THE MALONE FAMILY

Pizza Recipe

2010-08-18T09:42:00.003-07:00

We've been horrible at blogging. I know. No excuse really. Just too lazy to keep up with Facebook, Journal, Blogging...oh yeah, and LIFE!!!

Deb is sick and tired of our usual meals. It's time to switch it up a bit and try some new dishes. She made Beef Wellington on Sunday and it was DELICIOUS!!!! We felt like real fancy folk for the night. We saw them make it on Hell's Kitchen and thought she'd try it.

So, we want to make homemade pizza next. So, if you have a pizzz crust recipe you'd like to share we'd love to try it!!

Decisions...Big Decisions

2010-03-17T20:10:00.002-07:00

So, this week it seems like there is so much on my mind I might pop!! We are trying to decide if/when/where we should move. We want to adopt a baby and so we are considering maybe becoming Foster parents and then eventually adopting the right child when he or she is brought into our lives. BUT...we need a bigger house. We miss our old ward so much, but we are starting to get to know people a little better in our new ward. But, would be open to moving into a new ward if the right house and situation came about. We also want to keep Maddy in the same school district so there are just so many things to consider. Sometimes I think being a grown-up is very hard. Friends, if you could do what you ALWAYS do best and keep us in your prayers. We want to make the very best decisions so that we can be on the right road to eventually having the little boy or girl that belongs in our family!

Great Start!!!

2010-03-12T11:30:00.002-07:00

Yesterday was my first check in with the doctor. I LOST 5 POUNDS!!!!! I lost fat and not lean muscle mass which is very important. I am so excited! It isn't a lot I know but it just means I am on my way!!!

Every pound I lose is what motivates me to lose another!!! Have a great weekend!

1000 calories a day!!

2010-03-08T14:52:00.002-07:00

So I met with the Dr. last week. He put me on a 1,000 calorie a day diet and I am exercising 6 days a week right now just working my way up to 30-45 minutes a day. I even roller skated last week and Madyson's birthday party - thought I might die afterwards - I am definately older than I used to be but it was such fun exercise, I think we should do that more often. I did cheat a little over the weekend but today - back to the grind. IT's still too early to see any results of course although I am feeling very motivated and also feeling like I am a little more energy from day to day.

Meeting with the Dr. really hurt my pride. My weight falls in the "morbidly obese" category - not ever something a person wants to hear. But, for me, it just motivated me to change. Thank you so much for all of the support and encouragement in this. Deana I would love to walk with you anytime! Until it gets hot that is - then - I am not doing the outside thing!!! I am a wus!

Week 2 - The Journey

2010-02-22T00:03:00.004-07:00

So, I think I might do weekly diet entries instead of daily - "there's just nothing to say" that often. (Our new favorite quote from the movie - "Couple's Retreat" - hallarious!) Anyway, back to less entertaining topics - (haha)

This last week was a start - slow start - but it was a start. I gutted out the pantry and even threw away the chocolate peanut butter ice cream. It kind of freaked me out when I thought to myself as I was throwing that way - I need this ice cream - kind of a small panic feeling - THAT IS NOT HEALTHY!! News flash!
So this week, the next step! I am going to be walking everyday this week, even if it's just for a half hour. I see a new Dr. on Wednesday night to begin the medical weight loss program and also will be getting a little counseling to help me begin new habits and make sure that I am not eating for the wrong reasons. Those of you who have known me for a long time might know that this has been somewhat of a struggle for me off and on my whole life so I want to learn through this process this time. I want to make sure that my relationship with food is a healthy one. I have been thinking back over my childhood and realized that when big things happened in my life - I really did deal with it one way or another with food. I have always been active and at times quite healthy but I think in our society - so much of what we do incorporates food. I need to remember that I am eating to live!!

The exercise issue is a big one for me lately and thinking about it makes me kind of emotional. I actually LOVE to be active. I enjoy exercising once I am doing it. I have been living in pain for so long however that it is hard to move through that pain and get moving if you know what I mean. It is something that is so important for us to do and I need to make myself do this. I am looking forward to starting to swim with my friend Bethany - she is so patient and also honest so she will not let me wimp out. That will be good for me.

Thanks for taking the time to read - I hope this journey is helping more than just me. I know that the love and support you all are giving me helps me everytime I feel like it's not possible. Baby steps and consistancy - that is what I need right now. Looking forward to Wednesday!!!

A New Journey...Day 1

2010-02-17T12:10:00.002-07:00

So, I went to the Dr this morning for my follow up from my stomach surgery. Things are still healing but he said it's going well - finally. The incision collapsed from all of the fluid that was trapped in there and wants to open me back up in months to fix it. Not something I am happy about AT ALL - but it is really ugly right now so might be a good decision. The Dr. then asked me - do you want to get gastric surgery - you need it - I strongly recommend it. Not something you want someone to ask you at all and really hurt my pride. But then, as I look into the mirror - I honestly am heavier than I have ever been in my entire life and not healthy at all. I want to feel good about myself again so...I am going to embark on a new journey and I am going to record it on our blog so that I can look back as I go and learn from this experience. I am hoping that as I do this, I can learn about why I am in the shape I am so that I can prevent myself from getting back to this place again.

I also want to record this on our blog because I am hoping that as I go down this journey that any of our friends who want to join me, can have some place to go for support. I have the most amazing friends in my life and I always know that if/when I am having a down day or things get hard, that I can look to my friends for support and encouragement and I have a feeling that there will be more than a few of those days. Maybe I can offer support to someone else and hopefully I can draw on the support from my wonderful friends (and husband who is also very supportive).

So today is day 1!! I am going to gut out the house of the goodies and comfort food that has accumulated over the last few months while I have been dealing with health issues. I can't use that as a crutch to be unhealthy anymore. I have made the call for an appointment with my Doctor who also has a medical weight loss clinic and will check back in regularly to record my progress. Anyone want to join me? Let's make this year a year of becomming healthy physically, mentally and always spiritually. Encouragement only!!! Here I go!!

Walking The Boys...

2010-02-09T22:33:00.002-07:00

So, today I took a step back towards the real world. I took the dogs for a walk!!! It was a beautiful day and it felt so good to get out in the sun (cool sun I must add) and breath in fresh air. It about kicked my butt and I am pretty exhausted tonight BUT I felt like it was a step in the right direction and I am going to go every day from now on!!

Mike has started walking again too. I am so proud of him. He is a really good example to me of someone who once he decides to do something, he comits and just does it!!! Maddy is getting ready for her 12th birthday in a few weeks. She wants to have a roller skating party - ahhh my kind of party!! Gonna be a BLAST!!

Club Volleyball...the beginning of a Dream!!!

2010-02-06T23:03:00.009-07:00

So Maddy has decided that she has a dream! She wants to play volleyball for BYU in college! Wow! Go big or go home, right??? Well, she has started playing club this season and I have to say although it will just sound like we are partial but she has some raw natural talent. She has so much to learn but that is the best part - the journey!

So Maddy started the day off as the first server, made the first game point and yes, all of you who know me, I stayed true to Debbie form - got a little teary - was so proud of her and knew she was nervous and scared and she just stepped up and played the game. We were so proud of her.

Maddy is playing for the Mesa, Jackrabbits. She has some friends on the team from our old ward so it has been fun for her to re-connect with them. The first tourni. was in Prescott, AZ and Maddy and I went up with Milena - such a dear friend - at 4am and Mike joined us a couple of hours later. Cat and most of their family came as well so Maddy had a nice little cheering section.

Am I crazy??? Of course NOT!!

2010-02-06T04:14:00.003-07:00

So, I decided I am going to make the most of being down like I am. The Shingles has been no fun and because my skin hurts and my head hurts, I have slept about 5 hours in the last 3 days. It is 4am and I am awake and wishing so badly that I could sleeeeep!! The positive however is that since I have been awake so much, I can let the dogs out in the middle of the night so for the last two nights, Mike has actually had good full nights of well needed sleep for him.

I have been focusing my time on Primary this week. I have finished my Singing Time outline for the year, finished 5 out of 9 posters to teach songs for the Primary Program and cut and lamenated and then cut again all of the pictures I have collected from the Ensign and calendars, etc. I am feeling so productive and prepared for teaching the songs now that I am really excited to get to go back to church and do my calling. Unfortunately it is going to be a few weeks before I can go back but - I will be ready.

Maddy has been an amazing trooper. Even though I am so incredibly boring and a bit crabby, she has been so helpful and mostly cheery!! Mike is amazing as always although since i have been down so much, it seems like I have so much time to think, I feel like I am obsessing over his health and him taking care of himself and keeping up all he has done to get healthy again. Is is just me? Am I totally psycho? I just don't ever want to loose him to health issues. I love him so much and, ok, I am obsessing. Get me out of here!!!! Oh how I would love to go to dinner or somewhere normal and out of this house. Sooon, I know, soon.

But, my spirits are up from where they were a few days ago and tomorrow is the weekend so the family will be home and we can just chill together.

Are You Kidding Me??? Nothing But Shock Right Now!

2010-02-02T08:18:00.003-07:00

So, this week, a few CranioSacral clients on the schedule, heading back to church next Sunday and excited to do Primary again - woke up Monday morning with the left side of my face swollen and extremely painful. Bumps on my face and had and feeling like I had been hit by a truck! I still went and worked on two clients - gotta get the work done, right?? Still felt progressively worse so called the Dr on the way home. It took him all of like 3 minutes - you know what you have right??? I'm thinking maybe - ear infection???

Uh, you maybe wish - SHINGLES????!!!!!

I cannot believe this. I am frustrated, sad, numb and yet trying very hard to put my Faith in the Lord that there is a reason all of this is happening in our lives. I am SO TIRED of feeling like a burden to my husband and not being able to do the things that NEED to be done. I am getting so tired of being in one form of pain or another from some lame sickness. I know the Lord blesses our lives and I know we are not alone through this. Thank you to all of our wonderful friends who call and check on us, stop by and spend time with us and in many small and some big ways, show your love and support to us all the time. We are so blessed to have you in our lives.

Thanks for letting me vent. I gotta have the down moments so that I can pick up and deal - yet again. Could be a long 4 more weeks????? Let's hope not!

Finally Drain Free!!!

