Changes

My dad died yesterday.

 Me, Rhea Whatcott Dahl, lost my father. I was going to say I didn't really lose him, because I know where he is, but I guess in a general sense I don't REALLY know where he is. 

Anyway, I digress. 

I feel like I've posted similar posts before. Somewhere around the first of December. December 3rd, to be exact. Yowza. It just hit me that it's been 3 months, today, that our little Miles died. 

What is the deal? I don't really know what to say at this point. I know my Dad is in a better place. He is running, and jumping and flying (he was a pilot during WWII) and dancing, if he wants to. Not sure he was ever very excited about dancing. I'll have to ask my mom about that one. He is arguing politics or whatever with his older brother, and dad, and kissing his mom and sister and in laws and best friend, and smiling and laughing and being reintroduced and introduced and hugging and joking, with that funny dry sense of humor of his (so dry that at times we weren't quite sure if it was a joke or not!!), and listening, and probably being shy, but that's ok, because as spirits we can communicate without actually talking, I think. and if there are newspapers in the spirit world, HE IS READING THEM, and just loving the freedom from a slow, diseased, worn out body that drug him down quite low. 

He is free. And he has graduated. I wonder if he got to be greeted by the Savior? Is that part of the deal for the righteous? I like to think so. If so he is feeling more than we could ever comprehend here on earth. Does he get to go meet and shake hands or hug the prophet Joseph Smith? Adam? Moses? President Hinckley? I sure hope so. Do we mingle with all that have passed on? 

So here's to my Dad. Hip hip hooray. I sure hope he knows we love him and miss him. That sounded unsure. I am not unsure of that. I know he knows we love him and miss him and will miss him more. I hope he knows and feels how blessed we feel to have had him as our father and husband and that he knows we are proud of him and look forward to being with him again. 

Now I have two very close angels to greet me when the time comes!! 

I used to worry a bit about that. Before Miles, I hadn't known tons of sorrow because of close relatives deaths. My grandparents were so old and I was pretty young when they died. I had aunts and uncles die and even my mother in law, who I love dearly. But my own immediate family, I had been, I must say, pretty lucky. Well, my luck has changed. For good or bad, however you want to look at it. But, I have now been initiated into the "club"! Wow, that is lucky, huh? (that's tongue in cheek by the way!!). 

Anyway, anyhoo, my life has changed. No, my world has changed. It's wierd to go outside and to the store or wherever and nothing has changed and people are doing the same things, and everything looks the same, and sometimes I want to scream, "Hey, stop. Don't you realize that things are different??? Stop being normal! Stop going on as before!! Because things are NOT as they were before!!"   I do realize that it's me that's changed, not the world. And I can't expect it to nor I guess want it to stop and or change. But just for a brief moment, maybe I would!!

So, Dad, and Miles, and everyone that has gone on, and changed my world, here's a brief moment for you. I will just sit here and do nothing in honor of you!! But just for a moment.

Stages in Life

A short note of information concerning my parents.
First of all, my mother, Doris Whatcott, is recovering well, from pneumonia, after spending 5 days in the hospital last week. She is still on oxygen and most likely will for 2-3 weeks.
Sadly though, my father, Garth Whatcott, as of yesterday (Feb. 25th), had a stroke and a heart attack, and is in the hospital, at Banner Baywood in Mesa. His prognosis is not good. We have mostly gathered here today (the 26th), with my brother, Gaylen, who is the farthest (from Utah) driving down and expected in a few more hours, tonight. We have been dealing with the most likely fact that he will be leaving us very soon.
It is a wierd phenomenon, to say the least, watching your parent get old, slow down, have serious ailments, and then reach the time when he/she will leave this earth. I don't even know how to express it, right now. As we watch him suffer, we are pulled in two different directions at the same time. One, that we don't want him to leave, and have to say good bye. The other, we don't want to see him suffer, hurt, and struggle, even for breath. So I have some very mixed feelings. Of course, I want my father to live. I love him very much and am so glad for the many years I've been blessed to have him. ON the other hand, lately he has not been very healthy, and has not really lived a high quality of life. I want him to be happy and want the very best for him. I want him to be able to walk, and talk, and think and remember and enjoy life. So we are praying for him as a family. We pray that Heavenly Father will not let him suffer. We are praying that He will give him comfort and peace. And we are praying that we can accept whatever the outcome will be for him.
I know this is all a part of life, this stage in my life, but can I just add, that I don't like it. I don't like it one bit!

