Thankful

Thanksgiving and all that I have to be grateful for....

An Amazing Husband - Michael is a wonderful man, who loves me faults and all and never forgets to tell me or show me how much he loves me. I have never before felt loved the way Michael makes me feel, it's great. And I love him too. I love the relationship we have, the way we both just want everything to be ok, we both hate to fight and really don't have anything to fight about. We see other people and their relationships and how they fight and we just look at each other and say "I'm so glad we found each other, I could never live like that". We didn't get to take a vacation this year because of the whole moving thing, but we are planning something good for the year to come. He loves my children and grandchildren as if they were his own. And they all love him too. I could write a long list of all the things I do love about him.

My Children - Raising 5 children alone until just 5 years ago was never easy, but always worth it! I am proud of the people that they are all becoming in their lives and I tell them this everyday. 

My Grandchildren - All 7 of them are in my heart each and everyday. Although I only get to see 3 of them ALL the time, I do love them all. Quynn, Blair and Ollie make me feel so special and make me smile and laugh so much. They're amazing little people! I remember how special my grandparents were to me and still are and I want to be that for them. 

My Family - My brothers and their wives and children whom I love very much and show them as much as possible. I look at all of us and think we beat the odds. Coming from alcoholic, abusive, very disfunctional home. You would think one of us would have gone that direction, but none of us did. We all choose to make our lives better, however it happened quicker for some than others LOL! 

My Job - I just celebrated 5 years with my company, which really wasn't hard because I do love my job and in today's economy having a job is GREAT and loving your job is even better. 

Our new home - At the beginning of this year I was very distraught because of the falling out between Michael's parents and us. But now I THANK THEM for booting us out. We finally got a home that is OURS and there is no better feeling knowing that every last dime we spend goes towards our future and not helping someone else secure their future. And this house is so much nicer too, I love when people walk into our home and say WOW this is so nice! Never got that in any home I have ever lived in. 

Life - I have had a lot of medical issues this year and am now getting them all under control, but nothing makes you more thankful for life then the thought of cancer or blood clots which you could lose your life. I sometimes take life for granted and since my latest hospital stay I have to say...I have a whole new outlook on this life of mine. I thank God for giving me this wake up call and I also thank him for not taking my life away! I have so much to live for!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and you are thankful for all the Lord has given you!

God Bless

Todd turned 50

Several weeks ago I contacted my sister in law Kelly to find out what they were going to do for my brother Todd's up coming 50th birthday, this is a milestone in a person's life and I felt it should be celebrated. Kelly felt the same way, she wanted to surprise him however she wasn't sure how to pull it off without him finding out, how could she clean house, cook food and decorate all without him knowing. Finally I said, "Let's have it at our house", and so we did. 

My niece Jen and her best friend Emily came over to our house early to decorate. And they did a great job. 

On Saturday November 13, 2010 we totally surprised my brother who thought they were coming to our house for dinner and cake for his birthday. Well, Kelly didn't lie they were coming to my house for dinner and cake. However little did he know that 30 plus of Todd's co-workers, friends and of course family were all there waiting to surprise him! Our Mom flew down from Oregon and our brother Tim came up from El Paso, Texas. He really was surprised!

My niece Jen caught him as he walked in the door to put on the celebratory 50th birthday hat and necklace! 

When the party was all planned I sent out an email thinking we should all get together and get Todd a gift worth giving. We decided on a laptop, needless to say I think Todd was very surprised! It took a minute to really register that their truly was a laptop in that box!

Contributors to the Laptop....Tim (brother), Troy (brother), Trent (brother), Tami (sister), Georgie (Mom), Tiffany (niece), Courtney (niece), Jen (daughter), Walt & Karen (in-laws).

Todd is the oldest of us 6 kids. We all felt he deserved the most special birthday and gift!

He and his wife Kelly have really been there for all of us. 

He is truly the father figure we never had growing up. 

What better way to thank him!

What a great day!

The Journey is long, but if family sticks together nothing is impossible!

This weekend we had Michael's son Ian. He actually only stayed Friday night and all day Saturday. Saturday morning we woke up ate breakfast and all headed towards the canyon for a hike. All three of the kids were very excited about that! After our hike up one of the trails in Little Cottonwood Canyon we headed to Subway to get the kids and ourselves to get some lunch. After a nice lunch we headed to Wheeler Farms to see the animals and the beautiful fall colors. 

