At the beach today:
Oreo: WATER!!!! *frolic frolic frolic*
LJ: AAA! IT'S WET!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Moments of calm in a midst of a storm
Recently I have found out that multiple families in our ward and amazingly close circle of friends are moving. I have felt like I have been in a midst of a storm. Everything seems to be swirling around me.
Knowing that they are moving hurts my heart, and there have been random times when I all of a sudden break down and just cry. I know that there is nothing I can do about it, but I still feel pain. I will miss them. I have had some hard days, and I don't even know what to expect for the last day. I really don't want to think about it, as it is hard to imagine for me.
So, on to the title of this post. There have indeed been moments of peace where I am calm. Some of these times include when we are together, giving hugs, just times during the day when I think about everyone. Sometimes I surprise myself, when I think about (or try not to) what it will be like when they are gone, and I don't cry, I feel as if everything is going to be all right.
I know that it is because I have felt closer to my Heavenly Father. He has helped me through this, and I believe he will continue to, if I just ask. Even when I am sobbing helplessly, I know that I am not alone, and that He can help me.
I will miss all of you, and I hope to stay in touch. I love all of you. Thanks for being there for my family, and me especially.
Ceana
Knowing that they are moving hurts my heart, and there have been random times when I all of a sudden break down and just cry. I know that there is nothing I can do about it, but I still feel pain. I will miss them. I have had some hard days, and I don't even know what to expect for the last day. I really don't want to think about it, as it is hard to imagine for me.
So, on to the title of this post. There have indeed been moments of peace where I am calm. Some of these times include when we are together, giving hugs, just times during the day when I think about everyone. Sometimes I surprise myself, when I think about (or try not to) what it will be like when they are gone, and I don't cry, I feel as if everything is going to be all right.
I know that it is because I have felt closer to my Heavenly Father. He has helped me through this, and I believe he will continue to, if I just ask. Even when I am sobbing helplessly, I know that I am not alone, and that He can help me.
I will miss all of you, and I hope to stay in touch. I love all of you. Thanks for being there for my family, and me especially.
Ceana
Thursday, June 3, 2010
CHA-CHING = OUCH!
Have been without the Beast for 2 whole days now, hearing nothing about needed repairs. Just got a phone call, and it is the fuel pump that has died...its repair costs will be a big hit to the family budget...
We so need the car, and we knew taking this on would have these possibilities....just didnt understand the magnitude of what that would mean...not sure how to tighten our belts anymore....
We so need the car, and we knew taking this on would have these possibilities....just didnt understand the magnitude of what that would mean...not sure how to tighten our belts anymore....
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
NOT SO JOYFUL MOMENTS
1) Being beside myself with little boys who are bent on pounding each other to a pulp and destroying the house in the process, and being completely clueless about life in general....sometimes I wonder if I am ever going to survive these boys (and a baby sister who follows in their ill chosen paths)
2) A suburban that I love and hate at the same time. This was our misadventure today - went out to go get ceana from school only to have the dumb thing not start. We had it in the shop last week for something that was supposed to be fixed the time before that. I think this will be the 4th or 5th time we have had to take it in - for mostly different things dying - in the 2 months we have owned it....this is going to be another big "cha ching" hit to the family budget....we will most likely not have it back until the weekend when I told them I HAVE to have it back no matter what....
I have a friend who is going through some similar circumstances with her suburban right now too. We chatted this morning and she mentioned that having no car means practicing the family exercise program - and I replied "I know, I know, practicing to exercise faith and patience, etc" (she is always the one to give those kinds of encouraging comments) and she said "uh, no, I meant EXERCISE" (implying kids & I biking, walking, etc) We both laughed over that one, and that we can "feel each other's pain" in our current life's similar situations.
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Doing my best to clean out everything essential to life before it was taken away. That was harder than it sounds since we live in that thing and there was an extra huge pile of stuff to go into the house, including a 2nd trip to get cars seats out
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3) Weather that cant make up its bloomin' mind. One minute it is torrential downpour - and the next it is beautiful (though still overcast) and 60 degrees. The weather has wreaked havoc with our last 2 outdoor activity plans. Even though it is dry, the sky is still filled with threatening clouds, the wind blows and the temperature hovers around 45-50 degrees. Plants and flowers are blooming late, bees are not about and pollentating anything that has or is blooming, and it is still too wet and cold to even think about planting our garden...I REALLY need some sunshine - soon!
2) A suburban that I love and hate at the same time. This was our misadventure today - went out to go get ceana from school only to have the dumb thing not start. We had it in the shop last week for something that was supposed to be fixed the time before that. I think this will be the 4th or 5th time we have had to take it in - for mostly different things dying - in the 2 months we have owned it....this is going to be another big "cha ching" hit to the family budget....we will most likely not have it back until the weekend when I told them I HAVE to have it back no matter what....
