Hotel California

2011-03-23T05:54:00.001-07:00

Hi, well as usual it has been probably two years or close since I have entered anything on my blog. I am not very good at keeping up am I! OH WELL.....
I can't go back as I really do not remember all that has happened over time either but I do remember a bit.
My son and wife and their son Tyler came for a visit last June. It was very nice and went slowly. I tried to show Kristi how to do a simple crochet but instead ended up getting her a beg book on it. Caleb ended up working on his car most of the week and we just visited. Tyler played on the wii. Then I also went out to see and stay with Jenny the very end of July until just before my birthday. It was a wonderful visit! I love the seattle area! I got to see so much more of it this time then when we have gone in the past. Jenny took me to the mountains to see the sohomish(sp) falls. They are taller than Niagra, small but taller. And we went to the space needle, to the worlds biggest yard sale (of which we did not get to spend nearly enough time at) on a ferry ride back from seeing my cousin Shelli (james really) and some other family. Then my friend Mary drove all the way up from northern California to see us too! wow really because it took her something like 20 hours to get there. We then went out to see an antique town!
I did some sewing, crocheting, and I made a purse for Jenny. We ate out, went to walmart, fabric stores, went and watched Eric come in on his ship too! That was really fun and reminded me of when James came in a couple of times. I even made it up the thousand steps to get to the lookout point! ha
Jenny drove me around town, and we even went to what would be to some a drug store (as is pot shop) ha but it was just a funky ole hippie shop that sold stuff. HA HA
OH and we even saw a really funny looking younger (probably not all there) young man walking the town in woman's underwear (over his actual clothes!) and a bike helmet on his head. Not sure what that was all about but figure he is not all there.
Oh and I went on a bay cruise with Mary and jenny and Eric. I liked that too but the narrator could of just shut up and let me watch the scenery. Lets see...oh we went to the aquarium and the shops around on the board walk too. I will have to try to see if I can dig up my mummy pictures from that day and post when I have time.
On my life for now...well work is going well but waiting to see if the district privatizes us for next year. If they do I am not sure I will have work...not sure if I want to reapply or look elsewhere...maybe I will stay home and clean? I have been working for 10 years now. I really love my job but is it worth going to the hassle of going through the interview process, the fingerprinting, and all the new possibilities of what if's again? I wanted to work until Gaelan graduated (that is 3 ears from now) do I go through it all for 3 years? Maybe with a lot of luck and some prayer we will fend this new threat off and I can work for even a couple more years before push comes to shove? That would be so nice. :)
Upcoming events....My sister is visiting the end of april. Cedric is graduating on June 12th...out of school May 28th. Jenny and Eric might be moving to a new apt, getting out, she might be coming home for a bit, or going to kodiak early? it is all up in the air with them and we will not know anything until probably June. Eric has decided though that they will end up in Kodiak, Alaska for school once he is totally out of the service. This is good for them. IT makes me sad :( but I will just have to save some and maybe in time I can visit. :)
oh and Rachel got a job at lowes to help her family out. This is very good. I am glad because she really does like to work. It will get her some time out of the house. Just hope she doesn't tire out too much. It is weekends and holidays so I think she will fair ok.
Guess I am thinking of more and more...Michael and Tina got married last Sept too! we were able to go to the wedding. Got to grab some photos. I think I will end here today and when I get home make up some individual spot lights on the blog. WISH ME LUCK! HA

2009-12-01T20:14:00.000-08:00

HI all, well it has been awhile again but that is how it goes. School has started so back to work (but it was welcomed) and back to the routine. I think I might try to do a family christmas letter this year but still contemplating on that. I will be posting some back dated pictures in a few days and I have a couple of thimble pictures for eric too.
I can't say at this point that this year has been better than the last couple but a couple of very good things have happened. One Caleb's marriage to Kristi was super nice and got us not one but two trips across country and Second I got to meet my Jenny's husband too! Both super great things. On the down side Ian had to have knee surgery, and James had to have hand surgery and things keep breaking and kids keep griping. But such is life. I am looking forward to a wonderful holiday season though and do you wonder why? Well for the first time ever (I think?) I am 95% done with christmas shopping and it is only the 1st day of DEC! WHOO HOO!...I do have a few small things like stocking candies to get and I have to wrap and send 3 packages but the shopping part is practically done. I say this because I can't buy James a single thing until the last week because he seems to sniff out what you get and will go out and buy it the day after you do! BOO HOO! so I wait.
I hope all of you had a nice thanksgiving. One of these years I am going to get to watch the parade and do things like the other people living here and not be stuck in the kitchen too for most of the day. YEAH right like that will really happen. Maybe in another 10 years James and I can make reservations and go out to eat like my sister did this year.
It's late here and morning comes too early most days so too ta loo for now. PICTURES NEXT I PROMISE!

Bonnie

2009-09-05T13:48:00.000-07:00

The cat came back the very next day, the cat came back...we thought she was a goner but the cat came back! She is now sunning herself on the front walk. Next time I will get the cat carrier.

Is it just me or what?

2009-09-04T13:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have been looking at other people's blogs other people's facebook pictures, my space pictures just whatever I happen to see from my friends sites and well they all look like normal people. Now maybe you think this is a funny comment but it just seems that they all look right, as in their heads are the right shape, clothes look good, their expressions are normal etc...still a funny comment you think? well.....when I look at any pictures I am in I look like something the cat drugged in from outer space or something. My head is at an odd angle, I have what 32 chins it seems all the time and, my face says stupid lives here. OH I could just go on and on. I realized quite a few years back that I never felt like I had the right to feel anything. That other people did but for some reason I did not get that right too. Well I have been correcting my feelings over time (and it is a hard thing to do) and I have been trying hard but still have this hard issue with pictures. I know I am fluffy but I want to look like I at least have a few brain cells up there when it comes to smile time. I do have a couple pictures I have found I like but mostly they all come across as alien living here. Oh well...you know I have even tried posing in front of a mirror to know how my face goes so I can feel the good smile or intelligent look. BUT as of yet it isn't working. Rachel looks good, Jenny looks good and even Caleb has his style down already. Any suggestions?

Bonnies vet appt

2009-09-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

Well we had a vet appt today or so I thought we would. Gaelan went out and picked up Bonnie from the front walkway and brought her in and we gathered everyone else up. Well he wouldn't go out and look in the garage for the cat carrier and being Gaelan just wanted to argue so I said fine just hold her then. So in the car we went. Cedric was going to drive. Gaelan let the cat down, Cedric had his door open, OUT WENT THE CAT!@ now she didn't just get out of the car and go back to the walkway she RAN OFF! Gaelan went after, Cedric went after. She laid down on the driveway of the mean Korean next door but as soon as either one of them came near she shot off again into his back yard. Tried to come over his fence on the other side but saw Gaelan and took off again. SOOOOOOOOOO had to cancel the vet appt. When we came home from our other errands there is still no Bonnie. Not sure if she will resurface but if she doesn't then it will be her loss. Silly cat. She knew we were taking her somewhere.

Pretty Jenny/Eric and little Thierry

2009-08-23T11:51:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures that I took of Jenny with hubby Eric at Caleb's wedding. Isn't she just lovely! And Well Eric looked handsome too. But my baby is so pretty!

More pictures

2009-08-23T11:38:00.002-07:00

Oh I forgot to mention that Ian was Caleb's best man and that Chris and Jenny and Eric also flew in for the festivities. I was also able to meet Eric! This was very special for me. I love that Eric was able to join our family and attend the wedding. He is a very nice young man and I can see why Jenny adores him. Here are some more wedding pictures.