2010-01-27T20:39:00.003-07:00

So we went to the Dr. today and at first he was still not going to take the drain out. There was still more fluid draining that he wanted but was concerned that after 3 1/2 weeks I might get an infection in the mesh. Initially he told me one more week no matter what. Then as Mike and I were getting ready to leave he came back in and said, "forget it, I am taking the damn thing out!" I was so excited!!!!!

Mike couldn't watch, he gets quite queazy over this stuff, but took the drain out and patched me up!! I still have an open incision but that will be healed up in a few days and in the meantime I will continue to change dressings and take it easy. But then...ALL DONE!!!!

One More Week

2010-01-20T23:05:00.002-07:00

Today we went to the Dr. office thinking that Iwould be getting the drain out of my stomach. Nope! One more week. I left today so upset. I totally fell apart when I got home. This was supposed to be a two week ordeal and 5 weeks later I am still not done. I am so scared that I am not going to have any clients left when I am ready to go back to work. Mike has been always amazing and so has Maddy. So, what did I do? After crying for a long time, I cranked up the ipod and started cleaning house. Rearranged, dusted and for at least the front part of the house, got it done. It felt better to sing at the top of my lungs and at least get something done. I am in a lot of pain tonight but I am convinced it was worth it! So that is the update - more of the same. Thanks for letting me vent a little. It helps to get it out as a very dear friend told me this evening.

My New Project!

2010-01-08T22:46:00.003-07:00

I am finally feeling like I am on the road to recovery from this surgery. I have had a LOT of time to think and ponder and 2010 is going to be my year for growth. I feel like there are projects that I need to get done, I am setting a goal to go out and make new friends and take a LOT more pictures. I want to write in my journal more, like everyone else, I want to exercise more - I want to make more memories and serve more. These are my new year resolutions and I am starting right now. While down, I have started working on my cookbook - a collection of my favorite recipes.

2009-12-27T22:55:00.003-07:00

This year we had a wonderful Christmas. Not a lot of gifts and I have been once again recovering from another surgery but our hearts were filled with so much joy and we focused more on the true spirit of Christmas, more on our Savior, more on family and spending quality time with one another. We are so happy. Mike took the week off from work to help me with recovery and he has been so amazing. He has gone above and beyond to make sure I had everything I needed. He has sat by my side and watch the chick flicks just so that I knew he was there and didn't get bummed out for being down at Christmas. My life is so blessed and I could not ever ask for more. Christmas Day was spent with Mike's family and it was great.

Dashing Through December

2009-12-27T22:13:00.006-07:00

This has been an eventful month for us. Maddy had her Christmas piano recital. She played "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and did such a good job. Then the following week was her musical theater recital. I was so impressed with the show. We were sitting with Mike's mom and dad watching the performance and Mike's Dad leaned over to Mike's mom and asked, "why isn't Madyson smiling and singing? She should be more like the girl beside her who is smiling and doing such a great job." Mike's mom said,"who are you talking about?" He pointed to the girl next to Madyson. His mom said, "THAT IS MADYSON!!" We were dying, Maddy got contact lenses this month and he had not seen her with them in so he didn't recognize her. So funny!! Maddy did such a great job and looked so beautiful!

SHE MADE IT!!!!

2009-11-16T13:42:00.003-07:00

Well, Maddy made her club vollleyball team!! She is so exctied and we are so proud of her. After the first day of tryouts she was surprised at how sore her muscles were - it's only the beginning sweet thing!!!! Congrats!!!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-03T12:04:00.006-07:00

Maddy had her first Halloween Party last weekend. We transformed our house and had a blast!! The party was complete with a Monster Mash-Up Dance -Off, Speed Donut Eating Contest, Rock Band, Dinner, and we topped the night off with a scarry movie in the cemetary with a creepy gobblin - (Uncle Tom) - showing up to scare the girls at the end of the night. It was a ton of fun!!!

Josh's Baptism

2009-09-22T22:21:00.003-07:00

Joshua Tanner was baptized last weekend and we were so excited that they all came to Arizona for the baptism so that we could all be there. This younger generation of kids, they are all so strong in their own ways and such wonderful kids...Josh seems like the gently peace maker and he always has a smile that just makes you see the goodness in him.

We loved being able to be there for your special day Josh and thanks for letting us be a part of it. We love you!

Random Thoughts...

2009-09-16T21:43:00.011-07:00

We have had some great times this summer. Here are some pictures of just of few of the good times we've had!

For Labor Day weekend, Mike and I went camping with our good friends, Tyson and Bethany Tanner. We had the best time ever!! We camped in Forest Lakes - can I just tell you, this is our new favorite camp spot. It was so beautiful. The weather was perfect! It was so relaxing and we just had a wonderful time! Some friends of ours from our Ward let us use their pop-up tent trailer - that is the best way to camp ever!!! It made it so much fun and we are so grateful to them for their kindness!!!

The only downfall about this place that seemed like Heaven, is that there was NO BATHROOM!!! This is our "toiley tent" and poor Mike and Tyson had to empty out the little portable toilet at the end of the weekend. eeewwww!!! I could not have done that in a million years! They were such troopers. The little thing worked great and as long as I am not the one to deal with the end result...I'm all good. Our cheap little toiley tent held up great!!!

Some of you might not recognize this skinny man - this is my husband!!! Yes, that is right, he is more than 50lbs lighter and looking handsome as ever!!

Our ward got split a few weeks ago as you know and tonight I came home and found that all of the young women from Durango Ward gave me and Heidi Phelps across the street a heart attack!! Those girls are all so sweet and it touched my heart so much. I really do miss them so much! Wednesdays seem so weird to not have to go to mutual and on Sunday, I thought about them for a minute and cried.

I will say though, Mike and I are really liking the new ward so far. Everyone is so nice and we are having a good time getting to know new people and will hopefully make some new friends there too. We are excited for new callings and opportunities to serve!

We have been watching our friends' little girl on Tuesday nights while they go to a class. This is Haylee and she just lights up our house everytime she is here. She LOVES our dogs - FINALLY - someone who loves the dogs like I do! Mike has just as much fun as I do chasing her around the house. Here he is reading her snow white and then she decided to play dress up with the dogs. They were such troopers. Hank was a little bride with a dress and veil and Joey was sporting a red cheerleading skirt...hallarious! Mike thinks they looked like they had just lost all of their dignity...you be the judge!

When I am not working, this is the dogs' favorite place to sleep. This is Hank waiting for a massage! He loves it up there and when I call him, he plays dead and peeks out of the corner of his eye to see if I have gone yet or not...he is sooo sneaky!

These two angels and so much fun to have over. We sure do love Jake and Tyler!!!

So, Maddy is growing up to be such a beautiful young lady. Sometimes I look at her and I can't believe how grown up she seems. Here are some pictures taken on picture day.

Where A Door Closes Another Opens...

2009-08-30T23:31:00.002-07:00

Well, today was a sad day. The ward we have called home for 5 years now just split today and our neighborhood was it. I knew it would be, it only makes the most sense with the growth in this area...growth is good! I bawled my eyes out and then bawled some more. We are going to miss everything about this Ward. Being able to see family each week and sit together supporting each other, the AMAZING friendships we have - you all have touched our lives in so many ways and we can never thank you for all of the goodness and service that was done in our behalf. We are also so grateful for the opportunities we have had to serve and grow in the ward - I have LOVED serving in the Young Womens. Those girls are so strong spiritually and they are amazing. I love you all so much and will miss you with all my heart. Mike has been serving in his dream calling as Family History Consultant. He has loved this opportunity to serve doing something that he is so passionate about.

Now, to turn this into something to smile about!! We are not moving far away, just going to a new Ward. At least we are still close and will hopefully have many opportunities to see our friends all the while getting to make new ones. I love what one of the Bishops said today - I think it was Bishop Burnham - it's all kind of a blurr - but it was said that friendship holds no boundaries and that is so true. Once a friend, always a friend. We are looking to embrace Page Ward and give it all we've got!! I have complete Faith in our Father in Heaven and in the leaders of this stake. If this was meant to be, then there are reasons and we look to the future with antiscipation, a little sadness, but ready to move ahead. I want all of you in the Durango Ward who mean so much to us to know of our love for you, for the gospel and to know that we are always here if you ever need US!! To all our Kristin Manor buddies, it's all good and at least we are forging ahead together!!

1st Day of 6th Grade!!

2009-08-11T12:06:00.004-07:00

So Today was Maddy's first day of school - 6th grade. I must admit, it was kind of sad to think this is her last year of elementary school. This is why I really wanted more kids - I am not ready for the little kid things to be over with. But anyway, Maddy was so excited!! She has a great teacher - Mr. Moore. He seems like a blast and she came home yesterday afternoon just beaming!

The dogs were bored without her to play with today. I can hear them now..."Is she ever coming home??

"You stay here Joey, I'll go ask Mom..."

Family Pictures at Temple Square

2009-08-03T16:42:00.004-07:00

Our last day in Utah we visited Temple Square and had such a wonderful time. I love these pictures, we are all dressed in white...wasn't planned by the way...but very appropriate!

This has been a wonderful summer. We have spent a LOT of time together and the last two weeks have been wonderful. If we can just survive this heat, then we are ready for the school year to start and new adventures ahead...Maddy starts 6th grade and also club volleyball this year. She can't wait!!!

20th High School Reunion Trip

2009-08-03T16:25:00.005-07:00

So, we went to my High school reunion - 20 years!! It felt kind of like a milestone in my life, sort of surreal. And what an ironic memory of being that much older - the memory loss...I forgot my camera the night of the actual reunion. Needless to say I was so upset. I just have to rely on friends posting their pictures...come on guys, don't let me down!

I am so happy as I reflect on where my life is right now. I have such a wonderful little family and I was so happy to go and show off my sweet husband to all of my friends. I really am such a lucky girl!!!

Camping at Big Lake with the Fam!!!

2009-08-03T16:09:00.004-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT BRITNEY...EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A SOGGY DAY - WE HOPE IT WAS A GOOD ONE FOR YOU. I MEAN, YOU WERE WITH US, HOW COULD IT BE ANY BETTER, RIGHT???

