MONDAY MUSIC 5

Karla used to do a cool thing on her old site each day....I am going to try it. Hit the comment button and give your answers. If now one else does it....i guess it should stay buried in the blogs of life.

Monday Music Five from Karla's site

1. What song reminds you of high school?
PRECIOUS & FEW

2. What is your favorite kids song?
THE WIGGLES: ROCKABYE YOUR BEAR

3. Name a song that you used to love, but now irritates you?
ALMOST PARADISE

4. What popular song (past or present) do you find annoying?
A HORSE WITH NO NAME.....I HATE IT! I CAN'T EVEN HEAR IT!

5. What is you and DH's song? if you don't have one, what song would be a good one for you?
OUR LOVE IS UNCONDITIONAL

monday and papa has a dr appointment

Another Monday rolling in. Sure seems cold. The picture of the day was taken on 3-31-06 of Lauren covering her chi-chi's! It reminds me of the filipino lady that would give dad baths in the nursing home. He kept calling her Chi-chi. I don't remember what her name was...it was similar...but Amanda told us then what chi-chi's meant in tagola. My dad, he cracked me up! I have a pile of house work to do today and I am going to meet papa at the doctor. I have some questions concerning his health I would like to ask, too. Will there ever be a day I don't worry about him now? That is the plans for today. Had a good weekend. Had a nice compliment from my son, Kevon. Him and Meghan have gotten alot of static from family over wedding plans. Has there ever been a wedding that people can just butt out of? Doubtful. Anyway.... he said "Do you know my mom is the only one who hasn't said anything?" I know he's pleased with that. The way I see it....it's their wedding. They can do whatever they want, go wherever they want, just get married!!!! I feel bad people can't keep their opinions to themselves and just be happy and encouraging. I've seen this happen at every wedding. Too bad. I'm praying they will laugh one day. I am also praying for Kevon. He was so sick with the stomach flu!!! Meghan made him home-made chicken noodle soup. Tara talked to her and told me in 15 years she'll just open him a can instead. lol! Meg sent me this picture of Harley worried about Kevon and following him everywhere. Dog's know when someone isn't feeling well. He is either really sick or change alot because he would never let a dog on his pillow before. Or he just isn't aware of it. lol! Wait til he wakes up! KidStuf was exhausting yesterday. The kids were so disruptive and misbehaving. I felt like I was the only one handling them. It was tough. Church afterwords was good. And Susan and I went to Quizno's and I got the worst french dip sandwich I've ever had. This kid slopped mayo on it!!!! Then burnt the bun. Didn't notice til I had it back at church. I am complaining. It was nasty. Gave Glenn the second half. Meeting lasted 2 hours as usual. There was me, Glenn & Elissa, Andy, John, Susan, Kyle and Pastor Ty. Had a relaxing evening after that. Tara called me.....something happened which I won't go into here....but it really touched my heart that she's got my back and looking out for me. I love her. It meant alot to me. Mom called, too, and thanked me for her cat. It took awhile but mom loves her very much. I think she wasn't letting herself get too close after losing Snowball....but like she said "This cat really loves me. I see it in her eyes." That is so sweet. I am glad she is happy. Well, Dylan gets to go to opening day for the Mariners! Lucky him! I hope him and his dad have fun. He is excited that sometime this season all 4 of them are going. He loves his family very much....even though he is a butthead to Maddie sometimes. Well...Lanny and the girls leave to see his mom soon. Keep them in your prayers that he stays healthy... they can't be sick down there around her. Sure wish Ryan and I were able to go. Best go clean house now. Have a great day! God bless!

sunday the 30th

This picture of the day was of Lanny's grandma "Mimmie" taken in March of 1981. He was super close to her! Almost April already. Wow. Have a busy week ahead of us. Yesterday we went no where and did nothing. It was nice to have Papa home all day but a bit frustrating at times. We did start a puzzle and watched a couple good movies....and I made his favorite dinner. Got some sad news yesterday. My former brother in law (Karla and Kevon's Uncle Gary) died. Dave had to go to Seattle yesterday. Haven't heard the circumstances or anything. From all the emails I have gotten from him I think I know he is with the Lord. He was never ashamed to send anything to anyone either. He was a nice guy...he was a big guy with a big heart. He was the oldest in Dave's family of 5. Today is KidStuf. As you can see on the KidStuf website I try to prepare and have all the roles filled as early as possible. Sometimes life happens and people can't go on as planned and things change. That's what happened this week. I was scrambling to cover....but I got 'er done! I hope today goes off alright. It is a different kind of script....like Laugh-In. Dylan and Maddie are going and I have a meeting after church. Well...that about covers my day. Hope you all have an awesome day and good news comes to you!

what a great saturday!

