Feeling Good and Making Progress

Today was my first follow-up appointment with the doctor after my surgery. He did a double take to see me "look so good," for having surgery twelve days ago. He also looked at the chart to maker sure when he performed the surgery. Duh.

A reminder here: A nurse at the hospital before I was discharged removed the staples that put me together after the surgery. Most of the incision was healed today except for a few places. The doctor removed all the steri-tape and said to put band-aids where there is a little bit of seepage on my garments, just a little bit of blood, and nothing compared to an open wound.

He had good reports and was very pleased with my progress. He said to keep on walking but not to overdo. I think the rest I get and eating healthy makes me heal faster too. I am taking aspirin mainly for pain management and have another Rx for some pain medicatrion, if I think I need them. I didn't rush to the pharmacy to get it filled so feel confident that I can get by at least today and this evening a see how I do.

I take those pain meds at bedtime and that way can get a good night's sleep pain free. I don't wake up with pain either, so that is a blessing in and of itself.

I do miss the TLC that Ron gave me when he was here. He left Friday last week, but he keeps tabs on me to make sure I am doing well, and sends me his love and support. That makes a big difference and know that my healing has been miraculous. I am so thankful for him being here for me at a time that I needed him most, one of God's tender mercies. How did He know? He is the gardener here, when we least expect it or acknowledge it. God is in the details of our lives if we let him. There are no coincidences.

I count my blessings.

Milestones, Back to School Memories

Russ, Tara and Family


This is the second week for some of the grand kids going back to school, locally anyway. Then today is when the local university begins classes at UVU. How those memories of me starting back to school after being such a "late bloomer" flood my mind.

I was what was (graciously called)a "Non-traditional," student. That could be nicely said instead of a grandma going to college classes and seeking some kind of degree along the way. Well, it matters not whether one goes to college at 18 or 48, like I did. You are still the same age in the end whether you choose to go that route or not. Logic here.

Some of the best times I remember is rushing off to morning classes and toting my suitcase with wheels or a back pack or portable luggage cart. I remember my father gave me one on one of my trips to visit him in California. It came in quite handy. I had no qualms toting my heavy books around to lighten my load.

I would often go to the eatery there and have a simple breakfast and remember how delicious it tasted after a breather from classes. Scrambled eggs and sausage with wheat toast and orange juice. They had some fairly reasonable priced food for the students for which I was most grateful. The cafeteria was good too, and saved me from starvation many times. The feel of going to school and parking, and all that good stuff that comes with the territory are sweet memories. I marvel at the things I learned and still use better ways to retain information. I became more computer savvy. A real asset to a senior citizen now. LOL.

There were also opportunities for me to take Institute classes and the memory of taking a Book of Mormon class with Michael when he first went to UVSC (then) before his mission. Tana had just left on her mission October 1994 or was ready to leave when I began my class work there.

I am pleased that I have at least two grandchildren, K3 and Sydney starting classes at UVU, and one daughter, Tara starting their college careers this week. Education has always been important to me, and I can recall imprinting in my children's brains that if they got good grades they could get their education by scholarships, and grants, and they all did. Tara, now that she has her youngest in second grade, can focus on taking classes and graduate with a medical degree in nursing, her goal since way back when she was a mom at home.

Russ and his "girls."

Well, Tara, your day has finally come. Congratulations, Sweetheart. I am proud of you going back to college and the influence you have been on your children as a stay-at-home mom. You will absolutely love the challenge and how it stretches your mind and your ability to succeed in so many ways you never thought possilbe. You can do it. I know it! Time will fly before you now it. Good Luck.

Priesthood Power in Action

Kory at his Seminary graduation May 2011, with his parents, Hank and Lori

Today was a milestone in our family. Grandson, Kory Lynn McIntire was ordained to the Melchizidek priesthood. He graduated from high school in May and from seminary, too.

I was invited to go for dinner with Hank, Lori and their family. It gave me an opportunity to go out and be with them for the ordination that was performed later at their home. As is sometimes the case, the stake accommodates Hank and his family, and with him as the bishop may have some wight to have the ordinance at their home. It was a very sacred time and special in that my son have his son a father's blessing to help him remember the importance of his worthiness and being ready to use his priesthood to bless others at all times.

