Marriage and stuff

I am sitting here this morning SO thankful for it! I have my cup of coffee, I am looking at my cat sleeping by the window, my dog is on my bed, I hear Sandy snoring behind me, Jo is on the couch, Andrew is on the other one, Dylan is in the love seat.... and this is what is in the bedroom.... Maddie, Riley and Lauren....
Does it really get any better than this? Well, papa could be home and I could have 4 extra boys... that would make it much sweeter!!!!! But I will be thankful for what I have this morning.
I am hoping they will sleep in a while. I don't have to worry with Andrew and Lauren. Those two always sleep in.... I wonder who will wake up first of the other four?



This was a fabulous weekend!!!!!!!! I wrote about Friday.... Saturday was a great day too. Riley and Jordy got to come over!!!! All six got to spend the night!!! Thank you parents!!!!!

Dylan and I ran to the store for a few basics. Had a really nice time together talking and stuff. The kids played and played and played. The cousins love being together! They have their little disagreements but get over them really quick.


I love this picture of Sandy looking at me like "Aren't you going to stop her from eating my food?????" Sandy is very protective over her food. She isn't at all to the extreme that she would hurt anyone.... lauren moved her plate yesterday of her favorite canned food and Sandy does nothing. But it bugged her like crazy that the cat was checking it out!!!! lol!
Papa made lunch when we got home from the store. The kids eating....Then we went to the beach..... these are my girls!!!! Our grand daughters! Aren't they beautiful?????

Got a few pictures that turned out ok.... some didn't.
Here is Maddie....
Jordy
Andrew racing up the beach with the dogs..... guess who won?

Riley and Maddie and the kids made Seaweed Spaghetti!
Andrew so serious...




Dylan

Here is Riley's feet before they left the beach....

Here are the girls after their shower.... they look all squeaky clean!!!

Maddie thought it was time for Sandy and Toby to get married. She talked about it all day. So after we played some Bull (me, Jo, Papa, Dylan and Andrew) card game the kids got the wedding together...... Here is the wedding march played by Lauren and Andrew is walking Sandy in. The dogs are so happy to see each other! Watch this quick video....




The dogs listening to Andrew officiating the ceremony....


Jordy has them kiss....

Andrew giving her loves after its over.

Papa bbq'd burgers, kids played Sardines and we played Uno, had brownies for dessert and we went to bed pretty early! Before 10!

Well, Jo's awake. Going to get off! Hope you all have a wonderful week! God bless!

Weather To Expect:
The clouds and fog will be mixing out by the afternoon giving us a sunny second half of the day. Temperatures will be running in the mid to upper 70s around the sound with 60s along the coast.
Tuesday morning will start out on the cloudy side before afternoon sun breaks out. Some moisture creeping in from the south brings the chance of some mountain thunderstorms. The lowlands will start dry with highs in the mid 70s.
Wednesday stays mostly sunny with mid 70s.
Thursday the return of cool, cloudy, and wet weather.
Rain moves in Thursday and Friday with high temperatures falling into the 60s.
The wet pattern looks to hold into the Labor Day weekend.

Ma, blackberries, and grandkids!

This is one of my favorite pictures of ma. Today would be her birthday.... she would have been 78. Today she is celebrating in heaven with her mom, sisters and brothers and loved ones. Selfishly.... I wish she was here to celebrate with us. Rita and Becky are baking a cake. I miss her so much.... and I am so thankful for the time the Lord gave us with her!!! She was an amazing person!

I love weekends! Whether we are alone together or have grandkids.... I love weekends! It is impossible to be in a funk with them around! They make me laugh and bless my heart so much!
This morning it is 7:43 and Papa, Andrew, Maddie and Lauren are all sleeping. Dylan is in the den watching tv from his bed. Fans are going and it is all quiet and peaceful. Wish I could freeze time.

Yesterday Karla Jean brought the kids over after lunch. We had a reunion to go to so we all got ready and went up the street to the park it was at. Drove down there and froze. No Rhonda. Called her cell. Called Hilary. No answer. Didn't see cousin John. Didn't really see anyone we knew well enough to get out of the van! So we snuck away. shhhh. Don't know if we were spotted or not. They were all eating at huge tables. Felt bad and double checked with Lanny a bizzillion times because I didn't want to take him from his family. He drove us out of there. It was weird and awkward. lol

Maddie almost cried because she saw blackberries to pick. We went down the road where we went last year by the bridge and picked! We got whole bucket for Maddie and Dylan to take home!




Usually I crop and fix all the pictures but kids are starting to stir and I am running out of time before they are "hungry" or want my computer or attention. So now I am typing and posting faster..... Here is papa's arm last night from blackberry picking! Wish you could see what it really looks like.... it looks worse.We drove under the bridge and on that road looking for more. Papa picked while the kids explored.
Maddie wanted me to take a picture of her on a rock.... it took her awhile to find a rock that didn't have bird poop on it. lol
Dylan helps Maddie..... wow. No wonder he is her hero.