I have a friend who is going through some similar circumstances with her suburban right now too. We chatted this morning and she mentioned that having no car means practicing the family exercise program - and I replied "I know, I know, practicing to exercise faith and patience, etc" (she is always the one to give those kinds of encouraging comments) and she said "uh, no, I meant EXERCISE" (implying kids & I biking, walking, etc) We both laughed over that one, and that we can "feel each other's pain" in our current life's similar situations.
.JPG)
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Doing my best to clean out everything essential to life before it was taken away. That was harder than it sounds since we live in that thing and there was an extra huge pile of stuff to go into the house, including a 2nd trip to get cars seats out.JPG)
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3) Weather that cant make up its bloomin' mind. One minute it is torrential downpour - and the next it is beautiful (though still overcast) and 60 degrees. The weather has wreaked havoc with our last 2 outdoor activity plans. Even though it is dry, the sky is still filled with threatening clouds, the wind blows and the temperature hovers around 45-50 degrees. Plants and flowers are blooming late, bees are not about and pollentating anything that has or is blooming, and it is still too wet and cold to even think about planting our garden...I REALLY need some sunshine - soon!
MORE JOYFUL MOMENTS
1) Listening to my daughters' shocked reaction as C greeted K with "Good Morning Sunshine!" (this is Preston's little saying to her usually) Enjoying laughing hysterically with C and the girls as we asked him "who are you, and what have you done with my son?"
2) Being continually amazed my children's innocence and having their own simple truths about everyday things. Example - working with colton on a homework assignment and talking about what things/people we find in our community. We had named several local businesses when I asked him "Where do we get money from" - (my grown up response is a bank) His answer? In all seriousness, was "from the tooth fairy" - we all busted out laughing, and yet it was true, in his little world quarters do come from the tooth fairy...well, she lives in our community too right?
3) Having "my heart so filled to overflowing that some spills out of my eyes" (fave quote from Mulan that fits perfectly) whenever I think about my 2 closest friends and sisters. I grew up all my life without sisters - and now in adulthood I have 2! They are a great joy and comfort to me. M & C you are 2 of the greatest blessings in my life! I truly would be lost without you! We have shared joy and sadness, good times, and not so good times, and yet you have stood by me, and with me through them all. You are true miracles given to me from the One who knows how I have needed you most of all. Love you TONS!
4) Having an AMAZING husband who works mighty miracles and does death-defying feats in our home. He took on 3 weeks of laundry, more dirty dishes than you could count, garbages, recycling, dirty floors and countertops....essentially a house that has been a state of hurricane disaster for weeks.....and in a very short order, got everything sparkling clean and ready for guests and activities. He can knock out more in a few hours than I can ever accomplish over a span of days or weeks! He is also super patient and calm amidst my meltdowns and hysterics....
Love you, sweetie, for braving all our craziness with tenderness and willingness to serve and help keep our family going! You are the awesomerest!
5) Getting to sit in on a wonderful Memorial Day service this year. I cried through most of the whole thing. It was a good time to remember why we have all the daily blessings we have. I have an extra tender place in my heart when it comes to military service with Preston serving all these years. Though he has never had to leave us for months or been in dangerous situations, he has served gratefully and willingly whenever he has been asked. We have sacrificed a little to support those who have sacrificed so much.
6) Listening and watching 14 sweet and amazing kiddos sing together in sacrament meeting this week. Their sweet voices filled with love and power really was something to behold. We also got a cute chuckle over an extra little person who thought he was supposed to join our crew to sing. He was such a cutie and didnt seem to mind at all when I let him know the whole primary wasnt singing and that he could go ahead and sit with his mom. Our whole gang probably would be the whole primary somewhere...we are a good chunk of our primary now! It was just a cute, funny thing to go with an extra special music day.
7) Getting to spend most of a whole day with 14 amazing kiddos and wonderful and dear friends. We photographed 14 kiddos and 4 families - all in about 2 hours - mostly inside! Whew - it was really WOW. The kids all did really well and hopefully we have some super great shots for everyone to keep. Our BEJW crew is one lovable, crazy bunch, and a joy to be a part of!
2) Being continually amazed my children's innocence and having their own simple truths about everyday things. Example - working with colton on a homework assignment and talking about what things/people we find in our community. We had named several local businesses when I asked him "Where do we get money from" - (my grown up response is a bank) His answer? In all seriousness, was "from the tooth fairy" - we all busted out laughing, and yet it was true, in his little world quarters do come from the tooth fairy...well, she lives in our community too right?
