I'm dancing as fast as I can

before and after

2011-07-26T11:56:00.002-06:00

Linda and I each bought this same couch at Idaho youth Ranch. This one is Lindas. Sarah stole mine but I will go to her house and take a picture so you can see them both. This project we did last summer, but I think it was the beginning of my obsession.

Giraffe chair

2011-07-24T12:15:00.002-06:00

Here she is............

Bird feeders

2011-07-23T17:17:00.001-06:00

Love me some good canning jars.

BUSY BUSY BUSY

2011-07-23T09:19:00.002-06:00

I have been on a rampage to redo everything I can get my hands on. Gene thinks I have lost my wits. Does this look like I have lost anything?

I'm on my way out to find another redo. Have a good Saturday.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

2011-05-24T21:58:00.002-06:00

This is Rustic Rosemary bread with olive oil and balsamic for dipping.

As you can see I think we like it.

JEAN JEAN YOUR YOUNG AND ALIVE

2011-05-10T20:45:00.003-06:00

Don't throw away those jeans with the holes in the knees...........

Make skirts. The little girls love them.

Summer

2010-08-17T21:39:00.004-06:00

Hey this baby girl knows how to eat a fudgesicle!!

SUMMER VACATION

2010-07-14T08:59:00.002-06:00

Jamie and Pyper in the pool. Jamie swims like a fish. Pyper just loves floating around. Jamie and Chance at the beach in San Diego. Those two have so much fun together. They are almost inseperable.

Olivia had her face painted at Disneyland. She was such a pretty Kitty. She wore it all day. After her nap there was whisker marks on her pillow case.

My pretty new cruiser the kids gave me for Mothers Day. I love it and its so easy to ride. I don't know if I can do the big girl ride with Dawn and Kathy, those guys look pretty serious.

Welcome our newesr girl

2010-07-11T14:00:00.002-06:00

This is Spanky. She is the newest addition to our family. She came to us through my friend Mary Coe. Mary will always be her real Mom, but we love her like our own. She is great with the kids, but she loves me best. She follows me around and sits in my chair when I'm not here. Here she is lounging by the pool. Notice in the first picture she is wearing her new swim suit. ( She doesn't really swim, She is more of a bathing beauty. ) We love her lots!! Thank you so much Mary, she has made us all very happy.

Picture of the day

2010-04-27T07:27:00.002-06:00

What a cute kid!! You sure can tell the O'Dell kids.

Good Morning

2010-04-26T08:33:00.001-06:00

Just looking through pictures this morning and this one caught my eye.

Easter

2010-04-06T21:18:00.003-06:00

all dressed up for Easter Church service

Favorites

2010-03-31T20:29:00.003-06:00

Pyper loves strawberries.

CAREFREE

2010-03-21T20:28:00.003-06:00

My sister had neck surgery and needs to wear this cervical collar. There was a lot of chaffing under her neck and chin area.

So she decided to become carefree. Thats right my friend mini pads are not just for....you know.

These babies are soft, sterile, and inexpensive. Also discreet, very discreet.

We purchased the style without the wings. Shes not trying to fly, just be comfortable.

New toofins

2010-03-19T18:08:00.002-06:00

My sister-in-law sent me a picture of her new teeth....Whatcha think?

Trick My Scooter??

2010-03-19T16:52:00.004-06:00

Pyper can now sit up alone...YEAHHH My new ride for the next few days until I can put weight on my foot.

Nice basket to carry my phone, drink, girl scout cookies etc..

Smiley bugger nose girl.

Cup O Joe

2010-03-16T09:15:00.003-06:00

This coffee maker is the greatest invention since disposable diapers. One cup, one minute, presto....steaming hot cup of fresh coffee. I never drank coffee until I was in my 30's. I loved the smell, but the taste was lacking. I have since discovered I like coffee. I like it very strong with flavored creamer.MMMM. I have kept my good and faithful bunn however. It was my first coffe pot love. Good and fast. I break it out when we have company. It makes a mighty fine pot of coffee.

Okay Warren I get it!!!

2010-03-13T15:20:00.001-07:00

Trick My Trike!!

2010-03-12T07:16:00.002-07:00

Joe and Jimmie have way too much time on their hands. If you need an unusual project done call "Rogers Northside Garage" located at 28 and State.

Favorite things

2010-03-10T07:31:00.003-07:00

I remember Green Stamps and Gold strike stamps from when I was a kid. My Mom saved them in a big coffee can and when it came time to stick them in the book I was right there. I loved that job.She would save them all year and then pour over the catalogue to select Christmas toys. Hey, with 8 kids you do what you gotta do. We would go to the stamp redemption center in Caldwell and retrieve our treasures. Aww the simple life.

Farm Day Acrobatics

2010-03-09T21:07:00.002-07:00

Go Kelsey!!!!!!!!!!

Farm Day

2010-03-09T08:02:00.003-07:00

The youngins and I went to the Levinski farm to see the new baby lambs. The kids got to get right in the pen to pet them.

Fun Day. Jamie was a little afraid of the mama, but Chance and Olivia plowed right in.

Then came the trampoline. Way too much fun.

Chicken..........................dinner?

Random picture of a Joe boxer quilt I made for my Joe.

Sewing and Sandwiches

2010-02-28T17:14:00.004-07:00

I got Olivia a sewing machine for Christmas. Honestly I have never seen an adult sew as straight as she did on her first try. I have a seamstress in the making. She already made a little pillow for her first project. It's going to be great having a sewing buddy.

Gene has been really good on his diet. Lunch.....turkey sandwich....mmmmmmmmmmm

Hell-o...is anybody out there?