After we got home we all had a fried egg sandwich. Maddie never had one before and loved it!
That was about 3:30. We knew it would be a late dinner because Ryan called and asked if we would like 2 kids and a dog, too! Well, of course I jumped at the chance! We met them in Poulsbo and got all but Andrew. His bus was running late so we got him later. It was funny when we got home. Toby was in the house and Sandy ran in and got him.... they dove off the deck running around the yard. Now, that is love. And so is this.... last night we did our story time on the deck and I wanted a picture of the three of us together and they kept blocking me out! Oh, they thought they were funny. Have about 20 pictures of this!

The highlight of the night was going to pick up Andrew! Well, not the "going". I was driving on Big Valley Road in Papa's car with Dylan and going a bit fast (over 50 in a 40... if you know the road it is really easy!!!). Well, of course, there was a sheriff. He turned around and turned his pretty lights on. I started praying and asking the Lord to PLEASE not let me get a ticket. Papa would kill me and we can't afford it at all!!! He came up and the first thing out of my mouth was "Please don't give me a ticket!!!!" He said "So, you know why I pulled you over." I said "Yes, but I was slowing down!" He smiled and asked for all the usual. He said he'd be right back and went back to his car. I prayed the whole time!!! He came back with just my license and talked about my address on it.... and said to slow down. I said "You're not going to give me a ticket?" He said "No, I only have two hours on my shift and I don't feel like writing out a ticket. But slow down." I said "Oh, thank you!!! I promise!!!" And I thanked God and slowed down and did the speed limit the rest of the night. Close one. I told papa and still got the lecture. But we got Andrew too!

There were so many kids there!!! He said there were over 200 kids at camp! Four churches... CMC, Bayside, one from PA and one from Seattle. He had a blast!!!! He feels so much closer to God and made so many friends. Our prayers for him were answered! He loved his camp counselor. My kids got close to theirs too. I'm happy for him! He is happy.Well.... the kids are slowly waking up and I need to get off. Papa is going to make some bacon! They love that! Have a great day! Give God the glory!

Forecast: Some overnight clouds return with pockets of early morning fog Sunday before skies begin to clear again. Highs should reach the mid 70s by afternoon with north wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday through Wednesday: Mainly sunny. Highs in the 70s.
Thursday Through Saturday: More clouds and a slight chance of showers. Highs around 70.

yada, yada, yada.... feelings and stuff!

I have a quick question before I go on and on in this blog..... does anyone know if these flowers are ever going to do anything? I think their glads. I am not big on knowledge of plants and I got these bulbs from Kevon and Meghan. Just wondering if they will ever stop growing long enough to flower? Does anyone know?
Started out my day on a positive note.... washed all the bedding on my bed, cleaned up and did dishes, watered all the plants and stuff like that. Then the sadness and hurt hit me. I cried.

While I was sitting around having my pity party and trying to face realities of my life, I got a phone call from our son Ryan. He invited me to go see a movie with him and Lauren! As soon as I hung up I ran to get ready. I don't get invited to many places so I grabbed the chance and I am so thankful to Ryan! We met at the theater in Kingston. It is new and they built it in the old firehouse! So cool!!! There is 2 balconies and the seats sit up higher than most theaters. When I got there... I was late and the movie had already started (stupid bridge closure for a stupid sail boat) and it was pitch black in there!!!!


We saw this movie..... it was so cute! Lauren and her friend, Mary, were laughing so hard and loud. Of course, so was Ry.This is the entry... buy your tickets and snacks here.... can even rent a movie! To the left (down the hall) is the door to the movie.
Lauren outside the theater.
This is what it looks like. To the left is a restaurant. I heard it was good but spendy.