3) Having "my heart so filled to overflowing that some spills out of my eyes" (fave quote from Mulan that fits perfectly) whenever I think about my 2 closest friends and sisters. I grew up all my life without sisters - and now in adulthood I have 2! They are a great joy and comfort to me. M & C you are 2 of the greatest blessings in my life! I truly would be lost without you! We have shared joy and sadness, good times, and not so good times, and yet you have stood by me, and with me through them all. You are true miracles given to me from the One who knows how I have needed you most of all. Love you TONS!
4) Having an AMAZING husband who works mighty miracles and does death-defying feats in our home. He took on 3 weeks of laundry, more dirty dishes than you could count, garbages, recycling, dirty floors and countertops....essentially a house that has been a state of hurricane disaster for weeks.....and in a very short order, got everything sparkling clean and ready for guests and activities. He can knock out more in a few hours than I can ever accomplish over a span of days or weeks! He is also super patient and calm amidst my meltdowns and hysterics....
Love you, sweetie, for braving all our craziness with tenderness and willingness to serve and help keep our family going! You are the awesomerest!
5) Getting to sit in on a wonderful Memorial Day service this year. I cried through most of the whole thing. It was a good time to remember why we have all the daily blessings we have. I have an extra tender place in my heart when it comes to military service with Preston serving all these years. Though he has never had to leave us for months or been in dangerous situations, he has served gratefully and willingly whenever he has been asked. We have sacrificed a little to support those who have sacrificed so much.
6) Listening and watching 14 sweet and amazing kiddos sing together in sacrament meeting this week. Their sweet voices filled with love and power really was something to behold. We also got a cute chuckle over an extra little person who thought he was supposed to join our crew to sing. He was such a cutie and didnt seem to mind at all when I let him know the whole primary wasnt singing and that he could go ahead and sit with his mom. Our whole gang probably would be the whole primary somewhere...we are a good chunk of our primary now! It was just a cute, funny thing to go with an extra special music day.
7) Getting to spend most of a whole day with 14 amazing kiddos and wonderful and dear friends. We photographed 14 kiddos and 4 families - all in about 2 hours - mostly inside! Whew - it was really WOW. The kids all did really well and hopefully we have some super great shots for everyone to keep. Our BEJW crew is one lovable, crazy bunch, and a joy to be a part of!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
JOYFUL MOMENTS
I just needed to make a list today of all the joy I have watched or had happen in the last couple of days
1) Watching as Colton & Kaeli held hands and sang silly songs together (JELLO and Veggie Tales) as they walked back to the car from Kaeli's performance today
2) Watching as Preston straddled the wagon stuffed with kiddos and stuff and roll it DOWN the hill on the sidewalk during our walk back today
3) Listening as Preston and the big girls bantered back and forth with each other
4) Watching Ky put away 3 HUGE pancakes, mac & cheese, bacon, 6oz milkshake, milk for dinner and then say "Mom, I need something to eat" when we got home and watch him eat a whole banana and some water - sheesh! He will be good to go for a few days after this...
5) Receiving an "I love you" card from Kaeli just because
6) Having Kaeli get pineapple opened for me after I woke horribly sick this morning and after peppermint "tea" and Pepcid AC still werent working....uuuggghhh - remind me it is NOT a good idea to give in to emotional eating...no matter what
7) Having torrential rain up until 1/2 hour before the parade today, having gorgeous weather for the parade and to walk in, having torrential rain start again 5 min after we arrived at performance building, and continue until about 5 min before we needed to leave again....sheesh
8) Watching Preston and the girls in the Keizer Iris Festival Parade today and getting great picts
9) Watching and listening to little people scream and point as they watched horses, cars, etc in the parade
10) Feeling a very warm fuzzy "aaawww" moment when we were getting our check tonight at dinner to find out that someone had left money anonymously for our family because Preston was there in his uniform and they wanted to say "thank you" to him for serving....
11) Listening and watching Kels sing and dance "ring around the rosies" by herself in the kitchen
12) Listening and laughing as Kels sang her ABC's and "F is for FakeBelieve" with the boys in the car while watching one of our fave movies (THANX Uncle T!)
13) Being totally blown away as Kels said her ABC's with the boys while watching same movie
14) Seeing sunbeams streaming through dark storm clouds on the drive home
15) Helping Kaeli get on her CATS costume for her performance today - she was AWESOME!