Kory (K3) is such a fine boy. He has matured and taken on the responsibility that comes with this important ordinance in his young life. His father will be deployed in a few weeks and that will leave Lori, his mother with a Melchizidek priesthood holder in their home to bless them by that presence and in the event it will be needed for blessing the sick.

The children are all very attuned to the power of the priesthood blessings and how much it is a support without Dad's physical presence in the home. The fact that he will be away is not one they are used to, but have been protected and blessed even so. Lori is a strong and courageous wife and mother. I know she will be sustained in all situations while Hank is away.

K10 watched the ordination and told her mom, Lori that she wanted to "be next." Next at receiving a blessing, since they HAD just done that a couple of days before as a family. I am sure, even the baby, Korbin (K12) was given a special blessing from his daddy too.

How sweet is is to know they will all have a shield of righteousness girded about them during Hanks's deployment. I have a firm testimony that experience alone is what bonds and cements heaven to us for the eternities. What a treasure of knowledge.

An Overview and Update on Anna's Surgery

What a week this has been. Just last Friday, August 19, 2011, I was in surgery to have a benign growth removed as well as the last half a foot of my colon. Kind of strange to even put it like that, but that is what ended up, along with my appendix.

The surgery was a success, I am told, and my recovery has been remarkable. The first few hours after the actual surgery gave the doctor some concerned since I was so slow to come out of the anesthetic. What should have only take a few hours took an extra four. Sleep must have felt so good, and to be anesthetized at that.

I finally responded and have been doing well ever since. Ron and my daughter, Tara spent most of the day visiting while waiting for me. I hear that they had a great time getting to know one another and that makes me feel good they had a chance to get well acquainted. I want to thank everyone for all the prayers and well wishes in my behalf.

I believe I could not have done so well without out the many prayers said. Aside from being stapled back together, everything else was right on schedule. The doctor put me back together so well, and everything is working like it should, even before leaving the hospital. I had a clear liquid diet for several days and by Sunday I was given soft solid foods. Then I was able to eat a normal solid food dinner, of mashed potatoes and gravy,along with chicken breast with gravy and fresh cooked vegetables. Yumm, after the liquid diet it felt so delicious at that point.

I had a few challenges before I left to be discharged on Monday, August 22. The nurse had a difficult time getting the staples out from my 3" insicion. It must have taken over an hour, (without anesthetic) to get the last ones that were kind of tricky to remove. I was glad to get that behind me, and I even used some of the old La Maze breathing technique when I delivered some of my children through the ordeal. It was a good distraction anyway and worked as Ron held my hand and I squeezed it so tight to keep from kicking my way out of the bed with the sting and pain. Ron said I was a very good patient. I breathed a deep sigh of relief when the nurse finished, as I am sure Ron did too.

I also appreciated the many friends and family visits to see me me at the hospital, the flower bouquets and phone calls. Thank you for all your support. Time seemed to go by quickly. I healed quickly, which was another tender mercy for which I am deeply grateful. I also had the opportunity to walk around the floor four times a day. I was told that would also help in my healing process. Ron was right there to help make it possible. What a Guy. : )

Sunday morning there was a couple going around asking if the patients wanted to take the sacrament. We said we did. It was very nice and made my morning and day with Ron there with me to take the sacrament together. Aaron was concerned if there was the sacrament sent around at the hospital. I text him to let him know it was all taken care of, otherwise, I am sure he would have taken care of it for me. Thanks, Aaron!

I will mention here that the procedure the doctor, Brian Gill used was the Robotic Da Vinci technique. It was done laproscopically, and a "cutting edge" technique used that is fairly new in the area. Dr. Gill said he had performed a hundred since November of this kind of surgical procedure, and also teaches other doctors how to use this technique. He also said that the machine used was a $2ML piece of equipment that Utah Valley Regional Medical Center did not have. The advantage was the recovery time was quicker. I opted for that one for that reason.

