WOW...I still have a blog! Who kenw?

Is anyone still blogging????

What A Week

Don't know if anyone keeps up with what's going on, but here is a snapshot of the last week...Tracy and I left Mexico on the 28th, flew to Miami (the craziest airport I have ever seen) and then on to San Jose' Costa Rica. We stayed at a "medical ranch" called CheTica Ranch (google it). It was an AMAZING place with quaint little individual cottages set in the lush hillside about 30 minutes from downtown San Jose'. We ate (they provide delish meals) showered and went to bed, totally exhausted. The alarm went off the next morning, we go up, showered, got dressed and then realized that it was 1:30 in the morning! Too funny. Went to the hospital and met Tracy's team of doctors who performed a battery of tests on him (we were there for 6 hours). Surgery was set for the next morning (Mar. 1st) at 5 am. At 4:55 that afternoon we were called to the office for a phone call...the hospital calling to say that BridgeHealth Medical (the company that set all this up) had not sent in the payments necessary and the surgery was moved to Monday. Talked to BridgeHealth who assured us that THEY were not the problem and gave us their guarantee that all would be taken care of 1st thing Thursday morning. We waited all day Thursday and BridgeHealth still hadn't wired the payment...moving the surgery back even further. We had had enough and flew home the next morning. Wasted a week, got hyped up for the surgery and nothing happened. We are in the process now of sorting out who pays for what...and, possibly shopping for a lawyer to help us recover some of our out of pocket expenses. Lesson learned. I am NEVER leaving the USA again! Tracy will have the knee replacement surgery this fall here in St. George. This sucks.

HOLA FAMILIA

Here is my quarterly update!!! (I'm sure you are all breathless with excitement)

Tracy and I are leaving next week for Cancun, Mexico. This is the fifth trip that Tracy has been awarded from ALSCO for being one of the top District Managers in the company. I am SO proud of him. From Mexico we are flying to Costa Rica. Tracy is having a total knee replacement there. All total we will be gone 2-3 weeks. I have never been away from home that long. The reason for having the surgery in Costa Rica is pretty simple...the cost to do the surgery here in St. George was approx. $54,000. Our co-pay would have been about $10,000. The surgery will cost approx. $29,000 in Costa Rica. The doctor is well qualified, has all the certifications, awards and accredidations of our doctor here in Utah (we have done a LOT of research on him) and the hospital has a LOWER rate of post surgery infections and complications than the hospital here in St. George. Our insurance company is paying to fly us (1st class!!!) and for the hotel because it is so much more cost effective. Add to that Tracy is being given a stipend to cover our co-pays and our expenses while there. How can we NOT go? His surgery is scheduled for March 1st. Please keep him in your prayers. We are taking our computer, so, I will be able to keep everyone that cares updated.

Trace is still on track to graduate on May 4th. I think he is more excited about finally being able to quit his job than about graduating! He is going to travel for a month or so after graduation and then....who knows??

Kyle is just enjoying being young and single. He lives every day to its fullest.

I hope that you are all doing well.

Nothing Much Going On

It's been a pretty boring summer around here. Tracy has been working 60-70 hours a week, so he doesn't do much more than work and sleep. I haven't found a job yet during this "unfortunate economic downturn" so I pretty much read all day. I am absolutely bored to tears but can't do much about it.

We went to Salt Lake for one day last month. Trace and Kyle absolutely HATE me taking their pictures, so these are the only pics I was able to sneak! They are both doing well. Trace will graduate in May (yeah!!!!) with a "bachelors of science in parks recreation and tourism with an emphasis in natural resource recreation planning and management" (I made him write it all down for me). Kyle is still working for FedEx/Kinkos and is looking for a better job, which, as I said in the previous paragraph is hard to do during this "unfortunate economic downturn".

Had my thyroid removed three weeks ago. Had tumors all over it (one was pushing on my vocal cords). No cancer. Lost my sense of taste, but it is slowly coming back. My voice sounded funny to me at first, but I am used to it now.

Pretty boring post. Nothing much to report. Hope you are all happy and healthy. Just wanted you to know that we are still here!

High 4.5

Okay, okay, I KNOW that I haven't blogged in FOUR MONTHS...and I feel really bad about that, but I have some really good excuses....so here goes.

The first of January Dana called me and told me that there was a position open at Page High School working in the Culinary Arts program with her...I could get a provisional teacheng certificate with my college credits and work experience. We would be "working together" and how much fun would that be? So I thought, "sure, why not check it out?".

On Jan. 11th I drove to Page (2 1/2 hours) to see what the scoop was...I was hired on the spot ant in the classroom "teaching" the next day! I know! It's completely ridiculous. I didn't have a clue what to do...so I just faked it. Dana basically told me where to stand, what to say, how to say it ...(I guess you get the idea). It was scary, but not too bad...then the Page Unified School District dropped the bomb on me...."oh, by the way, you are only making $10.00 per hour until you get your certification". What the heck??? Who in their right mind would teach FRESHMEN for that kind of money. I was told that all I needed was a fingerprint clearance and to pass an FBI background check. Okay, no worries. Except the lady that took my fingerprints screwed it up the first time and all the paperwork had to be re-done. Ms. Addy, the H.R. lady told me not to worry because they were planning on paying me retroactively to my hire date. Fast forward TEN WEEKS and I am a certified teacher in the State of Arizona...oh and did I forget to mention that the District Superintendent VETOED my retro pay! Screw you Mrs. Stanford!!!

