A Work In Progress

Fourth of July BUST!!

2010-07-05T09:29:00.003-05:00

On Saturday, we drove to the base of Yosemite Park. You can't come all this way to go to Yosemite without actually getting to the base of it. It was about a 30 mile drive. Back home, when something is 30 miles away you get there in about 30 mintues. Not here. No sir. It took us about 1 1/2 hours what with all the winding roads. What beauty around these parts!! Again, it was too amazing for words.
We hiked to the base of the small Yosemite Falls (I know I'm not naming everything correctly.) and basically just stood in awe and appreciation of what surrounded us.

I'm so glad to have been able to go there but it was WAY too crowded for my liking. Too much traffic and too many people.
We got back to our cabin around 2:30 and Bob, Logan, Emmy, and I took a hike to a swimming hole and waterfall. Nothing is close by out here. Everything requires a decent hike or drive. This was no exception! It was a 1 1/2 mile walk through some great woods to get to our destination. Again, no complaints since the scenery was so great! We finally made it to the falls, although I nearly turned back when it go very, very steep but I'm glad I conquered my fears and continued.
Once at the falls we just climbed around on the rocks, played in the cool water, and refilled our water bottles with some pure spring water. It was a lovely adventure.

We had dinner at the restuarant at the lodge and had our evening smores. That particular night the lodge was showing Ice Age on an outdoor screen so Bob and Emmy hung around for that. We've had such a nice trip.
Sunday we got packed up and headed back to SF for our Fourth of July celebration.
We arrived back at the hotel and hung around for a few hours. We headed back in to the city early to get good seating at the fireworks.
We decided not to drive thru that mess of traffic but to take the city's rapid transit system, called the BART. We paid the nearly $100 for round trip tickets for the 6 of us and got there 2 hours early for good seats. We had been told the fireworks would be going off on Treasure Island so from anywhere on the dock you would be able to see them. After waiting for 2 hours in the cold wind they started. They were setting them off on Pier 39 which was WAY down the dock from where we were. There were thousands and thousands of people there and there was no way we could get to Pier 39 in time so...we missed them.
We were severely disappointed to say the least. I know how much my kids and Bob and I were looking forward to this once in a lifetime experience and we were pretty upset.
So here it is, our last day in SF. We still have a few things on our list to knock out, with hopefully, no more disappointments.

Yesterday,

Thursday and Friday

2010-07-02T21:48:00.000-05:00

We had to do a little re-thinking once we realized we were leaving SF on Thursday and not Friday. We still had a lot of things on our list to do and see there.
We checked out of the hotel and first drove to some neighborhoods we HAD to see. Bob had done a little research and located the row of houses they show on the opening of the 1980’s show Full House. It was so cool! The architecture of some of the homes in that area is amazing to me and I would have loved to have gotten to go into some of the homes there.
Our next stop was the intersection of Haight and Ashbury, the start of the Revolution. It was so much fun to find that intersection and to take Jenna’s picture beneath the street sign. We even saw some real-life hippies! J
During our first few days, we hadn’t gotten to check out the really, really steep streets in SF. But we did yesterday. Wow! It was like being on a roller coaster. There was a lot of screaming going on in our van when we descended. Of course, we had to go down Lombard Street, too, sight of the most crooked street in the world!!
Then it was time to leave SF and make our way to Yosemite. We expected it to be about a 3 hour trip but it ended up taking us about 4 ½ hours. We made a few stops along the way for lunch and supplies but it seemed we drove forever, up and down, round and round, on and on. Maybe I’m naïve but I didn’t expect how much of a climb it would be. We were driving along when I noticed a sign that told us to turn off our air conditioner for the next 8 miles. I had no idea what I was in for. Twisting and turning and climbing up the mountains. I had my eyes slammed shut and was holding on for dear life while everyone else was loving the scenery. I think I hate roads like this because of the many times I tried to climb up my parent’s drive way in the winter and didn’t make it all the way up. My memories of sliding down backwards hoping not to slide off in the deep ditch on the one side still haunt me. What a chicken!!
We are staying at the Evergreen Lodge just outside the gates of Yosemite. Its so peaceful and serene, except for the occasional bickering of my children. I know how difficult it is for all of us to be cooped up together in small spaces so I’m trying to put up with it.
Today we all slept in until about 8. It felt good to not have anywhere to be or anything to do. There is so much we could have on our agenda but we need to remember we are on vacation and have some down time too. As part of our money saving plan we brought along our own food for breakfast and some things for lunch. So now we are off and as I’m typing this we are in Yosemite Park itself, enroute to some crazy big trees. More later.
We’re back at our cabin at Evergreen. What a lovely day we had!! We drove to the area called Tuolumne something. We hiked probably about 2+ miles round trip to see some serious sequoia trees. I’ve always tried to imagine just how big they are but was not even close. How do you describe something so magnificent? Its hard to understand that well over 2500 years ago these creatures were just little saplings and that through God’s design they are such monsters now. It was amazing to see them firsthand.
Our travels today also took us to a few spots that pulled us off the road to take in the views. I feel like what my family saw today is indescribable. To say that it was a multi-level waterfall or to say we saw babbling brooks just doesn’t seem good enough.
They are simply that…indescribable. Even if I tried, there is no way to convey the beauty and how it amazed us. After what we saw today, I was humbled that God has provided for my family to be able to take such trips and to show these to our children. I thought that God could have just given us desert to live in everywhere or just flat grasslands but instead He allows us to see His handiwork and just be flabbergasted and awed at the beauty. I am thankful. What a Creator!!
So here’s another day at its end. At 7:30 we will go up to the main cabin for our nightly s’mores and plan our day tomorrow. It’s been a great day!!

SF

2010-06-30T20:21:00.002-05:00

While I love to visit different places in the country/world, the actual act of traveling drives me nuts. We devoted 11 hours total to traveling on Monday. Lots and lots of sitting. Zero activity. Way too much eating. Don't like those days at all!
We had a direct flight from Milwaukee to SF but didn't arrive here until about midnight our time/10 pm CA time. We were all very hungry so after checking into the hotel we ordered some pizza. Needless to say, I didn't get to bed until almost 2 am (our time) which is only a few hours from the time I usually get OUT of bed. My body clock is a mess!
We spent our first morning in SF getting driven around the city on one of those double decker buses. We LOVED it! The nice thing was, we could get on and off as we wished so we had the opportunity to check out some spots.
It was a gorgeous day. Plenty of sunshine and a cool breeze that kept the body temperature in a great place.
The bus drove us through the business district, Nob Hill, Union Square, and Chinatown among others. It was interesting to see such wealth in the Nob Hill area where just a few blocks away in an area called The Tenderloin there were LONG lines to the soup kitchen. It was very sad.
A few stops, we got off the bus and entered a different world in Chinatown! Wow! A friend of ours who is from the bay area recommended we try a restaurant called Sam Wo's. We were able to find it among the many, many shops and restaurants. What an experience!!! We walked into the building and the doorway immediately took us through the kitchen. We were esorted upstairs by a little middle aged Chinese woman who had us sit at 2 seperate tables since there wasn't one to accomodate all 6 of us. This place was, how do I say this, a throwback to many generations ago. It was only about 10 feet across and had maybe 8 tables with short 4-legged stools. In my mind, there was no way this would have passed a health inspection.
So we get our menus and it is difficult to decide what to order since it has so many selections, some of which I'm not familiar with. Finally I decide to order Chow Fun Chicken. I figured how can I go wrong if something has "fun" in the name. It was basically chicken with rice noodles which looked alot like egg noodles. It was FABULOUS. We were all very happy with our meal and were stuffed to the gills when we left.
We continued to wander around Chinatown, visiting a fortune cookie "factory" where we had to pay $.50 for each picture we took of them. It looks as though making fortune cookies is a lot like making the krumkake we make every year. (Only Norwegians and those of Scandinavian decent may know what I am talking about.)

Another interesting sight we saw yesterday was the Westin Hotel where Gerald Ford's assisnation attempt occurred.
We rode the bus back to the bay and walked back to where we had parked the rental. On the way there, Jenna bought some groovy hippie threads. We continued walking to Ghiardelli Square which is up a very steep hill. By this time we had been in the city for 6 hours and our energy had completely left us.
We walked into the ice cream shop and a young woman was standing there with a big container of their famous chocolate. We munched on that while we waited for our ice cream. Its amazing what a little sugar can do for an energy boost!
By this time, we were all ready to return to the hotel and relax. The kids swam in the pool and some of us just laid around.
Today we got everyone up a little early as we had to be to Pier 31 by 9 am to catch a ferry to Alcatraz. We sent about 2 1/2 hours there wandering around the grounds. This is the 3rd time I had been there but I learn something every time I go. So many of the buildings are just shells now, having withstood the salt water and the other elements that have been beating on it for over 130 years.
We all took a tour with headphones to narrate. The recording was done by actual inmates and correctional officers that worked there before it closed in 1963. Working in corrections, its interesting to see the different philosophies that existed then versus now regarding how to deal with criminal behavior.
We returned to the city around 1:30 and went to Bubba Gumps on Pier 39. It was "Okay" foodwise but very expensive.
By this time, all of us were a little too tired for any more adventure so we returned to the hotel for swimming or napping. (Guess which one I chose?)
Sitting here in the business area of the hotel Bob and I just realized there are only 30 days in June so we are leaving here tomorrow and no Friday for our trip to Yosemite! We've got some packing to do!! More later......

Here we go again

2010-06-28T06:13:00.003-05:00

Once again we are packing our bags and heading out on a trip. This time we are bringing the whole family.
The summer before our kid's senior year, we let them choose where we will vacation. Jenna, our girl who was born about 30 years too late, chose San Francisco. At first we nixed the idea, thinking what would this family of 6 do in SF for a week. But then we thought, "Why do we offer to take her wherever she wants to go and when she tells us, we say, "No. What's your second choice."
We leave in about 5 hours for a 4 hour drive to the airport. We will spend the 1st 3 days in SF and then drive to Yosemite for a few days.
Looking forward to some family time but still not done packing.
I WILL blog about this trip. I kind of stopped mid trip on the last one. Partly because a huge storm passed through Florida and knocked out our internet connection for the last few days we were there.
The adventure awaits!!