More pictures

2009-08-23T11:38:00.001-07:00

Caleb's wedding

2009-08-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

James and I, Gaelan,Rachel and Amandine and Thierry just got back from attending Caleb's wedding. We drove! It was a pretty good trip even with my ankles and feet swelling and my bottom going numb once! ha Thierry was good as were the rest. We stayed at the comfort suite in Rolla, Missouri both coming and going. It was a very nice hotel. It is a smoke free and green friendly hotel. Just in case anyone out there wants to stay somewhere like that. They had a full breakfast too plus a pool and hot tub and exercise area. I did not take advantage of the pool and such but James and everyone else did. The beds were comfy too!
We were also able to visit if only for a few hours really with Alex and Darci and the kids again. I love seeing the grandkids. They are always full of mischief and fun. They also came to the wedding along with our friends JJ and his wife Terri, and caleb's cousin (my niece) Amanda Ottley. I think Caleb's wedding was really nice and we all feel in love with Kristi and her son Tyler. Caleb and him get along really well and he actually kinda looks like caleb...well everyone says in the ears. I think some of that is because they both had shaved heads that showed off their ears. HA
So anyway here are some pictures from the wedding. We are promised a disk of pictures from the photographer in time so I am hopeing for a few more of the ones that I tried on, Rachel tried on that did not come out so great. ENJOY!

Going to Church in the branch

2009-08-09T09:35:00.000-07:00

Today James and I, Gaelan and Ryan went attended the Detroit River Branch to see a friends daughter on her return from her mission and hear her talk. She went to Romania for her mission. Anyway the branch was a Spanish speaking branch so we got to wear the headphones and all. (just a side note) but I LOVED IT! One the building is nice and it has windows. Second it was smaller by a long shot than our ward (even with the lack of people when they all move out over the summer) but mainly because I enjoyed listening I think to the Spanish off and on (when my headphones were not on my head) trying to figure out what they were saying. I am happy to say that I actually understood about every 3rd word and could kinda make out to some degree what was being said (that is when they said simple sentences) I also felt comfortable even though I really did not know anyone. This may of been their excitement of having anyone new there? But anyway it was a nice Sunday. Just thought I would tell everyone.

One more thing

2009-07-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

Today is James and my meeting anniversary! yes we met 37 years ago in squaw Valley California. Sorry but I have no pictures from that time frame and I do not have anything from today to show but it was this date. Tomorrow we are going to the ZooRomance night. IT is for adults only and should be very calming and enjoyable with out kids.
Maybe I will take my camera and see if I can get someone to snap a picture of the two of us?

Just some added extras

2009-07-15T20:54:00.000-07:00

I realized after looking at my blog that I had forgotten to really put any pictures in of Peter or Paul I think. So here are what I shot. I did not get alot because like I said my camera kept acting up. I am hopeing to get a new camera before I go back.

Grandmother

2009-07-15T11:26:00.000-07:00

My grandmother Ann Reel

I also went to Terre Haute

2009-07-15T11:17:00.000-07:00

Took my mom to Terre Haute in June. Visited with my grandmother who is 97. I love my grandmother. I wish I could do more for her but we are too far away. I am also posting a picture of the house that we as a family lived in before we moved to California in 1964 and a couple others of my aunt and uncle Joyce and john Bailey and my mother. LOVE YOU ALL!

More Pictures

2009-07-15T11:11:00.001-07:00

Here are more pictures of the trip.

Grandkids

2009-07-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

Then we were off to Edmond and the grandkids! We had a nice visit there too. Thanks to Darci we ate well too. It was super hot there also and where we have had hotter thanks to years of living in California with only a swamp cooler we have now been living here in Michigan where it is far less hot (actually pretty cold year round) so we are not used to how the heat can drain you. James was busy doing honey do projects for alex and I went shopping with darci, checked emails and tried to help out with odd chores. Here are a few of my favorite pictures of our trip. We are going to be lucky enough to go back in august (if only for a couple of sleep over nights) so I will be sure to snap more pictures then and they will also be at calebs wedding so I will get more there too as I try to get as many photo shots as possible. I will also see if I can be in a few too but well you know, not being photogenic I try to avoid that as much as I can but I promise a few.

2009-07-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

OOPS! I forgot these too.
The last picture is of a old miners cabin that was found up the stream there somewhere and a real still for making moon shine! The old miner is a stuffed copy of how the miner might of looked though! DUH! like you did not know. HA

2009-07-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more pictures of the caves. My camera always seems to act up once I am somewhere but I did get a few. I hope you enjoy and if you are ever in Stanton MO you need to stop in and see the cave for yourself.

Back home again

2009-07-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

HI ALL! well we are back from our visit to Oklahoma. IT went great! we stopped on our way there to see the meramec caves too. I loved the cave! It was wet and cool and other than a small area where I had to climb 58 steps it was really nice. We stayed at the motel there too. IT was like going back to the 60's maybe with that motel. With this I mean no frills. No iron, no hair dryer, no TV, just two beds and a toilet. Hey the tub was a mini size too! Just enough to wash a baby up in good. But it was cheap and clean and super close to the cave. We ate in the restaurant there for dinner the first night but opted out of breakfast for a later brunch. We had yogurts and string cheese and some rolls left and I felt that we should eat the stuff up.

Being Busy

2009-06-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

Had a very busy saturday. Got up and got two loads of laundry done and on the line (with the help of cedric) picked up kitchen and stripped bed for later laundry. Then checked emails in getting ready for a luncheon out. We went to Bahama Breeze with Ian, Pua, Pua's mom and some friends and their kids. It was a nice luncheon and we got to see everyone finally once again. Then back home to pick up Ryan and take her to walmart for some much needed clothing. I go to walmart because this girl is one growing faster than the speed of light and two because she is a dirt magnet. I prefer clothes that I know will be somewhat cute and yet not ones that I have to be too worried about when the never ending stain returns or she doesn't fit it within a month. She was fine and good while we were looking for her things but the minute we were done she was tired and kept saying "I am bored, when can we go home?" SO you guessed it we had another hour of whinning in the store. Picked up some cards, and a graduation present because I lost the first one I got. Home again, home again jiggidy jig to see that the grad open house was in full swing. Now where did I read that it started at 5? Oh well luckily it was only two house away so I wrapped and signed the card, had some sushi first and then made my way down to the open house. Back home and started spaghetti dinner for the rest of the crew and called Paul (who had called me prior) he really wanted to talk to cedric but he did tell me that he couldn't float and I guess he had learned from his dad or mom that grandma is the world best floater. Well to put it very frank grandma does float just like a ball full of air. Maybe it is because of my fluffiness but I float all too well. Not sure if I can get Paul to float but I did give him some pointers. I can read it now...Rebecca Smith born.....died....floated her way to heaven! ha Heaven knows I can't stay in the under world cause I Float!!
After that I talked with Rachel some, had dinner and watched a new not seen before DR WHO! are they going to show more? OH I HOPE SO!! and they are going to have a torchwood mini series starting on july 20th for 5 whole days! I am geeked to say the least.
Last but no way near least is a bit of information. Caleb signed papers on his home and is now sleeping on an air mattress in the house until the arrival of his stuff on monday! CONGRATULATIONS CALEB! he is super happy. Went out and bought himself a refrigerator yesterday too. Don't forget the thousands of dollars now on getting all those $1.00 items. Broom, cleanning supplies, dust pan etc.. REMEMBER DOLLAR STORE!
Two more days and we will be on the road again too. Looking forward to getting away and doing something different.