I have to say we had a wonderful day, 70 degree weather here in Utah in November is uncalled for, but we totally took advantage of it. The kids had a great time. 

Dakota age 15

Ian age 12

Kaitlyn age 9

The Days of Old

My brother was so kind to scan and email these pictures to me, my Aunt Mary gave them to him when we were in Iowa for my Dad's funeral.

I had never seen these pictures before, and it was a very emotional thing to see them.

These were taken before my parents decided to divorce, I don't know the year but I'm guessing it was somewhere between 1972 and 1974, possibly sooner.

Me and my brothers and sister during Christmas.

Although we were smiling no one really new of the pain that was happening at home.

Top Right to Left: Todd, Tarianne, Tim and Bottom Right to Left: Troy, Tami (me) and Trent

 And this picture is the one I treasure most. Us 6 kids with our Grandpa and Grandma Keepers. I really loved my grandparents. I miss them so very much. I have really tried to be the same kind of Grandma I had. I learned to be a grandparent from the very best, and to me it's a compliment when my oldest brother Todd see's me with my grandchildren and tell me I'm the kind of Grandma like our Grandma's were! We didn't have it all, but God sure did bless us when it came to our grandparents.

I didn't realize how much I missed my Grandparents and then I saw this picture! I miss them horribly!

I'm Gonna Live, and Live I Shall

About 3 weeks ago I was at work and I felt awful and my side was hurting and I IM'd my husband and said 

"Honey I sure don't feel good, I think I need to go to the doctor"

He asked me if I wanted him to take me to the doctor and I told him that yeah I think I should go.

Then we debated weather he should take me to Instacare or to the Emergency Room, I sat there for a minute thinking! I wasn't really sure what was wrong, but I knew something wasn't right. I even told my husband the night before, that I didn't know what was wrong but I just didn't feel right. So finally I made the decision to have him take me to the Emergency Room, which turned out to be a very good decision! 

After many blood test, an ultrasound and a CAT scan, the nurse came in my room and said "It looks like we're going to make you a resident for a couple of days"! Needless to say I was in shock!

It seems that I had 2 blood clots, one on my ovary and one on my kidney and they were somehow attached by a thin string of blood clot (none of the doctors had ever seen such a thing). This worried them, because if one of the clots dislodged then that could be deadly. They needed to start blood thinners right away, to stop the possibility of more clots. But what worried them even more was the fact that the found a nodule on the lower half of my right lung and because I am a former smoker this worried them. Worried them, oh geez it worried me. All I could think of was, I quit smoking 18 months ago because I never wanted to have to go through this. 

The next morning I was scheduled for a biopsy, they wanted to see exactly what that nodule was on my lung! So I had the biopsy and it was less scary then I thought it would be. 

The scariest part was waiting for the results which took about 4 days. 4 days on little sleep and much worry! Friday finally came and I went to my doctor, nervous but ready to face whatever he was going to tell me. You never realize how much you really love your life until the thought of it being gone is in front of you. 

It's NOT cancer!!!

Thank you Dear Lord!

So now I sure look at my life so different! I want to live, I want to be around for a long time!

So now I am keeping my Blood Sugar under control, watching what I eat, exercising and remembering how precious life really is. I've lost 14 lbs now, just from eating healthier and portion control and yes exercise. I have about 90 more pounds to go, but I am sure I can do it!

The view from my room at LDS Hospital was beautiful!

The beautiful get well basket of plants my employer sent me! 

A day spent with Two 2 year olds

Michael & I are very proud grandparents! 

This is something we do very well.

We have the grandbabies come to our house, spoil them rotten and then send them home to their parents, just as grandparents are supposed to do. We love them unconditionally, just as we do our own children. 

A Saturday in September our 4 oldest children and their spouses decided to go to the Dew Tour, so I volunteered Michael and I to babysit Blair and Oliver since Quynn was going to her Dad's house. 

What a busy day that turned out to be! Two 2 year olds and us! Busy but full of laughter and happiness.
I just wish to have a tiny bit of that energy!

