Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Way to Go Mikelle!



On June 2nd my beautiful sister Mikelle graduated high school. Mikelle and I attended elementary school together for a year. I was in 5th grade, and she was in Kindergarten. Everyday after school I would pick Mikelle up from her classroom and we would walk home together. Mikelle has always been a girl of few words, but once you get her talking she won't stop. She LOVES babies and has been a huge help to Chris and I with Arista. We call her "Nanny McKelle". Mikelle has turned into a beautiful young woman, and we couldn't be proud of her accomplishments in high school. Mikelle received a scholarship from BSU, and will be attending this fall. We love you Mikelle.

Before graduation I made Arista a blue and gold skirt, along with matching yo yo bows for all the girls in the family to wear. For graduation dinner we went to Olive Garden beforehand. Our Great-Grandmother Beth, and Grandmother Penny drove up from Utah to attend the event.

Me and Grandma Penny


Mikelle and Kyle


Kipley and Matt


Merrick and Great-Grandma Beth


After dinner we headed to BSU for the graduation. It was PORING rain. The ceremony was short and sweet. It was neat to hear them all sing the "Alma Mater", although they have changed the tune since I went to school there.



After the graduation we searched through the rain to find Mikelle and her boyfriend Kyle. After finding them in the gym we took a few pictures and headed home.

Graduates


Proud Parents


Kyle and Mikelle with their darling nieces


Way to go Mikelle! Thanks for being such a great sister and friend. You are an awesome Aunt, and Arista just loves you. Good luck at BSU!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Reunited and it Feels soo Good


Last week Chris flew out to visit us for a few days. Arista loved every minute she spent with her Daddy. Chris wasn't able to get a lot of study time in, but I think that was expected. The first few days of his visit were filled with swimming, tennis,laughs and lots of hugs and kisses.







Chris and I woke up one morning to a card that had been slipped under our door. It was a card from my parents to Chris for graduation. They got Chris and I a room at the Anniversary Inn, for a night. We were thrilled!! My sister Mikelle willingly agreed to watch Arista overnight for us. Chris and I took Arista to the mall that day then packed our bags and headed out. Here is what we found in our room...

Carriage Suite










After spending some time in our room we went to dinner at The Cheesecake Factory, and then headed over to the theaters and saw Sex in the City 2. We woke up to a yummy breakfast of ham and cheese croissants and raspberry croissants with yogurt parfaits. We decided while we were checking out that we would get my parents a room for that night. We took a tour of all the open rooms and decided on "Sultans Palace" for them. My parents had a blast and couldn't stop talking about the 2 life size elephants staring at them in the room..Ha ha! Arista did really well overnight and didn't even notice how excited I was to see her when we got back. That day we drove to downtown Boise, where we showed Chris where we used to live. We then headed over to the Botanical Gardens. They weren't as pretty as I remember, but it was still fun.





That night we headed to the local Meridian Dairy Days parade. After an hour of watching the parade we decided we had enough and walked through the booths. Arista won a free coloring book and Mikelle and I won fake airplanes. The best part was the cotton candy!




The next few days were filled with Mario party, Wii tennis, and lots of movies. On Sunday we all got dressed and headed to church. We were so blessed to be able to have Chris with us on Father's Day! When we came home we used Chris' gift from Arista...










After a yummy pot roast dinner Chris and I went to "Star Wars in concert". It was AMAZING! We bought the tickets months ago for Chris' birthday. The music gave me chills, and our seats were 5th row from the front.





For dessert we had my dad's favorite, German chocolate cake. As well as apple pie. In memory of grandpa, we made 7 minute frosting. It was a perfect ending to a perfect Father's Day. I am so lucky to have such great men in my life. My Dad is my hero and one of my favorite people. I would not be able to survive without my wonderful husband Chris, and all of the sacrifices he is doing for our little family. Although we miss him like crazy we know that he is doing what is best for all of us. We can't wait to see him in July!





