Leap year!

Well...it is the 29th of February! Here is my pic of the day....Andrew and his new bike! This was taken 4 years ago....obviously. Had a rough day yesterday but it ended up awesome. I have to find paperwork that I have no idea where to look. Don't you hate that????? I did get some cleaning done in our bedroom! Then Pastor Ty threw me a curve ball.... we are removing the 16th script for the day and replacing it with the 23rd script....since there is no KidStuf on Easter Sunday. And now we are keeping the 30th script as planned. So I had about a dozen people to notify ....mostly by phone and then email. I understand his reasoning....it is more important to teach the resurrection than the arrest of Jesus.... it just makes for a lot of work and confusion. Hopefully everyone has it down now. They were all very gracious about it, too, so that helps. Andrew and his family came over last night for his birthday! Amanda made lumpia, he opened gifts and we had cupcakes! It was really nice! They waited for Papa to get home so he got to see Andrew blow out half his candles...he let Lauren blow out the rest. He is so nice. Amanda updated her blog...it is very sweet about Andrew. Check it out! She was really sick when they left last night. Getting that cold... keep her in your prayers. I thought I would leave my slide show of Andrew up one more day in case someone didn't see it. I talked to Kevon yesterday. Sounds like the reception will be September 27th....a Saturday. Not sure where or anything yet. Do you like my question of the day? Marcey and I were emailing back and forth about it yesterday, wondering if we're the only ones with calendars in our bathroom? So I am doing a poll on my site. Papa is home today to help me find that paperwork. Ann McKay's memorial service is this afternoon. She was a wonderful lady who suffered with MS for years and was in a wheel chair....she went to be with the Lord earlier this week. She was amazing. I haven't heard anything on that job yet. Keep on praying. Well, I hope you have a wonderful day. Posting some pictures of last night! God bless!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANDREW!!!!

TODAY IS OUR OLDEST GRANDSONS BIRTHDAY! HE IS 12!!!! Wow! Creeping up on teenage years! Last night we went to Red Apple Diner (or Big Apple Diner) whatever. It was good! They brought out a piece of triple layer chocolate cake with a candle and we sang Happy Birthday to Andrew.My picture of the day was taken on 2-28-98 of Andrew's 2nd birthday. We got him his own private ride on a school bus! He loved them so much! There are a few more of that day. The other two pictures I posted was Ryan holding newborn Andrew and with him at 2. Amanda & I love that picture! Yesterday went fast! I did some cleaning and then took Maddie to school. Went to Walmart, walked, picked her up and took her home, picked up Andrew and came home with him. We hung out until Amanda called, picked them up and went to dinner. Today I am cleaning and printing pictures for mom. I want to see Joshua while he is here with his Aunty Tara, too. Last night was the first time I slept for 8 hours in a long time! Here's to Nyquil!!!! That is about it at this point! Hope you all have a great day!

My picture of the day was taken 2-27-04 of Patrick hugging his big brother, Parker. These are sweet moments!

Andrew's last day of being 11. They were here last night and Andrew noticed I didn't have his name on his birthday on my calendars in the bathroom or by my computer. ooops. Good thing he has a sense of humor! Wasn't feeling too hot yesterday. Got a sore throat and a bit of a cough. Nothing major....just that. Karla brought Maddie over and we watched cartoons under the blanket in the recliners. At lunch she puked so I had to wash her clothes. Not sure what was up with that. She didn't appear sick at all...other than that. Papa and I took her home. She wanted to wait until he got home before she could go home. He had 2 Dr's appointments yesterday. One for the rash on his leg...he saw a dermatologist. The other froze his skin tags under his arm. Hopefully the doctors fixed both issues bothering him. Papa has a lot of skin problems, it seems.
Well....the first week of our 100 day challenge was awesome!!! I'm not sure what our total weight loss for our group was but I am guessing around 47-50 pounds! I am so proud of everyone!!!! The Future Hotties are in the lead this week....with the biggest % loss. I won for most pounds in a week....barely. Carrie, Heather and Karla are right on my tail. Gotta really step up my game this week. After the first week I think there are things all of us can tweak. But we all rocked! You can follow our progress on our web site posted on mine. Have a wonderful day! God bless!

sickly!

