Our Rodeo boy!!!

And our little cowboy will have his first rodeo today... riding sheep!!!! That one I am a bit worried about. It starts in 30 minutes! Please pray he will do good and not get scared! He's never been on sheep and he's just a baby. Can you tell I am a bit stressed? Hope Heather calls soon!!!! She was texting me yesterday on their way that he was excited but seemed to be more excited watching for Blackbirds..... he loves blackbirds and told everyone at school it's his favorite food! WHAAAAAT? Not sure what is going on with those dirtclods. hmmmm.


It is a peaceful morning, though. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the door is open, I have a cup of coffee, listening to Worship music, and have my papa sleeping in the chair. Awesome.

Yesterday was a good day, too. My friend, Nancy, called to let me know they stopped Bible Study for the summer.... but we'll be having 3 potlucks. Those are always nice. And it's always good talking to her. She is so faithful about calling and checking on me.

Had the doors open most of the day yesterday and Mr. Morrison went in and out as he pleased. He really stuck around good. He is out again and am hoping he will come back. Not sure where he is right now. I went out calling him and had a total Joyce moment. I noticed the light on the back deck and reached up to see if it was warm (I guess to see how long it was on.... like that matters) and it was stinkin' hot! I burned my thumb. Ouch.

We went to the store yesterday. Papa stayed in the van because he had his dork shorts on. I did good.. spent $37.91 on groceries for 2 weeks and saved $21.25! Not bad, huh? I keep telling myself, someday it will get easier.

Missed games yesterday. Dylan played.... they lost and had the terrible ump yesterday. Karla called soooo mad. Jordy lost 3 tournament games yesterday... only because the other kids were in a different league! Much better players. Tara called and kept us informed. I appreciate when they keep us up when we can't be there. Ryan has a game today we will miss. That team is going to do great this year! The kids softball team is slowly starting practices... and parties and getting into the groove again. They had practice yesterday and a taco feed. How fun for them!

Yesterday went soooo fast! Hope today doesn't! I have the best curtains in my bedroom. They are maroon colored and have a room darkening liner. My room is so dark! I love it. I am really noticing it with it being lighter longer.

I was sad Susan Boyle didn't win. Dancing group beat her. Oh well.... she's more famous than them anyway as it stands right now. It isn't that she was "ugly"... I don't think she ever was. I love her because of her voice and the fact it is a Cinderella story. She comes from this small town a nobody... always had this beautiful voice... but is finally heard. She almost backed out of the competition.... the attention scared her. I think Pierce will take her under his wing.

Well... I am done for this morning. Have a great Sunday and be blessed! I got a huge blessing yesterday as did several others... helping someone out that had nothing. Thanks to God for allowing me to be a part of that!!!

Todays clip is one of Karla's favorite shows. Karen got the TV clip... Mr. Rogers. Thought Karla would have gotten that one. She loved that show.... and we didn't have a clue that she would end up marrying his grandson!!! Karla was busy yesterday morning getting pictures taken of my cute grandkids. After she got the pictures taken she called and asked me if I knew how cute my grandkids were! Duh!!! Of course I know! lol!!! Hopefully she posted the link on her site so you can see the pictures too. Soooo precious! Makes you wonder is she is a liar about them fighting, doesn't it?

We are suppose to find out this afternoon an update on the bridge opening! I will post as soon as I hear and I will be out skipping across it with bells on my shoes and waving streamers!!!! Which reminds me of the post I put on my facebook yesterday:

Joyce has just been to the gym and there's a new machine,only used it for an hour as I started to feel sick.It's good it does everything....Kit Kat's, Mars bar, Crisps...

Blasts from the past...

I am certainly feeling better. My throat doesn't hurt or my glands. Ear is still popping but that's fine. I can handle that! Thanks for your prayers. And papa is home all day! Doesn't get any better than that!

Tara got "Grey's freakin' Anatomy" yesterday... the TV clip. Today's makes me laugh. I am wondering if anyone will get it.

I am also feeling better after my rant session last night. Just things I don't understand. Not that I haven't been guilty myself.... but with age comes wisdom and maturity. I hope. Gotta get something for being old!