Trips

2009-06-25T18:02:00.000-07:00

Trips! sometimes they are wonderful and well sometimes they are less than. This past week I drove my mom down to see her mom (97) and where I love seeing people the contention there is not enjoyable. One of my aunts was in a hostile mood when we got to the house and continued in that mood for the rest of the time we visited the first day. My mother of course went into panic mode and ended up taking drugs from another sister that she thought would calm her down. Now personally I think a sugar pill would calm her down as I do not think a pill here or a pill there really does much and the type of anti anxiety pills that a person needs should be a daily dose but hey if she thinks a sisters Zoloft will do the job then have at it! I do not think that you should take other peoples drugs as you never know what your outcome. Anyway the next day she took a valium from her other sister and then on the last day they gave her a Xanax (sp) They gave her three more just in case but she never needed them as we were winding down and going home the next day. This on top of Naps! Did I say NAPS? oh my goodness...lets see wake up around 8 go back to bed, wake up around 10 and get up, go to lunch, get to grandmothers take a NAP...sleep from 2pm to 4:30pm then say HEY ready to go home and get to bed? HA Oh well..I do expect it to be the last time I drive her down as her hip hurt her alot from her hip surgery and she is just a nervous wreck. I experienced the chaos this time too so I do know that tempers flare, and nerves get frayed. It is a sad situation. Grandmother feels neglected, not listened too at all and put upon. Poor lady. I do feel for her but I feel for my aunts too as I know all too well what it is like to be the one that has to do for others. Now I do not do anything at all like my one aunt has been doing for 30 some odd years or the other aunt who really bears the brunt of the care when the first aunt is gone...really a few days each week to a week here or there. But I have had my taste. So I know that they too are stressed and feel put upon too I expect. I really wish that things could be different. That people would get along and be helpful. That the house could be clear of clutter for grandmother and that she could have a pleasant last few months, years or whatever in a nice home with loving children around her. OH WELL....life hands us lemons and she has done well in making what she can of them into lemonaide. I love my grandmother and she cried this time when I left. She said that she would see me in heaven and be there when I came in. AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!
I will see her in a week or two as we travel that direction again to visit our oldest and his family. I hope that she is still there even though she prays nightly to die.

Schools OUT!

2009-06-12T18:11:00.000-07:00

Schools out, schools out! Teachers let the monkeys out....one went east. one went west...well you know the rest! ha
Yes gaelan and cedric are done. Both did good on grades without any D's this year. Not as good as I had hoped but no failed classes and average or above so I am happy. Gaelan will be in his last year of Middle school already this coming year. Boy does time fly when you are having fun! HA I just hope the next few years are not a struggle to get the work done with him as I sooooooooo want to do my happy dance in 5 years.
Worked on going through papers today, boxes and work stuff. Still have a few more things to do in that dept and need to decide on how I want to have access to my needed papers for next year. The box method with file folders was fine this year but as it got closer and closer to the end the box was just too full and it was hard to get papers out that I needed. I am thinking of the open tray approach and the box for a mixture of the two for next year. I also need to update and customize my temp logs better too I think. Anyway that is something I will think about come mid august. For now I want to sleep in for a few days and just approach work here at home on a more leisurely time schedule.
OH and for those of you out there that do not know....Caleb is engaged and looking at marriage on Dec 29th or 30th. I do not know which. Her name is Kristi DeUnger and he met her in their philosophy class in Las Vegas. A short time in San Antonio made him decide that she is the one and that now is the time. They will marry in Austin, Texas. She has a son, Tyler who is 4 now, 5 on Nov 5th. So instant Daddy too. I am happy as having another grandson is wonderful. We will take pictures and with any luck I too will find a dress or pant suit or something? Any suggestions?
Well trips coming up and at least one dress hunting trip on monday maybe if amandine gets well enough for me to come over.
Red wings on now....MW watching...this means tv occupied! UG! I don't mind but....SO back to dress hunting ideals on the web.

IT IS THE END!

2009-06-10T18:48:00.000-07:00

ONE MORE DAY! yep last day of work is tomorrow! WHOO HOO! I am so ready to be able to lets see.....Sleep in.....Sleep IN....SLEEP IN! ha
Have so much to do around the house but just glad to do something different for awhile.
Trips to Terre Haute and Oklahoma coming up too...then maybe painting in the kitchen, back hall area and front bathroom this summer.
LAUNDRY OH my goodness LAUNDRY! 5 boys still here and boy do they pile up the laundry. Now the do help but with no girls living here but me things get messy fast. OH WELL not like I have not had this issue for years but where or where is my JENNY POOH!
I expect she is at home doing the laundry there too! ha
but anyway Summer has officaly started come 2pm tomorrow afternoon. GOODBYE KITCHEN for 12 weeks!

Prom

2009-06-10T18:44:00.000-07:00

Ian ready for Prom with Pua

last few days

2009-05-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

Hi, well I am down to 12 days left of work! I am trying to get the snacks to go...and check out all the other things that have to be cleaned or stored at the close of day on the 11th. Luckily the cleaning does not have to be super as the dust and all will come over the summer. So just wipeing things down and making sure there is no real icky spots I have missed. Although just between you guys and me my kitchen has no real ICKY spots ever!
I am looking forward to the summer. Sewing a bunch! I hope. Visiting with Alex and his family in July. I HOPE! and maybe getting more things done around this house. YES Cleaning a lot! and doing up some picture albums and did I Mention sewing?! HA
James and they boys have had a cough and sore throat now for about a week. Cedric is home today as is Gaelan. Both are doing better but Cedric is more down than Gaelan. Thierry has had a snotty nose for a good week too and so have the hardies in general. Ryan too keeps showing up with a snoot full of different colored snot! YUCK! but with any luck I have not yet showed up with anything. Maybe all the hot kitchen air pushing anything out of me? or maybe all the bleach I get to work in keeping my hands sanitized but whatever I am happy I have not showed up sick.
Chris's grandmother also died on May 18th and over the weekend I took mom and went to the graveside burial service. She had bypass surgery in Nov of 08 and then hip surgery just this past April so she was having a hard time healing I think. Chris's mom Dawn is down but Chris is doing ok. I sure hope that Dawn feels better soon. Her Dad died last year just after Thierry was born so she has had a hard full year plus.
I guess this is all for now. No new pictures but maybe some of our outings this summer.

