More birthdays and people coming home!!!

Almost have a week of catching up. Not too bad. I just had breakfast of an egg mcmuffin.  I am lucky papa loves to cook and he is so good at it. He is cutting down portions for us which is really good.  My doctor is changing my blood pressure meds. Taking me off one and putting me on a different one.  It is a beta blocker so it is suppose to make sure I don't have a heart attack but it also is bad for my weight.  It can make you gain and almost impossible to lose.  So I don't know what to do but try to cut back and watch what goes in. My breathing is so bad I can't walk far at all. Which makes exercising hard.  waa- waa - waaaaaa!  I got a call from Rick Rayment last night giving me a hard time about my health. I know he just loves me. And I love hearing from him and talking with him. He is my little brother.
I am watching 3 crows sitting together on the tree across the street. Now they all flew down together.  I was just sitting outside with the dog and cat. They like to eat grass.  Papa went in and so did they. They really love their papa. He is so good to our animals...making sure they have every need they could want. I miss Sandy like crazy though. Wednesday was pet picture day:

I sit here and really love my life.  Which is a vast difference than yesterday.
I was not in a friendly mood.  I pretty much told Lauren, Manda and Karla all what I thought.  Not a great idea when I am in that kind of mood. I get frustrated with how people think or treat others and myself. And at times I have to speak. Well, I don't have to but I just do. Not good.

Ok, let's go back to last week.  Friday I picked up Madi and we went to the Red Apple for her birthday.  It was really good as usual.  But after we walked out I got a real bad stomach ache.  We went to my house and watched some tv until I felt better. Then her and I went to Walmart and ordered my new glasses. We had a lot of fun trying on different frames. Madi can wear any of them and look good.  I can't.  It took a long time for me to find a pair and I am glad she was there to help me. She was very honest with me just by the expression on her face. haha!  Stopped and got her a birthday cotton candy blizzard before I took her home.

Saturday I did nothing. Lauren came home from Arizona.  I always worry about her ears but they did great on the way home.  She had an aisle seat and sat watching home videos and laughing.

Sunday the 8th was Madi's 15th birthday.  She seems older to me because her maturity level jumped so much this past year. She is also going into 10th grade! She is so bright, smart, kind, caring, pretty, and loves her family so much. She is loved so much too! I love her tons and get pretty melancholy when I think of all the wonderful memories I have with her. I started to watch her while her mom went to school and then work when she was a baby for about 5 years. They had a seafood dinner at her grandpa's.  Lauren came over here and we watched some tv for awhile and then we picked up Madi on our way back to Lauren's so we could see her on her birthday and went down to DQ and got her a blizzard! We pulled in front of the Poulsbo Middle school and they laughed a lot watching videos of me and them.
  
Monday was a do nothing day, except for papa. He had to go back to the eye doctor to check on the pressure of his eyes.  He finally learned how to put the drops in himself.  Such a big boy! haha!



Tuesday was Amanda's birthday and Jack's birthday!  Papa took Lauren to get her teeth cleaned.  And then he brought pizza home for dinner.  It was really good.

Wednesday was a pretty good day. I picked up Madi and then Lauren. Then we went to Bremerton and picked up Riley!  We went to Shari's in Silverdale for breakfast. Mine was good but they burned Madi's bacon. Lauren and Riley finished off Madi's bacon, hashbrowns and toast. lol! 

at least riley still lets me take her picture!  look at her braids she did herself!

Then we went to Kitsap Humane Society. Lot's of cute kittens!!!!  They had lots of little dogs, a couple puppies and of course some big, loud dogs.  Walking in there killed my back. Made me sad and mad. Had to sit several times and I had trouble breathing.  But the girls stayed in there for a while and they had fun. They all saw animals they would love to have brought home.  Told them at the beginning "No Pets!"  It is hard to go there.  We went to DQ and Lauren got a sundae, the rest of us got ice cream cones.  It was so hot out. Dropped Madi off downtown with her friends, then took Riley home and then Lauren. Lots of singing and laughs for the day!
Thursday was my crab day. Maybe I was just too tired. Which brings us to today.  Not doing a thing.  