Kelly... you are maybe too young to remember making gum wrapper chains. Does anyone else remember it?
Speaking of memories.... this was my favorite Christmas present I ever got! I wanted her so bad and adored her! You had to pull her string in the back and she spoke! How cool was that?
Now.... I am wondering how many of you know what this little yellow thing was for?
I loved the metal ice trays.... we used to put koolaid in them and make our own little summer treats. So easy to get out too. If your tray was bent at all the ice would stick together.
No wonder everyone emails... look what stamps used to be! I don't even KNOW what they cost now. I still have some "forever" stamps.
And who can top a coke for only 5 cents?
Now this is politically very uncorrect. Santa pushing cigarettes? What was he thinking?????
We had one of these in our basement. I was always afraid of it. I thought if I touched it... it would suck in my hand and squish it and then the rest of my whole body would be flat like on a cartoon! Hey... maybe not a bad way to get skinny! Except it flattens you out so I would end up 15 feet wide! lol
I remember my parents owned a Brownie camera!!! Big black box!
And you had to attach flashbulbs to take any pictures inside!
Who remembers this on your tv screen... the test pattern? Why did they have an Indian on it? What was that about? They probably couldn't today.
Now I have NEVER seen this before. I now understand where McDonalds got the idea for their play yards. This was a fire escape slide at a school! How cool is that?
Did you know you can still find some old Burma Shave signs when you travel cross country? We've seen them strategically placed along the road. It gets your attention and you wait for the next sign to complete the sentence. I thought it was a great idea. Don't know if people have the patience or attention span to wait to read. Probably just make them drive faster! lol
My dad used Brylcream. A little dab'll do ya!
I have to tell you. This is hideous. And yes.... my mom did one too. One year we had this tree. We didn't care as kids.... it still held presents underneath!
Well... that is my blog for today. Don't have anything else to write about! Missing Jordy's tournament games today and Dylan's game. The mom's will keep me posted though. Would have liked to catch one of Emma's games also. Ryan has a game this weekend too... will be missing it also.

Foggy this morning. Suppose to clear up. Slept til 7:30 this morning.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend with blessings at every corner!

Weather To Expect:
Some areas of low clouds and fog. They will give way to mostly sunny skies by the afternoon. High temperatures are well above average in the 70s around the sound... with some temperature readings in the low 80s. Mostly sunny with temperatures in the 70s will continue through the next 5 days. Have a great weekend!

rants and raves of mam

Still not feeling that well. Mostly in my throat and glands. Oh well. Life goes on. It's not like I have to be anywhere. So I thought I would give you a "Mam" update .... which is nothing. And a "bridge" update... which is also pretty much nothing. We'll know more on Sunday. They are not working 24/7 anymore... only have a day shift going... fine tuning.

I feel like complaining... so if you want to keep enjoying your day... log off now. These are just things I don't understand....

1. My first complaint is why is Obama giving speeches every day? I like to be up to date on everything as much as anybody... but I am so tired of his voice already. And why is he traveling so much??? Doesn't he know we can't afford it? I do understand the office of Presidency... and I do appreciate he keeps in touch with the American public... but I think it is more than that. Just my opinion for what it is worth.

2. Speaking of can't afford. Why is gas prices climbing again? They can't blame our former "oil-man" president now. Last I saw it was $2.59!!!! Up over 30 cents in just over a month???? Bring back the good old days....

3. San Diego Bible Study. The city is shutting a 15 person Bible study in a home down because they are meeting without a permit! That is insane! No one else needs a permit, why a Bible Study group? If it was a law in Poulsbo... ours would get shut down too. But I am sure we would fight it, too.

4. Summer colds suck. Ya get hot and then cold. It just sucks.

5. Why are people so mean? Why do people act like they like you .. and then talk smack behind your back... especially in front of kids? We need to watch what we teach children. I know I failed there with my own kids ... wish I could take it back. Now I know better. Little kids have great hearing.... only pick up some of it and never ask for explanations. They draw their own conclusions and wonder why you hate someone they care about. It confuses and hurts them.