2010-01-29T14:40:00.003-07:00

This is Jamie. She is seriously trying to master her new easy bake oven. She is always serious about cake. Olivia and Chance also baking, but with not as much fervor as Jamie.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh...Cabo in December.

Gene looking to see if he can swim all the way out to the cruise ship.

We are here, alive and well. Kathleen commented that it has been awhile since I blogged. It has only been since July, Geez don't get all testy.

The new facebook, tweeter, ipad,idontknow, has got me in a technical quandry. I don't have enough energy to blog, tweet, im, e-mail, etc. I will however try to post something once in awhile so I don't seem anti social. Gion on a little trip, be home Feb. 8th. I'll fill you in then.

Summer Fun

2009-07-24T05:15:00.004-06:00

This is pretty much what most of our summer has looked like. Water, water, and more water. we planted a garden which has flourishes along with the weeds. We made the rounds of the neighborhood giving away our goods. The kids thought that was pretty cool. I bet I looked great pulling a wagon loaded with 3 kids and piled high with cabbage. All of the little ones have honed their swimming skills. Jamie has excede them all with her diving. Chance will jump to anyone willing to catch him. Sometimes he jumps before we're ready.

The life jackets make me feel safer when they are all in there together.

Isn't she just the cutest doll?

The 3 muskateers. They are practically inseperable. They love each other and fight like cats and dogs. GO FIGURE!

The biggest kid of all.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WARREN

2009-04-03T17:58:00.003-06:00

Sorry about the quality of this photo but it is 1980. Warren is about 2 in this picture. Happy because he is still an only child, basking in the attention of everyone. That will change in 1981 when his creepy sister comes along.
Happy Birthday Son
Here are some fun tidbits to chuckle about
He knew you had a forehead, but thought higher up was a five head. Totally makes sense to me.
He called 7up....7 eight
He thought all birds beaks were called peckers.( story for another post)
Ate as much food as a five year old
Loved his uncle Dennis
Was his Dads shadow

CAKE, CAKE, AND MORE CAKE

2009-04-02T08:21:00.002-06:00

In 3 days I have received 3 e-mails about this yummy looking cake made in a coffee mug.
Do you hate me?
Do you know the crazy things that run through my mind when I am up at 4 am?
Have you seen the size of my trunk lately?
If my husband wakes up some morning and I have filled every available mug with cake, and I am in a chocolate induced coma, maybe you will be a little more considerate about what you shoot me in the mail. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND SHAME ON YOU.

Roller Derby

2009-03-22T10:40:00.003-06:00

This is the original sign at the roller drome in Nampa. I have been going there since about the 5th grade. Kathleen can verify times because she was there and has a better memory than I.Skating was on Sarahs list of things to do. So off we went. All my kids and their kids.Grampa lacing up his skates and trying to talk the little ones into skating. Olivia was the only brave soldier. I have never been able to skate well. I'm a wall hugger doofus! My kids are all pretty good. Sarah and Joe won the adult race. Joe beat a couple young whippersnappers and Sarah was the only girl so she won the girl prize. We couldn't talk Warren into racing. In fact I believe he thought us quite foolish.

You may not notice but I DO NOT HAVE ON SKATES!! My back is still iffy , and as I confessed before DOOFUS!!

The winners and their trophy's. They each won a free drink from the snack bar. They both needed it because they worked up quite a thirst on that one lap. Hey kids, does that make you wanna quit smoking?

It was fun and I love doing things with the kids. I'm a good bench warmer. Hope I can cheer on my great grand kids.

MY SIGN POST

2009-03-21T14:19:00.002-06:00

I found this picture at Target and it just struck a cord in me.
I do have a fabulous life.
Now before you get all "WHATEVER", let me justify my stand.

I and all my family are in good health.
My house is not in foreclosure
We have as much work as we need or want
My pantry is full of good food
I'm happy and I have a great husband
Life don't get no better than this

2009-03-18T21:27:00.002-06:00

I am spending a quiet evening at home with a heating pad on my back. No big deal, I just get a hitch in my gitalong ever so often.
I am on a quilting jag. I am in the middle of making a cupcake quilt for Olivia, and my brain has 3 others already mapped out. I found a quilt top I put together probably 20 years ago, and I think that's what got me fired up.
One year my friend Janet and I made quilts for all the kids. They were just patchwork quilts but they dearly loved them. I believe Sarah still has some ragged scraps of hers left.
My quilting magazine had an article about how important it is to sign, date and give a name to the quilt, who you made it for etc. I wish I would have done that to all the quilts I have made.
I'm chomping at the bit to plant my flowers. I will have been here a year in May and I haven't got to flower the place up yet. I got great bulbs at Costco for cheap. Dinner plate dahlias are my favorite. They grow 10 inches across and are beautiful!!
I have spring fever BAD.
Off to enjoy quiet and a book. Have a good evening.

HAPPY PATTYS DAY

2009-03-17T21:45:00.002-06:00

If you marry an Irish person does that mean you are now Irish?

I WILL LIVE TO BE 100

2009-02-25T09:08:00.002-07:00

I just went through the yearly run of tests to see if all your parts are working. Kind of like the 30000 mile check on your car, accept I think mine is the 100,000 mile check.
Cholesterol-good
thyroid-good
cortisol-good
liver function-good
progesterone- good
estrogen- good
testosterone- non existent
What?
How much do I really need?
I don't want to grow a beard or beat up the neighbor guy, but I also don't want to be a ....... what? What are you if you don't have enough testosterone? I mean I am female.
At the risk of being too informative I'll have to let you know how this works.
I'll start a small dose this week and we'll see how it goes.
If I end up at the cage fights and Shortys as a contender I will assume the dose is a little high.

