Happy 6th Birthday Connor

Connor Mitchell was born on July 12, 2002. How fast time goes! Connor loves having fun! He runs and plays from sun up to sun down!

Happy Birthday Connor Grandma loves you sooooooooooo much!

4th of July

There are some pictures from the 4th of July. The kid all had a great time. Matthew bought some firewords and the kids went nuts over them.

Look at Ryder standing with little assistance. He's getting so big!

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my mother-in-law's brithday. Mom the whole country

Celebrates with you today! I hope you get a real bang out of your

special day!

Two unique things that mom and I will always have in common is

I not only first met her at church, but she worked at my high school

I always loved to walk in and say Hi mom. She would get all flustered.

The other unique thing we have between us is that we both have the same

Maiden name. So, mom we will always have a special bond.

I love you!

Sandie

Look at Ryder Go! He's on the move now!

This is so fun! Watching Ryder learning to crawl and move
around the house, this little boy has come a long way!

Aurellia's turn to bust a move!

Saundra and I got to laughing so hard when Aurellia decided
to bust a move in our loft. We turned on some music and wow,
that girl got right to work!

Taylor being well....Taylor

Taylor always likes to call her big sister and brother!
In this clip she is eating dinner, but grandma caught her on tape!

Taylor loves to dance, here she is putting her best move on..LOL

Happy Fathers Day Dad

I am late on this post, but I've been swamped...

Happy Fathers day to my dad, he's the greatest dad ever!
Last year when I had the chance to spend three weeks with
him and my mom traveling, I had so much fun! I have always
had a very close relationship with my dad. The trip was so fun,
I have not laughed so hard in years.

A few weeks ago, I was able to fly home and be with my parents
while my dad had surgery. My parents make me laugh, they are
truly comedians. My dad pulled a few funnies that cracked me up.
None of which are approprite to say on this site...LOL he's bad!

Dad, happy fathers day and you know I love you so much!


To my father-in-law, who next to my dad is the man I look up to
the most! He is always so good to me. I love you dad, thank you for
being part of my life for more than 30 years. I love watching movies
with you...we need to do that more! I love looking through your eyes
as you see the beauty of this country!

The only two fathers I have ever had...thank you both for being such
an important part of my life!

Laura's Baby Shower!

Saturday, June 7, 2008 was Laura's babyshower. The shower was

so nice and she has so many nice things. I thought I would post

a current picture of her pregnant in my blog. She is starting to

look like this baby wants to come soon! She is carrying the baby low!

I am so thankful that I was able to be part of her shower!

Laura you are beautiful!

Veterans I hold dear to my heart!

My father, father-in-law and husband were all veterans of

our military. Since this is memorial day and they have many

friends who have passed, I would like to take a moment to honor

my hero's. The veterans whom I hold dear to my heart.

First my father-one of the greatest, wisest men I know.

I love you daddy!

Second to my father-in-law the kindest, gentlest man I have

ever known. I love you dad!

Third and not last my husband who has worked hard to not only

support his wife and children, but he has fought hard for this country.

I love you sweetheart.

You are all my heros..I am honorned to know you, to love

you and to be part of your life!

Sassy Sariah

As I have said before, Sariah is a sassy little girl

(not in a bad way, but in a cute way). This girl has some

attitude, she is going to give her mom and dad a run for their

money when she is a teenager.

Sariah is absolutely the cutest thing. She says the funniest

things and I have to admit she is the most adorble little girl,

she makes me smile. She is teaching Aurellia a thing or two

along the line...watch out that house is going to be full of some

serious attitude. LOL

Happy Mothers Day!

Danielle

Laura

Saundra

Danielle and Saundra

Laura, Saundra, Danielle and Aubrey

These pictures will make all the girls mad! But Happy Mothers

day to our favorite girls ever! The date on that camera is wrong.

This was taken last Sept right after Ryder was born.

To Danielle who is a mother of three, what a joy it is to watch

you with your three beautiful children. To Laura who is expecting

her first baby in August what an exciting time for you and your

sweetheart. To SaundraJo who is our sweet daughter-in-law and

the mother of my four grandchildren, you are so busy with the

kids and all that you have been through this last year, we're proud of you.