All in all my day ended on a high note! I really love my family. Most people know they mean every thing to me. I would give up any thing for them. I worked so hard for years to nurture, love, build and care for my family.... just as I see my daughters doing now. I tried to make life fun for them with camping, singing and BINGO during long car rides, wiffle ball, family games, watching wrestling as a family, playing wrestling on the mattress when the power was out, taking them to the pool up the road every sunny day, swimming lessons, dance lessons, birthday slumber parties, walking in parades, football parties, tether ball poles, balance beam, badminton, slip and slide, baseball games, pond water sprinkler, playing trucks in the rain, concerts, Halloween parties, pets to cuddle, big breakfasts on Sunday mornings, church, youth group, church camp, cheer camp, Seattle, travel school, Viking Fest parties and so much more. We used our front yards so much! We didn't get to have them all full time... but they always had their beds to sleep in and their own space at our house! We never had much money but we did what we could afford. I think I was a great mom and I really did love it. I had a dream of how it would be and did my best to fulfill it even though there were so many obstacles. I controlled what I could and got spun up about what I couldn't. Now I look back over the past 25 years and wonder how many things I could have done differently. I would never take back the fun we had together! I loved those times and cherish them. I wonder if our kids do. But I am sure I could have done a better job. Sometimes I wonder..... was it all worth it? Sitting here now.... I have to wonder. That is part of the funk I've been in lately. Did the family appreciate it? Did it create bonds? Did I teach them? At times I just don't know. I wanted my family to always be close knit. I guess I always believed it was. Now I am not so sure. Maybe it was just in my head. Then when my kids got married I accepted each one as my own kids. But I am finding out people are all so different and they grow up and change and have their own ideas and opinions and priorities. I was raised to accept and love people unconditionally... especially family. I haven't always agreed with my brothers and sisters and their spouses... but we accept it is what it is and move on and love them anyway. I have been thinking about my mother-in-law a lot lately. Her birthday would be tomorrow. It will be the first birthday we will be having without her. I loved her so much and cry when I think of her and miss her so much. We didn't always agree... but I always loved and respected her. And she knew it. I would give anything for another moment with her.... just to make sure she knew. I wonder what it takes for people to love and respect you that way. She certainly gave her opinion on our business... just like my mom does! But we accepted that mom's and dad's are that way.... and either took the advise or didn't. Maybe our generation is just different. Where is the unconditional love, forgiveness, tolerance, acceptance of one another? Where is the love of Christ? I've been thinking about how short life is.... and precious. You never know when you could lose someone. What will your last words to them be? Will they know you loved them? Are you wasting time you could spend with them and never get back? I thank God for the extra 4 years we got with my dad.... he knew we loved him. Each one of us told him the night before.... not knowing it would be our last chance. God knew. I want everyone I love to know how much I love them. Some are more receptive than others.... but I love them none the less. I love my family so much. Every one of them. I am thankful for each and every person. I love my grand kids sooooo very much. They are awesome! Think about this ... a good husband, your mama, children and animals are wonderful and they'll always love you! Most people would tell me......and maybe they are right.

Anyway.... I don't know why I went on and on. Just needed to talk. I seriously have no one to talk to. Everyone is so busy.... but me. lol

After the movies I stopped by mom's. We visited for awhile.... it was awesome. She loaded me up with some food and magazines and I went home. I love my mama. I seriously don't know what I would do without her. She is going on Dr. Oz's diet and I copied it. Going to talk to papa about it today to see if he is willing to do this with me. It is soooo simple! Even I can do it with all my picky eating!

Got home and Maddie and Dylan called! Maddie lost her first tooth. She's been bothered since the other two girls have lost so many teeth. She hates being youngest! Karla posted the cutest picture on her blog. Check it out!

Then I just played on facebook. Sometimes I let Toby lay on the front porch. He is really good about not getting off the deck (yard isn't fenced in front)... he just likes to lay there sometimes. I can see him from my computer so we're both tickled pink. I love this dog more and more every day!!!
Speaking of tickled pink. I keep looking at everyones great profile pictures and I want one. I just can't find one I am satisfied with..... so I took about 20 yesterday. This looked the best. What do ya think????
Papa is off blackberry picking again this morning. Andrew gets home from camp.... can't wait to hear about his week!

We have the Annie Black Family Reunion to go to today. None of our kids are interested in going so Papa and I go. Don't know anyone but get to see his sister Rhonda and Bruce! You see... he was just introduced to his real father's side of the family 5 years ago! This year I am really disappointed because our wonderful niece, Hilary, won't be there. I'm sad. Now I'll have to step out of my comfort zone and talk to people I don't know. Lanny has SO many relatives on this side of the bridge! Most he doesn't even know!

Then tonight Dylan and Maddie are spending the night! I am excited about that! I love it when grand kids get to come over. Some I get to see more often.... but I love them all so much! That always puts me in a good mood.


Look what my honey just walked in the door with.... I think he is awesome!!!!

Well.... I am wiped out. It is amazing how I have nothing going on but so much going on. I'm not afraid to write my feelings out.... but some things are so personal I can't write. Just keep me in your prayers ..... for my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing. Thanks.

Weather Ahead:
Saturday will be a cloudier, cooler day in the upper 60s to low 70s. After showers in the early part of the day the afternoon will be drier with partial clearing.
Sunday will be partly to mostly sunny and warmer in the low to mid 70s. High pressure will keep the drier and warmer weather intact through Tuesday.
Wednesday a trough of low pressure will bring showers back.

I love.....