The care at Timpanogos Regional Medical Center was excellent. I think there were only five patients on the surgical floor where I was, compared to the forty or even fifty patients at UVRMC on their daily census. That ratio narrowed down the numbers for better care and attention. I was very pleased as a patient to be there. If I needed anything, they searched for what it was and accommodated, even down to having a menu change. (God bless the cafeteria staff.)

I thank Ron too, for all his support and keeping everyone informed of my progress with the surgery. It means a lot and everybody was pleased with how he kept texting you and letting you know the updates. I know he cares about me and my welfare. I am most grateful for his love and kindness. Each day that goes by tells me more and more how much he cares about me. Thank you, Sweetheart! I count my blessings having him near.

No Murmuring or Sloshing--And the Beat Goes On

Sometimes I feel like I am soaring, like an Eagle--



I had an appointment with my doctor (surgeon) this morning in preparation for next week's removal of a benign growth in my colon. [I will spare you the photo]

One of the things he said was quite matter of fact: "You don't have a heart murmur." Well, that was such good news and confirmation that the other doctor, Dr. Sherm Sorenson, a cardiologist didn't tell me after he listened to my heart in July.
He is the one who declared there was no significant need to correct a hole in my heart that was NOT there.

I used to be able to hear a sloshing sound when I lied down on my back before going to sleep when I lay quietly. Such great news!!!! More confirmation that I must have had a "miraculous healing," as my doctor said today.

I also encouraged him to check before cutting on my colon that the growth is really there when he goes in. He promised he would and make sure considering another "miracle." I left with a peace of mind that he listened to my requests and to be sure he prescribed the right antibiotic as well, since I don't take penicillin.

My heart continues to be strong, healthy and beating just fine. Again, I am most grateful for the many prayers in my behalf, and to God. I notice I get stronger and stronger as I walk an hour at a time with Candice and some ladies in our ward. It's good exercise and a blessing, to run and not be weary, to walk and not faint. Amen, for tender mercies.

Getting Things Done and Feeling Good About It~

Today, seemed like a Tuesday. I got so much done, and completed several tasks, that I can hardly believe it.

My first task was to tackle getting my car inspected and the emissions test in South Provo. The oil needed to be changed, so I had it done at the same time. I read my pocket Book of Mormon while waiting instead of reading (trashy) magazines. I read three or four chapters in Ether while my car was serviced. I was there over and hour.

This shop did a thorough job and explained everything to me when they finished. I really appreciated it. One of the hoses was cracked so they replaced it for me at a very reasonable cost. Then, one of the connections to the spark plugs was barely touching where it was supposed to so the mechanic took care of that too.

The fellow working on my car was quite tall and reminded me of the butler on the Addams Family, only with dark hair and in a blue mechanics jump suit uniform. He kept walking back and forth where I was reading. So, I noticed him looking like Lurch.

I left the Auto Center but I still just need a new windshield. Mine is cracked across the passenger side. I went back to Lindon since I needed to get two new tires, and a few brake lights bulbs. I had to also get a new air filter, which I bought at WalMart while I was waiting to get the tires installed. The mechanic offered to put the filter in, which saved me a lot of worry. Aaron said he would take care of putting in the new brake lights in after I get them at Autozone.

I felt very fortunate to have gotten so much done today. I also took the car and had it washed and cleaned inside and out. It looked like a new car inside with the cleaned dash (with Armoral). They coated the tires with some black oil and they looked great!

To top off the car wash, they let me choose a car freshener, so I picked "Vanilla Bean."

I also went to get my car registered while I was in Provo so that when I get everything else done to pass the inspection off etc, all I need to do is show the slip from the mechanic that everything was completed. Then I get the new tags after that.

What a day. I am thankful for the tender mercies to get so much accomplished.

How They Are Now, and How They Were Then . .

This is another archival Picture of my children when they (some of them) were very young. I think the oldest, Hank had just received his mission call to Venezuela,Caracas mission in June of 1983. He reported September 15th that same year.

This photo was taken in the summer of 1983. Twenty-eight years ago. Does not seem possible. Where does all the time go!!