Dad and I honor you and are so proud of you girls for all you do and

how hard you work as mothers. The greatest gift you will ever be given

is that of being a mother, you are beautiful daughters of God and he

loves you, he is mindful of your stresses and your joys. Always remember

who you are and your purpose in being a mother.

We love you all dearly,

Mom and Dad

Happy Birthday Michael

May 6 was Michaels 6th birthday.

Monday the 5th he had his first

T-ball game. I am so proud of Michael

and how hard he is working in school

and t-ball, how grown up he is becoming!

Happy birthday sweet boy!

I love you always and forever,

Grandma

Update on Ryder

I realized the other day that I have not updated on Ryder

in a long time. So, I thought I would take a little time and update

you all on Ryder and how well he is doing. Our family is so proud

of his progress and how well he is doing!!!!

Ryder is doing so well! He is 8 months old. Although, he

is still on Oxygen, he is doing remarkable. He is rolling over,

says da da, is talking up a storm (in his own little language).

He is such a growing boy and doing so well.

I will attached a few pictures of him! He is adoreable!!!

1st Picture is in April when Ryder was caught chewing on his

oxygen tube. LOL

2nd Picture was taken in March when they were out for Easter,

Ryder's first outing and we took him to Chuck E Cheese.

We tried to keep him back away from the others. He had a great

time though! 3rd Picture is of him in April when I was out there

visiting. He was just having fun!

The cats out of the bag part II

I told you all that Laura was pregnant with her 1st baby. Last Wednesday night I was with them as they went in for their ultrasound. Laura had asked everyone to guess what she was having. Well:

ITS A BOY!

The little things they say!

My grandkids are so funny. There are sometimes that I just sit back and marvel at all the funny things that come out of their mouths. Of course, since I live near Danielle's kids, I hear more from them that Matthew's children.

Aubrey who is the oldest of all the grandchildren, she comes up with some of the funniest things that seriously crack me up. Here are a few:

After we got our new carpet, Aubrey said to me, Grandma can I take my chips upstairs so I can eat while I'm watching cartoons? I said no Aubrey, no more food upstairs. She looked like I had taken the air right out of her, so I added, even grandpa can't bring food up stairs anymore. So, she thought about it a moment and then batted her eyelashes at me, well grandma seems like you should have kept the old carpet.

Aubrey is famous for batting her eyelashes when she is wanting to say something serious. When she does this she always starts off with "Well" when she was even younger (she's currently 6 1/2) she would say "When I was a little girl" then you knew she was going to tell you a real story.

Connor a couple weeks ago was kind of cute too. We had just left church and got in our own cars when the kids asked Danielle if they could come to our house. She said no, we're going to grandma's house for dinner today so we are going to go home and change first. Connor piped in why do you always call it Grandma's house its papa's house too. Aubrey said (I'm sure she batted her eyelashes on this one) well, Connor its like this grandpa pays all the bills and grandma is in charge. (I think I taught that girl right)!!!

You must know that Connor always calls Loren "Papa" as do all the other grandkids, but Aubrey refuses and always calls him "grandpa". I am not sure why but she's stuck on that so we just go with the flow.

Here is a story thats funnier than anything, only Loren hates it and I've debated whether I thought it was appropriate to put into this or not. Now, I've talked many times about the naughty girl that Sariah is sometimes and she's so so funny. Saundra always tells me the funniest stories about Sariah. Ok, here is one, but its a true story so excuse all the ugly things that might be said.

At Christmas time Matthew and Saundra decided to take the kids as well her Saundra's brother and his friend up to see some Christmas lights, the lights were on someones property and you drive through the property looking at everything. Because it was an hour drive for them, they put on a movie for the kids to watch in the van on the way up to see the lights. Once they got to their destination, Saundra turned the movies off. Sariah got upset and started saying turn the movie back on, turn the movie back on, turn the movie back on. Saundra said that she just ignored her after a few times of saying no we're going to look at the lights. Sariah got so upset that Saundra wouldn't turn the movie back on she started screaming (she's 3 mind you) turn the movie back on, I said turn the movie back on...Turn the ***** movie back on. To which her uncle turned around and poped her in the mouth and said Do not ever say that word again, Sariah was so shocked that she didn't even cry. Then he turned to Matthew and Saundra and said You better watch your mouths its your fault she talked like that.