I love feeling positive when all around me is negative....so I am trying to be positive.... so I am going to post some positive things:

I love the blog I have listed "My Life is Average". She posts the funniest one liners.... that is all her blog is. Usually makes me smile. I loved this one and it sounds fun:

My boyfriend and I have a date planned tomorrow. Hide and seek at the local Barnes and Noble. I'm team pirate, he's team ninja. I've never been more excited for a date. MLIA.

I love my new background on my blog. Tried about 7 of them.... finally love this one. Not just like, but love.

I love my friends in Georgia. I have never met them.... just through the internet. You can make the best friends that way.... it is a whole family! God knew to send them to me just when I needed them most! That's how He rolls! This picture is missing Suzanne and Tracy..... but it is showing Brenda, Kelly, Cindy and Teresa!!!! Love you girls!

I love Facebook! I have found old friends and family I have lost touch with over the years! It has been such a blessing! Everyone should have a facebook.... reunite the whole world!

I love sleep. I've been getting up with Papa in the morning and sleep better at night again! Less sleep... better sleep.

I love Fridays.... well, actually I love Saturdays and Sundays more because Papa is with me the whole time.

I love Papa! I love spending time with him! I love it even when he is watching tv or napping in his chair and I am on the computer.... we're in the same room and I am not alone.

I love Red Robin! Jake and Patty gave us gift cards for Red Robin the other day! I can't wait to go. They make the best fish and chips!!!!

I love seeing the sun come up over the water in the morning!

I love you all and pray you have a great day today.... and look for the blessings.....

I love this song and for some reason it popped in my head and is stuck there....

Oh, how He loves you and me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.
He gave His life, what more could He give;
Oh, how He loves you, Oh, how He loves me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.

Let's go to the movies.... let's go see the stars!

Yesterday ended up being "girls day" and it was so fun! Tried to get my other two girls but they were busy. Picked up Lauren and then ran to Silverdale to get Maddie (she was at the dentist with her brother, Dylan.... you can read about it on Karla's blog). Then we ran to the free movie and watched Space Chimps. Ya know.... it turned out to be a really good movie!!! Quite a bit of humor that went over the kids heads. Ryan packed us some snacks for the movie that were really nummy! Here are the girls already snacking and waiting for the movie to start! Maddie tells me her glasses are NOT sunglasses but to help her see. She sure is cute in them. We had one little girl dressed for summer and one for winter. lol

Karla gave us money to go to McDonald's after the movie! Lauren took this picture of the two of them up in the big toy. Lauren is very happy now that Maddie goes into the high parts of the toy! They had a blast.
I've finally gotten smart about some things.... ordering from the dollar menu!!!! Papa and I do on those very rare times we go.... and I did for the girls. They had 4 pieces of chicken, we shared an order of fries, and we all had ice water! Perfect! And they loved it and were happy.... if fact that is what they told me to order. No more waste!

I love this next picture.... they look so grown up just talking about stuff... well Maddie is talking and Lauren is listening!

After playing for a while they came up and asked what time we had to leave. I said "Whenever you're ready." They said they were ready.... amazing! No arguments about leaving! I had time to leave it up to them and it worked out great! We came home and they played and played and played. Inside and outside. It was a pretty good day. Maddie makes me laugh.... I wish you all could get to know that personality! Cleaned up and had meatloaf for dinner and that concluded my day.


I watched a video this morning about a little 10 year old in Yemen that was forced into marriage. The video broke my heart and made me so sad. I wanted to share it if you have time to watch it:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/08/26/yemen.divorce/index.html#cnnSTCVideo



I wanted to share this picture I just took looking out the bedroom window. So pretty. Thank you Lord! I am so blessed. No idea what is going on today.

I had the nicest surprise in the mail! A thank you card with 2 gift cards from Jake and Patty to Red Robin! I couldn't figure out what she could be thanking us for.... and papa reminded me it was for the use of our trailer! She is sooo sweet and we love them too. I will call her today and thank her. I also need to send some cards out today.... which I rarely do.

I appreciate you all.... I just wish more people would keep up on their blogs! Give ME something to read. Thankfully I have my Georgia friends to greet me every morning! And they comment! My family rarely does that.... I guess it is too much work. lol! ;D Hope you all have a wonderful day today! Some are doing the fair! Have fun!

Weather To Expect:
High temperatures are running 10 to 15 degrees above average this afternoon with 80s around the sound and low 90s possible.
Temperatures will fall back into the low 70s Friday with some showers during the afternoon and evening.
Expect partly sunny skies with a few showers around the sound on Saturday. High temperatures will be holding in the low 70s.
We dry it out on Sunday with some morning clouds and afternoon sun. Temperatures will be in the upper 70s.
The sun will hold into the early part of next week with highs holding in the upper 70s.