Furthermore, nearly all Evangelical Faiths opposed the proposition, but let's get down to the facts.  Exit Polls are difficult monsters to extrapolate data from, but according to Exit Polls there were two decisive differences in Prop 8's passage.

First, 70% of black voters supported it.  There were approximately 10,357,002 votes cast on Prop 8.  The winning margin was 492,830 votes.  Blacks made up close to 10% of the electorate, so that would mean there were close to 1,035,700 votes cast by black voters.  That right there provided a difference of nearly 414,820 votes.  If math is correct, that is 84% of the winning margin.  The Washington Post stated that a majority of Hispanic voters also supported Proposition 8.

Second, another group that strongly supported Prop 8 appears to be married people with children under the age of 18.  Married people comprised nearly 62% of the vote and voted 60-40 in favor of Prop 8.  People with children under the age of 18 were 40% of the electorate and voted 64-36 n favor.  31% identified themselves as "Married with Children" (don't know if they were minor children) and they voted 68-32 in support.

If protestors want to vent their rage and spew their vitriol maybe they should go over to the local black church and call them "bigots."  Or, better yet, go over to a local gathering of Hispanic mothers and chant, "Shame on you!"  But then again, that wouldn't be very politically correct, would it?  I mean, who's going to stick up for the Mormons?  Oh yea I forgot, all those out of state Mormon Bigots that are so powerful that they put Mitt Romney into the White House this year, of course!

This behavior is shameless and sickening.  I understand if they are frustrated, for I would be frustrated if by using my democratic right my proposition hadn't passed (twice), but scapegoating Mormons simply because it is MORE politically correct to single them out over any other group is disgraceful.  More could be said on getting out the vote, the real definition of tax exempt status, accountability, the millions of dollars not spent by Hollywood and celebrities, the right of citizens, democracy and how we voice opinions; but at the end of the day it really comes down to the following:  Situational tolerance, as demonstrated by opponents to Prop 8, is the worst kind.  In fact, it's called something that most opponents of Prop 8 vehemently oppose... discrimination.

works cited:

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/polls/#val=CA101p2

http:/www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/06/AR2008110603880.html

IMPORTANT NOTE:  many thoughts above have been taken from multiple sources to express my personal opinions and frustrations.  

Getting To Know You

I've been tagged by many friends lately so I decided to use this one so you can get to know me a little better.

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:30, This is MAJOR sleeping in for me.
2. Diamonds or pearls?  Diamonds for sure
3. What was the last film you saw @ the cinema? Passengers
4. What do you usually have for breakfast? Yogurt with berries and granola
5. What is your favorite TV show?? Lost and The Office
6. What is your middle name? Marie
7. What foods do you dislike? Shellfish (Love fish, but nothing that came from a shell, weird huh?!?)
8. What is your favorite CD at the moment? I don't listen to music in the house, but we have XM radio in the car and with the girls it's ALWAYS on Radio Disney
9. What kind of car do you drive? GMC Yukon XL
10. Favorite Sandwich?  Peanut butter and honey on whole wheat (my favorite since childhood)
11. What characteristic do you despise? People who do not follow through on their word
12. Favorite item of clothing? Shorts (good thing I live in a place that I can wear them almost year round)
13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation: Where would you go ? Greece
14. Favorite brand of clothing? Toss up, Banana Republic and Ann Taylor Loft
15. What was the last thing you bought? A new outfit from Ann Taylor for my birthday
16. What was your most recent memorable day? Taking the girls to the movies yesterday to see Madagascar 2
17. Favorite sports to watch? Track and Field, no doubt 
18. Your birthday? October 30, 1974
19. Are you a morning or evening person? Definitely morning
20 What is your shoe size? 9
21. Pets? Chickens
22. What did you want to be when you were little?  A pizza maker at my local grocery store (how's that for ambition!)