Chris left us bright and early, and we were so sad to see him go. We had so much fun being all together. We love you Chris!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Seven Silly Months


This cute little girl turned 7 months old today. She has had a busy busy month full of many scary and fun adventures. The past 7 months have flown by, and our little baby is turning into a toddler. Here are some things she has done this month...


Got her ears pierced(5-25-10)



First time meeting her Great-Grandpa McDonald




Had her first taste of Watermelon




Slept on a cot with her aunt Kipley



Played the piano



Had her first bite of carrots and LOVED them



Went to Utah for the first time





Dear Arista,

Oh how time has flown. It feels like only yesterday I was sitting in the hospital anxiously awaiting your arrival. You are everything we could have dreamed of in a baby. Your contagious smile can light up the darkest room, and your energy heals any broken heart. You have your daddy's temper and his good looks. In fact you don't look a thing like me! My favorite time of the day is when you stare into my eyes, and it's almost like you know what I am thinking. It makes me so happy to know that not too long ago you were with your sister Preslie. I know that the two of you will always have a special connection to each other, and that through your ups and downs in life she will be there for you. You have seen and been through a lot this past month. You have survived a house break in, and ended up smiling to all of the police officers. You were here when your great-grandfather passed away, and I have no doubt that you saw your sister come to get him. Through all the challenges this past month you have brought such joy and happiness to many many people. We love you so much Arista and we thank God everyday for you in our lives. We love you, and we love you.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Monday, June 14, 2010

Saying Goodbye

The Lord has a plan for all of us, and sometimes I question why things happen when they do. My question was answered this past week as to why I needed to be in Idaho when I was.



Last Tuesday my Grandpa Bateman took a turn for the worst. His doctor came over to the house and gave him a physical and found that Grandpa had an infection. There were 2 options: Take him to the hospital where they will poke and pry him, or let him be comfortable at home. After much thought and prayer my Mom and her siblings decided that it would be best to make him comfortable at home. That night my cousin Issac, who happened to be in town for a class he was taking at BSU, gave my Grandpa one of the most powerful and beautiful blessings I have ever witnessed. My grandparents room was lit by a dim lamp, and we all watched as my cousin and Dad gave a blessing of release to my suffering Grandpa. It felt like there were 50 people in the room, and we could feel the love that Heavenly Father had for my Grandpa. After many tearful kisses and goodbyes, we thought my Grandpa would not make it through the night.

My Grandfather fought for the next 6 days. He did really well in the mornings and would eat a yogurt and drink a lot of water, and then he would sleep the rest of the day and night. We each took turns going in and talking to my Grandpa and holding his hand. I told him to give Preslie a huge hug from us, and to always remember that we loved him. He would open his eyes a few times and would try to talk to us. I sang him hymns and prayed that the Lord would let him pass through his suffering. My Grandma went in a few times to sit with him and hold his hand. She kept saying. "We've had a good life. We have good children, grand children, and great- grandchildren. We have been blessed."

My Aunt Pam arrived Sunday night where She and my Mom stayed up all night with Grandpa. I tried to stay up as long as I could, and finally went to sleep around 3am. Before going to sleep I gave Grandpa a hug and felt a huge rush of emotion come over me. I then told my Mom that I could feel that it was close, and that his time was almost done. I woke up Monday morning and immediately went downstairs. The minute I saw Grandpa I knew it would be only a matter of hours before he would pass. His breathing had become very labored and his coloring was not good. I called Chris and told him that he was almost gone. A few minutes later my Grandpa's hospice nurse Melissa arrived. She has helped my Grandpa for the past 1 1/2 years twice a week to shower. She was very quiet when she arrived, when she usually was very upbeat and cheerful. She went into see Grandpa and then poked her head out and asked where Abby(family black lab dog) was. Mikelle(sister) opened the laundry room door and Abby was standing in there. She would not come out. Melissa said that there are too many people here. Melissa went over and gave Grandma a kiss and then my Mom helped her into the bathroom. Pam was out in the family room holding Arista in the chair, and I watched Melissa begin to give my Grandpa a shave. As she started shaving him I noticed that he stopped breathing. I called to Pam and my Mom to come here, because I thought something was happening. It felt really chaotic in the house, and I kept walking in and out motioning to my Aunt and calling to my Mom. My Mom came into the room, looked and Grandpa and said that he was still breathing and was alive. He then took his last breath. Then my mom said "See." and walked into the bathroom to help Grandma. I yelled for my Mom and we watched as Melissa checked for a pulse. He was gone. Grandpa was no longer in pain. His parents, brothers, and sisters, etc. were all there to greet him. I just know it. I know Preslie was there, and that I was given a rare opportunity to be close to her through this opportunity.