2009-04-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

James left to go to San Antonio to help Caleb find a home....which he did! I am so happy for him. Now the wait to see if the sellers will accept his offer. He found a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. 2 car garage. The kitchen is nice with counter space (something I would die for) and what I would call a huge walk in pantry off of it. The site did not show bedrooms but there were two pictures of the both baths and both baths have tubs too. James says a lot of scrubbing and some updates and he will have a very nice home. He is not far from work either and the church is also practically just around the corner. Now he may choose to go to the YSA ward still but even that building is not what I would call too far, although twice the distance. Caleb and James called and talked me through some of his other looks and then let me help them make the decision on the final two. It was almost like being there. Today they say they are going to see the Alamo and then off to the river walk. I hope both have a good sight seeing day and have a good flight home tomorrow. Ian leaves on may 6th to fly to Las Vegas to help Caleb move. Caleb hopes to close on his new home with a month. GOOD LUCK! now to plan the trip there to see his new baby.....hummm..
On my end I have spent so far two days cleanning my kitchen! Yes two days and I am still not close enough to done. I thought it was pretty clean but I was wrong. There was dirt behind the freezer stuck on the wall of all things, dirt up higher on the wall border too. UG! I got cedric though to scale the heights and clean for me. I then decided that he needed to stay up high and clear off the tops of the cabinets and clean. Then I scrubbed the cupboards inside and out. Pulled the drawers out and reorganized and cleaned them too. Scrubbed Refrigerator and Freezer...rearranged the other cupboards by the door too. And decided to toss about half my cookbooks. Well giving to Rachel and Jenny anyway. I use what I use anymore and haven't even looked into what I am opting to give away for years. Trying to put things that I do use where I can get them easily too. Like I said I would die for the kitchen I see online that Caleb is hopeing to get. I guess coveting is not a good quality here but after 9 kids and never ever having any real kitchen space seeing my 28 year old son (not married son) (no kids son) getting a workable kitchen well...grrrr... ha. No really I am happy for him but sometimes.....grrrr.
Anyway today I have to finish up with clearing the table of the extra things. I did go out and buy two ceramic jars to hold my spatulas and serving spoons. I was previously using these old tin can holders, not the best but all I had. I might have to go and get another one but I did manage to talk myself out of keeping several items I had two or more of. SO hopefully I will be done today and can get my floors done too.
It is so nice to clean and see the results for a day too. Now with any luck I will get to keep this cleaning bug for a few weeks so I can divide and conquer more of my house. The only real question is "Will I go into labor now?" Haven't had this strong of a desire to clean since my last water broke some 12 almost 13 years ago! I have had little to no real drive for housecleaning for years. IT sure hit me yesterday though. SO if nothing else the kitchen reaped the reward and I won't even have to set up the crib after! ha
I am on count down for work too. Now I love going to work 99% of the time but for some reason I just want to stay home right now and get things done around here. WHY?
Maybe my cleaning bug is stronger than I think? And my painting itch is creeping up on me too as once something has been cleaned I start dreaming of colors! OH NO!
I will keep you all posted.

More pictures

2009-03-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

Here are more pictures from different angles, I have a small breezeway where there are two coolers for milk and juice and the the snack shelf. So hope you enjoy seeing me at work.

My work

2009-03-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of my work place. It is a very nice kitchen.

2009-02-20T12:43:00.000-08:00

HI all, Well it has been awhile since I have been on. Seems like all I get anymore is problems but I guess those too teach you things. But the light is on at the end of the tunnel even if it is a very very long tunnel still.
I also read something on a friends blog that really kinda fits on how I have been feeling about life and kids in general and it gave me some perspective so I thought I would post that for now.

The Invisible Mother

Invisible Mother......

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask me a question.

Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'

Obviously, not.

No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all.

I'm invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going; she's going; she is gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England ... and a friend had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when she turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.'

It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To _____ , with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:

No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.' And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on.

The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree. As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Hope this encourages you when the going gets tough as it sometimes does. We never know what our finished products will turn out to be because of our perseverance.

Ramblings

2009-01-02T09:46:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, well as usual the holiday has brought us some good colds and stuffed up heads and such. Gaelan went to spend the night at one of his friends and ended up coming home within an hour because he was throwing up! ug...once here he was fine but he went straight to bed. I have had this sinus infection or cold or whatever now since last monday and it keeps getting better then worse then better then worse. My head hurts from it and between taking drugs to stop the running I am also taking drugs to unclog. HA
At least everyone but me seems to be doing good today. Gaelan and Cedric have a progressive dinner to go to for Mutual tonight. They are going to start the evening off with bowling and then go to three different homes for a dvd presentation for the new mutual theme and food. We will pick them up around 9pm at the bishops. Both seem interested in going which is so totally not the case around here usually. Most of the time the activity seems to be of interest to only one age group. I just hope that Gaelan doesn't start throwing up because he eats too much!
This then reminded me that I have to schedule them a physical this year and eye appointments. Something that I just hate doing but I will wait until the weather is good so we are looking at april. Nothing is worse then trying to take a kid to a non emergency doctors appt in 7 degree weather or worse a snow storm. So I will call around the first of march to schedule something for spring break. I even put it on my calendar this time. This is actually my one and only new years resolution this year. To put appt dates or to remind myself by putting things on the calender so that I remember to do things in a better time frame. I also need to schedule something for Ian seeing how he will be 19 the end of april. Just in case and I probably should try to get him in during winter break in February in case we have to take him for an appt on something. I doubt we will but? He is now old enough to go to a non pediatric doctor too. It seems silly that a big ole 6 foot boy at 190lbs goes to a pediatric doctor but I am told it is actually pretty normal until they are 19. So I will call and double check. Make sure all shots are up to date and that I am back on track for people. Although I figure I am anyway. These younger kids just have not been sick like my first family of 4 was and so not having to take kids to the doctor for things over the years makes you forget about the regular appts that are needed. Of course once they hit school there are not many that are really needed anyway but Gaelan is 12 now and I know I need tetnus for the kids and maybe the second mmr booster for gaelan.
Now I have rambled too much. But this is what I do. I hope that 2009 is a good year. I have felt like the past two years have been nothing but trouble. So if we can have a good year this year it would be one of the best presents ever. I suppose it is not starting out too bad if you discount the sickness and I will becasue that is just the way it is with the weather and being cooped up without good air flow to stay warm.
Hope you all have a good year too. HAPPY 2009!

2008-12-27T18:29:00.000-08:00

Hi All
Well kids have left and are on their way home. Jenny and Eric too have left kodiak and are flying home to seattle. I expect a full report on life once they return.
We had a nice christmas, hectic with the kids but super nice. I always get a bit blue after as it gets so slow after all the rush to get christmas done but at least I have this next week to wind down, go out to eat lunch with my lunch lady friends and a movie and dinner out with James. I guess I am old because I love the quiet and the adult outings. We will try our best to go on a road trip to see Alex and his family this coming summer though. Want to be able to better visualize his home and the kids life as much as I can.
Not going to go out or do anything special for New Years Eve. We usually just sit at home, weather and all is usually not its best and watch some tv or rent a movie. Gaelan likes to sit up and see the ball drop.
I have some work related paperwork to do this coming week and some cleanning up after the holidays. But like I said I think we had a really nice visit. Kids are growing way too fast.
I will post some pictures maybe tomorrow or at least within a few days. Just too tired to mess with it tonight.
Happy Holidays to ALL and Happy New Year 2009.

belated

2008-12-06T16:49:00.000-08:00

HI guys! well behind as usual. I just realized that I had my halloween photos already downloaded and in a folder. So I will post a couple of pictures of Cedric and Gaelan and ryan. We had a great Halloween too! the weather was perfect. A bazillion kids were out and all were of course cute too.
Forgot to take pictures at thanksgiving but that is because I spent the entire day in the kitchen cooking. Can't do much else though with a house full of boys. Rachel though was here and she was a good helper so it did go faster once they came. I have been busy since with wrapping presents for grandkids and married kids. James and Cedric, Gaelan and I all piled into the car with boxes and drove to the UPS store and got them mailed. I was told one week so everyone will have their box by the 12th! WHOO HOO! Now I just need to concentrate on the kids and grandkids that are here. OH NO WAIT! got a call this afternoon and guess who is thinking of driving up to see us? YES you guessed right.....Alex and Family.....so 3 boxes later they may be bringing the boxes back? Well whatever happens we will be happy to have them for christmas with or without the boxes. WIll have to write santa though and tell him that we will have more.
I will take pictures and it will be super nice to see Samuel too! SO now I am busy brain storming on what I can do while they are here, where we can take the kids to keep them happy. Glow golf? skating? MOVIES? crafts? have to start thinking. Of course we have a full half day out at Rachel's on the 24th and then christmas itself and I did want to go see the new adam sadler movie in the afternoon too. Plus with having the wii I think we can occupy little boys and little girls for a few hours playing something. Well happy holidays everyone!
Here are some pictures of the boys at Halloween.