ALOHA

2009-02-14T10:24:00.003-07:00

This was pretty much my position on the whole trip. However I did shift these feet to rest under a dining table.

I wish I were better at downloading and arranging pictures but.......

This is Gene on North shore in Oahu. 80 degrees aahhh

Typical tourist cheese. We took Joanne to a luau for her birthday. It was really fun and the food was yummy. Roasted pork mmmmm.

This was probably the most relaxing vacation I can remember. We usually go 90 miles an hour trying to cram as much fun in the time allotted. We really didn't have a lot of structure , and it was great. I did not call home a hundred times or stress about what was not getting done. My husband is a doll to chauffeur and herd us around all week. I think I will keep him a while longer.

TOTAL DENIAL

2009-01-15T08:45:00.002-07:00

This is not a list of resolutions.
I make new resolutions on a daily basis, so that once a year business does not do it for me.
I am in Denial about my age.
I have a false sense of my non existent youth.
Anyway....
Tuesday night we attended a seminar about estate planning. Upon entering the room I was shocked by how old the people were. I thought they should have been planning long before now.
They all seemed to be 70+, with the exception of a few.
As the evening progressed I was more an more annoyed by old people behavior.
Don't get me wrong I love, love ,love old people. I plan on being one myself someday. Maybe setting a record for THE OLDEST. Ask Sarah, she can vouch for me.
Anyway, all the throat clearing, loud whispering, potty breaks were bugging me.
The attorney who was speaking said he had just had a birthday and he was 51.
FIFTY-ONE? Are you kidding me.............I thought he was 60 if he was a day.
I scanned the room and sure enough I began to question my first impression. Maybe there were a few more people my age. I hoped it to not be true.
Surely I do not posses that many facials lines, and I know I was not wearing anything that came close to polyester. I don't carry a hanky and my shoes were not orthopedic. I drove myself there in the fog and darkness and needed no help walking swiftly into the building.
Having said that, let me ask you a question. Why is my brain still 20 but my body, face etc will not cooperate? Why is it when someone calls me ma'am I am a little surprised? When the kid at the grocery asks if I need help out, HELL NO, I put all this stuff in here I'll take it out!!
I order 2 tickets at the theatre and the girl asks"adults"? No Einstein, 2 children. Are you blind? I couldn't help but ask"did you mean senior"? She turned red and mumbled something stupid.
Where am I going with this? I don't know. I forgot.

NO PICTURES, JUST RAMBLINGS

2008-12-17T07:00:00.002-07:00

I realized that it's been awhile since I have written. I don't really have any earth moving news, just thoughts rambling around in my head.

Where to begin?
Well I love Christmas and all it means.
I love shopping and getting just the right thing.
I am observant throughout the year, so I pick up on clues.
The family gatherings, baking and giving goodies to friends and neighbors... all my cup of tea.

I enjoy my adult kids immensely. They can bring me great joy and sorrow all in one day.

Warren who is always the thinker fact guy. Very soft under that serious, "to hell with the world exterior." I promise I will not try to take my gun on a plane.
Sarah who can pee her pants at the slightest funny. She really needs to know how great she is. Stop and smell the roses.

Joe.... oh Joe you are just like your Dad . Thats a good thing most of the time.

My husband is the savior of all things helpless, small and down trodden.
He was late coming home last night because he picked up a homeless guy passed ot in the snow by the park and took him to the shelter. The same man who cannot manage to put the toilet seat down.

Just things that roll around my brain all day.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2008-11-28T12:30:00.002-07:00

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving.
Mine was good and it always causes me to stop and count my blessings.
I really have so much to be thankful for that I could fill up a whole post with things.
Yes life deals you a bad card once in awhile, but on the whole life is pretty good.
Lots of times our problems and unhappiness is caused by our own choices.
I'm choosing happiness.
Have a good long weekend and count your blessings.

THANK GOD!!

2008-11-14T12:42:00.003-07:00

I have slept well 2 nights in a row. HALLALUJAH!!! Lack of sleep totally pushes me over the edge. I cannot handle anything when I'm tired. Every small thing that happens seems way huge. On a daily basis I feel like a pretty strong person. Not a super hero, just able to handle, with a fair amount of sensibility, the things life throws at me.
After 2 nights of good sleep I do feel like super woman. I worked out at 7:30 am. Tore into my house from top to bottom ( I'm still at it I just took a break). Made a pot of chicken and noodles for a friend who had surgery today. I'm headed for the shower after this because I need to buy a new canister vac. My old one has a broken leg and I'm sick of packing it around. I might look at a couple Christmas gifts too.
If I have another good night tonight...........watch out world I will kick butt and take names later.

MONDAY MONDAY

2008-11-12T07:38:00.002-07:00

I know it's not really Monday but I feel like I've had a couple in a row. I'm doing the "cracked out" wake up at 4:30 am and can't go back to sleep. I have tried being positive and utilizing the time, but quite frankly it's gettin me down.
Halloween has come and gone and Thanksgiving is knocking at the door. Gene and Linda and I leave next week for California to have an early Thanksgiving with Linda's kids. I'm looking forward to spending time with them.
The shop is progressing nicely. The insulation guy comes today and the plumber and electrician are soon to follow. We had a fun time riding bikes in the big empty shell.Sarah posted pictures. Somehow our outings always turn into a crazy fest.
I'm not a fan of the rain....rain rain go away!
I need to finish a couple more Christmas gifts.
I need to start getting tax stuff organized.
I need to send out little notes to people I miss and love.
I need some sleep.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2008-10-25T12:39:00.003-06:00

Friday part of the concrete was poured for the shop and pool house. I'm excited to get the shop done so I can get my garage cleared out. Gene managed to mess up his shoes and clothes realyy good, but well worth it.