Ollie wanted to wear the goggles, who cares if we weren't swimming!

 Then it was Blair's turn!

 And Ms. Blair is such a good cousin, she took time out of dragging out toys to help Ollie put on his shoes.

Ollie waiting patiently for Blair!

Happy that Mommy's and Daddy's are home.

Look what they brought us!

Three Little Girls

After the Pumpkins were all carved, these three little girls made me smile and reminded me why I do love them so much! My children, my grandchildren, My Family, they are my World! 

Family - the people who know all about you and still love you anyway!

Blair age 2, Quynn age 5 and Auntie Kaity age 9

They really do Love each other!

Halloween 2010

I remember being a child and loving Halloween, I am always amazed at the great costumes that people come up with! Today I still love Halloween and so do my children. Kaitlyn is now the only child at the Trick or Treating age, and lucky for me every year she knows what she wants to be. This year it was August I believe when she said "Mom for Halloween I want to be Super Girl" and all I could think of was WOW, I sure hope we can find a Super Girl costume or a pattern for one! Lucky for us, we were at Wal-Mart shortly after they put out their Halloween Costumes and she walked right to it. It was the one she had dreamed of Hallelujah! I think she looks adorable in her costume! And others thought so too cause she came home with so much candy, she said "Mom and Dad, I hit the Mother Load"! I want to know what she knows about a Mother Load LOL!

Kaity and Dakota before Kaitlyn's Girl Scout Party. 

Mr. Pumpkin Head, Michael decided this year he would get in on the pumpkin carving action. I think he did a cute job!

 Our oldest Granddaughter Quynn. This was the first year she really got to carve her own pumpkin and boy was she proud of it. And very well she should be, she did an amazing job. I guess that's what happens when you become a big Kindergartner!

 Oh Kaitlyn and Quynn were having so much fun going through the pumpkin guts, while Tiffany slaved away trying to clean out her pumpkin.

 Kaitlyn working away on her pumpkin, I actually forgot to take a picture of the final product!

 I know bad Mommy!

It was super cute cause she took the carving knife and carved her name in the back of her pumpkin.

 And she really loved that pumpkin!

 Tiffany and our grandson Ollie all dressed up for Halloween. We went to a party at Tiff's Grandmother in law's church and had a great time. By the end of the weekend we were Halloween partied out!

 Cute little Quynnie all dressed up in her Halloween costume. I might be a little bias but I think my Grandchildren are ADORABLE!

 

And Little Ms. Blair Daisy my youngest granddaughter made the cutest little Ladybug! 

My daughter Courtney and her husband Jason "The Devil Couple" ready to go out to a party.

My stepson Ian in his Halloween costume which I think is awesome! Honoring the men and women of the United States Army who give us the freedom and protect us so that we can celebrate things such as Halloween!

5 years

Who Knew that 5 years ago today the man that I agreed to meet at lunch would one day be my best friend, my lover, my Soul Mate?

Yes it was 5 years ago today that Michael asked me over Myspace to meet him at the Gallavin Center during lunch, reluctantly I said yes and at the last minute I almost backed out cause after all during that time of my life I really wasn't looking for a commitment. However I thought to myself what the heck, I'll just go. 

And I still remember the first thing he said to me..."your pictures sure don't do you justice". 

I thought wow fella you sure do know how to charm a girl LOL!

But we sat and talked like we were long lost friends, it was amazing and I thought to myself wow this guy is so great 

"I'm sure he'll never call me back"! 

He did!

And now 5 years later, lots of laughter, tears, good times and bad we're making it! 

I know that there are a couple of people who wish we wouldn't make it, none of them on my side of the family though (they all love Michael)! 

For Better or Worse, Till Death Do Us Part!

We made that commitment in front of God and Family!

I Love you Michael and I'm glad I went to the Gallavin Center that day! 

It was the best choice I ever made!

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Glenn

On Friday September 10, 2010 our daughter Tiffany Janel Keepers married her boyfriend of 5 years Joshua Allen Glenn. 

Michael and I are very happy and proud of them!

We wish them much happiness and many years together!