2008-10-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

Hi, well it has been a rough couple of weeks here for me. Nothing really going on but just work, house and dirt all over. On the lighter side it hailed today while we were at church. The ground was completely covered for a bit. Suppose to of gotten a touch of snow but we got hail instead. After church some of the younger kids picked up the hail that lingered and threw it at each other, the church, and some nearby cars. It is getting cold enough here already that we have had to turn on the heater. Not all day but at night as it has been down to freezing temps. Had to also scrape the windshield a couple of days last week. I love the colors of the trees though this time of the year and the fireplace smells when it does get chilly so a mixed bag of blessings here.
Gaelan is going to go dressed as the johnny pirate. Cedric is going as V. We watched the V movie the other night and he really enoyed it alot but had decided to go as V earlier so the movie was an afterthought. Should be a good halloween this year, cold, kids dressed up and candy bought.

James with His aunt Elaine and cousins

2008-10-13T15:11:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of pictures of James with his Aunt Elaine. She is his mother's sister. The one picture is of Elaine, her daughter Joyce and sons Gary and ?. Sorry but I am not totally sure on the other mans name. James is in the one picture and Gary has his wife with him. Joyces husband is standing behind her.There are also Joyces husbands son and possibly Garys boy in the last picture too. James was not clear in his email who the others were but they are his family. He had a wonderful visit and wishes he could of stayed a bit longer overall, but he is happy that he could go at least. He fly out tomorrow to Sacramento and to visit with Joyce (my stepmother) and his mom and brother Bill and Sister in law Sandy. We will all be ready for him to be home on saturday.

2008-10-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures of the USS SHOUP and of my new son-in-law Eric. Jenny is so happy and it so shows. James says that the USS SHOUP is not as long as the Kincaid was but that it is close. From the pictures here it doesn't look anywhere near as big as the Kincaid but maybe the ship is just sitting in the water differently too? They said that Eric's back is in one of the pictures of the guys pulling ropes with the guns but I am not sure which one it is. Jenny got a sailor hat to wear and just glows. They are doing good and out shopping to get a few more things for their apt. I think the TV is big on the list but they have been to Ikea too.
James and Eric and Jenny are planning on a dinner out tonight. Guess the trip is winding down so not sure how many more pictures I will receive but hopefully a few more of the apt (clean) and organized with furniture (please).
James will be on his way down to Sacramento tomorrow to visit with his mom, brother and sister-in-law and Joyce. He is happy to get to see everyone even if it is only for a short period of time.
Just on the side note to Jenny, hope all your plans go wonderfully and the two of you enjoy your new married life. Keep us updated from time to time on things. We love you and I still miss you. Happiness always!

2008-10-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

Hi, well here are some pictures of Jenny and James going over on the fierry to see James cousin Shelli and his aunt shirley. Aunt shirley had a heartattack recently and coded 3 times so she is currently in a nursing home recovering but all is well at this point so it was a nice visit. The fiery ride over was great I am told but windy. Yesterday later on Jenny got the makings for cookies and muffins so that Eric can have some sweets when he gets in as he loves cookies!
Just a side note (as today is actually sunday while I am writing this) BUT.....THE FLEET IS IN! Just got a call from James and heard the yelling to celebrate the USS SHOUPS arrival home! What a day... James says Jenny is jumping around like Tigger! taking pictures right and left too so we should have a few to share soon. Can't see Eric as he is on the port side but I am sure he will be off the ship as soon as he can. All the new daddy's get to get off first along with other firsts and I guess they have a tradition of picking a winner to get off first for the traditional FIRST KISS!. Not jenny or eric but still something neat and so he will have to wait until after that is over with too. I am sure it is just mins really now after this long wait until joyous hugging and kissing will commence!

The Apartment

2008-10-10T17:52:00.000-07:00

Well Jenny has her apt and has been out shopping. She has a bed, kitchen table, microwave, mixer, and all the additional things that make a house tick. She will let Eric have the say in a couch and the electronics when it is time. She said she went to walmart and purchased 400.00 worth of nothing! HA...she got all the house stuff like ironing board, tp, papertowels, some pans and stuff so all worth while things but I guess not really that much fun to buy when you have basically had your own money to just buy clothes and fun things for a good 4 months now. But she did get her green tea kettle and her green brita pitcher so she is happy. James has been the dutiful dad and has hauled, and helped put together the place for her. They went to see James aunt Elaine today too and will tonight attend the homecoming party for the ship so that they can meet people and get their passes for the big day on sunday. Seems they can get on the base around 8:30am so that means around a 10am or so arrival of the USS SHOUP. Eric has been able to call her a few times too since he hit Hawaii. This of course is just icing on the cake.
So here are some pictures of her apt. She says she will send some more still and I will continue to update with pictures if I get them and let you know how the newlyweds are doing.
Maggie the cat is hiding under the bed but is slowly getting used to the apt too. It did not smell right (carpet cleanning, and paint) so she shook the first day but is adjusting and once they get a couch I expect she will be there long enough to settle in. But the place seems nice I am told, nice view out the back of the pond so no ugly neighbors to stare at you and they have the parking spot directly out and down from the stairs so not too far to haul groceries from. They have laundry in the apt and a dishwasher, refrig and of course stove. Almost sounds too perfect for a first apt...humm....maybe a nice mouse would make it seem more homey?
Take care little girl and congradulations on your first real apt!

Continuing pictures of the road

2008-10-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

Hi, well I have more pictures from jenny! Guess Boompa made a hit at Eric's brothers house with the boys, Of course feeding them sugar always helps. Maggie the cat has done wonderful with the travels too and as you can see has taken over the car. Guess the cat carrier just wasn't working from day one so they let her out and she made herself comfortable wherever she wanted in the car. They have had good weather all the way to Everett, which is where they are now. More pictures to come tomorrow I hope as Jenny said she would post some to me tonight. Got a discount at the last motel too because she was wearing her Navy hoodie.
So the long trip has come to an end. Now it is buying a mattress and getting to walmart to get apt supplies. Making pretty for Eric and with any luck we will have a homecoming party and pictures of the ship and boy to show you soon, well along with an apt and maybe some of the apt complex. I am happy and relieved that they are now in Everett. Still miss Jenny but how happy she sounds on the phone is heartwarming to a mother. Take care my Jenny pooh. Have a happy start.

Trip continues

2008-10-07T19:26:00.000-07:00

Hi, well no pictures as of yet but I was told they would be forth coming soon. James and Jenny are almost to portland and will be driving into Everett tomorrow. They are tired but doing good. The car has been getting 35 miles to a gallon. Not bad for an older escort and a car that was essentially dumped by another ward member here. But with alot of elbow grease and brothers and a daddy that knows cars and some tender loving care from Jenny too it has made the trip.
They spent a nice day in Salt lake with Eric's brother James and his family. James even has a few new grandkids it sounds like. Ruff them up a bit but bought mormon cookies for them before they left. Sounds like a cd of cars will be soon in the mail to the new little ones too. They were able to go to Temple square and get a sound demonstration and tour the new tabernacle too. Went to the bookstore (but no presents)and just had a good down day. I am told though that I did get a present from cracker barrell..humm? Wonder if that means a tasty bit of cheese? Well guess I have a week to find out just what I got.
Can't wait to get the pictures of the apt and a couple of other road pictures too. They have alot planned once they get to Everett too as Jenny has to sign and be offical, find a bed and some house items, go to the homecoming party to get their passes and offical ok to get on base on friday. Then there is the visiting of family that has to be done. Once Eric gets in then they can find a couch and finish up a few minor things that might need two able bodied boys. So please Jenny if you are reading this send pictures! Take more pictures, and don't forget to get some of Eric too as the ship pulls in and he walks off!