The picture of the day was taken on 3-29-04....a beautiful Spring day and Maddie loving the outdoors! She was only 8 months old. I'm looking forward to today. Papa is off all day! We are not going anywhere or doing anything! Sound awesome? He has to heal that back up! Just wondering if anyone was able to view the video I posted? It is the first time I think I've used the blogger to post a video. I've used other methods but not this one. Let me know.
Yesterday was a good day. Stopped at Dylan's and dropped off his cd....felt kind of rushed out of there. Then we got gas and went to ToysRUs just to walk around and have something to do...just me, Lauren and Andrew. It was fun. Lauren kept picking things up off the ground and putting them where they go....too much helping Papa at walmart!!!! funny. That's about all we did. It was just nice spending the day together. Came home and watched a movie and Ryan came & did laundry. It was quiet and lonely when they left. Just cleaned the house and went to bed. Well....hope you all have a wonderful day! Enjoy it and I hope you get time to relax.

Friday morning! Pray for Papa!

The picture of the day was taken 3-28-03....Lauren is a smiley baby! Look at that hair!
Papa hurt his back last night at work carrying a ladder....which he shouldn't have been. He is going to the chiropractor today....hopefully that will help him. Plus our prayers for him. Thank you. Heather, Joshua, Parker and Jared are all better. Patrick was still punk yesterday and Don came home from work with the stomach bug! Keep them in your prayers. It passes fast anyway. Got the 4 kids yesterday and we had a good time watching movies, played games, ate, made cookies, played outside and danced and ran in the hail! It hailed hard yesterday and the kids freaked out in it! They loved it. We took Maddie and Dylan home so Dylan could go to practice. Today we have no idea what's going on. We'll just play it by ear... hopefully there will be no snow. Whoops...Papa just called and said he is looking at a winter wonderland.... about an inch at Bangor and trees have snow on them. It started sticking about 1/2 way from Poulsbo to Bangor...on the grass but not the roads. He said it is so pretty and snowing little flakes. It was snow and rain mix on the way to work...even at our house. I am so done with winter. It's raining with huge flakes here right now at 6 a.m. Enjoy the video of the crazy girls and have a great day!

snow? are you kidding me?

My picture of the day was taken in 2005 on Easter....one is of the kids frosting Easter cookies and the other is Peep Wars and they are watching them in the microwave expanding! Great fun!

We are almost in to April. Is God kidding us or what? Dylan had big flakes at his house last night. I didn't have any but it got so windy and cold for about a half hour last night I decided not to chance it and brought my plants in. So they are comfy. I hear birds singing this morning. I'm going to pick up Andrew, Lauren, Dylan and Maddie this morning. We have to go pick up milk and then spend the day together. It will be fun. I am so looking forward to it. Spring break doesn't officially start until next week...but they have conferences this week so they are already out. Yesterday was a good day. Andrew came over and worked on his presentation for his portfolio for conferences last night. Haven't heard how he did....but he recorded himself on the camera twice so I have an idea it went good. I went to my second job interview at the church. It was with 6 ladies I would be working with at the church...Lindsay, Kristina, Elissa (I know them as they work with me in KidStuf), Bri, Jodi and Brenda. We had a great time laughing and talking. Pastors Barry and Paul poked their heads in, too, for a minute. If I passed this round I will meet with all the pastors. I know all of them....so that shouldn't be too bad. I know Jake, Paul and Ty really like me. Pretty sure the rest do. But God is still in control, right? You have to read Karla's blog. Dylan just rocked his conference! He is amazing. I am so proud of him. He got a new game for his ds for doing so well. These grandkids should all be so proud of themselves....and the parents should be so proud of the people these kids are becoming! I know papa and I are. We have every right to brag on our grandkids. Sorry, but they are the best. I want to wish my sweet friend, Shawna Dick, a very happy and wonderful birthday today!!!! She is one of the sweetest and kindest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing...ever! I just love her! Tonight they are celebrating Shawna's and Nancy Keller's birthday but not only can I not afford it....I will have kids. So I will be missing that. I am sure they will have so much fun....they always do! Hope you all have a great day today! Stay safe and warm!

my poor plants!

The picture of the day was taken on March 26, 1989....this will make you feel old. It was taken 19 years ago!!!! It was on Easter. Wow.