Our Amazing new Home

Our Fireplace and TV in our living room

Our Kitchen

Part II Our Kitchen

Well after months of working hard and saving, Michael and I were finally able to purchase a home. I love our new home! It's 3 bedroom 2 bath with a great laundry room and the largest living room I think I've ever had. We spent 2 days painting before we moved in, we let Kaitlyn and Dakota pick out their colors of their bedrooms which Kaitlyn picked a great Purple color and Dakota picked a sorta teal color, it's hard to explain.
It is so nice to be home now. No worrying about a landlord again! I believe the purchase of the last house fell through because we were meant to live in this newer, modern more beautiful home! Michael keeps saying as they do on Extreme Home Makeover....Welcome Home Long Keepers Family, Welcome Home!!!

And this like no other place feels like HOME!

In Memory of Thomas A. Keepers

Last Friday on my way to work I received some shocking news. My father Thomas A. Keepers passed away during the night. They say he passed away sometime during the night in his sleep, which is the way he had hoped to go. I took it much harder than I had ever imagined. Because during life we only allow ourselves to remember the bad and it is only in death that we begin to remember the good and then we miss it.

Until we meet again Dad! I really did and still do Love you!

I have always missed my dad, but now it's permanent.

A Great Man

This is my husband Michael, with our youngest grandson/child Ollie Vaughn. Michael isn't Ollie's real blood biological Pop Pop, but that makes no difference to either of them. This is and will be the only Pop Pop Ollie will ever know. And Michael is such an amazing human being that he doesn't care if any of the kids and grandkids actually have his blood flowing through their veins, it's all about love, compassion and caring. He loves them and they love him. From day one when Michael first met my children they accepted him and have always made him feel loved and important! When Father's Day or his birthday come around he is the one who is important to them. Why? Because he shows that love and caring to all of them too. He has never said or made any kind actions as to these being my children/grandchildren....he always says they're OUR CHILDREN or OUR GRANDBABIES. 

There are so many reasons I fell in love with this man and this just adds to it!

Fourth of July Fun 2010!

On July 2nd all 3 of our Grandbabies spent the night at our house, for a very special reason. Michael and I were going to take them to their first ever parade. Saturday July 3rd the city of Tooele was holding their 4th of July parade and my brother Trent got to drive the float for the Hospital that my sister works at.
So I woke up at 5:30 am and started to get ready and then eventually got everyone else up. We got to Tooele and found ourselves a prime spot for Michael, myself , Dakota, Kaitlyn, Quynn, Blair and Oliver!

We all had such a great time and I have to say the Kids and Grandbabies Love A Parade!!! And Grammy and Pop Pop loved taking them!

The 1st Skate Competition

Dakota finally entered his first Skate Competition!!!

What an exciting time for him, this is something he has always dreamed of doing and finally he took the plunge and entered the competition! He was very nervous, because he knew all eyes would be on him, but he gave it his best try and did not make it to the finals, however he did very good!

We are so proud of him and can't wait to go to many more competitions in the future!

Summer 2010 is already here

Well summer hit our home on June 4th, 2010. Dakota graduated from 9th grade and is now on his way to High School. We are so proud of him and the grades he managed to keep up with some hard work! He will be well deserving of his permit in September and his drivers license next spring if he keeps this up! He is looking forward to a summer full skate parks and friends!

I have to say I am so proud of Alex, he graduated high school and is now thinking about college! He has moved out of our home, but will always be close in our hearts. We love Alex so much, but there comes a time when a child wants to make adult decisions and make adult choices and mistakes, so off he goes to learn from the word on just how much it truly sucks to be an adult. LOL!

Kaitlyn is now on her way to 4th grade, amazing how fast time flies! She left on the 8th to go to Oregon with her Nanny. She was ready to come home because she was a bit bored, and then she met the kids next door! And suddenly she decided coming home could wait...his name is Brandon. An 11 year old boy who has "a cute southern accent"! Michael and I are no longer worrying that our baby is home sick, we worry that our baby is wanting to grow up too fast!

We are planning on taking the kids to Mount Rushmore this summer, since neither Michael nor the kids have ever been and it's only a 10 hour drive from here. Along with that we have got to make a trip to Lava Hot Springs, Idaho since I have never been. I am hoping for a wonderful summer!