This is Chance trying out the girls bike and helmet. He is such a ham.

This is how he shoots a smile.

What a sweet baby.

OOPS, put this one on twice. By the way Jenn, come over and see me. I have some new recipes for you and I want you to see my house.

Proud to be an American

2008-10-14T17:39:00.002-06:00

Today I had to register to vote because I have moved to a new district. When I registered they told me I could early vote if I wanted to. I went ahead and voted because I was already there. I feel good about doing my civic duty. I feel good about the fact that we live in America and it is my right to speak my mind and be safe in doing it.

I know our country is in a lot of trouble and we have a lot of problems, but I still love the USA. I'm not very political and I'm not super informed on all the issues, but I am passionate about what I care about. I believe we can all make a difference if we put forth the effort to speak up and be heard. No I am not running for any office or lobbying but I believe I make a difference. Everyday I have the opportunity to exercise my rights and freedoms. Everyday I have choices that were bought for me with the price of a human life.

I want our country to move ahead and pursue the ideals that this country was founded on. Having said that, I will say. Look on the positive side. Get out and vote. Believe that you as one individual can make a difference.

I am Pam O'Dell and I approve this message.

Please no hate mail.

TGIF and whats with the snow?

2008-10-10T17:59:00.002-06:00

How beautiful is this baby? She has kept me occupied for a couple of weeks now. I have so much to learn, and I am in awe everytime I find something new she does. I kept Olivia today because she has pink eye so I was showing her some of the magic of sewing. I think I have her hooked. This was a test picture of Tinkerbelle with Olivia. She was really diggin this.
Then after we sewed a fall table runner we decided to make oatmeal cookies. She is so smart and eager to learn. I let her run the kitchenaid and she was pretty proud of herself.

She served cookies to everyone who showed up today. So that was my awesome friday. Then at about 5:30 it started to snow. For the love of Pete it's only October!! I'm going shopping for boots after dinner...and maybe another warm coat.

Happy October

2008-10-08T08:11:00.002-06:00

After several hate mails about my lack of blogging ( Sheri), I decided to write something. It seems like I just skate along day to day and don't realise how much time has gone by.
Summer is definitely over and I'm in winter mode. Crock pot on the counter, oven going most everyday with something. Cooking, well baking mostly, is very therapeutic for me. I love to smell something wonderful baking warming up my house making it smell inviting.
If you read Sarahs blog she posted that I have a new machine. That is really a small statement. This is the Mother of all machines I have ever owned. It does everything but go to the fabric store for me.
It sews, embroiders, quilts, sews buttons on and does dozens of other fancy stitch functions. I love it dearly but have had to fight off " guilt of the purchase". I'm really a pretty frugal person but this machine pushed me over the edge.
I wish I had more exciting things to tell you, but I'm just not very exciting. I will share a couple new recipes with you soon. I have tried some really good new ones. Have a good week and we'll chat soon.

Warren is that you?

2008-09-02T21:09:00.001-06:00

This look seems to be a family trait.

BABY I'M ON A ROLL......

2008-09-02T20:02:00.002-06:00

Oh yeah, I'm stoked!! This cool air has now got me thinking about Christmas. I cut out and partially sewed the cutest apron last night. Also I have wanted to make a quilt out of old ladies hankies. My friend Janet made one years ago and I have wanted one ever since. Well I have been slowly collecting hankies for this project and tonight Sarah gave me a bag of probably 30 hankies her mother-in-law had given her last year. She had forgotten about them.WHAT? How could you forget a bag of gold? JuJu said they smelled bad. Not bad my dear, vintage aah.
Also signed up to do a cookbook class with my sister Linda and my friend Kathleen. I'm about to blow a gasket with excitement.
Well Gene went on an overnight fishing trip and I hear the sewing machine calling my name. Will post a picture of my apron when its done TTFN.

OKAY, SO I'M A LITTLE EARLY

2008-08-31T08:02:00.002-06:00

It's not quite September, but close enough.
Back from the beach...fun fun fun.
It is more fun to watch the excitement of new beach people. It causes you to remember what took your breath away. Chance spent his whole time at Cannon Beach runnin, dancing and squealing. I think he loved it.
Tomorrow is the first of September. It sort of marks the end of summer for me. It used to be I sent all my kids back to school and started our routine again after the chaos of summer. Now I'm not sure what it means to me. I guess I'm facing it with a bit of melancholy.
I'm not a winter person so I don't look forward to that. Fall is beautiful, but the dying away of things is sort of a bummer. I do however love the holidays. I guess I'm looking forward to making some Christmas gifts and doing some baking.
On our way home from Oregon Gene asked me what I had geared up for. We always catch our breath on vacation and then hit home with renewed energy and ideas. He has a shop to build and a pool house to design and build etc etc.
I did'nt get any revelation.
So as I pondered this , I decided I'm going to shake off this funk and gear up. I'm not sure what yet but I'm priming my engine.
Linda and I joined a new gym in our neighborhood so that is a must.Everyday at least 30 minutes.
I miss my quiet times of creating and sewing so I will try to devote some extra time to that.
I also want to excersise my brain and learn something new. I have my eye on a quilting class. I have never learned to quilt. I'm certainly old enough to quilt now.
So that should keep me busy for awhile!! Maybe I can out run that cloud that keeps trying to rain on my parade.

SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER

2008-08-20T08:09:00.001-06:00

Like the title says, I'll see you in September when I stop to breathe.