Taken 2-26-04...my favorite picture of the day is of Lauren and Maddie playing with the teletubbies. They loved that show! This cold is making me achy and icky. I've had worse though. Today I am chilling. Maddie is coming over for awhile. Karla has a conference meeting at noon. I am going to pick up things this morning so I can feel better about chilling! Lanny and I weighed ourselves this morning. He was disappointed....I checked a few days ago and I lost some so I am happy. I am very bloated today.....if ya know what I mean....so I am ok with my loss. We will work even harder. I've been writing everything down...which is good so I can look back and see where I did good and bad. Can't wait til everyone checks in so I can post it on our website and see who is winning!!!!

Yesterday morning Maddie came over and we watched Annie. I love the movie except during the chase scene where they swear. Why? It's a kids movie, for pity sake!!! Then I got her some mcnuggets and apples before school. Dropped off the resume, went to Walmart for coffee and sugar. Ended up getting some veggie seeds for my garden, paper towels, shades, and stuff. Is it possible to walk in the store and get the 2 things you need with an hour to kill? I don't think so. Took Maddie home and stopped to visit Andrew for a bit before coming home. Well....best go for now and straiten up the house. fun. Have a wonderful day today! Enjoy the sunshine!!!

Weekend went fast!

Picture taken: 2-25-06 Andrew's birthday party....the parents turn at trying to eat a doughnut off the string...it was a game. Lauren thought this was all too weird as you can tell. It was too funny! Seems like the weekend went by so fast! Too fast. I took some Nyquil last night and slept like a rock all night. Didn't wake up until almost 5! My throat and chest are sore today. I don't want a cold. Papa was sick yesterday morning and didn't go to church. I thought he would stay home and rest but he got under that truck and still couldn't get that starter off! Poor guy. It is frustrating him. He cleaned the yard and some house stuff, too. So much for resting. My meeting didn't get out until 2:30! It was productive and good though. KidStuf was interesting. We had a 5th grade foster boy visiting. He tried to escape the building several times and was the angriest boy I've ever encountered!!! I couldn't believe it. Almost scary. Found out later him and his real mother are wiccan... which is a form of witchcraft. Please pray for him. My heart broke for him. Today I am taking my application in and getting Maddie for school. That's about it. I hope you all have a great day! Tomorrow is weigh-in! I am excited! Last chance workout everyone!!!

Sunday morning!

This picture was taken on 2-23-05 of Jordan and Riley... 3 years ago. They have changed so much in 3 years...and in some ways haven't. They are so beautifu! Today will be busy. After kidstuf and church I am holding a meeting of the actors, tech people, and singers. We need to work on some improvements and all be on the same page. Hopefully we'll be done by one! Papa will find something else to do...I am sure of it. We may even drive separately...but have you seen the price of gas??? That sets me off. I wonder why we can't employ American's by opening up some of the oil derricks we have in the south and Midwest instead of giving our money to the Saudi's and other mid-eastern countries??? Why do we continue to support terrorists (which many of those countries support) instead of our own people? There is so many closed oil wells, so many untapped, so much oil, so many unemployed!!! What is our problem? Do we really need to hoard it? Do we always want to be controlled by the Muslims? Enough of that! I told you it sets me off. Especially when we count on others for our solutions. There is obviously a deeper picture I don't see. I'm just too lazy to explore....I just like to shoot my mouth off like most people without knowing all the facts. lol! Well, we went to the mall yesterday. Papa does not like the mall....nor does he like shoe shopping. He waits until he doesn't have a choice. After getting his foot measured and trying on a dozen or so shoes he was finally happy with his choice. And it isn't a style or color issue. It could be anything...it is all about the comfort. Walking on cement floors he needs comfort. Then we went to NAPA to get a starter for the truck. I wish someone would come fix it for Papa. It is suppose to be bolted on with 2 screws but was only on with one. Now after he gets home he finds out he has to take off the headers to get the starter off. He isn't happy and he hates doing this kind of stuff. Where is my dad when we need him? He was so good and loved this kind of stuff. Saw Ron Davison at the parts store parking lot and visited for awhile. Haven't seen him in a long time. Well....best go play Its Your Turn. I see Andrew beat me at Connect 4. I play different games with him, Tara, Lois, brother David, Dylan, Candice, and a few others. It is fun! Have a wonderful Sunday!