Sanibel Day Two

2010-04-25T04:44:00.003-05:00

We finished up day one with dinner at a restaurant called The Timbers. It has 2 restaurants actually; one more of a sports bar and the other a little fanicer. We opted for the sports bar. Bob had a crunchy shrimp basket, complete with cole slaw and fries. I chose the Pacifica Basa, which is a type of Vietnamese fish (?). The server said it had a very mild flavor. I would say it had no flavor. Very, very bland. Even with a squeeze or 2 of lemon, salt, pepper, butter, I just couldn't taste it. This was no fault of the cook, just how the fish is. It came with veggies and rice (which looked uncannily like the rice-a-roni I prepare at home). I left a little disappointed. I was filled up but my taste buds weren't satisified, you know what I mean? A little frustrating but "oh well".
We were real naughty on that day and decided to have ice cream for the 2nd time (!). This time, we choice a place called Sanibel Scoop. If you can figure out where to park (3 driveways away) and if you can figure out how to get into the building (walk ALL the way around back), you will be greatly pleased. All their ice cream is homemade and they offer about a dozen selections with toppings to mix in, if you chose. I had the brownie batter ice cream with heath bar topping and Bob chose the cake batter with cookie dough mixed in. It was delicious! Very rich, very creamy. Just what I needed after such a bland dinner. The service was great; very friendly high school-age kids. Just lovely. As you can imagine the price was very high. One scoop (which, we were told, is really more like 2 scoops) was $3.25. I just keep saying my mantra, "We're on vacation. We're on vacation."

We returned to our hotel to get a good seat for the sunset. I'm joking here. There is plenty of room to see this magnificence, but boy, everyone comes out for it. We just had our beach towel, planted out butts on it and sat back. It was beautiful. So peaceful. Its funny how quickly the sun goes down. We got some great pictures.

Day 2
Wowie!! What a difference from Day 1. Very, very windy! We got on the beach before 7 am to practice our Sanibel Stope and find us some cool shells. There were quite a few people out there already at that time. We walked for a few miles. Even with the wind it was such a wonderful way to start our day. There is something about the sound of the waves; the rhythmic dance they do. Kind of captivating.
We rode our bikes into town again and did a little shopping. We are looking for a giant conch shell. We recently added on a bathroom and thought it would be not only a nice souvenier but add a nice touch to the decor. We will probably go back to She Sell Seashells by the Seashore to make that purchase.
We stopped by the local grocery store to buy some sandwich meat and buns etc so we can make our own lunches at the hotel. Makes me feel a little less guilty at dinner time when we drop some serious $$.
After lunch we relaxed on the still-windy beach. We drove into town after a few hours of that and got ourselves a real cup of coffe at the Sanibel Bean. We actually topped off our cups before we left so we could have some good stuff to drink this morning. The water in our hotel room is, well, stinky, and it makes a stinky cup of coffee. I am a coffee snob, you know, so that will not do for me. I want to warm it up now as it is around 6 am but Bob is still sleeping and I really don't want to wake him up. I may have to risk it.
So, where was I?
We had planned for last night to be our anniversary celebration so we found a NICE restaurant to have dinner at. After getting some advice from the locals and the regular visitors, we chose The Thistle Lodge. It is a restaurant on the grounds of a nearby resort. It was VERY nice. During our dinner there were 3 weddings going on at the beach. We were voyuers.
Bob chose the Char-Grilled New York Steak Oscar (what is Oscar?) and I had the Hickory Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi Filet. They each came with some very unusual but VERY delicious sides. I wish I could explain how good this food was. Oh my goodness, I wish I was still eating it. For dessert, Bob had the Creme Brulee and I had a Chocolate Molten Lava Cake. Combined with fabulous coffee, these desserts were the perfect end to a perfect meal. Does all this sound expensive? Oh yes. It was. We dropped $100 on this meal. We resolved beforehand not to worry about the price. We will never again celebrate our 20th anniversary so we decided not to care about what it cost but to just go all out. I am completely guilt free.
We hustled back to our hotel to watch another sunset. As we settled down on our beach towel, Bob picked up another shell like the ones we had been looking for. He handed it to me and inside he had hidden this beautiful emerald and diamond ring that he had had made for me. I can't wait to show you. Its gorgeous. Apparently, the emerald is the stone for the 20th anniveresary. (Who knew?) What a wonderful ending to a wonderful evening/anniversary.
W

Sanibel Day One

2010-04-23T14:21:00.002-05:00

We made it to Sanibel Island. Its good to be here. I love to travel and visit different places but I am NOT one who likes the actual travel part, the getting to the airport 2 hours before your flight, sitting for another 1 1/2 hours in an airplane, waiting another hour between flights and sitting another 3 hours to get to your final destination. Seems unproductive to me, not a good use of my time. The only thing I managed to accomplish yesterday was to consume a large amount of calories and burn off about 0. Oh well, we are here now. We got in about 4:45 and arrived at our hotel around 6 pm. We found a little pizza place called Island Pizza. It was pretty good actually. Its funny to read consumer reviews. One says, "Horrible. Go somewhere else." and the next one says, "Best pizza I ever had."
We wandered around the main strip a little while and took our first walk on the beach.
This morning we woke up around 7 am and took about a 2 mile walk on the beach. It was so lovely and peaceful. We quickly noticed what we had been told; there are lots and lots of shells on the beach here. We quickly became experts at the Sanibel Stope which is a term locals give to visitors when they bend over to pick up the beautiful shells.
We also noticed flocks of pelicans and also saw a school of dolphins in the distance.
After our walk and after breakfast we borrowed a couple of the hotel's bikes and hit the trails. I was really looking forward to this part of the trip and it didn't disappoint. We rode for about an hour and a half and made a pit stop at the Sanibel Bean. The espresso chip ice cream was fab. We rode back to the hotel and spent several hours on the beach. Tonight we will drive to Captiva and find another restaurant to experience.

Trip time

2010-04-21T11:12:00.002-05:00

Its here. The day we leave for the trip. We will drive to Moline tonight and fly out tomorrow morning. I haven't quite reached my goal but came close. As of this morning, I am down 11 pounds. I have been sitting at 10-10 1/2 for about 3 weeks which is frustrating but at least I've not been gaining. I need to kick it in gear when I get home and get back to good eating habits. I will also need to start training for RAGBRAI so that should help. I will try to blog each morning so Brenda has something to read while she drinks her coffee.

Update

2010-03-21T15:07:00.001-05:00

Just an update on the off chance that anyone actually reads this.
I have pretty much maintained at 5 pounds and am HIGHLY disappointed with myself. Its no mystery. I haven't been sticking to my eating habits as I should.
When I'm on it, I'm ON it. When I'm not, I just kind of wander around aimlessly, snacking here, picking something up there. Shame on me.
I have 1 month from tomorrow before we leave and I bet I can lose 8 more pounds.

My First Weigh In

2010-03-01T18:51:00.002-06:00

Drum roll please.......I am 5 pounds lighter than I was last week at this time and I AM THRILLED!
I had some BAD days last week. Thursday found me FAMISHED by 5 pm and all of my calories consumed. My self-talk quickly kicked in and I started belittling myself, telling myself I was foolish to think I could ever lose weight or control my eating. I gave in to my temptations and had a big bowl of cereal, which isn't THAT bad of a snack, but I was grumpy with a capital G for the rest of the evening.

Friday was Bob's day off and he suggested we go out for lunch.
"No" I said. "Everything I eat has to come out of a box. I'm too fat and stupid to eat like normal people."
He continued to encourage me. We did end up going out to Pablo's and I had a half of a chicken quesadilla (which was fabulous by the way). I also treated myself to some ice cream because I was really craving it. I usually have ice cream several times a week so I figured once was pretty good. It did the trick. It kicked a craving I was having and I felt like I wasn't being deprived.
So, thanks to God's mercy on my pathetic personhood I have this good news to report.
That fuels me for this week to see what I can do. My goal...3 more pounds.

Day three

2010-02-24T18:05:00.002-06:00

Yeah....Day 3. I pretty much made my own meals today which made it kind of difficult to count calories exactly. Jenny Craig really helped me learn how to do that but I've lost practice. I would venture to say I hate about 1500-1600 calories, all of which were healthy. The only "sweets" I had were the creamer I put in my coffee and the 100 calorie suzie q cupcakes I ate after supper. I guess although I didn't stick to my 1200 calories, I can see that the food choices I did make were healthy, maybe I just had too many. I can't be too hard on myself. I did much better than I normally do on my days off, I really did. I also logged in just over an hour on the treadmill this morning.
Tomorrow I hope to be to work by 6 am and work until 3. This means I won't be able to get a workout in in the morning. I have a VERY busy day at work tomorrow, full of clients and now, I just found out, court. Hopefully, I won't have time to get hungry. Worst case scenario is that I eat out of stress. I will continue to pray for strength and self-control. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillipian 4:13 (Including eating healthy and losing weight.)

Day Two

2010-02-23T18:41:00.004-06:00

Today was tough. After having such a "good" day eating-wise yesterday, I was scared I was gonna mess up today. I spent so much time thinking about what I would eat and when I would eat it and if I would die of hunger or if I would cave into my hunger.
Thankfully, I have a good friend at work who is doing Weight Watchers and has lost nearly 40 pounds. She is definitely a person to have on your side; so encouraging and motivating. She always has a recipe to share. I love her.
I walked on the treadmill about 40 minutes this morning and ate probably around 1200-1300 calories. Again, another day I consider successful. I just keep praying for grace and that I would have other things on my mind. I'm hoping my obsessing will only last a while longer until I get used to this.
Tomorrow is a day off of work and I'm really scared I will get bored and eat mindlessly. Again, I will be praying!!

Join Me

2010-02-22T18:37:00.003-06:00

I, am fat. I, am tired of it but apparently not tired enough. I am almost at the highest I have been while not pregnant. About 8 years ago, I joined Jenny Craig and lost 27 pounds. It was not difficult at all. I was "in the zone". In September of 2001 I finally got pregnant with my 4th and last child. I was thrilled. My OB GYN said that the 1200 calories I was eating each day was not enough and I needed to eat more. No problem. I over did it. I have gained back nearly all of the weight I lost on JC and I could kick myself if I could lift my foot that high. In the last 5 years I have gained probably 15 pounds. ARRGGGHHH!!!
Bob and I are celebrating our 20th anniversary in April and booked a trip to Sanibel Island in Florida, leaving on April 22nd. I am excited except for the fact that I will need to wear less clothing than these comfy, well-covering clothes I have on in the winter. I am terrified. So, I figure I have 2 months from today to loose some weight. My goal is 15 pounds which is very do-able in that timeframe. Not to say I don't have more (much more) to loose but I feel that's a reasonable goal.
I will share my journey and look for accountability partners through my blog.