Papa and I are on Season 6 with Longmire.  It only goes 6 season so we are getting kind of sad knowing it is coming to an end.  We've been watching it every night on Netflix and love it!!!!  If you haven't watched this I HIGHLY recommend it!!! Not sure what we will watch when that is over. My brother, Doug, recommended a show but I can't remember what it was.  haha! 

He called me the other night to tell me they aren't coming to see me when they come from Virginia this summer. They are only going as far as Auburn (my cousins).  Makes me sad.  For me to see him I will be going to my cousins. 

I also got an "I love you" message from my brother David on facebook. I hope to see him in a couple weeks. I am having a "Just Because Potluck" at my house. We haven't had a dinner all year so it is time.  Not sure what to make yet.  Anything could be good.

I have to post this picture of a guy holding a dog that looks so much like Toby did it is uncanny!!!!

Dylan got a new car!  2007 Mustang!!!  Pretty cool!

Andrew comes home from Vienna tomorrow!  That makes me happy. They have been having a VBS program there for a week now. I haven't heard much from him but yesterday afternoon he did a video chat with me!  It was after 11 pm his time and he was in bed so I know it was a sacrifice to call because he was tired.  I loved him.  

Another beautiful day outside. Slight breeze, blue sky and amazing.  We live in such a great area!!!! The high will be 77. Perfect.  It is Friday the 13th which is good for me.  My baby boy was born on a F the 13th and has worked out so far! lol!

Today is National French Fries Day so I have this picture of when I used to take McDonalds to the grade school for Lauren and her friends. They were my french fry girls!

Next week will be ok.  The cable guy is coming Sunday morning to get us a new box for the kitchen again! Third time.  Hope it stays fixed this time.
Lauren starts her babysitting job on Monday. Should be getting paid, get the cat updated on shots, buy bark for the yard. 

That is about all I got!  I may take a nap.  I am tired.  I hope you have a great week!  Loves and kisses!

Saturday the 14th ...strange month so far

It is a very quiet Saturday morning. It even stopped raining on our roof outside.  Lauren is asleep on the couch.  Once in a while her phone makes a noise but she doesn't even notice.  Papa is in his chair with his blanket and cat laying on him.  Scruffy is in my lap curled up and Sandy is on the floor snoring.  Sweet morning.  I like these kinds of morning where all is safe and warm.

So much has transpired over this month so far.  Let's see where to begin....
I would love to post my November Thankful List so far!  Enjoy!

DAY #1 The beginning of November....although I am thankful every day of the year November is a special time of the year to truly thank those who have made our lives better! On the 1st of November I want to write how I am so thankful for our family. I know it has been a rough year for some of us and a great year for others. I have learned so much about myself and our kids and grandkids during this time. I learned from my parents unconditional love and I found out I learned well from them. No matter how upset or disappointed I get....my love doesn't change. We have an amazing family. Not perfect. Don't always agree. But I wouldn't change them for anything.

Day 2: I am so thankful and have been since I found out I was having her!Karla Ellis Rogers is such an amazing woman! Great sense of humor, great laugh, great parenting skills, great cook, great friend, great daughter, great sister, great mom, great cat owner, great person who dances to her own drummer, loves who she loves, and is totally loyal and true to those people! God blessed us when Karla was born and she has never stopped being a blessing to me! I love you Karla Jean!!!!! I can never thank you enough, God!

Day 3: I am so thankful for November 3 as this is the day God brought Jordan into our lives! And I am soooo very thankful for Jordy Burdyshaw! She is my princess! I love her laugh, her beauty, her sweetness, her loyalty, her goodness, and every thing else that makes her a princess! Love you Jo! Oh, and happy 18th birthday today!

