HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY AWESOME SON.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVEN KEITH!!

"Yes I'm Still Alive"

Hey all, yes I'm still alive, just working too much I suppose.  My job has been keeping me extremely busy.  I moved to a house in West Valley that needed alot of work, go figure leave it to me to pick a place I need to redo, but its getting there and so far I'm liking it here.

Things are rapidly changing at work, hopefully the trucking industry will catch on to this LNG being the way to go trend we are trying to get going.  In the mean time I just tell my boss and the CEO that I see changing the trucking industry like trying to teach and old dog new tricks it just isn't going to happen overnight.  All these truckers are set in their ways and afraid of change and probably thinking why the hell would they want to change something that has worked for so many years.

We are getting things together to have a big customer appreciation event at work with race cars and such it should be a pretty big thing hell it could even make the news right along with our kit and tank designs that will be announced soon.  Its been really cool to be a part of starting something new, my job is never boring and always a challenge and even better is I actually like my job and the people I work with so its pretty cool.

As for life outside of work well I should say what life cuz I don't have much time for one.  Its been almost 2 years and so far I'm still single, I guess that's what happens when work keeps you too busy to have a life.  Oh I'm sure you'll all have your jokes of shock or putting it in a record book of some kind right.,...,.,ha ha ha yes I can hear you all now.  Such comedians you are...  Well don't fret cuz I have been dating here and there so it may not last forever.....

I'm sure you all know Steven and Michelle bought a house and even got another dog.  Great now they inform me I have 2 grand dogs.....Good Lord.
Steven recently got a promotion at work so now he has time for golf and goofing off, how the hell does that work?  Maybe I should apply at his work if I ever want a damn vacation.

Ok so as boring as it is that is the news on my life, nothing too exciting but I'm happy.

Memorial Day 2014

Went to Torrey on Saturday. Some of kids went, Jodie, Dennis and family, Dirk, Chevaun and family, Trina, Colby and Raiden, Colton and Nicole  and Steven and Muchelle. I kept the casket spray we got for Boyd so we could put it on his grave on Memorial Day. It was nice to have some of family there with us.....graves looked nice with big American flags flying over every Veterans grave. I miss Boyd with his sense of humor, many stories and the way he teased me. Hard weekend for sure, was sad. The grandchildren were out pounding nails into their treehouse the entire weekend, must be quite the project as this has gone on for years now. Dennis did the cooking with Dirk's help so we sure didn't starve. Caleb and Sarah came over also and stayed the weekend. Lots of horseshoes, I did one game and even got a point or two! Bryan or "soap and water" as Boyd called him even joined us for dinner both nights and horseshoes.....said he wasn't social but wouldn't miss another of our get togethers! Still no decision on Torrey house, guess we would like to keep it for awhile but problems continue to pop up there. I hate decisions, guess I am not, nor ever will be "older and wiser.!

IT'S THE OLD LADY AGAIN!!!!!

Have been trying to keep busy doing little improvement projects at house in SLC and the one in Bridgeland.  The days are sometimes hard to get through.....if I am not busy I tend to dwell on too any unpleasant thoughts.  I am still considering getting a part-time job or volunteering somewhere for a couple days a week.  I go to Planet Fitness 3 or 4 times a week and work out for about an hour, I must say that does boost my mood and energy level most times.  Seriously need some WARM sunshine!
The kids are all busy with their own lives so don't see them often.  Steven and Michelle bought a house so he has moved out.  Colton does come by once a week when he has school or don't know when I would see him.  My grandchildren are all growing up fast.  Hard to believe that Colton will be 20, Hunter 17 and Kaylee 3 in April.  That really makes me feel old and at my age you can't help but wonder how many more good years are left.  I sure wish growing old was easier!!
Spring is coming soon and that means FARMING......that is what will be on the agenda with Steve for sure.  We still haven't decided what to do with the house in Torrey but I go down every few weeks and do a bit more cleaning.  I am always checking voicemail for Boyd's call, got so used to hearing from him every night I keep thinking he will call.
Went to Green River a couple weeks ago and spent the night with Mom and Dad.  They seem to be doing ok or at least getting by.  Like Mom says "every day she can get out of bed is a good day."
 Going to take a writing class on Thursday nights starting this week....thought I should write my memoirs.....or maybe not....don't know that my family needs to know the many mistakes I have made in life.
I find myself liking songs for their lyrics now instead of music and beat....what the heck does that mean?  I like Katy Perry's ROAR....good stuff.  Dierks Bently has a new one called RISER.....like that also.  (I'm a get off the ground, old running hider, push comes to shove and I'm a fighter.  Darkness comes to town, I'm a lighter but get out aliver, out of the fire, Survivor)
As you can see not much new happening in my world....I try to check on my kids every so often and keep myself occupied as much as possible.  Bring on the SUNSHINE!