16) Watching Ceana's reaction to a new food - I asked her to try calamari without telling her what it was first. She did fine and mentioned that it tasted kind of like fish and when preston responded "it should taste like squid" she threw her hands over her mouth and literally bolted to the bathroom.....I havent laughed that hard in a long time....after that I got lots of "how could you do that to me" glares from her....it was pretty funny
17) Listening to Ceana play in her Spring band concert (she ROCKED!) and then enjoying taking picts of her and Ana and capturing their closeness and laughter after the concert. Thanx girls for letting me share that time - picts are AWESOME!
18) Watching Kels eating a mozzarella stick for the first time and laughing as she tried to bite it and the cheese stretched from her mouth across the table as she pulled her hand away
19) Feeling like I accomplished something good by working off stress and steam at the pool
20) Knowing that everyone enjoyed their dinner out tonight as most of the kids sat with that "I cant believe I ate the whole thing" look on their faces
21) Eating a free hot dog lunch while sitting on the ground and tailgate of the Beast (I was very good and didnt eat one)
22) I know there are others - my brain is just on the fritz after a 12 hr non-stop fun day...will add more soon
1) Watching as Colton & Kaeli held hands and sang silly songs together (JELLO and Veggie Tales) as they walked back to the car from Kaeli's performance today
2) Watching as Preston straddled the wagon stuffed with kiddos and stuff and roll it DOWN the hill on the sidewalk during our walk back today
3) Listening as Preston and the big girls bantered back and forth with each other
4) Watching Ky put away 3 HUGE pancakes, mac & cheese, bacon, 6oz milkshake, milk for dinner and then say "Mom, I need something to eat" when we got home and watch him eat a whole banana and some water - sheesh! He will be good to go for a few days after this...
5) Receiving an "I love you" card from Kaeli just because
6) Having Kaeli get pineapple opened for me after I woke horribly sick this morning and after peppermint "tea" and Pepcid AC still werent working....uuuggghhh - remind me it is NOT a good idea to give in to emotional eating...no matter what
7) Having torrential rain up until 1/2 hour before the parade today, having gorgeous weather for the parade and to walk in, having torrential rain start again 5 min after we arrived at performance building, and continue until about 5 min before we needed to leave again....sheesh
8) Watching Preston and the girls in the Keizer Iris Festival Parade today and getting great picts
9) Watching and listening to little people scream and point as they watched horses, cars, etc in the parade
10) Feeling a very warm fuzzy "aaawww" moment when we were getting our check tonight at dinner to find out that someone had left money anonymously for our family because Preston was there in his uniform and they wanted to say "thank you" to him for serving....
11) Listening and watching Kels sing and dance "ring around the rosies" by herself in the kitchen
12) Listening and laughing as Kels sang her ABC's and "F is for FakeBelieve" with the boys in the car while watching one of our fave movies (THANX Uncle T!)
13) Being totally blown away as Kels said her ABC's with the boys while watching same movie
14) Seeing sunbeams streaming through dark storm clouds on the drive home
15) Helping Kaeli get on her CATS costume for her performance today - she was AWESOME!
16) Watching Ceana's reaction to a new food - I asked her to try calamari without telling her what it was first. She did fine and mentioned that it tasted kind of like fish and when preston responded "it should taste like squid" she threw her hands over her mouth and literally bolted to the bathroom.....I havent laughed that hard in a long time....after that I got lots of "how could you do that to me" glares from her....it was pretty funny
17) Listening to Ceana play in her Spring band concert (she ROCKED!) and then enjoying taking picts of her and Ana and capturing their closeness and laughter after the concert. Thanx girls for letting me share that time - picts are AWESOME!
18) Watching Kels eating a mozzarella stick for the first time and laughing as she tried to bite it and the cheese stretched from her mouth across the table as she pulled her hand away
19) Feeling like I accomplished something good by working off stress and steam at the pool
20) Knowing that everyone enjoyed their dinner out tonight as most of the kids sat with that "I cant believe I ate the whole thing" look on their faces
21) Eating a free hot dog lunch while sitting on the ground and tailgate of the Beast (I was very good and didnt eat one)
22) I know there are others - my brain is just on the fritz after a 12 hr non-stop fun day...will add more soon
Monday, May 3, 2010
Triathlon FB Conversations
Triathlon FB Conversations....this stuff has just made me laugh out loud...so I thought I would keep a running journal of some interactions with the other sisters...(Apr/May 2010)
*"Over hill, over dale....poor Dale" - I just love that line from one of our Peanuts movies...poor little Re-run is destined to sit on the back of his mom's bike while she crashes and swerves and, you get the idea....that was totally me last night...BUT - Elizabeth and I DID IT!!! Woot for us! It was a slow start, but we rocked (and wobbled, and swerved, and ran stop signs...) hahaha. Actually, for a first run in the wind and rain, we didnt do bad at all. We got our 45 minutes in and we finished the job! I am feeling it now though...oh my, I didnt realize I had muscles in all those different places...LOL. We are off to a great start - thanx again Elizabeth for being my training buddy - you are the BEST!
