Livin' Laughin' Lovin"

River Photo Shoot

2010-10-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

Photo shoots have taken on a whole new meaning since Ryder was born. He is proving to need a little more coaching than Chelsea did. I for sure need a better camera that takes pictures faster. I have a very short window of time to take a picture of him before he is off and running. I seem to get a lot of the back of his head these days.

Ryder doesn't really say any words yet but here he is saying "cheese". I don't know where he picked that up but it is kinda cute and I get a cheesy smile out of him. Once again, I have to be quick.

I can count on my hands how many decent pictures I have of the two of them together. Usually he is arching his back and trying to get away. This was one of the better ones of the day. Did I mention we were down by the river? This was a job for more than one person. I had the choice to take pictures and let him jump in the river or hold on to him and avoid me having to go get him out. He was in heaven and I was exhausted when we were done. Next time Papa has to come along to help me out.

So, the next day Chelsea wanted to go back to the river with just us so we could get some more pictures. I have trained her well. She will pose wherever I want her too and she comes up with her own ideas for how I should take her picture. This one reclining in the tree was my favorite. She melts my heart for sure.

It didn't take long before she thought the shoes needed to come off and away she went in the water. Yes, I was nervous and had to caution her several times to not get out too deep in the water. She listens much better than Ryder who makes Dennis the Menace look like an angel.
It was fun to watch her romp around in the water and play.

Teach Me Grandpa...

2010-10-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

Children are so eager to learn and they want to do everything that we do, as you can see here. Mark and I try very hard to include Chelsea and Ryder on whatever it is we are doing, whether it is washing dishes, cleaning the house, building furniture in the garage and now....playing the violin. It was a bit embarrassing how much dust was on the violin case when Mark dug it out though.

I am always amazed and a bit jealous when Mark gets his violin out. He picks it up and begins playing as if he had played everyday of his life. Of course the kids got the biggest kick out of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" because they knew that song.

Immediately they jumped right up by him and wanted to help him out. Now let me tell you, that was a beautiful noise. Both kids got to take a turn holding the bow and playing while Papa did his best to hold the violin and control the strings.

I love the expression on Ryders face as he is taking his turn. Probably the stillest he has ever sat. (I am thinking Mark should work on that farmers tan he has going though.)

No matter what talents they choose to pursue, we will always stand ready to encourage them and do what we can to be all they can be.

Making Cookies with Grandma

2010-09-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

From the time Chelsea was old enough to sit up we have had her in the kitchen helping out, from playing in the sink, washing dishes to cooking and baking. Ryder has also got to join in the fun. I might mention that keeping an eye on two of them is a challenge at times as you will see.
I don't really have any memories of baking cookies with my Grandma's. I have other memories that I hold dear however. I know I can't do it all with them but it is so important to me to create as many memories as I can with my Grandchildren. I can't always be in the pictures with them but I think they will remember that I was there.
It is important that you have the proper attire when working in Grandma's kitchen. Here Chelsea is decked out in her cupcake apron. She also has matching "hotpots" as she calls them and I don't have the heart to correct her. She was sure to tell me that I needed a picture of her in her apron though...check out the pose!

On this occasion she was able to make the cookies from start to finish. I just helped measure but she knows how to run the mixer all by herself, add ingredients, crack eggs, scoop them on to the cookie sheets and put them in the oven all by herself. She even knows to get ice if she gets a little burn in the process.

So, I am guessing Ryder was feeling a little left out and I swear I turned my back for a few seconds and this is what I saw when I turned around. Yep! Up on the table to help out. He moves the chair out, climbs up on the chair and then it is just one more step up to get where he wants to be. Heck, I guess I could get him off the table, but I choose to get my camera instead. Look at him squatting there like he belongs right where he is at.

Notice how close he has moved to the bowl. Yes, he even knows how to pick the chocolate chips out of the dough and sample them. I am guessing his little pointer finger is telling me a story or two.

I just want to kiss those cheeks all day long. I want to keep them in my arms forever. These are the moments that take my breath away, the moments I etch on my heart. These are the memories I cherish..the everyday moments that I am so gratefull to get to be a part of.

1st Grade

2010-09-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

How can it be a year since I last posted? Shame on me. It certainly isn't because I didn't have pictures to post or things to share. I am guessing if you are reading this you have seen all those pictures on Facebook so I don't feel like a totally worthless blogger ;-)

Chelsea started 1st grade this year and I think she really is liking it. She has Mr. May for a teacher and from what I hear he is an awesome teacher. I wonder if he knows he has royalty in his classroom? I bet he has a classroom full of princesses.

Six years old....where has the time gone? With all of Chelsea's firsts I find myself reflecting back to when my kids were in the same place. I love to watch her grow and learn. She loves to read and is working hard on her math. Her eyes light up when she gets her answers right. She doesn't give up easily.

I didn't get to follow her to her first day of school this year but thank God Grandma Ronda was there to capture the moment. I had these pictures in my mailbox within an hour. Ryder got to take his sissy to school though and aren't they just the cutest kids you have ever seen? I am in love....they light up my life.
There are days..believe me...when I just want quiet, and then they walk in the door, their eyes light up and they run to me with open arms and I MELT. Energy restored.
Here's to a wonderful school year and possibly a few more posts.

First Days of Kindergarten

2009-09-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

I remember so well lining my children up on the front porch on the first day of school to take pictures. I never imagined the day I would have my Grand daughter do the same thing. I am so blessed to get to be a part of these special moments.
Chelsea had a parade escorting her to her first day of school. She had her mommy and brother, her Aunt Christen and of course Grandma. None of us wanted to miss it so we all went.

Look at Miss Independent walking down the big hallway all by herself, well, we were right behind her but she was taking the lead. Such a wave of emotions fill this heart of mine. Her mom walked down this same hallway for her first day of Kindergarten. I am sure she was just as independent and just as cute.

After about a week of school Chelsea has got her teachers name down. Instead of just saying "teacher" she now says "Mrs. Moran" It was nice of her teacher to color coordinate her outfit with Chelsea's for the first day of school.

She gets to ride the bus to school and as you can see she is totally okay with this fact. When I tucked her in to bed that night and said her prayers with her we thanked God that she had a safe bus ride and she sat up in bed and matter of fact told me, "Well, I had to hold on to the seat real tight when we went around a corner" I guess she wanted God to know that. So we asked God to send his angels to protect her, like we always do.....and she pipes in again...are you ready for this one...."are those angels God's wives?" I just never know what she will say next, but she is so sincere and so eager to learn.

I pray she will always love school, always be eager to learn and never be afraid to ask questions. Her angels have a full time job ahead of them, but who better to entrust her with but her Guardian Angels.

My "Little" Man

2009-07-02T10:40:00.000-07:00

I know, it has been forever since I posted. Here is what I have been busy with, and isn't he the most adorable chunk of love you have ever seen? His smile melts my heart. He is four months old now and 20 pounds of cute.
If he isn't being held, which is his preference, this is his next favorite spot. He wants to be UP and facing the world, not laying down.

He has entered the drooling stage as you can see and with summer here, clothes are optional but the bib isn't.

There is nothing cuter than a baby or toddler in overalls. It was hard to get a pose where I could get a picture but we tried.

Keep checking back, I am hoping to get more pictures posted soon since I am so far behind.

My Little CowGirl

2009-04-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

So, we are back to the point where she loves me to take her picture again. She is also getting very good at posing for me. She comes up with her own poses and tells me when to take the picture. Once again she is on our bed playing. It is so funny to me that she will run in and say to me, "Can I go play on your bed Grandma?"

Today was pink camo day and she decided that my pink hat topped the outfit off perfectly. Well, alright then. Who am I to argue. Can you believe she is only 5? She just looks more and more grown up all the time. I know I can never compare the two kids but if Ryder has even half the personality that Chelsea has I am going to have my hands full, not to mention a million pictures of them before they are even in school.

Does it get any cuter than this?

There was such an angelic look on her face on the photo below I couldn't resist posting it. We had a lot of fun playing around and taking silly pictures. You know I am going to post more so don't be thinking you are missing out.

One Month Old

2009-04-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

I don't know how it happens but one minute I am in the hospital watching Ryder be born and the next he is one month old. How in the world does that happen? I will admit, I wasn't sure how it would be having two grandchildren, especially after Chelsea. She has been more to me than I ever would of imagined. But you know what, my heart is big enough for all the grandchildren you can throw at me. Ryder has his own special place in my heart that no one else can fill.
I think he is trying to smile at Grandma in this photo. When Chelsea was one month old she got to have her first sleep over at Grandma's house, and guess what? When Ryder was one month old he got to sleep over too. Do you think it will become a tradition with my Grandchildren? I think I would enjoy it. Both sleepovers involved very fussy babies, more like screaming babies. Screaming babies for long bouts of time. But you know, it didn't bother me too much. I had been very sick the week before and had not totally recovered but it didn't stop me.

Having two babies at the same time (okay, Chelsea is 5 but will always be my baby girl) was also a challenge. Papa had to sleep in one room with Chels and I had to sleep in another with Ryder but I got more sleep than I had thought I would. I think Ryder likes my bed (we know Chelsea does, she will only sleep with us when she is here). I do believe Mark and I will be getting a king size bed to accomodate the grandkids though.

Chelsea was nice enough to take this picture of us. She is becoming quite the photographer. This was a good moment, notice he is sleeping. If he was awake he was crying so most of the photos I got were of him sleeping.

I think he was just very hungry, so I let him have as much bottle as he wanted. Of course the first time I did this he threw it all back up all over me. That was a special moment I will always cherish. I had an entire bra full of formula. We came to an understanding of just how much enough formula his tummy could hold at any given time.

Grandmahood is agreeing with me.

3 Weeks Old

2009-03-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

Three weeks old...and cuter every day. Grandma got to have the kids over for the day while the big kids went to Tri Cities to celebrate Sarah's birthday. Lets just say it was a good day. I am guessing that Chelsea does not quite trust my parenting skills as she was by my side all day instructing me on how to take care of her brother. She was even willing to help me out when I so much as blinked in the other direction.

I wouldn't say she is jealous, I am watchful for that, but she must be included on everything.
Can you see it? I go to change his diaper and she already had all the snaps undone on his outfit for me. I give him a bottle and she is sitting down on the couch telling me she can hold him. I turn my back while he is safely laying on the couch and she is giving him a bottle that he doesn't need or want, or she is picking him up. She just didn't understand Grandma's frustration with her and I didn't want to over react either.

So far, Ryder is a good sport about all of our transitioning. Lets hope he will always be that easy going.

I am so lucky to have two such beautiful grandchildren. I want to always be a huge part of their life. I want them to have memories to last a life time of wonderful moments they shared with their Papa and Grandma.

A Visit From Uncle Jonny

2009-03-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

We always love a visit from Jonathan, but usually they are for a Guards weekend so we don't get to see him too much. This time we got him for a weekend with no commitments. Chelsea decided playtime at the park would be a grand idea, so off we went. He is so good with Chelsea, I think it is the little kid in him. I think he very much enjoys being silly with her and making her laugh.
Chelsea told me she knew how to cross the monkey bars all by herself but as soon as we got there she froze. Uncle Jonny showed her how it was done, and her best attempt was to get on his shoulders and cross that way. Hey, if I had a choice that is how I would do it too, its much easier that way.

Chelsea loves to play outside, she would stay out there all day long if we could handle it. Here they are having a "race". To keep her running you have to chase her though. I think she would of beat Jonathan anyway. She is laughing the entire way.

Uncle Jonny got to meet Ryder for the first time too. As soon as Ryder started to fuss he looked at me and said, "I have absolutely no idea what I am suppose to do." The look on his face was priceless!

What an Adventure...Part 2

2009-03-08T16:04:00.000-07:00

So, here we are with Part 2 of our adventure. Yes, the it stopped raining and YES it was still cold and wet. Did this fact slow them down...NO. They have been here together many times and off they go to have some fun.
I will be honest, I have as much fun as they do. I have said it before, I am a different Grandma than I was a mom. Sure, we spent days at the park and at the pool and on many adventures together, but I don't know if I loved it this much.

NOTE TO SELF: NOTE TO OTHERS:

Enjoy every minute of every day!

Dirt washes off.

Rain will make you wet, but you will dry eventually.

If clothes get stained from climbing on fire trucks....who cares...buy new ones.

Don't miss today while waiting for tomorrow.

Chelsea was all about the "posing" and not so much about the swinging from the bars. Landon is a complete monkey on the bars and is strong enough to cross them all by himself.

There apparently is no such thing as too high when pushing these two in the tire swing. They love it and they laugh the entire time, telling me to push them more.

