Strolling in the Park

Me and Beckham

Yes, this is me in my usual way with riding the rides at either Disneyland, Knottsberry Farm, Magic Mountain or the Orange County Fair. While everyone is enjoying being tossed on their heads, thrown from side to side in a fun-thrilled ride, I am here usually pushing a baby (now grandbaby), or sitting patiently in the shade while my thrill-seeking children and grandchildren seek the thrills, so to speak. And, please don't feel sorry for me. I choose to not ride on the majority of the rides that are featured at a given park. Why? I just don't have the stomach for it. And I know this from my early years as a kid going to Lagoon in Utah. My mom loved the big wooden roller coaster there, and usually tried coaxing me to come on. But when she managed to get me to ride, she, along with everyone in the party that day, regretted it. I was dizzy, felt nauseous and had to lie down on more than one occasion. Of course, the winning event was Senior Ditch Day at Lagoon in high school when the boyfriend of the day talked me into riding the Tilt-o-whirl where not only was I sick the rest of the day, but actually (and literally) lost my lunch on the ride. So...I prefer watching the babies, taking pictures and waving like nice grandmas do on the sidelines. The next time, however, I'm asking for a free days pass for just standing, sitting and buying lunch for everyone.

Chris' kids love taking pix with every character in the park. This is Knottsberry Farm during their trip for David's wedding.

I do like this one - just not the lines you have to wait in to go on it!

Ben and Cooper.  Cooper wasn't sure about this. Think it ruined her day too.

Girls look mighty scared to me...

Wave at Grandma

Face painting bribe from Chris for his girls to ride with him on every (literally) every ride in the park.

This Was Not On the Wedding Checklist Ken!

My mom continually brings up the fact that I shouldn't have moved from Utah, that I should be singing in the Tabernacle Choir, and that she doesn't know my grandkids. It's been 31 years since I moved from Utah to more traffic, warmer year-round weather, and higher housing prices, but it never really hit me that she was basically saying that she missed me and felt lonely, until my baby of six left today, headed to Las Vegas and his new home, along with his beautiful new wife, Sarah.

Yes, David got married. And the past three posts have highlighted it in some way. It was beautiful, joyous and sad, all at the same time. We want nothing more for our children than to see them happy and successful, along with staying righteous and living honest lives. And when they find that "soulmate," we are happier for them than they can imagine. As parents, we do feel what they feel, hurt when they hurt, smile and laugh when they laugh, and rejoice when they see success. So, for David and Sarah, I gave them big "good bye" hugs and kisses, and thought out loud, "make sure you call your mom weekly!"

July and August have been jam-packed with family happenings! From the birth of Josh and Ashleigh's baby boy, Harrison Joshua Burgess, the baptism of Chris' oldest, Kelli Jo, to spending the month there in Utah working out, driving back to Vegas to pick up Ken, the wedding, the paramedics rushing Ken to the hospital, to... Oh yes. Forgot (conveniently) about mentioning that.

Twelve years ago while on a family vacation at Lake Powell, Ken suffered internal bleeding from some ulcerations in his gut, removal of a tennis ball-sized tumor, and recovery. And he hasn't seemed to have had many problems with this since, other than an occasional challenge with stomach burning when eating any sort of semi-spicy foods. Until the day of David's wedding. He knew he was again bleeding internally, was very pale and weak. His thinking was to make it through the wedding for David's sake, then admit himself to the hospital to get this all checked out. The boys came over earlier in the day - Ben, Eddie, Josh, and Chris - and gave Ken and blessing, he rested a bit - then off to the wedding. However, 30 minutes before people started to arrive he sat down, went white as a ghost and collapsed. Luckily Chris was there to catch him, call out to Lesa to call 911, then moved him to the floor. As soon as he gained consciousness and his color returned to his face, he smiled and said, "what am I doing on the floor?" I (frightened) but lightheartedly said, "honey...this wasn't on the wedding checklist."