We went camping with the Malone side of the family up at Big Lake. We had such a wonderful time, I do believe the weather had a TON to do with it. Some dear friends of ours let us borrow thier pop-up trailer and that made it awesome! It rained everyday and my favorite part was laying with Mike in our little trailer watching the rain fall outside, feeling the breeze and reading our books, playing games, watching the kids on the other side of the trailer play their games and enjoying each other's company. It was just a wonderful time to relax and BE OUT OF THE HEAT!!!

Jackie is so good to bring fun things for the kids to do, she has such a generous heart with those kids and we love her. You can tell all the kids really love her. I am secretly jealous a tiny but because I think "she" really is the favorite aunt...way to go Aunt Jackie!!!

Summer Fun

2009-06-22T23:09:00.005-07:00

Well a lot has happened it seems in the last few months. I will give a brief update as many have been asking. Mike is doing Awesome!!! His health is getting better and better all of the time. I am just so proud of his discipline and determination.

There have been a LOT of changes and events this summer with Maddy. She was in her first play this year - Alice In Wonderland. She played Tweedle Dee and did such a great job. She had a blast doing it too and can't wait until they start up in the Fall.

After a series of events, Maddy is now with us full time except for one weekend a month. She is really excited to spend lots of extra time with her friends and family and we are of course so excited to have her here with us more! She has decided to pursue volleyball and will be trying out for Club in the Fall so if all goes well, this is the beginning of a whole new chapter in Mom's Taxi service but I am happy to do it and love that she has found a sport that she really enjoys.

This summer, I was blessed to be able to go to girls camp again. It was early June this year and the weather was absolutely amazing. Maddy of course went up to the Bishop at Stake Conference and asked him to please not release her mom in the next year so that I will still be able to go to camp when she does. I can't believe she is going next year - wow! That is coming so fast...I can't believe how fast she is growing. She has been through a lot this year and we are so proud of the young lady she is becomming. She says the funniest things and has us dying laughing all of the time.

We are still looking forward to our little trip in July, more camping and lots of fun times to come this summer.

2009-04-29T09:11:00.002-07:00

Maddy LOVES her sleepovers with her cousins!!! She misses the Tanners so much when they are away and eveytime they come into town...she must get her sleepover with them. It's been really fun for her to have Lani live so close. Maddy has loved getting to be closer to her and spend more time with her. There is nothing like good family bonds!!

20 POUNDS AND COUNTING!!!!!!

2009-04-29T08:31:00.002-07:00

So I am so proud of Mike that I have to brag. This change in diet and lifestyle has been hard on him and he is taking it like such a trooper. He has lost 20 pounds so far and is exercising almost everyday and HE EVEN ATE FISH last night for dinner. Any of you who really know my sweet husband, know how much of an accomplishment these steps are.

I am so happy that he is taking his health so seriously. We all want him around for a long time and at the risk of sounding so mushy, I am not sure I could handle a life without him so these changes mean everything to me. I am doing my part to be good and do the diet right along side him and we have only had a couple of arguements over food and hunger in the process. We actually fought over 6 almonds - yes, that was not a typo - 6 almonds. The can said that a serving size was 20 almonds and the diet says 6 almonds is a single serving and of course a hungry man would rather eat 20 almonds than 6 so it got a little heated and he said he refused to eat just 6 almonds just out of principle. Well, he took them today in his lunch so he has gotten over it but now it gives us something to laugh about.

I am really proud of you hon! I love you!

What To Do About Mike?

2009-04-15T11:12:00.002-07:00

Well, my last post said I would be having surgery on the 14th, which was yesterday. Nope. I'm sitting at my desk at work instead. So what happened? It's a long story, but I'll try to make it short and sweet.

Before surgery you need a series of tests done to make sure your body can handle the surgery. The nurse jokingly said if there was something wrong we'll let you know. Well, later that day, the nurse called and said I should go to the ER. I didn't, but fortunately, I went to my regular doctor instead. Turns out my blood sugar levels were off the charts. Normal blood sugar is 70-150 and mine was 414. Due to those levels, the surgeon said my body is not stable enough to have surgery and canceled it.

I had more blood work done the next day to find out what else was wrong...Needless to say, I had 4 tests come back with levels that put me in the "alert" zone. Turns out I have Type 2 Diabetes. So, until I can get some weight off and get my levels more towards the normal range, surgery will have to wait.

When will these medical problems leave us alone? Who knows. This was supposed to be a medical free year, but oh well. We have faith and we know the Lord doesn't give us obstacles that we cannot handle. I just look at this neck injury as a blessing in disguise because who knows when I would have gone in to get a physical. I had been thinking of going in in the Summer to do it, but maybe I couldn't have waited that long. So we count our blessings that this was caught when it was and that we can fix it and live with it.

Spring Fever

2009-03-30T21:51:00.003-07:00

This has been a crazy couple of weeks. I have had spring fever so badly and I have tackled a list of projects! I went through every room in the house and found some project to do. It has been so liberating to get the house more organized and get rid of so much junk. I feel like I throw so much away and then the next thing I know - there is more. Where does it come from?

Maddy made honor roll again this quarter. We are really proud of her because the homework scene has been such a challenge this year. But she is hanging in there and then the grades pay off and she is so proud of herself. Ahhh...we may be mean parents to make her do her homework but we have fun rewards when it pays off.

I am so excited for General Conference!! I turn off the phones, clear the calendar and shut out the world and focus on nothing but soaking in the spiritual feast. Truly my favorite times of the year. It's also when we inventory all of our food storage and emergency prep stuff to see what we need to replenish. The only down side is I am feeling this overwhelming feeling like we are still so far from being as prepared as we want/need to be. It seems like we have a ton but I still get overwhelmed thinking I am missing stuff. Does anyone else go through this? It's like, I never run out of more things I need to get and do.

Surgery Confirmed

2009-03-20T21:34:00.002-07:00

Well, I got the news this afternoon that my surgery has finally been set. I have to go see an ENT doctor first to make sure my vocal cords are working properly. Yeah, weird right? Apparently, there is a nerve that controls your vocal cords and the last time I had this surgery, my voice changed. We're not sure if my voice changed back to normal or if everyone, including myself, got used to the new voice. Anyway, I guess there's always a chance they could stress, tear, or cut the nerve. How? Apparently they can't see the nerve while they do the surgery.

They are doing the same procedure as last time, opening up my throat (like a tracheotomy) and removing the damaged disk (at C5-C6). In its place they will put a cadaver bone. Then they have to remove the metal plate and screws that already exist in my neck and then put a new plate in that will hold all three vertebrae in place.

I asked the doctor why I couldn't have a synthetic disk instead of a bone graph. He said if I had the money to go to Europe then he would recommend I go there because their technology is about 5-6 years ahead of the U.S. So, he doesn't do the synthetic disks, he does the bone graphs.

The surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14th at Barrows Neurological Institute in Phoenix (St. Joseph's Hospital).

Surgery Again!!!

2009-03-12T13:36:00.003-07:00

Well, it's official, Mike is having neck surgery! He will have it some time in the next 4-6 weeks. They are going to go in and remove the plate from his previous surgery and then fuse the disk that is herniated and put in a bigger plate to cover all three levels.

Even though this is not what we wanted to have to go through, it will be good for him to be able to get it fixed and work on getting his life back. Please keep him in your prayers, and thanks for all of the love and support!

Poor Mike...

2009-03-08T20:01:00.003-07:00

So, just for an update to our wonderful friends who are always asking about Mike. He is still the same - physical therapy did not work this time much and so he goes back to see the surgeon on Thursday of this week to find out if he will be having surgery or what the next step might be.

We just pray that whatever he needs to do, he can get some relief soon. He pretty much lives in the recliner because he cannot even lay flat. Not fun for him at all. He might kill me for posting this picture but this is pretty much his life right now so...what is blogging for, right???? Sorry honey...

My favorite boys!!!

2009-03-08T19:56:00.006-07:00

So, usually they destroy stuffed animals within minutes but I have been working with them on giving loves and not destroying and so now Joey has his puppy and Hank has his "cow". This is nighty night time...I couldn't resist.

Family Birthday Celebration/Birthday Party with Friends

2009-03-08T18:35:00.011-07:00

MADDY'S BIRTHDAY CELELBRATIONS!!!

Maddy's Aunt Britney made her the sweetest candy bar poster! She was so creative and Maddy just loves it!!

Avry is modeling one of her mommies new wigs - such a cutie!!

Maddy loves her cousins so much. She is so glad that the Lomu's are back in Arizona, she has really loved spending more time with them!

On Friday, Maddy got to take a few friends to see The Jonas Brothers 3D Concert Experience. The girls had such a great time. Then we came back home and they played the Wii, sang on the karaoke machine and we BBQ'd burgers and hotdogs and had ice cream sundaes. It was a really fun night.

Mike and I were freaking out a bit though because this was the first time really that we have experienced conversations about liking boys in school and girlie things that we are just not ready to hear. She is growing up so fast. Mike is mourning because his little girl no longer thinks boys are "gross". Where does the time go????

Maddy's Birthday guests were. Madison Willden, Macckenzi Moncur, Ashlee Davis and Dylann Eberhard. One of her very Best Friends lives a little farther away and so Maddy got to spend time with her on Saturday. She and Lexi are the very best of friends and we wish they still lived closer to us.

Madyson's 11th Birthday

2009-03-08T18:13:00.008-07:00

Wednesday March 4th was Maddy's 11th birthday. We wanted to make this a year of appreciation, letting her know of her great worth in our family, helping her to know she is a beautiful daughter of our Heavenly Father and turning into a wonderful young girl. So, we started off the week with Family Home Evening - we (Mike and I) spotlighted her - our 10 favorite things about Madyson. She was glowing she was so happy - you could tell it made her feel so special.

Mike's 10 Favorite Things about Maddy!

1. I love when she fakes she is in trouble and pretend cries to trick me.

2. I love her cute little grin when she's happy.

3. I loved when she was younger, when she made out bed and put little candies on our pillows.

4. I love her cuddles.

5. I love how she says "I love You" at least 100 times a day!

6. I love when she helps around the house without being asked.

7. I love her independence.

8. I love how she's becomming more like her Daddy.

9. I love her giggle laugh.

10. I love her morning hugs.

Deb's 10 Favorite Things about Maddy!