Then, amidst all this craziness, I tore the meniscus in my left knee (gotta LOVE those DeWitt knees) and then broke the bone graft in my left pinkie finger. When Tracy and I talked about the options for my finger the Ortho. basically said that I would have to see a hand specialist, have major surgery, be in a cast for two months and the bone would still be as fragile as always. That means that (after 5 surgeries on that finger already) that, in the future, every time I hit my finger just right the bone would shatter further, I would need surgery, etc.etc.etc. The other alternative was to amputate from the top knuckle. Here's the picture of my decision:

I have to admit that it looks weird. I cried pretty hard when I first saw it, but, it was the right decision. I had NO IDEA that I would have to re-learn how to type and right now, that is driving me nuts. So Dana and I have formed the "nub club". Holly made me an adorable glove that protects my nub while I am working. Now you get the title of this post, I can no longer give you a high 5, cuz I only have 4.5)

So much is happening so fast that it's hard to keep up. Ben and Briana...I hope we can get to El Paso to see you. Bethany, I hope you are out west soon. Holly, I am praying for you and I am really concerned. Ann, my heart goes out to you, Boyfriend and Mister. Amy, hang in there, you're almost done. Erin, you are a wonderful mother and we all love you SO much. Peggy and Bill...get better soon (little giggle here) and come to St. George when you're not contageous any more.

To all our family and friends we love and miss you all so much. Guess I should say a word about the boys...Trace is still at the U of U. He will be 25 tomorrow. Where does the time go? Kyle has been living in St. George but may be heading back to Salt Lake soon. Both are well and happy.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

Southern Utah is under a state of emergency....massive flooding! This is the river by our house. Luckily, we are on "high ground"...but others are not so lucky. What a week!

Peggy's Wedding

Patiane, Marisa, Dana, K.C. Rob, Tracy and Todd

Chris' family, Holly's kids, Jill and Peggy and Bill

The DeWitt sisters are in da house!!!
Peggy and Bill Oliver

Just after coming in...before the ceremony

Pizza at Scott and Becky's house the night before the wedding

Peggy, Jill and Scott just before walking down the aisle
Yes, I DID sneak a camera into the chapel. Made a couple of people mad, but what can they do to me??

After the wedding we headed into the cultural hall for dinner (bbq) and then the d.j. started and so did the karaoke...I wish Wally had been there to do Elvis and Paul could sing a tune or two...

My computer is acting up and Blogspot won't let me edit these pictures or add any more, so this is kinda jumbled, but you get the idea. We had a LOT OF FUN...sorry that you missed it!!!

Kyle's Birthday Trip To Southern Utah

Kyle and Hannah Prospero came to visit for the weekend the 1st week of November for his 22nd birthday.

family pictures

We just got back from Salt Lake...here are a few "family" pictures....Trace and Andrea, Kyle, Pabst and a few of the whole family. Thanks to Andrea for being our photographer. We also spent a little time at the cemetary and saw the graves of Pres. Hinckley, David O. McKay and a who's who of church history...I really want to go back and spend more time. I cried the entire time!!! The last picture is to show you the size of the hail that was hitting our house during the last storm. I have NEVER seen or heard anything like it!!!.

SHAKE RATTLE AND ROLL

We had an earthquake today about 10:30 am. I heard a big boom and then the whole place shook for about a second...no biggie...but it got me thinking that we need to get our 72 hour kits ready. Do you have yours? You just never know.

Still bored and not working. This "economic decline" really sucks.

I'm Done

Buh..bye

OUR NEW GRANDSON

We have a new family member...Trace and Kyle just adopted a aussiedoodle....too cute for words.

I think that this is a close as we are gonna be to grandchildren for a long, long time.

We are heading to Salt Lake tomorrow morning. We fly out early Thursday morning. It's 84 degrees in Puerto Vallarta today!!! Can't wait. Everyone stay safe while we are outta the country. ADIOS! TE QUIERO.

Thanks Tracy

So, I went in for "routine" shoulder surgery on the 15th. Saw the doctor for my follow up today...here's what I know: When he opened up the "bursa" my entire shoulder "blew up" and started swelling uncontrollably. To keep the blood flow to my arm the dr. had to remove about 1.5 inches of my clavicle...which stopped the swelling but hurts like h-e- double hockey sticks! I am in physical therapy 5 days a week and hopefully, next week I can go back to work! Today the therapist sent me home with a TEMS machine...it's awesome..it sends a shock to the muscles at regular intervals and keeps the pain down...love it! I have used one before, when my back was bad, now, I am hooked up 24/7 and can control the power that it jolts with me. It feels like a constant massage. Hopefully I will sleep now and be able to heal a little quicker.

Through all of this my hubby has been a true hero. Fixing dinner, cleaning up and, every day, making sure that my every need has been met. How did I get so lucky?