6. Why don't people forgive? Do they think they are better than the person they are looking down on or do they just not want to? Do they think there will never be a time they will need forgiveness? We all get there.... because we're not perfect nor will we ever be. I am sorry for all my mistakes... I've told everyone. What more can I do?

7. Why do people assume? Don't they know what that means? I am quick to jump to conclusions myself... but I have a husband that brings it down to the playing field. Some people just like to think the worst of others.

8. Why do people have to criticize another persons enjoyment. If that person isn't hurting another or themselves or God.... who's business is it to others? Everyone is different. Some people love sports... playing it, watching it, whatever. Other people will criticize them. Some people love exercising... why would we criticize that? Some love the computer and blogging and facebook. Is it anyone's business to criticize their entertainment? Others like TV and watch their favorite shows faithfully. Or love singers and they listen to them constantly, or books like the Twilight series or Harry Potter series, or whatever. If a person becomes obsessed with something, what business is it of others and why cut them down for it?

I just don't understand these things... do you?

Done with my rant for the week. This is not pointed at you.... so don't get all over me.

On a lighter note... does anyone remember making these?????

Finally friday...yippee.

My favorite Bible verse.

I really don't have much to say... but I know if I say nothing some will wonder what happened to me. I'm not feeling well today. I woke up in the middle of the night with an ear ache, sore throat, swollen glands, stuffy nose, sinus pain. I've been alone all week except for papa. How is it possible I could catch something? I just know I want to curl up with a blanket. Have no plans this weekend. Papa is home this morning. It's his day off. And I hate paydays. I used to love them... when I could pay my bills and have money left for food. Not any more. Something has to happen. So I guess I am not in the best mood. Somebody make me smile. I did read "Green Acres" blog. She words things so good I usually smile at hers.

One of those money saving websites you get free candy if you go on and sign up for it on Fridays. Not sure which one it is though. I've done it. Waiting for my candy... well, maybe papa's candy.

Got to talk to my mom yesterday so I updated her blog. That's it. Nice day yesterday. Now I am out of things to say. Too down this morning to write much. Hope you all have a wonderful day... suppose to hit about 80 here!

Forecast:
Dry through next week with the warmest day today. Highs around 80 for the city, slightly warmer in suburbs to the east and south. Northwest wind will blow about 10 mph. A little more ocean air pushes in tonight, cooling weekend highs back to the low and mid 70s with morning clouds and afternoon sun. Expect partly cloudy but dry weather next week, with a chance of some mountain showers.

Thursday... i've got a plan for my Georgia Girls!

I got a couple pictures from mom's cousin Lois yesterday! Looks like they are having a good time. This is mom, Aunt Lorraine, my sisters Libby and Lois. It is taken at Char's cafe... an old, cute little local cafe with great homemade food (especially pie).

Bad out of the way.... my cousin Curt isn't doing well. He is talking a little and they got him up but he is very confused. This whole business really shook up my sister, Libby. It is hard to realize one minute you can be laughing and having fun and the next you can have a stroke and you and your family's life has changed. That is with any tragedy. Please keep the family in your prayers.

I don't have that much to write about. Dylan had a game last night. Karla is so good about texting me how he did and Dylan always calls me that night. Karla will be blogging about it so I won't... but I wish I had been there. Today is Andrew's final track meet (league meet). Won't be seeing that either. Missing alot over here. Do you realize I have driven 3 times in a month? Weird. Well, hope it opens soon!

By the way... Theresa and Kelly. Got a plan. Rent a motorhome! That way you can fit Theresa, Tracy and the kids (Andrew wants to meet Autumn anyway, Austin would love our boys, and Riley, Lauren and Maddie would love Alex and Avery!), Kelly, Suzanne, Reid, Eli, Alayna, CindyLou (Justin is a bit busy), and bring along Ross and Cameron to drive while you all play games ... and it would be great driving lessons for Bradley and Britani! Don't forget to bring Brenda, too!!! How fun would that be???
Better get planning. The potluck is in just over 3 weeks! lol!

Well, gonna sign off on that note! Have a great day and enjoy the sun!