23. Any new and exciting news you would like to share with everyone? GREAT medical bill news (I will post more later)
24. How do you feel today? Energized (mast be the sleeping in)
25. What is your favorite candy? Hard choice since I LOVE candy.  Non-chocolate = Hot Tamales and chocolate Cadbury DARK chocolate bar
26. What is your favorite flower? Tulip
27. What is the day on the calendar you're looking forward to? New Year's Day (2008 was a tough one for me and I am hoping 2009 is a bit easier)
28. What is your full name? Keisa Marie Ridgway
29. What are you listening to right now? Silence - only my typing
30. What was the last thing you ate? Yogurt with berries
31. Do you wish on stars? I sure do!
32. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Yellow
33. How is the weather right now? Beautiful 76+ and sunny
34. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Marcus
35. favorite soft drink ? Fresca
36. favorite Restaurant? Mastro's Ocean Club
37. Hair Color? Mousy brown
38. What was your favorite toy as a child? Big Wheel
39. Summer or Winter? Summer, I love to swim and I don't mind the heat
40. Hugs or kisses? Kisses 
41. Chocolate or Vanilla? DARK chocolate - has to be dark
42. Coffee or Tea? I do not drink either, but I love a good hot cocoa in the winter 
43. When was the last time you cried? Last night before bed.  I was missing Eden
44. What is under your bed? Christmas gifts I am hiding - normally nothing, it's one of my fetishes
45. Salty or Sweet? Sweet
46. How many keys on your key ring? 4
47. How many years @ your current job? 8.5 - I started full-time and am now on-call
48. favorite day of the week? Friday 
49. How many towns have you lived in?  4 - Brigham City, UT, Wainesville, NC, Tempe and Mesa, AZ
50. Do you make friends easily? I think I do
ENJOY YOUR DAY!!!!!!

Tricks and Treats

We had a super Halloween last Friday and thanks to daddy, we have tons of fun pictures.  It was extra warm that evening (about 90 degrees), but the girls handled their warm costumes well.  

I LOVE MY GIRLS!!!!!

Ainsley has to pose for every picture.

The girls preschool Halloween party.  Wearing costumes is so fun!

Emerson is ALWAYS clowning around!

Couldn't you just eat them up!  So cute and getting so grown up.

Grammy and Papa accompanied us around the neighborhood and the wagon came in very handy as they got more and more tired.

"Don't bother me, I have to decide which to eat next!"

"Look at all MY candy!"

They did quite a bit of candy inspecting.  Boy do I remember those days.

My little witch and fairy.  Technically, they would call themselves a "princess witch" and a "princess ballerina fairy".  Have to get that "P" word in somewhere :)

We had a fabulous Halloween full of way too many treats.  Both of the girls enjoyed trick-or-treating and Ainsley is now catching on that the faster you go from house to house, the more candy you can get.  She had poor little Emerson running door to door!  Needless to say, we were all beat by the time we got home.  Sadly though, both girls got a bout of the 24-hour stomach flu and kept Marcus and I up most of the night vomiting.  They have not touched their candy since, nor have they asked for even one piece.  Now I have to figure out what to do with all of this candy!

"We Remember Them"

HAPPY 8TH MONTHS to my little angel Eden.  

It's so hard to believe that Eden was born 8 months ago today.  A day filled with such happiness and sadness all in one for me.  We are quickly approaching the day (November 5th) when Eden will be in heaven longer than she was with us on earth.  To be honest, I am a little scared for that day to come and go.  I will celebrate my 34th birthday this week and what a year it has been for me.  A year full of so much sorrow, fear, pain and grief, yet a year when our miracle was born who will help to save our family.  As I think back over my 33rd year, I can't say it was my best, but I can say it was full of great blessings and numerous examples of the Lord's love for me and my family.  Here's hoping for a less eventful 34th year.  Heck, I am getting way too old for all this excitement!

Last Friday evening Phoenix Children's Hospital hosted their annual "We Remember Them" memorial service for all of the children that have passed away there.  Of course we were happy to attend and honor Eden.  Both sets of grandparents and my newlywed sister and her husband accompanied us as well.  I thought it was a very nice tribute to our children through song and words.  They also had a slideshow presentation of many of the children and of course that was so emotional for me when Eden's photo flashed on the screen.  I miss her so much and my heart ache for her.  We took the girls with us and I do not think we will do that again until they are older.  Both kept asking when we would see Eden and get to bring her home.  They did however have the opportunity to decorate a paper balloon for Eden and at the end of the program all of the siblings in the audience brought their balloons to the front where they will be put in a time capsule.  Yet another emotional moment to see all of the children who have lost a brother or sister.

It's amazing how life moves on and there are days when I think "did this even happen?"  It's almost like a dream at times.  I wish I could tell everyone I meet about Eden and that there really is another member to our family.  The reality though is that most people will never know our story and over time I will be okay with that.  I have learned that you never know what someone is going through just by looking at them.  When I am asked "how are you?", no matter who asks me, my usual response is "fine, good, or okay."  Strangers might even think, "wow, that lady doesn't have any problems."  The truth is, we never know!  I give generic answers in leu of telling them how I really feel.  Life goes on and I do my day to day routine, but my heartache never goes away.  I think part of moving on is learning how to live with the heartache because I am not sure it ever fully goes away.  The hole in my heart that I felt when Eden died is like a scar.  The pain gets less and less over time until it's almost unnoticeable.  However, the scar is present none the less and will never fade to nothing.

