Isaac

Sherrill and I went to the church today an hour before the Visitation. Kyle's wife had fixed it all up last night. We even got there before the funeral home and the florist. We went around taking pictures.

During the visitation, about a hundred or so people came through. A lot of them was from his school, and of course church. There were so many little kids Eli's age. Everything went smoothly, then we had that long walk down the hall to the chapel.

When we got there the chapel doors were closed. They opened them for the casket, and there were literally hundreds of people standing shoulder to shoulder. I saw two empty front row seats, and one of them was reserved for family. The overflow area was even opened and filled with chairs.

That's when I started to cry. Just the mere number of people there was so overwhelming. And everyone was staring as we had to walk by. Sherrill has been really emotional since we received the first call. I wasn't sure he would even be able to make it as a pall bearer.

The service was fantastic, if you can say that about a funeral. Joe Roller out did himself. He had the Bishop and stake president both laughing and in tears. Joe's brother Kyle also spoke...straight from the heart. It was very touching.

Video taping is not allowed, but I did get permission to do just the audio. The camera was pointing to the ceiling on both the ipad and iPhone. The sound quality is not that good right now, but I am hoping when I transfer it to the computer I can adjust the volume, etc.

The pictures above were taken with the ipad. All the others are in my phone. I hope Kat has the cord so I can transfer them over. Oh, my charger should do that. I'll work on it and get out some more pictures as soon as I can.

Everyone has returned to their hotels, RV's and beds here. There have been a lot of laughs and tears.
I think a good rest will be good for everyone.

Good Morning

It's 3:30 am. The house is now quiet.
Last night I went to my room around 10:00. Joe had gone to the campground to visit his parents. Christy had gone to her hotel down the road, and Kyle's wife and Eli were at the church setting up things. I had put out all of the food for dinner, coverin the island and counter top. We were leaving it out for Kyle's family.

From 10 on I stayed in my room. Shortly thereafter, Kyle and family did return. This morning I wake up to a spotless living room and kitchen. Furniture had been rearranged, an extra leaf put in the table, toys moved......I'm telling you, it didn't look like the same house. I do't know when Kat did it, or how long it took, but she did a major overhaul.

I am going to church early this morning to meet the funeral home guy and florist. Kat said she is not going until the last minute.

We sat back and talked last night about how strange it seems without Isaac running through the house grabbing all of the remotes. No Yo Gabba Gabba songs playing, etc. We WILL be playing his music though during the visitation.

That's all for now folks. Just wanted to check in say hello. Hope all of you have a good day.

Up all Night

Kat was up all night long. This morning Joe carried her to the doctor. She got some medicine, and laid down around 2:00 our time. She is still resting now......3 1/2 hours later. The house has been full. Joe's parents, 2 sisters, Cloe's son, Joe's brother & wife, 3 kids, Christy , Kurt and 4 kids.You can imagine what it is like.

Today we have been working on fixing photos to be displayed. We had printed out 100  4X6, six 8X10, and one 16X24. The girls are going to church in a few minutes to set up the table in the Relief Society room, one in the foyer, and I don't know where else.,

Joe's mom and dad have gone to the RV to rest, and will return for dinner about 6:30. I think most everyone is reaching their stress level. It's just getting too close to time.

Everyone is calling and texting, They think that they can't attend the funeral because they are not Mormon. I forgot Izzy had clinic today in Durham, so of course I called Abby to change it on Facebook. After a while, Kat just went on there and made her post. Throughout all of this she still has her sense of humor!

I'm hoping tonight things will be quiet around here, giving Joe time to visit with his parents. He still has not been able to tell them the story of everything that has happened. I have tried to explain to his mom, but there are just some things I can't describe.

Video taping in the church is not allowed, but I am trying to figure out how to sneak it. I want my mom and dad to be able to listen, and even see it.

So, that's where we stand for now. I hope there is plenty of Xanax to go around tomorrow.

Just another day

The days are beginning to get a little more difficult as Saturday approaches. Today Kat and Joe had to go to the funeral home to carry clothes, toys, and blanket. Christy and I went to the florist to order the flowers for the casket and another spray. I couldn't even get his entire name out before I teared up.
Christy had to finish up giving the information.