Saturday...thinking it was Sunday!

Today's picture of the day was taken on February 23, 2005 of Maddie and Lauren sitting at my counter for lunch when I used to babysit them. I love this picture because I loved those times. They were only 2 and so much fun! It sure is nice to wake up thinking it is Sunday only to find out it is Saturday! Not much going on today....Riley's game...depending on how she is feeling. Her and Jordan were both sick yesterday...Jo getting the worse of it. Please pray for them! That's about it. I kinda like these days. Yesterday was so nice. It started off me getting on the scale. I've lost weight and I was so excited I cried. Official weigh-in isn't until Tuesday, but I wanted to see how I was doing. Papa and I drove up to Sequim. It was such a beautiful, sunny day and the Olympics were amazing. Found a few great deals at the WalMart up there but not what papa was looking for. We stopped at Chimicum Cafe on the way home. Papa had a regular cheeseburger, no fries or nothing extra....I had just a french dip sandwich with no fries or chips and I had a water. I think we made pretty good choices. Ate very light the rest of the day. Hope the rest of the teams are doing good!!!! I put on my links the link to my slideshows I have posted in the past. I only leave them up for a day or two so if you missed one you can still see it. Enjoy another beautiful day in paradise! God bless!

I AM THINKING SPRING!!!!! CAN'T WAIT!

Picture of the day: February 22, 2005 Great picture of Maddie and her mama taken when she was 2!

I love these Fridays....Papa is off and it is payday! Today we're going to take a drive up to Sequim. We like to do that sometimes. No going out to eat this trip though. Especially no Fat Smitty's! I have been making really good choices this week. It is funny how you go to reach for something to buy or eat and you always have a choice! Lanny & I are both doing really well. Everyone I have talked to seems pretty determined!!!! This is going to be a tough competition! Looking forward to my new life. Heck, I'm looking forward to today!

Yesterday I went grocery shopping. Made good choices there too. It was a lot tougher to shop! Picked up Andrew from the bus and brought him here to work on his Neptune brochure. We couldn't get the program working right so we waited for Amanda and she helped him. It turned out fabulous!!! They all stayed til just before 8. Ryan and Andrew caught up on their Naruto shows and Lauren read to me. She is pretty good at sounding words out!

Today is my niece, Kara's birthday!!! And my nephew, Ronnie! Happy birthday to both of you! We love you both very much!!!!

Well, that is about it for today! Pray God blesses you all!

Thursday

In my picture of the day....February 21, 2005 Joshua is 6 months old! Can you believe that was 3 years ago today? Life can be such a major pain sometimes. Maybe it is just people. I get frustrated when people speak for others when it is not necessarily true. That happened twice yesterday! Oh well....move on. Yesterday was a good day. Did some dusting and cleaning, spilled a plant, cleaned it up, etc... Mom came over and I did her taxes. Easiest ones I've ever done. Then we visited and called Lois and Rick to see how they were doing on the challenge. Rick hasn't even weighed in yet. They'll be behind. Papa and I went for a walk yesterday. It was a beautiful day. Just grocery shopping and cleaning today. The group is going to dinner tonight....Valentine's and Dennis' birthday. Don't know if I am going yet. Hope you all have a wonderful day today! God's blessings on your day!!!!