If you can't have a balanced diet, then at least balance on the beam. I think I can do that. This beam is a little tricky since it moves when you walk on it but both Chelsea and Landon have no problems on it.

Now, there was laughter.....and there were tears. Landon insisted he had to be inside the tires while Chelsea as on top of them. He worked his was through, laughing the whole time...and then...................

he pinched his tummy and when he finally got out he was crying. Next thing we knew, we looked at Chelsea and she was crying because Landon was crying. I am not sure Ronda or I knew whether to laugh or cry at the whole scene.

I guess I chose to at least try and comfort the two of them, which took about 60 seconds and then they were good to go.

I just never know where my next adventure will be, but I know I will have them. They are too great to pass up. I do need to start developing the pictures though since this adventure produced nearly 400 pictures. Too bad I didn't have my camera, we could of got a few more.

What an Adventure...Part 1

2009-03-08T14:43:00.000-07:00

I promised Chelsa we could go to the park...and it was pouring rain. Back up plan, lets go see Papa at work. I knew Landon would like this adventure, and so would his mom so we invited them along. Good thing I did, it was twice as fun with a friend, and my camera once again went dead on me. (Okay, I use it so much I forget to charge the dang thing)

They were so excited and ran from one fire truck to the next. Papa gave them quite the tour and they got to climb on everything they could find. Here they got to try on a fire coat that weighed as much as they did, well, maybe not as much as Chelsea, but they were swimming in it.

And then the safety vest.....

They had no fear up on top of the trucks. Notice all the pictures are taken from ground level...yep, Ronda and I kept our feet planted on the ground.

Outside on top of another truck, once the rain stopped a bit.

And a cheesy pose.

The funniest part of the whole day was right here. Mark let them listen to their hearts with the stethoscope. Landon listened to Chelsea and his eyes got real big and he said....."SHE IS WOUND UP!"

They both got to put on the head sets and talk to each other.

And what fire station is complete without a workout room. They had just as much fun in here as they did with the trucks.

This was hysterical, all she did was move her arms. She must of been watching how I do those pushups.

So, you wonder what part two of the adventure was...it quit raining so off to the park we went...

Finally got it cut! What do you think?

2009-02-28T20:53:00.000-08:00

There were so many rules when I sat down to get my hair done.
I don't want it short!
I don't want to look like so in so!
I do not want bangs falling in my face!
This picture is okay if you change this!
This picture is okay if you do this instead!
I want a change!
I think I am going to be sick!
Maybe we will just highlight it!
Can you hear me? Poor Shelli just rolls her eyes at me, puts highlights on and sets me under a dryer to calm down a bit. When she started cutting I just white knuckled the chair and didn't say much. Now, to some of you it doesn't look much different, but trust me, IT IS!
I think I like it and love that I got to keep as much length as I did, she probably could of gone shorter and I would of been okay with it but I will tell her that later. So, it is very blond and very layered. I am still playing with it to see what I can do.
This picture is day one and blown dry. Do you know how hard it is to take your own picture? I have some really nice ones of half my head, the wall, the mirror, double chin and so on...

And the back...still long but tons of layers. You can kinda see them here.

And here it is yesterday with a scrunched look. I like this look best but I have to use tons of product to get it to stay this way and not frizz out.

Thank you to all of you who voted, I can't believe how many left a comment. Most voted for bangs and believe it or not I have them. They are just longer, and yes, they want to fall in my face and drive me over the edge. I am working through this.

He is Adorable!

2009-02-28T20:50:00.000-08:00

Isn't he just the cutest guy you've ever seen. I am getting a few more pics of me holding him since Chelsea loves to take pictures. He is 4 days old here. Boy, I am going to burn up some miles going to visit that is for sure. He doesn't cry much, he sleeps all the time (I am sure that won't last long), and when he opens his eyes my heart melts.
Chelsea seems to be doing okay, and she doesn't get too upset when I am holding the baby, but she stays close. I think her nose was out of joint on Thursday, so I went and picked her up and took her for special Grandma time. We went to McDonalds for dinner and ice cream and she got to play for about an hour. We then went to WalMart where she got to pick out a few outfits and try them on in the dressing room. (I guess this is a big girl thing to do because Mommies try things on in there too) We also rocked out in the car to Pink I think it was, playing the same song over and over and over, singing as loud as we wanted to.
Mark and I stopped to visit yesterday on our way back from TriCities and Chelsea asked if she could come to my house. Well, let me think about it............YES! I could never turn her down. I asked if Ryder could come spend the night too but his mom said no, not yet. It was worth a try and don't think I won't be asking everytime I see them. I know I can break her down eventually.

Sharing the Love

2009-02-23T20:39:00.000-08:00

You just never know when you are creating a memory. The things that a child holds dear, the things that they remember. Here Ryder is only a few hours old and Chelsea brings me my book and my glasses and wants me to read to them. Is there anything cuter than that. Of course my heart melted right away, so I put my glasses on, (which I can't see the words without), opened up my book and made up some words. They quickly turned in to a song I have sang to Chelsea since she was born...rock a bye baby. As soon as Chelsea gets out of the tubby she asks me to pick her up and sing her our song. Yes, I do it everytime, no questions asked. And now, she is willing to share our song with her brother. I will admit I have been very worried how she would re-act to sharing me with her brother but....day one and so far she is okay with it. Notice she is close by though.

Chelsea could not wait to get home to see her brother again. She stayed with us until they got home from the hospital and then I took her home. She sprinted out of the car and as she ran in the house she said, "I am so excited to see my brother." Melted my heart right there. Last night she woke up in the middle of the night from a nightmare (which she has never done before) and told me a bear was trying to take her brother away from her. After some reassuring she went back to sleep but she remembered all about it when she got up and repeated the dream to me and Papa.

Twenty four hours old and already changing. His face is a little blotchy today from his fingernails, which Sarah had me file since she was scared to do it. His cone head is almost back to normal now, and I still think he is the cutest Prince I have ever seen. He whispered in my ear that I am his favorite by far but it is our little secret. I can't wait to see him grow, to experience all his "firsts" with him. To build memories he can hold dear for his life.

My heart is full.
I want to quit my job and just be a full time Grandma.
I want them to always know me, to have all kinds of stories to treasure of fun times we have spent together.
I want to build sandcastles on the beach with them,
run in mud puddles with them,
play at the park with them,
build memories with them.
I never want a day to go by that they don't know how much I love them.
Do I dream too big? I don't think so.......I am up for the challenge.

FINALLY! Ryder has made a Grand Entrance

2009-02-22T19:28:00.000-08:00

The first call came at 9:56 pm telling me her water broke but no pain or contractions. Well heck, Chelsea and I had just snuggled in for a sleep over so I told Sarah to call when things got going. Next phone call.....12:32 AM..not much progress but time to go anyway. Man, I just entered into that nice deep sleep, good thing I got that much sleep because I certainly didn't get any more of it.
Labor got very hard around 5 AM and poor Sarah had no relief. She was begging for just a little break and there really was none. I thought for sure it would be anytime...but still a 5! They didn't get her pain meds until around 7 and finally an epidural around 9:45, but then time to push.

Finally, Ryder Zeth made his appearance.
February 22, 2009
10:56 AM
9lbs 4 ounces 23 inches long

He has a bit of a cone head from the suction they had to use to get him out, but I think it is a beautiful cone head! Don't you just love his cheeks.

Chelsea walked in the room and wouldn't have anything to do with her mom or dad. They are traitors you know. For a little Princess to have to share her kingdom with a Prince will take some getting use to. Here she is warming up to the idea.

And here we are with Auntie Christen.

You just never know how much love your heart can hold. I thought my heart was filled to over flowing with Chelsea, but God has a way of just giving your heart more and more room. I just love being a Grandma. Have I ever told you that before? Stay tuned for more. I am exhausted and ready for bed. This is hard work you know.

Help me decide....

2009-02-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

If you know me you know that I can never make up my mind where my hair is concerned. Okay, maybe on a few other issues too, but this is my dilemma today. I am thinking about going back to bangs, the funny thing is when I went to find a picture of me with them I was amazed how long it ago it has been, I think it was 2004. So...here are a few pictures I could find..the older ones with bangs I still had dark hair. We have bangs, and short and long hair. We also have small double chin and large double chin, that is another issue we will address later!
Whatever you do, don't tell my hairdresser that I am even thinking about a change, she will freak out. Every time I go in she grabs the scissors and asks me if I want bangs. Do you think she is trying to tell me something?

Your vote counts....but you need to hurry before I completely change my mind on this one. Just so you know, I already feel sick to my stomach just thinking about this. I am so not like my dear friend Ronda who will sit in the chair and tell her hairdresser to just do whatever she wants. OMG...no way, no how could I ever do that, and my hairdresser (Shelli) understands this about me. The therapy isn't helping much....ready...set.....vote!!!!

My Little Star

2009-02-07T08:47:00.000-08:00

I can't help it, she makes me laugh.
She makes me smile.
She makes me want to sing.
She makes me want to dance.
She makes me feel young again.

We have the CD. We have the movie. She can sing and dance to either one. She knows which actor sings which song, and she knows most of the moves. Some of the lyrics she hasn't got down yet but it hasn't slowed her down one bit.

It's hard to get good video in the kitchen but if that is where she is performing then that is where I go.....after all, it is all about her. Of course I have lots more video to post so check back. Got the dance moves down with the movie the other night.
So, what is it that makes you smile? What makes you laugh and dare to be silly again? I hope your day is filled with such things...if you can't find something in your day to make you smile or laugh, give me a call. I am sure I can come up with something to help you out.

It's SNOWING!!!

2008-12-15T03:37:00.000-08:00

I LOVE the SNOW! So I thought nothing of putting my boots on with my pajamas at 11:00 at night to go outside and take a picture while it was snowing. We don't have the snow my dear friend Ronda has at her house, or a view like she has, but just having snow is enough for me. I am happy...and the minute the snow is good for making a snowman, I am going to go get the princess and we are making a snowman. All day she reminded me of every detail we put into the snowman we made last year and wanted to do it again.

I am very sure she didn't understand what I was saying when I told her it wasn't "snowman snow", but she is holding on to the promise that when it is, we have a date.

Dear Santa...

2008-12-15T03:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,
I was so excited to get to see you today. I took a tubby last night and let Grandma fix my hair real pretty so I would look my best for you. From the minute I woke up this morning you were the first thing I thought about. I got dressed all by myself and sat very still while Grandma curled my hair and put pretty red ribbons in it to match my new dress.

I knew your reindeer would be there again this year and I was just as excited to get to see them again. I am not afraid of you this year like I was last year. Thank you for letting me sit on your lap and tell you what I wanted for Christmas. I love the toys you gave me today, especially the teddy bear. I will take good care of it.

Did you like the songs I sang for you today. I really like to sing "Santa Clause is Coming To Town" I don't know all the words but Grandma sang it with me to help teach me. I am trying to be real good and to not be on the "naughty" list.

I hope you liked my new dress, Grandma says I looked beautiful in it.
Love,
Chelsea

Rockin Around the Christmas Tree

2008-12-15T03:23:00.000-08:00

I don't know where she gets her personality but if I could bottle it up and sell it I would be rich. She sees the camera and goes into "pose" mode. I LOVE IT!

I have no idea where she learned these "moves" but I don't think she learned them from me. You are laughing at that aren't you?
I am realizing just how much I have taught her though. She is forever watching, learning, seeing, and repeating. She knows all my "Grandma isms". Her conversations with me are always reaffirming things I say to her, nicknames I give her, and silly words I use.
When someone used the word Goomba the other day she was quick to tell them that was her Grandma's word.
And she says to me, "I am your baby girl, right Grandma"
Grandma: "You sure are Chelsea, and what else are you?"
Chelsea: "I am your Princess"
Grandma: "I luva luva luva you little Princess!"

Deck the Halls

2008-12-13T09:33:00.000-08:00

Everyday I find out more and more about myself, like how much patience I can put into practice if I really want to. Some of you are laughing at that, aren't you? This year the Christmas decorating was a little different for me. I have always had the kids here to help out, to haul boxes and boxes up from the basement, to open up the boxes and know where everything is suppose to go, to help with lights, to assemble the tree and tolerate the Christmas music that has to be playing as we decorate.
This year it was just me. I brought the tree up and spent a day putting it together and adding the 5 strands of lights. It was a little different for me, I found myself really missing my kids. They moan a little, but they add life to the day. They harass me about being such a perfectionist, they tease each other, and me behind my back. They giggle and laugh together, which is music to my ears.
It was quiet this year. I had time to think, which is very scary for me. I handled it for a day and then begged Sarah to let Chelsea come help. So, I had a day of thinking and reflecting, which was very good for me, might post more on that later, and I had a fun day with the Princess.