First row: Aaron, Matt, Michael, 2nd row: Tana, Hank, Tracie, 3rd row: Tara, Tanise

Look at the comparison of the blog shot and the one here. It is hard to believe how long ago it was from the time this picture was and the current one above this blog entry. So many experiences and so many adventurous too numerous to recall.

Nevertheless, I encourage my children to enjoy their little ones; because they grow up so fast, and before you know it you are a great-grandmother yourself when your own children become grandparents. How about that?

Photos Out of the Archives

This was a rare find of a photo of me and my next to youngest sister, Martha. I was about eleven, and she was seven years old at the time. We lived in Norwalk, CA from 1953 to 1955.




This is the shy, quiet freshman in high school. I had my hair cut short and it was natural wavy.


This is a snap shot of me at age fourteen. It was after the Christmas holidays, since I remember getting that "in fashion" circular, white corduroy full skirt and royal blue button up cardigan sweater.

My ten year old sister took this picture with my black and white box camera with the picture blurred a little. Oh, well. You get the idea. It was a warm time of year too, in sunny California in January. I think I was in ninth grade.

Notice the orange groves in the background, a thing of the past. That area became land bought for what is now called the University of California, at Fullerton campus. There was a small mall, movie theater and banks were directly there on the street that faced our house.

"Out of the Mouths of Babes"

I read this comment from my daughter-in-laws facebook. She told about her almost five year old:

I asked my middle child what he learned in his Sunday school class yesterday and he told me, "Accounting mommy!" when I asked him what it meant he said, "it's when you're responsible for what you did!"

My response to her comments:


Anna Rodriguez McIntire: How sweet. The Primary teacher did a good job of teaching that principle. Some people older don't get that principle!! Austin is a genius to tell it back with such clarity. God bless those dedicated teachers who teach our children and grandchildren the Gospel.

Fan Mail~All Good, Sharing Some of Our Courtship

Fan mail is always nice, and the lift it brings to the one receiving. Ron has been good to share some comments about me from his children. So, turnabout is fair play. We are sharing here, my children's response to meeting him and the news of our engagement. Below are the messages and actual responses as I wrote them to Ron.

He said it made his day and made him feel really good, which pleases me too. A Day-maker.

Dear Ron,

I was able to tell all of my kids either on the phone or in person about us. I have one more to talk to tomorrow and tell her, the oldest daughter

My oldest, Hank was very please as was his wife, Lori. I showed him my ring after I called before I went and said I wanted to come over and give him an update. He called Lori to come meet with him and me in the living room. She saw my ring and very visibly excited about it. They were (both) smiling from ear to ear. They couldn't be happier for me, their mother. Lori said she notice your hands and thought you had very nice hands and how you held them while you talked to them. They also mentioned how you took the time to come meet them and spend that time with them, and knew all their names.

Tara's, reaction was pre-empted by her sister(Tana) who let the cat out of the bag and told her I was engaged yesterday; Tara is the one that you told that if their mother didn't dump you, you would be back. Remember? She likes you, as you can tell by her response that she knew I liked you and wouldn't dump you! She is also very pleased about us too.

Tracie congratulated me and said she was happy for me, too. She was at work when we talked on the phone. Very good response from her too. She said she really appreciated how you took that task to trim the branches of the tree that blocked the sprinklers from watering the lawn under the elm trees in her yard. That made a great impression, since she is the one that does the yard. I wrote about her on the blog, you can read about all that there too.

Tana was one that called me back on their way back from St. George today. I talked to her yesterday briefly on their way down. Her husband had some business for BYU Independent studies with his work. They took the whole family down and stayed overnight. She asked me a lot more questions today too, and had to know all about it. She expressed her feelings that when you were there with me on Sunday when we had dinner with her and Tara's family, she kept hoping (and praying) that things would work out for us. She really liked you and saw that you liked me too, so she was pleased.

I talked to Michael about six o'clock this morning being that he is in Cincinnati and I can talk to him that early since there is a 2 hour time difference here. He said "Congratulations, Mom" when I told him I was engaged. Remember he text me on Sunday too, like one of yours did, and you said, "everything is going better than expected!" ??? I told him the same thing in his text response.