Garth and Doris Whatcott's Big SHA-BANG!

A quick post to all family and friends of my parents, Doris and Garth Whatcott:

Saturday, March 21st - 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (or so!)

What you ask?

A BIG celebration of great magnitude ! With a professional polynesian show, by Tausala, at 7 p.m., short program (and I mean short!!) and lots and lots of visiting, talking, bragging, one upping (this for all you Arnetts with A.S.S.), or whatever you want to discuss.

Why you ask?
To celebrate Doris and Garth's 60th anniversary (that very day, by the way!) - AND -

Doris's 85th birthday (a week and half later on the 30th!!)

Aunt Doris would love for you all to come so that she can enjoy visiting with you all, rather than waiting for her funeral, where she can't be quite as "involved" with the gabbing! (her words! or close enough, anyway!)

Where you ask?

At the church building/stake center, in Gilbert Az, on Cooper half way between Baseline and Guadalupe (southwest corner of Cooper and Houston Rd.)

Pass the word along to all family members please!!

See you all Saturday, March 21st, at 6 p.m.!!!!!

February Funk

Ok, so I don't know about most of you out in bloggerland, but this time of year brings me to what I like to call, February Funk!

I mean, come on, what really is there to be THAT excited about????? Christmas has been over now for a month or more, so the coolness of that has worn off. January is still close enough to Christmas that the lovely feelings still kind of carry over. Plus that Martin Luther King holiday is enough to get you up over any little hump, or slump! (that was a joke by the way!!). But by February. . . . hmmmmm. 

 I know, I know, some of you are thinking, come on now Rhea, what are you talking about? There's the wonderfully romantic, sweet Valentine's Day! But let me argue the point!

First of all-- one day. One day to claim your truest and most heartfelt love for that special someone. One day to buy the candy, flowers, cards, special "surprises", sneaky get aways, chocolate, delicatable tastees, sugar cookies with pink frosting (my all time, most favorite by the way!! hint hint!), floosy nightees, well, you know what I'm talking about!! 

 And then, bam. It's over! Whaaaaite?? What happened? Where did all that lovey dovey, kissy kissy facey, oh you deserve all these wonderful "things" because you are the most wonderful "thing" to happen to me, and here are a dozen roses and chocolate to say it all with!!! 

Now, let me see, what was I talking about???? How one day of ecstasy was a waste because it is ONLY one day, and . . . . 

Let me go on. That did not prove my point at all about February!!! Ok, before I go on I must confess!!! 

I LOVE VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!! I REPEAT! I LOVE VALENTINE'S DAY!!! So what if it's only one day! Better one day then none at all!! I'll take what I can get!! 

I bought this valentine card today for my love-- hopefully he won't read this before (he never has that I know of) - but it says something like, "I love you and candy more than anything. . . 

want to make it a threesome??". Pretty well fits me to a tee. Except that it could've said sweets rather than candy. I am an equal opportunist when it comes to sweet stuff!

But I have digressed rather far. 

So my point being. . . I think it had something to do with February and Valentine's. Or February and days off school. Or nothing worth really getting excited about?!! 

Ok, ok, so forget what I started. February is a lovely month. But really - once you get past Valentine's Day it is pretty boring. So we get President's Day. Big whoopie!! No offense to all the presidents [men] but it's kind of a snoozer holiday. Only kids get it off. Sam doesn't. And we get no mail that day. So in reality, it's more of a bummerday than a holiday! Get it? Bummerday. . . holiday??? 

So ok, so we get the lovely Valentine's Day (no school out or days off of course). And then there is President's Day. An "eh" day off. By then, well, we have another what like 10 days to go before Feruary is over??? It is a short month and all!!! And before you know it, it's March!!! woohoo!!