She was so much fun, she loved opening up the boxes and she would get so excited at each item. It was better than Christmas morning by far. Every ornament was a thing of wonder to her. Yes, she has helped me decorate every year, but this year was different. She is almost 5 you know, so the conversation is much different and she has ideas of her own now. The bonus is she lets me take her picture pretty much whenever I want to, and believe me, I want to.
I know things about myself, like every ornament has to be in the right place, they have to be spaced just so, there is an order that they go on the tree, first the red balls, then the snowman balls, then the handmade ornaments, then the candycanes. Let me tell you right now, we did things a bit different this year. I tried my darnedest to stay a step ahead of Chelsea the whole day. She loves to learn and she is watching everything I do, so the minute I hung an ornament, she knew exactly what to do and where she was going to hang them. At one point I turned around and she was on a chair, just like Grandma was doing, reaching up high to hang ornaments. Made me a bit nervous but...what the heck, I kept an eye on her and she did fine. I tried very hard to not move any of the ornaments she hung up, but may have moved a few.
At one point I turned around and this is what she was doing, blowing the tree a kiss. Now how cute is that? I just love her to pieces.

While hanging the candy canes she informed me that they could make a heart. Now, tell me how she came up with that one.

I do believe the highlight of her day is when the nativity set came out of the box. She has loved this since she was old enough to touch it. I am sure she doesn't understand what it is yet, but one day she will understand the nativity story and the true meaning of Christmas. She was so careful to unwrap each piece, just like Grandma told her too. (it is an expensive set so I want her to take care of it) She sat at the table and played with it for over an hour.

At the end of the day, we had decorated two trees, hung lights and garland, set out decorations, and both had a wonderful time.

She's Done It Again

2008-12-07T11:21:00.000-08:00

The Moore family, I must say, is anything but boring. They are always up for a challenge, they are very competitive, family is important, and they love to have fun. They all view "fun" in different ways but when given a challenge, they meet it head on.
So Helen (Mark's sister) has the traditional day after Thanksgiving get together at her house, and every year it is an experience. There is always lots of food and family and her added bonus is she throws in a "game" of sorts where we are split into teams and are given any range of tasks to accomplish. The first year one of our stops was at her woodpile where we were challenged to stack as much wood as we could. Very clever way to get that woodpile stacked, if I do say so myself. Being the competitive group we are I don't think she was disappointed in the end results.
This year we started with a 5K walk (pretty sure we didn't go that far but it sounds good) It rained on us for most of the walk, but didn't slow anyone down. When the walk was over it was serious game time. We were slit into two teams, given our respective colored bandanas, red and blue, and very little instructions. Each team was also given a camcorder where we were instructed that every stop we made as a team we had to be taping from the time we got out of the car until we got back in, and someone different had to be taping each time. We were also given a sack with a deck of cards in it and sheet music to a few Christmas carols, along with a clue as to our first stop.
So, in my expedition, we crammed my team (red), all 10 of us and away we went, still unsure how we were being judged, if we were being timed or how long this would take. The other team had a suburban which I believe was a little roomier than our vehicle, but you know we weren't complaining.
First stop, Delores house where we piled into her home to be instructed on how to play Rock Band where we had to complete a song all the way through successfully. Miles on the guitar, Brett on the drums (did I mention Brett is color blind) and the rest of us on vocals set out to conquer this song. It took us two tries but we managed to get through the song, nothing I am sure you would ever want to hear again, poor Delores, but mission accomplished at stop # 1. Each stop also had a trivia question, and if successfully answered you won a different assortment of "stuff" I believe our first stop we won some rebar and wire. You can imagine how excited we were.

Stop number two led us to the store in Pilot Rock where we were given an envelope with $10 in it and instructed to purchase a complete meal for someone. Can you just see the look on the cashiers face when all 10 of us piled in the store, scattered to all four corners searching for the perfect meal we had no idea what we were doing with? We had at least 4 trips to the check stand to spend all our money we left with the winning meal. Did I mention that while we were there the other team arrived and Karen thought it would be nice to move their car around the back of the store so elderly shoppers could park closer to the door. I believe somewhere around here both camcorders batteries stopped working, but I had my camera on board. Trivia question answered successfully, given more boxes of "stuff" which I might add was taking up precious room in the car for seating, and away we went.
Stop number 3, go to Rance and Tiona's home and teach everyone in the house over the age of 5 a new card game and play it through 2 times. Spoons was the game of choice, and they were very good sports about playing the same game they had just learned from the other team who had just left. More "stuff" to load up and on to stop 4.

Here we are at Pat and Carols, Packy's parents home, where we practice our singing skills again as we sing them two Christmas carols before receiving our trivia prizes and sent on our way.

Last stop, Packy's welding shop where all our "stuff" we had won along the way came into practice. Here you see our winnings displayed. Each team was to use these items to create a piece of "yard art". We had full use of any of the equipment in the shop but were not allowed to add anything else to our display other than what we were given. We were assigned Packy as our team welder and the blue team had Kelly.

Team work is an understatement at this point. Still no idea if we are being timed or what we are being judged on but we dive in as if we have no time to spare. It is amazing how well we worked as a team, each person willing to do whatever was needed to be done, even if it meant guarding our project from the other team who stole supplies from our pile and spied on us.
So, here you see our finished projects. The red team created Burl the Snowman and the blue team created an angel. Each unique, each cute and creative as can be, and not way to judge the winning teams. We were both winners, even if I think our snowman is the best.

You really do have to see them in person to appreciate them. There are some very creative things happening in these works of art. The the best part was the fun the family had together. Helen, you rock! Wish you could of been with us to experience the caous but I guess someone had to stay with the babies and keep the food hot. The look on Helen's face when she saw these was priceless, I think I saw a tear in her eye.
It really is true, the family that plays together, stays together. Okay, I think the original saying was "prays" but you know this family knows how to do that also. Each member brings something special and unique to a family. I am so thankful to be a part of such a family.

Pondering on Thankfulness and Treasures

2008-12-07T09:17:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love it when you are asked to make a list of what you are thankful for..and then you struggle with even making a list. So, it isn't that I am not thankful, I think my disorder is I think the list has to be perfect and say all the right things. And why is it that is seems to be Thanksgiving time before we make these lists? My challenge to myself is to make them more often, make them real, make them from my heart.
I am Thankful that my husband is home safely from 2 weeks in Rwanda. Probably the longest two weeks I can remember for quite some time. We take for granted that we see someone everyday, can call them anytime, communicate with them, lean on them. For two weeks there was no communicating, just a few incoming emails but unable to respond back.

(FYI: Full grown man standing next to Mark, and they are the same age)
I am thankful for a marriage that has stood the test of time, through too many ups and downs. For a husband who is committed to "US", and understands unconditional love (He may of had to draw on that a few times).
As I looked at the pictures Mark brought home, and listened to his stories, I couldn't help but be very thankful for so many of the comforts we take for granted. The first things we think of when we ponder on what we are thankful for are the obvious: home, family, love, friends, etc....so when I look at the homes these people live in, I am blown away by just how spoiled I am. I don't live in a one room shack smaller than my bathroom, made of sticks with mud plastered on it, sleep on a dirt floor, wear the same clothes everyday, walk 10 miles to church, wonder what my next meal will be.
And yet, with every picture I saw, there were smiles on everyone's faces. They sing, they dance, their poverty hasn't broken them. Can I say the same thing? Not always, I will be honest. Can I challenge myself to focus more on what I am thankful for than what I think I am lacking? I can try. After all, our true happiness should come not from things on the outside, but what is on the inside, what is in my heart.
"Because where your treasure is,(that which we value most) there your heart will be also." I am challenged today to treasure the one thing that should be my highest treasure, my relationship with God. Sadly enough, I let things, circumstances, other relationships, take more priority more often than not. I get sideways, I let life take over instead of letting God steer this vessel. Oh, I know I am not alone, we are all human, we all were given our own "will" to make our own choices, and we all let our focus get blurry at times. We all grab ahold of the steering wheel and refuse to let go. I am sure God is thrilled when I let go with a few fingers, only to grab on with my toes, it is so hard to let go, to not be in charge, it scares me and leaves me vulnerable.
I have been given so many Treasures, in heaven and on earth. So much to be thankful for, so much to stop taking for granted. In moments I choose to not be thankful...I am unthankful..bottom line! OUCH! So today, I check my attitude (which may take some time) and re-focus, re-evaluate, re-direct my thoughts and actions. When all is said and done, I want to be real and all God wants me to be. If you don't know that I love the Lord and it comes as a shock to you, then I haven't let his love shine through me for all to see, I have let ME be the shining star and not Him.
What are you thankful for today?
Where are your treasures?
I am making a list and checking it twice.

I Pledge Allegiance

2008-11-23T07:40:00.000-08:00

Impressionable...
Teachable...
Vulnerable...
But... not replaceable.

"In rare form" is the only way to describe Chelsea on this day. She was all about singing songs from school. I got to tape her as many times as I wanted to, as long as she could be on Grandma's bed. Over and over again she repeated her "Pledge" and songs. My biggest challenge was in keeping the camera steady, both from her bouncing around and me trying not to laugh.
She fills my world. I can't get enough of her. I want to capture all these moments. I don't want to miss a thing. That's where it is hard to be the Grandma, I don't get to be a part of everything. I miss the everyday moments, so I treasure every moment I do get to be a part of. She is one of a kind that is for sure.

Can I Borrow $25?

2008-11-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door.
SON: 'Daddy, may I ask you a question?'
DAD: 'Yeah sure, what it is?' replied the man.
SON: 'Daddy, how much do you make an hour?'
DAD: 'That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?' the man said angrily.
SON: 'I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?'
DAD: 'If you must know, I make $50 an hour.' SON: 'Oh,' the little boy replied, with his head down.
SON: 'Daddy, may I please borrow $25?'
The father was furious, 'If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then You march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I don't work hard everyday for such childish frivolities.'
The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.
The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?
After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down , and started to think: Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $25.00 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door. 'Are you asleep, son?' He asked.
'No daddy, I'm awake,' replied the boy.
'I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier' said the man. It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $25 you asked for.'
The little boy sat straight up, smiling. 'Oh, thank you daddy!' he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father. 'Why do you want more money if you already have some?' the father grumbled.
'Because I didn't have enough, but now I do,' the little boy replied. 'Daddy, I have $50 now. Can I buyan hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you.'
The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness. It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts.
Do remember to share that $50 worth of your time with someone you love.
If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of hours. But the family & friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives.
From my house to yours.
The light of God surrounds us.
The love of God enfolds us.
The power of God protects us.
The presence of God watches over us.
Wherever we are God is and all is well.'
From my home to yours - enjoy.
(I received this today from a dear friend. I thought it was worth sharing.)

Strike a Pose

2008-10-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

From one day to the next I just don't know what I am going to get with Chelsea. This past weekend I borrowed a camera to try out and went to the river to take some shots. Chelsea asked if she could go and if I would take some pictures of her.

Gee, let me think about that...............okay, I would love to (guess how long that thought process was?)
I had a hard time with the settings on the camera, but not with my royal subject. She was more than eager to run from one spot to another and strike a pose for me. The only problem with this was I wanted a natural unposed look. I will take what I can get though and I will be happy! Did I just say that? I must be tired...

Chelsea is back in the mode that she wants me to take pictures of her, so now I get pictures of her face and not just the back of her head as she is running away from me. She really enjoyed this photo shoot also because we got to go on a field trip to the river to explore. She is fearless, and yes, although I told her 100 times not to get too close to the river so she wouldn't fall in, she was able to slip and get her shoes wet.

Instantly she says, "But I am sorry Grandma!" Well hey, that makes it okay then doesn't it? Heck they are only shoes, they can be washed and dried again, or they can become river shoes and we get her new good shoes. What a change in outlook from my kids. I am however very gratefull that she didn't fall in. I wasn't too excited about going in after her, who would of taken pictures of that moment?