ACCIDENTAL SKIRT

2008-07-23T10:07:00.003-06:00

I wish I would have taken a picture of the cute skirts I made for Sarah and the girls. I had started to make myself a dress. I cut it out and was assembling the bodice when I realised it was too small on the top. Trust me it's not because I'm so buxom, I didn't measure properly. Anyway, I didn't want to waste the rest of the dress so I sewed the skirt part together and it was cutie, cute , cute. Sarah loved it, so last night she came over and cut out 3 for herself and 5 for the girls. They are all finished and ready to wear. Everyone bug Sarah and make her post pictures of them.Have a good day!!

TIME FLIES

2008-07-17T17:19:00.003-06:00

Tuesday July 22 I wil have been married 33 years. That sounds so crazy to me. I don't feel like I've been married that long, yet I feel like I have always been married. It's been a wild crazy, up and down ride. Would I do it again? Yup, in a heart beat. Would I like it to be somewhat different? Sure... but the way it was is what made us who we are today.
I have never shared this much of my life with any person including my parents. We have experienced life together, lost loved ones together, grew up together and now we're growing old together. Life don't get no better than this baby.

AHHHH! SUMMER.....

2008-07-10T17:49:00.002-06:00

Theres nothing like Popsicles to cool a kid down. These three monkeys put away about a dozen of them in a short period of time. JuJu would get them out of the freezer in the garage and dole them out. Little Popsicle pusher.
With the pool filled on July 3rd we were able to swim on the 4th even though it was not totally done OMG I love to cool off in water.

The kids were fighting over all of them riding in the Barbie jeep. Well grampy remedied that. A small desk chair and a roll of duct tape. The man is truly a genius!! Note the large paver in the hood to keep it from popping a wheelie.

HOT!HOT!HOT!!!!

2008-07-01T22:14:00.002-06:00

Okay I have been a big slacker, but Darcie tagged me so I am responding:

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
I was raising kids, working like a dog and 10 pounds lighter.
2. Five things on today's to do list.
1. Dr appointment
2. oil change for my car
3. Car wash
4. buy new bedding
5. cook dinner for my guests

3. Snacks I enjoy
popcorn
chips and salsa
red licorice
cinnamon bears
pretzels

4 What would I do if I was a millionaire?
build a new church parsonage
buy and or pay off a home for each of my children
invest
give to my favorite charity
travel

5. 5 places I have lived
Melba Idaho
Albion Michigan
Medford Oregon
Boise Idaho
Hansen Idaho
Now I am going to tag
Kathleen
Brindon
Sheri Z
Gabe
Linda

EMERALD CITY

2008-06-16T07:51:00.002-06:00

These beautiful flowers were at our hotel when we arrived. Happy Birthday to me!! My birthday is not until Wednesday, but my sweet husband made this weekend my birthday celebration. The Mariners game was a blast, even though they lost. The excitement of the crowd is fun in itself. Pikes Market as usual and lots of just hangin. Love me chowder from Ivars.
So now it's Monday and back to real life. Have a good week.

Waiting is over

2008-06-11T16:42:00.004-06:00

Yahoo!! The excavation guy showed up with his crew and they busted it out this morning. I was so excited I almost did the hallelujah dance right there.

Gene and I are off to Seattle for a little break and to catch a Mariners game. They promised there would be pool walls by the time we returned home Saturday night.
I know this doesn't look like much to you, but it's big progress to me. Joe and Sarah could have done this much themselves if they would have stuck with it. Hope we're done with the rain for awhile. Have a good weekend.

I'm Still Waiting!!

2008-06-07T22:39:00.002-06:00

Seems like I'm always waiting for something.
Waiting for a part for my microwave...ARRGG.. I think that sucker is related to Natalies microwave.
Waiting in line somewhere.
Waiting to go to work because I woke up way too early.
Waiting to get out of work because I have something to do.
Waiting for somebody to show up.
Waiting for someone to leave.
Waiting for the rain to stop.
Waiting for the d---- workers to show up and work!!
Waiting for my patience to return.
Waiting for someone to load my purchase in the truck.
Waiting waiting waiting.

WIND BENEATH MY WINGS

2008-05-30T22:02:00.004-06:00

Linda and I are off to ride the bike lanes on Hill Road. Sarah and Jimmy commandeered our bikes so I rummaged through Warrens stash of bikes and parts and came up with these two beauties. Linda will ride the little blue beauty because her legs are so short. Me.... I will ride flying Sue. I took a little spin on her and she rides like a breeze. Gotta say I almost felt like the picture of that bathing beauty. If we get to tired we will resort the the pink Barbie Jeep in the background. See ya on Hill Road.

GOIN GREEN

2008-05-25T08:18:00.003-06:00

Okay, I'm not totally going green, but I'm really trying to be way more conscious about using and using and using. I have switched to the new cool reusable bags Sarah got me. I love them. I carry them in my car so I have them whenever I go to the store. I have tried to condense my driving down to only when needed, and to run multiple errands at the same time. Linda set up my recycle bins (she's the Queen) and I am amazed at how much garbage I don't have. We built our house to be energy star and I'm still struggling with getting used to the weird lights. They pause a split second before they turn on and they remind me of hospital lighting, but I will persevere. We get a $ 3000 rebate from......I don't know who from, but it's for being energy star. Oh Lord I always knew I was bound for stardom!!
Any way, maybe it's because I'm getting older, wiser, more sensitive, all of the above.... hell I don't know, but whatever it is , it's a good idea. Lets all do our part okay.
P.S. anybody looking for a nice Ford 450 diesel with duallies? Gets about 10 miles to the gallon. Oh well it will make a nice planter.