Well, I really thought it was time to plant my flowers. Now they are calling for a chance of snow again!!! What the hey? I may have to take them down and protect them somewhat. Not sure how. Karla sent me a picture of Maddie and Joel's flower garden.....I'm sure she'll post it on her blog today so I won't. She has conferences with Dylan's teacher today. Well, I did the dishes and laundry yesterday. My back was much better. I made Beans and Ham hocks. Beans are good for you. Ham hocks... not so much...but I only used one small one to give it flavor and I added an onion and baby carrots. Sure was good!!!! Made me think of my dad. He loved them! I think of my daddy every day. I miss him. My beautiful flowers Tara and the girls brought for me on Easter are so beautiful! They brighten up my whole dining room! Took a great family picture of them on Easter. I really love it. Now I'll stop bugging her for awhile! Lol! Mom brought a dozen plastic bracelets for our family from Rita. They say "Marines.com The Few The Proud". We are wearing them until Justin comes back from Iraq to show our support for him. I am proud of the man Justin has become. Hard to believe he is a man!!!! Today I have another interview at the church. I am looking forward to it. I had so much fun visiting Bri last time...we talked for over an hour. I may not get the job though...found out the other day Sandy Lingo applied too. Talk about having more experience than me. Wow. Oh well....God will decide. Today I meet with several people. I know most of them....a few are friends of mine and I work in KidStuf with them. I have some good references too...I had to come up with business references of ones I never worked for....so I got Rick Rayment with TEC construction (he loves me), Rob Thomas from Thomas Construction (he loves me, too), and Sharon from Venture Out Inc. They all said they would lie for me. Just kidding. They said they would sing my praises. Yesterday wasn't a good weigh-in day. You can see it on our website. Need to do better. Dancing With the Stars was very predictable last night. It was obvious who would go home first. Well....not much more to babble about. Either that or I am forgetting something. Hope your day is good!

Back better but bummed.

My back is much better this morning. The only thing I did yesterday was pick up a few things and dishes. Other than that I rested on the couch all day. I even took a nap! Ryan and the kids came over and did laundry. We are so proud of our grandkids! They are the best! Andrew got his report card and has a 3.1 GPA! Three A's, 2 B's and a C! He brought an F in Science up to a B! He is doing great and we are so proud of him! Then Dylan called ALL excited....he is on the Safety Patrol team next year for his school!!! There were only 14 picked and I think Karla said over 40 kids tried out! We're so proud of him!!! He had to be interviewed and everything! He was so worried because the teacher "teased" him on Friday telling him he may get cut because they took him out of school early to go to Forks. He was very upset. Teacher isn't too bright....you don't tease Dylan about that kind of stuff!!! She apologized Monday after Karla wrote her a letter and she told Dylan "I hope I didn't ruin your weekend!" He told her "Only a little." Too funny. Anyway, after Spring Break he starts training with for the job. He will be so good at this. His first step into becoming an FBI agent. lol! And then Riley....on Easter she told us the Easter Story....about Jesus using Easter Eggs! It was amazing that she could remember all that. It was great. I was really proud of her too! I'm not so proud of me and papa. We tumbled downhill this week. We both gained 2 pounds!!!! Easter certainly didn't help matters...neither did going out to eat twice. This is my first gain and I feel terrible. I had stopped writing things down and Papa had a couple evening meals (got his timing messed up). I tend to be much more careful if I write things down....when I have to look at what I ate. Sorry, sis. Oh....I it is my womanly time....maybe that added to it. Whatever. But it is only one week and I will lose it by next week and then continue to lose. The sad thing is....it really sets me back 2 weeks! The week I lost and the one I have to make it up. Well, I hope everyone else did better. Here is the picture of the day taken 3-25-06....just last year. This is such a sweet picture of Riley and Parker! Hope you all have a great week, too! God is watching you!

Pray for my back!

My picture of the day taken 3-24-04... Maddie is pulling herself up at 8 months old and so pleased with herself! I love it. My back started hurting yesterday and continued to get worse as the day went on. My tail bone and low back. Pray, pray, pray it doesn't go out!!!! Too much coming up...I have my second interview at the church on Wednesday. I have to be good to go to that! I am just going to take it easy today. Took 3 motrin....see if that helps at all. My bed sure doesn't. Yesterday was a good day.Except we went to church and got there 30 minutes after the service started. That was weird. We got the last 20 minutes. I messed up the time. Then we got Maddie & Dylan and came home. Watched part of Harry & the Henderson's. That was about it besides cleaning and cooking and getting things ready for dinner. Everyone came over and everyone ate alot! Tara brought chocolate pie and an easter cake. We did the easter egg hunt. Poor Riley got both nasty eggs. The kids had fun. I took lots of pictures....I will put up the slide show either later or tomorrow. Hope you all have a wonderful day today. God bless and keep you safe today!

HAPPY EASTER!