Day #4 I am thankful for my grandson Pat! He makes me smile, laugh, and worry. He is the most daring and athletic in the family which sometimes results in concussions or casts. But he is so funny and keeps people laughing. And he is so full of love and caring. God had a purpose when creating Patrick and I am so thankful for it! heart emoticon

Day 5: Today I am thankful for our son-in-law, Brad! He married our daughter Tara 23 years ago and they have 2 beautiful daughters! He has always worked hard making sure they had everything they needed and more, being there for them, loving them, coaching them, teaching them, and being the kind of husband and father a parent dreams of for their kids. We are super proud of this man we call our son. Love you, Brad, and so thankful you are in our family and lives! 

Day #6 I am thankful for baby girl. Papa has called her this forever and still does. She will forever be. We've always lived close to them and got to take care of Lauren while her parents worked. Such a pleasure to have her and Madi during the days. Lauren is so smart, pretty, funny, caring, emotional, sensitive and her laugh is great! Through adversity she looks to God. She loves the Lord, loves being on Worship team at her youth group, loves playing basketball, loves spending time shopping with her mom, her dog Sandy, listening to music, and her new bedroom. I love her so much and love to make her laugh. God truly blessed us the day she was born and every day since then. We are so thankful!

Day 7: It took awhile to get to know Joel, Karla's husband. I thought he was quiet and shy. Once you get to know my son-in-law you will find out he is kind, funny, strong, athletic, hard working, a good provider, smart, determined, a great husband for our Karla, amazing dad to Madi and Dylan, he loves hunting, sports,his family, camping, It has been fun getting to know him over the years and I am so happy God brought him into our family to add a little sanity to our craziness. Much love and thanks to Joel! Thanks to God for this special blessing!

Day #8 I am so thankful for Madiloo! She is so affectionate, caring, sweet, funny, sensitive and emotional. She is a hero to me because she tries things I would never try! She participated in a big/little sister beauty pageant 2 years. Got on stage in front of hundreds of people! Another time she got on stage with Ryan Star and sang! She's been in a play/dance of Alice and Wonderland. She is just braver than she knows. She is my little fashionista. She has a great smile, laugh and I adore being around her! God really blessed us all with this little surprise! Thank you God! 

DAY 9

Now this one is complicated.  I had to write by past memories because lately he has been selfish, rude and has walked away from our family.  I wrote my blessing for him and got a hate filled letter back on how I have sided with Amanda, am selfish for wanting Lauren to live up here instead of California with him, and what a horrible person I am who he cannot forgive.  So at this point in our lives.... we love Ryan but since he has walked away and created a new family with his girlfriend and their fam....we have let him go. Life goes on.  Papa says we still have 4. lol! You cannot force people to be in your lives if they don't want to.  He's in a huge midlife crisis, I guess. Remember...this is my blog/diary, I can write what I want. This is what I wrote:

Day #9 Today I am thankful for our son, Ryan. I think back on all the wonderful memories of watching him grow into the man he is now....him saying "But we still have love!" That was the sweetest words I ever heard him say. And it is true. No matter what our family went through...we always had love. And Ryan was the most loving one with his big hugs and sweet nature. I thank God for Ryan and the joy he's brought to our lives. Love you Ry! (Oh, and Lauren helped me pick out these pictures)

Day 10 I am thankful for my husband and the past 31 years of marriage we have shared! He has loved me through so much! He's never given up on me. He's believed when I didn't and brought us through some rough patches. He treats me like his queen. He spoils me. He defends and protects me. He supports me. I know he will always be here. I love him more today than I ever did. He is my heart and life! Thank you God for surrounding my marriage with Your love and being #1 in our lives! Thank you for Lanny! heart emoticon

DAY 11

Day #12 Today I am thankful for our grandson and bundle of energy Joshua Valverde! Talk about a funny kid with a quick wit! He cracks me up. Love his laugh and how he can make everyone smile! We thank God for this boy who is growing up too fast! 

heart emoticonyou Josh!

DAY 13 Today #13 I am thankful for my baby boy Kevon Ellis. He will always be my baby boy. He is also one of my best friends ever. We talk and share everything. I trust him like no other. I know he will always be there for me and loves his mama unconditionally. He is kind, funny, honest, hardworking, fair, caring, generous, smart, handsome, and so much more. Just ask him. lol! I am so thankful to God for the day this boy was brought into our lives. He's awesome and I love him!