I'm Back!!!

Yes, it's me...your favorite daughter, sister and mother back after a 2 1/2 year hiatus!! Whew, that went by fast. Don't even know how to sum up that much time in a paragraph. To be honest, I kind of forgot about the whole blog thing until I started cleaning off my desk and found some entries that I had printed off. (That tells you how often I clean off my desk!!) It actually works out well because I never have to file any of my paperwork. I just throw it in a big pile and about every 2 years I go through it and shred everything except for the really important stuff and the last year of payments. It sure makes it hell if I have to find something though :) I dont know what I do with my time. It seems like I keep busy during the day with work, errands, kids and chores but in the evenings I never want to do anything but lay on my bed and read my book. I feel cheated if I ever get through a whole day and have not had time to read. I have started to write a little but only if I am in the mood which doesnt seem very often. I have always told myself that I should write a book but I cant seem to come up with a good thing to write about. You'd think I would have lots of ideas but my mind is always blank. I think thats why I like to read so much.... I can zone out and not have to think! The kids are all growing and doing well (mostly). I have to stay on Braxton and Weston to keep caught up in school but other than that we have no issues. Right now they are all playing basketball again and Garrett is even going to a basketball skills training class a couple times a week. Braxton and Weston are still playing guitar and poopy pants as we call him (Brody), is turning into a very sassy 4 year old. I used to scream and yell at him but he, just like the other boys, has stopped listening so my new plan is just to ignore them. I imagine that will go over just as well as yelling and probably get the same result without raising my blood pressure. Thanks Mom and Sue for still posting once in a while. I will try to do better.

2013 Ends With Sorrow

On December 24th Boyd passed away here in Salt Lake. He had been up here in the Veterans Hospital for a week.  He had cancer in his liver and intestines....no hope of changing its course.  He got to see most of his grandkids and his great grandchildren the week-end before as they gave us an outlook of days and we called everyone to come and see him.  He kept his dignity, pride and humor right up to the end so he was blessed that way.  Didn't have to suffer.  It is the end of an era, a Patriarch of the family has left us.  Steve has literally lost all of his family and that is hard to work through for anyone.  The funeral turned out great I think, just grandkids telling memories of times spend with Grandpa.  Instead of a viewing the night before we had a reception of sorts for the family up at one of Boyd's friend's house with food and drinks and just visiting.  I think Boyd would have liked his send-off very much.
Needless to say Christmas spirit wasn't what it should have been this year but we tried....things like that kinda ruin the holiday.  My grandchildren continue to grow, get bigger and older and that is making me way too old.....scary!  Mom and Dad now 88 and they seem to be sliding downhill more all the time.  It is a worry and losing Boyd put them in a depression for sure.  Lots of snow on the ground here and more headed tomorrow.  Snow on ground at farm is the same as has been there for over a month, never has warmed up enough to melt any of it.  That basin is a cold place in the winter, I am getting to like the cold less and less.  I like to be WARM!  I seem to have kept myself busy the last few months of 2013 making things for Christmas and then the illness of Boyd.  In 2014 I seem to be struggling to get my balance again.  I need to get some interests and get moving forward.  Hoping 2014 will be a good year with some positive coming our way.....maybe even some answers as to what I should do when I grow up!