More of Jennys Travels

2008-10-06T05:56:00.000-07:00

HI all! well Jenny and James made it to Rawlings Wyoming yesterday. Thought that they would stop in Cheyenne but I guess the weather was good and the clock just keeps going backwards so they have more sun and time. The trip has been going good except for one rest stop where Maggie would not go for her walk as the wind was just too much for her. They should be pulling into Salt Lake City today around noon or so and will go for a visit to Temple Square and to see Eric's brother James and Family. Spend the night with them and then tomorrow morning get back on the road up through Idaho and then across either 82 or 84 to go on into eventually Washington state. Only two more motel rooms and Jenny pooh should be sleeping in her first real home!
Well here are some pictures once again of things along the road and one tired girl with her kitty.

Jenny Leaves

2008-10-04T21:11:00.000-07:00

Well Jenny left today. BOO HOO! I forgot to take a picture of her at the car before her dad and her drove off too. Double BOO HOO. Just can't seem to think lately. But on the up side she is happy and they are already in Stuart, Iowa for their first nights sleep. They expect to be in Salt Lake on monday around noon. She said that she would send some pictures. I have a couple but none are of her. HUMM? But if I can get this here computer to work I can post a couple of state signs that she sent to me and maggie her cat, that she is taking to washington with her.
Cedric said it was way too quiet in the house today with just the 3 of us. Ian was out working on the sable (good brother) and Eli was at work, Ryan was being babysat by friends. Kinda a day that I should of had all summer but well that is ok. Guess it will take a few days or weeks to get readjusted to Jenny being gone, clean up her clutter that is left here and start finding what she missed. It is hard to think of your babies all grown up (more or less) and out there in the world without you. Her Hubby (that she loves) had just better be good to her or I know that a few brothers and a mean mom will come and take care of the situation.
James I think is happy to be out and about for a couple of weeks too. I know work is hard and it seems that you no sooner get home then it is time to go to bed and do it all over the next day. AND THIS IS COMING FROM ME! a lady who only works 4 hours a day. SO I can imagine what a relief it must be to have a couple weeks off when you work for 8 hours or more a day, week after week, year after year. I just hope they have a great trip and that I GET PICTURES!

2008-09-23T13:39:00.000-07:00

I got a new position at work. I am now the kitchen Manager of Beechview Elementary. SO far the work is going good and I am not having really any issues. I over ordered the milk for today but that is not a biggie. It sure keeps me moving but then my other job at Warner middle school did too. I am still hot and tired when I get home but not so wet and sweaty.
Maybe I can get the custodian to take a picture of me in the kitchen and if I can then I will post ME!
I am happy for now and hope that this new change works out good.
On the downside Rachel and Chris had their car stolen for their driveway on Sunday night. We are now waiting to see if it turns up. This is the second time for them with this car. With any luck they will get it back without too much damage. At least Rachel had taken the baby seat out and she had the registration too just by chance so that was good for the police report. IF ANYONE out there sees a gold dodge intrepid with Michigan plates driving around in your neighborhood LET US KNOW. SO any good wishes and prayers for a safe return of their only transportation would be appreciated.
Jenny is out helping them with the use of her car this week and we have started on getting a new engine for the old sable so that they can use that in a week or so just in case. Otherwise I guess Cedric will get a car for next year when he embarks on his driving career. Thank goodness for men that can exchange engines!
I also spent the night with mom again last night. I think she is doing better today but will try to spend a bit more time with her again tomorrow. Thursday night is my new season night so I want to be home for that. She is walking on and off the cane but still slow. I hope all goes well over the next few weeks and that she will be up and on her own a whole lot more by her 6 week check. I know she is itching to be out and about more.
Guess that is all the news for now. Wish I had a picture or two. Maybe I will take one of mom too! won't that be a hoot! oh and I got baby to eat too.

2008-08-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update...My mom is going in for her hip surgery this friday. I expect I will be at the hospital all day. She is hopeing to be home on sunday but they said maybe monday. I think this is a fast turn around but I suppose it is doable as people are doing it.
Went to work last friday for a short trip to put away frozen foods and now tomorrow I will have about 4 hours at work helping to unpack and store the dry goods, set up the kitchen and have a general meeting about what is new this year. I hope I am ready because I have been really slow this year and it hurts to bend much. I suppose though that this is due to too much laziness on my part.
Oh and I also bought the boys a wii! I have been thinking about one since they came out but have never been able to get my hands on one. They are always not in, or gone before I can get there. But anyway went to gamestop to get cedric a birthday game for his PSP player and there they were just sitting behind the counter! I asked the price and because it was not a big bundle pack I got it for 200.00! We got an additional numchuck to go with the machine and I bought a games bundle pack separate so it did overall cost more but anyway I got one! I love it as much as the boys do! I will get more games in the future but for now we are trying the rental scene to see which ones we really like and what would be worth buying.
Will see if I can get a picture up soon of this new baby in our house. I call it the baby because believe me everyone and I mean everyone comes home and likes to get on and play as soon as possible. Even James has done some bowling with me.

Micki

2008-07-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

Well just to update today, Micki died. I got a call around 10:38 this morning from amanda. Not sure what the plans are but I expect a memorial service early next week at her familys property by houghton lake. She will be cremated. Took Ryan out with Eli and we found her a nice skort and top with shoes. Then went to mcdonalds for lunch. Slow day really otherwise.

loosing friends

2008-07-21T19:42:00.000-07:00

Went over to see my friend Micki today. She is dying from cancer. The same exact cancer killed her son when he was 26 or so. This was only around 7 years ago. Now she is also on her last leg. They really do not know how long she will be around. I guess the doctor told her husband 40 days or so 53 days ago. This is a good sign but in reality there is nothing they can do for her anymore but make her comfortable. She is on morphine and other drugs. She does not look like herself anymore either, unless she smiles and when she smiles she shines through.
We share a granddaughter (my Ryan) she says that I will have to always hug her twice now. Once for me and once for her. All she ever wanted was several grandkids. She finally got little ryan just 3 3/4 years ago. She has been the light of her life. We are not sure if she will get to see Ryans 4th birthday this year on sept 5th. John (her husband) is hopeing that she will and then he says God needs to take her before her pain gets worse. I think he is tired too and as much as he wants her here, he wants her out of pain. She is 45.
I wish though that I could really do something for her but all I could do was visit for a bit, get her to smile some on some memories and rub her bruised ankle.
I pray that she goes easily when the time comes.

mom

2008-07-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

Went to church with mom today. Well Relief Society. Mom does not go to church for more than this part of sunday. Sometimes I go with her just because I know it will only be an hour as I get tired of the same old stuff in my ward, other times I go because I want to be there with mom. Today I wanted to go and be with mom. There was not many people at church as here in michigan families especially the female side of families like to migrate back to their families in utah alot so that leaves very little left. Moms ward is no exception it seems. Anway I went with her today and sat in my usual space as she played the prelude music for Relief Society. I closed my eyes and just listened to her. She plays well. I have always wanted to play the piano but just can't seem to make my fingers work. I do not have a full octive span on my fingers so it makes it hard to spread and reach the notes. Anyway I just sat and listened. I know I will miss her playing one day. Today was one of those moments that I think will be forever engranded in my book of memories. One that I will draw up and relive when I am old and she is gone. I drifted in an out a bit and totally forgot that I was sitting in RS, it felt like she was playing the music just for me.