Sherrill spent most of his day at the casino. Christy and Brittany (Kyle's wife) carried the kids to the amusement place at the hotel. Those kids played for almost 4 hours. While they were gone Isaac's three therapist came by to visit and was telling stories about him. He had all of them wrapped around is little finger too! He was always trying to get out of work.

More and more people have stopped by, and more and more food. Every night we have to throw out, and repack the refrigerator.  The phone continues to ring, jump, wiggle......it just can't stay still. There  is no way she will be able to return all the calls, texts, etc. Everything is just so overwhelming.

I totally forgot my phone today. It was in my purse for 6 hours or so. Sorry I was late responding to texts and calls.

Tomorrow Christy and Brittany will be getting the pictures and things together to set up the table at church. I downloaded over a hundred and had them printed up. Now we are going to go through those and choose the ones we will be blowing up to 8X10's.

Joe's mom, dad, and 2 sisters will arrive soon. Kurt came in this tonight from Las Vegas. Chris has gone to the casino to meet up with Grandpa. They are going to play slots.

Sherrill and Christy got rooms at Boomtown. He is loving it there, I didn't want to pack up and move out. I am comfortable right here.

So, that's how our day has gone. Sherrill still cries every day. He is getting his enjoyment walking the 2 dogs here, We even caught him scratching the big dog's butt. Strange old man!

Hope all of you are doing great!  We miss you!

Arrangements for Saturday

9:00            Viewing
10:00           Funeral Services
11:30           Graveside

Location: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints  
                 2050 Robb Drive
                 Reno, NV  89523

Abby, I will be out tomorrow from 10-12 my time. If you have any questions, give us a call.
You can go ahead and post it on the site, just make it look better  than what  it does now, including his name and whatever appropriate. Thanks!

Isaac Update

Kat and Joe went to the cemetery yesterday to make arrangements there. He will be buried in the Children's section of the Catholic Church Cemetery. Everyone reports it is one of the best, and lots of Mormons are buried there.

Today they went to the funeral home to make arrangements. They will meet with the Bishop tonight at 7:00 to finalize times, etc. So, after that, we should have the final plans. I kinda assume  the funeral will be sometime Saturday morning.

Abby has the Cherishing Isaac Roller page up and running. Feel free to add any pictures and comments.

All the drama has been straightened out, so we are back on track.

Christy just arrived in Reno, and will be here soon.

I think that's about all I know for now.

A New Page For Isaac

UPDATE: STARTED A GROUP INSTEAD TO GET THE LOOK KATHY WANTED!!! I HAVE DELETED THE OTHER PAGE. PLEASE GO JOIN THIS GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/579861245484214/ {Cherishing Isaac Roller} A new page for Isaac was requested to be set up on facebook. Please go and like, then feel free to post pictures, videos, encouraging words...your fondest memories. All funeral arrangements will posted there as well for all to see. Please share with those whom know the Roller family!! https://www.facebook.com/cherishingisaacroller

Sequence of Events.........

Last night when I got the call from Kat...the first one.....I called Mandy, Christy, James, Christa, Sue Roller, and Grandma Cat. Sherrill called Wendy, Cindy, work men, and I'm not sure who else. We both explained that the prognosis was NOT good. When we received the second call it was after 1:00 AM. I could not call EVERYONE again, so I CHOSE to call NO one at that time of night.

It was after 1:00, and we had to leave home by 3:30. Cook chicken and bacon for Jack, pack suitcases, get the house in order, etc. Instead I decided to send a group text message to the kids, and Kelli. I did not know until today that Mandy did not receive her message. Christy said her phone doesn't let her get group messages.  I even sent one to someone I don't even recognize. Remember now, it's 1:00 AM, I haven't had any sleep (still haven't) but still TRIED to communicate with everyone. Then I had to send messages too my brothers and sister, nieces, nephews, cousins, family friends,etc......all the while packing, cleaning, and cooking. And, do you think I might have been just a little upset? This was the little man I had spent my summer with!