2013 Retire, What's That?

On September 6th (just 2 days before my 33rd anniversary with CRE) I was called in and told I was being given a choice.  I could stay 4 or 5 months and apply for "MY" job when they combined the I/C and Payroll departments or take a severance package and leave at the end of the month.  I was shocked to say the least, I certainly was in no position financially to retire nor was I mentally or emotionally ready.  On October 4th (just 2 days after my 67th birthday) I walked out the door of CRE and do not plan on ever returning there even to visit.  I am sorry that after all those years I left so unhappy.
I am on my second week of "retirement" and I still have not come up with a plan for this 2nd half of my life as it is called.  I seem to keep somewhat busy but not enough to keep my mind occupied and that is hard on me.  When I do too much thinking I get depressed.
Steven will soon be 21 years old, hard to believe my grandchildren can be that old.  They should all still be little and LOVE their grandma!!!  Hunter and Braxton are juniors in high school, Garrett started junior high this year and Raegan will next year, no way in HELL can I be this old!  Baby Ray is finally growing and even looking somewhat chubby!!
Mom and Dad having some issues but overall they are hanging in there.  Mom calls everyday to check on me, don't know what she thinks I am doing but whatever.  Boyd still doing fine, I talk with him everyday and make sure he is ok.
I sold my Corvette the other day, sad to see it go but really do not need 3 cars and I had to make a choice.  The guy that bought it had been dickering with me on it for over 3 months......finally gave me what I wanted so that made it easier.  Maybe I will win the lottery someday and buy me a brand new one!!!  At least with winter coming on I won't have to worry about my third vehicle, my other two will fit in the garage.
I also had to sell my dog, Ike in September (not an easy month for me) as I could not keep him in yard at all.  He is down outside of Monticello where he can run and chase cows.  I got an update on him a week ago and he is doing good and bonding with the family.  That was another very hard decision for me.
Changes are a part of life for all of us, some are good and some are not.  Who can tell why things happen the way they do,  I sure can't.

FAMILY MISSING/PLEASE RETURN/NO REWARD

May is almost done, so as always time is flying by far too quickly for me.  Trina had a baby boy on May 23, 2013.  He was born about 4:15 A.M. in the morning, weighed 6 lbs 15 oz and was 19 1/2 inches long.  It was a way long labor, she is tougher than me I would have been crazy waiting for 19 hours!!!!   His name is Raiden Craig Lambourne and he is a handsome little guy.  I do think he is just like Trina predicted, has Colby's pig nose and her chinese eyes!!!  Went to Green River and Torrey over Memorial Day weekend, decorated graves, cleaned houses and am now in need of rest.  It is not very relaxing that is for sure.  I bought a Camaro,  a 2011 bright yellow convertible.  I want to sell the Corvette but I am not getting much interest so right now I have too many cars.  The convertible is fun but only if you are in the front seat I guess, people do not like riding in the back when the top is down.  Everyone seems to be doing good, some of my children I don't hear from very often though.  Hunter now has her learner's permit so roads could be dangerous.  Braxton being a cool ladies man, as is Weston.  Brody and Garret have other interests.  Colton still working toward being an electrician, and Brenna is cool!  I think she also has learner's permit so again I warn you ROADS around here are a bit dangerous!!  Macie did well in her dance competitions and Kaylee just turns things upside down.  Mom and Dad doing ok but going downhill more and more.  Boyd struggles to do much but he sure keeps trying.   Job is crazy so I am very busy, feel like I meet myself coming around the corner all the time.  Could be I am slowing down though (young I am  not!)

SPRING 2013

My how the time flies anymore.  It is April 1st already and we have seen a few warm days.  The week-end was super nice.  First time Easter has been warm with no wind, rain or snow in awhile.  We didn't do much ourselves, just cooked a meal and had Tammy, Mark and kids, Sue, Steven, Michelle, Trina and Colby over to eat.  No big Easter egg treasure hunts as we had no little ones.  I worked in the yard and tried to accomplish a few things....certainly not as much as I would have liked. I am getting old and tire out fast......God I hate to admit that!  Colton seems to like his job as an electrician apprentice,  Steven and Michelle think they want to buy a camp trailer, Tammy broke a bone in her foot and Trina and Colby waiting on the little guy to arrive......it is getting closer for sure.  Dirk and Chevaun have many baby lambs,,,,,they have 5 mama ewes and 11 babies,  Macie will have to feed one by bottle as it's Mom didn't seem to want it.  There are lots of birthdays in the month of April....Tanner is 10 today, Hunter is 16 on the 8th, Kaylee is 2 on the 19th, Colton is 19 on the 20th and Dennis has a birthday the 22nd and Michelle also has a birthday in there somewhere, can't remember the date for sure.  I will be broke buying birthday presents!!!  We had a bomb threat at England today....crazy stuff.....people are nuts!  All these goings on tend to keep an old lady quite busy!!!!!