Yummy Blackberry Jam

2008-09-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

As you know, My little Princess loves the help out in any way she can. When Chelsea heard Papa and Grandma were going to pick blackberries she jumped right up in her car seat and away we went. She grabbed her own bucket and stayed right with us the entire time. Of course, her routine was to pick one berry and then eat one. I must say, I was surprized at how well she did. Watch out fellow berry pickers, I think she is going to be a die hard picker like her Grandma.
Now, I took a vote, with myself of course, decided that it is much more fun to go pick the berries than it is to clean them when you get home and do something with them. For blackberries I pretty much just make jam, not sure they would freeze up as nice as the huckleberries.
As soon as Chelsea saw what I was doing when I was making the jam she was right there in the middle of it all. I was a little nervous believe it or not, with her in there helping me. I had berries cooking, and they get very HOT, and I had the water boiling to cook the jars in once they were filled with jam. I have one arm that can barely lift the jars into the hot water, and as you can see I now have a chair in the middle of my workspace with a helper standing on it.
Well, what is a Grandma to do? I stripped her down so we wouldn't ruin her clothes if we got berries on them, which was very good thinking if you could of seen the mess we had when we were done.

Chelsea's job was to measure the berries into the processor, wait for Grandma to put the lid on it and then push the "pulse" button three times. My job was to try and stay one step ahead of her while I was stirring the boiling jam, washing then filling jars, processing them and transporting them from the boiling water to the table across the kitchen.

I am happy to report no one was injured (okay, I did burn my hand in a few places from boiling jam splattering), no one left in tears, just very exhausted but happy to have created one more memory together.

Together we canned 62-8oz jars of jam. I have no idea what in the world we are going to do with all that jam, and I haven't even started the huckleberries yet. Maybe tomorrow.

Photo Shoot?

2008-08-17T23:58:00.000-07:00

We are entering a new stage that I think I am going to like. I was able to bribe Chelsea into a photo shoot. As most of you know we have gone through quite a time where she wasn't having anything to do with me taking her picture, so you can imagine my surprise when she said we could go outside and take some pictures.
Here she is sitting on one the chairs that Papa just made, she loves this chair and thinks it is hers. I certainly am not going to tell her any different. Especially if she will sit in it while I take pictures.

Some days it is hard to believe she is only 4 years old, she looks so much older. And other times I wonder where the time has gone, wasn't it just yesterday I was watching her make her entrance into this world?

Notice we have several different poses in our photo shoot. I got kisses, smiles, and cheesey grins.

I even got her to wear a new outfit I bought for her. It is nearly impossible to get her to wear anything but her dresses so to see her in shorts is rare. Isn't it the cutest outfit? She especially loved the diamondy sparkly buttons, I think they sealed the deal.

Precious Moments

2008-08-17T23:19:00.000-07:00

"Papa, will you read to me?" Chelsea half asked and half assumed the answer before it was given, as she jumped up on the bed with a pile of her books.
Papa looks to Grandma for help which gets him no where since she is running for camera. So Papa sets his own book aside, scoots over making room for the Princess to climb up and says to her, "Okay, get up here and lets read a story."

Together they set out on an adventure, Chelsea listens so intently but loves to help Papa narrate the story. It doesn't matter to her that Grandma had just read her the same story a few minutes earlier. That fact just makes it easier for her to help Papa out while he is reading.

Time stands still for no one. One day we won't be able to get her to stop long enough to read to her. I pray these moments kindle in her a love of books, of reading, of exploring new places.

Thank you Lord, for moments like this.

Jungle Gym

2008-08-17T23:15:00.000-07:00

Which battles should I choose?
Which ones really matter?
It is very apparent I will answer these questions differently now than I would of when my children were growing up.
Some days it is just easier to enjoy the moment and write it on my heart than it is to battle it.
I don't know what I would of done with my own children if they had decided to turn my bed into their own personal jungle gym. I am sure they would all like to answer that question, but I am not asking them.

We have had this bed set for a few years now, and from the day we got it Chelsea has loved it. I don't know what made her think she could climb on it, swing from it, jump from it, bounce on it..I think you get the picture, but she loves it. She is fearless.

For some reason, it has just never bothered Mark or I when she begins her play time, which I might add is usually at bed time or when I am trying to make the bed. I have been given the opportunity to re-make my bed on more than one occasion. Oh well, in the big picture of this life we live, I don't mind.

It dawned on me that I hadn't really captured this in pictures yet. I almost need to get it on video as you wouldn't believe how fast she gets around, the sound effects that come with the playing, the body slams on the bed...it cracks me up. I can't even get mad at her, she is having so much fun.

She insisted she needed my pink cowboy had for her acrobatic routine and was happy to have Papa wear it for awhile too. He is a good sport. I am not sure how much he really got out of the book he was reading, but hey, he can read it another time.
I wasted a lot of precious moments when my children were growing up by stressing out over moments just like this. When they all have kids of their own I think they will forgive me but in the mean time, I am just going to capture as many moments as I can.
By the way, NO! she isn't spoiled...she is just loved beyond measure. I want to be as big of a blessing to her life as she is to mine. I want to teach her boundaries, while at the same time encourage her to sparkle, to dream, to make life an adventure.

Mountain Top Dreaming

2008-07-29T13:29:00.000-07:00

I have a dream.....of one day owning a home in the mountains that has a view like this one. Mark and I took a day and went for a drive up Tolgate. No plans, no time limit, just "Us" time. I was in heaven. It's funny, the things I loved about going to the ocean are the same things I love about the mountains, although I would never dream to live so close to the ocean. I love the fresh air, and the smells so unique to the mountains. I love the peace I feel when we leave the city and head up the mountain. I love the sounds, the sound of the wind as it comes up the canyon and blows through the trees, God speaking in a different way to our spirit.
We walked on trails, I took pictures of flowers, but the best part was just sitting on the mountain side and enjoying the view, the peace we both felt, just us, sitting, listening, enjoying our "us" time.

Now, don't get me wrong...I don't love the mountains so much that I want to grab a sleeping bag and a tent and set up camp. That tent would have to have a very large air mattress in it, not to mention a few other luxuries from home. No, my dream is of a log home, big and open with windows open to a view like we had. Mark's dreams aren't quite a "big" as mine are, he thinks a little home will do..........huh...where would I put all my stuff?
For today, I dream. I plot, I plan, I take a nap.

Building Memories

2008-07-21T11:41:00.000-07:00

This isn't the first time I have walked out to the garage and had to run back in to get my camera. Chelsea just loves to help her Grandpa, and it amazes me how patient he can be with her. As you see, the only stitch of clothing she has on is her panties, no shoes.
Yet she climbs up on the table, grabs the tools and gets to work. She is fearless and up to doing anything her Papa is doing.

It takes very strong muscles to fit the pieces together, and Chelsea has climbed right over the top of everything to assist.

I love this picture of Chelsea with Papa's Hand...the picture says it all.

A good carpenter must know how to use a tape measure with ease. Check out all the wood chips and rough barn wood she walks over with no shoes on. Like I said, if you are going to be a carpenter you better be tough.

The patience here is incredible. Papa got to hold the drill in place but Chelsea got to pull the trigger to make it go. She wasn't content doing it just a few times either, she had to do it everytime the drill was needed.
I hope these days are as treasured for her as they are for us. With our own kids we were too busy being parents to really savor these moments. They were there but did we really take the time to realize how precious they were.
Being a Grandparent has changed my outlook on life, I want to cherish every moment and hold every memory close to my heart to carry me through. To make the little things count, to worry less and live more.
To build memories in our everyday life.

World Travelers

2008-07-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, so maybe we didn't see the world but anytime we get to get out of Pendleton it is a treat. Mark and I once again headed to Lincoln City for a little vacation. Five nights and six days of doing nothing. I loved it. I waited about ten minutes before I started in asking him if we were there yet and how much longer. I couldn't resist! I think he was grateful that I nodded off for an hour or so.

At times I felt like a child again, I felt the anticipation growing the closer we got. You know the signs by the scenery around you. You leave the desert, you go through the Gorge, you pray you will find your way through Portland and not miss the turn off (which we did), through the Willamette Valley and into the beautiful forest of trees that lead you to the ocean. In every turn I felt more and more excited, wondering if the next turn would be the one that opened up to the view of the ocean. And then..................it happens! You smell it, you hear it, and finally, you can see ocean for as far and you can see.

I spent two hours one day by myself walking the beach, no camera, no shoes (flip flops fit perfect in my back pockets) just me, myself and I. It took me most of that time to just make my mind stop racing, it tends to go on tangents most of the time.

In everything I saw and heard I just couldn't help but sing to myself,

"Our God is an Awesome God".... I think he went on that walk with me, side by side, just me and my God. As my mind would wander he seemed to gently tap me on my shoulder and turn back to him. It was a journey we took together, where I think He showed me just how awesome, how big, and how wonderful He really is.

In every wave, He was there.

In every rock, pebble, and seashell, He was there.

In every grain of sand, yep, there He was.

He warmed me with His sunshine,

He energized me in the breeze of the ocean air.

He caused my heart to praise Him as I walked along. Something I haven't done in too long.

I really can't recall ever walking the beach by myself before like that. It was good for me, I learned a little bit more about myself on that walk. Even when my body isn't moving, my mind is going...it is plotting and planning, it is making lists, it is creating and working. It gets side tracked very easy and gets a lot of things going at one time. Imagine that...you know what, when you are praising God your mind can't be doing all those things. It focuses on Him alone. I loved the gentle nudges that brought me back to the praising.

Mark and I got a lot of rest, we went for short drives, we walked through shops and galleries. We walked the beach, we found our "special rocks and seashells", we ate when we got around to it, we napped when we felt like it, and enjoyed our time alone together. (His phone didn't ring once while we were there)

So, here we are, heading to the beach. Believe it or not I got very few pictures while we were there. Thought you would enjoy this one though.....LOL!

This was taken our last night at the coast, you really had to see it in person, it was beautiful. Just another reminder of how AWESOME our God really is.

Now you see it...now you don't

2008-07-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

I am almost over the shock of Sarah calling me and telling me she cut off Chelsea's hair. I believe I was a bit sick to my stomach actually. Chelsea has never had her hair cut, and she has such beautiful hair. I think I was just as sad that I couldn't be there when she did it to capture the moment in pictures. I guess I can't be there for everything, but this was a big moment and I am sorry I couldn't be a part of it. Chin up, smile, and be glad for the moments I am there for....

So, here is a glimpse of the new hair cut. She loves it and it is so much easier to manage, even though I never complained over having to fix her hair. When you ask her about her hair she says, "My mommy cut it....and she cried" It really is cute and I am almost over the shock of it, but not totally. Lovin' her to pieces.

You Color My World

2008-07-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

Chelsea's Sidewalk: Where she rides her bikes, inspects the flowers (and is now pruning them by herself) and she even decorates her sidewalk. Of course she wants everyone to come play with her, so down on my knees I go and we color away. After all, how can I say "NO"

Papa came home and she insisted he help out too. I knew immediatly what he was going to draw, since they are the only two things he ever draws, his cowboy and horse.

Papa surprised us and drew a game of Hop Scotch for Chelsea too. Notice how she inspects his work? She doesn't miss a thing.

I could never of planned to capture this picture of her in mid air. What a fun day.

Princess Goes to the Country

2008-07-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

Do I even need to tell you how excited Chelsea was to get to go see the horses and donkey at Aunt Helens house? Notice she chose to wear her crown for the occasion. Everyday is an adventure and it is so much fun to be a part of these moments. I must say I was a little nervous with her being so close to them, especially when Helen had to make sure the one on the left didn't get too close since it isn't very friendly.

These last two pictures crack me up. The tiara is gone, the coat is gone and I think she is having a heart to heart talk with the horse. She wanted to ride it but as soon as Helen lifted her up there she wasn't having anything to do with that.

Wouldn't you just love to know what she is saying to the horse. I will have to ask her next time she comes to visit, I am sure it will be an interesting tale.

Wildflowers

2008-06-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

"In the corner of my garden,
Where the wildflowers grow,
I sit and I admire,
How God has graced us so.

Special Friends

2008-06-08T13:34:00.000-07:00

"To Imagine is Everything"
Since Chelsea was big enough to stand up in the bathroom she has loved to close the two mirrors around her like this. She jabbered and jabbered, and the whole time I thought she was just enjoying looking at herself.

Well, now that she talks clearly I am understanding this facination a little better. For the past year or so she tells us these are her friends. Well, duh, how silly of us to not know that. Friends is plural although I am not sure how many friends she has in those mirrors but I do know it is the cutest thing in the world to witness her talking and playing with them.

And the older she gets she learns more tricks to play with her friends. Here you can see she is dancing with them. I think she likes the friendship she has with these friends because if she wants them to dance, all she has to do is dance and they follow suit.

Her friends have names but I haven't got them all down yet but you can bet I will be listening close to find out.

The mirrors always need cleaned when she is done visiting with her friends, but such a small price to pay for the total enjoyment I get watching and she gets from her "playtime" Don't you just wonder what she is telling them here in these pictures? Does it get any better than this?

Here I come Papa!

