HaPPy BirThDaY CLaYtoN & EmMaLEe

Birthday wishes to Clayton who turns 11 today and also to Emmalee who turns 1. We love you!!!

Alone. . . how was I ever use to this?

So I find myself alone tonight, which does not happen very often. I am glad it does not happen very often, because I am missing Shawn very much. Since I am by myself with nothing more demanding to do I thought I would share the latest.

I will start with an update on Shawn's knee. The stitches are out and he is religiously attending physical therapy and really seems to be on the mend. Last week was a little rough-- he was sick with a little flu/cold bug which made him more miserable. He is now feeling better all around and it is a good thing because I really do think Shawn is ready to go back to work. He will see the doctor on Wednesday for a check-up and maybe will get an idea of when he can return to work. But the reason I find myself alone tonight can anyone guess . . . I will give you some hints it is a four letter word that starts with an H ends with "ing" and yes to me is a bad word. For those who guessed HUNTING you are correct. Ray has an antelope tag for the Casper area and wanted Shawn to go with him. Since Shawn is bored and has nothing better to do plus Shawn and I hunted that area last year and kind of know the area why not go help Ray get his last antelope. I still miss him no matter the reason he is gone.

This weekend was our weekend to have the kids and we got them for one extra day, which was great because we haven't had much time with them this month. We had a pretty busy weekend planned. I love to carve pumpkins I would say it is my favorite thing about Halloween. Clayton & Mekenna also get excited to carve pumpkins. On Saturday it was a nice enough day to enjoy the weather and create are master pieces at the same time. We gathered together all that is needed to carve pumpkins and when you think about it there is quite a few items needed. We then immersed ourselves in our pumpkin masterpieces and the mess was all outside, which was the best part. Yah!! We helped the kids with there pumpkins and then I had fun carving mine.

Shawn hard at work helping Clayton perfect his carving.

I am busy taping and tracing the pattern on Mekenna's pumpkin.

Clayton's Alien Invasion

Mekenna's Scaredy Cat

All 3 Pumpkins lit up that night.

Also, we had a birthday to celebrate. Clayton turns 11 on October 30. Boy is that a scary thought!! However, since we won't get to see him on his special day and next weekend is spent at his mom's house we had to celebrate a little early. Shawn made his birthday cake which was German Chocolate with the Coconut & Pecan frosting. The cake was so, so good. Great job babe! Since we went halves with Clayton's mom on a season ski pass (which was not cheap) he did not have many more gifts to open. But he also received a new PlayStation 2 game (that we bought on clearance), a new very challenging puzzle (that will only be completed with my help), and a new Bionicle. Clayton collects Bionicles. He also received a birthday card from Grandma & Grandpa Peterson that had money and a whoopee cushion, which he thought was the coolest thing.

Just a scary thought Christmas is just around the corner, anybody ready for it yet?!?!

Someone has to take 2nd

Well, maybe you can tell the outcome by the title. Clayton's football team (Teton Redskins) finally lost, they lost the last game of the year the championship game:-( The score was 33-13. I think the loss was almost more difficult on the parents then the players. The team almost seemed scared to play, which most likely had nothing to do with the size of the other team. Almost every player that Clayton had to defend was at least a head taller and not to mention wider. However, Clayton did well and continuously tackled his opponent. Toward the first of the game he got smashed between two players while making a great tackle and hurt his elbow. He was down on the ground long enough to make all of his parents panic. Shawn wrapped knee and all hobbled down the steps rather quickly in case his "little boy" just might need him. However, Clayton was back on his feet and ready to play after a few minutes on the sideline. Clayton's team made some small mistakes and the team they were playing (Eagle Rock) capitalized on them. Toward the end of the game and not having scored yet, Teton had nothing more to lose. They put some great plays together and scored twice in a row. One time getting the extra point and one time not, hence the score of 13. Congratulations to Clayton and the Teton Redskins for a great season!!!
Just a side note on Mekenna. She could care less about the game, but sure likes to socialize. I wish I would have gotten a picture of her because she had the cutest outfit on. However, she is so busy socializing to hang out with her Dad and Mandi. She was wearing one of Clayton's orange football jerseys with the white number 17 and Terry on the back. Her hair was in pig tails and had these barrettes covered with curly ribbons that consisted of Teton's colors which are orange, maroon, and white. It was adorable and would have made a great picture.