WINTER 2012/2013-----YUCK!!!

Well it is almost the end of February and still this cold weather, snow and ice hangs on.  I have been done with this for a month ALREADY!!!!  I worked long hours in January.....job is crazy and getting worse or I am getting old don't know which.  Work, come home, take hot bath to warm up, crawl in bed and read a book.......that is my exciting life.  Trina getting closer to new baby and between not feeling good and being disagreeable she is not doing too bad.  Colton now working on being an electrician (go Colton).  Steven still at his same job but now he thinks he wants to be a fireman.  Brenna driving around on a learners permit (she can't be that old), Braxton singing and playing guitar ( does a good job), Weston and Garrett playing basketball (Pretty good too as I went to watch them play a couple weeks ago), Macie is in dance and doing good at her performances, Kaylee just likes to entertain, Brody is looking good (just ask him), Hunter and Raegan doing good.....growing up so fast it makes me dizzy.  I hate to admit this but anymore it doesn't take much to make me dizzy!!!!
I had to have a colonoscopy because I have had some stomach issues......did not really think that was fun at all.  Thank goodness they found nothing so I am good for 10 years!!  I seem to have trouble with my stomach constantly so it has been easy to not eat much......good thing is I have lost about 20 pounds through all of this.  I absolutely did not lift weights, run or such to accomplish this.  Now they want to check a few other things and I am waiting a bit, thinking maybe it was one of my meds or something.
Everyone seems to doing good, working and staying busy with all that comes their way.  The holidays were good, enjoyed having my whole family around.  I really am getting old as I even enjoy spending time with my own CHILDREN!!!

We're Still Here Mom, Just Busy!

It's been awhile since I've posted anything on here, but I have a habit of checking it at least once a week to see if anyone else has. Seven months and nobody has even said hello I'm alive? What is going on with everyone? Jodie where are you I mean geez don't you know as the author of this site we rely on you to post on here? I know I should shut up and point back at myself for not posting for so long and I am that is why I'm here now. I figured I needed to let you all know that the oldest, not always wisest is still alive and kicking. As for my life these days well it's actually going pretty good, I know shocker for me huh? I have a great job and get this I really love working there and look forward to going to work everyday now how crazy is that. I have been down and out sick for the last week which has sucked, talk about a great way to bring in the New Year, I personally spent it lying in bed dying of fever, it was not fun at all. Victor did his best to take care of me and kept trying to cart me off to the hospital, he isn't used to seeing me like that so was at a loss for what to do or how to help me. Plus as some of you may already know I am far from a good patient, ok I'm a real pain in the ass to tell the truth I am not good at being sick or having to rely on someone else to do things for me so I'm surprised he is still speaking to me since I was such an adorable patient. Hell I wouldn't want to take care of me I'm just mean and cranky when I'm in the helpless state. LOL I'm on the mend now but that fever was the worst it took me 6 days to break the damn thing, I was starting to wonder if I should listen to Vic and go to the hospital cuz it just wouldn't go away. Ok so enough about that, sorry I don't have anything exciting to report but my life is pretty boring these days I just work and go home, and in any spare time I can find I am looking for an apartment. Work has been keeping me pretty busy but I like it, I'm good at this job plus I get to do one of my favorite things, "Boss around a bunch of men while trying to convince them that organization is the key" Ya they don't always listen but hey that just gives me an excuse to get on their case again. Ha ha. This LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) is the up and coming thing and it's pretty cool that I am in on the grounc floor of this company. They are growing so fast it's hard to keep up, but hopefully that's a good thing. I make decent money, love what I do and get to work with a great bunch of people, I guess you can't get much better than that right. I'm sure everyone knows that my little boy is not so little these days and has managed to turn into his uncle Dirk, talk about spitting image, I swear he reminds me more and more of Dirk everyday. This constant hunting thing is like de ja vu of little brother back in the day. It's crazy how fast all the kids are growing up it don't seem possible that my little boy is 20yrs old, or Colton almost 19, weren't they just like 10 and 12? Time flies I guess huh. Steven's girlfriend Michelle is a sweetheart, I'm not sure how or why she puts up with him at times but I like her, I'll just have to get her to tell him off once in awhile, he's spoiled enough. Now this grand dog thing Nova? Well I'm unsure about him but as long as Steven's happy I think I can learn to to live with him too.....LOL Well I'm gonna go for now but I'll try to post more often and the rest of you better kick it in the ass and start doing the same. I love you all, lets have a fabulous 2013....... Love Sue P.S. Check out this handsome young man.....I was blessed with a wonderful son.....I am very proud of him, I couldn't have asked for better, he's the best. Love you Steven

