Getting Your Affairs in Order

Today for the bishop's fifth Sunday topic Sister Delores Hazzard, member of the Lakeview ward and a Hospice nurse, came and talked about what we need to do as individuals to get our affairs in order so that when we die our family is able to  take care of our estate.  She did a great job of covering a wide range of topics in a very short hour.

She gave us a 14 page handout that covers personal and medical information, location of important documents, insurance information, property, financial information, investments, and what the family needs to do at the time my death, funeral arrangements, and in the months immediately following my death.  She also talked about the importance of having an advance directive, health care power of attorney, and a living will.  I kept thinking how I wished my in-laws had better prepared and how much I wish my parents would be proactive about these matters as well!  I understand how difficult it is to envision yourself too ill or mentally incapacitated to make these decisions in the future or even dying and unable to convey your wishes to your family.  Those are the very reasons I need to make these difficult decisions now--while I can calmly think about, sort out my feelings, and make rational, thoughtful decisions not impulsive ones during a time of stress.

With the passing of Kevin's mom still fresh on our minds and the challenges of trying to find her documents and deal with her bills and payments,  I am determined to improve the situation for my family.  This is a difficult topic to deal with as I don't think anyone wants to face their own mortality but I know once it is done and dealt with a peace of mind will replace the uncomfortable feelings I currently have.

I am hoping that I can encourage LeeAnn, Nancy (since they are single), and my own children to begin this process as well.  We can never be over prepared for the unexpected!

Webinars--A Great Way to Learn New Things!

I love webinars! 

I must confess--they are my newest addiction!

What could be better--choose a subject you are interested in, sign up for the webinar, get online when it begins and learn at your own pace!  You can ask a question and if it is a dumb one--no one knows and no one cares!  No embarrassing red-faced experience where the class members all turn around and stare at you as they are laughing at your lame question.  At a webinar, you just ask your question in a chat box and remain anonymous!

Today I attended a webinar on the new Facebook timeline and learned how to customize it using Heritage Collector Suite's storybook module, software I have for family history!

This is my first attempt so once I master the learning curve I hope to improve but at least it makes my page unique to me and hopefully a little less boring!  I was even able to add a picture of our two babies making our family photo complete!  wasn't too excited when Facebook changed to the timeline feature but it is beginning to grow on me!  Well off to another webinar!  Happy learning everyone!

Easter Egg Hunt 2012

Enjoying the sunshine, family and each other!

Easter Sunday was a a beautiful spring day.  We gathered as a family for our first dinner outside in the sunshine.  After a great meal of pulled pork sandwiches, chips, tossed green salad, and strawberry shortcake it was time for the annual Easter egg hunt.                

The hunt is on!

Shyann sporting her Easter tattoo finds an egg.

The eggs were hidden and each participant had to find 6 eggs (one of each color) with their specific initial on it.  It was fun to watch the older ones help the younger ones find their eggs!

Ready, set, roll!

After everyone found an egg of each color with their initial on it, it was time for the large egg roll.  They gathered at the top of the hill, waited for the start signal, and then the race was on!

Zac's egg breaks open!

 Zac's face was priceless as his egg burst open halfway down the hill.  Once he was told that the goodies inside were his, his smile appeared and he dug into the loot!

Brad and Shae Hunsaker check out their eggs.

The adults each got a bag of Cadbury eggs and I-tune gift cards.  Brad got a dvd of Phantom of the Opera to help him prepare for his upcoming role next year in the BYU musical.

The Everett Clan
Shyann, Tina, Ashton, Rick, Alex

The Bradshaw Family
Katie, Taylor, Mark and Zac

We took advantage of the sunshine to take family pictures.  It was so fun to have everyone in the family share this celebration!

Mark blowing up 2 punch balls at once!
Not sure he realized how it looked when he started!

As Mark began to demonstrate how much "hot air" he had the two punch balls began to grow!  We asked him if he realized what it looked like!  He nearly inhaled the punch balls as he began to laugh!  Simple dollar punch balls provided an afternoon of great fun!

Punch Ball Wars!

Our greatest Easter Blessings
Ashton, Taylor, Alex, Shyann, Zac

It is hard to believe that we are "grandparents"!  Where does the time go?  How blessed we are to have such wonderful children and beautiful grandchildren.  We are grateful that they live close and are willing to make the effort to join in family celebrations!

It is hard to believe that the births of Alex and Taylor nearly doubled our number of grandchildren.  They have brought such joy to our family, can't believe they have only been here a month!

Our family is truly the greatest blessing in our lives!  We are proud of the great individuals and parents they are and the beautiful children they are raising.