2008-06-08T13:09:00.000-07:00

Have I ever told you how much JOY I find in being a Grandma? If Chelsea is here to visit, you can bet I have my camera with me. Instead of watching TV, like she always wants to do, I persuaded her to go for a walk...and look what we found. Papa was coming home from his run and I was lucky enough to capture the moment she saw him.

Away she went, as fast as those little legs could move, yelling for her Papa the whole way.

I don't know who's face was brighter, hers or Papa's.

I think it is safe to say he enjoys being a Papa as much as I enjoy being a Grandma.

Christian Ways to Reduce Stress

2008-05-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

After reading all the ways to reduce stress (below) I thought I would research a bit and find out how "stress" is defined. I thought of how proud Ronda would be that I Googled the word all by myself. I am not sure that was a great idea as I have now found out the following: Stress is a noun, but can also be a verb, and it can be good stress or bad stress. There are stress tests, heat stress, tramatic stress, stress fractures, and stress management to name a few. Crimany, can't I just find a cute definition? Yes, I looked at a bazillion dictionary definitions and didn't like a one of them. Then I found this paragraph, so I am not alone in my search....

"If you were to ask a dozen people to define stress, or explain what causes stress for them, or how stress affects them, you would likely get 12 different answers to each of these requests. The reason for this is that there is no definition of stress that everyone agrees on, what is stressful for one person may be pleasurable or have little effect on others and we all react to stress differently."

I guess no matter what we face in life, we have a choice in who and what we will turn to to help us through it. I challenge myself to not only turn to my source, (my God who loves me so unconditionally), in the hard times but also in the good times, the everyday times. I am learning to place my hand in his and go for a walk through my day with Him. Who better to spend your day with anyway.
*He picks me up when I fall, even when it is in the middle of the street from falling off my shoe.
*He laughs with me, and maybe even at me.
*He comforts me, not only from the cold but from all the arrows thrown at this ol' heart of mine.
*He guides me, I just forget to listen sometimes and end up on a one way street going the opposite direction.
I hope some of these help............
CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS...
An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."

1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19 Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33 Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.
"If God is for us, who can be against us?"
(Romans 8:31)

A Little Lost

2008-04-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

I have been at a loss for words lately. Hard to believe huh? After having Chelsea live with us for 3 months her mom felt it was time to take her back to live with her. I knew that day would come, I knew it was only temporary, but the more time went on and the more Mark and I poured our heart and soul into raising her, the harder that reality became.
With Spring Break came the day of Heart Break for Mark and I. Sarah was ready to take her back and my heart just wasn't prepared for the pain that would cause. I can't really remember the last time I cried for an entire day and could not get it together. The harder I tried to dry the tears the harder they came. Even today, a month later, tears are finding their way down my face as I try and write about it.
People wonder if after having one child if they can possibly love the next one the same. The love you feel for that first child is so overwhelming, you can't imagine you have more love to give. But then with the birth of each child you find that your heart just keeps holding more and more and you love each child the same.
I don't think my heart was prepared for how much love it would hold for a grandchild. There was instantly a bond that I don't know how to put into words. A love that consumes my heart, in every minute of every day. A love that holds so many hopes and dreams, a God-given Love.
In some aspects, I think it is a second chance at life, to give something more than maybe you were able to give to your own children. There really is nothing that can replace the wisdom we acquire from being parents. I see all the mistakes I made with my own children, we all make them no matter how hard we try to do things right, we can all look back and say we would of done something different. I don't think I was a bad parent, I am not saying that, I just see now where I could of taken more time to enjoy life instead of get through it.
And now I learn how to be a Grandparent. Just as there was no manual for becoming a parent, there is no manual for me to walk in this new role. I find myself wanting to walk in the shoes of a parent and yet knowing that that is my daughter's role now, and I have new shoes to fill. I am finding I have to think about the role I wanted my parents to play in my own children's lives, the role they had as Grandparents, and try and respect the boundaries that come with that role.
I have to be willing to step back and allow Sarah to learn, as I will have to do with all my children as they become parents. I am just not real good at stepping back and not saying anything. I want to fix the wrongs, I want to see change, I think I want to be in control and I am not.
So, I choose to just be the best Grandma I can be. I keep on loving, to keep on giving, to keep on praying. To accept the role God is giving me, and to let him lead me and guide me. I think I am a full time job for God sometimes. I can just see him waiting so patiently for me to just stop and listen. I know he will heal my heart and dry the tears. He is just asking me to trust him.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the soft faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would have never insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not have worried about grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realised that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When the kids kissed me impetuously, I would have never said, ‘Later now go get washed for dinner.’
There would have been more ‘I love yous’, more ‘I’m sorrys’,
But mostly given another shot at life,

I would seize every minute … look at it and really see it … live it … and never give it back.

Let us think about what GOD has blessed us with. And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, as well as spiritually. Life is too short to let it pass you by. We have only this one shot at this and then it’s gone. I hope you all have a blessed day.

The Castle Park

2008-04-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

You just aren't American if you don't think these aren't the cutest faces you have ever seen. During Spring Break Ronda and I braved the weather and took the kids to the park. Although officially named Pioneer Park, Chelsea has named it The Castle Park and Landon calls it The Wood Park. Anyway you spell it, the kids love it. It took us 2 1/2 hours to convince Chelsea to leave so we could go to McDonalds and play there. Landon is such a good sport with Chelsea. Kinda like Ronda is with me...LOL. Chelsea and I both kinda like to be in charge, make the rules, change them to see fit, and insist it is done our way, and then Ronda and Landon both just say Okay, we can do that.

Landon was great for getting Chelsea to pose for a picture and I am not sure she knew it most of the time. She has some lessons to take from him though on how to pose. That kid has more poses and facial expressions than I ever dreamed of. LOVE IT.

They played on the slides, climbed the wall (although not one of their favorites), dug in the sand, and anything else they could find to do.

I think Chelsea is pole dancing here but not sure. I do know that Ronda had to set her camera to a very fast setting to capture her, she doesn't stay in one spot for more than a few seconds.

You about had to be there to enjoy the tire swing pictures. They weren't happy if the swing slowed down even a little bit and the higher the better. Most of the time they were sideways they were swinging so high and Chelsea would just throw her head back and laugh hysterical.

All in all, we got over 300 pictures from our outing. Not bad since my battery died in my camera as soon as I got there, Ronda brought her camera and and extra one for me. The one I had the battery went dead after about 10 pictures and Ronda's card was full. After some creative swapping of cameras and cards and a lot of

patience, we got some terrific pictures. I won't bore you with all of them, well, maybe just a few...

Dancin the Day Away

2008-03-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

Boy, did these two ever have a fun day together. Molly and Chelsea are both girly girls and love to dress the part. After we refinished the hard wood floors we took our time in moving the furniture back in, so Chelsea thought it was her own dance studio. I think she loved the sound the shoes made on the floors. I should of tried to get video of this event but they were moving too quick, it was all I could do to snap these.

I give them a perfect "10" on this dance move. They are in perfect unison and I am sure they didn't have a clue. Oh, to be young again, to be so full of life.

Molly is always willing to pose for me when I get the camera out, and Chelsea won't let anyone get more attention from me than she is getting. This makes for fun pictures when Molly comes over to play.

It will be fun to watch these two cousins grow up together. I know you will find this hard to believe but Chelsea is the bossy one and Molly is the follower. This fact makes me a little nervous, as I can only imagine the places Chelsea will take Molly. I think stong supervision will be required.

Who ever said, "all dressed up and no place to go"? I am never afraid of a challenge, so when I needed to go to Wal Mart, I just loaded them up and away we went. I didn't say I was "smart" I just said I wasn't afraid. Molly's shoe broke in half in the store, they fought over who got to sit where in the cart, then cried because they wanted to walk. The jewels and crowns were on again and off again, they wanted a toy or two, and I wanted to go home and rest. We did get some quizzical looks though, "WHAT, we dress like this everyday, don't they know that?"

More Prettiness....

2008-03-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

Now, just in case you are wondering....she goes into her room all by herself and comes out dressed like this. She picks out her dress, adorns herself in jewels of her choice, and today, applied make-up again. How can I not stop and take pictures.

On this day she chose to wear matching Princess shoes, and to wear them on the right feet. I love her fat little feet, that her Papa calls "Flintstone Feet"
Make note of the ear-rings, they however do not match today which is okay when you are a "Princess". When in doubt, wear one of each.

Cheese! Once again posing for Grandma. You must remember the phase she went through where I wasn't allowed to take her picture so most of my pictures were of the back of her head as she ran away from me and the camera. I must say, I like this phase much better.

And, my favorite of all, when I actually get a picture of me and the Princess. It is not easy taking these pictures of myself and getting us in the lens but I am getting better at it. Maybe one day I will dress up in my best royalty attire and try a photo shoot. How much fun will that be.

I Feel Pretty, Oh So Pretty

2008-03-15T09:47:00.000-07:00

I just never know what she will do next. Chelsea has her own "make-up" that I believe I got her for Christmas. Great idea. More opportunities for photo shoots.

She was very proud of her cosmetology lesson, and ever so ready for me to take a picture of her beautiful make up.

Capturing these moments on film is one thing but it is another to experience them. I am learning that I have more patience than I ever thought I did, and to "not sweat the small stuff". She has got into this make up at some very inopportune times, and I have had to really check myself as to whether it was really that big of a deal. Don't be thinking I am a saint for this trait though, I recently missed a great photo opp by reacting to one of her "bad behaviour" moments, instead of capturing the moment.

Being a Grandma is the best job I have ever had. Absolutely PRICELESS!

To Blog..or not to Blog..that is the question.

2008-03-01T19:16:00.000-08:00

Lately I have read so many heart felt posts on why they blog and how they feel about their "comments". I have to admit, the very reason I began a blog is not what motivates me to continue with it.
My dear friend Ronda introduced me to the world of blogging. I loved going to her blog daily and so wished I had one too. But why? Although Ronda is one of my dearest friends, and the pictures she posted I may of seen before, I loved the thoughts she took the time to convey through her posts.
Since I have inherited the "Stevens" (my maiden name) blood, and letter writing is practically non existant, I wanted a way to stay in touch with my family that I don't get to see, and that I fail to send pictures to, although I may have taken just a few. I wanted them to get to see my immediate family and get to watch Chelsea grow, although they don't get to see her, and some have never have seen her.
And since our children don't live at home anymore, a place for them to know what is going on in their parents lives. A place for friends I haven't seen in way too long, to know that I am still alive, and what is happening in my part of the world.
So, for months I stressed over the perfect name for my blog. As much stressing as I did over it, I think it took my new friend Lindsay who I had just met about a few minutes to tell me the name and it stuck...."I am just too much" Thank you Lindsay for helping me overcome that obstacle and for being my new friend.
So, I sat down for hours and figured out how to run this blog site, and made my first post. I was so excited. I emailed all my family, my children and friends and told them about my new adventure that I would love them to take part in.
It hasn't been what I thought it would be for them, I don't really know if any of them have ever looked at it before, or the few that have just a few times. I email them and ask if they have looked and I get no response. It stings a bit, I won't lie. Its not about them leaving a "comment" although I do love them, it just makes me wonder why in the world I continue.
Every post I make I work so hard on to share my heart. I take the time to make my words count, to share a part of my heart that you may not always see.
I have come to the conclusion that even if those people never see one thing on my blog, I will keep on. I will share my heart even if no one reads this, because it is healing for me. I re-read every post I make and it ministers to me. It gives me hope, it makes me cry, it makes me laugh. It makes me REAL. It makes me take the time to soul-search, to reflect, to remember.
So, for me, I post. If others have the time to read the words I share, I am blessed. If they comment, I love it, if they don't, I understand. In the hustle and bustle of life, we just get too busy. I so understand that.
I don't always have the time to read all my friends blogs, but I am so blessed when I do. Every one has some bit of wisdom, insight, and inspiration that I draw from. Every one different, every one unique, some I have never met before and have no idea I have been to their blog, but touched just the same.
Maybe I need to sit down and write a letter to family that I haven't been in touch with and let them know I am alive. I think I will........

Today.....I Wish

2008-02-26T15:48:00.000-08:00

Today...I wish you a day of ordinary miracles-

A fresh pot of coffee you didn't have to make yourself.

An unexpected phone call from an old friend.

Green stoplights on your way to work or shop.

I wish you a day of little things to rejoice in...

The fastest line at the grocery store.

A good sing along song on the radio.

Your keys right where you look.

I wish you a day of happiness and perfection-little bite-size pieces of perfection that give you the funny feeling that the Lord is smiling on you,
holding you so gently because you are someone special and rare.