So far so good!

Today's picture of the day is the boys checking out the painting Don put in their bathroom in 2005! He did really good! Sounds like everyone did good on day one of our 100 day mission! We're all a little pumped right now. Let's hope that enthusiasm keeps going! Had a good day yesterday. Went to Walmart with kids for a thumb drive and a couple things...then stopped at Karla's and the kids played upstairs for a little bit. Then we came home and I helped Andrew with his Neptune brochure for school. Had a nice day with the kids and then took them home. Papa and I didn't do much last night. I was so tired! Talked with Ma (Lanny's mom) for awhile on the phone. She sounded so good! I was hearing all sorts of reports from Lanny who was hearing things from others on how she was doing... so I decided to hear what was going on out of her mouth. Plus, Lanny knew she would be honest with me and tells me things she doesn't tell him. So here is the truth: first of all.....she does not know if the cancer has spread. That isn't confirmed. She had a little blood in her urine...which could be a urinary tract infection or another kind. The worse case scenario would be cancer in her liver. But that is just a possibility.... they do not know for sure!!!! And she sees no good reason to go in for tests to find out. She doesn't care at this point. It is what it is. And she sees no reason for Lanny to come any sooner than scheduled. She said she could die tomorrow or 6 months from now....but it has always been that way. She also said she will be honest with what is going on with her...she promised. She had a really rough day on Sunday... but yesterday she was having a good day! She was funny and strong and we had a lot of laughs on the phone. I love her so much. I can't believe I will never see her again. Yesterday was so hard for me after I got off the phone. All I could think about was her! We've always had so much fun together, so many great talks and laughs, she has been like my mom. My heart is breaking. Keep her in your prayers. At least she is mostly pain free. Today my mom is coming over so I can do her taxes. That will be nice. Hope you all have a great day! I am doing the slide show of Flagler today! Enjoy!

Tuesday morning!

Picture of the day is of Parker taken in 2004. He is so proud of his art project!

Andrew and Lauren are sleeping in the den this morning. They don't have school today and Ryan and Amanda worked on Ryan studying for the shipyard test today. Please pray for Ry as he takes it. Had a wonderful day yesterday! Dylan and Lauren were the last kids up and Papa made his big breakfast. I think Riley and Andrew ate the most. Then papa decided we were all going to Fort Flagler for a few hours! So we packed up the kids and some drinks and off we went. They threw rocks, climbed the sand hills, ran around the bunkers, pet the goats and had a good time. Took lots of pictures of course. I just haven't had time to catch up making them smaller & cropping. I spend alot of time fixing my pictures. Then we came home for lunch. Tara & Karla picked up their tired kids. Andrew and Lauren had baths and we just layed and played around all day. It was a wonderful day! Oh....I was wrong when I said Kevon and Meghan were going to the Bahama's for their wedding... it is Jamaica. I am very sad because I don't see how I am going to see their wedding. Very sad. Well, today is the beginning of our 100 day weight loss challenge. I am excited about this....it is a total commitment. I can't let mom or Lois down...or myself!!! This isn't going to be as easy as putting the weight on but it will be worth it. We got great teams full of great people. Hope you all have a great day!

President's Day!