I don't have a problem with exercise. I exercise pretty much everyday and switch up between my treadmill and DVDS. This morning just before 5 am Bob and I did the Biggest Loser Last Chance DVD which took us about 40 minutes. Then I got on the treadmill for 30 minutes.
Eating went really well. This is usually my downfall. I just eat and eat and eat. Usually, mindlessly. I'm shooting for 1200 calories a day and I think today I landed around 1000 which is VERY VERY unusual for me. What works for me is to not write down what I ate but to write down each morning what I WILL eat. I was so busy at work today that I didn't have time to eat lunch until 2 something and then I figured it was too close to dinner to eat lunch so I snacked on some baby carrots and fresh broccoli. LOVE IT! I have been eating Healthy Choice meals for lunch and supper which make it easy to keep track of calories.
So, thanks to answered prayer, today was a success. My first step on this ride. I am thankful that God distracted me enough to not have my mind on food to much today. One day down, about 59 to go.

Another Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T14:47:00.002-06:00

I'm looking forward to tomorrow and celebrating Thanksgiving. For the last few years we have had it at my home. As much as I LOVE entertaining, it is good to take a year off. This year my sister in town is hosting the celebration. YIPPEE!! I'm so glad not to have to deal with the stress this year. All I have to bring is my chocolate truffle cheesecake and scalloped corn casserole. My oldest sister will be traveling here from Wisconsin with her family as well. The only people missing will be my brothers. Hubby has to work this year but will be able to pop in on his lunch break and enjoy the festivities for a short time.
What a blessing of good health and precious family and friends. God is good and his love endures forever.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!

Have Fun!

2009-11-10T16:41:00.002-06:00

Ever been shopping with a teenage girl? Its NOT fun but that's what Bob is doing right now. Apparently the work pants Jenna has worn for her job ever since she was hired there 6 months ago are now suddenly not the right kind so she and Dad are out there looking for some now. He wanted me to go but I feel I've put in my time and thought he should get a chance to experience it.
Talk about different tastes! I miss those days when she had no opinion of the type of clothes she wore. Now if I find something that I think is very strange looking or something I don't like, I should buy it. Also, depending on the brand she could wear a size 1 or a size 7. Frustrating and makes for a very long trip. I think Bob got the easy job though today since there is only a certain type of pant that will do so that limits the choices. Either way I'm sure he will return home with a new appreciation of me and the shopping dates I have with Jenna.

My Untitled Post

2009-11-07T06:52:00.002-06:00

I don't really know why I'm blogging right now. Its fairly early on a Saturday morning and my husband has given me a mental health day by going with the 2 youngest kids to his mom's overnight. The older two??? I won't see them until tomorrow sometime what with our conflicting schedules.
Do you ever feel like you are losing your mind? Is this something that happens to everyone or just peri-menopausal women? All moms or just me? I feel like I am in a whirlwind and I can hardly keep up.
I don't mean to complain. I feel like I have it all but this is getting ridiculous. I've diagnosed myself with ADD but maybe I should get a professional opinion. Whenever I attempt to do something, I cannot keep focused. Trying to read a book is like attempting to do so in a noisy football stadium. I get up very early to enjoy the peace the morning brings but in my head you'd think I was running a marathon. My thoughts flit from this to that and I feel so unsettled/anxious.
I only work 20 hours each week but I feel so inadequate at times when I compare myselves to women who work fulltime yet still manage to run their home so well.

I am over committed; involved in too many "good" things. A dear friend of mine with 4 boys of her own once challenged me to choose only the "excellent" things. I see the end to a few of my "good" things coming in the near future and I will take advantage of that to slow down but in the meantime, I'd like to share a verse that encouraged me in a church a few weeks ago.
2 Corinthians 12: 9-10
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardship, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

It's Been A While

2009-09-18T19:37:00.002-05:00

I can't believe I haven't posted anything in 2 months!! You'd think nothing was going on. Not so.
I think the real reason is that I have discovered facebook and I can take a second or two to write a blurb without having much time or thought. With blogging you have to plan and think things out. Not much time for that lately but I feel something coming on......

Another Tragic Loss

2009-06-24T20:09:00.006-05:00

This morning, around 7:45 am, a young man entered the weight room at Aplington Parkersburg High School, just about 20 miles from where I live, and shot the coach multiple times, at point blank range. He died later at a local hospital. This man was Coach Ed Thomas. I had never met Coach Thomas, just seen him on the news a few times, but my heart aches at his loss. The tributes that are pouring out describe him as an amazing man, a long time coach at this tiny high school, which produced, under his tutelage, numerous NFL players. One parent said he not only taught the kids how to play football but how to be men. It was every young man's wish to play football under his leadership, not so much for the love of the sport but for the love of him. He was definitely a community leader and a strong man of faith.
What makes this loss even for tragic for this tiny town of about 2000 people is that just over 1 year ago, an EF 5 tornado tore through Parkersburg, killing 5 people and completely obliterating a good section of the community. Then, just 1 week later, the floods hit, destroying another 300 homes. Even though Coach Thomas' home was destroyed by the tornado, he could be found the next morning at the high school, which had also been destroyed, leading the team in clean up efforts.
It has been fun to watch him on the news as they were ready just 3 months after these disasters to play their first home game. They had an undefeated season last fall, losing in the playoffs.
Like I said, I had never met Ed Thomas so I'm not really sure why this is hitting me so hard. Maybe its because it shows again how you just don't know what will happen minute to minute. I'm sure he had left his home thousands of times and headed to the weight room to meet his team. Today just had a different ending.

Exhale

2009-05-30T21:21:00.002-05:00

Its done and I feel like I can breath again. We had a lovely turn out this afternoon with weather beyond what I could have hoped for. We had delicious Chinese food, yummy goodies, a 16 gallon keg of root beer and dear friends and family surrounding us. It was perfect. How blessed we are to have people in our lives who will take an afternoon/day to drive to our home to honor our son. I am humbled. I feel like I can get back to real life and can finally resume a sense of normality.
As I watched my son interact with our guests, I was so proud of him. He is a nice young man whose goal is to serve God with his very life and to translate the Bible into languages where there currently is none. I love him! I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to parent him and I feel like he turned out so well in spite of us. I can take no credit but thank God that I am a part of his life.
Now, off to bed with a lighter heart and enough Chinese food in the freezer to last until winter.
Good night!!

One more day

2009-05-29T07:54:00.003-05:00

It will all be over tomorrow. I tell you what, if you've not had a child graduate yet, this whole thing is ALOT of work. I'm wondering why no one has told me that.
I would say all of my free time in the past 2 months has been filled with getting ready for this open house. Maybe I should have been doing a lot of this during the past 18 years, organizing pictures etc. I was NOT able to find a series of his school photos I had been looking for for the past few weeks. I have been praying all week that I would stumble across them. Late last night I asked my daughter if she thought these other things I was looking for were in her closet. She pulled out a box and lo and behold those photos were in there! God cares even about the little, insignificant things.
The addition is not coming along as planned but I have to make due with how it is.
Tonight is the ballet recital and tomorrow morning, the parade. I'm excited to visit with family and friends tomorrow but Saturday night I will sleep well I'm sure.

Countdown Day 5

2009-05-25T13:18:00.005-05:00

Only 5 short days until my son's Graduation Open House. We started this remodel/addition with the understanding it would be nearly done in time for the open house. I didn't realize we would be cutting it so close. I've posted a picture I took yesterday. Looks pretty hopeless, I know. Today we have oodles of teenagers running around on our roof putting down shingles. They hope to finish today since rain is coming tomorrow and Wednesday. I'm losing my mind. This is not what I had expected but it is what I have feared. We have a great contractor, no real complaints there. I just can't take it when things are down to the wire and I have no control over them.
We had a lovely time at Lucas' commencement ceremony last week. We got front row seats and he was seated very close to us. We were told the event would take 3 hours, what with over 420 graduates. It only took 25 minutes to distribute the diplomas and the whole thing was over in 1 1/2 hours. Sweet! The bad news is that we believe we left our video camera there. Not sweet! My hubby feels horrible but I have this sense we will get it back. The facility hasn't been open since we realized it was missing so it may have been turned in and we just don't know it yet. We hope and pray it will be returned to us.
I can't wait until Sunday when this is all over. I have been planning this for months and have really been impressed with my organizational skills. I believe it will all come together by 2 pm on Saturday but did I mention my 7 year old has her dance recital on Friday evening and we have a parade Saturday morning that my 3 youngest kids are in? Sunday can't come soon enough.

Whew! He Made It!

2009-05-13T14:03:00.002-05:00

This morning we attended an awards ceremony at the gymnasium of our son's high school.
We really had no idea what would take place but it was kind of interesting. At the ceremony there were about 15-20 scholarships that were announced. Many of them that were announced were a surprise to the recipient. Some had to be applied for but others were awarded based on votes by the faculty etc. I felt like I was at some type of game show. I sat on the edge of my seat waiting in anticipation, hoping my son's name would be called. Each time it wasn't, my hopes faded. Some kids must have walked away with several thousand dollars of scholarship $. Not my kid. Zero. Zilch. Boo! Bah Humbug! I kind of wanted to wring his neck because he has DRUG his feet on applying for most of scholarships. I dare say his essays were probably pretty pathetic and half-hearted so what does he get? NOTHING. Afterwards he came up to me and I looked him in the eye and said our state's lottery slogan, "You can't win if you don't play." He smirked and said, "I thought I would give you and Dad the honor of paying for my college education." I smirked back, thinking to myself, "You do, do you?"

I have to toot his horn though and say he was/is one of 9 valedictorians in his class of 421. This momma is SOOOO proud. There were a few times this past year where that 4.0 was in jeopardy but he came through and achieved something he really wanted. Way to go Lucas!!

I'm a little sad today

2009-04-22T21:41:00.002-05:00

My son heard back from Moody today. He was accepted to the Moody program but not at the Chicago campus. Due to capacity constraints he has been accepted to attend classes either through their distance education program or he can attend at their campus in Spokane, WA. We are a little disappointed but recognize that at least he has his foot in the door. We have a ton of questions and will call an admissions counselor tomorrow and see if he can be put on a waiting list for the Chicago campus. At this point, I think he will do the online courses, continue working, and involve himself deeply with the local campus ministry that our church sponsors.
While this isn't exactly what we would have hoped for, we realize that " in all things God works for the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:28). What more do we need to know?

Back Home

2009-04-03T08:44:00.002-05:00

My lemon ricotta pancakes were out of this world!! Bob had blueberry something pancakes which were fabulous as well. We enjoyed a long, lingering breakfast and some great coffee and stood out on the deck at the restaurant, trying to embed the view into our minds. We had a brief workout in the exercise room at the hotel and then sat out by the pool reading. We headed back to Phoenix and did a little shopping. We met my brother Dean, who drove up from Tucson, at the Cheesecake Factory. Bob and I split the Chicken Maidera (FABULOUS!!). You simply can't go to this restaurant and not get a slice of cheesecake. I'm drooling as I'm writing. Bob had vanilla bean, Dean had lemon/raspberry, and I had peanut butter/chocolate fudge. We had such a great time just visiting and drinking coffee. This is one of my favorite memories of the trip.
We arrived back to Iowa around 12:30 pm, welcomed by snow flurries. We arrived back home around 2:15 and it all started up again. We had to pick Emmy up from school at 3:30, go to Logan's conference at 4, drop him off at Junior Players at 4:30, take Emmy to dance class at 5:30, pick Logan up at 6:00, and pick Emmy up at 6:45. We did manage to fit in a trip to Target as well. Back to the old grindstone that inspired this trip in the first place. But I wouldn't have it any other way.
Until later...

