March
3/1/13 At Weber State for the 4A & 5A boys basketball SemiFinals.
Today we were supposed to be watching in black & white.
3/1/13 But that's very hard to do! The color just can't be denied.
3/1/13 Our neighbor American Fork put up a good battle but Alta got the Win. Lone Peak really is AMAZING to watch. Logan played their heart out (that was Paul's game) and SkyView, well, miracles really do happen (as a result of hard work, determination and endurance.)
3/1/13
The clock is the only thing that moved for most of the 2nd Qtr. And the 3rd. A gym is full of various types of emotion but nothing like the frustration from Utah fans when the ball stops! Kudos to Brighton for an unusual attempt at keeping Lone Peak close.
But they are nationally ranked because No. One. Can. Stop. Them.
3/1/13 Cousins are fun to be with at the gym!
Kyralyn & Ellie
3/1/13 The AF High drummers were fun to watch. Look closely can you see the garbage cans? Look again, he's underneath. Bottoms Up!
3/1/13 The gym can be an electric place to be for several hours! SkyView's strong performance, skill and heart made for a great ending - including two buzzer beater 3 point shots - one to send the game into OT and another "just-inside-half-court" to win at the overtime buzzer.
3/4/13 Tate came to play with us at the gym while Mom & Dad were at the hospital with brand new baby sister Madi.
3/6/13, Wednesday.
This morning Dallin woke up feeling worse than he had in 3 days of being sick. After pushing through for several days, he stayed home. I had a feeling to stay home with him so I didn't go into work. It was a nice morning taking care of my son. Just after noon Lincoln & I worked it out that I would go get Grandma who wasn't feeling well and needed to get in to the Dr. Mom said she should just go straight to the ER since her symptoms were similar to several years ago when, after several hours at the Instacare, she went to the ER with a bowel obstruction. It was a privilege to sit with her in the hospital. She kept telling me to leave, that there was no reason to be there. But I didn't want her to be alone. We didn't talk much. But it was nice. It wasn't really a hard decision at all to stay even though Paul was out of town. I called on Grandpa Spencer who came to pick up my kids for the evening and I stayed at the hospital. Later Kim came (this is her hand in the picture). Then Justin & Lincoln came to give her a Priesthood blessing. I am so thankful for the power of God on the Earth. Among other things it brings great comfort & peace. Tomorrow morning Mom & Aunt Michele would both be flying in and they would take over from there. With all of our support surrounding them.
3/7/13 Life marches on, outside the walls of a hospital. Dallin had an in-class choir concert that I was able to attend. This picture about describes how he felt about choir class. (But shhhh - he likes to sing and has an incredible voice).
3/7/13 After school I took the kids up for a quick visit with Nana at the hospital. I peeked in on Grandma, who wasn't doing well. The pain was intense so she had continual pain & nausea medicine administered. The blockage was also not clearing up. The previous evening it had been discovered that she had been living in heart failure, on about 30% of heart function. Surgery to clear the blockage would be too risky. She told the surgeon that she would absolutely not be having surgery! (Even before he explained the riskiness of it to her) I love her determination and inner strength! After a short visit we left. Once home we had a Webelo service activity. Since I'm also a nursery leader I knew of a particular service project that would be awesome - the toys could be cleaned! Those boys made quick work of it. Thanks kids!
The date on the photo says 3/7 but I'm pretty sure this is on the 5th while Tate was visiting his sister who was born yesterday (and happy anniversary to my two amazing parents also on this day!)
3/9/13
My anniversary tulips came to the house yesterday (the 8th) while Paul was out of town. Happy 17th anniversary! I love you. (And Paul, seeing that I was a bit distracted this year, you can re-read a tribute to our beginning here!)
3/8/13
An ending and a beginning.
Welcome to the world Madi.
We love you Grandma Locher!
Uncle Kent picked up Paul from the airport for me and brought him back to the hospital where I had the kids. (He said he needed something to do! So grateful for your kindness allowing me to stay with my mom). My family each went in to visit with her shortly. She told Kyralyn she was strong and loving in "putting up with" her brothers! She then shared a story of her own determination: She loved to dance in the house. Her Dad told her not to on the hardwood. With hands on her hips she agreed. On the condition that he wouldn't smoke in the house. He never did again after that.
She also reminded Dallin of the time, when he was 2, that we came to visit her in her apartment. (She sold the house 4 or 5 months after Grandpa passed away and moved into Legacy.) He said, "Grandma, I don't like this place. There's nowhere for me to play!" I am grateful my family has been able to know a little of Grandma.