What a wonderful day....despite the rain! We are going to church.....I love going on Easter! It is such a happy time! We don't have KidStuf today. This afternoon we are having dinner here....ham, turkey, and all the stuff with it! Tara & family, Karla & family, Kevon & Meghan, Mom, Libby & family are all coming over for dinner! It will be so much fun! Game time!!! (hopefully, if we have time) The egg hunt will be fun too! I wish Andrew & Lauren were going to be here but they went to their friends instead. And Heather and her family couldn't make it over. So I am sad about that....but I am thankful for who does get to come. I am tired this morning.....I woke up at 1 in the morning because I had a nightmare. I've never done this before....but I woke up yelling and sobbing!!!! I was crying ....the hiccup kind! I was dreaming that Papa had died and I was in this house full of people....some were watching tv with me and I looked down and there were Papa's tennis shoes. I lost it....I ran down the hall into this bedroom my brother, Doug, was sleeping in and woke him up and told him "I can't do this!!! I can't deal with this!!! I want him back!!!!"....and I don't know what else I was yelling because that's when Papa woke me up. Tears were all over my face and pillow and it took awhile to stop crying. Nothing like having that kind of dream to make you fall deeply in love with your husband again! We both got up for awhile so I could calm down. Went back to bed around 2:30 and slept til 6. It was rough. Plus both of our backs were hurting. Hmmm. I know that many times we dream things from experiences during the day. Andrew had asked me for more details about papa's hospital visit....how he almost died and stuff. I think that reliving that a bit was what triggered the thoughts. I didn't go into deep details but surfaced over what happened. He wasn't around during most of it so he doesn't remember. He sure loves his papa. Yesterday was a good day. Gave Lauren a bath and Andrew got to play on the computer...his favorite thing to do. We went to Riley's game and met Ryan & Amanda there and said goodbye to the kids. Then we went to Big Apple Diner with Brad & Tara and had lunch. It was good and nice to be with them and the girls. Came home and got a few things done. Papa and I never went on a date because there are no movie's out we want to watch! We watched "The Wild Hogs" instead because we hadn't seen it yet. Oh....what a funny movie!!! We laughed so much. It has John Travolta, William H Macy, Tim Allen and Martin Lawrence star in it as middle aged motorcycle riders. So funny! And we watched Survivor from Thursday night and I was happy to see who was voted off! Today's picture of the day was taken March 23, 2004...Lauren's first time going to church...Andrew going in to kiss his sister. Sweet moment. Well, best get ready for church! Hope you all have a wonderful Easter full of family and love....and especially feel the love of God your Father!

saturday morning

Bathroom is done.....I am pleased with it. Here are some pictures. Yesterday was a pretty good day. I had neck pain most of the day...but now I am fine. Papa and I went to Walmart for a couple items and then came home. He cleaned the vehicle's and did some burning and stuff. I did dishes, cleaning, and finished bath. He had to work in the evening for a while....I didn't go to church....didn't want to go alone. I picked up Andrew & Lauren for the night instead. We went to Walmart to see papa...but couldn't find him! Stopped and got Lauren McNuggets and apples and went to Pho's and got Andrew a couple eggrolls. He was in heaven! Came home and watched Harry & the Henderson. The kids loved it but Lauren fell asleep. Today is Riley's game and papa wants to take me on a date! How exciting is that??? The pic of the day was taken 3-22-04... Lauren is so curious about Sissy! Sissy could care less about Lauren. Have a great day!

Good Friday

Today is Karfreitag, a German word meaning "Friday of Lamentation." In English we call it Good Friday, but other languages usually refer to it as Holy Friday. In Armenia it's called High Friday, and the Russians refer to it as Passion Friday. In China, it's known as the Day of Christ's Suffering. In Bermuda, kites will be flown today, all of them using wooden frames in the shape of a cross. As the kites soar into the sky, they symbolize the crucified one who has now ascended into heaven. In England, hot cross buns will be served, and the BBC will introduce its morning newscast with a verse from Isaac Watts' hymn, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." All over the world, Christians will pause today to think about our Lord Jesus who shed His blood for the sins of the world. Maybe each of us should establish a personal tradition. Let's find a way and a time today to direct our thoughts to the old rugged cross and to thank God for overcoming death and making us more than conquerors through Him. "I can't control all the circumstances, but I have One who lives within me who is able to triumph over them all, because if He triumphed over death, is there anything that can happen to me that is too much for Him?" by David Jeremiah. Amazing to think how this weekend is celebrated world wide, not just in our little corner. Our church is having a nice service tonight at 6 and one at 7:30 if anyone wants to attend. I think I'll be going to the 6:00 service.
Yesterday was a good day. I went to Walmart for a new shower curtain and met Karla and the kids there. Dylan picked out the curtain for me. Then KJ took him to school and Maddie and I went to Shari's and met Karla for breakfast. We came home and played all day. We also watched Enchanted. And Grandma Wave called me....we talked for about an hour on the phone. It was a good talk about everything she is going through and about everyone. Sometimes she calls when her son isn't here so we can just chat. I love her so much. Ry and family over last night ....Maddie and Lauren got to play together for awhile before Karla picked her up. They loved that. Andrew worked on homework all night. Poor guy has this huge report on Centrifugal force he is doing. Papa came home and finished the bathroom. I like it. It is a beige/tan color so I put up my stuff in there this morning. It looks pretty good. Papa is off today...so I am happy about that. Today was another of those days that I had more than 1 picture of the day. The first was taken on March 21, 2005. This is one of my all time favorites of Joshua. It is like he's saying "Look, I got two teeth!" The other was of Andrew playing a video game at mam's counter in 2001....he is in his underware and only 5 years old. So cute. Well...have a good day. Think about the suffering Christ did just for YOU today. If no one else had existed.... He still would have gone on that cross for you. He loves you so much and wants to spend forever with you. Wouldn't you do anything to spend forever with the people you love?

