Jeannette's Weblog

Visiting Grandma

jfinlayson51 — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:20:41 +0000

As we have done for the past several years, we traveled to Soda Spring on Memorial weekend to spend some time with mom. It gives us a chance to catch up with her and also for Jim to do the things for her that she always did in the Spring and Fall. She has a hard time just supervising but she seems to be getting more comfortable with her new role. We also vist the cementary and leave flowers on several graves and stop to “visit” several old friends of mom’s.

A Father’s Day Gift!

jfinlayson51 — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 20:45:26 +0000

This year for Father’s Day the kids and I decided that it was time for Jim to get back to an old forgotten hobby. Before we got married and in the early years of our marriage, he was really into photography. He had a very creative eye for it. As life got busy with work and family obligations, that level of photography was set aside and substituted with picture taking at special events, family gatherings and trips. At some point, I became the picture taker. During a walk a few weeks ago, he took some interesting and beautiful pictures with our little point and shoot camera. I could see how much he still enjoys taking good pictures. It was time to reawaken that passion by giving him a nicer camera. I am looking forward to the places close and far away that we will find for him to photograph.

Thank you kids, for being so supportive and excited for dad. As you can see, he loved his gift but most of all, he was very touched by how much it meant to all of you to give him this gift. Not just the camera but an outlet for his creaitivity and a place to go to relax and find peace in the beauty around us.

Riviera Nayarit, Oct. 2009

jfinlayson51 — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:07:43 +0000

It is January in Colorado and it has been one of the coldests winters in Grand Junction that I have been through since we moved here fifteen years ago. The cold weather made me think of the beautiful time we had in our last vacation in the sunny beaches of Nayarit this past October. Jim and I spent a wonderful week in the sun, walking on the beach, eating great food and dancing every night. I guess I needed to go back and look at the pictures and remind myself that the sun will shine and the temperatures will warm up and once again we will be able to shed the heavy winter clothes and the winter blues that come with it.

An awesome surprise!

jfinlayson51 — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 01:00:03 +0000

Our children gave us, and each other, the best gift ever. At Thanksgiving, Jim and I flew into Dallas to spend the week with Xela, Mandy and their families. Chris and Ali would not be joining us do to their jobs and other responsibilities. I had been missing my kids more than usual and was sad knowing that Christmas was not going to bring us together. We planned to spend Christmas with Ali in Arizona but that meant not seeing Chris at all during the holidays.

When we arrived at the airport, Mandy, Xela and the children had a beautiful banner wishing us Merry Christmas. I thought it was because we would not be together for Christmas, so sweet. They were standing far from the entrance and not moving towards us. How strange, I thought, the kids always come running and are waiting just as we get out the door. We got within feet from them when out from behind a pilar jumped Ali & Chris. My brain didn’t understand what was happening, I was overcomed with emotion and could not stop crying. The little kids were not sure what was happening and Jaden and Zach were just wondering when Grammy and Papa were going to notice them and give them hugs.

This was the begining of an absolutely beautiful week. We celebrated every moment together and just enjoyed being together. I have said it a million times and will say it again, I am the luckiest mom in the world. We have children that love us and love each other. They care about what is happening in each others lives. They cheer and encourage each other and are there to lend support, a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on. What more can parents hope for!

I want to say Thanks to our children and our sons in law for the wonderful week we spent together. We love you so very much!

My trip to Atlanta

jfinlayson51 — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:03:10 +0000

Aunt Aida, me and Aunt Dora

: Areli, Aunt Aida & I

: At Lake Lanier

My dad’s youngest sisters from Honduras were in Atlanta visiting my cousin Areli for the summer. It was a great opportunity for me to enjoy time with them, Areli and her family. We had a truly wonderful time. We stayed up late every night talking and laughing until our sides hurt and shedding a tear or two as we remembered our loved ones that have gone before us. We cooked wonderful Honduran meals that I never get to eat anymore, went out to dinner and did some driving around to see some of the many pretty places near by. I have visited Atlanta a few times and there is always so much to see and do that it would be wonderful to go and take the time to do just that. I hope to return soon.

President Obama in Grand Junction, CO

jfinlayson51 — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:02:36 +0000

: Air Force One-Mt. Garfield in the background.