*Must....learn....to....ride....aaaahhhh! Watch out for that tree, the gutter, that car, the curb, the garbage can....aaaaahhhh! The wheel is connected to the gear, sprocket, whats-it, huh? Pedal, steer, pay attention, oh, and ya, it might be a good idea to learn to STOP - I think my brain is going to explode.....and my backside is going to be VERY sore...
*I got some unexpected training in today - I chased a cow...literally....remind me to share the story next time we chat....(running commentary below)
Commentary 1 - hmmmm Ox in the mire sort of...or Cow on the loose....same thing......You will have to fill us in....
Commentary 2 - HOLY COW.....HAHAHAHAHAH
Commentary 3 - ...that was utterly funny on your part....
Commentary 4 (after I explained my cow story) - That is one of the best stories I have read on FB...my favorite part was visualizing you chasing a cow around (I bet you did not have a smiley face on) with a 2x4 and then a rubber hose.....Rory....how is it that we have been in the same ward all these years and I did not realize you were such a cow hater!!!!! Rory, you are the best! Good luck with your bike ride tomorrow....
Commentary 5 - The bike thing could be very scary....Preston spent a good 1/2 hr with me tonight trying to teach me to ride...it was NOT a pretty sight. I will be lucky to stay alive long enough to compete in Sept...uuuhhhhgggg!
Commentary 6 - We left the bike in 1st gear, so at least your demise won't be due to speeding. Commentary 7 - I'm not a cow hater - I LOVE cows.....well done, with a yummy marinade sauce....heaped with lettuce and tomato and a side of fries....with special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun....oh, wait, I am allergic to cheese and bread now...rats...how about falling to pieces and drowned in BBQ sauce with biscuits or corn bread? Oh yeah!
*You know how we all keep hearing about Big Foot.... but nobody REALLY believes he is real????? I'm starting to wonder if....(inserrt sister's name here) is his sister!!! I've heard all about her, there have even been sightings, but alas I have yet to capture her in my sights!(running commentary below)
Commentary 1 - BTW, the swim this a.m. was great! It was awsome to meet Rory (clearly not a big foot realtive) and practice the whole face-in-the-water thing!
Commentary 2 - ...hmmm isn't Big Foot kind of stinky too....hmmmmmm I must dispel these thoughts you have of me that I big, hairy, stinky, and running/walking/biking/swimming naked through the Northwest woods...
Commentary 3 - you must be a VERY distant cousin... that is, if you really exsist!!! LOL! Oh, and I know you're not run'n in you're b-day suit.... we already established you wear your fancy pants swirt!!!
Commentary 4 - I got to meet (sister #1) tonight!!! I am in love!!!!!! You are such a cute heart....And I love your enthusiasm and you have not even done a triathlon yet....I am excited you are doing the shirts. I will take an X-small cause no doubt that's what I will be wearing come. Sept. It was such an awsome meeting
Commentary 5 - (sister #2) is REAL!!! I just knew I was gonna luv her....I was right! And YES, I would love, love, love to go on "tour" with ya! We could go to each of the wards an tell 'em that if a 55 yr old lady and a over-weight chica-a-dee with heart problems can do this thing.... so can they!!! ...and I saw her face.....now I'm a believer...
Commentary 6 - Uh....a 55 year old who is also a chubblious babe(your forgot that part)....with white hair...Hey and my daughter lives in Pasadena...I am...The little old lady from Pasadena...sort of... Ok so what should we call our group while we are on tour the Tri-ettes... Tri-hohos Tri-Ho Tri-Ho, it's off to work we go..... Tri-fecta Tri-angle Tri-round Tri-saying that to my face sweetie...I'll send Rory after ya with a 2x4...Ok (sister #1) now you give it a tri.... : )
*"Over hill, over dale....poor Dale" - I just love that line from one of our Peanuts movies...poor little Re-run is destined to sit on the back of his mom's bike while she crashes and swerves and, you get the idea....that was totally me last night...BUT - Elizabeth and I DID IT!!! Woot for us! It was a slow start, but we rocked (and wobbled, and swerved, and ran stop signs...) hahaha. Actually, for a first run in the wind and rain, we didnt do bad at all. We got our 45 minutes in and we finished the job! I am feeling it now though...oh my, I didnt realize I had muscles in all those different places...LOL. We are off to a great start - thanx again Elizabeth for being my training buddy - you are the BEST!