February 18, 2004 The picture of the day: Maddie liked to crawl in the saucer and always got stuck. She's looking at me like she's saying "I'm gonna do it again!" I am telling her no. I am not sure what to do with this holiday. hmmmm. Having a great weekend. Dylan and Maddie went to church with us and then we went to McDonald's for lunch. Ryan and Amanda brought the kids and we took the 4 kids to WalMart to pick up something for dinner. After we got home Tara brought the girls over. The kids played and played. We played Apples to Apples and Taboo...which we are going to try again without the younger ones...if Papa can distract them. And we had a talent show (our own American Idol). We had dinner and dessert and then we laid out the beds in the den. Andrew got the big couch and Dylan the loveseat. On the floor was Maddie, Lauren, Jordan, and Riley (all the girls wanted to sleep by Jo). The kids layed and ate popcorn and watched The Secret Garden. They all loved it. Lauren was the first one out....then Riley and Dylan. Dylan woke up and moved to the toyroom to sleep...he wasn't comfortable and wanted to stretch out. So Jo grabbed the loveseat. Maddie woke up already...it is only 5:30 so I have her on the couch with a pillow and blanket. Dylan got up too..but went in the bathroom and then back to bed. Could have some crabby kids today. I can handle it. We're going to have a great day. Riley is so looking forward to one of Papa's breakfasts!!!!!!! Bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes, toast, nummmmm! Glad my "100 day challenge" starts tomorrow! Hope you all have a great day! Slide show is coming. I'll post a few pictures now! If you missed Saturdays you can still catch it in my photobucket. God bless!

it is sunday...but a 3 day weekend!

Today's picture of the day was taken in 2003 of Riley and Jordan laughing. It is such a sweet picture! Riley was only 3 months old and Jo was 5!

No school or work tomorrow! That is awesome! So the grandkids are spending the night tonight. That will be fun. They were really good together yesterday. All the kids were good and they had so much fun. That little Jared is a cutey. I am making a slide show with the best picture of him eating a cupcake! Joshua was so busy I didn't see him very much. The girls had a blast together...and of course the 5 older ones always do! Uncle Kevon played outside with them awhile. They love that. Kickball. The kids played outside til dark! The adults had fun, too. Amanda and fam came early and helped clean up and get ready... and she made her lumpia! Lauren, Papa and I watched Mary Poppins. Ryan and Papa cleaned off our back deck! That was nice. Everyone ate alot and we played games! Put on Michael Jackson and rocked out during Kevon's turn at Taboo....he protested. Too funny.
Everyone was gone by 8:00. Brad & Tara left and signed up Jordan for baseball! That will be so fun to go to her games! Love baseball! Andrew wants to sign up for soccer and Dylan is already signed up for baseball. The season already began because Riley is already playing indoor soccer! Got some news about Kevon & Meghan's wedding yesterday. It is going to be held in the Bahama's. THE BAHAMA'S! I have mixed feelings about it. I am sad Grandma won't be able to see it and so many others in the family and I can't imagine a 13 hour plane ride with my back and without my Papa! I am such a homebody!!!! But....to see the Bahama's is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me! So....that is why I am mixed. It is their wedding and whatever makes them happy is ok for me.
I am so excited about this 100 day challenge! We start on Tuesday! If you want to join make sure you form a team or contact me! We are going by percentage of weight loss so it will be more evened up. We have 3 for sure teams of 3 players each....The Langager Girls (me, mom & Lois), The Pounders (Heather, Papa & Karen), and The Future Hotties (Karla, Rachel & Hilary)! Rick, Betty and Holly are in....they'll let me know today if they are forming their own team of three or are going to become a team. This is quite a commitment and I am so excited!!!! I hope you all decide to get healthy with us. Could be your last chance! When I woke up yesterday morning I thought about Papa and all he went through and the weight we gained since last summer....he still has 50% blockage in one of his arteries that they didn't risk the time to get (heparin allergy etc....) so he still has it. What happens when he is not so lucky to get to the hospital next time? He could just drop dead where he is with no chance. Well, he has a chance and this is it. I hope you all support him and join. That's all. Church today and then grandkids! Will be a fun day!

100 DAY CHALLENGE

Hi friends and family!