I love visiting family

My little brother Cody left for boot camp on Monday. On Sunday we went to my Dad and Step-mom's house in Idaho Falls for a little farewell party. What I loved best about it is seeing my family. Most of my siblings were there and a bunch of my nieces and nephews. I finally was able to meet my niece Finley who was born July 17th. I know nothing like waiting so long, but we were in California when she was born. She is also the niece who gave us a big scare and had to spend two weeks at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City. We are all blessed that she is a fighter. It is amazing how fast all the nieces and nephews grow up. I greatly enjoyed seeing and visiting everyone. We wish the best of luck to you Cody.

Chandler(niece), Chase(nephew), & Gabe(nephew)

Adalynn(niece)

Emmalee(niece)

Grandma Magnusson & Adalynn(niece)

Finley(niece)

Chris(brother) & Dad(John)

Jackson(brother-in-law), Grandpa Magnusson, Hanna(sister-in-law), & Finley

Sheila(sister), LauraLee(sister) & Adalynn

Cute Picture of Oscar

I just wanted to share this cute picture of Oscar. Sometimes we find him sleeping in the most odd positions. So we usually laugh about it a take a picture, if he doesn't wake up while I try to get the camera.

Surgery, Snow, Strep, & lets not forget Antelope

So once again I have fallen behind . . . I have so much to share. Where do I begin??

How about Shawn's knee. Well to start off they moved the surgery from the 9th to the 13th. I used one of my vacation days at work so I could be by my sweethearts side. On Monday the 13th we had to be at the hospital at 8:00 a.m. and surgery was suppose to be at 9:00. However, a friend of ours had mentioned to Shawn that he thought it was okay to have something to drink before surgery. So Shawn awoke that morning around 5 and had about 1/2 cup of coffee. Well when the nurse asked if Shawn had drank or ate anything since midnight Shawn replied yes. By the look on the nurses face you knew that wasn't the right answer. The nurse decided to confer with the doctor on what he would like to do next.
Good news is he was still willing to do the surgery that day the bad news was we had to wait around until 11:30 for the surgery. What was nice was the little room that we were able to wait in. It had a recliner chair for Shawn an uncomfortable chair for me and a little flat screen t.v. , plus all the other things a recovery room would have. So there we sat Shawn in his hospital gown, the hair on his knee shaved, and me in my uncomfortable chair watching the History channel of all channels. When it was closer to time for surgery the nurse started an IV which I would have to say is one of Shawn's least favorite part of the day since he absolutely hates needles.
Right around 11:30 the rolled out a gurney for Shawn to lay on. The anesthesiologist gave Shawn something to relax. Then Shawn says they got to the operating room and gave him the medicine to knock him out and he said it happened fast. A half an hour later he was done. The doctor came to inform me all went well and that Shawn had torn his meniscus. Finally an answer to what was wrong and now fixed.

Shawn was rather loopy coming to-- he was asking me the same questions over and over and telling us the same things over and over. I tried not to laugh at him, but it made me giggle. Plus he was having a hard time focusing on me. His eyes would go all funny and he would say "I am seeing two of you baby".
Shawn is on the road to recovery. He goes to physical therapy 3 times a week and that started quick. His first session was on Wednesday. If all goes well Shawn should be able to return to work in a month or so. Meanwhile he can't wait until he can take a long hot shower or bath. He still has a couple of days until he can get the operated area wet, and the sponge like baths are just not cutting it. I am thankful that the surgery went well without any complications. Love ya babe.

Snow!! Snow!! . . .

Yes we had our first major snow fall in October, October 11th to be exact. Last Saturday the snow fell all day long. We ended up with about 8 inches, just a sign of what is to come. Don't get me wrong to an extent I like the snow, especially around Christmas time. However, what I don't like is driving on bad roads, which for me there is no way around it. I drive approximately 110 miles a day round trip to go to work. Shawn is excited to see the snow because it brings the animals down and usually makes for good hunting. By the way for the most part hunting is all that Shawn wants to do. Most of what has fallen has now melted, but without question more snow is bound to come. The big question now is when does it fall and stay for the long haul??

Last weekend was our weekend to have the kids, but Clayton had strep and Mekenna wasn't feeling well either. Since we did not want to chance Shawn getting sick and chance the long awaited surgery getting canceled we decided to switch weekends. We get the kids this weekend, which is good because we are missing them something fierce. However, our big event this weekend is Clayton's Grid Kid Football championship game. His team is still undefeated!!! We will let you know if it remains that way. It is a great little feat that they have achieved. We are proud and Shawn jokingly said that Clayton will brag about this when he is an old man. He then pretended to be Clayton as an old man using his best old man's voice and said "back when I was in 5th grade my football team set a record for an undefeated season and the first in the schools history". Anyways you would have to be there, but it sure made me laugh.