Sariah is so cute though she always comes up with some funny stufff she says. She one time said to Saundra I'm going to tell Gee Gee on you (Saundra's grandma).

Sariah's first words to me, no matter how long it has been since I have seen her is always "can I have gum"..never hi grandma....always about the gum.

Aurellia has started to be a little chatterbox now. When I was at their house in February, She had learned to say Michael very well, she was always yelling "MICHAEL" then chattering up a storm. One time Sariah and Aurellia were up at the counter sitting on their chairs and Sariah started playing with a candle that Saundra had sitting on the counter unlit. Aurellia knitted her eyebrows, pointed her finger and said NO, NO, NO Sariah NO, NO, NO...shaking her finger at Sariah the whole time. Saundra and I just laughed it was so cute.

Michael is extremely smart, he has always been into super hero's. One day he was telling me about all these super hero's and went on and on in a story. I had no idea what he was talking about, he was so into the story, all I could think about was wow, he knows a lot. I had absolutely no clue what he was talking about. So, I just smiled and said oh really, he's say yeah grandma and on and on and on. I looked at Saundra like what took over this child, she just smiled and said he has a lot to say about super hero's.

Taylor is an interesting little girl. She is pretty funny. She has yet to learn how to say Connor, but she calls him Ka-ka instead. Taylor calls out Aubrey, Ka-ka... I mean, how could you not laugh at that?

I just think that kids do say the darnest things.

One Monday night at Family Home Evening (FHE)we had with Danielle and her children. We were talking about Prophets (this was probably a year ago). In our dining room I have a picture of Gordon B. Hinckley, the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum as well as Temple pictures. By our front door is a picture of the Sacred Grove with Joseph Smith, though you can't see Joseph Smith's face. Well, during this FHE Connor who was 4 at the time piped in and said I know where you have a picture of Joseph Smith and he ran to the picture of the Sacred Grove he said there thats Joseph Smith. I was blown away so I asked Danielle, did you tell him who that was? She said no, did you? I said no, to my knowlege he's never really paid attention to that picture.

Another New Addition...

Ahhhh, I need to keep up on my blog, but so much has been going on lately...

We have another new addition to our family, though not all that new, but now legally new.

Matthew and Saundra were married on December 28, 2007 after years of loving each other and being together as a couple and parents, they finally decided it was time to be a complete family.

We have always loved Saundra and are so indeed blessed to have her part of our family legally now. Thank-you Saundra for loving our son and giving us so many beautiful, beautiful grandchildren.

Matthew and Saundra have recently moved into a new home that is now big enough for their family of six. I was recently there and was able to spend some time with them. I had so much fun laughing and enjoying being around the kids.

Let me tell you a quick story....

When I arrived at their home the first day, Michael ran to me and said Grandma...big hugs and kisses. Sariah said "can I have gum"? Aurellia was full of smiles and kisses. Ryder was grinning from ear to ear. Ah, being around them made me wish I lived closer so I could spend more time with them. I love being their grandma. We have so much to be thankful for.

The Cat is out of the bag!

Now that the cat is out of the bag, I can post the wonderful news here in my blog.

Over Christmas Laura and Wayne announced that they are expecting in August. I know how long the road to pregnancy was for these two sweethearts. Our family is so excited to anticipate the arrival of our 8th sweet little baby.

Yes Laura, this is our sweet baby...how could a child come into this family and not feel loved and excepted. I'm so blessed to be your mother Laura and I'm am so indeed grateful to be Waynes Mother-in-Law. I love you both so much and I am so thankful for you two. As you know I love Waynes sense of humor, I know you get in trouble for it Wayne, but don't change its so endearing.

Congratulations, can't wait to have yet another precious grandchild to love.

Mom

Happy New Year! 2008

I have not had an opportunity to write on this thing for awhile now. We have had a busy time. Christmas came quick and fast, two days after Christmas we left on vaction for 10 days. Once we got home we had new carpet laid in the house (what a pain in the BUTT to do it with a house full of funiture, but I LOVE IT).