A few parents were asked to give remarks at the memorial and one mother who lost her son at 2 days old said it so well and I quote:

I wish to touch you but I cannot

I wish to look at you but I cannot

I wish to kiss you but I cannot

Now my great yearning for you is that you will be a good angel who cares for us and remembers us.  Four months was so little time to enjoy you, but you gave so much happiness to my soul.  There is no greater pride for our family than having had you.  I will never be able to repay you for having come into my life."

I love you Eden and wish you all the happiness you deserve cradled in our Heavenly Father's arms.

Stinky Face!

Kids say the darndest things.  Need I say more?!?

I have to share a hilarious story which is my life on a daily basis.  My wonderful mother took the girls yesterday to the mall to see the doggies, play and get a treat (Grammy is so fabulous!)  They had to walk through Dillard's on their way out of the mall and that meant passing by all of the make-up counters.  One of the make-up ladies began talking to Emerson about her new stuffed animal (courtesy of Grammy) and she finally said "Happy Halloween!"  Emerson, who is not shy in the least turned right around and replied, "Happy Halloween Stinky Face!"  Needless to say, they lady was a bit shocked and bewildered and all my mom could do was laugh.  Once Grammy gained her composure she explained to the woman that the girls have a book titled "Happy Halloween Stinky Face" and that must explain Emerson's comment.  The mood instantly changed and the make-up lady was laughing uncontrollably and the other workers were laughing as well.

The moral of the story I guess is that you should not buy your children books with unsavory titles!  I LOVE my girls and the things they say.

Death March

As some of you might remember, Marcus and I went to Grand Canyon at the beginning of May to do some hiking.  Marcus completed the "Death March," which is 50 miles from the south rim to the north rim and back to the south in one day.  I did a shorter hike on that trip.

Well, we were back at the Canyon last weekend, but this time I did the 50 mile Death March with Marcus and seven other of our crazy friends.  This makes three times for me and six for Marcus and I think I have officially retired.  I LOVE to hike, but 50 miles through the Grand Canyon in one day is too much anymore.  Either I am getting older or wiser in my thinking!  As you can see from the photos though, the Canyon really is an AMAZING place and it humbles me every time I am there.  How lucky are we to have one of the seven wonders of the world in our own backyard!!!!!

I am not going to lie, it was hard and my knees and feet are aching because of it with a couple of blisters to boot.  However, my real motivation this trip was that I wanted to do it for Eden.  I hope that she was along in spirit to experience Grand Canyon and every time it got hard and too overwhelming for me to handle I would think of her and the hard things that she fought through.  She never complained so I tried hard not to do so as well.  Yet again, Eden taught me something that can make me a better person.  Marcus as I love doing physical, adventurous things together and this was no different.  I really am blessed with a good man who is so patient and kind to me, even when I am at my worst.  Enjoy the pictures!

The splendor of the Canyon.  This is from the south side looking through to the north.

We saw quite a bit of wildlife on the trail.  What a place to call home!

The sign warns you not to go to the river and back in one day (15 miles round trip).  Obviously, we are not good listeners.

Me and Marcus resting for a moment on the north rim.  We changed into a fresh pair of socks before heading back.  IF you look close, I am holding "piggy," which was Eden's favorite buddy in the hospital.  Marcus carried it in his pack.

Me and Marcus on the bridge over the Colorado River ready for our final 9.5 mile hike out the south side.

Now that is a trail.  The call this section of the Canyon "Devils Corkscrew."

Look very close on the right side of the photo and that white dot is me hiking up.  You go girl!!

God's creations are so beautiful!

TIME WARP

DAD HERE - 

I was going thru a box in the attic, I'm the only one in the house who really does any "deep cleaning" - despite what most people think, and I ran across this funnier than heck High School picture of my wife.  This must be around 1968 - or sometime...  NICE HAIR DO!!!!

 Digging a little deeper in the mess from wife's past, I found Keisa's College Graduation picture in 1984.  I know exactly what you're thinking, It certainly took Keisa a loooooong time between High School and College to graduate.  Pshhh, 16 years to go to school... yea, I know they're called doctors!  

Oh, so you think I'm not telling the truth, do you?  I know there are some skeptics out there... but Keisa really is older than me!