Finally, lets not forget the antelope. The first weekend in October seemed like one of the only times that Shawn would be able to go hunting for his antelope. Plus Ray(our friend and Shawn's boss) wanted to go and get his antelope. So we packed up our cute, little, old camper and headed to area 89 which is by Big Piney. We left Saturday afternoon and by Sunday afternoon we had 4 antelope in the back of the truck. Shawn & Ray each had two tags. It was a quick hunt, but successful. My only complaint was I did not feel well and had come down with a cold of some sort and the cold had intensified by Saturday night. However, it was an adventure with good company!! Shawn had the antelope made into jerky. He picked up the jerky today and we ended up with 22 bags of it. And that is a good thing because we all love the jerky especially Oscar.

Undefeated Season-- Congratulations Clayton

Our football star in the making. Clayton's team won their last regular season game. The first playoff game is Tuesday. With last nights win Clayton's team is undefeated this season! It was exciting to see happen and Clayton was so happy. Plus, he was able to play a great game with family watching. Grandpa Terry, Uncle Jason, and Aunt Christianna were all there. Along with his proud dad (Shawn) and step mom (Mandi). Mekenna was there but was too busy socializing to watch the game.

Clayton & Shawn-- by the smiles on their faces you can see how happy of a moment it was. Shawn is so proud!

Grandpa Terry

Mekenna with Uncle Jason

The spoiled puppy, Oscar, I mentioned in the previous post. This is our bed and he is laying on my pillow all tucked in the covers. When he is tired he will stay here for hours, if we let him. Good thing I love him or I might have to stick to my old rule of no dogs on the bed let alone in the bed.

UpDaTE on LiFE. . . .

I wanted to give a quick update on the happenings of the Terry Terrain---

Shawn went to the doctor today to have his knee looked at. His knee is not doing any better than it was a month ago so the doctor is going to scope his knee and if they find something wrong fix it while they are already in there. Surgery will be next Thursday, October 9. Yes, yes I know a week out, but what do you expect we live in Star Valley, Wyoming. It might sound funny but I hope they find something wrong to fix. So then they can fix the problem and maybe his knee will start to heal. It is so hard to not see any improvement as time goes on. Plus, I know Shawn is sick and tired of sitting at home. (And watching the OJ trial on Tru TV, well maybe not so much that, because he finds that whole thing fascinating).

Other updates-- Shawn shot his deer! He drove the truck up Greys River somewhere and was able to drive up close enough to a bunch of deer. He watched a group of deer with numerous bucks for about an hour and found the one he wanted. He took a small hike and was successful at shooting the biggest 4 point he has ever shot. He was extremely excited!! I am proud and very happy for him, plus it puts meat in the freezer. There will be pictures to come once the antlers return from the taxidermist. Now he just needs to get his elk and 2 antelope. The kids and I will go with him on the antelope hunt. We did last year and had a great time. Hunting season has just begun!

Clayton is in 5th grade and is playing football for school. Let me just say who knew 5th grade football was taken so seriously. His team is currently undefeated, which has been a very exciting accomplishment for the team and him. Clayton plays almost the whole game on both offense and defense, he only sits out a few plays here and there. It has been a great confidence booster for him. His last regular season game is tonight. We are headed to Driggs to watch. I will let you know the outcome. Plus after regular play they will be going to the playoffs. Not exactly sure what that is about as of yet. Like I said I will let you know the outcome plus post pictures.

Shawn's brother, Jason, and his wife, Christianna, are going to be stopping by to see us on their way back to Oregon. I believe the drove to Tennessee to take one of their dogs to a jumping competition. I could be wrong on numerous facts there so don't quote me on any of that. They are going to come to Clayton's game, then go visit other family in the area, and then come stay with us on Friday. We are looking forward to having them visit. Shawn and Jason don't see each other very often, so it will be good for them to catch up.

As for me the same old same old -- work. As for Mekenna she is excelling in school and judo. She is getting so big, but still says the darndest things. Oscar, what can I say about Oscar besides he is 100% spoiled and loved by the whole family. He does whatever puppies do- sleep, eat, play- must be nice!