I wish You a day of Peace, Happiness and Joy.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.

Send this phrase to the people you'll never forget
It's a short message to let them know that you'll never forget them.

If you don't send it to anyone, it means you're in too much of a hurry and that you've probably forgotten your friends.

Take the time!

Kleenex Required

2008-02-24T07:31:00.000-08:00

I find that some days are just harder than others. The past week was full of those days with Thursday and Friday being the worst. Once again the staff and students at PHS dealth with the death of a student. I spent the day Thursday in a “safe room” at the high school. For a week now Jessica had been in a coma and her family had to make the decision to take her off of all life support. So, we sat with broken students and tried to be of some comfort as they waited for the news that their friend has taken her last breath here on earth.
Thursday started with hearing that her mom was laying on the bed with her in ICU, listening to her daughter breathe and wondering which breath would be her last one. There is nothing on earth that prepares a mom for that. The heartbreak she must be feeling. So many unanswered questions, so many “what if’s” , so many “if only’s”.
On Thursday night Jessica took her last breath. Friday was just too much. I left work in the arms of my husband who heard my cries and came to me to be of any comfort he could. As hard as I tried I couldn't make the tears stop. So much emotion, so much pain. Pain for a family who has had their world turned upside down. Pain for students and staff. Pain for other losses I have had in my life...too many.
I remember laying in ICU next to my son and wondering if he could hang onto life. I remember my prayers to God, my pleading, my heartbreak. The doctors, the nurses, the specialists, x-rays, scans, the lights, the monitors. And I remember the crash, when it all hit me several days later and I wept. I remember my husband being there to once again hold me. It would be a long healing but my son lived. He recovered, he walked, and he healed. The emotional scars for all of us remain, but my God is faithful.
I am very heartbroken, but not without hope. I have a very deep faith, that although not always seen, it is what holds my life together, holds my marriage together, and holds my family together. I always have a God who is bigger than anything I face in life and he is always faithful. So, the tears are good for me, I don't cry very often, so when I do, they flow. Imagine me, being to stubborn to cry....hummmmmmm.
Being a parent is the hardest job we will ever have on earth. We rejoice when we look at our child for the first time. We are filled with so many hopes and dreams for their future. We give them all the love we have to give; we hold their hands until they can walk on their own. We try to instill in them a sense of right and wrong, values they will carry through life, we try to provide a safe, nurturing environment in which our children can grow, and to prepare them for the time when they will leave the nest, we give them roots to grow and wings to fly.
As a parent you pray that the seeds you have planted with one day grow, and that you will one day get to see the fruit. For this family, those hopes and dreams died with their daughter.
So, today I have taken time to reflect on what really is important, what really matters, what issues are the big ones and which ones aren't so big at all. None of us really know how long we have here on Earth. Only God knows that. I don't know if any of us can ever be prepared to say goodbye to a loved one, a child, a parent, a friend. I do know that I am responsible for "me" on my walk through life.
I want to do all I can to eliminate too many "what ifs", "if onlys", and "how comes". I want to do all I can to let go of unforgiveness, to right the wrongs, to love more, to give more, to live more.
To get back to what is really important: RELATIONSHIPS

So today I choose to....
Cherish every moment that life offers.
And celebrate every small pleasure.
Express my love at every chance
And allow it to unfold gracefully.
Show my devotion and dedicate my life
to the enrichment of every relationship.

To strive always for honesty and integrity.
Build upon my marriage daily.
And seek to understand others.
But above all this......
Draw upon the love I feel today
and forever etch it in my heart.

The Way I See It #273

2008-02-15T14:09:00.000-08:00

Gotta love Starbucks. How many drinks have I had and not read the dang cup. Who would of thought? This morning the moon, stars and pupils of my eyes must of lined up and I read my cup. Somehow it really hit home with me. As I read it I thought of the times Mark and I have sat down and Chelsea crawled up in our laps with a pile of books to read to her. So often we have other things to do but are so richly rewarded when we take the time to be a "human laptop".
I miss those times with my own children, although I probably could get them to sit on my lap if I tried, not the same effect as when they were little however. I am sure I had those moments with my children, times when they climbed up in my lap and needed to be held, needed to be read to, and loved on. They just seem so long ago.
It is funny how having a grandchild brings back a flood of memories with your own children. Along with that I find myself wishing I would of taken more time to enjoy those moments. Wishing I hadn't been in such a hurry and so busy "doing" that I didn't take the time to "enjoy" like I wish I had.
With that said, Lord, Make me a human laptop. May my children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and anyone else who needs a lap to crawl onto, always know that they are welcome.

All children need a laptop.
Not a computer, but a human laptop.
Moms, Dads, Grannies and Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles – someone to hold them, read to them, teach them.
Loved ones who will embrace them and pass on the experience, rituals and knowledge of a hundred previous generations.
Loved ones who will pass to the next generation their expectations of them, their hopes, and their dreams.
-- General Colin L. PowellFounder, America’s Promise – the Alliance for Youth.

Happy Birthday Princess

2008-02-11T19:27:00.000-08:00

One Princess.
Four Candles.
Presents, cake, and family.
A royal event.

And look, jewels and a crown.

And a new princess gown complete with more jewelry, tiara and shoes to match. And a cousin to play dress up with. No problem getting you to pose for this special day.

Four years ago today, I paced the floor at the hospital, anxiously awaiting her arrival. I can still remember the joy I felt in hearing myself say, "I am a Grandma". I never would of imagined that one person could change a world in the way she has changed ours.
I love being her Grandma.
I love that twinkle she has in her eye.
I love her personality.
I love her hugs and "I love you's"
I love listening to her pray at night.
My heart melts when I hear her say Gramma and Papa.
My heart is full today, as I cherish every day of the past 4 years.
I just love "watching Chelsea grow".
Happy Birtdday my little Princess.

Losing Weight

2008-02-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

There is a reason I do not own a scale....they LIE! So, for fear of bad news I haven't gone to weigh in in two weeks. This is bad behavior. I admit it. I really like how my friend Amy did her last post, she tracked how many miles she had gone while exercising this past week. I so could do that. It will be easy to track last week, that would be "0" miles...big fat goose egg. I know that my temperment would be slightly better if I would just go do it. Since I figured out how to "weigh in" in my previous post, I have now figured out why I can't lose weight.
Am I discouraged you ask? Heck no. It takes more than that to knock me down. When the scale stops lying to me and my pants quit shrinking in the waist I will announce weight loss in pounds, until then, you get miles.

A Blonde's Year in Review

2008-02-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

January
Took new scarf back to store because it was too tight.
February
Fired from pharmacy job for failing to print labels..... Helllloooo!!!.......bottles won't fit in printer !!!
March
Got really excited.....finished jigsaw puzzle in 6 months... box said "2-4 years!"
April
Trapped on escalator for hours .... power went out!!!
May
Tried to make Kool Aid.....wrong instructions....8 cups of water won't fit into those little packets!!! June
Tried to go water skiing.......couldn't find a lake with a slope.
July
Lost breast stroke swimming competition.....learned later,the other swimmers cheated, they used their arms!!!
August
Got locked out of my car in rain storm..... car swamped because soft-top was open.
September
The capital of California is "C".....isn't it???
October
Hate M & M's.....they are so hard to peel.
November
Baked turkey for 4 1/2 days .. instructions said 1 hour per pound and I weigh 108!!
December
Couldn't call 911 . "duh".....there's no "eleven" Button on the stupid phone!!!

THE BEST BLONDE JOKE OF THE YEAR - SO FAR A man was in his front yard mowing grass when his attractive blond female neighbor came out of the house and went straight to the mailbox. She opened it then slammed it shut & stormed back in the house.
A little later she came out of her house again went to the mail box and again, opened it, slammed it shut again. Angrily, back into the house she went.
As the man was getting ready to edge the lawn, here she came out again, marched to the mail box, opened it and then slammed it closed harder than ever.
Puzzled by her actions the man asked her, "Is something wrong?"
To which she replied, "There certainly is!" (Are you ready? This is a beauty...)
My stupid computer keeps saying, "YOU'VE GOT MAIL!"

How To Weigh Yourself

2008-01-30T19:46:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I was doing it wrong all these years.
Weighing in is one of my biggest battles. That (%#%^ scale lies to me every week. I work out, I watch what I am eating, I spit every drop of moisture I have before I walk in the door, I wear the lightest clothes I have, and even stand backwards on the scale and NOTHING!!!!
Finally, I figure it out. I never even thought of this one and can't wait to share it at WW next week when I go to weigh in. Since they never know what I am going to say or do when I come to weigh in, I am sure this one will blow them out of the water. And if that dang scale gives me bad news, I am bustacating it all over the place.

Winter Wonderland

2008-01-28T20:43:00.000-08:00

Life just doesn't get much better than this. I love the snow and have been waiting for the day that I could go outside with Chelsea and build our first snowman together. Everytime Ronda tells me it is snowing on the mountain I ask her if it is good snowman snow.
Although yesterday wasn't the greatest snow for making a snowman, it packed but didn't want to roll into a ball, Chelsea and I bundled up in our best snow gear and away we went. I only wish Papa could of been here to capture more of our day in pictures.
We shoveled the walks twice, by the time I got to the end of the sidewalk it had snowed so much I had to start over. After that we saved that job for Papa, we had more important things to do.
My best solution to not being able to make a snowball was to get us each a bucket and pack them with snow and to keep stacking snow that way until we could shape our snowman. Chelsea was a trooper and packed and hauled snow for over two hours.

It was so much fun to watch Chelsea run through the snow, crawl in it, jump in it, and even try and catch some on her tongue. Now who taught her that? Wasn't me this time. I must say it is pretty cute though.

And the fruit of our labor.....Frosty the snowman, who Chelsea told me is a girl. I don't think Mark has noticed yet that I broke branches off a tree in the yard for the arms. I knew I was keeping that cute straw hat for something besides a yard sale, and I must say, the mini carrot nose tops Mrs. Frosty off quite nicely.

Our hair was soaked, along with everything we were wearing, our faces were red and Lord knows what all came our of Chelsea's nose during our adventure, but I will never forget this day.
These are the special times, times I'll remember, times I will cherish forever.

ABCs

2008-01-28T20:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, this has got to be the most pathetic thing I have ever seen. All day Chelsea had been singing songs and wanted me to take her picture. So when I got the camera out, she just stopped. I told her that was okay and put the camera down. Well, that was not what she wanted and put on such a cute display of spoiled rotten behavior I have ever seen. After all the tears were cleaned up I told her I would turn the camera back on and wait for her to sing. What follows is the saddest version of ABC's I think you have seen.

Notice the attire.....Cute Pink nightgown and princess shoes (on the wrong feet). The feather helps to keep balance and keep her on tune. I think the fact that after hours of Stacey and I trying to get this video to turn, it is just appropriate that it is sideways.

Christmas Pageant

2008-01-28T17:55:00.000-08:00

We hadn't planned on Chelsea being in a Christmas Pageant when we went to church on Christmas Eve, but when we walked in the door they grabbed all the kids and if you wanted a part, you were in. At first Chelsea was going to be an "Angel". Notice there is one star to hold for one lucky angel. She was pretty good about the fact that she was not the designated angel but we turned around and out she came, dressed as a "Shepherd".

What a smart girl she is. She figured it out that if she was a shepherd she would get to hold her own stick so she changed costumes. I was a little nervous when I saw the look on Carson's face, but was even more nervous when I found out that the kids didn't sit with parents, but up in the front row with one of the older girls to help out.

I am not sure I got much out of the service as I was constantly watching Carson and Chelsea's "Staff" waving around, hooking objects within reach and some not so much in reach. I am pretty sure that the girl that was sitting with them was an angel in disguise. She was so patient with the two of them. God surely has more patience than I do, with about 5 minutes left in the service I broke down and went and sat behind them. The bad thing was they were in the front row and if I boxed them between the ears, God and everyone would of been watching......God is good.

Lovin' Her Uncles

2008-01-28T17:33:00.000-08:00

Everyone needs an Uncle that you can wrestle and play with.
One who gladly gets down on all fours and pretends he is a horse for you.
Who takes time to wrestle with you and allow you to jump all over him.
One who puts you on his shoulders and runs through the house with you so you can touch the ceilings in every room.
One who tickles you and lets you tickle him back, laughing just as hard as you are.
One who cuddles with you on the couch and will watch "Little Mermaid" again and again with you.

And how lucky for Chelsea, she gets two Uncles to love on her.
The smile on her face shows it all. Life doesn't get any better than that.

A Sledding We Will Go....