Day 4

2009-04-01T07:54:00.002-05:00

We started our morning with a hike around Slide Rock Park. For those of you familiar with Decorah, its kind of a like a God-made Cut; gorgeous, gigantic rocks that have fallen from the cliffs onto a running creek. Had the weather been warmer, it would have been fabulous to walk around in the water but not yesterday. We have been surprised by the weather. The mornings start out in the upper 30s and peak around the upper 60s in the afternoon.
We spent about an hour at Slide Rock and then went to Huckaby Trail. If you look at the photos I posted yesterday you will see a huge expansion bridge. It is so high up I can't even describe it. I was so nervous and off balance up there I was certain I would fall to my death. Anyway, we started at the top of the trail just under the bridge and hiked down to the bottom of the canyon. There is a picture of the bridge from underneath so you can get an idea of how high it is.
We ate lunch at a great Mexican restaurant called Oxaca. I had a delicious portabello and spinach wrap and Bob had a hamburger and fries. I teased him that you can't order that at a Mexican restaurant but he said my wrap wasn't very "south of the border" either. Good point.
We spent the afternoon poolside at the hotel, enjoying some sun on our final full day in Sedona.
If you haven't been here you MUST see this place. As I blog, I find it difficult to not use the same words over and over again. The beauty here is inexplainable (sp?) and I never will tire of it. We talked about wintering here when our kids are grown but that will probably be a good 15 years from now.
This morning we are bypassing the free hotel breakfast and headed out to Wildflower Bread Company again to enjoy some lemon and ricotta cheese pancakes cuz I heard my brother loves them (Hi Mikey!!)
Until tomorrow...

Pictures

2009-03-31T21:21:00.002-05:00

Much to our delight we realized we had our sd card in the camera and were able to copy the pictures onto the computer. Here are a few of them.

Day 3

2009-03-31T08:04:00.005-05:00

After breakfast, we drove about 25 miles to a little town imbedded high, high up in the hills called Jerome. It was established in the 1800s as a copper and ore mining town and at one point was quite thriving. When the mining rush subsided it was pretty much a ghost town. Now, its part Gunsmoke part Brady Bunch and part high-end chic. Nevertheless it was way cool and I'm so glad we went. It has VERY steep streets lined with neat shops. The views were absolutely amazing.
After lunch we spent another 2 1/2 hours hiking. This time we went to Sugar Loaf Summit and Coffee Pot Rock. We made it to the top of Sugar Loaf for the most incredible panoramic view. We descended that summit and started heading for the Zane Grey cave. Bob said, "If you were a guy we wouldn't go on the trails but would just cut straight across, through the brush. But since we don't have the right shoes and clothes (i.e. pants and long sleeves) we'll just follow the trails."
Shortly after that, I found myself off the trail, walking through the thicket. It was hard to move because every time I took a step my shirt, coat, skin, was caught by a group of thorns. Clearly, I was not happy. We had no idea where we were or how far off the trail we were. I was P.O.d. All I could think of was being lunch for a group of hungry mountain lions or coyotes.
FINALLY, we made our way back to the trail and continued hiking. I chickened out as we got higher and higher onto the cliffs. I really held my husband back. He could have gone on and on.
We got back to our car and headed back to the ice cream shop and got the chocolate chocolate stuff I had been yearning for.
For dinner we went to a gourmet pizza place called Picazzos and enjoyed an appetizer of artichoke/spinach dip followed by a pizza, half shrimp scampi and half with bacon, artichokes, black olives, spinach and alredo sauce. YUMMY! (In fact, I had a piece of that for breakfast this morning.)
Today, I think we will do some more hiking at Slide Rock Park. This will be our last full day in Sedona. Until tomorrow....

Day 2

2009-03-30T08:17:00.003-05:00

We had a great day yesterday! After breakfast we drove around for a bit, trying to plan out our visit. I've always felt I should have been a realtor and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to look at houses, especially ones that are different than what I am used to. I'm sure people that actually live there hate it when people like me just drive around in their neighborhoods for no reason other than to look at their homes. I'm a voyeur.
After that, we drove down to the main strip, parked, and visited the many shops lining the street. We had a yummy flank steak pannini for lunch. (Yes, we are the cheap people who split meals at restaurants. After 4 kids and lots of expenses you learn to cut corners where you can AND it cuts back on the calories.)
We came back to the hotel where I took an hour long nap and hubby researched nearby hiking trails.
We drove to a BEAUTIFUL area and headed out towards Cathedral Rock. I cannot explain to you how absolutely gorgeous the world is out here. We hiked a total of 2 1/2 hours and stopped just short of Cathedral Rock. It was just too steep for me. My husband could have made it but he didn't want to leave me waiting for him. Personally, I wouldn't have minded sitting there on the edge of a rock and staring at that vista for a while longer. I thought of Cheesecake Maven, who often blogs about her hikes in NE Iowa, and wondered if she had ever been in this part of the world.
We took a ton of pictures but forgot to bring the cord that we need to transfer the photos onto the computer.
We returned to the hotel and freshened up a bit and headed for dinner. We ate at Wildflower Bread Company and had some great sandwiches. (We didn't split this time!!)
As if we hadn't had enough food, we went out for ice cream. I had butter pecan and white chocolate coffee. Bob had butter pecan and vanilla bean. I think I will have chocolate something tomorrow.
I do have to say and I know no one will feel sorry for me but it was cold here yesterday. It was in the low 60s and was quite windy. I think today will be cool too.
Today we plan to find a biking trail and possibly do some more hiking.
Until tomorrow...

Day 1

2009-03-29T09:37:00.003-05:00

Well, we made it safely to Sedona. Interestingly enough, as we were boarding the plane in Cedar Rapids, we realized we were flying with two sons of some dear friends of ours. We were close enough to see each other and wave but far enough away that we couldn't talk. When we got off the plane in Phoenix, our friends were there to greet their sons. Our friends had rented a house and had been there 2 weeks vacationing. Funny! We ate dinner at our oldest son's favorite restaurant, Chipotle, (sorry Lucas) and headed to our destination.
Our rental car is a Prius which is a hybrid. It, so far, has gotten nearly 48 miles per gallon. It doesn't even sound like its running most of the time. Way cool!
It was about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Phoenix to Sedona which landed us here after dark. There is a 2 hour time difference and even that little bit messed me up. I couldn't understand why my eyes were so itchy and tired at 6:30, which, in realty, is when I'm wanting to go to bed. So, of course, it was to be expected that I rolled over this morning at 3 something, ready to get up and go. I "forced" :) myself to go back to sleep. We just came back from breakfast and will drive into town to decide what this day will hold for us. Until tomorrow.....

Here we sit

2009-03-28T13:08:00.002-05:00

at the Eastern Iowa Airport waiting for our flight to Phoenix. I'm starting to relax and look forward to this adventure finally. Its always hard to leave the kids but I know they are in good hands. I told Emmy that when she sees the moon to know that I'm seeing the same one and she can call me and we will talk about it. I have left notes in strategic places for each of them. I miss 'em already.
Two years ago today I had an interesting experience. I was walking back to my office from a meeting at another building when I was hit by a school bus, a big, yellow school bus. It hit me in the back of my right leg and ran over my toes. Thankfully, a few of my co-workers witnessed it and it happened to occur right next to the police department so one of them immediatly got my husband.
As it turned out, I didn't break any bones but I have been having trouble with my knee ever since. I am no longer able to run which is a great disappointment. At the time of this injury I had hoped to start training to run 5Ks, as this was on my bucket list. So I vacilate between being so thankful that my injuries weren't any worse but being hugely frustrated with the limitations I now have.
At least now I have something to offer when I am at a get-together and we go around the room and say something that is unique about each of us!! Can anyone beat that????

Why is going on vacation so much work?

2009-03-26T15:47:00.004-05:00

Bob and I are leaving on Saturday morning and catching a flight to Phoenix. From there we will drive to Sedona to enjoy a few days of rest and fun. Can't say I'm looking forward to it at this point cuz there is too much to do to get ready for the trip.
There is a wonderful woman from our church who has "adopted" our family as her own and vice versa. She is 78 years old and is best friends with my 6 year old. She has agreed to take on our kids while we are gone.
These last few days before we leave are full of laundry, making/freezing meals, grocery shopping, and writing out a schedule of who needs to be where when. I am happy to report I am able to fit into most of my summer things. I hope the glare from my white, Norwegian skin doesn't blind any one. I better whip out the sunless tanning lotion.
I will try to post a day by day, play by play of our trip to, first of all, give Brenda something to do while she's having her coffee, and to let the kids know what we are up to.

I'm Psyched!!

2009-03-13T12:59:00.002-05:00

I am waiting patiently for a visit from my friend, Brenda, of "This Too Shall Pass" fame. She had posted that she was coming to Waterloo today so I emailed her to see if she could fit me into her visit. I have successfully intercepted her and she should be ringing my doorbell at any moment. I'm so excited. It has literally been YEARS since we have had a good sit down talk.
On another, completely unrelated note, my mother died nearly 9 years ago. My sisters and I now have joint custody of her wedding ring. We each will have it for 6 months and then pass it on to the next sister. My sister, Lois, and her family are visiting Disney this week so she gave me mom's ring for safe keeping. It is beautiful and fits perfectly. I never really noticed how beautiful it was until now and it means SO much to have it here.
It seems there is a cute story behind this ring and I encourge my little brother to make any necessary corrections. My dad told my mom he wasn't going to buy her an engagement ring until he sold a certain tractor (or some other type of farm machinery). One day my mom was walking down the street and dad drove by slowly and said coyly, "I sold the tractor." and then drove off.
When my dad did go to the jewelery he looked around at the different rings. When he showed the jeweler the $ he wanted to spend, it seems the jeweler closed up his shop and took dad downstairs to where he kept his good stuff. Dad chose this ring and he did a lovely job.
I will try to post a picture of it soon although I'm challeneged that way you know.