1. I love her beautiful red hair.

2. I love her smile and her real laugh when she doesn't know anyone is listening.

3. I love how she always asks if there is anything I need help with.

4. She is good to always include everyone when she plays.

5. I love how everytime she leaves the room she says, "I love You!"

6. I love the way she looks at herself in the mirror when she feels pretty.

7. I love seeing her in the morning. She is always happy when she gets up and gives the best snuggles.

8. I love that she likes to try new things - except food. :-)

9. I love that she is a leader.

10. I love how much she loves me all the time, even when I have had a grouchy day.

Recipes...Please

2009-02-23T09:55:00.002-07:00

So, fellow blogging friends, I am so incredibly bored with cooking the same old things for my family. I was wondering if any of you are intersted in trading some recipes? I am on a healthy journey trying to find yummy healthy recipes that kids and a picky husband will eat. Anyway, if any of you want to join in with me, I'd love to share and compare. I wish you were all close enough that we could even get together and try new recipes in person so this is the next best thing.

Have a good week!

Pay It Forward Love Notes!!

2009-02-12T14:04:00.003-07:00

I've never seen this before but it looks like it could be fun and this is a fun time to be leaving sweet notes to friends and family so here goes!!

"Here's how it works-the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive, at some point during the year, a handmade gift from me. What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise! The catch is that you must participate as well-before you leave your comment here, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going. (Or you can cut and paste from this one like I did) Then come back, let me know you're going to play, and sit back and wait to receive your fun gift!! Remember that only the first 3 comments will receive a gift from me, so hurry, hurry, hurry!

Please remember to either put your address on here or email it to me. (Thanks)

Crazy Week...Monday was just here.

2009-02-06T14:02:00.005-07:00

So, this has been a crazy week! We have been so blessed, when I came back to work after my surgery and recovery, I had like two people a week one week and then maybe like 10 people the next week, it was so crazy, I was so slow. But this week and last week have been amazing with business. I am loving what Ido too! It was kind of good to have a month off so that I could have a chacne to come back with fresh excitement and healthy energy to do what I do.

Mike is struggling with his neck still/again. He is back in physical therapy and we are hoping that it will be as successful and last time. Either way, I am just glad that i am doing so much better so that I can take care of him this time. If he ends up having to have surgery, at least I will be able to be there for him.

Maddy is doing wonderfully in school right now. She is really working hard to overcome her obstacles with learning and has basically surrendered to the fact that we will sit down with her every night if that is what it takes so that she has the help she needs. So, she is now bringing her stuff home from school more regularly and we are working hard together. She is going to start a theater class next week and she is really excited for that. She is also in math club now and made it into a class call "uniquely Me" I think, which is an after school program for girls where they just get together and learn more about being a girl and doing what girls do. It is a lottery system to get in and she made it so she is really excited about that. She still loves volleyball and has an interest in softball as well so we told her next year she could decide what she wants to do and play in team sports. I secretly hope she does volleyball but we'll see what she decides.

I can't believe she is turning 11 next month. She is growing up so fast and she really is an inciteful little girl. We love her so much!!

Several of our family members are struggling right now and I wish so much that I could do more to help alleviate their pain, but we pray for you all everyday and hope you know we are here if/when you need us.

25 Random facts about Deb

2009-01-29T23:42:00.001-07:00

This is kind of fun...after several tags on facebook I decided to do this and I have been having so much fun reading the facts about my friends I thought I would post this for the non facebook readers. Just 25 random facts about me. Mike will put his on here too later.

1. I don't usually do these and it's taken several to get me to bite - although I have loved reading and learning more about my friends.
2. My favorite thing to get up each day for is to be a wife to my loving husband and to be a Mom to my daughter(step). They are the most important people in the world to me.
3. I sometimes think I love dogs more than people and I love people which is why my dogs are incredibly spoiled.
4. My dream is to be a country singer. I tried it for awhile in Nashville but it was HARD so I left, but I still always dream of one day...
5. I grew up without really having my family close so my friends have always been my family and there are a few who got me where I am today and loved me through it all - you know who you are.
6. I always wanted to be great at sports - I guess I was a jack at several trades but not an expert at any - well, maybe water skiing - I was pretty good back in the day!
7. I dream of having more kids - a baby of my own - but it looks like it might not happen in this life. That is my sadness.
8. I like to be needed and valued by the people important to me.
9. I want to go on the tv show - Don't Forget the Lyrics" and make lots of money.
10. I sang in a country band and also a pop/rock band for several years before I got married.
11. I am totally and completely afraid of bugs - I mean, to the point of crazy heart palpitations at the very sight.
12. I have a problem with road rage. Although, I do not flip the bird at people. Just silent lecturing and horn honking.
13. I got two regular tickets and 3 radar tickets this last year and so I am no longer allowed to speed. Although, I think really it is just that I am no longer allowed to get caught.
14. My favorite date night ideas are going to a concert or sporting event or going to dinner and a movie.
15. I always said that I would never live in Arizona because of the heat and the scorpions and now I call it my home...ironic, don't ya think?
16. I love to drive on road trips and sing for hours and hours. It is very freeing. My favorite Road Trip buddy is Blake...He used to really make me think about life with our long talks and drives.
17. I think I can be imaptient at times but I try to work on it.
18. My biggest fear in life is losing the people I love.
19. I have been a massage therapist now for 12 years and I still love what I do.
20. The highlight of my career was the 2002 Winter Olympics - working with the Skeleton Team. I really miss those guys.
21. I want to travel to Italy, Ireland and Germany with my husband someday.
22. I would love to one day retire and live in teh mountains where there is snow in the winter and blue sky in the summer but not too hot.
23. I can get my feelings hurt easily but I forgive easily and hope I don't hurt others' feelings as easily.
24. I love to watch TV, there I admit it, I love to watch my shows.
25. I am very blessed.

Are You Serious???

2009-01-17T16:06:00.002-07:00

It just seems as if the fun in the Malone clan just cannot stop. We spent most of last year worrying over Debbie and now that she's getting better, we find out the other day that my sister, Shelly, has stage 3 breast cancer. That hit Debbie and I very hard, seeing how young Shelly is.

So we've been praying for her and how we can help. Debbie gets the impression that we need to drive up there and allow Debbie to work on Shelly and help her body get prepared for the surgery ahead. So next weekend we are going up there. We were able to work out an agreement with Cat so Madyson gets to come with us too.

So once again we are calling upon friends and family to pray for Shelly and her family (husband + 5 kids all under 10). They really could use it.

Angie...please come back soon!!!

2009-01-01T20:27:00.005-07:00

My sister Angie was here this month for Christmas and to help take care of me. She is so much fun and so filled with life. She went back home yesterday and I cried all the way home from the airport.

Miracles, Blessings and Angels...

2008-12-29T23:06:00.003-07:00

So the new year is fast approaching and we have so much to be thankful for. I am so amazed at the love we have received over the last several months as we have endured our recent trials. I have been thinking the last couple of days about what we have been through and what I am taking from the last year and I thought I would share a few thoughts. I

I KNOW...

The Lord is ever present in our lives and if we will allow it, He will guide us through our challenges and allow us to be better for them. I know that I am thankful for our trials because they have brought us so much closer not only to the Lord but also to each other and to many many dear friends and family who have reached out to us in love and support. I think that not having much money this year because I have not been able to work, has really allowed us to slow down and enjoy this Christmas season more for what it really means. To focus more on the Savior and more on loving the people we have near.

I KNOW...

that even when times are hard, if we rely on each other, we can help each other through the hard times. I feel somewhat unworthy of all of the love that has been poured out in my behalf. Any time that I have felt like I was overhwhelmed by what we have been facing, there has been a friend who has reached out a hand, a listening ear, sent me note of love or gone out of their way to let me know that we are not alone. That has meant more to me that you could know. I hold the relationships in my life so dear and do not take even one for granted. I only hope I can be as good of a friend back as you all have been to me.

I KNOW...

that we need to take the time to be thankful for the small miracles in our lives and I know that the Lord has put angels in our lives who have helped us by bringing in many wonderful meals, doing yard work for us when Mike was injured, helping to get Maddy to and from school, visiting me and sitting with me even when I am sure they had plenty to do themselves. Anonymous gifts left on our door step leaving us speechless and so thankful. People who have done acts of service for us and not accepting our payment. Yes, the Lord has sent many angels to us this year. I could go on and on...

I KNOW...

That prayers are heard and answered and that the faith of so many who have been praying on my behalf and the behalf of my family is what allowed me to have the miracles I did in surgery.

I am so excited for the New Year! I am excited for a year of good health, good friendships, opportunities for more missionary work and more time spent in the Temple. I know times are hard right now with our economy but I feel so rich with the relationships we have in our lives. That is what I want to focus on this year. Being a better friend, a better wife, a better mom.

Most of all - I KNOW we need to never forget to laugh. I hope we can all find things to laugh about when times are hard. I hope we can find the good in people even when they might do things to make it hard. I hope this year for me, is filled with a little more laughing, a little more forgiveness, a chance to serve more and have fewer reasons to receive. I hope you all have a Happy New Year and that you know how sincerely we love you. I have been so humbled with what has transpired in our lives so I have been really sappy but I needed to get these thoughts out so thanks for reading. Here's to a Happy and Healthy 2009!

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-19T13:16:00.002-07:00

So the recovery is going well. I think yesterday was a little bit of a turning point in my recovery. I am still hurting but it is so much more manageable now. Of course in true Debbie form, I thought I was feeling better this morning so I went out with my sister to get a few things at Walmart and the walking about did me in so now I am back down for the count...I am not very good at staying down I suppose. I have had so many sweet messages for my birthday today, I feel so loved...really.

My sister Angie is here visiting and we are having a great time. It is making my downtime after surgery seem like a little vacation willed with games, movies and lots of chats! I love having her here so much!

We are opening Christmas presents today with Maddy. She leaves tomorrow to see her Mom for the week. We are sad not to have her here for Christmas this year but today will be fun because I think Santa brought a fun present that the whole family will enjoy for sure! I will list pictures this weekend.

Surgery Success

2008-12-08T22:31:00.002-07:00

Today, Debbie had her surgery. When Debbie saw the doctor a few weeks ago, he said the infection was still in her intestines and in her colon. He said her colon would have to be removed and that she would have to wear a bag that attached to the large intestine. No, it does not sound good at all.