2008-01-20T00:10:00.000-08:00

Over the river and through the woods.... well, we are crossing a creek, does that count? Here we are at Lon and Ronda's for a fun day of sledding in honor of Melisa's birthday. This is the beginning of our day and after bundling everyone up we head out to find a hill. By the time we got this far all the adults were exhausted and we were probably only a block from the house. The snow was so deep we could hardly walk, let alone pull the kids on the sleds. Melisa said the snow was waist deep on her and she turned around a few feet into the treck. Oh, my short friends.

We ended up building a little hill right next to the house and Mark spent most of the day setting the tube on the hill, piling kids on top and letting them go. I think they had just as much fun doing that as they would of climbing a big hill all day long.

This was Chelsea's first time sledding and possibly her first real time playing in the snow. She had a blast and didn't want to come in. The only thing she didn't like was when the snow got inside her gloves, but who would?

I don't know if Chelsea is old enough to really remember her first sledding adventure, but if nothing else she will have adorable pictures that captured the moment. I wonder if my kids wish I could of been their Grandma instead?

Papa, Do This! Like This Papa!

2008-01-19T23:17:00.000-08:00

It amazes me how one person can demand so much attention, and we give it to her. She has needs that must be met I guess, and she knows how to go about it. Chelsea found this set of weights in the closet one day and just loves to show us how strong she is. I have no idea how she even knew what they were or how to use them, (wonder if she saw me working out?) LOL

So, here she is trying to show Papa how to use them. The whole time he is struggling to lift them she is encouraging him and helping him out. And when he finally is able to lift them..............

She says, "Good job Papa". Then she once again shows him just how easy it really is.

Notice she can lift them all by herself, and even wearing jewelry. Man I love this girl.

My Greatest Accomplishment

2008-01-01T11:29:00.000-08:00

I don't know how a person can begin to summarize 25 years of marriage, after all, it has taken us 25 years to get to this point. On December 30th, Mark and I celebrated our 25th Anniversary. I can not think of one thing in my life that has more meaning to me. It truly is my "Greatest Accomplishment". The only relationship that means more to me is my relationship with the Lord.

Life has brought us many struggles, some that we would not of made it through together if not for a God who continues to show us what unconditional love really is, and family and friends who dared to spend time on their knees for us (especially during those times when we wouldn't or couldn't). I think I may of even been mad at times for people praying for us, it was just easier to quit. Somehow, we have come through those dark times even stronger than before.

If there is one thing we both agree on, it is that we are in this for life. We have also agreed to not try and shorten each other's life in any way. LOL....I was getting way to serious there. There is a song that I have always felt sums up our life by Shania Twain called "You're Still the One. The odds were against us from the start but somehow we held on.....at times by a thread, but we still held on. Some of the lyrics follow:

Looks like we made it
Look how far we've come my baby
We mighta took the long way
We knew we'd get there someday
They said, 'I bet they'll never make it
'But just look at us holding on
We're still together still going strong

You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're still the one I want for life
You're still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss good night

Ain't nothin' better
We beat the odds together
I'm glad we didn't listen
Look at what we would be missin'

They said, 'I bet they'll never make it
'But just look at us holding on
We're still together still going strong

So, here we are....25 years stronger, 25 years richer in love, 25 years together.

Our dating days...

and The day we said, "I DO!" December 30th, 1982

1988

1992ish Had to convert to sepia, not sure about those colors we were wearing.

Cotillion 1997...man I wish I could be that thin again.

Summer of 1998

Fall of 2001

Fall of 2003

I wish I could say our storms have all passed us by, that it will be smooth sailing from here on out.
I wish I could say we got it all together and have this marriage thing figured out.
I wish a lot of things, but this I know....
We both commit to taking each other by the hand and weathering this life together.

Thank you for all the prayers, the support, the shoulders I have leaned on, and for the love you have shown.

And to my husband Mark, I love you. Thank you for your unconditional love, your strength and compassion and most of all for your desire to be a man of God and follow him daily.

one day,
one challenge,
one celebration at a time......

We've become a family
with a crazy, funny
runaround life.

We've built a home,
filled with warmth and caring,
made it a place
where love and
dreams can grow...

And it all begins with love,
the love we give every day.
I am so thankful for the life we share and the happiness we've found together.

I Can Do It..Just Watch Me

2007-12-15T09:28:00.000-08:00

Uncle Johnny, as she calls him, is so patient with Chelsea with his guitar. She sits by the guitar case just waiting for him to open it up and take it out. The first time she played he was amazed at how she uses both her hands. I think she is a star in the making. I wonder which talent she will pursue. I wonder if she has enough of her Grandma in her that she will try and pursue all of them and get a little overwhelmed....lets hope we can get her to focus and pursue at least a few of her talents.

She watches her Uncle Johnny so closely when he plays. It is amazing the things she picks up on. I guess we better be careful of our actions. I wouldn't want her to be watching closely and pick up on the wrong thing. So many things to remember when little eyes are watching, and little ears are listening. Lord, let me be a good example for this precious gift you have given me.

And, once again those eyes. Could she be any more precious? Have I told you how much I love her to pieces?

Here Comes Santa Clause...Ready or Not

2007-12-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

So, our first encounter of the season with Santa was, what should I call it, I think encounter is a good word. We went to Jonathan's Guard Christmas dinner and Santa was there. Chelsea was so excited and wanted to go right over there. We took about 2 steps and she froze on me. The above picture was taken at about attempt 5, she had a death grip on her Grandma and wouldn't look at anyone. We went back and forth to our table which was across the room. She was very brave at the table and would take off to see Santa, but always came to an abrupt stop before she got there.

Santa was so good with Chelsea. He came around to the table and gave everyone a candy cane and talked to us, all part of the warming up process. When she finally decided to make another attempt I was ready with my camera. Notice, she is still a distance away from him. He gradually got closer and closer and he sealed the deal when he let her play with the baby reindeer. She loved on that reindeer the rest of the day and she was even nice enough to put it back when other kids wanted their picture taken with Santa. Of course she stood right there, and may be in some of their pictures, so she could grab it back as soon as they were done.

This picture is my favorite. I wish I could of got more of Santa in the picture but maybe that was all that was needed. I am not sure but I think she liked the reindeer more than Santa, but when she sees these pictures she still says she wants to go see him. She is priceless..........................

Getting To Know You...Christmas Edition

2007-12-14T21:57:00.000-08:00

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?Either one is fine with me, but really, who doesn't love to unwrap a gift wrapped present. Of course, you can't break the ribbon or you will get pregnant on the next full moon. For me this would be BAD. I think I would be single, or maybe I just wouldn't tell anyone and see if they even noticed.
2. Real or artificial tree? Is it really called artificial? or is it just a FAKE tree. Either way, it doesn't smell like a real tree. Being married to a fireman I have given up the fight and since I like to keep my tree until at least the day after Christmas, and I like to leave my lights on most of the time, we have gone to the unreal ones. At least I know that it doesn't have a bad side that I have to hide, it is always very full and can hold even the heavy ornaments without buckling under the pressure.
3. When do you put up the tree? That would be Thanksgiving day or the day after. Why not take advantage of all the kids being home to haul all 50 totes of decorations up the stairs for me. This year they got to put all the decorations up while I got ready for a bazaar. And yes, silly, I was right in the middle of it supervising, telling them where to put stuff.
4. Do you like eggnog? It isn't my favorite but like it maybe just once a season. My family likes it however. Where do you think a name like eggnog comes from anyway? My friend Ronda would google that and have an answer from me within minutes.
5. Favorite gift received as a child? Did I receive any gifts when I was a child? JK....LOL!!! I think I received one. hehehe I can't think of just one, but I do remember when my mom sewed us girls all matching pajamas. If you know me well, you know that I LOVE my flannel pajamas and have to smuggle them in the house when I buy a new pair. Certain people think I have too many pairs. WHATEVER!!!
6. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes I do and I love it. It happens to be one of Chelsea's favorite things to play with also. (Don't worry, it isn't made of glass) It is a very expensive nativity that my mom started for me many years ago and has added to it along with my mother in law. You would have to ask one of them what it is called, all I know is that it is from Italy.
7. Hardest person to buy for? that is easy, that would be everyone who I have to shop for. I stress way to much over this issue, and receive very little help from any of them if I ask them for ideas.
8. Easiest person to buy for? My little princess, Chelsea. Who doesn't love to shop for little kids? Especially when they are your grandchild.
9. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? My big yellow industrial mop bucket. Actually we use it all the time, inside and outside, but I can't say I was too excited when I opened it up on Christmas morning. I was however very gratefulllllllllllllllll
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I would never email a Christmas card unless it was just for fun.. I have allowed my life to get so busy that I haven't even mailed cards in a few years but plan to send some this year after Christmas for our 25th Anniversary. Be watching your mailboxes.
11. Favorite Christmas Movie? Easy......Christmas Vacation tops the list with Elf in second place.
12. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually about December 20th....the stress level is usually pretty high by then and my heart is racing to about 120 beats/minute. At this point I wish everyone a very merry christmas when I run into them with my shopping cart and they usually stay out of my way.
13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Recycled????? What the heck. NEVER. I may have put it in a closet and forgot about it but I didn't know you could recycle them. I have seen recycle bins for newspaper, glass, cardboard, etc but never Christmas presents.
14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Another easy question....FOOD! Were you wanting a more specific answer? From the looks of my waist line I wasn't too finicky.
15. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear and twinkling! Not flashing! There is a difference. Colored lights are reserved for the windows but they can't move, they have to be very steady to not compete with the tree. In fact I have some so steady in my windows this year that they just went to sleep and forgot to wake up. I am going to give them one more day to wake up and then they get replaced. End of story
16. Favorite Christmas song? I could not possibly pick just one song. My favorites would be about the real meaning of Christmas however, and not the commercial aspect of it.
17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Never travel. We have never had a Christmas morning where we weren't at our own house. Besides, why decorate if you are just going to travel somewhere else.
18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? HELLO, you know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixon, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen, but do you recall, the most famous reindeer of all....................RUDOLPH the red nosed reindeer. But don't forget all the back up reindeer who stand ever ready to fill in at a moments notice...... Larry, Curly and Mo, along with Fred and Barney, Bert and Ernie, Huey, Louie, and Dewey, just to name a few.
19. Angel on the tree top or a star? Kinda an angel...it is a snowman angel. Still looking for the perfect one for tree #2.
20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? Growing up we always opened on Christmas Eve. Since having children we have always opened them all on Christmas morning.
21. Most annoying thing about this time of year? SHOPPING
22. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme or color? Of course I do. Do you really think that I just throw things together and settle on however it comes out. The main tree has at least one of each of the ornaments I have made over the years. I have noticed there are a few missing this year...hummmm wonder where they went? I would say that more than half of them are snowmen. I try to decorate my living room in snowmen. There are Red Christmas balls, usually candy canes (don't know where they went to this year either). The second tree in the dining room is a bit more formal with red and silver balls, poinsettia flowers in red and white, Glass hearts, candle lights, ribbon and teddy bears all around it. The dining room is the teddy bear room. Don't tell Mark, but someone gave me another tree this year so next year I will have another one to decorate. Not edzachery sure where I am going to put it yet. Maybe the bedroom. I don't think he would notice it there.
23. What do/did you leave for Santa? A trail of clothes on the floor......just kidding...gosh, some people are so testy.
24. Favorite thing about this time of the year? I think I would have to say Christmas.

Check this out!

2007-11-30T18:15:00.001-08:00

So, I wanted to post this right to my blog for you to see but Ronda says it will only let me give you the link. Well, sit back, relax, turn the volume up and enjoy. When I get my outfits back from the dry cleaners I will have Ronda video tape me in action so I can post the video right to my blog....until then.............

http://www.scroogeyourself.com/?id=1124862127

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1124301977

My little "Bell" of the Ball

2007-10-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

Every day can be dress up day when you are a princess. Especially if you are Grandma's Princess. Christen bought Chelsea her costume for Halloween, and how appropriate that she bought her a Bell Princess Dress.

I turned around and looked at Chelsea and she had stripped down to her panties. I asked her what she was doing and she matter of fact told me she was putting on her princess dress.

Well, okay then, let me help and let me get my camera. Her shoes don't quite fit because they don't make them in size "extra wide" but I am going to see if I can alter them a bit.

Somewhere she must of seen a princess sit down on the ground and fluff her dress out because she was very adamant that she sit just so and that the dress be fluffed exactly right. Who am I to argue with that.

Every day is a new day with Chelsea, we never know what the day will bring, but we are sure to be entertained. And just when I think I can't take anymore she wraps her arms

around my neck and says "I love you Grandma!" It just doesn't get any better than that.