This guy I know in Arlington is joining people at his work in a "100 day challenge" to lose weight. He's already lost 18 pounds in the past month!!!! It's given me incentive to start one, too! We need teams though. Three people on each team. If you want to join us and have a team in mind.....let me know! This could be so fun! We will do an "honor" system once a week weigh-in/check-in which I'll post on the site below! Make it a contest and see how we do. I am sending this out to lots of people. I am hoping it won't be like most weight loss groups...that we can actually lose, be committed and competitive!!! Papa has Heather and Cheryl in his group already! They don't have a name yet. My group is the "Langager girls"...consisting of me, mom and lois! After you get 3 people in your group you need to come up with a name for your group! Lanny and I really need to compete against each other. We don't do well on the same team. If you don't have other people for your team I will help you form a group with people you know!!!! You can form teams from your own family, work, friends, area, whatever. The Lynnwood group can form a team. South Dakota group, Virginian's, Black group, Brazeau girls whatever! This can be really fun. Just let me know when your group is formed and the name of it. Then all you have to do is let me know how much your group lost every week so we know how the competition is going and if we need to up our game!!!! This is starting THIS TUESDAY...FEBRUARY 19th! This gives us a few days to form groups and to come up with a plan! Decide how much you want to lose! This is going to be so much fun! I hope to see more teams join! Good luck! Joyce


http://winners100daychallenge.blogspot.com/

Saturday morning!

Taken in 2-16-99 in California is a picture of Jordan in her playpen. It is such a great picture and it was my favorite picture of the day!

I slept in until 5:20! Wow! I must have been tired. Today everyone is coming over! I can't tell you how excited I am! Papa just put on the wings to boil. Then we have to fry them and then put them in sweet & sour sauce and bake them. The recipe is on my recipe site and it is sooooo good! Not everyone likes sweet and sour wings so Karla is bringing Buffalo Wings and Chinese Chicken Salad. I am also making Julienne Potatoes. Tara is bringing chips and salsa and a shrimp tray, Heather is bringing desserts, Meghan is going to bring something she doesn't know yet, and Amanda is making lumpia!!!! I am so looking forward to that. Some good food!!! Plus we're going to play some Taboo and Apples to Apples. It will be so much fun. Just wish papa didn't have to work. :(

Yesterday was good. I was gone all day. Lanny took it off because he was tired. I met Tara at Costco. Then I met my friend Francie at Stella's Restaurant where we proceeded to have an almost 4 hour lunch!!! It was great! She is a great lady! Then went and bought a usb cable and stuff and visited papa. Came home and Ry, Amanda & kids came over for dinner (we made burgers & fries). They got caught up on Lost, Andrew got caught up on Gaia, and Lauren & I watched a bit of Mary Poppins.

I added a new "tip for the day" segment. My friend Cheryl sent me a list that is awesome! If you have any tips....send them to me. It is good to share these!

Also I added a Mark Lowry video on my site. He is so funny. It is almost 9 minutes but if you are a baby boomer the end is worth watching! I think the video was made in the 90's.

The picture up at the top of this page is my new desktop for my computer. I love these pictures. Looks like we have so many in our family. We have been blessed...I have to admit that!

That's it! Have an awesome day! God bless!!!!

tgif!