Hope all is well with you all. It has rained for a week straight here and I have really enjoyed it, but, enough is enough.

Oh yeah...

I forgot to add that Mom and Dad made us eat breakfast and get completely dressed BEFORE we could open any presents!!! I didn't continue that particular tradition.

Christmas Memories

Dana wrote about some of her Christmas memories...so I thought I would do the same:

• I was driving home yesterday and Elvis came on singing I'll have a blue Christmas without you...reminded me of Wally,as Elvis and Mary and Sue singing back up for the Christmas Eve Program. A classic to be sure!
• Sunday in Church they sang I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day which ALWAYS reminds me of when Paul and Mom tried to play a duet with the piano and trumpet only to discover that they don't play in the same register and how hard everyone laughed. I think Paul about split a gut!
• Paul and Sue singing Like a Lion in the Winter...still makes me cry every time I hear it. It was so beautiful.
• The year my Chatty Kathy doll got lost
• The year "Santa" stayed up late finishing up a tea table and tea set for Peggy and I...we were in the same bed (like always) and were making up songs to to beat of the hammering.
• The year after we were married and I gave Tracy a pizza cutter and he gave me a hammer for the kitchen...that's all we could afford.
• The Christmas that Tracy and I were engaged he went to Dunkin Doughnuts and bought some tree ornaments...they were about an inch high and were a TIN SOLDER, A DRUMMER BOY AND A REINDEER. I still have them and get them out every year.
• The year we surprized the boys with a Nintendo 64 ... we hid it and didn't give it to them until WAY after all the presents under the tree were opened.
• We ALWAYS bought NERF guns for four and had NERF ball wars all day long
• Grandpa and Grandma's couch had SO many presents behind it that they were piled higher than the back of the couch.
• Bubble lights
• Looking out the back porch in San Diego at the lights, traffic...it always scared me to sleep out there because it kind of leaned and I was afraid it would fall off and drop down to the valley below.
• The rock fort behind their home
• For the first three years Tracy and I were married his Dad made us a reindeer of one kind or another each year. I treasure them...even though they are kinda falling apart.
• Beth's caramels...the best EVER in the whole world
• The year Dad Stanford bought Binky for Mom...bringing her home in my coat pocket. She was so cute. Dad was so excited to give it to her. It was so awesome to see their love.
• Dad's last Christmas. He knew it was Christmas (which was kind of amazing) and INSISTED on going shopping for Mom. He loved her so much. Bought her Estee Lauder, of course. She was VERY VERY surprised when she realized that I didn't just go get it and put her name on it. He also bought me a coat. I tried to refuse, but he insisted. It turned out to be the last time that he actually knew who I was. I treasure that coat even though it is WAY out of style.
• The Christmas programs. We all hated/loved/remember them
• Mom always made stew on Christmas Eve.

Like Dana I too miss my family this time of year. More than usual. I wish that someone would take charge and become the leader of the Paul and Margie DeWitt family and see that those ties are not completely lost...maybe someday.

I miss and love you all more than you will ever know. Merry Christmas.

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tracy just won a trip for two to Puerto Vallarta...an all inclusinve resort!! We leave Feb 25th and come back Feb. 1st. Any tips on where to go and what to see?? Anyone? Bueler????

"It is here, amidst 440 master planned acres that you'll discover a remarkable array of vacation amenities unrivaled anywhere in Mexico - upscale hotel and condominium resorts, spectacular beaches, championship golf course, world class marina, European spa, Conference Center and more. Everything to fulfill even the most elaborate vacation dreams. And best of all, it's available all in one resort destination... Paradise Village Hotel Nuevo Vallarta Resort.
Quietly tucked away on the north shores of Puerto Vallarta are the alluring, unspoiled beaches of Nuevo Vallarta. It is here where Paradise Village Beach Resort and Spa occupies a fabulous, private 12-acre peninsula, embraced by the sapphire seas of Banderas Bay on one side and a World-class Marina on the other. Paradise Village combines the mystery of Ancient Mayan architecture with the luxury and comfort found only in The World's Best 5-Star Resorts"

Holy cow!!!!

Thanksgiving

I really wanted a good picture of the boys....think I need a little more practice!It was so great to have them home for five days
a little "sugar" for dad

We were blessed to have a visit from Grandma Stanford. She won at Yahtzee...like always. It was sad to let her go home early, but she was homesick. We love you Beth.
We had a great time together. The boys had me make FOUR batches of rolls! They wanted to take some back to Salt Lake with them and every time I made a batch they ate them all and I got to start all over again!

I hope that you all had a great time with your individual families. Now, on to Christmas. Much love to you all!

Am I wrong?

So, the conversation went like this: Tracy: you need to get in the right hand lane. Me: Honey, I have driven this road for nine years, I think I can handle it" Tracy: I'm NOT back seat driving, I am just "advising" you as you drive. What do you think? I could read the "left lane closed ahead" signs, and the "road construction ahead" signs and the "no left turn ahead" signs. Is it me? I'll be glad when he can drive again.

Tracy

LET THE FUN BEGIN!