So we asked all our friends and family to pray and fast for Deb and I just got back from a very long day at the hospital and am so happy to announce that the surgery went better than expected. When the surgeon came out of the operating room he said when they went it they were surprised to see that the disease was mostly gone. There was a small part of the colon that still had the disease and they removed that part, but they were able to reattach the colon and Deb does not have to wear the bag.

The doctor attributed it to the amount of time she's been on the antibiotic, but I know we experienced a miracle. She was full of disease and after prayer and fasting by so many of you, she was spared a very painful experience.

To all of you who kept Debbie in your thoughts and prayers, I sincerely thank you.

I need blog saavy help!

2008-12-07T23:09:00.001-07:00

Ok, I have been trying to find some kind of link to tell me how to set up our blog so that it lists under our friend blogs when the last update was. A lot of you have it on your blog so if someone could explain to me how to do that...I would love the help! Pleeease!

Whew Hooo!

2008-12-07T10:04:00.004-07:00

Last night we went to see Celine Dion in concert, a very sweet client gave us tickets, anyway, it was REALLY GOOD. I was surprised how entertaining and personable she was. Great show!

So, tomorrow is the day we have been anticipating for what seems like forever. I will be going in at 11:30 and my surgery is at 1:30. I will be at Banner Gateway hospital in Gilbert.

We have received so many calls and prayers and we are so blessed to have such an amazing support group. You all have been such a comfort to me and I love you dearly.

May the Lord bless you in the things you are in need of and may we never underestimate the power of our friendships. I know we are never alone and I know that our prayers are heard and answered. I have faith that all will be well through this experience and know that Mike and I have learned so much about relying on the Lord and on each other through these times.

Love to you all,
Deb and Mike and Maddy too!

Another Change in Surgery Dates

2008-12-02T14:58:00.002-07:00

It seemed a little crazy that Deb was going to have surgery on December 22nd. I can't imagine the surgeon was too thrilled about it either. So Debbie called his office and told him when the hospital scheduled the surgery. He wasn't happy, made a phone call and BAM! the hospital called Deb and said they suddenly had an opening for Monday (yes, a week from today).

So this Sunday, anyone whishing fast with us, please do so and keep Deb in your prayers. We really appreciate all the support everyone has given us. Hopefully we're at the end of this crazy medical journey we've been on all year.

Holiday Fun!

2008-12-01T14:06:00.024-07:00

The oldest and the oldest...

Thanksgiving was fun hanging out with family...

Unkie and Tyler have a such a special bond...

We wonder aboutGranddad...it looks like he needs some more sleep...his hairs are standing on edge! :0

This is a happy Mom/Grandma...everyone is in town and the family is together! Good Times!!!

Even my cousin Jake joined us this year. We were glad to have him, he lives like 5 minutes away and I think we see him maybe once a year. The life of a batchelor...

We're not sure what to make of this...Tom, Tom, Tom is that any way to eat-I mean treat your wife??? (I am so funny)

These are Olive Hands...Julia and Maddy with Grandma - they are all growing up!

We love it when Stacy and Curtis come to town! We really wish they lived here!

Madyson loves her cousins so much!!! Everytime they come into town she looks forward to a girls sleep over at our house. That is the highlight and this is all 4 of them on Thanksgiving morning.

The three muskateers!

Friday morning, as tradition would have it, we put up the Christmas tree and decorations. The girls decorated the tree all by themselves - didn't they do an amazing job!!!

Finally a date and still a wait!!!

2008-12-01T13:09:00.002-07:00

Well, we finally found out today that the operating room is full at the hospital so as of now, my surgery is scheduled on December 22nd at 7:30 am. There is a chance of a cancellation for the 15th and if that happens they will bump it up but as of now we have a few weeks. While putting it off can be a good thing, this will put me in the hospital for Christmas so I am sad. Oh well, I think I just have to let it go and put this all in the Lord's hands. Positive thinking=positive living! :-)

Thanks for all of you who are keeping tabs on us!

When's the Surgery??? We don't know.

2008-11-30T09:29:00.002-07:00

These are crazy times. Deb was supposed to be having surgery tomorrow, but she wanted to put it off another week so she could work. However, it wouldn't have mattered anyway because we are still waiting for the hospital to call her and schedule a date. So she's been telling her clients that this week will be the last week and hopefully the hospital will call her and schedule it for Monday, December 8th. But who knows. Stay tuned.

Happy Thankgiving to All of our Wonderful Friends!

2008-11-24T10:56:00.002-07:00

Don't you just love the Holidays?? I love the weather we are having and it's almost turkey day! Yeah!! This year we are so thankful to all of you who have given us so much love and support. We are so incredibly blessed to have such amazing friends in our lives. I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!

The only thing missing for me is...SNOW!!!!

Medical Update

2008-11-09T10:06:00.002-07:00

Well, the news is not good at this time. Deb had her CAT scan last week and the surgeon called and said the diverticulitis never went away and the infection is pretty wide spread. So he put her back on antibiotics, which is making her more sick. While it may be helping to stop the infection, it makes her sick to her stomach and it's not good.
She will be having surgery during the 1st week of December to remove about 9 inches of her colon. She should be in the hospital for 3 - 5 days if all goes well. However, everytime she has had surgery she gets an infection and this time she'll be going into surgery already with an infection.
Of course it doesn't help that we've been hearing from people who have lost family members from infections due to this surgery. That doesn't comfort us at all. But we know a few people who have had the surgery and have come through very well.
We need everyone's prayers on Deb's behalf. She's scared, I'm scared, and Madyson is scared. Deb has a great surgeon and we're confident he'll do the best job he can.
We are going to hold a special fast on November 29th and would appreciate anyone who would like to join us.
Since we cannot keep everyone posted by phone or email on her condition, I will be putting updates on the blog and our Facebook pages.

2008-10-29T15:52:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween

2008-10-29T15:49:00.003-07:00

We hope you all have a safe and happy Halloween this week. It will be mellow here, Maddy will be with her Mom for the weekend so Mike and I will pass out candy and enjoy the kids in the neighborhood. Watch out for the grim reaper though - you never know what corner her is hiding around...hahahahahaha

2008-10-29T15:46:00.004-07:00

Mike said if I didn't add this one, he would do it so much to my disliking - here is "Ugly Betty"...funny teeth and all!

2008-10-29T15:45:00.000-07:00

BFF's FOREVER!!!

2008-10-29T15:41:00.002-07:00

Mike is the Grim Reaper...isn't he scarry?
At the ward party, a dad wanted his daughter to sit at the table by Mike and eat her food and she took one look at him and shook her head nooooo, Even Jake and Tyler were afraid of him. Jonas saw him and told Grandma, I want to go home now. Pretty funny...they thought the reaper ate Unkie I think.

Halloween Party...

2008-10-26T01:52:00.003-07:00

Well, tonight was the Halloween party. I went as Ugly Betty and I can not believe it but hardly anyone knew who I was supposed to be. That is a total let down, let me tell you. Mike was the grim reaper and he scared all of the kids. They took one look at him and wouldn't go near him.

Maddy had a great time, Lexi got to come with us and they had a blast, when they are together, the two of them hardly know anyone else is around. I just finished working on a DVD for Young Women in Excellence. Making these DVD's has become kind of a hobby of mine. It is a lot of fun to turn memories into something priceless.

Well, I think I will upload the pictures tomorrow, I am exhausted and must go to bed.

Fun Friday!!

2008-10-25T00:49:00.004-07:00

Well, today was a fun day! Despite the sadness of finding out that the Tanners were not going to be able to make it this weekend - we really miss you guys - Maddy was able to take a couple of friends from school/church to see High School Musical 3...pretty cute movie. The girls all loved it.

Maddy went with her friend Lexi to a "Trunk or Treat" tonight and dressed up as a "hip-hippy" for her costume. That is what she decided to be this year and I must say, she is quite adorable! Mike is going to be the Grim Reaper this year and I am going to be "Ugly Betty"...I am sure we will have pictures to follow!

DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH...

2008-10-16T08:57:00.002-07:00

RIVERVIEW NISSAN on Loop 202 and Dobson.

One of my best friends owns a Krazy Sub sandwich shop (click on the Krummenacher blog link to see where their stores are). They don't normally do deliveries but because one of Brent's friends works there they made an exception. Apparently, the new owner chewed out my friend's wife (also a very good friend) and made her leave the dealership. He even kicked her out of the show room when she was trying to talk to their friend who ordered the food.

I find that kind of behavior appalling and and suggeting to all who may read this blog that you have a choice and if you're looking to buy a Nissan, then go to a different dealership. No one should be treated the way Laura was treated.

Deb's Surgery...

2008-10-12T23:17:00.002-07:00

Lots of you have been asking so I thought I would give you the update! I am having surgery the week after Thanksgiving. I am still fighting the same infection and I actually have a new one too - yay for me! But...I am not letting it keep me down too much anymore. I am trying to work as much as possible anyway until I have surgery. This has been a huge test for me but I am really very blessed to have a wonderful husband and daughter who love and support me and can I just say, we have the best friends - EVER! You all have been there for us this year with so much love and encouragement and you may never know how much it means to us.

These are crazy times for everyone it seems and our prayers are with you as well. At the end of the day, isn't it really the relationships we have and how we treat those we love that really matters anyway??? Have a happy and healthy week!

Maddy's new Passion!

2008-10-12T23:11:00.003-07:00

Maddy has been participating in a cheer camp and this weekend at the end of the camp she got to cheer for the first half of the Highland High football game with the high school cheerleaders. She had such a blast and really did well. We may be partial but I think she might have been the best one there!!

2008-10-12T23:01:00.002-07:00

It's Halloween at our house already!!!

So, this is the beginning of my favorite time if year! I love to decorate for the holidays, it's fun for kids and visitors and fun for when clients come to the house, but mostly, it's fun for me!! The weather is FINALLY cooling off and it is beginning to feel like Fall. I will generally be in a much better mood now that it doesn't feel like we live in H*** due to the heat!

Good News!!!