2008-05-18T20:58:00.002-06:00

As you can see the house is finished and we are officially moved in. The huge pile of dirt arrived and it was time to start the front landscaping. The girls decided it was their private mountain so they played king of the hill all day
With the sod laid it kept a lot of the dirt outside , that is until...............................
Joe and Sarah and the girls decided to start pool construction of their own. Too bad they couldn't find the key to the forklift with the scoop bucket attached. Hmmm, wonder where they went?
After much labor by the crew everyone was hosed off and sent home. I think we'll call in the professionals for the real deal.
It is nice to be settled in and feeling like home. I hope this is our last move because this time really wore me out. It's great having my sister just around the corner, I had forgotten how much I enjoyed having her near. She has helped me so much since I have been here I can't believe it. I would still be looking for my tooth brush if it wasn't for her. Eat your heart out Sue!!
Looking forward to a fun summer with lots of get togethers. See you soon

Welcome Home

2008-05-04T07:52:00.001-06:00

I'm here!! After a week and a half with no phone I survived. All the boxes and furniture are here but not unpacked. It already feels like home. I will post pictures soon.

THE LAND OF MAKE BELIEVE

2008-04-04T17:00:00.001-06:00

Here is Chance munching on puzzle pieces. Princess Fiona and Princess Olivia.
Yes it really is Fiona.

This is why I don't get much done.

April Fools

2008-03-31T22:27:00.002-06:00

Well its just a couple of hours away, but close enough.
Anyone who knows our family knows we are a bunch of tricksters. We will go to great lengths to fool someone. We are always trying to one-up the other guy.
After returning home from Mexico where the car Gene was driving was stolen...yes stolen in 5 minutes never to be found again, I was coming home from youth group with my devilish teenage kids when we got the brilliant idea to fake steal Genes Bronco. I having a set of keys with me made it very easy to pull off the prank. When it was all said and done we laughed up a storm at our witty prank. All but Gene that is. Well over the years it has become harder and harder to one up the other guy with out breaking the law or endangering life and or limb.
My vote for the best prank in the last 5 years was the "BIG HOUSE SELL"
Warren and Joe were always telling us we we got old they were going to put us in a home and sell all our stuff. HAHA, big funny!
Well Gene and I had been gone to the coast for a few days and as we were driving down our street returning home we saw about 6 realtor for sale signs in our yard. Real funny boys, out drinking beer and swiping realty signs. When I unlock the front door to go in I am really freaked out. There is not one stick of furniture no pictures NOTHING!! I can see into part of the kitchen and dining area and it is also bare. Right now this is not too funny. When I come around the corner to the family room I see all of my stuff crammed in there. Do you have any idea how much effort it took to move all that stuff into there? I tell you they have never displayed that much energy to me in all their lives, yet they pulled this off in a very short period of time. Good job boys, you fooled ol Mom. Wasn't quite as much fun putting it all back, but worth the effort.
One year Joe called frantic to find his dad. Says he was trying to weld something on his truck and caught his truck on fire. This resulting in damage to the garage he had it in. Real funny Joe had it not been so believable. You see stuff happens to Joe.Stuff, just stuff. Aw, you wouldn't understand. Well I have a little more time to try to conjure up something. Hate to say but the drive to compete is waning. Maybe I'll just sit back and let them think they got me again.

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T18:41:00.001-06:00

Hope you had a good Easter. Ours was happy and enjoyable with our family.Thank God for Resurrection Sunday!!

BOYS WILL BE BOYS

2008-03-19T16:43:00.001-06:00

He is such a good helper.My two cool guys!!

MENOWHAT ??

2008-03-14T06:03:00.004-06:00

Well it is 6 a.m. Friday and I have been awake since 4 a.m. I have done this most of the week and I am ready to scream. Sues diagnosis is menopause.EEWWW!! Now I know that I'm 51 but I have had no symptoms of menopause. No hot flashes. no nothing. So you are telling me all of a sudden menopause has hit me with insomnia??
I'm calling foul!
I don't think this is fair. I have paid my dues with childbirth, pms, pimples etc. So come on mother nature give me a break. Make all those girly parts behave.
I cry easily, but to shed tears because daffodils on my table are so pretty... now isn't that a little over the top?
I'm also sometimes a little touchy about certain things, but to want to inflict bodily harm on Gene for asking me how many girl scout cookies I have eaten...a little physco don't ya think?, Really I wanted to beat him over the head with the empty box. YES I said EMPTY.
Okay, maybe I am having a few symptoms but come on...
If they would just cut me loose with my vacuum and let me clean up every speck of sawdust on the new house, I think I could calm down a little.
As of now Gene has forbid me to appear while any workers are on the premises. Whatever!!
Okay I feel better having gotten that off my chest.
Leaving at noon for a quick trip to Rexburg to see my baby...oh and also Joe and Kelsey.
Picture on Monday. Pass the premarin please.

ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM

2008-03-07T21:11:00.002-07:00

I can't believe this week has just flew by. We put our house on the market Monday and have already had some lookers. It is so hard to be constantly clean, neat, and tidy.
Thursday I selected my granite pieces and finalised the tile choices. It's really coming together now. The hardwood floors start on Monday and cabinets should go in Thursday. I am really having to reign myself in from going on a buying spree. It would be dumb at this point when I'm really not sure what I'll need.
I am really looking forward to living so close to my sister. It will be so nice to have someone to hang out with and do projects with. She really motivates me to get things done. Or maybe it's competition. Either way I seem to accomplish a lot more with her.
I gave her a bolt of upholstery fabric on Monday and she called me this morning to tell me she had finished upholstering a chair already. See what I mean? I have had that fabric for 4 years with good intentions.
Come on spring
Stop teasing us
Boo daylight savings
Boo April 15
Yeah Easter
Yeah spring break
My big son will be 30 April 3
I miss my baby Chance
I need to see my grass turn green

MEET THE BOYS

2008-03-03T21:42:00.004-07:00

Meet Jayden and Brayden. These angels belong to my niece. They are so sweet weighing 4.9 and 4.11 Can't wait to pass them around the family. Congradulations John and Shelly!!