All I can say is, I tried. I did what I could do in the amount of time I had. I did NOT even call my own mom. And, did you know facebook was down for about 2 hours during this time. Kat had asked me to put a post on there for her.......which I did.

Kat found the text message in my phone, and I just did a screen shot. It's about 9:07 here, close to the time when I did the screen shots. So, YES, I did omit Mandy by mistake and I apologized to her for that. I don't know what happened to the other text. And by the way......how often do you see me text??Ask Olivia how good I am at it! That girl is 5 times faster than me. She can text me goodnight, and she is already asleep before I even get a chance to reply.

Isaac and his family are my main concern right now. I don't have the time for additional stressors. just remember, your dad has a phone too. If I don't get right back with you, call him!

As for right now, the Roller family are being very strong and putting on a brave front. The phones ring nonstop, people are stopping by, and they need time to themselves so they can mourn. There ae still arrangements to be made, phone calls to make, arranging for the influx of family members, etc.
Today part of their day was spent trying to select a burial plot.

So, do you kind of see what right now I can't be so concerned with who knew what when. Did a 4 or 5 hour time delay cause you NOT to buy a plane ticket, or send a card, or make a call? No, I don't think anyone should feel obligated to purchase a ticket they can not afford. Just being there, and letting them know that you care. That you really wish you could be with them. There is still time to do anything you chose to do for the family.

 Right now the main focus is on Eli. He spent 3 or 4 hours at the hospital with Isaac until the very end. As he puts it,"Grandma, I've seen the pictures of Isaac when he was really sick, but you haven't seen anything until you saw what I saw." Eli has been Isaac's babysitter since the summer, and he has done an excellent job. Now he is enjoying the excitement of getting mail, a few dollars, and HE is getting the attention. So, if you really want to do something, send him a card. Write him a note and let him know what a special big brother he is. And Chris, he is hurting just like everyone else. Throughout all of this he is learning what real family is all about.

Try to do something to make this world a better place, and don't worry about the small stuff. Remember, I too found out info on Facebook, and yes, I complained. Then I took the time to realize what was really important. And yes, I did tell Kat I made a post about her and Facebook, then deleted it when it became inappropriate. But I did tell her I saved it to give to her when the time is right.

I hope none of you EVER have to go through what the Roller family is going through right now, all four of them.  Stand up, and stand behind each of them. Sometimes everyone needs someone to lean on.

Sad Sad News

Kat called at 10:12 to tell us that the Drs said Isaac would not make it through the night.
As you know he had gone to the ER Sunday night, was released Monday morning and went home.
He had to return to the hospital.

I used "find my friend" to check on her to realize she had returned to the hospital, so I texted her to ask what was going on. By then his body temp was 86 and his blood sugar was 11. They got that taken care of, then his blood pressure was dropping.

They assumed he had some type of infection and was going to/or did a spinal tap. As the day went on, he just kept going downhill. I received fewer than 5 text through the day, so I really didn't have anything to report.

Knowing Isaac, I know he is continuing to fight, but the prognosis does not look good. Kat was going to turn off her phone, she really needs this time to spend with her sons and husband.
Chris is flying back home tomorrow, and Sherrill and I are flying out at 6:00am.

We will try to keep you posted on everything.

Did you Know............

Recognize this?
It's the You tube App.
Now, do you know what this is?

This is in the "permissions" section when you download the App. Remember the part that you never read? ! ?  You are giving You Tube and Google permission for your phone to take a picture at any time to collect images the camera is seeing?
So, when was the last time you took a suggestive "Selfie"?

Now the government has access to our phones anyway to track our positions, and they too can take pictures when they want.....that's for real. But Google.....why do they need a pic of an old woman?

Now do you see how our Government can track down so many terrorists?

See, I really did learn a lot in class!

Blake and Bowling

He looks like a pro. Look at that ball!
Thanks Kelli.

Another Project...........