Early Morning Sputters

2009-02-17T04:42:00.003-06:00

Gosh I'm tired this morning. Its been a busy few weeks and doesn't look like it will let up anytime soon.
Yesterday I worked all day, had to take daughter #1 to the orthodontist (from whom she received a parole!!), then on to the grocery store. When we finally arrived home dinner went into the oven. After dinner we promptly left to deliver children to their respective venues, one to the concert she was playing in and the next one to his play practice which was supposed to run from 6:30-9:30. On the way in the power steering in our not-that-long-ago-purchased new van went out, forcing my hubby to nearly stand up every time he had to turn a corner. We managed to get everyone where they were going then had an hour before we had to be at the concert. We drove to the nearest auto parts store where hubby bought some power steering fluid (is that what its called?) and put it in the empty resevoir. He said the van was driving better as we headed to Panera for a quick cup of coffee. Leaving there we headed for the concert and planted ourselves on the hard, wooden bleachers in the gym since the auditorium is being remodeled. Just as we were cozying in hubby's cell phone rings. Its not quite 7:30 and our son is done with play practice. Hubby leaves the concert to get him, returns with him and we sit for an hour listening to some great band music.
We drive home and hubby adds another quart of power steering fluid to the resevoir, hears a gurgle and looks underneath the van only to find the fluid running out as quickly as he is pouring it in. One more thing to do tomorrow.
We finally climb into bed and the last time I see on the clock is 10:10 which is late for me. Around 1:15 I think I'm hearing my youngest cry. Sure enough, "My ear hurts." One more thing to do tomorrow.
I'm a little concerned about her because as we were at Panera, I noticed a rash of sorts developing right around where her glasses sit. It was raised up like when you get into itch weed. It turned red and was itchy and within 2 hours it had completely disappeared. When hubby tucked her into bed she complained about how hot she was. She only wanted the sheet on and the fan blowing right on her. Weird, as I thought it was cool in the house.
So I lie awake in bed again wondering where we will fit in a trip to the car dealership and the doctor in our busy day tomorrow.
I woke up on my own at 4:08 which is common for me and now let the race begin with a meeting with the treadmill to start things off right. We will get a brief and much needed trip from all this at the end of March when hubby and I are going for a 5 day trip to Sedona AZ for some fun and rest. It can't get here soon enough.

Assistance from Decorah people requested

2009-02-03T18:08:00.002-06:00

My hubby and I are looking for a panoramic picture of the Decorah area; something a couple feet long to hang above our couch. We will be in Decorah on Saturday and are wondering if anyone would have an idea of a store we may be able to find one in.
Thanks in advance.

....And Wait Some More....

2009-01-28T13:08:00.002-06:00

We have been waiting and waiting and waiting to receive a letter from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago to see if my son has been accepted into their program. He submitted his application in November and they were to have mailed out a reply January 15th. We heard nothing. Finally on January 22, my son emailed them and was told they hoped to get the letters sent out that day. Still, we heard nothing. On Monday my husband phoned MBI and was told the letters were sent out last Friday. When my hubby got home, he phoned me to tell me there was a letter from Moody on our counter.
"Is it thick?" I asked him. "I don't know." he said. I got home, too, and examined the letter. I held it up to the light to see if i could see ANYTHING. It was thicker than one page but not by much.
We promised Lucas we would not open it until he got home but I could hardly stand it. FINALLY, he arrived home and opened the letter and it said...........
"We have deferred your application.....".
WHAT?? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? The letter went on to say that some applicants got an acceptance letter, some were denied admission, and some, like my son were deferred. This means that they are waiting until the next round of applicants to submit their papers which are due March 1st. They will look at that pool and take what they want from them and deny some others. Basically, if they aren't full after that round, they will again consider or accept my son. Long story short, we have to wait until mid-April to hear anything for sure.
I don't know what I'm going to do with myself until then. I think God is trying to teach us patience which I need a good dose of.

2009-01-20T17:43:00.002-06:00

As I was telling you in my previous post, I had one of my proudest moments as a mother last night. My 13 year old son, Logan, won an essay contest about Martin Luther King Jr. His was one of 4 essays chosen from students throughout the entire city. He won a savings bond and was invited to attend the MLK banquet in our city last night and read his essay. He did NOT want to read in front of everyone because as you will hear when you see the clip, it was very personal. There were about 400 people in attendance, including the mayor, the chief of police, and many other dignitaries. When he saw this crowd he wanted to read his paper even less. We talked about things and decided it is good for each of us to do something that makes us a little uncomfortable and challenges us. This was such a stretch for him but I can tell you it was one of his most shining moments and he basked in the glow of it even this morning. I thank God for times like this, especially for Logan, when he can feel so good about himself. He really needed this.

Another Day Off

2009-01-19T10:16:00.002-06:00

Outside its clearly winter, inside, it seems like summer. I think I have spent more time with my children in the last month than the entire year previous. With Christmas break and all these cold/snow days I know each of them intimately.

Here's what's going on...I was just thinking the other day that the weird factor is really high at my place. We have our Yorkipoo, Roxy, in heat so she's wearing this diaper and looks like an idiot. Her eyes tell me she feels like one too. Our new dog, Gigi, has been peeing ALL OVER so we took her to the vet only to find out she has kidney stones and has to have surgery tomorrow. My youngest child is back to wearing an eye patch to help with her lazy eye so if we have any neighbors looking in our windows, I wonder what they think.
I have to tell about our amazing experience last night but that will have to wait til I get back from Target.

Our Latest Addition

2009-01-14T18:59:00.002-06:00

Here is a picture of our new dog Gigi. Isn't she adorable? She's pretty tuckered out from her day at the beauty salon but isn't she a cutie??

Lots of useless information racing around in my head

2009-01-14T14:49:00.002-06:00

My husband says my mind is like a computer screen that battles to stay on task or topic due to numerous pop-ups. Its funny how I can be talking to him about something and instantly, without missing a beat, I am on to something else that just "popped up" in my head. Then I get mad and think he's an idiot because he can't follow along. Its not easy being me.
My husband also says I'm PMSing. (Is that a verb??) I really didn't think I had a problem with such things but, you know, I'm pretty sure he's on to something. These last few days I have been ON EDGE. It seems like my kids voices are akin to fingernails on a chalkboard and they are amplified times 4. I am snippy and sullen and VERY tired. Also, I can't seem to eat enough. If I told you what I had eaten before noon today it would shock you. It seems like I can't possibly get full today. Ladies, what is your verdict...PMS or just being mean?
Also, I was thinking about toilet paper today. I just came from Target and noticed my old brand was on sale. I used to buy Cottenelle 12 double rolls. Its usual price is $7.69. WHAT A RIP OFF! It's paper for heaven's sake. What kind of a mark up is that??? Anyway, my husband convinced me to try the Target Premium toilet paper, again 12 double rolls which is regularly priced $6.29. I was pretty sure it would be like sand paper and would certainly irritate our dainty behinds but it is excellent and I will save $1.50 every time I purchase TP for my family.
Speaking of family, 13 years ago tonight my hubby and I were at our friends home. It was a Sunday afternoon/evening and we were watching a football play off game I believe between the Packers and Bears but I digress. I was VERY pregnant with child #3. We left our friends home around 7:30 that night. By 9 pm I arrived at the hospital, which fortunately, was about 2 blocks away, and just 35 minutes later I had a baby. What a hoot! We called our friends about 10:20 that night and said, "Hey, guess what I just did?"
The first thing the nurse said after he was born was the usual, "Its a boy." The second thing was, "He's got dimples." He was a little spitfire but smart as a whip.
He didn't sleep all night until he was nearly a year old. I remember many, many nights I would just sit on the couch sobbing out of sheer exhaustion. I was SO tired. He was our 3rd child in just 4 1/2 years. At 18 months he already had the motor skills to work a mouse with ease. I remember one day we were stopped at an intersection and he said, "Look Momma, "No right turn on red." I was stunned that he was reading at 3 1/2. Now he's the king of computer games etc. and an absolute blessing to our family.
So we will venture out tonight to his favorite restaurant to celebrate him and remind him of how thankful we are for him.

What to say, What to say......

2009-01-06T14:50:00.002-06:00

I feel a serious obligation to blog on a fairly regular basis. I enjoy it; its an outlet. So why have I not posted anything in a week and a half? I just don't have much to say, I guess.
What's going on here? HMMMM let me see. We are waiting to hear if my oldest has been accepted into the college of his choice. Letters will be sent out on the 15th of this month. Child #2 is busy with school work and has pep band about 2 nights per week. Also, she has a terrible fear of driving. She MUST! She MUST! She has zero confidence in herself and is afraid she will kill someone. What shall we do with her?
Child #3 got cast in a community theatre play which will deliver its performances the first weekend in March. This means from now until then we will be driving to rehearsals and performances 34 times. I'm tired already. By the way, he turns 13 next week which means I will have 3 teenagers in the house!!
Finally, child #4, my little spitfire, has a history of eye problems. We had an appointment today and it looks like we will be playing pirate with an eye patch again for a few weeks to see if we can get her lazy eye in check.
Also, sometime this week, we will be adopting a new dog. I still don't know exactly how this happened. Apparently a friend of my colleague has a mother who is moving into an assisted living situation and needs a home for her bichon or it will have to go to the Humane Society. (You know what can happen there.) Anyway, I'm not really a "dog person". I wouldn't swerve to hit one, mind you, but I just am not completely crazy about dogs. This will be our 3rd. At least none of our dogs will shed and that is of utmost importance to me. We had a German Shepard for several years. He was my husband's police K-9 and I promise you I vaccuumed (sp) at least 2 times per day. Hair was everywhere so I vowed not to have anymore shedders. We should be getting Gigi this week sometime. Just what I need, a little more action!

Foiled again

2008-12-27T11:07:00.002-06:00

Alas, the wintry weather of NE Iowa has once again foiled my plans of spending Christmas with my family. Tuesday we had planned to visit my hubby's family near Des Moines but stayed home due to threatening weather. Now today, a long awaited trip to my sister's cabin to visit with family once again was thwarted by freezing rain, sleet and the possibility of snow. More time to spend with my children and husband which I don't get enough of. We have all had the week off but we thought with all the traveling we would be doing we would feel like we were on the run. God must have heard my worries since we got shut down in every attempt. Oh well, I can't say I mind. I love to be home and I feel like I'm getting some things done.

a sink with a view

2008-12-07T19:38:00.003-06:00

A fellow blogging buddy, Little Sister, asked us to post a picture of what we see when we are at the kitchen sink. My hubby took this picture this morning as the sun was rising. Isn't it beautiful? It is not uncommon to see deer back there among other forms of wildlife. That's why I keep a pair of binoculars close by.

I've been tagged

2008-11-30T15:19:00.002-06:00

OOOOOOOOO!! I'm so excited! My first tag! Thanks Mikey!! Here goes.....