2008-07-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

Had a nice 4th of july. Rachel and family came over. Amandine went on the bike ride behind the fire engine too. It was kinda funny as we watched the fire engine come, kids behind it go by but no amandine. So we figured that she followed the other one on the short route instead of the long route...NO...here she comes way at the end of the street with her daddy by her side. AWWWW is all I thought and then we started laughing. It wasn't a real funny moment but one of those too cute moments that you just had to laugh about. Rachel, Jenny and I along with Thierry waited out front and cheered her on as they passed us by. Chris and Amandine then went on back up to the pool where the fire engine preceeded to get everyone wet. Later on Chris took amandine and gaelan back up to the pool for a swim. Thierry and I feel asleep on the chair around 1 and slept for a couple of hours. Rachel and Jenny went to the mall. We had barbecued pork ribs, and brats along with beans, corn on the cob and veggies. YUMMM! Had fireworks after (which was very nice, but long) the neighbors up the street had the illegal sky ones so we got to see some of them too and sometimes ours would end just as they would shoot off one of theirs so it was a nice combination of fireworks. After the Hardies (all but amandine) left for home and we came in and close the day off.
Amandine is spending the week with us. So far we have watched tv, played with playdoh, gone swimming, gone to church, helped around the house, taken care of feeding all the animals. We are going to go and see the movie Kitt Kingdreth (sp) tomorrow and will hit up Kohls today for shoes for uncle gaelan and polo shirts for the boys so that they have a shirt for the group picture on the 19th. I hope the picture turns out great!
Nothing really planned for this week other than going through my sewing area, playing with amandine and getting a few errands done.
On the lighter side, Peter called me last week. It was so cute, he said Hi Grandma...I said hi...he said don't talk too loud. I said "why not? He said.."Cause I am in the closet" I laughed and Laughed! Later on he called me to tell me that he knew how to climb his new fence at his new house. What a character! I love my peter!...

2008-07-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

Hi, thought I would update a bit since my last post. My computer is down so I am having to rely on Jennys for now. I hope mine will be worked on soon as that is where my pictures are. Anyway July 4th is tomorrow, have fireworks ready, barbecue ready, and food purchased. Going to do pork ribs, baked beans, corn on cob, potato salad, chips, cake and fago pop. YUM!
Rachel and family will be here but mw will be with friends. I am not sure on Eli either but the rest of the gang will at least surface for the food.
The sub always has the fire engine show up and the kids follow it around on bikes and scooters and such and then the fire engine hoses them down. This Year amandine is old enough to participate so I hope her folks get her out here in time. I will take some pictures and post when I can. I expect people will go to the pool too and I am also sure that Chris will find a sport to watch on the tube.
Gaelan's birthday is also this month (12 years old!) and he has decided that he wants something each week instead of one activity on his birthday. So I said yes...hey baby you know! anyway so this week is fireworks and we saw the movie Wall-EE. Next week I expect will be lazer tag and then we have putt putt and race cars, more movies, maybe a trip to marvelous marvins or something like that too. He gets to pick so it will be interesting to see what he comes up with. Originally he was going to ask a friend for each week but his friends seem to be out of town this month so it may end up being a mommy and son weekly outing or maybe cedric will join us or jenny too. We shall have to wait and see. James also has a birthday this month and Rachel the day after Gaelan's. Of course most of ours come in clumps so a week plus later is cedric's, then mine, then amandines, then Eli's the very next day, ryans 4 days later, solennes two weeks later, and finally chris before we get a months break. Then back into the month of November with Darci, Eric (nov 5th) Alex, our anniversary and the caleb, shortly after his is the twins the first of december. All the holidays thrown in and you have guessed it! a very busy end of the year!
I of course can never really figure out what to do on presents anymore for anyone. Not sure if adult kids really should get much more than a card and a token. Still want to do so much cause they are my babies but know that with all the added spouses, and grandkids that I have to cut something out. I know I will figure it all out though. For now bye though

Graduation time once again

2008-06-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

Ian with his mommy and Daddy
Ian Attacking his cake! (as always I have to get a few sideways and now I can't figure out how to undo it)

The grad group and Ian with his diploma

Ian with Ryan, Thierry and Amandine. Ian with Pua (his girlfriend)

Ian with diploma (sideways again)
Caleb with Thierry

Well here we are with yet another proud moment in time! Our number 7 child Ian has graduation from High School. I really enjoyed his graduation, he is such a cute patootie too. Dimples and just an all around fun person. SO enjoy the pictures!

Friday

2008-06-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

Today doesn't seem to be a friday to me. James is home working on the back patio with Eli. So men under foot. I thought I was going to get right into doing things but I have been slow. Mom came by and we read through her surgery paperwork. Rachel called and we talked a bit while she was out at the park with Natallie. I really like Natallie.She is Chris's sister and she shares her kids with me,and is very kind in and easy going. She lets me be another grandma with her and her family. I enjoy seeing her kids as much as my own grandkids. Probably helps alot that they are here and most of mine are elsewhere too. They are all so cute, sofia, grayson and scarlett.

Here is a picture of my Jenny and her Eric. Found I had it on the desktop so will not have to search for one. Not sure who has really seen a picture of Eric yet. I do not have alot but will find more as I go through things and see about posting another one later on. He is stationed on the USS Shoup. He is an STG, that means sonar tech. He should be back in Everett mid October. She is hopeing that she will be settled there a week or so before he gets in. James will go with her and also spend some time visiting with his cousin Shelli and his aunts I expect.

2008-06-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

Hi, Well I went and took my test! I am thrilled because it seemed so easy. I only had to skip over 4 questions and then go back to them at the end. This is great so I really feel that if I miss any of the questions it will be those 4. We had 90 questions of which 10 were future test questions and so will be thrown out. If any of the 4 I questioned are them they will be thrown out and so will not count towards my total score. Of the 80 left I only have to get 60 correct. This I believe was an easy thing to do. I took the test, went back and reviewed and answered the 4 I skipped and then reread each and every question and reanswered it in my head and checked my marked answer. Then checked to make sure all bubbles for each line were filled in. Turned in the exam and came home. I will know in ten days my score. I an check online. If I pass (and I really should) I will get an extra 100.00 in my paycheck in the fall. Plus I get paid for the time learning and taking the test. I will have to recertify in 5 years. By then I will know if I am going to keep working too.
SO tonight we are going out to eat and then going to go and see a movie. A bit of a precelebration but something needed. I have been having a big headache over all the studying. Now I can start my vacation, clean, sew, and get rooms straight.

2008-06-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

Here is my daughter Rachel with her new baby Thierry. He was born on March 20th, 2008. Born on his uncle Michael's birthday. He is a sweet boy and Rachel and her husband Chris are excited and very pleased that he has joined their family.

I am happy too, this one I get to hold and spoil.

2008-06-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my newest grandson too. His name is Samuel Howard Smith. He was 9lbs at birth. Haven't been able to see him yet but soon I hope. He looks like his sister Solenne to me but with a different nose. I guess time will tell on how the face goes. I am told he is a good baby so far too.