The next few hours were filled with many tears. My Uncle Richard arrived and then shortly after we watched as they took my Grandfather away. At that moment we knew that he would not be back. Richard, Pam, My Mom and Grandma all sat and started planning out the funeral arraignments. Thursday they all left to go down to Utah, and Friday the rest of us went down.

Our family with the exception of my Mom who was with her sisters, went to our favorite place in Utah Litza's. They have the best pizza there. Then half of us went to sleep at our Grandmother Penny's house, and the other half at my Great-Grandmother Beth's house. We were all exhausted from the drive and went to bed. My Dad and I woke up at 4am, got ready and then walked down to the Salt Lake City temple. We went through the 6am session together. Despite the early morning sleepiness, I will NEVER forget the awe and wonder I felt while being in there. The temple is beautiful. It was neat to think that my Grandparents had been sealed there over 63 years before.



After attending the temple we got everyone ready and headed to the most beautiful church building. My Grandpa was able to have his funeral in his home ward, Garden Park. The building use to be a mansion many many years ago. It has the most beautiful landscape and unique qualities that other churches do not have. Like an elevator! My aunt Deb played beautiful piano music during the viewing, and I was able to see all my extended family that I had not seen in many many years. Grandpa looked so peaceful and beautiful. My Uncle Stanley gave a beautiful family prayer and then each family went up and said goodbye. After our goodbyes we watched as they closed the casket and wheeled it into the chapel, where we followed close behind.

My family gave a beautiful service for my Grandpa filled with memories, music, testimonies, and tears. My Uncle and his sons sang "Nearer my God to thee." The great-grand kids sang "Jesus Wants me for a Sunbeam", "Little Purple Pansies", and then my cousins and Aunt sang "I know that my Redeemer lives." My Aunt Deb played a beautiful piano arraignment of "How great thou art." My cousins Shawn, Issac, Melyssa, spoke as well as my Uncle Garth, Mom and Brother. They each talked about the Gardener that my Grandpa was, and how much he loved to tend to it. It was a perfect service and I know that he was pleased.

After the service we all met over at the cemetery where they brought out the casket and then my Uncle Richard dedicated the grave. Arista had a complete meltdown so I was not able to hear the prayer, but I heard it was beautiful. The weather was really really cold, and rainy throughout the day but while we were at the cemetery there wasn't a drop of rain.





After the dedication we all went back to the church for a yummy luncheon. It was nice to reminisce about Grandpa and to visit with family. After our goodbyes we were all exhausted. We headed back to Beth's place, changed and then went out to eat dinner. After dinner we went straight to bed.



Sunday morning we woke up, packed, cleaned and then went to breakfast at another one of our favorite places: Coachman's. We met my Grandpa Bob there. It was nice to visit and to get pictures of him with Arista. After breakfast we went and picked up my Moms at her sister Pam's house. We stayed there and visited with family and then headed home. It was a long drive home, but Arista did really well. I am so grateful I was able to attend Grandpa's funeral, and for being able to be with him during his final days. I know that this opportunity is one I will cherish forever. I will always remember and love my Grandpa.






Here are some of my favorite memories of my Grandpa...