Friday again! Yippeeeee! I am excited to meet Tara & Jordan in Silverdale this morning. I am done mentioning housework. Whenever I write what i need to do I don't end up doing it...it seems. I traded the printer in and am really happy with the printer except then I lost my pictures again! This time it was because I packed my USB cable with the one I took back and don't have one....I took in off the external drive so I wasn't even hooked up. Duh. Anyway...I need to get another cable today. That is about it. Looking forward to tomorrow and all the family coming over for dinner and games. That will be fun. Kevon may be late...he said he may have to work. Posting a picture I got from Heather of Parker and Patrick! They have changed so much from the other picture. They are growing up! :( Well....have a great day!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Just sharing some valentine's pictures above...plus my picture of the day of Joshua! I loved this holiday when I was a kid. Even though everyone gave everyone cards in class... I always felt special when that "certain someone" gave me one. And it was always fun making our valentine holder and hanging it on our desk! Great memories. I gave papa quite a few things from a dish of kisses, a stuffed animal, a musical card, box of chocolates, roses, and more this month. I think he liked it. It was fun showing him all the way up to today how much I love him! I got the cutest, softest stuffed bear from him holding a balloon and candy! And a "sweet" card. Karla is the Scrooge of valentine's day. How can you not like it???? Have no plans for today but to take my printer back. I got a Kodak one and I can't hook it up without losing my F-drive and all my pictures and music. Something must not be compatible. I will get a Lexmark. That one seemed to last longer for me. I hate HP. Those don't last and they put so much extra download stuff on it! Plus today I need to finish my cleaning. I got the kitchen, dining room, living room, and laundry done yesterday. Amanda and the kids came over after work. She worked on her taxes and the kids worked on valentine's. I had bought a Central Market pizza and we had that for dinner... it is nice you can buy them and cook them at home now! It was good. Ryan came and him and Andrew got caught up on Naruto. And we watched Big Brother. That show is going to be interesting. I have a different site connected to this one if you want to post about it, Lost, Biggest Loser, or any show. It's fun to share opinions.... I know I like to share mine. lol! Thanks again to Doug, Linda, Lois, Tara, Karla, Heather, David, and the latest..Denise that shared opinions about dad. Mom will always cherish them. If you haven't done so...you still can down on his birthday blog. Just click where it say "10 comments" and a pop-up will appear where you can do it. Put your name at the bottom and click anonymous. I haven't printed it out for mom yet (remember...have to get a new printer?). I hope all of you have a great Valentine's Day!!!

Let's try that cleaning day again!

Picture of the day was taken February 13, 2004 of Andrew and Lauren watching tv at Mam & Papa's...they look so comfortable! Andrew was almost 8 and his sister almost 1!
Cleaning didn't happen yesterday. So now I have even more to do today! I will just start at one end and go from room to room. I am up so early today I can't stand it. I was so amazed by the things people wrote about dad. Thanks to all! I read them to mom who, of course, wants a copy. She was so blessed by what you wrote. So was I. I cried. Did a lot of nothing but hang out with Maddie yesterday. Today I am going nowhere and doing nothing but cleaning...Lord willing. Hope you all are having a great week! God bless!

cleaning day...again!

Does cleaning ever stop? I did not a thing yesterday except a load of laundry. Instead I met Karla and Maddie at the new restaurant where Mitzel's used to be. It is about the same price as Mitzel's was....good food. It was nice having lunch with them! Oh....I think I am watching Maddie this morning! I forgot! Dylan has a little concert. I can still clean with Maddie. Maybe even enlist her to help me....if the cat doesn't distract her! Speaking of Maddie, she made my picture of the day today. I love her expression like she was busted doing something. This was taken 3 years ago today. If you haven't voted in the primary yet...you are running out of time! It is very important in this state since they count it along with the caucus. We sent ours out today. And if you are not registered to vote....you really need to do it! It is so important this year!!!! Our countries morality, freedom, and economy count on it! I have my opinions on who to vote for, but I won't express them here. Most of you know which way we lean...our whole family votes the same. I guess I ask myself HWJV? (how would Jesus vote?) Anyway...shopped at walmart for valentines yesterday! Visited with one of my first friends when I moved over here...Sheila Edmondson Moore for a long time. Also saw Candice and met her parents. She is still feeling like "poop". Her words, not mine. Riley went to the doctor...she doesn't have strep... just a virus. Thank the Lord! Now I am praying she gets over it fast.

Thank you to those who had kind words about dad. I am calling mom and reading them to her. They are such a comfort to her. You can read them in yesterday's comments section. Check out my links, too. I have one to the breast cancer site where you can help fun mammograms for people, help animals, children's health & education! Also I have the TV section to post your opinions on what tv shows are happening...it is really picking up and I have opinions! I updated my kidstuf clubhouse site and working on our other sites as well. Having mom update today or tomorrow so look for that! Hope you have a great day! May God's blessings be yours!

Today was my daddy's birthday!