Congradulations!

2008-06-19T06:39:00.000-07:00

HI, well now this is so much better. Here is the picture of alex and Darci and new son Samuel. The story is below. He is standing at Saint Louis University just after his graduation. May 14th, 2008. What a proud smile! What a proud mom I am. He has really done well for himself.
I love you Alex.

2008-06-19T06:20:00.000-07:00

Hi, thought I would show off my baby. Alex graduated this may with his PHD. He has worked really hard to accomplish this. Lets see started in ernest after 1997 so has taken I guess just over 10 years. Went from really only a year from American River when we moved here in 1994, to mission for two years, to marriage and kids (now 5) to his phd. He has a job teaching in Oklahoma City now. His whole family is so excited and I am sure he is too. Being able to make some roots, get into a schedule of no taking of classes for now anyway and just setting up his lessons will be enough.
His dad and I are really hopeing that we can visit no later than next summer. By then they will be comfortable and will have gotten things done around the house. This year will be taken up with helping Jenny it looks like. But they are only a two day drive away if we stop half way for a motel. Saint Louis is 10 hours and then another 8 to Oklahoma City. I expect if the plane fare is as high as it is we will try to drive at least once as long as Gas prices are about what they are now. But time will tell on what we can do.
Anyway I am very proud of him and what he has done with his life in his education. I am very proud of him anyway. He has been a good son.

getting close to the end

2008-05-29T18:07:00.000-07:00

Well hello again. It is now close to the end of the school year. Ian will be graduating and Jenny is out of the navy. Yes life does change and gives you a few bumps in the road. The two bumps here recently though are good bumps. I am elated that Ian is graduating and I am elated actually that Jenny is home and out of the Navy. She has alot of planning to do though to get to Everett in a few months to be with Eric when he returns from his deployment.
Then on the home front my back yard is actually getting redone. Patio, clothes line repositioned and sod being laid. I really think it will bring alot of calm when you look out the back.
I have been stressed alot and my performance at work shows it. I forget to do things and then do too much of other things. Well maybe it is not that bad but I pride myself in being on top of my assigned duties for the week and I have been less than on top of what I am suppose to do. I think the stress of jenny, Ian graduating and then thoughts of my oldests family moving too far away to visit has really saddened me alot. I ache too and have probably more on my plate then I need right now. I know it will even out and vacation is just a week away so I will muddle on. I am taking a break and a day off tomorrow. I think this will really help me just decompress some. Maybe jenny and I will go to walmart. Funny but walking around looking at things really does help especially when you have not been able too for well since she was here at christmas time. I hate going to the stores alone and I can't really enjoy myself when James comes as I feel like he objects to the things I throw into the basket. This too though will pass. I have also been reading my sisters blog alot. Not sure if this has any bearing on my moods but it may have.

Explanation

2007-12-20T04:44:00.000-08:00

Well from my last short blog I expect that anyone reading this will think that I do not like the fact that my daughter is engaged. This is not the case. I know sometimes that you have to jump feet first into something or it passes you by and if she feels that Eric is the "ONE" then I am very happy for her, but, can I be cautious....I think that some of my wanting to be cautious comes from my 4th child who up and married a girl and then she ended up leaving him about 2 months later. It took just about a year to get the divorce finalized. I do not know what possessed him. Then I have another son #2 who was married for just over 3 years and is now divorced too. This one has produced a grandchild. The relationship has caused for hard feelings with myself to my exdaughter in law. Mainly because she is lazy and will not even try to support herself or her daugther but instead is laying around the mans apt that broke my son and her up. Well not totally broke them up but had a big hand in it.SO I worry that Jenny is jumping feet first into something too soon. They say a June wedding is what they are looking at. This makes me feel better because if they get to that point it will be a bit over 6 months of dealing with each other and planning. I also suppose I am apprehensive about a marriage at this point because both are in the US NAVY. This may pose a difficult experience for them when the time comes to be separated. And then the final reason (which has no bearing on her) I really wanted to have an adventure when I was young but was talked out of several things just because I was a girl...or shouldn't because it was not something a good girl would do...or a mormon girl would do...or it was a boy thing to do and I would look like I was one of those girls....She went into the Navy to have some fun, experience life and do some traveling. A once in a lifetime before she gets too old to do things before kids experience. Maybe she went to find a man?
Well If Jenny and Eric do get married I wish them happiness. This is all I really want for my kids. Whatever life throws at them to at least of had a hand at being able to say it may not be your thing but I am happy. IT is what I really want. SO for all my misgivings I wish her well. I wish her love and I wish her happiness. I LOVE YOU JENNY>

Which Heroine are you

2007-12-19T17:16:00.001-08:00

Take the Quiz here!

2007-12-19T16:55:00.000-08:00

The past few weeks have again been a bit surprising. First my daughter called from san diego with news of her engagement. We were shocked actually but she is engaged. I think that we will just sit on this news for now. His name is Eric. I do not have anything bad to say but will still just sit on it.

Room ONE

2007-11-24T13:47:00.000-08:00

Well seeing how many of my friends and family have blogs I thought that I might try one. I am no good at journals as it requires me to remember but maybe a blog would be more fun seeing how I love the computer.
First I picked the Title Hotel California simply because, one I love the song and Two my life has always felt like I was more of a room keeper than anything else. I once thought that as kids aged that they would simply move out and move on but have also found this to not be quite correct so hence I am a hotel that continually has its doors open. Although unlike the song I would allow them to CHECK OUT! ha
This year has proven to be one of intense happenings. It started with my fathers passing in January and continued with my father in laws passing in july along with about 9 other people of various aspects of my life passing on. I was able to slip two pleasant trips in this year too. The first was going to see son number 3, Caleb, in Las Vegas. We had a nice, hot walk down the strip and I think an overall very pleasant visit. The next being a trip out to my friends wedding in October. My Daughter Rachel and granddaugher amandine went with me. I fell in love with the rental car, an SUV and just had an overall relaxing visit with my stepmother. The wedding went well too although there is never really enough time to do alot. You try not to plan for too long thinking you will run out of things to do and actually always run too short and try to shove too much into a day.
This year had a few surprises...one my oldest daughter Rachel has shown up pregnant with her second child. They have tried but had been unsuccessful in the past. Then my other daughter Jenny joined the US NAVY. I am not really surprised but kinda was too. She is happy though off doing her own life now. I hope that once she gets stationed on board a ship that she finds life even more thrilling. I know when we went to see her at bootcamp that both her dad and I would of loved to of been her starting over again.
We are now into the holiday season which means making room for the tree and doing some christmas shopping. I generally love the season and the shopping part far better than the actual day. I actually never really remember being overly excited about christmas growing up. I only remember about 4 christmassas as a younger child and one as a teenager. Now I know this sounds wierd but trying to group the season each year in my mind has not worked. I do remember tree lights and a few special presents. Maybe because I did not plan them makes them less to remember and trying to remember which aunt or grandparent got you what is hard too. There are a few pictures but not many. I heard just lately that memories are not made by things but my moments that hug your heart. So I guess from this that christmas was not a hug making moment in my life as a child.
Well I guess this is it for room one for now. Not really sure how I will divide up this blog yet and maybe it will be just random rants of my lunatic mind talking thrown in with a few pictures maybe once i figure out how to attach. Anyway for anyone out there wanting to skim around don't take anything too seriously or think that I am full of inspiration cause I am not. Just a place to write some thoughts down and remember.
Happiness always