* Sitting on Grandpa's lap while we both chewed gum and blew bubbles.
* Wanting Grandpa to hold me after we were sealed in the Boise temple.
* Grandpa calling us "Gerdie"
* "When I was a little girl..."
* Grandpa threatening to cut off my tongue, after I stuck it out at him.
* Grandpa driving us to the grocery store.
* Grandpa mixing all kinds of cereal for breakfast, and eating it out of a mixing bowl.
* Grandpa and Grandma visiting.
* Laying on the guest bed after Grandpa sprayed it all over with bug spray.
* Grandpa and Dad digging up the patio to find a dead cat.
* "Oh for laaaand sakes"
* Grandpa fixing my CTR ring that went down the garbage disposal.
* Grandpa's morning exercises in bed.
* Grandpa's love for Dogs and Cats.
* Grandpa's clap.
* Going over to their house weekly.
* Going to the temple with Grandma and Grandpa.

I love my Grandpa so much and am so grateful for the life he lived, and for the legacy he has left. He fought till the very end, and is a true example of strength. We will forever remember and miss him. We know that he is in a much happier place, enjoying heavens dogs and gardens.

My Mom read this poem by Edgar A. Guest, my Grandpa's favorite poet. It fits my Grandpa perfectly.

In the Garden

I sometimes get weary of people, and weary of being polite;
I sometimes grow tired of the dull man, and sometimes am bored by the bright.
And then when my nerves are a-tingle I walk in the yard that is ours,
and I thank the good Lord for the comfort of songbirds and blue skies and flowers.

I never grow tired of the sparrows which circle about overhead;
I never grow weary of robines--there is nothing about them I dread.
I smile when I see them returning, I sigh when at last they depart,
And perhaps it's because they are never vindictive, or petty, or smart.

And the trees don't expect to be talked to. I can lie there and dream in the shade,
And not have to answer to some dreary question that's made.
So I often slip into my garden when I'm weary of hearing things said,
And thank the good Lord for my roses and trees and the birds overhead.

Wayne Martin Bateman


Wayne Martin Bateman 1914 ~ 2010


Loving Husband, Father, Grand-father and Great-Grandfather Wayne Martin Bateman, 95, passed away June 7, 2010 in the home of his daughter Mary McDonald in Meridian, Idaho, causes incident to age. Wayne was born October 15, 1914 to Royal James Bateman and Maude Elizabeth Brown in Murray, Utah. He was one of eight children. Wayne was always tall and thin for his age. He graduated from Jordan High School in 1934. He injured his arm in an elevator door while working as an elevator operator. As a result of this incident, and through great determination, he learned to write and use his left hand. This was one of the most difficult challenges he had to overcome. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in many callings. Met his sweetheart and married Fern Dansie on August 28, 1946 in the Salt Lake Temple. They were married by Harold B. Lee. They have celebrated 64 years of marriage. For those who knew Wayne, he was the world's greatest gardener. He could grow the largest dahlias, the most beautiful roses, and the tastiest vegetables. His yard was his showpiece. He worked at I & M Furniture for over 30 years as their top salesman. He then worked for RC Willey for a short time and then due to back problems retired at the age of 55. He then remodeled his home and the homes of his family members. He was a natural interior designer. Wayne always had a faithful dog by his side and loved all animals. We would like to thank Melissa Smith, Wayne's home health nurse whom he loved. He couldn't leave this earth without his last shave and kiss from her. We would also like to thank Mary and Tory McDonald for the special care and love shown to Wayne over the last three years. Wayne is survived by his wife, Fern; sister, Dorothy (Lyle) Hurst, six children, Karen (Greg) Cook, Stan (Debby), Pamela (Steve) Lehman, Richard (Debbie), Garth (Machelle), and Mary (Tory) McDonald; 29 grandchildren and 50 great-grandchildren and three more on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Alden, Clell, Kenneth, Grace, Melba and Leila. Marie Bateman (daughter-in-law), and Preslie Quinn (great-grand-daughter). Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Garden Park Ward, 1150 East Yale Ave (1087 So), Salt Lake City. Family and friends can visit from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Interment: Murray City Cemetery. Tributes and messages can be sent to Wayne's family at: www.holbrookmortuary.com