DAY 14

Today is my #14 blessing from the Lord and it would be my first grandson,Andrew Black. He has grown into the most incredible man. At 19 years old he has wisdom, faith, and common sense exceeding most adults I know. He calls me every single day, several times a day and we just talk. We talk about everything. He really loves his mam....and I love him! He is so handsome, kind, funny, smart, giving, gracious, loyal, and he is going to make a wonderful pastor, husband and father one day. Love you, bud!

It has been so fun doing these.  Most have really appreciated the time I took and words I wrote.  I speak from my heart.  I love my family very much.  Nothing will change that.

We had some celebrations.  Lauren had her first band concert and did good!  And she just joined the Jazz Band and really loves it.  She plays the tenor sax!  And her band teacher (husband of my friend Kathleen) loves Lauren.  Of course, he loved Alyssa too. 

We had my niece Jessica here for a couple days.  That was nice. We just hung out together having a Harry Potter marathon. lol! Scruffy was in heaven. She loves animals!!!  And we talked quite a bit about things.  She turned 17 on the 9th!  Growing up so fast.

Also the 9th was Don and Heather's wedding anniversary.  They are really a great couple.  You don't meet many couples who are so molded together as they are.... and perfect for one another!

The 9th is also the day two years ago we lost our loved one, Toby.  Still miss that dog so much!!!! Andrew took this picture when he came to say goodbye to Toby.  Cancer is horrible...whether it be pets or humans.

Then on the 10th it was our 31st wedding anniversary.  We went to dinner at Chimicum Cafe the next day. Papa made steak for our anniversary dinner. It was just a wonderful day at home. 

Papa went to visit with his cousin, Dave.  He really enjoys his time over there.  I have thought about joining him but it kind of feels like his time away from me and a special time with his family.  

We're having Thanksgiving dinner here.... looks like me, papa and Kevon.  And football.  Hopefully it will be a very relaxing time. 

Shows how hard it's been raining ...this is Snoqualmie Falls

Beautiful picture of Madi

My great nephew Ryan and his girl.

Meeting Andrew!

It was 15 years ago today we met our first grandson, Andrew! Here is is with his Papa! Papa is looking pretty happy ..... Andrew is looking so amazingly cute!!!!

Another memory picture of Karla and Heather in their room taken on July 15, 1985!

 Andrew is home from Mexico!!!!  I am so thankful God kept him safe! I can't wait to hear about everything!!! That is my exciting news of the day.

Maddie and Lauren and Toby at Fort Flagler July 15, 2007! We were camping...the next day papa had his heart attack there! What a difference a day makes!

In case you wondered....Toby had a fabulous birthday! Him and his best friend Sandy went for a 45 minute stroll by themselves!!! lol!  Papa left the garage doors open and off they went. They were both SO TIRED last night they could hardly move.  So happy they returned home. Must have been dinner time. Darn dogs!

 
We are having a bike rodeo today at school! Closing off the parking lot and the kids are riding bikes, scooters, and trikes!  It will be fun!  I hope I don't regret it! lol!

Tina Kain is coming up on Tuesday and we're meeting at Azteca's! It will be awesome! So many years since I have seen her! She is Ernestine's daughter.... Ernie passed away a few years ago... she was an amazing woman who loved and served and prayed like no one I had ever met!  I miss her and always will. I can't wait to see Tina again!

The Yank-a-part team lost last night.  I believe it was 16-14.  Not bad.  Good game!  First game was a forfeit....the team didn't show up.  The umpire wasn't good...called Karla out when she was SO safe. But then he called Jay safe when he was out so I guess it all balances out. lol!   Veronica came with me again!  I love her company!

We make each other laugh all the time!!!! She's like my new bff!  Even though she is only 24 years old. lol!

Well... best get ready for work.  It is Friday!!!!