2008-10-03T12:40:00.002-07:00

Good News!!! Well, Mike saw the surgeon yesterday and he thinks that Mike can do physical therapy and will hopefully not have to have surgery. Phew! That was very good news, although, it does mean that he will still be in a lot of pain for awhile with no real "quick" fix, but anytime we can avoid surgery-it's a good thing!

It's the beginning of conference weekend, I love this time of year. It's great to have the chance to shut out the rest of the world and focus on making sure all of our priorities are in check. What a blessing it is for all of us who can watch from the comforts of our own homes.

I went to jury duty today - the frst time and they did not pick me. So, today is a day off and I am feeling lazy...all I need now is some cloudy skies and rain, maybe some snow - oh yeah, I live in the desert. I guess I will just turn the air down low and pretend it is really fall outside. (haha)

National Stay At Home Week!

2008-09-25T10:35:00.002-07:00

So, we have been informed that this has been National Stay at Home Week. While, we tend to have that holiday every week in our house, this has been a fun week of new shows and fun entertainment! But tonight...I am so excited...The Office, Grey's Anatomy, ER....man o man, I love Thursdays!

I will say I am very proud of myself though, I have organized and RE-inventoried our food storage to begin the replanishing and for FHE this week, we are going to can butter. Now those of you who really know me, knows how much of a domestic accomplishment this is going to be. My next task - learning to make bread. Look - I am finally growing up. (hahahaha)

As an update of the not so fun stuff, Mike is hanging in there. He sees the surgeon next week - finally! I assume things will move more speedily after that. I am still trying to fight current infections, on a new medication now and hoping for better results. Then I will schedule my surgery once I know that my sweet husband is all better.

Maddy is such a trooper. She is growing up so fast but she is still so full of cuddles and loves - I hope that never changes.

More fun in the Malone home...

2008-09-10T09:44:00.003-07:00

Not that we didn'thave enough going on and I really wish I had some fun and exciting news to put up on here, but life seems to be trying us all these days.

Mike and I spent yesteday in the ER, he has a severly herniated disc in his neck and they are going to be doing surgery. So maybe we both will have surgury at the same time and be recovering together??? Wouldn't that be a story to put ni our journals? ha! Anyway, we don't know when yet, as of now he is home and in a lot of pain. I feel so bad, it's hard fro me to see him like this. I hate to keep asking this of those of you who are so wonderful to us but if you could keep us in your prayers a little longer, that would mean so much to us.

Maddy is a truper! She is always being so helpful and asking what we need and I feel for her. We try and keep it light and fun for her sake - how did we get so lucky with her, she is out angel!

Love and prayers to you all!
Deb

2008-09-07T22:39:00.003-07:00

And then they grow up...With a new school year came a new hair cut. We love it and Maddy does too. She loves how curly it gets. She is loving 5th grade. She is just blossoming into quite a wonderful young lady and we are so proud of her. There are 3-5th grade classes and when I was there last week, as we walked down the halls, kids were coming out of each class room all giving hugs to Maddy and hi fives...she just loves that. She is quite the socialite...she takes after me a little in that area and I hope it doesn't get her into trouble like it did me when I was that age...it's hard to get mad over that when my standard notation on report cards was..."Debbie needs to not talk so much in class".

Her best friend though, has definately become Daddy! The two of them are homework buddies(at least the math part, I do the english and writing stuff, he does and the brainiac stuff like math and science)and they love spending time together. I think Mike is freaking out a little bit at how much and how fast she is growing up. It's like you blink and they have changed. I love to see how close the two of them have become. While I was out of town, I hear there was some serious guitar hero going on between them!!! Go Maddy!

Home Again!!

2008-09-07T22:23:00.002-07:00

Well, I just got back from the first part of my 20 year high school reunion(go class of '89)...I was feeling old about this but then I saw some of the guys from the old days and I am still feeling like a young buck! (haha) Seriously, it was so great to see everyone, I was able to catch up with some dear friends and laugh about the old times. I loved High School mostly because of my friends and was so much fun to reminisce...Michele, you were truly missed though. It wasn't the same without you.

I came home to Mike being in major pain from his neck. He can't move it and can't lay flat - it is bringing back old memories of his neck surgery. He just wanted some extra TLC because he missed me so much while I was gone...If it's not one thing it's another in this house but you know, we keep laughing and smiling and counting our blessings even amongst the storms of life.

I have some of the greatest friends in my life who have always been there and this week was a chance to go back in time a little bit. I am truly blessed. I feel sometimes like I wish I had those bonds out here in Arizona and that Mike and Maddy could know some of you who are so dear to me, a little better. But it makes coming back home so sweet and I can't wait for July!

Maddy is so excited, tomorrow is Grandparents day at school and Grandma and Grandad are going to go have lunch with her. She can't wait! She feels so proud that they get to come to her school and she can show off the greatest grandparents in the world.

Thanks for all the prayers on our behalf. We ALL have struggles in one way or another, and we are blessed to know that through ours, we have the love and prayers of true friends and we have the gospel...with that on our side, we can't lose!

NEWS... We Knew It Was Coming

2008-09-02T13:14:00.003-07:00

Debbie went to the Doctor this morning and he told her she's going to have the surgery to remove part of her colon. However, he doesn't want her to have the surgery until the pain is gone completely. I guess if you have the surgery while your colon is infected then the patient has to wear the colostomy bag. But if the infection is gone then they can re-attach the colon after the section is removed.

How long it will be before the pain is gone is anyone's guess. But since she has had Diverticulitis twice in the last three years means it'll only get worse as time goes by.

We'll keep everyone posted.

Medical Updates

2008-08-20T08:19:00.002-07:00

Well, with all the sickness and injuries we've all experienced lately, we aren't really doing much except sitting at home watching the Olympics.

Debbie went back to the Dr and he said she's still not better. He wants her back on a liquid diet to help her bowel not work so hard. He's still keeping her on pain medications and anti-biotics. He's trying to prevent her from having her colon removed, so the more we can do prevent that the better her quality of life will be.

And just because we were all feeling sympathy pains, my Mom went into the Dr with the exact thing Debbie has (thankfully not as severe). Then Madyson and Mike both felt the sympathy pain and decided to get hangnails removed from their toe (the same toe on each of them).

So when you come to our house you see three bandaged feet (did I mention Deb tore the fascia off her heel in June and it still hasn't healed) and Deb just looking tired and weak. But we're pushing through it. We just see it as a test of our faith and we'll keep doing what we're doing. We continue to read scriputes every night and have family prayer both morning and night. We know that is the only way we can prove to the Lord that we're faithful no matter what.

I Love the Olympics!!!

2008-08-13T10:59:00.004-07:00

This is the best time of year, I must say! I love to watch the Olympics! Michael Phelps is kicking butts and taking numbers! Go USA!!!

Just want to send a shout out to Mom. She is going through this procedure this week and our prayers are with her along with lots of love. This family is sure getting it's share of health issues this summer - no more!!!

I am officially feeling old - we are getting invites and making plans for the 20 year reunion. I cannot believe we are this old. I still feel 20. (haha)

For those of you keeping track of us on here, I am still trying to get better. I am having more pain so we are just praying that is gets better and I don't end up back in the hospital. For now I am mostly on liquids so we will keep praying and hope for the best!!!

Thanks to you all!!!

2008-08-11T12:01:00.003-07:00

I just wanted to say thanks so much to all of you who sent out your prayers of love and support over the last few weeks. We are really blessed to have wonderful friends in our lives. Thanks to all of the family members who visited me and checked in to make sure I was ok. It has meant so much to me.

I am on the mend - I have the most wonderful husband who has taken such amazing care of me. Now his biggest job is keeping me down as most of you who really know me, knows that is not something I am good at doing. There always seems to be too many things to be done. I have learned my lesson at least somewhat though.

Maddy loves 5th grade! She is so happy to go everyday and when she gets in the car at the end of the day she is beaming. We'll see if she still feels the same way after this week though since today was the day they were supposed to officially start doing work. Last week was a get to know you week. She has lots of friends and seems to really enjoy learning and trying to do her best at everything - when she slows down - she does a pretty great job too!

I have decided I am going to start trying to get stuff in on this also. I am not as good at it as Mike and certainly not as creative but I will give it a try.

We hope you are all doing well and that your families are happy and healthy.

Who Needs What?

2008-08-11T11:01:00.002-07:00

I saw this on our friends blog page and thought it would be fun to see what comes up...
Here is how it works... Take your first name and type "Needs" after it in Google Search. Then type the first three things that come up.

Michael Needs...Mum (Mom in America)
Michael Needs...A Tutor on Flickr
Michael Needs...Revenge (a prison break clip on Utube)

Debbie Needs...A Saddle
Debbie Needs...To Look Behind Her
Debbie Needs...Prayer

Maddy Needs...A Home
Maddy Needs...Some Privacy
Maddy Needs...Love

What A Week

2008-08-06T12:49:00.003-07:00

These past nine days have been pretty rough on our family, but we finally have some peace now that things are slowly progressing back to normal.

Debbie is finallly home from the hospital. She spent nine days in the hospital and she is oh so excited to be back home. The hospital was a very nice place and all, but as Dorothy said to the Wizard, "There's No Place Like Home."

And Debbie's return home couldn't have been better timed. She got home Tuesday afternoon and today Maddy starts the 5th Grade. So Debbie was there to do Maddy's hair, get her ready and take her to school. I can't wait to hear how school goes for maddy. She has a very good teacher. We are all impressed with the teacher. Debbie is even going to try and volunteer once a month.

We Need Your Prayers

2008-08-01T14:17:00.003-07:00

Well, for those keeping score... Deb is losing the medical battles 0-3. In May she had to have her appendix removed and stayed in the hospital for three days. In June, she tore the attachment on the underside of her heel. She had to wear a boot to help her heal. That makes the score 0-2.

But God has a very funny way of making people slow down to heal. Since Deb didn't wait the full five weeks after her appendix surgery before going back to work full-time and since she wouldn't wear the boot her foot doctor told her to wear, God had to take matters into His own hands.

Beginning Saturday night, July 26th, Deb was complaining her gut hurt. Not much could be done. She tried working through the pain, sang a solo in church, and taught her young women's lesson. Then Monday morning she woke up in a lot of pain. I told her to go to the Dr and see what the problem was.