Ken was rushed by paramedics to the Western Medical Hospital near the Tustin Tennis Club, smiling and waving us to continue with the wedding. So - that's what we did. With Ken in our thoughts and prayers we continued greeting people as they arrived, started the instrumental ensemble playing, and proceeded with the wedding, then the reception, follow-up and clean up.  Other than having Ken nearly die prior to the wedding starting, things went pretty well.  Huge "thank you's" to Ashleigh, Joshua and Lee Ann Chamberlain for the incredible decorations, Ben and Cooper for the non-stop work on everything from writing checklists, shopping for the rehearsal barbecue, scouting out the park in Irvine for the barbecue, decorating the park tables and surroundings to match up with the wedding colors, food prep, event organization, clean up, best man duties with announcements...etc. For Lesa, Angela and Eddie for prep and clean up, for Chris watching all of the kids and helping...it all came together. And once again...families are forever, and they pull together at times of need in a huge way - an eternal way that says, I love you mom and dad! And, that IS on the wedding checklist!

Speaking of the Wedding

Sarah and David, August 4, 2012

Cousins

Handsome Chamberlain

Uncle David!

Ben and Cooper helped me non-stop

Stunning Decorations by Ashleigh, her mom and Josh-Wedding Song -

Angela helping the girls with the smores bar - yummo!

Wedding Song 

"He is now to be among you at the calling of your hearts.
Rest assured this troubador is acting on His part.
The union of your spirits here has caused Him to remain,
for whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name,
There is love. There is love."

"Oh, a man shall leave his mother, and a woman leave her home.
They will travel on to where the two will be as one.
As it was in the beginning, is now until the end,
woman draws her life from man
and gives it back again and there is love.
Oh, there's love."

Well then what's to be the reason for becoming man and wife?
Is it love that brings you here or love that brings you life?
For is loving is the answer then who's the giving for?
Do you believe in something that you've never seen before?
Oh, there's love. There is love.

He is now to be among you at the calling of your hearts.
Rest assured this troubador is acting on His part. 

The union of your spirits here has caused Him to remain
for whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name
there is love. Oh, there is love.

Flower Girls (Zoey on right)

My Boys (also Sarah and Chamberlain)

Cousins - Madison and Kelli Jo

Josh and Ashleigh (and Lee Ann) did all of the decorating

Mom (me) and David dancing

Stunning Decorations

Best Kiss Ever!

Doesn't Look Good for Mom

I think Chris' comment when he snapped this photo of me after first attempting my workout with him in Bountiful, Utah was, "doesn't look good for mom."

Well, that's how it started. Me driving to Utah to spend the month of July at Chris and Lesa's home attempting to make lifestyle changes. I've been told that it takes 21 days of doing something consistently to form a habit. And that was my goal. At age 61, after 6 children (and 17 grandchildren :-), a type 2 diabetic, working too much behind my computer either teaching voice, writing training materials and communications for a new company called Voyager Health Technologies, or talking on the phones non-stop, my lifestyle had to change.The ole' mantra chanted over and over by all health professionals is "eat less, move more." I needed to adapt and internalize this mantra, so I took Chris up on his offer to work me out all of July. It was also a good incentive to start to get in shape for David and Sarah's wedding on August 4th. And I'm so glad I did this. And I will be forever grateful for those 30 days, to Chris for his patience, care and love - although this pictures doesn't reflect that.

My day would start with 45 minutes of loud music - usually Adele or a musical - while I walked on the treadmill, followed by Chris bounding down his stairs to workout himself there in his home gym to P90X video's, then giving me the basics (the "P" of P90X) with warm-ups, arms, abs legs, and the dreaded stand up, sit down routine. That first week was so tough and Chris had to hide his chuckling as I would nearly fall with every exercise. But, near the end of my stay there I could do every exercise, and was down over 20 pounds. And although this is a drop in the fitness bucket with my goals, I am now on the right track and after coming home I signed up at the new Irvine LA Fitness Center, and haven't missed a day with exercise. I actually love it!

From left (Jamie Armstrong move out of the picture) David, Chris, Josh & Ben

The boys were a huge help for me. Their love and care was shown in so many ways. Between phone calls, text messaging reminders and encouragement, to banning me from cheese and late night snacking, I slowly changed my outlook on the word "diet", replacing it with "lifestyle."

