I'm fi - fif - fiffff ...I just can't say it!

Tomorrow is my fi - fif - fifffty fifffth birthday. There, I said it! And it feels as awful as it sounds! I can hardly believe it. I don't feel that old. I may look it but I don't feel it. And I guess that's good.

I can honestly say, "What a ride!" I have had a wonderfu life, so far and I am so blessed, so it really would be ungrateful to say I didn't expect the next 55 to be just as wonderful!

Although I don't particularly like turning 55, (there,I said it again)I like my birthday. All the kids usually call and everyone at work is so nice. A group of friends are getting together for breakfast tomorrow morning,too. I am expecting a wonderful day.

Also, tomorrow Jim will be finding out if his company will require him to move to California or if they will let him commute. If he could commute, that would be awesome! Especially he they pay for the plane tickets and hotel. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Anyway, here is the birthday girl the night before she turns 55. (Wow! I think I am getting used to it!!) Happy, happy birthday to me!

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

Makella Juliette turned one year old on February 13, 2008. This year has gone by so fast and we have loved every minute of being grandparents to such an adorable, sweet, precious, and of course, smart, granddaughter! She is a delight! Jon and Bonnie gave her a little birthday cake of her own to eat. Since her birthday really was the first time she has had sugar, she thought it was extra great! She got lots of new clothes from both sets of grandparents and lots of toys from her parents. Happy, happy birthday Makella! We sure do love you a lot!

The younger generation, with their cell phones, are chatting, texting and sending pictures at all hours of the night. My own kids, now that they are older and "their own bosses" spend half the night on the phone, and then sleep until late morning. I know this because the behavior continues when they come to visit.

But, for those of us who were not raised with a cell phone in hand, we still dread the "middle of the night phone call." Any phone call that awakens you from a deep sleep can only mean one thing....bad news!!

So, when my phone rang at 3:00 AM last Thursday morning, I caught it on the first ring with my heart racing. I was correct, it was bad news. Jim, who was in California where his new market is, was calling from the Huntington Beach Hospital. He was having chest pains and had driven himself to the hospital. The Dr. took over the conversation telling me how Jim was in the midst of having a heart attack and they were "911-ing" him over to Fountain Valley Hosital where they had a cath lab.

The phone went dead and I began running around. I ran down stairs to make plane reservations, then ran back up stairs to get my glasses because I couldn't see the computer screen. Everything said "unavailable" so I thought I better call instead. I went looking for the phone which never seems to be put back on the cradle. I couldn't seem to dial correctly and it took me several tries to get through. I made a reservation for a 6:00 AM flight, then cancelled it because I wouldn't be able to make it in time. I called back, made another reservation, then hurried to pack. I ran down stairs to get a suitcase but Jim had both small suitcases with him so I thougth I better borrow one from Cheryl, however, it was way too early to call.

To make a long story short I caught the 11:30 Southwest flight, got delayed in Las Vegas, coming and going because of Airforce One, was late into John Wayne Airport where we didn't have a gate. Finally, I made it off the plane where Marilyn Seebold picked me up and drove me to the hospital.

Jim had had surgery and they had put in a stint. They went throught the artery in his groin and up to his heart. By the time I was able to see him late that afternoon, he looked great and was feeling great, too!

How grateful I am that he listen to the 'still small voice" that told him to get himself to the hospital. The Dr. said it was a major heart attack and probably would have been fatal had he not already been in the emergency room when it happened.

Everyone has been so wonderful. Jim has received so many notes, phone calls and e-mails wishing him well. His company has been fabulous in insisting that he take time off and rest, which is something Jim is not used to doing. Friday we began the long drive home, as his Dr. said he could not fly for a couple of weeks. We stayed the night in Nevada then drove on home yesterday.

Kami, Steve and Malia drove in from Idaho Friday night and Aaron drove in on Saturday. They all love their Dad so much. Jim is feeling great and we are having a wonderful time together. There is about three feet of snow, (honestly!) outside and the boys have made snow runs, and snow caves for Malia.

I love my family so much and I am so very thankful we are still 'ALL' together.