First Day of Spring!

Usually I don't pay that much attention to the first day of spring...but this year I have been so excited for it to come. I got a lot done yesterday! I put up a small clothesline on my back deck. My clothes smelled so good when I brought them in! I love it! I cleaned the den and moved the treadmill back in there. I figure I can't ignore it in there so much ...right? I cleaned off the clutter table, cleaned the kitchen, did the dishes, finished planting the outdoor plants which I posted a few pictures (to get you in the springtime mood...didn't the girls do a great job of picking them out and helping me?), cleaned off the deck, did laundry, and I printed tons of pictures and redid a lot of my frames. That was fun. Most I hadn't changed in a couple years....so they are updated. Then I decided to paint the bathroom. I did over half of it and got a surprise phone call! Papa called and was coming home! He went to punch in the time clock at walmart and was rejected....it said he wasn't scheduled! So he checked...sure enough he was off! So he came home and finished the bathroom for me! That was awesome! We got rid of the green and painted it a tan colored. Much more calming than green. It was so nice having him home. Have him home tonight, Saturday & Sunday night! Yippee! Today Maddie and I are spending the day together. I am so happy to do that....not sure what we'll do. She likes to just hang out at mam's. The grandkids like mam's house. The picture of the day is kids hanging out at mam's house March 20, 2006. I had gotten the 3 Little Pigs Video from Disney (I've read the book to all the kids and now grandkids) and these three were glued to the movie....with their popcorn & juice. Tonight is Bible Study. Well, best go and post this and do my bible lesson for Holy week. Have a great day! Enjoy Spring!

Wednesday the 19th

Tomorrow is the first day of spring! In honor of this occasion Maddie and I picked out some pretty flowers yesterday and Lauren and I planted them in hanging baskets last night. It was fun doing both things. Looks so pretty I will have to get pictures. I have 3 pictures of the day ....but the funniest is the one of Scott and I at the tolo on March 19, 1972! Wow....what a wild dress! We were 15 years old here! The other two are cute, but not so funny. Both were taken 5 years ago in 2003....one of Jordan holding baby Lauren....the other of Parker and Patrick with their trophies from their race. Too cute. We've had a camp trailer for 5 years today! I was so excited when we bought it. I still love it. Only used it once last year....when papa had his heart attack. Yesterday I met Karla at walmart....then I kept Maddie longer while we shopped for plants. I took her home. Papa went to the chiropractor and took a nap before going to walmart later. I picked up Andrew and a pizza. He worked on homework, Lauren and I planted the flowers and then watched "Enchanted". I love that movie! Didn't have a chance to visit Ryan and Amanda because Lauren had me occupied. Our weight loss group didn't have a great week. Maybe they will do better now. Oh....by the way, my animals are ok now. The cat finally went out yesterday afternoon and she has gone out several times and is back to normal. I am glad. Maybe she just needed some down time. Last night was so hard. I wanted to watch American Idol, Biggest Loser, Dancing with the Stars, Beauty and the Geek, Big Brother, and I am sure there were more.....so I channel surfed and felt like I only saw a little of each. Totally went to sleep unsatisfied. I can only record 2. Oh well....there are bigger crisis' in this world!!! Today I think I am going to paint the bathroom. I am anxious to get the green paint off the walls.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS & I LOST 2 MORE!