Josh was the most concerned about me taking cheese, especially string, out of my diet. David kept encouraging me, and when Ben arrived for the wedding he would make me walk to the LA Fitness Center, workout, then walk back. He and Cooper set me up with my lock and small backpack for this daily trek. However, since they've left, I do enjoy driving there, working out, then driving home :-)

My goals are now looking more long term with seeing lifestyle changes, and hopefully by Christmas I'll be where I want to be.  I have to take one day at a time, as they say - one foot in front of the other - and like the way I feel. And, the good news? I got into that red St. John knit suit for David's wedding!

Smores Bar at wedding reception (I did have one!)

Birth and Baptism

There are a number of posts running through my head right now - all worth sharing, writing down and remembering. And everyone filled with joy that comes from family and family activities. We left California a couple of weeks ago, headed up to be a part of the baptism of Kelli Jo who had just turned eight (8). After spending a few hours at the Vegas offices of Voyager, we headed to Hurricane, Utah (just a few hours from Vegas) to see our newest grand baby, Harrison Joshua Burgess, who was only one day old. 

There is nothing more precious than holding and smelling a brand new baby - fresh from heaven. There's such joyous feeling that sweeps over you as you cautiously snuggle that new baby, touch their soft skin, count their little fingers and toes, and just take in that bit of heaven that lingers with a newborn, remembering why we all came to this earth. There's a peace like no other with newborns. And it takes me back to the births of every one of my six babies. I loved that special time with each one of them in the hospital. That bonding time that only a mother knows and feels. Welcome to the world my precious little one, Harrison Joshua Burgess!

Harrison - only one day old.

Harrison was born June 28, the same day as Kelli Jo eight years earlier. Kelli Jo just turned eight (8) and that is an important time in our church. That is when we baptise our children members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. So, not only were we heading up to be a part of Kelli Jo's baptism, but we were able to stop by and spend a few hours with Joshua, Ashleigh and their new baby boy Harrison Joshua.

Now it was time to continue along I-15, next stop...Orem, Utah to spend the 4th of July with Angela, Eddie and their family. Chris and his family came down to celebrate with us and we had a fun visit. With so many fireworks stands on every corner here in Utah, the neighborhoods were all aglow with firecrackers, sparklers, and various firework displays shooting off around us. In fact, where we were sitting there in Angela's driveway, with the girls all snuggly and giggling on blankets on the ground, we could look up, look over to the right and then to the left and see fireworks lighting up the sky from all directions. It was fun and kind of exciting. Anad although the turkey burgers were a bit dry and lacked ...taste... (missing here the real beef burgers of days gone by before my marathon Fit Farm visits,) the company was all that mattered and it was great fun being together.

June 30, 2012 Kelli Jo's Baptism Day

That brings me to the original reason for our treck to Utah ... the baptism. On June 30, 2012, Chris baptized his oldest girl, Kelli Jo.  What a beautiful day where such joy and emotion filled my soul being a part of this important event. To watch Chris baptize his daughter, to be a worthy priesthood holder, brought tears to my eyes, and tremendous joy and happiness. We want nothing more than happiness for all of our children, to see them reach their goals and dreams, to find worthy companions.  But most importantly, to live the gospel fully, honor their convenants made at baptism, raise their families in righteousness, and return again to our Father in Heaven's presence. "Families are Forever," and with every step we take, that dream becomes a reality.

FIT FARM

Here they are, all five of my fab kids, four married with kids and the last one, David, getting married in a few weeks. And, of course, I adore them. And I miss them everyday because they've all moved from California to Utah, Nevada and Pennsylvania. But, that's a whole other post where I bust out in an ole' 70's song, "All By Myself." But this post will be about the four handsome young men pictured who have teamed up to get mom fit for David's wedding. They even have some network, or something, where when I was in Costco here in Bountiful, Utah near Chris' home, I received first a call from Josh saying, "mom stay away from buying cheese." And at that exact moment a text came in from David saying, "mom, stick with the program Chris has you on. Get serious."