Her doctor wasn't working Monday and he told her to go to Urgent Care. Well, Urgent Care does tests and finds she has a bad infection but they cannot tell where the infection is. They tell her to go to the Emergency Room.

I happened to take a vanpool into work on Monday. I get the phone call that Deb is in the ER and I need to get home. Well, I didn't drive so one of my employees had to drive me all the way from Florence to Gilbert.

Needless to say, Deb has been in the hospital since Monday morning and is still there as of this posting with no end date in sight. According to her doctors, she has Diverticulitis which is a severe infection in the colon. To make matters worse, she has a tear in the colon wall. The sharp pains are caused by air leaking into the abdomen from the colon. She has gone without food and water since Monday. I didn't quite realize how sick she was until her surgeon said she had a severe attack and that we all need to be patient in order for her to heal properly.

That being said, there is still the possibility the colon could abcess and then she will have to have surgery to remove the colon. So she is not out of the woods just yet.

Somewhat good news today though. She just called me and said they are allowing her to have liquids. This will be the test to see how well she's healing. If her fever returns and her white blood cell count rises after having food in her, then they will have to do the surgery. But if she tolerates it, then she'll be fine... for now.

So, God has made sure that Deb is resting from her appendix surgery and has time to allow her foot to heal... All because Deb wouldn't do it on her own. :o)

Anyway, she could reallly use your prayers. She is still pretty sick but there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

Maddy Makes Honor Roll

2008-04-27T16:43:00.004-07:00

Madyson has made huge improvements in her schooling since changing schools. When she first started at her new school she didn't do all that well. At times she was getting D's and F's but after some heart to heart talks and her feeling more comfortable with her teacher's teaching styles, she began to turn things around.

Finally when her last report card came out, she had all A's and one B. She made the honor roll!! She as well as her parents were so proud of her.

The Gilbert Public School system does an Academic Night for all 4th - 6th grades. Maddy got to participate and after the program. She was excited. Debbie and I, my mom and Maddy's mom, Cat were all there to support her.

After the program we all went to Outback Steakhouse where Maddy wanted to go. It was a fun evening and we are so very proud of Madyson and her good grades.

Mike's Big Award

2008-04-20T09:04:00.004-07:00

I have been an instructor and provided training for the last seven years at judges conferences, new judge orientation, and judicial staff conferences. During that time, not once did I know you could win an award for being a good trainer.

Last October, another co-worker and I provided a DUI Processing class and apparently, someone nominated us for the award and we won.

It was a total surprise and not something I aspired too, but was kind of excited when I was informed I had won.

They had a big awards ceremony and people who won the award from all the different conferences received their awards at the same time. Then from all the awards that were given out, one was named the Trainer of the Year (not me).

Debbie attended the ceremony with me and we had a great time meeting some old friends and just being able to spend some time together.

Phoenix Zoo Field Trip

2008-04-20T08:34:00.010-07:00

So Madyson comes home with a flyer from school inviting the children and parents to go on a field trip to the zoo. Not a during the school day type of field trip. An overnight stay inside the zoo. Mike wasn't too interested until Madyson's best friend, Madison's dad said he was going and kind of begged Mike to go too.

We showed up at the zoo on a Friday evening and went into a big room. The kids were all sorts of excited. We were given the rules and then the fun began. The first event was a night hike through the zoo. It probably would have been fun if you could see any animals. We did get to see a couple of animals that didn't mind flashlights being shown on them.

Here is how the tour went. On your left is Monkey Island. During the day you can see the monkeys swing from the trees and listen to them talking to each other (they talked for 15 minutes about something we couldn't even see).

We went back to the room and some of the keepers brought out some animals for the kids to see. That was fun because you actually got to see the animals. We went on another night hike and got to have a evening snack. The second night hike was just as entertaining as the first one. We weren't allowed to take pictures because it might scare the animals.

Then we were in bed by 11:00.

In the morning we were provided breakfast and then went on another hike. At least this one was during the day. However, it was also during the time the animals are locked up in their pens eating breakfast. We got to see some animals that had already eaten, but the tigers and lions were not out and that really bummed out the kids.

When you are at the place the keepers prepare the food for the animals, never volunteer when the guy says "I need five kids and one parent to volunteer." Of course, Maddy was at his feet and instantly raised her hand. None of the parents volunteered because we knew what he was about to do. However, Madyson told the guy to pick me. And he did.

He made us sample some of the food pellets they feed the monkeys and other animals. Madyson took a bite of a monkey pellet and instantly threw up in front of everyone. None of the kids actually took a bite. They just licked it. Me? Yeah, I took a big bite. It was the grossest thing I've ever done. The taste was tolerable, but it was how dry the food was that made me gag. But I at least swallowed it.

Overall, I would not recommend the zoo overnight, but it was fun spending the time with Madyson and she had a blast because her friends were there. Fortunately, I was not the only dad from our ward there. There were five of us there and we kept each other company during the boring tours.

Best Wedding EVER

2008-04-20T08:22:00.006-07:00

My wife has a few wealthy clients and one of them invited us to attend their daughter's wedding (obviously not because we could get them a fancy gift) because Debbie has become close with the family.

The wedding was held on a golf course in Scottsdale (yes, golfers were playing right next to the wedding ceremony). It was a beautiful wedding with all the pretty people in attendance (and then us).

The reception was the coolest part ever. How many people can say they had their reception on the football field at ASU???? Yes, I'm talking the actual football field.

The endzone was painted with the couple's wedding logo. Sparky was even in attendance, as was Frank Kush (yes, the field is called Kush Field), Bruce Snyder, Joe Garrageola, and some guys from the San Francisco Giants. It was incredible. We got an insight how the pretty people live and it's a wonderful lifestyle. We were treated like royalty even just because we were in attendance.

The family even flew in their favorite local band from California to play the dance music. Nothing funnier that watching old, rich, drunk people dance. We danced and had a wonderful pretending we were rich, even if for just one night.

Easter Pageant 2008

2008-04-20T08:15:00.002-07:00

One of nice things living close to the Temple is that we get to see the Easter Pageant every year. Even though Mike complains about going every year because it's the same thing over and over, he has fun and enjoys it once he's there. This year, we attend with a lot of people from our ward.

Debbie is the Young Women's Beehive Advisor and the young women planned to attend the pageant this year. So Mike, Madyson and Madison attended with the young women. It was fun. We have a good bunch of young women in our ward and a few of them are just too funny.

It's always good to see the pageant and be reminded of what our Saviour went through to save us. The atonement has blessed our lives so much and being reminded every year of what he did for us keeps us in check.

Maddy's Field Trip

2008-04-20T08:10:00.003-07:00

Maddy and Debbie went on a school field trip to the Desert Botanical Garden and as expected, it's not the funnest place to visit. Kids like to be entertained but any time spent outside the classroom is a good time. They learned about the different desert plants and such, but as you can see by the picture, they look like they care, don't they?

Happy (Late) Birthday Madyson

2008-04-20T07:52:00.004-07:00

Well, it's been over a month since Maddy's actual birthday and we are just NOW getting to post her special day. I know, I feel horrible. My sister Britney put a happy birthday wish to Maddy on her blog, but her own daddy waits over a month to do it.

With that being said, Maddy is now 10. Her transition to living with us has been good. She had made a lot of good friends just being here with us on the weekends. The bond she had with those girls in her primary class was strong. So we invited them all over and took them to a place called Justice for Girls. It's a clothing store but they also do parties. The girls decided they wanted to do the "Rockstar" theme. So they all got makeovers and dressed up like rockstars. They had a blast. They couldn't stop giggling the whole time.

We brought the girls back to our house and they got to sing kareoke and have cake and ice cream. Maddy had a wonderful time and couldn't stop smiling for a week.

But Maddy is a very special girl. Her feelings are so tender and genuine. More than anything she just wants to snuggle with mommy and daddy. She has so much love to give. That means daddy is gonna have to buy a shot gun before she starts dating. She's going to be one of those girls who falls in love so easily and gets a broken heart just as easily. Daddy doesn't think he's going to be able to handle it.

Happy birthday baby... We love you.

Easter Has Been Cancelled

2008-03-21T08:06:00.002-07:00

This is what happens when Easter falls in March instead of April. It's not the dog's fault. He was just confused!!

Happy Easter Everyone!

It Has Been Way Too Long

2008-02-19T16:11:00.006-07:00

Okay, so it's been three months since our last post. I'm so sorry. I've been very busy on the computer doing genealogy, but neglecting my duties to keep everyone updated on our lives.

So let's re-cap the last couple of months (I'll attach pictures later)...

Right before the Winter Break in school, Cat called me and asked if I would be willing to take Madyson during the week and let her have the weekends. We were very excited for this opportunity because it was something Madyson had wanted to do. It was a difficult decision because we really enjoyed having that weekend time with Madyson because the entire weekend was quality time with her. But having her during the week has proved to be a blessing, and I'm sure Cat feels it a blessing to have Maddy on the weekends with her. Cat is the Primary President of her ward and she loves having Maddy a part of her Primary.

Maddy loves her new school and loves having her really good friends in her class. Maybe she's enjoying it a bit too much as her grades have slipped a little bit, but she's learning how important it is to get good grades.

Around Christmas time, Deb's friend Celeste and her two boys moved in with us during a time of family struggles. It's been both fun and frustrating for everyone involved (a 3-bedroom house is not designed for six people and a home office). But we're all doing the best we can to make it work. Her two boys are such fun. They are full of questions, but most importantly, they both LOVE NASCAR!!! They were so crushed when my favorite driver won the Daytona 500 instead of their favorite driver.

Deb has a new calling. She was released from being Primary Chiorster and was put in as the Beehive Advisor. We have a great bunch of Beehives in our ward. They come to the house every couple of months and they love to have fun.

I have a new calling as well. I was released from teaching the 8-9 year old Valiant B Primary class and am now the new Ward Family History Consultant. FINALLY, a ward calling I've always wanted. Of course, I didn't realize that I get to be responsible for the Temple Work of the ward too. That is a daunting task. To top it off, my Dad was released from the Bishopbric and was put in as the Hight Priests Group Leader. So now, as Family History Consultant, I am under my Dad in who I report too. It's been a lot of fun working with him in this calling.