Yucky Week

2008-02-29T23:03:00.002-07:00

I came down with a raging sore throat on Sunday night and it pretty much wiped me out for the week. Today is day 4 on antibiotics and I think I might live. I am so tired of winter I could scream.
Today for our brief period of sunshine I went out and toured my yard. I'm getting ready to show my house so I'm seeing it's every flaw. Why is it you can live with imperfection but feel you have to show your very best to a total stranger? I think I'm going to tell prospective buyers that they have to pay extra for shower scum and toilet rings. It's also an extra charge for my neighbors leaves I have stored in my flower beds all winter.
Our new house is coming along fine. However Gene did manage to stop the painters before they put the second coat of paint on the trim. They had the wrong color and were just happy as clams they were almost finished. I bet they were not happy to see him. Ooops!!
I am also trying to purge my house of clutter and crap. I surprise myself with the stuff I hang onto. I ran across a box that was unfamiliar. When I opened it I took an hour going through it. It contained school things from my kids. Man do I feel old.
One of the things I saved out was a letter Warren wrote in second grade. His assignment was , Cinderellas letter to her stepmother, written a week after her marriage to the prince.
Dear Stepmother,
I'm happy to leave your house. And now I'm a princess. I'm going to hire someone to clean the palace. Maybe your daughters want to.
He is still just as blunt today. Gotta love honesty.
Well in my cleaning and purging I feel like a pack rat. My new goal is to pare down. Natalie ...where are you?? Help!!

WARNING!! WARNING!!

2008-02-25T18:34:00.003-07:00

This picture may be too graphic for small children or wimpy adults.

This is one of my childhood favorite meals. The mass of shredded stuff at 12 o'clock is sauerkraut. The hunk directly to it's left is pork ribs which has simmered in that kraut all day. The gray sphere at the bottom of the plate is a potato dumpling. That dumpling cooked probably weighs in at about 1.5 lbs. To eat this properly you need to cut up the dumpling into bite size pieces. Next slather soft butter all over the pieces allowing it to run all over the plate. Next spear a piece of dumpling well up on the tines of the fork. Then with exposed tines scoop some sauerkraut onto the end. With your free hand grab onto an exposed end of a rib and alternately bite pork and dumpling mixture. Continue until satisfied or gacked out whichever comes first. Finish off the meal with stories about how weird and goofy your parents were. My kids were never too pleased when this was served at my house. Usually was chorused by lots of gross innuendos. Well tonight I fixed this and ate it all by myself. The only part missing was the stories, but trust me when I call all my sisters later we will no doubt have a few good ones to share. By the way my other ethnic friends whom eat menudo, haggis, rocky mountain oysters and such, don't be making fun of my German food!!

JEROME??

2008-02-21T18:24:00.002-07:00

Picking up Mrs. Gabe at noon tomorrow and heading to Jerome for a church meeting. I'm not sure I have been to Jerome. I map quested it and got a big heehaw from my family about that."You can't get lost in Jerome honey".. I say, wanna bet? He would be singin another tune if he had to come and rescue me out in the desert somewhere. TTFN off to get ready for my next adventure.

MONDAY MADNESS

2008-02-18T21:42:00.002-07:00

Hey sisters , I'm rockin!! Got up early this a.m. feeling a little out of sorts. I had lots to do so I just decided to suck it up. I went to the show room to pick out my light fixtures which was fairly painless. I already had a good idea of what I wanted so I just made a decision. I told the design lady not to give me too many choices , so based on what I wanted she showed me 2 lines. BINGO , choice made.

Gene went off to work (AKA snowmobiling) and I decided to tear into work. Well as I sat in my sewing room eating my lunch , watching noon news I was just not motivated to do any WORK ,WORK. So instead of berating myself I decided to just stay up there and do whatever I felt like.

I finished a really cute apron
mended JuJu's belly dancing skirt
almost finished a dress I started in September
sorted and pitched magazines
went through some pictures
looked through a couple scrapbooking idea books
enjoyed the sun coming in the window
looked through furniture catalogs

Just enjoyed doing nothing. I think I could like this. I really did accomplish some things. I wrapped up my evening with a bowl of cereal for dinner and now I'm going to take a hot bath. See you tommorow.

MY DAY OF REST

2008-02-17T19:38:00.002-07:00

I have this thing about Sundays. No matter how much rest I have gotten I still feel the need to rest on Sunday afternoons. Now normally I am not a take a nap person , but this mysterious force overtakes me after lunch on Sundays. My eyes get heavy , I yawn until my whole face hurts and I'm just out of the zone. I preface my nap with a comment like "I'm going to go lie down and read awhile". Everyone at my house knows what that really means. I will go upstairs , change into sweats or jammies and crawl into my nice warm bed . Sometimes I will actually pick up the most recent book I am reading and open it to the page I last left off. I will promptly fall into a death like sleep , drooling and all , for a good 2 hours. Then I act surprised when I wake up. My comment is such , "Man I must have been tired , I didn't even know I fell asleep". Gee I wonder if I'm still foolin em?

Happy Valentines Day!!

2008-02-14T20:57:00.002-07:00

My husband is not big on holidays of any sort. Now don't get me wrong , he is very generous and loves me very much but when it comes to gift giving it just plain stresses him out. So what happens is I usually buy something I want and tell him how thoughtful he is to pay for it. It sounds lame but it works for both of us. A few years ago he totally forgot Valentines Day. Not that big of a deal , but you at least want a card or a pinch on the behind or something of recognition. Well a few days later he left a small box in the living room. Sarah brought it to my attention and I thought it was for her. When I figured it was mine I was in awe. It was a big fat diamond ring. He said Valentines Day was for all the other people , but I deserved a day all my own. SWOON... That's the biggest crock I ever heard ,but I swallowed it hook , line , and sinker. In fact he's still riding that wave this Valentines Day. I love you dear.