1. Five names you go by
a) Janice
b) Jan
c) Mrs. H....
d) "Insert my kid's names here" 's mom
e) Mom

2. Three things you are wearing right now
a) black patent leather shoes
b) black quilted vest
c) long sleeved T shirt (this isn't all I'm wearing though)

3. Two things you want very badly right now
a) Resolution to some family drama
b) Lose some weight

4) Three people who will probably fill this out
Can't answer this one. No one reads my blog

5) Two things I did last night
a) Went to bed early
b) Did some Sudoku puzzles

6) Two things I ate today
a) Cheerios
b) Ham/cheese/mushroom omelette

7) Two people I last talked to on the phone
a) My son, Lucas
b) My friend, Kristi

8) Two things I am going to do tomorrow
a) Work
b) Attend 2 orchestra concerts, one at 7 pm one at 8 pm

9) Two longest car rides
a) Iowa to New Jersey
b) Iowa to California

10) My two favorite beverages
a) a good cup of strong, black coffee
b) diet pepsi

That was fun!!

I'm thankful for.....

2008-11-26T19:50:00.005-06:00

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving which, to me, hails in the busyness of the Christmas season. It is after tomorrow that I shudder to think of even driving close to the mall or Super Target. It scares me.
Each Thanksgiving I hand out simple Thank You notes to my husband and kids and we all write 5 things we are grateful for. I don't allow the older ones to write simple, one word things. I want them to work at this, to quiet down for a minute and be specific about the blessings they have.
This is what I think I will write this year.

(1) I'm thankful that I was able to spend time with my dad just the weekend before he died. I hadn't planned to go there, it was just a spur of the moment thing. I'm glad I hugged him when I left.
(2) On the way home that day my sister and I drove through the storm that generated the F5 tornado that hit communities just 20 miles from my house killing, 8 people. I'm thankful for God's protection that evening.
(3) Just 2 weeks after the tornado struck, our community was hit with an unprecedented flood. Many, many people lost their homes and belongings and their sense of security. I lost nothing in the flood except for a few days of work. For that, I am thankful.
(4) I'm thankful for God's mercy and comfort as I heal from the sudden loss of my dad. I can't explain how difficult it has been. I miss him terribly.
(5) Finally, I can't not include these goofy, loud, precious children the Lord has entrusted to me and my husband. It is an honor to be their mother and I love (almost) everything about them. I cannot talk about them without mentioning their amazing father. My husband has put up with me for nearly 19 years and I'm sure there have been many times he would have loved to bail on me but toughed it out instead. He is a man of unquestionable integrity and faith. He is my biggest earthly blessing.

I want to encourage any one reading this (if anyone does read this:)) to slow down and be thankful, at least for tomorrow.

Has it started already?

2008-11-14T14:19:00.003-06:00

Here it is, November 14th and dare I say that the holiday rush has started already? All is crazy in this part of Iowa, in this little house on the prairie.
Last Friday night we hosted about 11 couples from our Sunday School class for a game night. We lit a fire and justed enjoyed good conversation and, of course, LOTS of food.
Tonight I have signed up to participate in a progressive dinner given for the college students that attend our church. While I LOVE hosting people in our home and I love making desserts I failed to remember the "time change" that exists between college students and "real people". I should have figured this out when the college gal organizing all this called to talk to me at 10:15 PM. I am NOT a night person. I am in bed or wanting to be in bed by 9 pm and my productivity decreases steadily from about 4 pm on. I figured the kids would arrive here around 8 pm and I envisioned myself snug in my bed by 10. NOT. Turns out they aren't even planning to get here until 10:15 pm. I should have thought this whole thing through and volunteered for appetizers.
Tomorrow my daughter marches in the Veterans Day Parade. That evening Bob and I will be going to a steak house with a few other couples to get fat and greasy.
Sunday evening we are providing snacks for 40 high school kids from our Youth Group.
Monday evening we are headed to the UNIDOME to cheer on our hometown Vikings in the state playoffs. I am hoping to run into the Cheesecake Maven if I'm lucky.
Next Thursday the children of some dear friends of ours are spending the night at our place. They are 1 and 3. I'm scared. Every time the 1 year old has been here, he's cried the entire time. I will be spending ALL DAY Friday alone with them. Why does that scare me? I've raised 4 children of my own. I work with convicted felons on a daily basis. How bad will it be to tackle these two angels. I'll have to get back with you on that one.
I am looking forward to hosting my inlaws and some friends for Thanksgiving. Bob grills a turkey on the Weber grill. It is THE BEST. I don't know why we only do it once per year.
As you can see, I'm busy, just like all of you, and I'm fearing December will not be much better.

Leaving Home

2008-09-23T08:50:00.003-05:00

Last Friday morning I dropped my youngest off at school and took a drive to my hometown, about an hour and a half away. I was facing a task that I dreaded yet knew had to be done. It was there that I would meet 3 of my siblings to go through our parents home, take what we wanted, seperate the things to donate, and throw out the things that had no use. It was our goal to empty the house out completely as it was to be painted and put on the market to be sold.
I had been trying everything I could think of to keep from going. I wanted to be there, yet didn't. I knew it would be agonizing for me but couldn't avoid it. In a way, I felt it was one last way I could honor my parents so I knew it was one of those things in life that would be so difficult but had to be done.
I had lost so much sleep over this. I had prayed constantly for God to give me the grace to do this; to enable me to complete this task. As usual, He was faithful to me and gave me the strength when I have been so weak.
The actual job of cleaning out the house wasn't as difficult as I had expected. I think we were all in "work mode"; we had a job to do and we did it with a good degree of efficiency. In the midst of all the "stuff" were unexpected treasures and hidden memories. Some brought sweet smiles, some, agonizing tears.
As our work progressed, and as each room echoed with emptiness, my mind took me back to a time, nearly 50 years ago, when a young couple, not married 5 years yet but already with 3 children, made this their home. I imagined how excited and happy Mom was to finally have a place of her own. How she must have smiled as she planned each child's room, as she put away her household items, how she made it her home. I think of my dad; how proud he was to be able to pay cash for their first home and his plans for caring for his family. They had no idea at that time what life had in store for them; that they would have 3 more children. They didn't know the joys and the heartache that marriage and family life would bring them. Yet, they met each struggle with determination to stick it out together, no matter what. I love them for that.
I can't remember a time in my life when my tears have been so frequent and so difficult to hold. Just a simple look from a friend or a question of, "How are you doing?" will open the flood gates. I am NOT handling this very well. But I have a Savior who is walking closely with me and who loves me and who promises He will never leave me nor forsake me. I lean into Him to get me through this and I know I am in good hands.

I'm coming up for air

2008-09-15T19:38:00.003-05:00

Hey! Its me. Popping in to say to hello to anyone who may be reading my blog (although from the looks of it, my audience is teeny tiny). Anyway, along with the cooler weather has come an onslaught of countless activities my children; i.e. piano lessons for 3, ballet/tap for 1, soccer for 1, some type of computer thing for 1, marching band for 1, Greek classes for 1 etc. You know what I'm talking about because you're probably doing it too. Comes with the territory and I will miss it when they're gone I'm sure.
I do have to share something unusual about myself...I have taken up the cello!! I LOVE the deep, rich tone of a beautiful cello and its one of the things I wanted to do when my children got older. Well, they're older and so am I. After Mom and Dad died, it dawned on me that I will too and there are some interests I have that have gone unattended to and I don't want to live a life of regrets so here I am... a cellist.
I'm so excited AND I can play Jingle Bells so I'm all ready for the holiday season.

Ouch!!!

2008-08-16T09:35:00.004-05:00

My husband called a day early. Seems they awoke to 3 inches of snow yesterday morning with no let up in sight so they decided to descend the mountain earlly and head back. They drove as far as Laramie, Wyoming and spent the night at a hotel where they were able to shower and get a good nights sleep. Seems Bob didn't get a lot of shut eye. I guess that's what happens when you're used to sleeping with a fan every night.
They have a 12 hour drive in front of them today and plan to arrive here around 9 tonight. Yippee!! I better get to work today and pick up this place.
The picture above is of my husband's heels after their FIRST day hiking. OUCH!!!

Senior Moment

2008-08-15T15:35:00.003-05:00

I had a few minutes to kill this morning so I stopped by the high school to register the kids for school. It went something like this.
Him: "It will be $35 for registration. Does your son drive to school?"
Me: "Yes."
Him: "That will be $20. Is he in orchestra or band?"
Me: "Yes."
Him: "That will be $15. Oh, I see he is a senior. Would you like to pay for his cap and gown now?"
Me: Who punched me in the stomach, I'm thinking? Of course not. He's only a little boy. Are you kidding me?
Realizing I'd better get used to this and other senior moments, I put on my big girl panties, and say, "Yes, I guess so."
I limped out of the office and went on my way, wounded, but surviving.

THINGS I DID TODAY WITHOUT MY HUSBAND
1) removed a major stick from the lawn mower blades (I broke a nail in the process.)
2) did something with the dryer vent
3) relocated and reset the mole trap (No, I haven't caught that booger yet but i'm NOT giving up!!)

Day Five

2008-08-14T09:48:00.003-05:00

I didn't blog the last few days because I noted during my last posting that I didn't have much to say. I didn't want to bore anyone. Alas, I'm still not sure I have much to say but I'll risk that.
Yesterday my sister and her 2 kids, myself and my 2 youngest ventured to Adventureland which is an amusement park about 2 hours from home. We left around 8 and started our adventure at 10. We spent 7 hours at the park, with my energy fading as each hour went by. We eventually had to pull the children out of there as everyone wanted to go on "just one more" ride.
We drove 1/2 hour to my in-laws and dropped my 2 kids who will return home on Friday evening. I was COMPLETELY wiped out! I came home and crashed by 9:15 and slept until 5:30 am. I NEVER sleep for 8 hours. Still, I woke up in a fog and am finally getting to feel "with it".
Yesterday, while my oldest daugheter was at marching band practice, there was a high speed chase near her school. At some point, the vehicle drove up onto the grass, driving over the area where my daughter and her fellow musicians usually practice. When the police finally apprehended this fellow, they found he was drunk, on cocaine, and had weapons in his vehicle. It is amazing what people will do and how many lives that are truly endangered by folks such as him. Having said that, tonight I am beginning to co-facilitate another OWI Victim Impact group. This is a group that folks who have been convicted of at least 2 OWIs have to attend. The unique thing about this group is that individuals who have been directly impacted by drunk driving come in and speak to the group. We have had EMTs, hospital chaplains, law enforcement, widows, moms, dads and offenders on our panels. It is a very rewarding experience and it is our attempt to change and save lives with these groups.
I am alone today. I wish I didn't have to work at all today but I need to go in around 1:00. What will I do until then?