Later, before Lincoln & his family came, Grandma had been saying that she was feeling great amounts of pain again. Mom went after the nurse. Michelle came in and put Madi into Grandma's arms. Peace and calm filled the room. The nurse came in and asked how she was. Her response, "I don't know, I'm just so excited! I can't feel anything (else)!"
Ok, now the tears are coming again. I really should not be doing this at 11pm with emotion-stirring music playing in the background!! (Come, Come Ye Saints, by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir - you can listen here.)
She went back to her apartment with hospice on Saturday. Mom & Monica stayed with her through the night.
3/10/13 During nursery I got a text from Katie asking if I knew she was leaving this afternoon. She had just come in last night so I presumed she would be there until Monday at least. Instead of taking our time after church and then going up we went as soon as we changed our clothes and ate a bite. Paul was down with a debilitating migraine so it was just the kids and I. In her living room the kids each spoke a little bit to her. She acknowledged them as best she could. By now she was close to the end. It was scary for each of them. But they didn't let the discomfort stop them. I'm thankful for a loving sister who helped to ease their discomfort.
3/10/13 Kyralyn singing at Grandma's bedside with Aunt Monica.
Today was a beautiful day for going Home.
3/10/13 Several minutes after Lincoln left to take Katie to the airport, Mom called us all in. She'd been monitoring her breathing. We began singing to her, something she has always loved. There was always singing when we'd get together at Grandma & Grandpa's house as children. I'll have to ask which one we started with, can't remember right now. Then I pulled up the words to "Where Is Heaven?" - another of her favorites and we all sang that. Halfway thru "I Am A Child of God" she took her last breath. It was an incredibly peaceful experience and I'm particularly grateful to have been able to share it with each of my children.
Lincoln offered to take my kids home. I wasn't sure if this was a place they should be. I wasn't even sure if they should have been a part of what had just transpired. But they were. And we are all blessed for it. Death is a part of God's plan, afterall. Dallin and Kyralyn went with him. They had both been very loving and supportive. Uncle Lincoln thought he'd reward them with a milkshake on the way home. Parker stayed with me. I am grateful for his love & tenderness during this time. At one point we were all sitting in her living room, waiting for the man from the funeral home (an old friend of the family) to take her. She was in the corner of the room. Parker commented on how strange it was that we were all just sitting around talking and even laughing a bit with a dead body right there. That gave us all a good chuckle. I'm sure Grandma laughed a bit at that one. Grandpa too.
3/12/13 Tuesday evening was her Viewing. I hadn't encouraged my family to attend but changed my mind at the last minute. I'm so glad I did. She didn't even want to have one but Mom and Aunt Michele decided to anyway. I think we're all grateful they did! I'm so grateful for Paul's love and support through all of this also. Monica and I left early to be there with Mom. Paul & Robert brought our kids up later. Josh and his family made it. And Katie was back also. It was a great time to be together and to see friends and family from long ago.
3/12/13
Family.
Staying connected.
That was one of Grandma's many strengths.
3/12/13 So funny that the dresses match. Totally unplanned. Each didn't even know the other had a dress like hers.
3/13/13 Morning graveside service. I thought it was only windy in Lehi. But since I've spent a piece of every day for the past week in Riverton, I know its not! 
3/13/13 Josh, with his daughter Ellianna and son Landon. The great-grandchildren will be singing.
3/13/13 Hannah, Ellianna & Kyralyn
3/13/13
3/13/13 Keelan: Guardian of the headstone.
3/13/13 Nothing's more special than a loving Nana! (And nothing helps one get through challenging times like a grandchild...or so you've said!)
3/13/13 the Pallbearers: Justin, Joshua, Lincoln, Robert, Paul, and Jeff (not in the picture).
3/13/13 Her final mortal journey.
3/13/13 The greats. Parker, Dallin, Hannah, (Monica) Keelan, Ellianna, Joseph, Landon, Caden, Kyralyn & Tate, McKay, Miley & Daniel.
3/13/13
Grandma served in WWII with the WAVES (Women's Auxillary Volunteer Emergency Service). The kids have each spotlighted her at school when doing an activity to honor those who have served in the military. Here is the write-up I created after having spoken with her about it back when Dallin was in 4th grade (although it might even have been 1st grade):
When the United
States entered World War II, my Great –
Grandma wanted to be a part of keeping our country “the land of the free.” She joined the US Navy as a member of WAVES, the
Women’s Auxiliary Volunteer Emergency Service.