*Must....learn....to....ride....aaaahhhh! Watch out for that tree, the gutter, that car, the curb, the garbage can....aaaaahhhh! The wheel is connected to the gear, sprocket, whats-it, huh? Pedal, steer, pay attention, oh, and ya, it might be a good idea to learn to STOP - I think my brain is going to explode.....and my backside is going to be VERY sore...
*I got some unexpected training in today - I chased a cow...literally....remind me to share the story next time we chat....(running commentary below)
Commentary 1 - hmmmm Ox in the mire sort of...or Cow on the loose....same thing......You will have to fill us in....
Commentary 2 - HOLY COW.....HAHAHAHAHAH
Commentary 3 - ...that was utterly funny on your part....
Commentary 4 (after I explained my cow story) - That is one of the best stories I have read on FB...my favorite part was visualizing you chasing a cow around (I bet you did not have a smiley face on) with a 2x4 and then a rubber hose.....Rory....how is it that we have been in the same ward all these years and I did not realize you were such a cow hater!!!!! Rory, you are the best! Good luck with your bike ride tomorrow....
Commentary 5 - The bike thing could be very scary....Preston spent a good 1/2 hr with me tonight trying to teach me to ride...it was NOT a pretty sight. I will be lucky to stay alive long enough to compete in Sept...uuuhhhhgggg!
Commentary 6 - We left the bike in 1st gear, so at least your demise won't be due to speeding. Commentary 7 - I'm not a cow hater - I LOVE cows.....well done, with a yummy marinade sauce....heaped with lettuce and tomato and a side of fries....with special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun....oh, wait, I am allergic to cheese and bread now...rats...how about falling to pieces and drowned in BBQ sauce with biscuits or corn bread? Oh yeah!
*You know how we all keep hearing about Big Foot.... but nobody REALLY believes he is real????? I'm starting to wonder if....(inserrt sister's name here) is his sister!!! I've heard all about her, there have even been sightings, but alas I have yet to capture her in my sights!(running commentary below)
Commentary 1 - BTW, the swim this a.m. was great! It was awsome to meet Rory (clearly not a big foot realtive) and practice the whole face-in-the-water thing!
Commentary 2 - ...hmmm isn't Big Foot kind of stinky too....hmmmmmm I must dispel these thoughts you have of me that I big, hairy, stinky, and running/walking/biking/swimming naked through the Northwest woods...
Commentary 3 - you must be a VERY distant cousin... that is, if you really exsist!!! LOL! Oh, and I know you're not run'n in you're b-day suit.... we already established you wear your fancy pants swirt!!!
Commentary 4 - I got to meet (sister #1) tonight!!! I am in love!!!!!! You are such a cute heart....And I love your enthusiasm and you have not even done a triathlon yet....I am excited you are doing the shirts. I will take an X-small cause no doubt that's what I will be wearing come. Sept. It was such an awsome meeting
Commentary 5 - (sister #2) is REAL!!! I just knew I was gonna luv her....I was right! And YES, I would love, love, love to go on "tour" with ya! We could go to each of the wards an tell 'em that if a 55 yr old lady and a over-weight chica-a-dee with heart problems can do this thing.... so can they!!! ...and I saw her face.....now I'm a believer...
Commentary 6 - Uh....a 55 year old who is also a chubblious babe(your forgot that part)....with white hair...Hey and my daughter lives in Pasadena...I am...The little old lady from Pasadena...sort of... Ok so what should we call our group while we are on tour the Tri-ettes... Tri-hohos Tri-Ho Tri-Ho, it's off to work we go..... Tri-fecta Tri-angle Tri-round Tri-saying that to my face sweetie...I'll send Rory after ya with a 2x4...Ok (sister #1) now you give it a tri.... : )
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Maybe I DON'T Want To Be A Country Girl....
I was all excited to do a post about all the fun animals we have been asked to help care for in the last couple of months (WAY cute picts to come soon)...thinking it really would be wonderful to live in the country and have all of those animals ourselves....I was thinking that until this afternoon....
Two of our home teaching families own livestock. Occasionally we are asked to help care for animals if our friends need to be out of town. This weekend we were asked to help care for cattle and chickens. Everything has been fine, until this evening when I went up to care for all the animals.
I had checked on the chickens, and the cats (way cute picts coming of the barn kittens) and then went to get the hay for the cattle. As I was getting the hay into the feedbox I looked over and there was a COW standing in the back yard - OUTSIDE of the pasture. I just stood there and said to myself "you have got to be kidding me, how in the world did she get out?"