Day Three

2008-08-11T20:53:00.003-05:00

I must be tired. I can't even remember what I did today. Oh, its coming back to me now. I didn't do much. I made it to the grocery store, the mall and Target.
My youngest presented with a temp of 101 degrees. We are really trying to get her well so we can make it to Adventureland on Wednesday. She would be heart-broken if she couldn't go.
I did manage to start several projects. I've noticed lately that I start a lot of things but don't finish many of them. Projects started today were: cleaning out the garage, getting together LOTS of GOODWILL stuff, moving/getting rid of things out of the office to make way for our new furniture, painting the office, and just other things. Wow! I guess I did do a lot of stuff. Hopefully I will finish at least a few of these things before hubby gets home.
Things I did today that my husband usually does:
1) purchased and put in 2 bags of salt for the water softener (I'm not sure if I have to push a button or do anything else to get it to work.)
2) Set a different mole trap and this time I did it right!! Watch out you little booger! I'm gonna get you! (Sounds like a line from Caddy Shack).
3) Climbed up in the rafters of the garage and retrieved a can of paint.
4) Began organizing the garage and collecting things for recycling.

I'm sure my husband will be impressed.

Day Two

2008-08-10T20:25:00.003-05:00

I survived my first night without hubby. One down, 7 to go.
My 6 year old daughter said we had better be bed buddies since I didn't have anyone to sleep with last night. I woke up at about 1:30 am without her in my bed. I thought that a good mom would go and look for her offspring if she was missing so I found her in her bed whimpering that she misssed daddy and her toe hurt. I hustled her back into my bed and we tossed and turned for another hour before we fell back to sleep again. I awoke around 6 am and silently slipped out of bed while she snored. I REALLY need time alone in the morning to get my thoughts together so I was hopeful. As the coffee perked I could hear her footsteps upstairs. She was awake too early, again.
She was coming down with a cold so I recruited son #2 to stay home from church with her. Daughter #1 and I went on to church but before we left I found 6 year old passed out in her bed, snoring.
We got home from church, had lunch and I took my usual nap. My naps are about 20 minutes which is just enough time to take the edge off.
Around 3:15 son #2 and I took an hour long bike ride. What a perfect day!! I got nice and sweaty but it was worth it. I think that's the first time I have been on my bike this year. Wow! That's pathetic.
I spent early evening pulling weeds and giving the mosquitos a snack of myself while doing so.
Children #2 and #3 are at youth group now so I need to pick them up.
Hopefully tomorrow will go as smoothly.
THINGS I DID TODAY THAT HUSBAND USUALLY DOES:
1) Put soap in the dispenser that is attached to my kitchen sink. (I feel like I'm playing twister when I'm doing this.)
2) Set a mole trap. (I think I did this correctly but probably not. Time will tell.)
More tomorrow!!

Home Alone

2008-08-09T16:31:00.002-05:00

Not really alone, I guess. My husband and oldest son left for a week long backpacking/hiking trip to Wyoming today. This will be weird. We are not used to being apart for very long so I am a pretty dependent, pathetic excuse for today's liberated, self-sufficient woman. What can I say? We make a pretty great team.
I am here with my other 3 children and have taken most of the week off of work. Wednesday we head out to a nearby amusement park and I'll be dropping off the youngest 2 at grandma's for a few days.
What is in store for me? Of course I have a ton of things I think I'll accomplish such as weeding my many, many flowerbeds, painting a room or two, cleaning out our junky office to make room for some new office furniture I've ordered. How I will every find another place for this stuff is beyond me but I'll give it a try.
I hope to blog about my week, what I get done, what I don't get done, what I find I don't know how to do (that my husband usually does), if I hear any funky noises during the night etc. Should be an interesting week!! Stay tuned!!

July in Iowa

2008-07-23T19:51:00.003-05:00

Now here is a common sight this time of year in our wonderful state....A teenager forced into exhausting, physical, horrible labor commonly known to us midwesterners as detassling. My poor daughter! She entered into this experience for the first time last year and swore/promised she would NEVER do it again. Somehow, either out of force or reason, she was convinced (threatened) that she should try it again. The hook...a guy she had a crush on was going to be joining her crew!! That did it. She started, albeit quite reluctantly, on Tuesday.
Bless her heart, she rises at 5 am, catches the bus at 6 am and didn't return home today until 5:30 pm. She is a true sweetheart, with the unbelievable wit she inherited from my mom and never, ever complains. I love her!!
I'm certain she will thank me when she receives that big, fat, juicy check in the mail in a few weeks. OOHHHH I'm a good mom!?!

Time flies by....

2008-07-09T19:42:00.003-05:00

Guess what this little guy did today??

He got his first round of senior pictures taken!!
I simply cannot believe this. I'm speechless. Its unreal to think he will be starting his senior year next month. I've already told my boss I will take the next year off for mental health reasons. Yes, I will be one of those moms who will cry for the next 12-18 months and it will have nothing to do with hormones. It will be because my baby will be growing up and leaving my watch. Am I overreacting? Maybe, but this is new territory for me and I am not looking forward to it.

Summertime

2008-07-01T09:39:00.005-05:00

Does it seem to anyone else that this summer is whizzing by? I took 3 solid weeks off work this year. I did it last year and it was wonderful. I thought it would be the same this year. Actually, since the middle of May, I have only been to the office about 5 times due to some scheduled vacation, my dad's death and to flooding that forced my office to close. I return to work on Monday and I can't say I feel well rested. The vacation we took was fabulous but not extremely relaxing.
On Saturday we took our 3 youngest children to my in-laws where they will stay until tomorrow evening. We drove to MPS after dropping them off and stayed at my brother's place where we were finally able to slow down and unwind. It was a wonderful visit.
Tomorrow my kids return and on Saturday daughter #1 leaves for camp until the 13th. On July 12th, my husband's birthday, both my sons leave for different camps, one to work and the other to play. It won't be until August 3rd that all my ducks are back in the nest. I just love it when we can all be together. Its kind of unsettling for me to go to bed without everyone being close by. I guess its a mom thing.
For those of you who have never seen or met my ducks or husband, here you go.

Back Home

2008-06-26T20:00:00.003-05:00

I don't know what got into me but somewhere between my last post and before we boarded the plane to head for home I picked up some kind of 48 hour bug. I started to feel sick shortly after breakfast and while I complained that we were once again seated in the very last row of the airplane it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We were as close to the bathroom as we could be and I could discreetly hustle in there as needed, which ended up to be about 5 times during the flight from Las Vegas to MPS.
I felt nauseous, had body aches and chills, and other symptoms I don't care to discuss right now. We didn't get home until about 11 pm on Tuesday evening and I slowly climbed into bed for what I thought would be some serious sleep. I awoke many times during the night trying to fight the urge to puke. I won that war but Wednesday found me better but still very tired and weak. I did muster the energy to climb onto our Club Cadet and mow for a few hours. I figured if I just had to sit I would be alright. Towards the end of the day my energy slowly returned and I cranked out about 4 loads of laundry, with more waiting to be done.
I did the math and I figured with 6 people in my family with each of us wearing at least 1 outfit per day for 8 days that equals 48 outfits. Wow! I didn't realize we owned that many pieces of clothing.
We are sitting here now looking at our expenditures for the trip and I think we did pretty well. I would list them but that seems kind of weird but if anyone is interested I'm happy to share. (Why anyone would be interested, I don't know but, hey, who knows??)
Back to my realty...running kids, pulling weeds, cooking, mowing, giving orders, cleaning...you know the drill. Glad to be home!!

Headed Home

2008-06-24T07:59:00.003-05:00

Its just shy of 6 am and I'm sitting in the breakfast area of our hotel. I've been awake since 4:30 and I thought I would climb out bed and get some "me time". I'm a person who LOVES to be alone. As you can imagine, I haven't had much of that on this trip so this is good; just me, my coffee, my laptop, my oldest daughter's devotional book, and my Bible. I need to refuel.
We have everything packed pretty much and plan to leave for the airport around 8:45 am.
Yesterday we were on the road for about 5 hours, landing at the hotel around 2. My youngest 2 and I headed for the pool. We had a couple of pizzas delivered to the room and took off for Freemont St. Its another attraction we HAD to see when we were in Las Vegas. I don't think the folks who told me what attractions to check out had their kids with them. This particular thing was in a seedy part of town. Basically, its a covered section of town of about 5 blocks. The establishments are casinos, street vendors, etc. Of course, they had the huge movie screen of ladies in bikinis, taking off their tops, and dancing. (Certain body parts were blocked off thankfully.) My poor kids were so out of their element! They wanted to leave even before the light show began. Oh, and don't forget the drunk lady the police arrested in front of the Harley shop. She was causing quite a stir.
I had wanted to go here on Wednesday night but my husband couldn't find the place so I had a mild temper tantrum. Being the wonderful guy he is, he did a little more research and we were able to find it last night. We got there around 7:30 and the light show started at 8:30. It went on for about 3 minutes and then was over. I was so embarrassed. Not what I had imagined it would be and certainly not worth the hissy fit I displayed. Thankfully, I have a gracious husband who didn't say, "I told you so."
It will be good to get home. We should arrive in Des Moines around 8 pm which will put us at our place around 10. We had been saving up for a big trip like this for a few years. My oldest will be a senior next year and I figured this would likely be our last family adventure. I wanted it to be very special and I think it really was.
Time for breakfast. More later!!

Vacation, Days 5 and 6

2008-06-23T18:35:00.001-05:00

Day 5 was long. We did a lot of driving, some unnecessarily, but that’s another story. We did learn that you cannot always trust Mapquest when they put us about 21 miles short of our desired location.
We went back to the Grand Canyon Visitors Center to see the IMAX movie. We figured we could do this because we theoretically only had about 1 ½ hours to travel to Sedona. The IMAX experience was incredible. It gave a lot of history and some amazing shots we would not have been able to see otherwise. We drove another 10 miles to the Canyon itself to retrieve the pedometer I had left in one of the gift shops the day before as I was trying on a t-shirt. I was promised when I called there later that day that they would put my name on it and have it waiting for me at the counter. It wasn’t. They told me to go to this other place and it would be there. It wasn’t. I started moaning about how we had driven ALL that way just to get my pedometer. It didn’t help. They couldn’t find it. I was hot but I left without losing my religion there on the spot and fussed and fumed about it for about another hour and then just let it go.
We drove on to Sedona. BEAUTIFUL!! This is a place you MUST see. The canyon and red rock is amazing. We got in to the hotel around 3:30 pm, completely pooped out from traveling and being hot and cooped up in a mini van or a hotel room for the better part of a week. We pretty much relaxed for the rest of Day 5 knowing Day 6 would be busy.