Speaking of draggy months. . . .!!

   

 

Cloud 9 - Heavenly Day!

So last Wednesday was a heavenly day I won't soon forget! Ashley and I spent most of the day at Cloud 9 Spa and were pampered wonderfully! For Christmas, Mark and Sam gave us the gift that keeps on giving!! A spa package!!! It was to die for!! We started out with the full facial (I ignorantly thought this would be a little mask stuff slathered on my face and then a bit of rubbing and massaging it in or something to that effect). Wow! Was I wrong!! Boy, have I been deprived all my life!!! Next came the swedish massage - 50 minutes of heaven.
What more can be said!!
Then they fed us a "light lunch". Which was quite yummy, I might add.

This is the life!

Lastly, we were treated to a pedicure and a manicure. Again, lovely, and wonderful!! We had great gals to work on us! And this is Ashley's new friend, Trisha, who was adorable and lot of fun! Mine was Nikki and she was very sweet and fun to visit with too!

All in all, I great day!! Something I would probably never do again, unless given as a gift. At least not all of it in one day. But, I felt like a spoiled princess for a day, and every girl should have that at least once in their lifetime, right???

Ok, maybe twice!!

Three down and all done!

Aaron, Taylor, proud Mama, and happy Dad!!!

NayNay, and TayTay

(Nate Askins is Aaron's brother in law and he got his the same night!)

Thursday night marked another countdown for this mom. My baby boy (that would be that big strapping kid on the right!) had his Eagle board of review. . . . and passed! Well, I think it's officially called "recommended" for his eagle. Yea!! Yippeeeee! Zippity do dah!! Hallalujah, Praise the Lord! And all other some such terms of excitement and praise to the One above!

Now some may say, "oh, that's nice"! and really not realize just how really cool that is!!! First, let me say that if the guy that was in charge that night is correct, 4% of boys who start scouts, counting waaaaaaaaaaayyyyy back in cubs, actually get their rank of eagle scout. So the odds alone are pretty much against a boy to start with. Add in the factors of doing his eagle project 4 1/2 years ago, he being past the prime eagle boy scout age of around 13 or 14(after this age they start losing interest, greatly!), and the fact that he had one older brother who got his by the skin of his teeth (I guess the point is, though, is that he DID get it!!) --well, we were just more than thrilled beyond measure for last Thursday night.

So if someone asked me to explain why it was so difficult for Taylor to finish up his eagle - especially when he got what is considered the hardest, or at least the last thing you do, done and why it took so long, what could I really say??

That, maybe, the 5 merit badges he had left to do, when he did his eagle project were next to impossible to get, because he had to climb Kilamanjaro to get it??? Nope, that wasn't it! The five were five requireds that he started, got half way, (or maybe even finished but never signed off!) and lost his drive, or "motivation" or zeal for it??!! That's where Sam and I tried to come in (many times!). Things like, "ok, Taylor, you are NOT doing anything this weekend until you get that dang chart made and started for your money management (??) badge!!" It usually worked, to get the chart made. But you have to keep track of your expenses for 3 whole months!!! Straight!!! Whoa!! Now that is asking A LOT! (the kid lives on allowance which is quite minute and very consistent, every two weeks!! So what's so hard about that???).

Well, you get my drift. Enduring. Enduring to the end!!! (Or more accurately, deadline!! had to get it done by 18 yrs. old or not at all!!)

MY last born, bless his heart, has this gene that I know he definitely got from his dear mama!! It's that oh so great and dreadful PROCRASTINATION gene!! Makes me proud! A chip off the ole block!!! Ok, do as I say, not as I do!!!

Anyway, we are proud of Taylor. As we are, our two other sons who also got their eagle scout awards. It is an accomplishment, we are told, that will go with him throughout his/their lives and be a benefit or asset to him throughout his life. Way to go Tay!!

Now all I need to do is plan and put on his Eagle court of honor!! See you all at it in a year or two!!(wait, I have a deadline! He leaves on his mission in less than a year! yyyiiiikkkkkeeessssss).