Ben, Cooper and Family (5) All Bike

Oh, forgot to mention, I'm at what I fondly refer to as the "Fit Farm" here at Chris and Lesa's beautiful home in Bountiful, Utah for nearly the entire month of July. My mission...to get in shape. That means exercising with Chris everyday on his extremely modified P90X (I'm doing just the P), and Lesa cooks the meals and plates it in the portion I'm allowed to have. I'm fully "armed and dangerous" with my new MACbook Pro (had to throw that in for Chris' sake), my new iPad (3), my cell phone, chargers for all, a small refrigerator in my room, a desk, cases of bottled water (including my fav...ICE from Costco), and to my knowledge, there is no string cheese in the house. And...I love it. 

Chris (my coach) does P90X

Here's my schedule. I get up early, answer biz email and update Facebook, Twitter, and Textmarks for my distributor team, do my call-backs to distributors, straighten up the room, drink my Atkins Vanilla shake with a handful of vitamins and my V3, then plug in my iPod to the treadmill. The music of choice is either Adele or Carrie Underwood, where I crank it up high and start walking. And I walk fast for 35 minutes. Once I'm "warmed up", as Chris puts it, he comes downstairs to his home gym where I'm toweling off the sweat, and says, "today we're working on your core." And then the fun begins.

Josh Runs and Plays Basketball

It's been one week (actually 6 days on my new Fit Farm program), and my blood sugars are doing great, I'm down 6 pounds, and my legs and arms are sore. You see, the only muscle left in my body is my jaw from singing, talking and training. Every other muscle has laid dormant for a number of years. Other than the occasional walk around the lake in Irvine, CA and a massage or visit to my chiropractor where they move my extremities, my muscles had seen no action. My first day with Chris (this past Monday) saw him trying to sneak a picture of me struggling through basic stretches with his cell phone, where I immediately put a stop to that. And the snickers he was trying to hide under his breath were answered with a few motherly GLARES. And my sweet son-in-law, Eddie, attempted to sell me on doing a fitness documentary - not! Come on now, I'm 61 years young, have had 6 children, 17 grandchildren (I know...I did nothing to get the grandbabies, but thought I'd add them in), and I love watching and cooking with the cooking channel. Ooops...another post all together. 

David and Sarah do Spin Classes and P90X

The bottom-line is that I love that my four boys have ganged up on me. I'm glad I'm here with my personal trainer (Chris), and I'm glad I'm on my way to a permanent lifestyle change. I needed this little push and I'm feeling much better, even if it has been just a week. Thank you kids...Ben, Chris, Josh and David! You

THAT'S MY DAD!

When the kids were younger and attending Primary, I decided to write a Father's Day song just for them to sing.  I really didn't like the usual songs that were sung year after year, and I had four in Primary at the time. It is still hand-written, and I'm determined to put it into a music writing computer program so that I can get it officially published. The LDS church actually sent me a request to do just that after recognizing it's submission for newly featured Primary songs last year. There are three versus that pretty much highlight the great attributes of being a DAD.

Ken holding his birthday cake made by Angela & her girls.

The lyrics include (1 of 3 verses):


"My dad is everything to me.
My dad leads our family.
He works hard all day then plays with me at night.
I can count on him
He's my guiding light."


(Chorus)
"Oh my dad.
My wonderful dad.
Oh my dad.
That's My Dad!"

Ken & grandson, Oliver, patiently watching his phone be played with.

  
                                                                                           I was excited to see that tomorrow, Sunday and Father's Day, my daughter is directing her Primary kids in this song.  I was there while they were rehearsing at her home in Orem, Utah, and smiled, took pictures, then reminised about my own children singing it.   I must recognize the fact that the last line of the chorus was suggested by Ken - "That's My Dad!" And it actually made the song more fun to sing.


I'm glad we celebrate various holidays that highlight those we love like Father's Day, Mother's Day, Valentines Day, birthdays, anniversaries, Thanksgiving, and of course, Christmas.  It gives us pause and time to reflect on our blessings that come from those we love. 