Weather To Expect:
Sunny and warm for the next several days! Our highs mid and high 70s today, and around 80 tomorrow. A very light onshore wind will return Saturday for a few morning clouds and slightly cooler temperatures, into the mid 70s. Staying dry with a mix of sun and clouds through the middle of next week.

BRIDGE UPDATE FROM WSDOT!

Weekend work brings Hood Canal Bridge reopening closer

Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Contact: Becky Hixson, WSDOT Communications, 360-870-8130

Draw span fit up started, transition spans placed

SHINE – East met west this Memorial Day weekend when the two SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge draw spans came together for the first time. Calm weather allowed crews to align the spans and begin operations to attach bumpers to the end of each. The large, rubber bumpers help keep the draw spans from damaging one another when the bridge is in the locked position.

Accomplishing this work and several other milestones – transition span placement, roadway span placement and Q/R pontoon joint grouting – means the bridge is likely to open to traffic the first week of June.

“Our crews really hit the ground running after those weather delays,” said Dave Ziegler, Hood Canal Bridge Principal Engineer. “We’re making the right kind of revisions to the schedule – the kind that has us opening sooner, rather than later. And that’s great news for everyone.”

When the bridge first closed to traffic, WSDOT was preparing travelers, residents and businesses for a six-week closure. Unseasonably foul weather added three days to the contract timeline, but substantial progress has moved up the projected bridge reopening date.

The critical work elements that remain include: pulling together or “tensioning” pontoon UVWX/RST joint from 50 to 100 percent; completing concrete closure pours between roadway spans; setting and installing expansion joints; completing electrical wire connections; bolting structural connections; testing the draw span; and striping the roadway. Another schedule update will be provided by the end of the week.

Wednesday... cleaning day!

Does this look like an angel kitty to you? Just looking out the patio door? Well, he is not. Mr. Morrison is no gentleman. He's a scoundrel! Yesterday he went out the back. I went after him. Wrong. Don't ever chase a cat. It doesn't work. I was in my nighty. I stepped in dog poop. I got scratched up. Got ahold of his leg and he hissed. Then he really wouldn't come to me. Plus I have Punkin chasing him and leading him away!!!! So I go get dressed and I'm taking food over to the neighbors trying to coax him out from under her porch. Finally my back is killing me so I come in the house to take a break. When I go out he is under papa's truck. Wouldn't come no matter what food I had. Finally Punkin lures him on the porch only to chase him next door again!!!! I gave up. Left both doors open and after two hours he came in. The doors stayed shut the rest of the day. No gentleman... I tell ya!

Libby called yesterday. My cousin's husband, Curt Carlson, had a stroke while they were leaving their home Sunday. There was lots of people there. Doug went up there from the car and they called the ambulance. He was taken to the local hospital and then transported to Watertown (50 miles away). Doug left to go home yesterday and stopped to see him.... Curt had another stroke in the hospital. Not sure how he is doing at this point. Keep him in your prayers please.

Lauren made me a book this past weekend. I will always keep it. She wrote a story and drew pictures. It is titled:

"The kid's sleepover at Mam's houes". (I am writing it just how she wrote it... too cute) "every time we come to mam's houes she is ecsided. She is happy. She was vary ecsided she bloow her pan'st off. (Caption of Mam saying 'I cant bleve your here!') She was vary happy. But it was dinner time. so we ate dinner. Then we had dusert. We had ice crem-cookeis. Then we went to bed. But then me, mam, and Maddie went outside in the dark. We toold story's. The End"

I loved it. She did awesome spelling for a kindergartner!!! These kids amaze me these days. Karla said Maddie wrote her a note on Wednesday that said she couldn't wait until "tomorrow".... and even spelled it right. (She was writing about coming over). Do you know how that makes me feel... that our grandkids love coming over to our home? So blessed and happy! I'm doing something right, I guess.