God bless America,God Bless the AZ Cardinals and God bless wonderful friends!

January 20, 2009 - Washington D.C.

Today was the inauguration of the 44th president of the United States of Americac. Our country is the greatest! Whether you voted for President Obama or not, it is amazing that our country's presidential transition is so smooth and peaceful! I personally did not vote for Obama. I have strong reservations as to what he will do as president and also be ABLE to do. He sounded truly inspirational today. Words. Powerful words! But, unfortunately, in many years of life, I have come to have little faith in polititian's words. They are worth about as much as a penny. Although, even pennies are worth a little bit. I don't think I would pick up off the ground, words spoken from most polititians.
I truly hope I am wrong this time. It will be in the actions that will count. So, on this celebratory day, and one so many in this country are praising as one of the greatest, again, I hope I am wrong, and that our 44th president will be trustworthy, as to what he has, and will say to carry out. IF it benefits the country. Some of the things he has said he will do, I, of course, do not agree with and hope he really won't, or can't. But, in respect for the man and his office, I wish him the best, and will pray for him and our country. It is the greatest country on earth, still, and I have hope it will stay that way.

YOu may not agree with me, but I always liked Pres. Bush!





GO ARIZONA CARDINALS!! SUPER BOWL-TAKE IT ALL THE WAY!

Pretty Patty!

shiningly lovely Shannon

Stunning Susan and tantalizingly sexy Tricia!

The neatest thing happened to me on Sunday.!

Yes, the cardinals won their conference championship. BUT, that is not the great-EST thing that occurred for me! How could anything be better than that?
Well, let me explain.
Sam and I were sitting downstairs watching the game. There was about 2 minutes left in the game. If any of you were watching, you KNOW how exciting and tense of a time that was for the cards! And those who were cheering for them!! So out of the blue, the doorbell rings!

Sam and I looked at each other, and I said something to the effect of, "who the heck could THAT be???" (note there was a bit of irritation in my voice!). So I let Sam get up and go upstairs to answer it. (He did pause it so he wouldn't miss out on any of it!). So I'm sitting there wondering who it is, and I hear a voice that I think sounds pretty darn like my good buddy, Susan Gratil. My initial reaction is, "what the heck? What is Susan doing here in the middle of the big game? She is usually a big die hard sports fan. Much more than I ever have been!!

Then I hear a couple of other voices. Taylor comes down and says he thinks it is Tricia Brown, and Patty Cox. Now each one of these gals are my very close friends, at least I think so, but they don't necessarily run around together too often, that I know of. At least not all three of them at the same time!

So my curiosity is peaked! Enough to get me out of that comfy couch and to go upstairs to see for myself???
No sirree!!! So I sit there trying to figure it out by voices!
Finally, when they are about to the stairs, I figure I"d better get off my duff and go talk to them. EVEN if the cards game IS in the last 1 1/2 minutes or so!!

Well, you guessed it. There all three of them were. And Patty had a phone in her hand, speaker phone on, and our dear friend Shannon Ostler, who lives in St. George now, speaking on the other end!! (Rebecca Crozier was in on the whole thing but was out of town at that time! Sorry, I couldn't find a pic of her anywhere!!) They didn't leave me in suspense for long, and revealed their intended purpose.

A get together/par-tay in honor of me--to present me with a beautiful painting by Del Parson! It was to show their love for me and their sweet thoughtfulness in honor, really, of my little grandson, Miles. As you can see in the picture, it is of Jesus Christ holding a little baby. He even looks like a boy baby. It is a very powerful painting, I think, and one that I had never seen before. I will always treasure it. But more importantly, I will always treasure these 5 ladies who have been such good friends for an awful long time and who knew that a simple, yet profound painting would move me beyond tears.

Thank you ladies. You truly are my friends and my sisters!!

I love you guys!

PS. They were very happy to go downstairs and watch the last minute or so of the game, and were just as excited as I was to see our dear ole AZ cardinals win!! We laughed, we cried, we screamed!!

It was a grand ole time!!!