I also got a new job. Instead of working for the State Supreme Court, I am now the Limited Jurisdiction Court Administrator for Pinal County. I do not directly supervise all the courts in Pinal County, I'm more like a liasion for them and do whatever they need done. I'm supervising the trainer that trains all the employees. So it's a lot of responsibility, but it's so much fun. It was a good move to make.

Well, those are the big changes for now. I promise I'll try to do better in the future.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-26T15:58:00.000-07:00

Well, it was a good Thanksgiving for the Malone gang. All of my immediate family was in town and we got to spend the day together. It was especially fun for the cousins to get together and renew their bonds.

But of course as soon as Thanksgiving Day is over, it's time for Christmas. Now Deb has been listening to Christmas music for almost two weeks now. She's ready for Christmas as soon as Haloween is over.

As for me, I think there should be a law banning everything Christmas until December 1st.

So while Deb was shopping on "Black Friday" I was given the "Honey Do" of hanging lights outside.

As of yesterday, we are officially Christmas decorated. The tree has been set up and decorated, the house has lights on the outside, and even Maddy put up a small tree in her room.

LET THE SEASON BEGIN!!!

Maddy's Urgent Care Visit

2007-11-13T12:12:00.000-07:00

I normally take my cell phone to church with me because I do not wear a watch and when I'm teaching my primary class I need to know the time so I can let my little monsters out to go to sharing time.

Well, this last weekend when I picked up Madyson from her mom, she was complaining that she didn't feel well. So she was pretty much in bed Friday and all day Saturday. When I woke her up Sunday morning to get ready for church, she still wasn't feeling well. Deb didn't have to teach Young Women's so she volunteered to stay home.

Right before my primary class began, I looked at my phone to check the time and there was a message from Deb. "Can you come home 15 minutes early so I can go to church to work with the young women for their program?" Sure. Why not. That means I get to leave about 10:45.

Well, about 10:20 I see the door to the primary room open and it's my Dad. He's got a funny look on his face and he's motioning really fast for me to get out of the primary room. I look at the clock and realize that it's not time for me to leave yet, but maybe Deb is in a hurry and wants me home.

Nope. As I meet my Dad in the hallway, he tells me that I need to go home because Maddy is having chest pains and is not coherent. As an EMT in a previous life, I realize that is not good and so I rushed home.

She's not running a fever, her pulse is slow and weak and her skin is kind of clamy. None of those are good signs. One of our neighbors is an ER nurse and she comes over and says Maddy should go see a doctor. Dad comes over and we give Maddy a blessing and off to Urgent Care we go.

Turns out Maddy was severely dehydrated. Somehow they were able to say that she was a quart low on fluids in her body. It was begining to shut down. She also has a severe sinus infection and bronchitis to boot. Poor little girl.

Doc tells us to go to the Circle K and get Maddy a big gulp of soda. He says he normally would not recommend that, but in her case, she needed something with liquids, sugars, and other stuff that soda apparently has. So, we got her a soda and some Gatorade's and went home where she stayed in bed until Monday night.

DO NOT Let this happen to you!

2007-11-06T19:10:00.001-07:00

Do not fall asleep after a Halloween party when the girls are giddy...

Yes, I am asleep...

Late Halloween Pictures

2007-11-06T19:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, so as promised, here are our Halloween Pictures...

She learned to scowl like that from her daddy!!!

An angel fell from heaven

Not much different than "normal"

Mike did WHAT???

2007-11-06T12:32:00.000-07:00

Oh yes he did!!! As my wife is always asking me to rub her shoulders and I'm not always so grateful to do it... But this time, I was happy to do it. I was massaging her left shoulder and Hank, our yellow lab, does what he does best and litteraly walk over you. Deb raised her arm to push him out of the way right as I am rubbing it, and POP!!! Deb dislocates her shoulder.

Now, before those that are faint and weak at the sight of bodily mishaps, it wasn't a dislocation where the shoulder completely popped out the socket. It just pulled it and did some funky stuff. She couldn't move.

To help fix the injury, she's been going to a chiropractor and massage therapist a few times a week (personally, I think she faked the injury just so she could get some massage from someone who really knows what they are doing). Deb's been really good about telling people that it was the dog who did it (poor dog gets blamed for everying), but we really know what happened.

I'm sorry sweetie!!

We're Not Dead!!

2007-11-06T12:17:00.000-07:00

I had better update our blog before everyone starts to think we've fallen off the face of the earth. I always have good intentions of updating the blog, but once I get home from work, I get sucked into Family History or just plain being lazy.

We have some real fun Halloween pictures that I have to post. For those that didn't see us during Halloween, Debbie and I dressed as our typical stereotypes: Me as a Heavy Metal Thunder God and Debbie as an Angel. But best of all was Madyson. She stepped out of her "princess" mode and became Spiderella. She has her daddy's scowl (it was priceless - I couldn't have been more proud). I promise I'll put up the pictures tonight (unless I get home and get sucked into family history).

John Madison Davidson

2007-09-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

While doing some family history research on-line, I came to a name in our line that had ended (no father or mother information available). So, I decided to do a Google search and I came across this book called A Tribute to Clay County Veterans, by David G. Harmon. In this book was an excerpt about this individual (John Madison Davidson). In it lists his father's name and all his children and their spouses. I cannot tell you how excited I was to find this little nugget. So, I thought I'd share it with the family so they can put it in their records.

From the book: A Tribute to Clay County Veterans, by David G. Harmon

Page8

John Madison Davidson, the second child of Daniel, wife unknown, was born 1777 in Washington County, VA probably before his father enlisted in the Revolutionary War on Jan. 21, 1777. This date was taken from his military records.

The available records on John Madison Davidson does not show proof of his first wife one genealogist says was Patsey, several others say Elizabeth Smith, neither of these offer proof of their convictions. I will adopt Elizabeth Smith since more lean toward her than anyone else.

Their children were Tyre Davidson (born 1799) married Salley Morris; James A. Davidson (born 1801) married Rachel Allen Noble; Samuel Davidson (born 1803) married Susannah Dent; Martin Davidson (born 1805) married Susannah Spurlock; Tabitha Davidson (born 1807) married Reubin Baker; Daniel Davidson (born 1809) married Isobel McCollum; Morgan Davidson (born 1815) married Mary Stidham; Mary Davidson (born 1821) married Samuel Britton; Mahala Davidson (born 1822) married John Jacob Oxford; Matilda Davidson (born 1824) married Washington Burns; Nancy Davidson (born 1825) married Eligah Herd.

We do not know for sure but Elizabeth Smith Davidson must have died because John married again to Mary (Polly) Camel or Campbell on Jan. 13, 1827. It might seem odd to some that he would marry again so soon after the death of his first wife, but when one stops and considers that he was faced with the problem of keeping at least five children, they would agree that an early marriage was necessary. It will be noted that several years separate the births of Daniel, Morgan and Mary. This indicated that Elizabeth’s health was failing. John and Polly Campbell were married in January 1827. Four children were born to this marriage; Susan Davidson (born 1827) married Blevins Hudson; Silas Davidson (birthdate unknown) married Sarah Hays. There were two other children, but no information available.

Update on Family History

2007-09-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

While Debbie and I spent a very relaxing weekend in Pinetop/Lakeside, we decided to visit the cemeteries in Show Low and Lakeside, Arizona. In particular we were looking for the tombstone of one of my Mom's great-grandfather, Edmund Lovell Ellsworth. He led the first handcart company from Iowa City to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1856. I had seen mixed information as to the location of his grave. So, with the help from Aunts and Uncles on my Mom's side, we finally found the place. For those who show his burial is in the Show Low City Cemetery, that information is wrong. He is actually buried in what is now Show Low, but at the time of his burial, it was known at the Town of Adair, thus being buried in the Adair Cemetery. This cemetery is located between two beautiful homes near Fool Hollow Lake. Take Old Lindon Road to 22nd Avenue. Turn right onto 22nd Avenue and go towards where the road ends. Right before the end of the road is a concrete driveway that takes you into the driveways of the two homes. There you will see a wire fence and a medium sized sign that says "Adair Cemetery." Park next to the trampoline and go through the gate to your right. It's a very small cemetery, but so very fun to walk through.

New Addition To Our Family

2007-08-09T16:24:00.000-07:00

Even though our 5th Wedding Anniversary was July 20th, I thought I'd post a picture of our new addition to the family. For Deb's birthday a couple years ago, I let her have the dog she's always wanted, a chocolate Lab named Joey. For our anniversary, I surprised her by getting the dog she's been bugging me about for months, a yellow Lab named Hank.

So here they are... Happy Anniversary Honey!!

Maddy Goes Home

2007-08-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was kind of sad day for us. After spending the summer together, we sent Madyson back home to her mom's for the school year. We still get her every weekend, but after spending this summer together, I wasn't ready to give her back. It just went too fast. But we had a wonderful summer. We put Madyson in swim team this year and she didn't do too bad for a first year. She isn't that strong of a swimmer, but by the end of the season, she was just coming into her own. She actually got a third place finish in the Butterfly event. Although she didn't qualify for the championship races, we will continue to work on her strokes and see how well she does next year.

Now Madyson's next adventure is to start the 4th grade. That grade scares me because I remember a lot of the 4th grade and that just means I have a child that will remember these experienes for the rest of her life. Yikes!!

We also want to send out a congratulations to my brother, Trent, and his wife, Jackie, for the birth of the son, Finnigan (I hope I spelled that correctly). We got to watch their first boy, Jonas, for a few hours until Grandma came and picked him up. It seemed Debbie left to go to the hospital to pick up Jonas and within the hour we got the phone call that Jackie already had the baby. Nothing like waiting until the last minute there Jackie!!!

Madyson is excited because in the next week, she'll get to go to Texas to witness her cousin, Julia Tanner's baptism. So much happening in this family!! It's wonderful.

Why Not?

2007-08-06T12:09:00.000-07:00

Well, the rest of my family is doing this blog thing, so we might as well join the blogging revolution!! We do not have a digital camera as of yet (the two we had have both been broken or lost) so we are in the process of saving for a new one. We definitely need a new one because we have missed out on such fun events. As much as I am into family history, not having photographs to document these events is not good.

We will try to keep things up to date as much as possible. I'm sure Debbie will update everyone on the family happenings and I'll make sure to include any family history information I can dig up.