Yesterday I decided to switch my services in an effort to save money. I got ahold of Broadstripe who does my internet. I can get phone and cable through them too in a package that will save us about $30-40 a month. And we'll get long-distance back, won't have to change our number again, will have over 80 channels, papa can watch the mariners, and I can see channel 4! I have to pay a little to get out of dish but it will be worth it. I'm excited. It is happening on the 10th of June. The kids will be sad because the shows they have recorded here will be gone. Oh well. Papa and I have to scramble to catch up on our viewing now. lol!

I'm starting to plan a potluck for Saturday, June 20th when my Aunt Lorraine is here. It's a "Father's Day" potluck too. Let me know if you can make it! I'll be getting into the details more later.

Yesterday was a weird weather day... sun, rain, muggy overcast.... but no snow so thank you Lord! lol! Enjoy your day! Pray for Maddie and her sore throat, cousin Curt, sis Rita, and Doug traveling home. Also pray for Mike Tyson and his family. His 4 year old daughter, Exodus Tyson, was strangled on a treadmill and died. Very tragic. Thanks for praying. He hears.

Weather To Expect:
A warm and dry weather pattern is setting up through the rest of the week. Some clouds are out this morning with more sun coming out this afternoon. High temperatures are running in the upper 60s with some spots around the south sound hitting the 70 degree mark. An area of high pressure is building in, keeping the sun out and cranking the heat back up. Temperatures will be running in the mid to upper 70s both Thursday and Friday. The weekend will stay on the warm side with highs in the low 70s. Look out for some patchy morning clouds this weekend with mostly sunny skies by the afternoon.

back to normal... but I'm still riding high

Well....back to normal. What a wonderful weekend. This morning is such a letdown compared to Sunday morning. But I'm still riding high from the weekend! This is what we had Sunday morning .... Lauren and Andrew enjoying breakfast with Bunny (chocolate milk). (The girls started calling it bunny when they were little because of the bunny on the front of the can. Still called bunny around our house.) Andrew didn't wake up til 9:30. Papa made him a sausage & cheese mcmuffin.
On the bus going to the ferry.... Andrew is reading New Moon.
Lauren loves her papa.

Andrew still reading on the boat.
Mam's turn for cuddles from Lauren. She shares nice. Plus she is so into playing Thumb Wars! I cut all my nails off so I wouldn't hurt their hands anymore! She is really good at it!
Andrew still reading in the car going to Auntie Tara's!
No DVD player in papa's car so Lauren takes to reading too.
Yesterday morning when I woke up and ventured on the back deck in my nightgown with my coffee.... I noticed this growing! Kevon and Meghan gave me gladiola bulbs on my birthday.... planted them a week ago and they are already growing! We were so surprised and pleased! Can't wait to see them!
Mr. Morrison did venture out the front once. Didn't last when he decided to go down the steps with a black lab pup playing loose across the street with Gregory (7 year old) who had no control over the dog. Punkin was smart and ran in the house. Toby had to be put in the back fence yard. Mr. Morrison didn't get the danger, has no front claws, and I had to carry him in. So much for outside.

Papa falling a tree for a neighbor. Just joking... but he did sit on the porch swing and watch the work.
Then he decided to take up the carpet that has been on the front deck since we moved in. It doesn't dry quickly and there was one rotted board under the rug we have to replace. Glad to get that up.

Hope you all had a nice Memorial Day. I thought about my Uncle Selmer. I never met him but my dad was so proud of his brother. He fought and lost his life in France during WW2. A POW grabbed another soldiers gun and shot my uncle in the back and killed him. My uncle had a daughter I met years ago. Doug keeps in touch with Olivia. I cleaned some and cropped pictures. Toby got to go for a ride in the truck. He knows what the jingle of a certain set of keys mean. It's funny. Papa made a nice breakfast for us and I made pork chops and julienne potatoes for dinner. I took a 2 hour nap.... not sure how long papa slept. The weekend was so amazing but I guess it wore us out! Papa went to bed by 9:30... I stayed up til 11. Decided to sleep on the couch to see if papa would sleep better. When I woke up in the middle of the night he was in his chair. So much for that theory. I got a backache out of the deal too. Just cleaning today. Maybe starting Eclipse. Haven't had time to read all weekend. Thank you parents for letting the kids come over for the weekend!!!!
I'm glad you liked the pictures Heather! They are all posted on Facebook.
I heard from mom finally on SUNDAY .... will write on her website about it. Out of site out of mind. lol
Have a wonderful day and hope you've been enjoying the pictures. I love pictures. When you get older and your memory isn't as clear.... pictures are a great reminder and memory of past events! Pictures make ya go "ahhhhh."