Chris and Ava

Tomorrow is Father's Day and I miss my dad. He died right after Duke went to the finals when Chris was playing basketball there. I remember being at the ACC championship game in NC prior to all the NCAA activities, and as I was going into a restaurant with Ken and a couple of friends, having a very strong feeling that something was wrong with my dad. I turned to Ken and said, "I need to fly to Salt Lake and see my dad." And I'm so glad I immediately did that. When I arrived to see him, he looked up at me from his bed and smiled his usual crooked smile, but this time I felt him slowing fading. And I was so happy that I had been prompted to spend time with him before he passed quietly away a short time after my visit. He was such a great man - a loving man who loved classical music. My love of music came directly from him and his influence. He played the piano and cello, and listened to symphonies every day that I can remember growing up. It calmed him, he said. And his sensitivity kept a beautiful balance to our home growing up. I hope to be more like him as life continues to bring their usual challenges.

Ben and his three oldest children (2004)

Ken may like sugar way too much, and seems to always be gone lately with business in Vegas. But, one thing Ken is, and always has been, is a great father. He adores his kids and has been very involved in their lives as a personal basketball coach, guidance counselor, and friend. And I couldn't ask for a better dad. Throughout the 38 years of our marriage, I have been involved in endless amounts of musical productions, choir rehearsals and programs, and business travel. And he's been there 100%. He never misses choir (as long as I'm the director), and he encourages (and puts up with) every project I get compulsively involved with. I love him for that.

Ben's Biker-Buddies!

I'm also blessed beyond belief with five (5) fabulous children - four boys (now young men) - three (3) married who are also fantastic dads. Each one of them loves their role as husband and father, and takes it seriously. Starting from the top is my son, Ben who has five (5) children (and a wonderful wife, Cooper). Ben is an incredible role model for his children, and loving father. He goes out of his way to make memories for and with his children. From chopping down their own Christmas tree, competitively carving pumpkins, camping with his boys, to biking as a family, he is awesome - and his birthday even lands on Father's Day!

Ben chopping the family Christmas tree 2011

Angela's hubby, Eddie adores his five (5) girls, and is known on Facebook for his fun family video's. These video clips give glimpses of the love and tenderness he feels for each of his girls. One of the cutest video's I took on my cell phone last week, was with Eddie reading to Sutton (2). He smiled from ear to ear as she would repeat every word. Such visible and tangible joy and pride he has for all of their accomplishments, and he is incredible with his praise for each one of them. They will never doubt themselves because of his belief in their individual worth and potential.

Brooklyn, Jacquelynn, Madison, Joshlyn, Sutton & Eddie

Eddie and baby girl Sutton

Chris

Chris travels all over the world playing professional basketball, and has never sacrificed, or put off, having a family and being a great dad while pursuing his professional goals and dreams. (Lucky that he has a darling, supportive wife, Lesa, who handles the travel thing like a pro.) And as macho, teasing and corny as Chris can be at times, he has three (3) of the most feminine girls you can imagine who adore their dad. And adding his 9 month old boy, Beckham, to the mix, gives Chris someone tough to wrestle with in the future. His love for fun and perfection is evident in everything he does.

Chris and Beckham

Kelli Jo and Chris celebrating his "32" bday

Chris showing Ava how to wade in the river.

Siri and Joshua

Joshua adores his children. And it is no secret that he loves being a dad. He sets such a good example for them, and their constant, "I love you grandma," is a reflection of love that has been shown to them by Joshua. Joshua's ability to work full time, support his growing family 
(with beautiful wife, Ashleigh), and graduate from BYU this year makes us all proud and proves that when you have your priorities in check, you can do it all!

Joshua, Chamberlain and Ashleigh

What a blessing the father's in my life are, and have always been. I treasure each and every one of them, and I will never take their love and devotion for granted. From my own dad - my husband - to my sons, the world is a far better place because of them. They bring joy, laughter, support, guidance, sacrifice, commitment, integrity and honesty to the world, and especially to those lives they personally touch. They are loved and admired for all that they do. Happy Father's Day to each one of them. I love you. xo

Chamberlain and Joshua

From Proverbs we read, "I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is our life."

Baby Siri and Joshua