Oh how confusing......... Yes, I am still part Neanderthal (2.8 percent), but I just realized today I have been looking at this all wrong (slapping self on head)!!!
I pulled up my 23andme DNA results today at church, and there it was, another whole halo group I had missed.
Maternal halogroup is still H13a1a1a.  But, I was totally overlooking Paternal halo group...
R1b1b2a1a2d. 
All of these "cousins" that have been trying to make a connection have mostly been R1's.
How dumb can I be????? So, I transferred my raw data to FtDNA. They are processing my results.
By tomorrow I hope to have found lots more cousins out there.
I guess I should have majored in science. This is so interesting. And, where do you think the R1's come from.......Basque, covering the area from northeastern Spain and southwestern France. Who would have thought.
Debbie, you have to have your DNA done. We need answers. We need Harvey to be tested too, and mom.......but you know she will be afraid of the Nigerians!
I guess my next class needs to be on understanding DNA.

Meg and Seth

Nope, I didn't get pictures in their hoodies. Seth got neon green and Meg the bright pink!

Notice the black picture ledges in the background? I couldn't get anyone to hang all my pictures, so a year or so ago I took them all out of their frames. Now I have to get some new pics, or use some of the old ones and fill my picture ledges. There are actually 4 of them, but you can only see 2. Meg is blocking the one on top that holds an 8X10 of Chris, and the other one has 5X7's of the Murray's and Blegens. But, now that I have new pics of the Murray's, I can put up an 8X10 of them! 

Dance Convention in Myrtle Beach

Sure wish I could do that!
Thanks Wendy.

Working on a new Project

I have completed my Intro to PC Security Class, so now I am off to my next project. I have a genealogy webinar today (in just a few minutes). You will never guess what my next project is......

Does the picture above tell you anything? No that's not an add for KFC. It's for the Klan.

As the story goes........Aunt Pauline ran a restaurant in Faison, NC during the 60's. In April of 1966 four black airmen from SJAFB (Seymour Johnson) came to the restaurant drunk. They went to the "white's" bathroom cussing and carrying on. Aunt Pauline went in there and asked them to leave.
They went next door to Mr Dallas' (Aunt Pauline's husband) and asked him where was the closest ABC store. He told them where it was, and they left.

Now, during this period Fasion was still involved with racial segregation. The "whites" sat in the front of the restaurant, while the "blacks" sat in the back. The blacks actually went through the alley and entered through the back door.

To continue with the story. The blacks came back around 4:15 the same day. The restaurant was closed for the day, so they went into Mr Dallas' gas station/convenient store. They were still drunk, and threatened to "whip" him. He had a meat market in there, and picked up a large knife (some say it was a machete) and ran them out. The next morning Aunt Pauline called the provost marshall at the base and told him what had happened. He promised that they would NEVER return there again.

A few months later Aunt Pauline and Mr Dallas were served with papers for "refusing to sell food to Negroes in the same manner and practice as they do their "White Customers". Yep, this was a Federal Civil Rights trial! The FBI was involved, everyone around the area were interviewed. Depositions were taken. The works.

I wrote away a few years ago to get a copy of all of this. I pulled it out the other day and was reading it. It was so interesting. We all knew Mr Dallas was in the KKK, but in the deposition I discovered he was the Exalted Cyclop. What is this.....well, it's the president of the local group. He says in the deposition that there were about 40 members, and they sometimes met at the restaurant after hours.

I went to the library yesterday to see if I could find any newspaper articles in the local newspaper. I wasn't able to, but I did find on the front page, 3 days before their court date the KKK in Goldsboro burned a cross at their meeting. Coincidental? I think not. And oh, did I forget to mention that the KKK paid for their attorney's fees?

The case went on until 1972 when eventually everything was dismissed. They did not have to pay any penalties or fees, but were required to post a sign out front that said:
" This establishment is a public accommodation within the meaning of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. All of it's facilities are open to all persons on an equal basis, regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin."

Anyone knowing Aunt Pauline knows she stood by her convictions. She decided to close the restaurant before she would post a sign such as that at her place.

You've gotta love history! ! ! ! !

Liv

                                                           stolen from Facebook

Just adorable.

My Gift to Myself......

Look what I just ordered for me, a new quilt pattern. I haven't bought any quilting stuff in quite awhile. This is just so cute and adorable. I love the reds and the light greens. I think I will use some lime green in with it. It's time to head to Fayetteville to my favorite quilt shop.