Have you ever gone to the carpet sample place and looked at carpet? I had a budget that I had to stay in...$30 a sq ft, nothing more, nothing less. Just that. So, I ruled out several types of carpet because it was not in the budget. Looking at the different carpet was crazy. I had a certain color and style in my mind before I went and while there, my mind was all screwed up, I could not visualize the whole house off a 5x5 square piece of carpet. This sample was not much bigger than a large index card. So, on carpet day, I worried that I had picked out the wrong color, I worried that it would look horrible. Guess what, I did perfect. The color in the store ended up being the exact color I had wanted. I would have never guessed that based on the sample I had to look at. Talk about relief. the house looks like a brand new house. My famous words now are get off the carpet with your shoes on, what are you thinking? The first night we had Danielle and the kids over for Wendy's...I made everyone eat in the Seminary. She said you know mom, one day you are going to have to eat inside your house. I said no, we can eat in the Seminary it will be ok. She just rolled her eyes at me.

The Gift

Brian in 1980, I met him soon after this!

Just before I was married, my then boyfriend came to me and said he had something he needed to talk to me about. He was so nervous; I could tell this was something that he was scared about my reaction. Watching him I started to worry that maybe something really bad was going on.He said let’s sit down and talk, so we did. He said Sandie, when I was in high school; I had a girlfriend that I really loved. I said ok! He said: after I graduated from high school she gave birth to my son. So, I'm telling you that I have a son. Given what I “thought” it could be, all I could say was "is that all"? He let his breath out and said so you’re ok with it? I said of course.

I met Brian when he was 3 years old. This little boy had the sweetest dimples and smile that you could imagine. He had a southern accent so thick, we had so much fun., being with Brian just made me happy.

We moved from Savannah Georgia in November of 1981 right after Matthew was born. We didn't see Brian again for 20 years. Laura was emailing Brian in the spring of 2001 and we were able to get reacquainted with him. Of course, after years of not talking (Brian had been adopted by his step-dad, so legally we could not have any contact) we were so happy to have communication again.

Brian and I started devising a plan, a plan to surprise everyone in the family; thus having Brian fly out to visit. In May, I bought a plane ticket for Brian to fly out to see us. He was flying into Salt Lake City on September 14, 2001. We all know that Sept 11, 2001, shut down the entire United States air travel. I had to break the news to Loren, given everything that was going on. So, we called Brian and told him that maybe we should postpone it even for a month. He said "if there is a flight leaving North Carolina on Sept. 14, I will be on the plane." Well low and behold, on Sept. 14 his flight left and after delays he finally arrived to us about 16 hours later.

I told the kids that a good friend of mine was coming and that we needed to make the weekend really special for her. So, Laura and Jon came to the airport with Loren and I, but they were looking for my friend. When Brian walked up and started talking to Laura she about blew his ear drum right off. She screamed and cried, Jon was in total shock. He was a little unsure what was going on. We had our video camera so we could capture it all on video, but of course Loren only took pictures and no video (hello, we missed the whole moment). Because of the craziness of the airlines Brian's luggage was lost. We left the airport and drove to Village Inn (at midnight) where Matthew and Danielle were suppose to meet, us, but they were tired of waiting. So, they left. Then we drove up to our condo spent the night and went back the next day to the airport to pick-up Brian's luggage. We stopped by the car dealership that Matthew worked for and Brian went up to him as a potential customer. That was funny! After, we went over to see Danielle.

Brian has been a special gift in our lives. Although, the road is long between us and miles divide us, we love him and are so thankful and blessed he is in our life.

Mostly, this Christmas I want Brian to know how much I (Sandie) love him and appreciate him. I feel blessed that over the last 27 years I have been able to know you and watch you turn into a wonderful man. I feel so grateful and honored to call you my son. I feel so blessed to be part of your life even in the smallest way. Thank-you Brian for allowing us to be part of your life!Loren and I marvel at how life comes full circle. Thanks to you Brian our family is whole.

Our weekend in Utah!

This past weekend we had the wonderful opportunity to spent the weekend with our family in Utah. What a thrill is was to see our kids and grandkids in Utah just before Christmas so I could feel like I spent the holidays with them too.