WHERE OH WHERE HAVE YOU ALL GONE?

It is already the end of June.......4th of July coming up fast.  Time really does fly for me anymore and I can't ever find the time to do everything I want.  The job has been getting in my way a lot the last few months.....can't seem to make anything work right there.  Colton did graduate from high school.....thank goodness as I was doing lots of yelling about it.....was losing my voice.  Kaylee is a year old now and she has found her voice.  Constantly yelling at me about something.....don't ever know what but I am usually in trouble.  Macie growing up fast and has been playing T-Ball.  Hunter headed into high school,  Brenna into 9th grade.  Braxton almost 16, Weston, Garret and Brody getting big fast.  I can hardly keep up.  Everyone seems to be getting by which is all we can do.......guess we are lucky at that.  Problems never seem to go away but we solve and move on......that is life.  I feel old and tired tonight but am a very lucky old lady cause I have such a GREAT family.  XOXO

April Showers 2012

Well here I am again trying to keep things updated.......glad I am so damn dependable! Trina got a new job....really likes it, Tammy still working overtime, Sue still in halfway house looking for a job, Dirk busy with oil industry stuff, Jodie still reading and chasing her boys, Amanda must be getting more sky miles.....haven't seen her for awhile. Steven got in an accident last week, someone rear-ended him.....he thinks that truck is a jinx. Some lady backed into my Corvette last week also......didn't do much damage but she of course does not have insurance or a job....that is my kinda luck. Trina took a bunch of pictures of Colton over Easter week-end so she can print him up a graduation announcement.....and by a bunch I definitely mean a BUNCH! Kaylee will be a year old already on the 19th and Colton will be 18 the very next day. Good God Almighty I sure am old! Had to pay income tax today......I am in shock.....no one should have to pay that much to the @#$&* government! Until next time......LOVE you all!!!!

Hmm...Keeping Up With Black's

It is already March....as usual time is flying by. I never seem to have time to visit all my wonderful children and grandchildren. I have been working lots of hours.....I am now the Director of Corporate Payroll....just a big title with lots more work really. Have been trying to spend more time with everyone and have not been a success yet. I will not give up though.....I think I can, I think I can, I think I can do all of this!!! Sue is in halfway house....looking for a job. Steven busy shooting his bow, Colton getting close to graduating and 18, Hunter headed into High School and getting a learners permit, Kaylee thinking about walking, Macie as always the princess, Brenna on an excelerated girls softball team, Braxton growing up and being cool, Weston still the ladies man, Garrett still trying to be the best, Raegan getting tall, Brody is a big boy now, Tammy working lots of overtime, Trina survived her first job interview, Amanda getting lots of sky miles, Dirk has hound dogs again, Jodie busy keeping up. Let's see....how many kids do I have??? They are all great....even if I can't remember everything. I keep hoping I will soon get to retire but things just keep getting in my way. I don't know if that is good or bad....jury i still out on that! Happy March 2012.