Sherrill is working in Durham this week. Yeaahhhh, he's out of the house, and it's just me and the dog. Some days I think Jack rules things, and I am the DOG!

Mandy, Scott, and the kids were here on Sunday. I didn't take a lot of pics though. Just a single one of each of the kids.

I'm off to the library to try out that new card! Have a good day everyone.

Kiddos and the eagles

For all you Star War Fans.........Eli

http://www.overthebigmoon.com/stars-wars-printable-valentines/

Check out the printable Valentines cards this girl designed.
Really Cute.

Who Are YOU?

Christy is trying to get me to trace my Indian heritage so she can go to college for free. Kat wants me to trace it so she and Joe can fish on the Indian reservation. I am just very curious. It's a project I am working on, but a hard one to prove.

I have the old man off running errands, Jack is sleeping, so the house is quiet.
It's time to get back to work! Two more classes, then I take my final exam.

Happy Birthday Carter

Happy Birthday to YOU
Happy Birthday to YOU
Happy Birthday dear Carter
Happy Birthday to YOU.........

Have an extra special fabulous birthday. We love you!

What's for Dinner

Last night Sherrill had spaghetti for dinner and his blood sugar went up to 265. You can imagine how much he ate. So, tonight was a man's meal......fried chicken. I wanted something to cook fast, so I went to the freezer and got a pack of boneless chicken breast I had bought and cut in half (to make it thinner). Kat does this when she makes her chicken parmesan.

It fried up beautifully, and fast! It fooled Sherrill. He thought he had eaten two chicken breast, but hey, it was just one cut in half! Shhhhh, no telling. I wish there was a way to do that to a pork chop.

Wendy, tell Olivia thanks for my text last night. I might have replied after she went to bed.

Only Chris!

Yep, that's my baby!

At least they have on their bathing suits.

My Guy Chris

I receive a phone call from Chris about every other day. As you know, he has moved to Draper,Ut and is going to school in Salt Lake City. He is living with his friend Jeremy and his 71 year old Grandma.
The stories that Chris tells are unbelievable! ! !!
Salt Lake is about a 45  minute train ride from Draper, and about a 15-20 minute walk. It took him a while to figure this out though. The first day he went to Salt Lake it took him about 4 hours. He walked an hour or more of it, until he happened upon a train station. Who knows where this boy has gone.

Orientation for school is Monday and Tuesday. As part of a project on Monday, he was selected to speak to over 400 students that were at orientation, was asked to join their Debate team, and was told by an instructor how cute he was and was invited to take her class on "Relationships". Once she told him he had to pay $20.00 for the class, but she would teach him how to pick out the "perfect" wife, he was quick to respond that he wasn't looking for a wife.

This morning he will have to leave home by 6:30 to walk 15-20 minutes to the train station, wait for the train, then ride the 45 minutes to downtown SLC, then still have a few blocks to walk to the school. Yesterday afternoon he called me while running home in the rain!

And then there was the night before last.......Jeremy's cousin had come over, and the guys had decided to go to the hot tub, late at night, in the cold and ice. They ran out in their speedos, barefooted to the hot tubs, only to find they were locked up. They tried to pick the locks to no avail, then back to Grandma's. When they arrived, their feet were frozen, so they all three went and jumped in the bathtub together to warm up. Chris's comment about this "College is so COOL"!!

I don't know how my baby boy is going to make it. He did discover they have free tutoring. He told me he would add me to his "find my friend" so I can keep track of him.

Now, Utah has very few African Americans living there. But, he did find one his second day there. They walked to the mall together looking for food. I think this is when he learned he could sell his blood for $50.00, and his plasma for $100.00. Now he thinks he doesn't have to get a job....he can just sell his blood! Poor child!

When you say your prayers, please remember Chris. He's out in the Wild Blue Yonder.

Yesterday......a Pretty Good Day!

Where's Grandpa.......Yep sitting in his chair!

That's how he spent most of his day yesterday. Yes, it was cold outside, and he did need some rest, so he spent from 7:30 to about 2:00 pm in his chair. There was a Western on from 10-2, so he slept through most of that. I would go over and watch a few minutes with him, and ask what was going on, and he wouldn't know. It had cowboys in it though, so it was a good movie.