She got to go to boot camp in New
York City at a prestigious girl’s school that had been
converted into the WAVES training camp.
While she was in boot camp she got to do everything the men did except
learn to use guns. One thing she enjoyed
about boot camp was learning all about the US naval ships, submarines &
planes.
After boot camp, she was assigned to Washington D.C. She would be working in top – secret
communications for the naval operations in both the Atlantic & Pacific
Oceans. Before beginning her service,
she made a promise to keep the information she heard, & the work she did, a
secret. This would keep the enemy from
finding out what the US
was up to. I wish I could tell you about
the things she did & heard but when asked she only says it was top – secret
& can’t tell! On VJ Day (Victory
over Japan)
in 1945, her “office” had to be destroyed.
All evidence of naval communications during the war, including the
communication equipment, was destroyed!
Grandma, thank you for serving our country & for helping
to give me a “land of liberty” to live in.
3/13/13
Taps.
Majestic.
(played by a great nephew?)
3/13/13
The salute.
Today, looking back at these pictures, Kyralyn commented,
"I really enjoyed watching Nana get that flag."
3/13/13 Thanks for the sweater for Dallin, Dad! Still need to ask about the reason for the flowers on the coffin from each of us. Love it. But why?
3/13/13 It was a beautiful graveside service. Even with the wind. (Take note: This is the way I want to do it - a small and simple outdoor celebration of life. Then go out to eat and laugh. No funeral potatoes here! And no Relief Society luncheon. PS - Thanks for lunch Grandma.)
3/13/13 We played at Neptune Park later that evening. When we got there Robert asked if it was always this crowded. Hmmm. I was wondering where all the people were. Its not very often one gets a park around here to oneself (or close to it.)
3/13/13
3/13/13 with Ellianna
3/13/13 Here comes Keelan
3/13/13 Ellianna to the rescue
3/13/13 Here I come!
3/13/13 McKay at the top
3/13/13
3/13/13
3/13/13
3/13/13 Cousin play-time at the park is the best!
Anjannette asked if people here really keep their kids out at the park late...it was just before 8. I once thought 8 was incredibly late too! These days we're just getting started at 8! I love to learn how different the most common of places in our lives are.
3/18/13 That's the way to shop.
3/21/13 On KSL she goes. Time to move on. A minivan has much more affordable space to offer but...can I really miss a car? Oh, but I do!
3/25/13 I love reading picture books to my kids no matter how old they get. This is one of my many favorites. I still remember reading it to Parker and Dallin 7 years ago for the first time and chuckling at the storyline, the ending and the illustrations.
I still chuckle every time.
3/28/13 Kyralyn & Alivia put together a dance routine for their 1st grade class talent show a month ago, with a bit of choreography from Andrea. A week later Mrs. Nuttall asked if they could perform it again for the entire 1st grade. Of course. They loved getting together to practice. A week later Mrs. Nuttall again asked if they'd perform, this time for the whole school as one of the four talents from 1st grade. Kyralyn was elated..."We won!" she exclaimed. Now that its here they are a bit nervous! (And thanks for the modest dance outfits Andrea!)
3/28/13 Awesome performance girls! You've earned those beautiful happy faces!
3/28/13 A birthday night out with the girls. Christie (how's CA?), Tiffany, Corrine (happy birthday), Sarah & Amber. I love these ladies and the constant examples they are to me of strength, courage, faith, love and joy in womanhood. We were at Comedy Sportz in Provo. There were 4 acts...each comedian only got better from the one before. The last one was so funny, he was clean and just used the crazy things of life - didn't have to use negative humor at all. He elicited strong and deep laughter, the kind that brings watery eyes and a great ending to a great evening.
3/29/13 Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Todd & Rachel's.
3/29/13 The older kids get to hide, the younger get to hunt.
3/29/13
3/29/13 The running-out-the-door-to-find-your-first-egg picture is my favorite every year.
3/29/13 Dan loves the adventure.
3/29/13 Andrew's lookin' hard
3/29/13 working together
3/29/13 Wendt's & Spencer's
3/29/13 discovery
3/29/13 Dallin, Clay, Jace, Dan
Mateo (from Italy), Parker, Kale
Tylan, Callie and (another Wendt).
3/29/13 all together now...
it lasted for about 2 seconds before the Crash.
3/30/13 5th grade basketball
3/31/13 we've never really done "the Easter bunny" but Paul gives the kids a chocolate bunny every year. This year they were hidden (I think because they were originally forgotten until a little 6 year old asked where they were on Easter morning.)