We had some pretty funny moments! The grandkids were so fun! First just seeing Ryder was a miracle in itself. He is getting so big, he's the cutest thing ever! He was cooing and so happy. We had fun just holding him and loving him.

We had some funny (not so funny at the time, but in hind sight they were) experiences this weekend. Sariah, was a little naughty this weekend. She was into everything, but she found candy in places that I'm not sure that Laura and Wayne knew was there. She opened Christmas presents that we not hers every time we turned around she was downstairs with either candy or a present. She was so funny! So, Saturday night Laura, Saundra and I went shopping. While we were gone we kept getting calls from the men (3 of them with 4 kids) that the kids were being naughty. Then we get this distress call that, Sariah had climbed up on the bathroom counter broke the door to the mirror and it went tumbling to the ground. Good thing nobody was in the bathroom with her or it would have been a hospital visit. Laura asked her what she was doing, she said getting the toothpaste for Aurellia. How could you get mad at that? She is just so cute.

On Saturday morning I woke up at 6, I really tried to stay in bed as long as I could, I knew that my kids wouldn't be up. So, I slip down to the kitchen and while walking past the living room I noticed that Sariah was up, so she came in the kitchen with me, I just held her in my arms and I thought maybe she went back to sleep, so I quietly said I love you so much, she said I love you too grandma. She is so darling. So, we had cereal together and talked. Sunday morning Michael and Sariah had breakfast with me, we talked and had so much fun. Michael is quite a conversationalist when given the opportunity. Then I heard Aurellia, I went in the room to pick her up and she was all smiles, she must get that from her mom because her dad was one grumpy boy when he woke up! I noticed that Michael and Aurellia were eating with their left hands. What a glorious day, someone just like me!

Ok Amber this is for you!

Get to know questions
What is your favorite horror movie, do you like horror movies? NOT AT ALL~

Do you do dance crazy when no one is looking? I used to, but Laura said "tell her NO"

Do you like to sing in the shower? I sing all the time, but yes I do!

What do sing in the shower if you do sing? Ummmm I have no idea

Whats your fav colour? RED....because I love Americana, and Yellow because its so happy.
Do you like baths or showers? I like both, A bubble bath is awesome...I don't take near enough.
Do you blow dry your hair? or just let it dry on its own, or towel dry? My hair is spastic, so I have to blow it dry.
At the beach would you rather play in the sand, or play in the water? I love walking on the beach holding hands, but not playing in it or the ocean. I don't want to do more than wade in the water.
Do you think people should eat the fish they catch, or just let them go? I love fish so eat away, just don't waste it.
What do you like better hands or feet? Hands

Do you like curly hair or stright hair? I have super fine, thin, straight hair...I love curl.
What is your favorite thing to drink? My very favorite drink...Water

What is your favorite Male celebrity? gee, I have no idea I don't watch a lot of tv...so I'm not that into anyone! Robert Redford, except when he opens his mouth about politics, then I don't like him.
What is your favorite Female celebrity? My all time favorite Julie Andrews I love her, she's one classy lady!

Amongst your friends and family who do you admire the most? My dearest Friend Judy, she was the best! She endured more in her life then most will ever have to. I miss her
What is your favorite band or singer? Oh I like a lot, Faith Hill, Amy Grant, Tim McGraw, Brad Pasley just to name a few.

What was your favorite toy as a kid? I have no idea I was a kid, I'm old now!

Cooking or Eating out...Why? I used to love to cook...but the older I get the less I do that.
Cold or hot? Hot

Toast or cereal? Toast! With cinnamon and sugar (Amber, I eat that almost daily)
Cows or horses? I love horses, but I love cows too.

River or ocean? I love both, I have a healthy resect for water! I could sit and watch both for hours.

Our children and their families

Brian




Jon 2006




Laura and Wayne March 2007


Aubrey, Taylor, Danielle and Connor 2007

Michael, Saundra, Aurellia, Matthew and Sariah Spring 2007

Ryder

Ryder on ECMO after his surgery

Ryders scar's going to be big

All these machines kept him alive

Mommy and Ryder after birth

Ryder today!


Daddy and Mommy with Ryder 1 dayold



Going home! That sounds so good!