2012 Here We Go!!!

It has been awhile since I updated this...no one else seems to be reading or posting either. Thanksgiving was at Jodie's house....very good food,good company and lots to be thankful for. Christmas was fun...exchanged white elephant gifts and it was quite funny. The kids played their Christmas Bingo game that Jodie made up 6 or 7 years ago.....they all still like to do it on Christmas Eve. She should patent it or something....might be a winner! Jodie doing well, still fighting fatigue and a few things but improving each day. Trina had a bit of a scare but it was pre-cancer and they got it all so that was good news. She is going to school and working full-time so very busy most days. Tammy and kids doing well....Colton is almost 18 now and Brenna turned 14 in December. I don't know how my grandchildren can possibly be that old! Dirk and Chevaun busy with girls...Kaylee is crawling now and she goes everywhere. I spent New Years at the farm...Jodie, Dennis and kids came out. We played pool...the boys like to get tournaments going, and watched Big Valley. It was a quiet, lazy, relaxing kind of week-end. I went to Green River yesterday with Jacque, Chevaun and Jodie for Dad's birthday. He was 86 yesterday. He was not doing too well....worry about them as neither one of them function very well. We made spaghetti for dinner and Dad really seemed to enjoy it. I am hoping for a better year in 2012 but with aging parents it is a bit of a worry. Boyd seems to be doing well but he will soon be 92. Where does the time go.... I am old and I swear not long ago I was YOUNG!!!

OCTOBER....Where Did You Come From?

Time is really flying by.....I am now 65 years old....scares the hell out of me to even admit that. I can't possibly be that old....what have I been doing for that many years? The kids all came over on my birthday and fixed dinner....ribs....oh so good! Jodie has started her radiation treatments....still having some problems but seems to be having a few more good days. Dealing with the Big "C" is a challenge and it takes a long time to feel normal. October is a busy month....my birthday, Jodie's birthday, Steven's birthday and then on November 1st we have both Weston and Brody's birthday and November 18th is Macie's. Then we get a break until December when we have 4 more. So very thankful that I have such a great family.......enjoy all our get-togethers. Memories, memories......the only thing that is important and we are creating a huge stash!!!!!

9-21-11 Chemo Completed

Jodie had her last Chemo on Wednesday....she got to ring the bell leaving the infusion area. Now to get past the next three weeks and start radiation. Such a long journey--- but I now feel the end is in sight. I am sure Jodie feels the same....so hard to think about getting injected with that crap and the sickness that follows...so to be done has to be a relief. We went to Green River over the week-end for Melon Days. It was a good time...got to see most of the family and enjoyed a good visit and some great food. I ordered some pink silicone wristbands with Jodie's name on them and the words "We Will Love You Through This." Of course I made everyone wear them!!! I like that song...Martina McBride....I Will Love You Through It. It is sad but true.....The Big "C" has touched so many lives. Hope for a Cure is at the top of my wish list. Things like this teach you what is important in life.....it is sad that we are so self-centered that it takes something like this to make us realize what life is really about.

THESE ARE MY PEOPLE!!!

See the pictures of the bald Black's......well, just so you know they are an awesome, fun, hard-working, loving, kick-ass kind of people........my people! Dear "C" word.....move on out we are taking names and kicking ass....you are not welcome here. From the very young to the old everyone has stepped up...absolutely unbelievable the amount of courage showing here. I am so very humbled and proud to say.....THESE ARE MY PEOPLE!

Bald Blacks

What a bunch of cute bald boys we have. Thank you everyone. I love you!! Pretty cute grandkids too!!

Thank You

Look at us.... 3 posts in 3 days!!! That must be a record. To be honest I had actually forgotten about these blog things for the last couple of months. Too much other stuff on my mind I guess.
I just wanted to tell all of you thank you for all of the love and support. As bad as this all sucks, I can't imagine having to go through it all without such a supportive family. You all get an A++ for effort!!
I have felt pretty good the last couple days and are now on the final week countdown to "D" day again or should I say "C" day. I know that it is important but I really dread having to get sick again. Truth be told though, it's probably more that my obsessive compulsive side has a hard time watching my husband fold the clothes wrong and put the dishes away in the wrong cupboards!! Luckily though, he saves the REALLY important stuff for me.....like cleaning the floor boards. Today I crawled around on my knees for 2 hours wiping them down and that was only the upstairs!! Who does that?? And more importantly, why don't I have something more pressing that needs to be done?? Ha Ha... He tries though and is a very good babysitter to his sick wife.
Thank you all again and we will see you this weekend!