Aaron and Candice knew since Saturday, and everything went well with it. He has been asking me more questions and hears me tell one or two on the phone about it. He gets another perspective that way. He actually came down to my room, and said, "Ok,now tell me how he proposed." None of the others asked me that. I thought it was funny. I balked and he said, "now, you live in this house and you will go by my rules." He was joking of course, I laughed and told him. He thought it was so sweet how you told me you loved me, (in the Celestial room) and said to me, "Anna, I love you. Will you be my eternal companion?"
I said, "Yes, I would." and stole a soft kiss right there in the temple. Being a temple worker, I know we are told to watch for that by the patrons. But one kiss to seal the deal was not distracting to anyone else there. Right?


Ron didn't waste anytime to take me to choose an engagement ring. What a GUY!

Matt's wife was over on Monday, for the barbeque with Aaron and Candice, so I told Beth about our plans, and she must have told Matt when he got back from Flaming Gorge. I will get a full report from them in the morning, since they are headed to Cancun with Aaron and Candice for a week.

Over all, I just think this whole week could not be any more joyful and special. You really know how to do things right, Ron. Thank you, with all my heart. I think I text Brook, and said you are the best!!!!! That was when she said you are "such a good man, always has been, always a completely devoted, righteous father,and husband. Another text after that one, she said, "Thanks for making him smile again, and putting a sparkle in his eyes. Hope you are as happy too."

I say, "Yes, I AM!!!!"

I will go see Tanise tomorrow, Saturday. I need to call her first to see if she has to take Jordyn to any soccer games,n or practice.

Ron, there a lot of sweet things said about you that I wanted you to know what was said, and sent to share with yours. It made me feel like you were reading me fan mail from yours yesterday and how they responded. It is genuine on both sides. How amazing is that, Sweetie?

Well, it was so nice to talk to you again tonight. Sweet dreams.

Love, Anna

Lunch at Mimi's With Us Girls . . .

This week started out (on Monday) with an exciting opportunity for me to meet Ron's daughters, Shelly and Shannon. Brook and I met at a picnic when Ron was here, so I got to meet her again for lunch with the other two sisters.

I was so caught up in the moment I forgot to take a picture of all of us together! I didn't realize it until I got back home and told Brook that I had my camera and left it in my purse!

It really went well and I was delighted to meet, "my new daughters."

This is what I wrote to Annie [CC to Ron]when I got back from the lunch date.


Yes, I had lunch with the girls and had a good time getting to know them, and them me. Lots to share and talk about. Two of my girls stopped by while we had lunch so they got to meet Shannon, Shelly and Brook. They met Tracie and Tara, Tara brought four of her five with her. She was running errands and had the kids with her. Tracie met us there and ate lunch with us. We had a nice leisurely visit at Mimi's; it lasted almost three hours. We had yummy french onion soup, Quiche Lorraine, salads and lots of nut breads, carrot cake muffins, etc.

Several ordered the Quiche Lorraine. I had the Citrus Salmon. It was delicious.

Paige, Brooks daughter came and stayed at the house to play with two of my granddaughters, Aislyn and Ella. Bridger came too but wanted to stay with Brook instead and went with us to lunch. I met Dallas, who was with Shelly and ate with us too. Summer and Shannon had a good time with us too. Everyone got to meet everyone else. Nice. Look forward to meeting you and your little family.

P.S. In case anyone is wondering about the pictures, I went online and got these from Google Images. It really makes it nice to find pictures such as that to post especially when I forget I had my small digital camera in my purse.

Aaron and Candice, Matt and Beth on Vacation

This week Aaron and Candice are out of town to Mexico. Cancun with Matt and Beth, They decided back in April to go and take it as an anniversary trip while they were on an extended visit from Seattle.

Aaron sent me this photo of the view from their room. Lucky ones.

It looks like a paradise. Of course I am not sensing from the picture the humidity they might be feeling, nor the temperature that time of year. Nevertheless, I dream about going to a place like that.

I heard from them yesterday and said they had gone to the Mayan ruins at Chichen itza.

Amazing place to visit, with a lot of historical sites. Hope they are all making and having great memories.