Our little grandson was born with a left diaphragmatic hernia. He is a special little baby, he's come so far. Subsequent letters followed with more updates.

Below is a copy of the letter I sent out to everyone about his birth I will also include a link for those that would like to learn more about ECMO (Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation), http://www.ich.ucl.ac.uk/factsheets/families/F030174/index.html


Dear Family and friends,

We just wanted to update you all on our family. Matthew and Saundra had their baby on Sunday at 35 weeks gestation.

Ryder Matthew Ramos was born on September 9, 2007 at 9:51 am. He weighed 6 lbs 9 oz and was 20 Inches long. Ryder needs all your prayers. He was born with a Left Diaphragmatic Hernia, which means that he has a hole in the left side of his diaphragm. His stomach and his intestines are up in his chest cavity where his heart should be. His heart is on the right side. Ryder is at Primary Children's Medical Center in the NICU in Salt Lake City. Sunday afternoon Ryder took a turn for the worse and had to be put on a machine called ECMO, this machine is a heart/lung by pass machine, what it does is pulls blood out of his body oxygenates it and then returns healthy blood into his body. He has responded perfect to this treatment, and so far is stable, though still very critical. If Ryder continues to do well he will have surgery the end of this week first part of next week to repair his hernia (hole in his diaphragm). This surgery the doctors will use muscle to repair the hole and the wonderful thing about that is that muscle expands with the body so he won't have to go back for more surgery.

Mom is holding up well, though she had her 4th C-section and has been in a wheelchair between the University of Utah hospital and Primary Children's so this is tough on her healing.

Saundra and Matthew found out in June during a routine ultrasound the condition of Ryder so this was not a surprise though, nobody is totally prepared. Ryder is perfect in every way, if you didn't know he had anything wrong you'd never be able to tell.

Please pray for Ryders speedy recovery, he will be in the hospital at least of 6-8 weeks. Attached is a picture of Ryder after he was put on ECMO in the picture he is puffed up with fluid so he's bigger than he really is. You can also see the two lines of blood coming from his neck. I will send more pictures as I can make it to a computer. Thanks to everyone in advance for you prayers.

Love,

Sandie

Our Family

I thought it would be fun to show you all how much our family has grown! What started out as two is now fifteen.

We welcomed our new beautiful grandson in September. Now we have Aubrey 6, Michael 5, Connor 5, Sariah 3, Taylor 21 months, Aurellia 17 months and Ryder 3 months. We have the best grandkids EVER! What a blessing they are in our life!

This year we will have the opportunity to spend Christmas with each of them, we just can't do it all on Christmas day!

A year ago before Aurellia was born we all got together at our condo in Eden Utah, the grandkids had so much fun playing. Connor was not used to having so many cousins around so he picked on Sariah the whole time. Now, they play just fine together. Sariah is the cutest little girl in this world. She is so funny...my favorite thing about Sariah is when her mom Saundra tells me stories of things Sariah has done...I get to laughing so hard! Every morning lately I have had a chance to drive Aubrey to school, the other day it was snowing and while we were driving to school Aubrey said Grandma, be careful its snowing outside, and there are a lot of crazy people out there. Once while I was in Utah, I went shopping with Michael, we were looking for something specific, I can't remember what now, but whenever we passed by something with spiderman he had to have it. It would take me several minutes to get him away from the spiderman stuff, after awhile I would look down the isle and see spiderman and turn down another. LOL, I bought him something before we left, can't remember what now! One thing about Connor is he likes to talk with his eyes, he has the biggest smile and his eyes sparkle when he talks. "IF" he sits down long enough to talk, he is adorable. Aurellia walks around with a smirk on her face all the time, she's rarely even unhappy, but that girl can bite! When she starts to giggle she purse her lips and her eyes light up. I love eyes, seems like all the kids communicate with their eyes. Taylor has learned how to use her voice lately. She is getting a real opinion about things. Its so fun watching these kids grow up. Ryder is such a mellow baby, one day when he was still in the hopsital Saundra was holding him and he was just looking at his mommy, I remember even when I was holding him he was following her voice. He fought sleep that day because he was so busy watching his mommy. That was a special day for me! I love being a grandma!