Day 6 (Sunday)
This was probably the best and busiest day we’ve had on our trip. Bob and I awoke early and were out for a walk by 5:45 am. We both admit/realize that while we have been vacationing we have increased our food and caloric intake and decreased the amount of exercise we usually do, We walked a bit in a nice residential area and saw a small deer which quickly ran from us. We continued and met a couple with whom we visited for a minute. They were of mid-Eastern decent but are living in Ohio. It was interesting to learn they have a son who lives in the neighboring community that we do. We continued on our walk until we came to a hiking trail. We took that for a very short way when my husband said he saw a rabbit or something like that “only bigger”. We continued on for a moment to see what type of wildlife it was. It was quickly apparent that we were tailing a coyote. I was OFF! I ran like the wind, in fear of my life. I came back to the street and met a woman who was off on a hike. She went straight up the path where we had seen the coyote, completely unafraid. My husband, too, came sauntering down the trail. He had followed the animal to see if he could get a closer look. I came as close as I cared to.
That morning we went on a Pink Jeep Tour. Our family piled into a big pink jeep with a wonderful driver, Mike, and he took us on the trip of our lives. We took the Broken Arrow tour which put us amidst the red rocky canyons and mountains surrounding Sedona for 2 hours. It was like 4-wheeling but on a MUCH grander scale. It was like nothing I’ve ever done before and our whole family agrees this was best thing we have done on our trip. I had heard about this experience on Little People Big World which is a TV show on TLC.
After our tour we met up with my brother, D$?#, (he said to write his name like that) who drove up from his home in Tucson. We went out for lunch and he drove us to Mt. Humphreys, which is the highest point in Arizona at about 12,633 feet. We road on a ski lift which took us to about the 11,500 mark. Do you remember, a few posts ago when I wrote how I feel about the heat? That’s the same way I feel about heights. I was mortified for the most part. This was a ski lift, mind you; feet dangling and all. I wasn’t going to go on it but my husband had already bought me a ticket. I figured if my 6 year old could do it, I could too. I’m glad I did it but I don’t think I would do that again. It was a VERY scary thing for me. Uncle D rode with children #2 and 3 and he was sure to point out to them the 3 bras and 1 pair of thong underpants hanging from the surrounding pine trees. They thought it was SO funny.
We got our feet firmly planted on the ground and went to dinner and headed back to Sedona. We stopped at the Safeway in Sedona to grab a few groceries. I had been looking forward to a good, black cup of coffee and we discovered Starbucks in the Safeway. While we were waiting for our coffee to brew, D jumped into a motorized cart and started driving around the store with the electrical plugin cord dragging behind him. What a hoot!!
Poor Uncle D. He was so patient. As a bachelor with no children, I’m pretty sure he was about ready to pull his hair out. Have I ever told you that I have 4 very LOUD children? Imagine all 7 of us in D’s SUV traveling. I’m sure it seemed like an eternity until he was free from us. We stayed at the same hotel and I made sure the kids didn’t know his room number so he could have some peace. The kids LOVE Uncle D. They look forward to any time they can be with him.
Tomorrow, back to Las Vegas.

My new favorite song

2008-06-21T20:00:00.004-05:00

Sit back and relax and enjoy this BEAUTIFUL song sung by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli. We heard it a few nights ago as we stood in front of the Bellagio Hotel on the Vegas Strip. They choreographed the dancing fountains to this absolutely gorgeous song. To all you head bangers, sorry, but this is REAL music. Enjoy!! It takes 4 minutes.

Leaving Las Vegas

2008-06-19T22:10:00.002-05:00

We left Las Vegas this morning and drove a good part of the day, taking Route 66 (like the movie "Cars"). I am settled in our hotel room in Williams AZ while Bob and kids 2,3, and 4 are in the pool area.
Leaving Vegas was not hard for me. It is definitely not a city for me. Everyone I've talked to has said, "You have to go to Las Vegas. There is so much to do there." I always figured I have so much to do at home and I certainly didn't want to travel hours by plane to have more to do. My idea of a vacation has always been to plop my big butt down on some white sand somewhere and have native people bring me whatever I desire. (AHHHHHH!).
We LOVED the dancing fountains outside the Bellagio but that was probably the best thing we saw. To me, the strip was not great. I felt bad for my teenage boys and my husband as they were bombarded with imagery that was not meant for public viewing. There were huge movie screens all over the Strip with barely dressed women in awkward positions girating (sp) up and down poles etc. Strange men stand on the corner handing out pictures of naked women, with promises to have them in your hotel room in 20 minutes. Trucks drove up and down the strip with near naked pictures of woman plastered all over the sides, like a moving billboard.
No, I do not plan to return to Vegas. I did gamble though. That REALLY surprised me because I was sure I wouldn't. Gambling is the kind of thing I could really like doing so I just don't do it at all. Its safer that way for me. That's why I don't drink any more either. Too much potential trouble.
Anyway, back to gambling. It was the last machine as we walked out of the casino. Bob stuck in a dollar and we started messing around with the machine. I'm not even sure what we were playing but a security guy came up and told us we had to get our kids out of there so we parked them by the exit and went back in to get our $1 worth. I told the kids they could now say that have been kicked out of a casino. We played about 5 minutes and had spent $1 and walked out. With my luck I would have won a million $$ and become a gambling addict. Losing was good for me.
Tomorrow, on to the Grand Canyon via train. I'll keep you posted.

VEGAS BABY!!

2008-06-18T15:54:00.002-05:00

Here I am in Sin City. Who would have thunk?? We flew in yesterday and are enjoying the start of our week long vacation. We went down to the strip today and walked around. By 9:30 this morning it was 100 degrees with the expected high to be 108. I am SO not made for the heat. Not even kind of. Not at all. People say its not as bad because its not as humid. Its 108. Enough said.
We came back to the hotel around noon and ate lunch, took a nap, or for those so inclined, hung out at the pool. Tonight we will venture back to the strip, all 6 of us and see stuff we were told we cannot miss.
Tomorrow its off to Williams AZ and Friday on to the Grand Canyon.
More later.

Life goes on???

2008-06-14T12:57:00.004-05:00

We buried my dad last week. He died suddenly on June 1st at his home on a beautiful day. It seems unreal at this point and I don't think I have fully grasped what has happened to me. What a tragic loss, yet this week has gone by pretty smoothly. I don't know if its the realty of dealing with four children, a husband, a part-time job, keeping up with this very grassy, weedy, acreage of mine or if its just that I didn't see him much anyway so my soul hasn't realized the emptiness. I shudder at what tomorrow, Father's Day, may bring as I try to celebrate with my husband and children yet try to pay him homage in some way. Nonetheless, I find some consolation in seeing him just the week before his death and choosing to dwell on his goodness and generosity. I was blessed to have been his daughter. Happy Father's Day, Dad!!

Below is the tribute I wrote for him and that was read at his funeral.

First of all, on behalf of my family, we deeply appreciate you being here today. It is your presence and your prayers that have carried us through these last few days. We thank you.

I have struggled to decide whether or not to put something down for my dad. I have 44 years of thoughts, memories, and feelings to convey in such a short time but I feel it is the least I can do to honor him now.

For those of you who knew him, you can agree that he was a unique character. He was very tough on the outside but was kind-hearted and gentle in so many ways.

I remember as a little girl how big and strong he was to me. I would often ask him to flex his muscle and I would try unsuccessfully to wrap my little hands around his big arm. I remember lying across his lap so he could scratch my back or climbing up into his chair and getting a “whisker rub” across my soft little cheek. To him, that was like a hug.

You always knew where you stood with dad. If he didn’t agree with something, he made sure you knew that. If he thought something cost too much, he would tell you so. In spite of that, or maybe because of that, everyone loved him. He had such a faithful band of friends that he would enjoy coffee with every morning. It was these friends that he valued and loved so very much.

He worked long, hard hours running his farm and his company. I remember his rough hands and his sunburned arms, signs that he was working hard so we wouldn’t be in need of anything.

He was a stickler for saving money. We laugh now when we share stories of how he tried to stretch things into lasting longer. Material things meant nothing to him. We had what we needed and he saw no sense in much more.

Dad loved his wife. He needed her. He was faithful to her until her dying breath. He was never the same after that. He seemed just to be waiting to be with her again.

Somehow, I thought this day would never come. The day I would receive the phone call that he was gone. I wish I had been more patient with him. I wish I had visited and called more often. I wish I had told him I loved him more often. I wished I had hugged him more. I realize now the things that drove me crazy were so insignificant.

In these times of grief, we must choose to look for the blessings. I am blessed to have had a father so devoted to his wife. I am blessed to have had a life of good, hard work mirrored for me. I am blessed to have had a dad that loved me. I am blessed now to have sweet memories of his smile and the twinkle in this eye when he would laugh. I am blessed by the stories he would tell of when he was growing up.

Dad, I stand before this group of friends and family and I honor you. I pray you knew you were a faithful husband, a precious father, and a good man. I have peace knowing that you took your last breath outside your own home, on a beautiful spring morning, looking onto the flowerbed mom tended to for so many years.

I miss you. See you soon,Janice

Who's Your Favorite Policeman?

2008-05-14T08:25:00.003-05:00

Here's mine; my husband, Sgt. Robert Hewitt of the WPD. He has been in law enforcement since he was 19 years old which means he's been a Police Officer for about 23 years.
I found him in the local jail almost 19 years ago. (Don't worry, I was working there too.) We were engaged 3 months after our first date and married 4 months after that.
This week is National Law Enforcement Week, a time to remember those who have died in the line of duty and a time to appreciate ALL they do for our communities.
Did you know ...
*The average life expectancy of a police officer with 10-19 years of service is 66 years compared to the national average of 74.4 for men and 80.1 for women?
*Studies have shown a significant increased risk of some types of cancer among police officers?
*Divorce rates among police officers range from 60-75 percent compared to the national average of 50 percent?
* Last year 186 law enforcement officers left their wives/children and headed off to work and did not return home?

As the wife of a cop I see and hear unbelievable stories of how they are treated and the things they see. It is DIFFICULT job!

What can you do?
*First of all, pray. Pray for their safety, not only physically but emotionally. Pray for their marriages. Pray for opportunities to receive thanks and appreciation. Pray for good to prevail.
*Show your appreciation. Stop down at your local precinct with a tray of goodies, order some pizzas, send a note of thanks.
*Be nice! Next time you get stopped, know they are just doing what they have been hired and trained to do.

Oh what have I done....

2008-05-12T21:39:00.003-05:00

I am having an awful time trying to figure out what on earth I am doing with this bloggin stuff. Please be patient; I do accept and welcome suggestions.

Here is a picture of my youngest, (she's on the right) who will turn 6 tomorrow, along with her best friend, whom she named Slushy. Seems like he was here all winter and just melted last week.