A Vintage Poster

My niece-in-law (is that such a thing) is pretty much super talented. (All of the niece-in-laws are actually and so are the nieces - just oozing talents).
Check out A Vintage Poster. She has so many fun designs and will do custom as well. I loved these two little posters for Elise's room.
The middle graphic print is one that my sister designed. She is ultra talented as well but doesn't sell her work. :) They are little silhouettes of Elise's.
Her room is coming together nicely.
Next up...do I start with my living room, the family room or my room? They all need some serious work.

The Midway Ice Castles

Saturday we took a little drive up to Midway to see the Ice Castles.
They are pretty amazing. I only wish I had a better camera and some skills to go with it.
They are open until March 5th.

My Favorite Aunt Carla

My aunt Carla (my mom's oldest sister) was diagnosed with a gliobalastoma brain tumor. It is an aggressive brain tumor for which there is no cure. There are some treatments that extend life but for Carla that was not really a great or worthwhile option. Carla had lived a great life. So she needed care for the rest of her days and we didn't know how long that would be. My uncle Jamie (her older brother) had died of the same cancer (an they say that it is a complete coincidence). He lived 6 months. Due to several factors, it was decided that she would come live at our house and my mom would move in as well to take care of her. Thanks to the generosity of some wonderful people, we had the basement finished (back when Kenyon needed it) and set up so that we could do that.

Carla only lived 6 weeks. But it was such a blessing to have her live with us. My mom was a master caregiver. She was loving and patient and tough. It was hard work. She had some good help from my other aunts and close relatives but she carried the burden.

I had the privilege of speaking at the funeral on Monday. That is a very challenging assignment. I was a little more emotional than I wanted to be - it messes with my voice and my nose. But it came off ok and the other speakers and music were outstanding.

My favorite part might have been at the graveside service where my cousin played the ukulele and we sang Aloha Oe. It was perfect.

Next favorite part, being with the amazing Cannon Family. I love my cousins. It is sad we aren't together more.

Now look at my beautiful aunt. Don't you love this picture of the Cannon sisters? From l to r - Carla, Holly, Kiki (Christine), and Susan. Love them.

CARLA CANNON 

Carla Lani Cannon 1945 ~ 2011 Carla Lani Cannon, born Oct. 29, 1945, passed away Feb. 17, 2011, South Jordan, Utah, from a brain tumor. Born the second of six children to D. James and Elaine A. Cannon, in Salt Lake City, Utah, she was preceded in death by her parents; brother James Q. Cannon and his first wife Christine Jacobsen Cannon; sister Christine Cannon; and brother Anthony Joseph Cannon. Survived by sisters, Susan Cannon McOmber (Bryant) Palo Alto, CA, and Holly Cannon Metcalf (Richard) Seattle, WA, sisters-in-law Rebecca Cannon and Kathy Cannon Anderson, as well as dozens of adoring nieces, nephews and cousins. Carla grew up in Salt Lake City, and was a graduate of Highland High and the University of Utah. Equipped with an education and innate abilities, Carla lived and worked in many places, including working for several congressmen, Sunset Magazine and Lane Publishing. Most recently Carla lived in St. George, Utah. Carla served seven years in U. S. Navy Reserves, Intelligence Center of the Pacific. As a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Carla dedicated thousands of hours to genealogical research and served as a French name extraction missionary. She loved working in the Primary. As oldest sister, Carla organized a sisters' quartet and taught them to harmonize. She was also part of a popular singing group called the Hi-Notes. Recently, Carla fulfilled a life-long dream of writing text for a hymn which she paired with a Chopin etude. As the "Favorite Aunt and Cousin" Carla's stories have delighted many. A gentle and devoted friend Carla was adored and will be lovingly remembered. Those who wish may donate in her memory to LDS Humanitarian or Perpetual Education Fund. Memorial service on Feb. 21 at 12 p.m. at the Federal Heights Ward, 1300 Fairfax Road,, Salt Lake City, Utah. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Salt Lake City Cemetery. Online Condolences at www.premierfuneral.com 

Celebrating with Jimmer

I am so behind on blogging. I think we are coming back to a relative normal around here. At least for a minute - until Kenyon has surgery and then we will take back the chaos.

We just celebrated our 13th anniversary and I was in charge this year. What would Kenyon like to do more than anything? Well besides walk without pain. Of course, go to a BYU game. Luckily I was smart enough to have ordered the tickets well in advance because this Jimmermania business is selling out the Marriott Center. It was a fun date night. Not the best game of the year but it was a win.

Next year Kenyon is in charge on the anniversary plan. And just in case he needs a hint. I would really like to see a show in NYC. So plan early. :) Or sit on the beach somewhere. That would work too.

Valentine's Day

Every holiday is pretty great, but dang I love the treats that come around for Valentine's. My most favorite might be cinnamon hearts, but you can't go wrong with sugar cookies, chocolate fondue, or perfectly fudgy brownies.
And I really loved my felt heart garland this year. I have no other Valentine decorations so it was a huge improvement on last year. Thanks to my clever sisters for the idea.

A Quick Visit with the Pioneer Woman

She came to town and we got awesome tickets. It was fun to visit with her for a minute and get our books signed. She is funny. If you want a fun read - her new book is just that. You will laugh out loud and the love story is good too.

Go See It

The King's Speech

Don't wait any longer.

It is based on the true story of King George VI (father of the current Queen Elizabeth). He struggled/suffered his whole life with a stammer. This movie tells the story of how his wife found him help and a friend through a speech therapist. And how it changed the world (is that too dramatic ? ).

And you can totally ignore that rating. Pointless really. Here is a great little article on why ratings are lame and not the best way to determine what movies you will spend your time on.

The whole movie deserves every award it is nominated for. Amazing and talented cast. Powerful and inspiring story.

Other things I Loved:

The relationship between Albert/King George VI and his wife the Queen

She shows such sweet Support and Love throughout the hardship of his stammer and becoming King.

Perseverance and Courage

Great Friendship and Forgiveness

Loyalty

Leadership

I also saw Midway to Heaven.  It is a fun, cheesy, tearful film and worthy of some support. And I loved going to the premiere.  It was fun to see the cast and be a part of the excitement for them. Although not the biggest fan of the Bachelor's Michelle Money. Thanks for a little hook up from Hilary and Aimee Weeks. Hilary's music was featured in the movie. Well done Hilary. 

Knee Update Again

Are you sick of me telling you about Kenyon's knees? I am quite sure he is sick of being the subject of these posts. But since I know some of you are interested...

I think we finally have a surgeon and a date and a plan. Dr. Chris Peters at the University Orthopedic Center will perform Kenyon's total knee replacements on March 29th. The plan is to do both knees but the doctor will not know for sure until he cuts in there and gets a look at the bone. If the bone is as bad as it appears on the MRI and he needs metal stems above or below the knee, then he will only do one knee at a time. So we'll see...

He is using some cool technology that is similar to something you might of see on the news recently. They use an MRI to create a 3D model and jig to allow the robot/surgeon to make perfect cuts. Apparently it is less invasive and very successful. Sounds cool.

After a good long recovery, we should be seeing Kenyon getting around with little to no pain and a more comfortable stride.