PLEASE pray for Lanny's sis Rita!!!! It is urgent! I am sorry I can't go into the details, but God knows. She just needs lots of prayer right now.... as does the whole family down there. Thanks.

Forecast:
After a great Memorial Day weekend expect change today with mostly cloudy and cooler weather, but it won't last. The cold front passing through today is weak, and will generate a few showers. Highs will hang around the middle 60s, with SW wind 10-15 mph. High pressure rebuilds in the region starting tomorrow and lasting through the weekend. That means partly to mostly sunny skies and highs tomorrow near 70, then into the mid 70s Thursday through Sunday.

BBQ at Tara's was fun!

Ok, folks.... one more day this weekend of bragging about my awesome, great looking family!!! Yesterday was amazing. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves so much!
It was SO MUCH FUN!!!! I love my family!

Here are the girls.... Maddie, Lauren and Riley playing.
Patrick looks like he's saying "Whatcho lookin' at?" But he wouldn't say that to his mam. lol
The 3 girls again....
Riley
Riley and Lauren playing
Lauren
Maddie talking to her mom. Karla had to work.... we missed her alot. Doubt she missed us... she had peace and quiet... a couple of her favorite things!

Heather and her oldest son Parker
Is he trying to get away?Maddie posing in front of Auntie Tara's flowers.

Maddie and her Auntie Heather
Meghan arrives with lilac's for everyone! They were gorgeous!
Do you think Patrick is excited Uncle Kevon arrived?
Yeah! It's uncle Kevon and Auntie Meghan.... the favorites! lol
Kevon is so handsome.... he's the baby.
Well, actually.... if you count the whole family.... Jared is the baby. Kevon is the baby of our 5 kids.
Joshua on the steps... not sure why?
I have to brag here.... my oldest grand daughter Jordan is the prettiest girl you will ever see. She is so beautiful inside and out. I do adore my girl!!!!


I could go on forever about her... but I won't. Here is Kevon and Meghan. I told them they were ready to have a family now. There is room for a kid between them. lol!
Heather lives to bug kids. She really does. This time she got ahold of her nephew Dylan! He is like Karla and hates even being touched much.... and Auntie Heather knows this!!!

Our 4 strong men moving the playhouse.... Ryan, Brad, Kevon and Joel! They even have an audience!


They seem satisfied. I have such strong and handsome sons.... look at them! I'm so proud of all of them. And Don... who couldn't be here this weekend.
All finished!
Riley and Jordy are running to check it out!
Good picture of Dylan....
Jared
Kevon, Meghan, Tara and Brad
Parker and Andrew.... with his new phone. He is jazzed to have a cell phone. His mom programed it all for him too so he was set.
Andrew still checking out phones with Jo.
Dylan..... his eyes sparkle when he's having fun!
Joel and Brad
Jared, Lauren and Riley
Ryan, Brad and Joel

Dinner time.... Kevon and Meghan
Lauren, Maddie, Riley and Zac
Parker
Jordy.... remember what I was saying about her beauty? lol! The kids love to show me their food.
Patrick
Joshua
Jared
Carrie and the kids
Andrew
Joel having dinner
Lauren, Jo and Auntie Meghan
Andrew and his Auntie Meghan
Checking out his muschles
Ryan, Jordy, Meghan and Andrew
Heather and her daddy.... lots of love in this family.

Kevon had to stand behind me to make them laugh and Heather arranged the kids. I just kept snapping and snapping. Got some good ones.

Attack Uncle Kevon after the picture!!!

Lanny and his kids..... Tara, Heather and Ryan
Heather and her goofy brother!We did have fun. They got the house moved.... had awesome food... great time visiting with laughing and hugs.... it was fun. We are so blessed to have the family we have. We don't always agree.... but we always love.