Now that St. Patrick's Day is over I can change from the green to a more Easter color. Pinks and purple's always remind me of Easter and April. Papa is home today. He came home last night not feeling well....felt hot and achey. So he isn't going to work. That's not like him. He must be pretty sick. Left him and Toby cutting zzzz's in the bedroom. My picture of the day was taken 3-18-06 of Maddie snuggling her papa at Kara's graduation party. She loves her papa! I don't have too much planned today, anyway. My cat is having some mental issues. I got home from our outing on Sunday and the cat didn't come home until 7:30.....so I was home for almost 4 hours. She usually comes running when I come home. When she did come in she looked panicked! She ran past me and hasn't been outside since. She doesn't even go near the door except to get a drink of water! She will sit and look out the window but she won't leave the house. Even Toby is acting a little creeped out...when he goes out his ears are up and he is scouting out the yard. Wonder what was out there? Hopefully Punkin will be ok. Well.....I just weighed myself....I thought I would have a gain because I don't feel that inspired right now....I LOST 2 POUNDS! Total I have lost 12! Now that inspires me!!!! Wonder how everyone else did? We don't usually get all the totals until tonight or tomorrow. Check our website if you're following us. Yesterday was a pretty good day. I had ordered a keyboard and mouse from dell....it is a Microsoft one so it is sturdy and good and got great ratings. It came yesterday so I got to get rid of the piece of junk stuff I bought at WalMart last week. It was bad. I need to take it back and get a refund. This one only cost a little bit more and it is so much nicer....wireless, too. Don't buy the wireless set at WalMart made by Logitech. Watched a movie...The Perfect Man with Hilary Duff and Heather Locklear, I think. It was cute. Today is a bunch of birthdays again! It is the grandkids other grandma's birthday....Grandma Jeanette, it is Addie Rogan's birthday....we were great buds while our boys played football together and I just got back in touch with her again, and it is Nancy Keller's birthday (PICTURED)....she is in my bible study and I call her my "Ernestine" because she embraced me and befriended me when I started at this church when I needed it most. Happy Birthday to all!!!!! Hope everyone has a great day today! And I hope you all are learning with me as we go through the last week of Jesus' life together. It is so important to underdstand what he went through. I would highly recommend watching The Passion. God bless!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY & HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHERYL!

Today is one of my best friends birthday....Cheryl Bussing! I love Cheryl! We have been friends with her and Lester for 20 years! She has always loved me, stuck by me, and supported me through every corner of my life the past 20 years and you couldn't ask for a better friend or more trusting and true friend! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHERYL! Today is also St. Patrick's Day! Guess I better wear green....though I won't see anyone today who can pinch me...it is just the principle, I guess. I have done this tradition for over 50 years. Why stop now? Have no plans today except I have to really get in the cleaning mood! Got lots to do around my house. Also need to work on KidStuf stuff. Every Monday. Yesterday was so much fun! KidStuf was great...they even had a camera crew filming a commercial for our church there...which excited the kids. Maddie came but Dylan went jogging with his mom instead. You probably notice a beautiful girl in a wedding dress! That is Meghan! We went to look for a wedding dress for her Jamaican wedding yesterday. We had lunch at Red Robin, then we piled in Tara's van and headed to the Tacoma Mall! Meghan's mom and grandma went too. We had fun. She tried on about 6 dresses or so and we all fell in love with this one. I can show it because Kevon never looks at my web site. If it doesn't have any music connection he doesn't bother. lol! So, she got her dress and it is beautiful and all is good with the world. I am so happy for her. Papa has this coming weekend off and I am counting the days! I am very excited! It has been a long time. The picture of the day was taken 3-17-05...3 years ago of Riley and Jordan being all comfy cozy at home. Riley was 2 and Jordan was 7 at the time. So sweet! Well, I think the cleaning bug is starting to kick into gear....so I best get off the computer! Have an awesome day!

Palm Sunday

Today is the beginning of "Holy Week". Today is when Jesus rode into Jerusalem knowing he was going to die there. I put a new devotion in today. It is amazing to think about his last week and why and how it was accomplished. If you don't know the whole story.....follow it with me this week.

Patrick is so proud of this tshirt he got....he is so athletic in my picture of the day taken last year! I love to see their faces when they've accomplished something they worked so hard for!

Today is 3 birthdays of some very special guys. The first is Richard Maxwell. I have loved and hated this man! He has been our counselor....told the truth which I didn't want to hear, and saved our marriage....which I am so grateful for. He is a friend and special man. It is also Bill Davison's birthday (pictured). We've known him almost as long as Richard! His family is very intertwined with our family. Not sure how that all came about but we love them all. And today is Adam Vega's bday...he is Ryan's best friend! Happy birthday to Richard, Bill and Adam!!!! We are going to the early service and then KidStuf. Papa will take Maddie and Dylan home and I am meeting Meghan, her grandma, her mom, sister Lauren, and Tara at Red Robin for lunch. Then we are piling in Tara's van and going to Tacoma to look at wedding dresses for Meghan. It will be fun! I am looking forward to it. I am just excited to be getting out of here and doing something! You can't imagine how bored I get day after day. My kids all have lives to lead, most of my friends have jobs to go to and I have nothing. I hope to find out this week if I get a job. It will at least make me feel like I have a purpose in life. I guess I am done with all my other jobs. Yesterday I did nothing. I kind of wanted to go see the Horton Hears a Who movie but had no one to go with and would feel stupid going by myself. It was great to see Craigmont. It was the cellenoid on the truck and they got it fixed quite quickly. Lanny is so happy! Hope you have a great day!