I Feel Pretty....Oh So Pretty!

2007-10-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

I just don't think it gets any cuter than this. It is important to know that there is an art to applying ones make up, and I do believe she has it mastered. As you can see she is very proud of her accomplishments here. I think she is the most beautiful princess in the world.

Chelsea, Don't.............

2007-09-30T12:02:00.000-07:00

Some battles are just not worth the effort so I chose to grab my camera and capture the moment instead. My children would probably not totally understand this concept as I was too busy being a mother, which is a lot different than being a Grandma I have found. I am sure that I would of insisted that my kids get down off the railing immediately before they got hurt.
Notice, she is posing for me, this doesn't happen often. I can't just turn down an opportunity like that, now can I? I will add that no one was injured in any way in the posing of these pictures. I was able to save the plant that was sitting on the rail post and the pictures on the piano remained upright. What more could I ask for?

He's My Best Friend

2007-09-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

I will never forget the first time Chelsea wrapped her arms around my neck and said, "Grandma, you are my best friend." My heart melted. I don't know where she learned that line, but I think it will get her pretty much anything she wants.

The other day Buddy came over with Melisa for a visit. As you can see she is once again dressed in her princess tutu, I must make a note to buy her some more of these for Christmas.
On this day I guess it was Buddy's turn. She wrapped her arms around Buddy and told him he was her best friend. She found some books in my scrapbook room and sat on the stairs and read to Buddy. She had to lay the book down sometimes so Buddy could see all the pictures. He was a pretty good sport about it for the most part. When Buddy lost interest she just sat and read by herself. I hope she never loses her interest in reading her books. Have I mentioned before how much I love her?

Never Forgotten

2007-09-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

It is hard to know where to start with this post as my heart is heavy and my eyes are filled with tears. This picture was taken at Jonathan and Adrian's graduation from Basic Training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina in the summer of 2001, right before they started their senior year.

Jonathan and Adrian have been friends for as long as I can remember. They went to the same schools together, were in scouts together, played sports together and shared the same obsessions with anything that involved the Great Outdoors.

One thing was for sure, if the two of them were together, there was sure to be laughter involved. Man they loved to laugh and make others laugh with and at them.

Adrian joined the National Guard and it wasn't long before Jonathan was signing up too. What a day it was when they left together for basic training. One of many emotional yet proud moments our families shared together.

In January of 2005 their unit was deployed to Afghanistan. Adrian was still in flight school but was able to catch up with them shortly after they arrived over there. I remember Adrian coming to the house to tell us goodbye right before he left and how excited he was to go. It was hard to not get caught up in his enthusiasm as he was so EXCITED to be heading over there and to get the chance to fly, you see, he was living his dream. If only I had known that would be the last hug I would ever get to give him. The boys were stationed in different places over there and didn't get to see each other too often, but they chatted often and when they were on base together they sure made up for lost time. Jonathan would call home and just laugh and the stunts they would pull together. They were so excited that they were going to get to come home together for Christmas for their leave..........................that would never happen.

September 25th, 2005. The phones began ringing early that day that a Chinook had gone down. All day we waited, making several calls to the Stumps and no one had heard anything. When we finally did get a call all they could tell us was that Jonathan was okay, and they couldn't tell us anything about anyone else. When we finally did get a call telling us that Adrian had been killed on the Chinook I remember getting mad at the person who called and telling them it was a lie. When she told me she heard it from his grandma I remember falling into Mark's arms and weeping uncontrollably....why? This wasn't suppose to happen, No! Not Adrian! And then the pain we felt for his family, and the pain we felt for our son, who we were not able to get in contact with for several days. So much of that time is a blur for us, yet the pain is so real, even today.

So today, on the second anniversary, we remember you Adrian. You will always be in our hearts and we will never forget you. It is still hard to find comfort and answers, but if there is one thing I know it is that Adrian was living his dream. I don't know how many of us can really say that.

I look at my own life and think about my own passions and dreams and if I am pursuing them in the same way. What am I waiting for? Maybe now is a good time to do some soul searching, to really reflect on who I am and what it is I want to be, what I want to accomplish, set goals and work towards them. Not just let life pass me by. And most importantly, neve wait until tomorrow to tell someone you love them. We never know how many tomorrows we really do have.

It really hit home with me.

2007-09-24T23:07:00.001-07:00

Singin' in the Rain...

2007-09-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

This was our first day of rain all summer. With temperatures reaching 100 for most of the summer it was quite a welcoming rain. There is nothing like the smells of a summer rain. Chelsea was here and decided she wanted to go outside and play. I told her no because it was raining. Her Papa looked at me and said, "Why not? Take her outside." (Notice he didn't volunteer for the duty but thought it would be a great idea for me.) As I pondered his wonderful idea I thought, Why Not! So we took our socks and shoes off, I grabbed the camera and away we went. Chelsea was in heaven running back and forth through the puddles. Neither one of us melted away from the rain, and we didn't catch a cold....

What we did create is another memory. She may be too little to remember this moment but I will always have it to hold on to. I don't remember if I ever let my kids go play in the rain like this, but I hope when Chelsea sees these pictures, and as my children look at them, they will remember to keep that childlike spirit within them and to take the time to dance in the rain. I love it when my own children tell me to "grow up", because that usually means that I have dared to be a child again.

So, to each of you I ask, "How can you dare to be a child again today?" Will you dance in the rain? Will you jump rope with your children? Jump in the pool with them? Slide down the slide with them?....why not? I think I will even eat dessert first and hide my peas in my napkin.
Here's to being a kid again.........................

Memories of the First Day of School

2007-09-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

As we look toward another school year I can't help but think about all those "first days of school" with my own children. All the excitement of buying school supplies and new clothes. Believe it or not I still remember how I felt getting ready for school (now that is one heck of a memory). I could barely sleep the night before and it was probably the one day of the year that I didn't have to be drug out of bed in the morning.

I don't remember if my mom took pictures of us on our first day of school but I sure remember lining my own kids up on the front porch and taking several of them. Yes, I even followed them to school and took pictures in the classrooms, until they got to an age when that wasn't so cool anymore. At that point I was banned to the front porch and just had to wave to them as they headed off to school without me.

I miss those days with my children. For some reason they felt they needed to grow up and spread their own wings. The house seems to quiet without them yet the walls seem to echo their laughter. I love it when they all come home together. They fall right back into their same "pecking order". I enjoy just sitting back and listening to them.

So, as school begins again, I think of each of them. Gone are all their first days of school, only to be replaced by many other firsts, and many photo opportunities with memories to cherish.
To Sarah, Christen, Jonathan and David....I love you. Thank you for all the cherished memories that a mom holds so dear in her heart.

What Flower Are You?

2007-08-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

I found this quite humorous today. Love these little quizzes you can take. So, they think I am an Iris? Well, they got the color right. What do you think? How do they know me so well. Most of these quizzes that I have taken really do seem to fit me. I will post more soon, maybe even today.

You Are An Iris

You are a unique person who seeks out novelty in life.
An inspiration seeker, you often have to change scenery to recharge.
You don't deal well with structure or rules. You need to do it your own way.
Your ideal relationships are free and flowing. No one can tie you down.

What Flower Are You?

Lincoln City Get-A-Way

2007-08-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

Mark and I only had about 4 days of vacation that overlapped so we decided to take advantage of it and go somewhere to rest. Well, let me tell you how much fun it is to find a motel with only a few days notice. After much searching we found a place in Lincoln City called The Starfish Manor. You can imagine our surprise when we walked in the room and this was the first thing we saw. Matching bathrobes, with rose petals all over the bed and chocolates on the pillows.

Facing the ocean was this jacuzzi bath tub, complete with a rubber duckie. We were on the 3rd floor so it was safe to open the curtains and watch the ocean while relaxing in the tub. I am sure they couldn't see me! And yes, I did put the rubber duckie in the tub with me and I even brought it home. Not sure if I was suppose to or not. Note to self: Be very careful when using bubble bath in a jacuzzi tub. I had a tub full of bubbles before I turned the jets on.....need I say more. I had over a foot of bubbles once I turned them on, they were everywhere. I was cracking up. Should of got a picture of that one!

We had a barbeque on our deck and a small kitchen area so we didn't have to go far. The best part, we didn't turn the tv on. Well, maybe that wasn't the best part but I can't give you all the details. I loved getting up and having my coffee on the deck, reading my book and listening to the ocean. The weather was beautiful and we both wanted to stay longer.

We walked on the beach one day for almost 4 hours. I am not totally sure how my shorts, jacket and shirt got so wet...maybe I got a little to close to the waves when I was looking for seashells. I told Mark that instead of having a "love fern" we had "love rocks and shells". I couldn't convince him to take his shoes off and walk in the water with me though...Pansy! And he didn't want to get a pail and shovel and build sandcastles on the beach. If I only had one more day at the beach I am pretty sure I could of convinced him though. Next time I will just have to do it anyway. I know once he sees how much fun it is he would want to join in. I think I would make him beg though.
We drove to Newport one day and walked down on the docks and through the shops. Went to Mo's for dinner one night and to The BlackFish Cafe another. The food was very good but something you would find in a high class restraunt.

It was everything we hoped it would be in a vacation. On our way home we stayed in Portland one night after touring the Street of Dreams with Tim and Val Pilch from Pendleton. If you have never done this I would recommend it. The homes were beautiful but a little bit out of my price range, starting at over 2 million and most with over 4-5,000 square feet of everything you could want in a home.
But when all is said and done, I love my home the best. It is where love is, where we have built memories that are priceless, and where friends and family are always welcome.

Pictures Not Allowed

2007-08-01T22:18:00.000-07:00

For about the last year I have really had to work to get a picture of Chelsea. She sees the camera and swells up and turns away from me. I have just decided that I will have to take what I can get so I just snap away. Here is the same sweet girl, madder than a hornet at her Grandma and not about to look at me or smile. Well, for crimany sakes, I bought her a new outfit and had to take pictures of it, thats all.
I am guessing to avoid looking at me it helps to stick your pouty lips out and then take the sidewalk chalk and write all over your legs. Now, isn't that cute!
So now we have resorted to laying down on the sidewalk and only looking at Shrek and her princess Fiona. Thats okay, I think that is a cute picture too. I wonder who is more stubborn? I win, I got pictures.

So, how did I get her to look at me you ask. Well, she asked me to take a picture of Shrek, so I did. And it was so cute, I am sure she didn't realize that I was also getting a picture of her too. As soon as I took the picture she said to me, "Thank you Grandma" and went about her business. I love this Grandma business!

Man I love this girl!

2007-08-01T21:56:00.000-07:00

Chelsea and I had another fun play day today. The only difference was Sarah was here to capture some pictures for me. I can count on one hand how many pictures I have with Grandma and the Princess. Here she is flying...now to get this shot you have to lay on the ground and put your feet on her tummy then lift her in the air. She thinks this is a blast, and look "No hands, she is flying" If only you could hear her laughing too, it is worth whatever my body has to go through. I am sure the neighbors loved the view also.

And here we are playing around. I have her in a death grip to get her to hold still for the picture and I am tickling her so she will laugh. Well, it worked. She thinks it is real fun to tackle Grandma and throw her to the ground, then full body slam her. Good thing I have lots of cushion to absorb the blows.

A Royally Wonderful Birthday

2007-07-30T19:49:00.000-07:00

Birthdays are good for you...statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest!

I told the girls to leave the glasses alone and stop stacking them up before one of them break!

Ronda is such a dear friend, check out the bikini she knit for me. I can't wait to wear it!

I don't think I look a day over 29! I double dog dare you to say differently.

Kirsten and Melisa

Me (of course) Amy, and Kathleen

Melisa (again)and Trini, making a toast to me...I think.

What a fun time we had. We all met at GP to celebrate and boy were we in for a treat. They actually had a band there to entertain us, maybe they thought I wasn't entertainment enough. The music was, well should I say, interesting and for sure LOUD! The highlight was when they sang me Happy Birthday. I was a little shy but I did manage to stand up so no one would be confused as to who they were singing to. LOL.

Adventures in Womanhood

2007-07-29T23:05:00.000-07:00

Time passes. Life happens. Distance separates. Children grow up. Jobs come and go. Love waxes and wanes. Men don't do what they're supposed to do (even though they say they do). Hearts break. Parents die. Colleagues forget favors. Careers end.

BUT.........

Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you.

A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end. Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you (of course you know I never break any rules :-)...Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in- law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, Auntie's, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life! The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I.

When we began this adventure called Womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

Every day, we need each other still.

Thank you for the role you have played in my adventures. I am truly blessed.