It was a cow on the loose....the closer I got to try to direct it towards the pasture gate...the faster she bolted in the WRONG direction. I chased the dumb thing around the house twice (with a 2x4 in my hand) and it bolted towards the road instead towards the open gates. I finally, verbally, begged to Heavenly Father to help (I was alone, with no cell signal) to tell the dumb cow where she needed to go. I chased her to the road again and flung the front pasture gate wide open and shooed her around the yard (with a piece of rubber hose in my hand this time) and she finally headed, calmly, towards the open gate and then through it and into the pasture.
I got the gate closed and locked and then spent another chunk of time walking the perimeter fences (while trying to avoid fresh cow you-know-what) to see where she had even gotten out. Oh, forgot to add that while I was doing the perimeter check I was again verbally thanking Heavenly Father for answering my prayers immediately (we had a going theme today in sacrament meeting about prayer)...How do you think this story would go over in sacrament meeting? Will have to remember to share it next fast sunday? hahaha
When I felt safe that everything was secure, I started counting heads so I could confirm #'s when I called and talked to Bro Meade...I just knew when I called that he would tell me that there was supposed to be one less and that I had herded someone else's cow into the wrong pasture....actually it WAS one of his cows and I still really have no clue where she got out, she possibly squeezed between some wide barbed wire, sounds like she has pulled this stunt before....
I was exhausted and covered in hay and yuck by the time I was done....and I confirmed with Bro Meade that I am NOT a country girl....thankfully he laughed with me....dumb cow....
Two of our home teaching families own livestock. Occasionally we are asked to help care for animals if our friends need to be out of town. This weekend we were asked to help care for cattle and chickens. Everything has been fine, until this evening when I went up to care for all the animals.
I had checked on the chickens, and the cats (way cute picts coming of the barn kittens) and then went to get the hay for the cattle. As I was getting the hay into the feedbox I looked over and there was a COW standing in the back yard - OUTSIDE of the pasture. I just stood there and said to myself "you have got to be kidding me, how in the world did she get out?"
It was a cow on the loose....the closer I got to try to direct it towards the pasture gate...the faster she bolted in the WRONG direction. I chased the dumb thing around the house twice (with a 2x4 in my hand) and it bolted towards the road instead towards the open gates. I finally, verbally, begged to Heavenly Father to help (I was alone, with no cell signal) to tell the dumb cow where she needed to go. I chased her to the road again and flung the front pasture gate wide open and shooed her around the yard (with a piece of rubber hose in my hand this time) and she finally headed, calmly, towards the open gate and then through it and into the pasture.
I got the gate closed and locked and then spent another chunk of time walking the perimeter fences (while trying to avoid fresh cow you-know-what) to see where she had even gotten out. Oh, forgot to add that while I was doing the perimeter check I was again verbally thanking Heavenly Father for answering my prayers immediately (we had a going theme today in sacrament meeting about prayer)...How do you think this story would go over in sacrament meeting? Will have to remember to share it next fast sunday? hahaha
When I felt safe that everything was secure, I started counting heads so I could confirm #'s when I called and talked to Bro Meade...I just knew when I called that he would tell me that there was supposed to be one less and that I had herded someone else's cow into the wrong pasture....actually it WAS one of his cows and I still really have no clue where she got out, she possibly squeezed between some wide barbed wire, sounds like she has pulled this stunt before....
I was exhausted and covered in hay and yuck by the time I was done....and I confirmed with Bro Meade that I am NOT a country girl....thankfully he laughed with me....dumb cow....
A tale of two cities
Friday the final two demobilization ceremonies were held for troops from the 41st BCT. Each ceremony honored approximately 80 Soldiers, and each followed the same basic script. That was where the similarities ended.
The morning ceremony was held in an armory in Tigard, a suburb of Portland Metro. They may have been there, but I don't remember seeing any Welcome Home signs or balloons or other outward displays of appreciation. There were no event signs on the streets or long lines of "Patriot Rider" motorcyclists with US flags. When the announcement was made that the buses had arrived at the armory (somewhat late), I didn't see a SINGLE person get up out of their seats to go outside to watch and welcome and cheer. The 300-or-so participants were certainly happy to have their family members home, and we were happy to be part of the ceremony. Reactions to the speeches were polite, restrained. It was very good to see SFC McIntosh and his family, neighbors and friends we got to know before our ward split. The loudest applause came when the Democratic governor was introduced to give his speech. A search of the Oregon Public Broadcasting news website shows 6 separate stories detailing the latest lottery numbers, but nothing regarding the final demobilization of Oregon troops. In fact, the only story in the Oregon section over the weekend that appears to mention the military was an announcement that the Air Force will allow a large-scale wind farm to be built in Oregon.