Saturday morning

Woke up at 3. Could not believe how hard it was raining! Craigmont is coming over this morning to help Lanny with the truck. Maybe they can figure it out. Craig is a great mechanic. Riley doesn't have a game so I don't have much planned today. Yesterday I didn't do much either.... just all the laundry. So...there is not much to report. So glad to be rid of the mouse! Sorry it is boring...but that is good, too! Here is the picture of the day.....I actually have 2! The other is the girls with their kids. This was taken on March 15, 2001....7 years ago. Little did the girls know at the time that there would be a few additions to the family within a few years! In the other picture of the day Lauren is trying to get to Maddie by putting her feet on her. I watched this for awhile until Maddie got mad...then I stopped Lauren before Maddie hit her. Always interesting to watch those two! Taken March 15, 2005. Hope you have a great day!

I HATE MICE!!!!

Ok....yesterday sucked. I went and was watching American Idol that I had recorded the night before all comfy cozy with my coffee and blanket in the recliner when I caught something in the corner of my eye. Looked over by our gas fireplace....nothing. A minute later...there it is again. I get up and it is a freakin' mouse! I scream, Toby runs out of the bedroom and I run to call the cat in. The cat comes in and I am trying to get it to notice this mouse that went under over in the corner by the couch. The cat scares it and it runs under and up into my recliner. Toby is circling the recliner. I get off the kitchen chair and ease over to tip the recliner so the cat can get up in it. He still can't get the creature...so I start banging on the chair. The mouse runs out and behind the couch. Unfortunately, I scream which scares the cat off. I get the cat back and he is still hunting him. I called papa and cried. Then I left the house vowing not to return until that cat killed the mouse. When I got home I expected one of two things to be.....the house to look like the Cat in the Hat visited and a mess every where....or the cat asleep and no dead mouse. The second was happening. The picture I posted is this morning. He is still watching for that mouse which is freaking me out. I did buy 4 mouse traps and that sticky paper to kill him if the cat fails. I never used to be afraid of mice...but this one is the fastest little bugger I have ever seen. Tara offered to come get it for me....but I didn't want her to have to come all the way over. Ryan and Andrew came and went on a mouse hunt....turned my couch upside down and couldn't see anywhere he could get up there....thank God. They flipped the chairs and kicked couches. Ry set out a couple of mouse traps and when papa got home he put out the rest. Something has to work. I am surprised I slept so well last night. That is only because when I was going to sleep I asked Papa "Can mice climb up in bed?" He said "no." I said "What about hickory, dickory, doc?" He said "that was a clock." And I fell right to sleep. I really won't be satisfied until I see a dead mouse.

Speaking of a mouse....I bought this new set the other day....it was a new mouse, keyboard and speakers for cheap. I see why now. The speakers already don't work, the mouse makes a terrible clicking when you scroll with it, and the keyboard doesn't have a caplock light.... all which is a bit inconvenient and exactly what I paid for. So I am getting a different one already. So frustrating. I guess you get what you pay for.

I did get to take Dylan to school yesterday. He calmed down a bit from his lock-down the day before. Then Karla, me and Maddie went to walmart and walked around. Then to Maddie's doctor to get her stitches out. Joel showed up so he went back with Karla and Maddie while I tried to avoid this strange lady that decided to sit right next to me with this terrible cold and be my new friend. It was weird. Maddie looks great. She was so brave she got a couple ribbons the nurse bought her! How sweet. Went to Central Market and bought some fruit and visited a few with Sharon! I miss her. Picked up Lauren and took her home....she was sick and Ryan had to go drop off his paperwork for the shipyard. We just sat in the den with a blanket and our recliner loveseat propped up watching TV and chilling. Later she started throwing up. Poor baby....not sure what is up with that. Went to bible study last night....got to hold Trina's new baby (Jake and Patty's grandson) Lyle. He was born last Sunday! Super cute baby!!! It was a good night. Dennis and Shawna are going to India on a missions trip in a few weeks so we got to here their presentation. Well.....not sure what today will bring. Hopefully a dead mouse!!!! Here is the picture of the day of me working at Payless in 1987. I know alot of you remember those days. Years haven't been so good to me. :( Well.....I hope you all have a great weekend! UPDATE: 8:20 AM.....IT IS COMPLETE. I FOUND THE MOUSE IS ON THE STICKY PAPER BEHIND THE COUCH....I BRAVELY TOOK HIM OUT TO THE PORCH AND PUT THE WHOLE THING IN ONE OF PAPA'S BUCKETS. YOU GET TO DO SOMETHING WITH IT PAPA. IT IS STILL MOVING. I ALMOST FEEL BAD FOR IT...BUT IT SHOULD HAVE NEVER CAME IN MY HOUSE! I AM SENDING A MESSAGE TO OTHER MICE. DON'T MESS WITH ME!