The picture of the day is above...taken Februaray 11, 2001 on Grandpa's birthday and he is getting help with the candles from Andrew, Dylan and Jordan! This picture on the left is of my dad was taken on his 80th birthday! I can't help but think of my dad today. Every morning of his birthday I would call him and sing happy birthday....poor guy! Our whole family does that to each other! I miss doing that.....so I sing it out in the air. I miss him so much. Every day. He was so awesome and meant so much to every person his life touched. I know Lanny adored him like a father as did the other in laws. The grandkids loved his sense of humor. We all loved his braveness. He was and always will be our hero. Feel free to share your feelings about him in the comment section.

I was so sick yesterday! Went to church and didn't make it through kidstuf! Papa had to bring me home. I was better by afternoon. Some stomach bug! That was my day yesterday. Even slept part of the day! I must be getting old. Happy Birthday to my longtime friend Berta. I've known her practically my entire life! We grew up together until we moved to Kingston...and several years later her family moved to Kingston, too! I love Berta! And a happy birthday to Dennis Dick....a wonderful friend from church!!! God bless you both! Have a great day everyone!

Fun Saturday!

Mam is great....she makes us chocolate cake! Lauren loves chocolate even at this age. Taken 2-10-04...my picture of the day!

Such a great day yesterday. Picked up mom and we went to the movies. Met up with Tara and Amanda. Really enjoyed the movie...Fool's Gold. It was funny! Mom liked it, too. I saw a friend from church, Mark Carlton, there seeing a different movie. Nice guy! After the movie we went to lunch at JJ's Fish House. Tara hates seafood but got a big chicken sandwich thingy. Amanda, mom and I had the fish & chips. They were so good! We stopped at Albertson's and I took her home. Her cat was happy to see her! That cat is so sweet!!! Riley was sick so she didn't go to her game. Please keep her in your prayers! Just when I thought all was healthy! Ryan & the kids came over after he had gone to the job fair with Brad. Papa enjoyed having them over. He sure loves his grandchildren!!!! Got some paint! At walmart they have a place where you can buy paint for 50% off! It is gallons that people decided they didn't want after mixing the color. Just make sure it rings up right at the register! Well, kidstuf this morning and then maybe a nap or painting. Haven't decided. Have a great day!!!!

movie day!

Picture of the day was taken at the Valentine's dinner with our church last year. It is me with 3 of my best friends...Candice, Sharon and Tara! We had a good time! Sad they aren't having it this year. Today is movie day. Fool's Gold came out yesterday with Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey! I'm looking forward to it! I love those two together..they are two of my favorites. Then I think we are going out to eat. Tara, Amanda, Meghan and mom. Anyone else wanting to go? We planned on the 1:00 show so Papa may have to watch the kids for a bit. He loves to be with grandkids! Ryan is going to the Shipyard job fair today. I am so glad about that! They are offering apprenticeship programs....good way to get a career and your foot in the door! Karla and her family went to the ocean for fun and for Joel's birthday! I know they'll have a good time. I love to see the families do stuff together. We used to do a lot of daily drives and camping and stuff. We went over Mt Rainier, went down the Oregon coast, went to Seattle, drove to the ocean, etc.... and created some good memories for our family. We didn't even have dvd players! We just sang our hearts out...and on the way home they slept. Here is a picture! I miss those days. Enjoy your families before they start families of their own! It happens before you even know it! Got some kind of sad news yesterday but had to act happy. My friend, Jennifer, is moving to England this year. Her husband is in the military and I knew she was leaving, but England is so far away! She wanted to be close to her family in Florida and their first choice was Omaha since it was closer...but they got their second and she is very excited for the new experience. They have a little boy that turns 3 this month! I will miss her so much! I have lots of cleaning to do before Riley's soccer game this morning so I best get moving! Hope you all have a wonderful day today! Oh, I put up the Reality Chat site on my links again....things are heating up!!!!!!!!