I just sat at the desk working on school work I was behind on. I had 5 lessons and tests I had not done, so I finally got caught up. Sherrill did go out and rake and burn leaves for about an hour, and then he moved the last of the Christmas stuff from the garage so I can turn it back into my work area.

I decided to move out to the garage/office/study when him and Jack want to just sit around and sleep.

We have the fireplace going out there, so it is warm. I'll just have to hook up the phone, move a laptop out there, and I will be ready to go. Oh yeah, there is even an extra printer, and all of my genealogy notebooks.

We ended up our evening with a fantastic meal. I had baked a ham, sweet potatoes, cabbage, and rice.

After that, you know it, more sleeping for him and Jack. I even checked his blood sugar to make sure he wasn't dead! He wasn't grouchy though, so that was nice. I had been the grouchy one the day before, so he knew to stay outta my way.

Old age can be hilarious. You never know what to expect. You can sit for hours thinking about what you want or need to do, then by the time you get up to do it, you realize you are too tired, and need to wait a little while longer. That's why I start cooking dinner every day around 2:00 pm. I get most of the food cooked, just leaving the meat to cook right before serving. I have my system down pat. 

Today is leftovers, with fresh potato salad, deviled eggs,  and rolls added to the menu. After that, you've got it, more sitting! 

The above posts is in no way meant to criticize or make fun of the aforementioned old man. I just don't know what it is about an old man and a chair. Don't they know a chair is for sitting, reading, and eating, not sleeping! ! ! !

I Out lived my Library Card!

I have paid subscriptions to quite a few genealogy sites. I was going through today canceling the auto renewal on some of them that I can now access for free through the public library. I called the library to get the password, and they told me to use my PIN #. I try to explain I don't have a PIN#. They said sure, everyone does. Ummmm....... not me. I told them I have had my card for over 25 years (actually 41 years), and they didn't even have PIN# back then.

He told me I would have to come to the library and get a new card. He did run my library card #, and nope, I was not in the system. Who would have thought that this old woman actually out lived her library card.......and that I even still have it!

I have all of these renewal dates on my calendar. Fold3 cancels tomorrow, I can access it at the FHC for free, and genealogy bank I will be able to access at home with my library card #.

Next call to Time Warner to reduce my cable/internet service! 

I'm off to some good savings already this year.

House Rules

Well, it's that time of year......

The time of year that Sherrill spends a few weeks or months at home. This is the time that he sits in his chair, sleeps all day, and snacks constantly. Last night I decided to have "the talk" with him.

I explained to him that him and Jack sitting in the chair sleeping and snoring all day really annoy me. If you want to sleep, go to bed. And then there's the snacking. I am constantly asking, "What are you eating now?" Why should I care, it's none of MY business, but hey, I might want some too! He informs me that this is the time of year he likes to "rest up" for busy times. 

Yesterday he sat in the chair for almost 2 hours looking at the "blue" screen on TV. The cable box had gone to sleep, and he didn't have the energy to push the button on the remote. 

So, if you can think of any activities that might keep the old man occupied, let me know. I think I will plan a day trip for next week just to get him out of the house. 

Wizard of Oz

Blake and I sat in my chair the other week and watched the last hour of The Wizard of Oz.
That movie always scared me, but not Blake. I let him know in advance what was going to happen, and he was just fine. He kept his eyes glued to the screen. As for Grandpa and Jack.......they slept through most of it!

Kelli, let me know if his present got there.

Happy Birthday Blake

Happy Birthday to YOU
Happy Birthday to YOU
Happy Birthday dear first Great Grandson
Happy Birthday to YOU ! !!  ! ! !!

We LOVE LOVE LOVE you!

Another Color

Now that will definitely glow in the dark!
He even has shoes to match.

What Is It?

I received this in a text.
Can you identify what it is??????

McEwan Kiddos

Jacob and Catherine

Luke and Jacob

Yes, this would be Kenny!

Gotta love those hoodies!

Did you notice Luke's new glasses?