Thursday morning

Lauren loved the picture of the day....taken 3-13-06. Give a kid a box! Lauren and Maddie had more fun with this box than all the toys I had in the house! Today is Thursday.....almost the weekend. Papa is off tonight and we have Bible Study! I have to drag myself out at night....but I enjoy myself once I am there. I am going with Meghan, her mom & sister to Tacoma this weekend to look at Bridal Dresses! I am excited about that. It will be fun. Meghan had me invite mom but, of course, she doesn't want to go. Kevon got contacts last week....he already lost one and they are giving him trouble. Yesterday Maddie came over. I cleaned the den and living room and dining room. Then we went to lunch....Joel gave us money and she could pick anywhere. Guess where she picked? McVomit's (as Lanny calls it). She ate 6 nuggets and almost all her apple slices! And she had water. She makes pretty good choices. So did I. I took her to school and then came home and finished my cleaning. Karla called....she saw in the new Dylan's school went into Lock-Down. For us old people.....Lock-down is the drill they practice if there is an intruder on the campus or any other danger. It is basically Dylan's biggest nightmare! All I could think about was his big eyes looking all over trying to see what is going on! He got home about 1/2 hour late from school and called me all excited. He said that when they announced "Lock-down" a light bulb went off in his head and then exploded. Too funny. What happened was a wanted guy was held up in an apartment near the schools so they shut down the grade school, middle school, and high school. Could be a case of over-kill....but I would rather Dylan and the others be safe. The guy is a burglary suspect...not a terrorist or the like. Anyway...that was eventful for Dylan. And freaked Karla out a little. Andrew came over and did homework last night, Amanda and Ry worked on his billion page forms for the government, and Lauren and I played some Bingo. It was nice papa was home, too. Well, gotta go catch up on last night's shows! Hope you all have a wonderful day. Stay dry if you can! Spring is coming! Yippee!!!! In a week!

calmer today....wednesday

My picture of the day was taken on 3-12-05 of Joshua reading to Parker...or is it Parker reading to Joshua? Still it is a sweet moment. It appears calmer out today. I took a few pictures of the wind yesterday crossing the bridge. It always amazes me how it can be so rough on one side and calm on the other. Tom Duchemen did a sermon on that once. It was so rough water was coming over the bridge. Pretty cool, huh? It was alot worse than these pictures show. They say the camera doesn't lie....but I argue that fact. It never shows a sunset or mountain ridge or me like I see it. LoL! Yesterday was interesting. I ended up having to go to town because my mouse died. My computer mouse, that is. I tried everything....changing the battery, rebooting, slamming it on the desk, changing ports....nothing worked. So I got a good deal on wireless mouse, keyboard and a set of speakers! So I got to get rid of my big speakers and lots of wiring. Much better. I also worked on moving the computer into the den and cleaning. Got partway done when Tara called.....I missed Jordan singing! Did I feel like a bad mam!!!! I still feel so guilty. Tara said it was packed with few chairs and very hot. I am still sorry I missed it. I need to make it up to her. The weights have all been turned in...Karen did the best! Tara's team did the best!!! And Karla's team is still first overall. You can check it out on our website posted on the left. I have Maddie this morning! I will take her to school and KJ will pick her up. Papa is home tonight so I am happy about that! I hope you have a pleasant day!

windy tuesday

March 11, 2006 is the picture of the day of Dylan climbing at the part and having fun with his family! Him and his chapped lips!

The wind chimes are playing this morning! Good thing there isn't much planned today! I will light my candle because that's what I do when I hear those chimes. I love wind chimes. I like to collect them. I'm not feeling very well this morning. Not sure if it is allergies or a cold coming on. Either way....it isn't too great. Today is Larry's birthday (my cousin). His real name is Dallas....which is what most people call him....except our family. He was and always will be Larry. Here is a picture of him with his Aunt Elaine (my mom) on her birthday. He is kind and funny and I love that guy! Happy birthday, Larry!!! And many more happy and healthy ones to come! Had a wonderful surprise last night! Andrew and Lauren got to come over for a few hours. Andrew did his whole Power Point report! I was very proud of him. And he was very happy to get it done! Lauren got to have Papa's pasgetti that she loves for dinner! See it hanging out of her mouth? Her and I played I spy Bingo. She beat me all but once!!! I cannot believe how good or lucky she is at games. Seriously. Which is a good thing because she hates losing. Andrew gave me a crash course on the Pokémon characters. I still only remember Picachu and what he looks like. LoL! It was so nice to have people to talk to and not be alone in the evening. It gets boring. I know, the girls would love that down time....but when you have no choice and it is all the time...it gets old. Papa was glad he got to see them before they were picked up, too! Well....I am kind of sad today. I didn't lose anything. I didn't gain any...but I didn't lose. I haven't been as diligent as I could have been. I feel I let my team down. Papa lost 2 lbs! I am proud of him. Time to walk EVERY day! Well...hope all have a good day! Stay safe, dry and warm!