Fast-forward to the afternoon ceremony in rural southern Oregon city of Roseburg. We were limited to only 6 band members because there were not any more seats available on the Army air transportation. We flew with the a 1-star general and several other high-ranking officers. The plane briefly landed in Salem to take on additional officers headed to the demob. While being transported to the high school we saw rows of yellow balloons and flags decorating even the back entrance where nobody would have seen them but the high school students. A huge flag was hung between the extended ladders of local fire district trucks. Our small band group was moved several times while trying to find any available space on the arena floor that would meet with the Fire Marshall's approval and meet emergency egress requirements of the expected crowd.
The arena was nearly filled to capacity as the 75 Soldiers paraded into and around the floor, and our attempts to play marches were drowned out by the continuous cheers of the crowd. There were so many "Patriot Riders" with their flags in the arena that they filled the end of the gymnasium and took up standing positions in the bleachers. THIS time, the longest and loudest applause came at the beginning of the ceremony when the announcer read the line we had heard at each ceremony: "Thank you for supporting your local heroes." The standing ovation would have continued if the announcer hadn't interrupted to ask everyone to please take their seats.
The only parts of the ceremony that I would term "subdued" were the moment of silence for the two fallen Soldiers, and the introduction of the Governor. (OK maybe "subdued" doesn't accurately describe the applause he received, except when compared to what he heard from the Portland-area group that morning.) The official party was comprised of more dignitaries than at any other ... thankfully they didn't all give a speech. When being driven back to the airport, the local radio station was playing contemporary patriotic country music like "I'm Proud to be an American" and "American Soldier."
I'm glad that there are still places in our state that continue to support the military and their local Soldiers the way we saw in Bend, Roseburg and Medford.
Welcome Home, 41st BCT.
The morning ceremony was held in an armory in Tigard, a suburb of Portland Metro. They may have been there, but I don't remember seeing any Welcome Home signs or balloons or other outward displays of appreciation. There were no event signs on the streets or long lines of "Patriot Rider" motorcyclists with US flags. When the announcement was made that the buses had arrived at the armory (somewhat late), I didn't see a SINGLE person get up out of their seats to go outside to watch and welcome and cheer. The 300-or-so participants were certainly happy to have their family members home, and we were happy to be part of the ceremony. Reactions to the speeches were polite, restrained. It was very good to see SFC McIntosh and his family, neighbors and friends we got to know before our ward split. The loudest applause came when the Democratic governor was introduced to give his speech. A search of the Oregon Public Broadcasting news website shows 6 separate stories detailing the latest lottery numbers, but nothing regarding the final demobilization of Oregon troops. In fact, the only story in the Oregon section over the weekend that appears to mention the military was an announcement that the Air Force will allow a large-scale wind farm to be built in Oregon.
Fast-forward to the afternoon ceremony in rural southern Oregon city of Roseburg. We were limited to only 6 band members because there were not any more seats available on the Army air transportation. We flew with the a 1-star general and several other high-ranking officers. The plane briefly landed in Salem to take on additional officers headed to the demob. While being transported to the high school we saw rows of yellow balloons and flags decorating even the back entrance where nobody would have seen them but the high school students. A huge flag was hung between the extended ladders of local fire district trucks. Our small band group was moved several times while trying to find any available space on the arena floor that would meet with the Fire Marshall's approval and meet emergency egress requirements of the expected crowd.
The arena was nearly filled to capacity as the 75 Soldiers paraded into and around the floor, and our attempts to play marches were drowned out by the continuous cheers of the crowd. There were so many "Patriot Riders" with their flags in the arena that they filled the end of the gymnasium and took up standing positions in the bleachers. THIS time, the longest and loudest applause came at the beginning of the ceremony when the announcer read the line we had heard at each ceremony: "Thank you for supporting your local heroes." The standing ovation would have continued if the announcer hadn't interrupted to ask everyone to please take their seats.
The only parts of the ceremony that I would term "subdued" were the moment of silence for the two fallen Soldiers, and the introduction of the Governor. (OK maybe "subdued" doesn't accurately describe the applause he received, except when compared to what he heard from the Portland-area group that morning.) The official party was comprised of more dignitaries than at any other ... thankfully they didn't all give a speech. When being driven back to the airport, the local radio station was playing contemporary patriotic country music like "I'm Proud to be an American" and "American Soldier."
I'm glad that there are still places in our state that continue to support the military and their local Soldiers the way we saw in Bend, Roseburg and Medford.
Welcome Home, 41st BCT.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Warding off the evils of viruses...
I'm the only one (other than my dad, who never gets sick) who is not sick! YaY!
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