: President Obama greeting local officials

On August 16, The President visited Grand Junction. It was an amazing day for our community. He was here last summer during the campaing. A Presidential visit is a pretty exciting thing and not something that happens very often, particularly in the western side of Colorado. Grand Junction is very conservative yet the response to his visit was positive and respectful. He was well received as a Candidate but with all the arguments going on over the health care plan, I was afraid that things might be less amicable this time.

I was so impressed by the job done by all of our Law Enforcement Agencies. They did a tremendous job assisting The Secret Service to keep the President safe and to see that everything would go according to schedule. Jim and I work closely with several of those agencies and on a daily basis the many Deputies from the Sherrif”s Office ensure my safety in the Courtroom. They are true professionals. My good friend Lisa (Deputy) had an official picture taken with the President. Pretty exciting.

The people of Grand Junction represented our city well and were respectful of each others opinions. We did not experience the crazy and threatening antics that have taken place in other cities. Each side expresed their views civily.

FARMER’S MARKET

jfinlayson51 — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 20:40:20 +0000

Grand Junction has a Farmer’s Market that takes place downtown every Thursday evening in the summer months. The locally grown vegetables and fruits are delicious but you can find many other things at the Market, including delicious baked breads and pastries, French crapes, herbs, crafts and more. Part of the fun is watching so many different people come out to enjoy the evening, the market and the art on Main Street.

It was a little rainy but we all managed to enjoy some time down town.

: Jeff and Zach downtown.

INDEPENDANCE DAY

jfinlayson51 — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 20:12:50 +0000

Xela and her sweet family were visiting us this Fourth of July. In the morning, Jim and the boys went out front to raise the flag. As Jim was setting the flag, Jordan stood at attention and saluted . Then him and Zachary went to stand with Papa. Jordan saluted the flag again. He was very sincere about showing respect for America. I thought it was adorable.

Visiting with Ali

jfinlayson51 — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 19:41:21 +0000

In May, Jim and I flew to Phoenix for me to attend a two day Interpreter’s Conference. It was also a great opportunity to spend time with Ali. We took some time to go with her to the University of Phoenix to visit with her counselors and set long range plans for her studies. We are so proud of all of her efforts to complete her education. It means a lot of work for her in addition to her full time job but she is putting her all into meeting her goals while continuing to perform well in her job. We miss having her close and try not to worry too much about her health and safety. We know she is doing well, is excited and has a great future.

Celebrating Laura, Jim’s Mom

jfinlayson51 — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:34:17 +0000

We have been blessed the past two Christmases to have Jim’s mom spend the Holiday with us. After Grandpa passed away in 2007, we flew Grandma to Dallas were we celebrated with all of our kids and grand-kids. This past Christmas we had her come to Colorado where we gathered with Ali and Chris.

We have spent many Christmases with mom and dad. In the first years of our marriage those Christmases were spent in Idaho. They came to spend time with us as we moved around the country to Arizona, Ohio or Colorado. Our kids have such wonderful memories of those most anticipated visits from their grandparents. Because we were so far apart, the visits were usually a week or two long. They came in winter and in summer. We made the best use of the time we had together. We visited area attractions and they got to visit places that they may not have had a reason or an opportunity to visit. When we moved to Ohio they drove with us across the country and then stayed for several days while we got settled . That trip is one of Mom and Dad’s favorite memories. In subsequent visits we went to Kirtland Temple, visited Amish Country, the Air Force Museum and so many other places that it is hard to remember. Dad loved the museum and for the first time ever, that I could recall, he talked about his experience during the war.

The kids loved the visits from their grandparents and spent days getting ready for them. In the mornings, the younger ones would climb into bed with them and just have a good time. It was a magical time for them.

After grandpa passed away Ali slept with Grandma, she held her and talked to her until they were so tired that they finally went to sleep. In every visit since then they have done the same. Grandma calls Ali her bed buddy.

In early June, Mom was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. After undergoing surgery last month, we got the great news last Friday, that her cancer was at a stage 1. We are all so grateful to know that she is OK and that she won’t have to undergo any more treatment. Can’t wait to see her this weekend and celebrate the good news and her 85th Birthday with her.