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

2008-02-12T19:42:00.002-07:00

I am lovin the sunshine!! I know it gives me a false sense of warmth , but I am going to embrace that. I am truly a spring and summer person.
I have been having difficulty the last couple of days getting anything accomplished. I feel distracted and unorganized. I would like to take a whole week off by myself , at home. I would work until I dropped. I would not answer the phone . I would not cook . I would not get dressed or comb my hair. I would eat whatever , whenever I felt like it. I would do every crazy project that has been plauging my mind.

organize all my random boxes of pictures
fill up all my empty frames
sort and organize my thread
sort and organize all my fabric
clean every damn drawer in this house and throw away most of their contents
finish my new , cool recipe book
finish the quilts that have been waiting since 1988 ( yes Sarah, the ice cream cone one)
throw all the clothes out of my closet and start again
finish my window project
write and mail all the notes I have bouncing around in my head
clean all the things that creep me out ie window tracks , edges of carpet , light fixture the list goes on and on.

In reality I think I will take my craziness to bed with a book. Get a good nights sleep and thank God for all the good things in my life. I'm sure when I wake up all my projects will have waited for me and I will chip away at them one by one.

BLESS THIS HOUSE

2008-02-11T22:42:00.001-07:00

February 3 , some friends and family went out to the house to write scriptures on the wood before it wa covered with insulation and sheet rock. We had a good time and everyone placed their favorite scriptures in various places .

Fran was so brave , we got her a ladder so she could place hers over the entry way.
Melissa and Gabe wrote all over the place , and Joanne was putting hers around too.
Thank you to my friends and family who came to bless the very foundations of our home. I pray it will be a welcome place for all who know us. That we can provide comfort and friendship to all who enter. If you know us at all there will be lots of breaking of bread too. Thank you again.

The projects never end!

2008-02-06T14:03:00.000-07:00

The work on the house is progressing very quickly. The weather has had little effect. I am excited and stressed at the same time. How can appliances cost so much? How much better will my food taste coming out of a refridgerator that cost more than my used car? Will my food taste better cooked on a high tech range? It has not been that long since I bought new appliances yet I swear the prices have doubled in 5 years. I was keeping my washer and dryer because it is only 7 years old , but the washer conked out while I was gone on vacation and it could not be recesitated. So add new washer and dryer to the budget. I desperatly needed to do laundry before my new set was deliversd , so I went to a laundry mat. OMG that was a scary experience. It was 10 p.m. on a Saturday night and there were a couple of scary characters there. I made Gene go with me , thank God. I love washing clothes in the safety of my own little basement.
The girls have been excited and want to go to the house as often as we will take them. They walk through telling me where everything is. They are so cute. We went out last Thursday and had a bon fire and snowball fight. Tons of fun.
Hope somebody cleans this pile of rubble up before I move in.
Staying warm by the fire.

AND LIFE GOES ON....

2008-01-26T22:51:00.000-07:00

I returned home from California on Friday having spent the night at a motel in Fernly Nevada. My sister and I had a great trip , but on the way home we both came down with the flu. Linda was a lot worse than I , but we both needed to be very close to the bathroom.YUCKY!!!

We had a very good time visiting , relaxing and gabbing. We both did really well on our diets even though I got the crazy urge to cook one night. Ribs and twice baked potatoes and don't forget the tarts for dessert. But any damage we did that night was counter acted by the flu. Double yuck!!

I came home to a wonderfully clean house (thanks Sarah) and absolutely no food in the house (thanks Gene). But the progress on our new house was amazing. They dug the hole for the foundation on Thursday Jan. 10th. Poured the foundation on the 11th. Did the sewer and water lines , put a new pump on the well and put the floor in on the 18th. They started framing on the house 19th. All the framing is finished and the roof is on. The plumbers and siders will be there Monday. WOW! You can imagine how surprised I was when I came home. This is really going to jump start me. I have a lot of work to do and real soon.

Gene has been out there everyday watching over every detail like a hawk. I know he wants it exactly as I chose it, because I'm kind of fussy about that. He is really being meticulous. Bless his heart , he is trying to get this done and keep my mouth shut , which is no easy task. Sometimes I wonder why he keeps me.

It's always good to go away , but always good to be home. I'm going to go enjoy my own shower and my own bed. Good night !

THIS IS TAXING ME

2008-01-09T22:19:00.000-07:00

It is tax time, my most UN favorite time of year. It just rushes in right after Christmas and starts demanding attention. It is full of deadlines and details.YUCK!!

I am a tiny bit of a perfectionist so I always worry about making a mistake. I guess I think the IRS will just show up in the middle of the night banging on my door demanding I come out and face them. The one time I did have an audit I owed 8 dollars and it was really quite painless. The lady was very nice and never once threatened to drag me off to federal prison.However my dealings this past year with the tax commission has been less than pleasant. Due to a bad business venture we have been bombarded with tax people demanding money we personally do not owe. So I have figured out a new tax payment plan... If you owe money just give them someone else's name and phone number , then go to the post office and have all your crappy stuff forwarded to their house and you never have to worry again. Lets set back and see how that works for them.

Anyway , in all my dither I have managed in two days to get the majority of it done and will finish the rest this week-end. I am getting ready to go with my sister to California to do some visiting and relaxing so that will be one less thing to worry about. Maybe I can bring home a piece of sunshine because I am cold and ready for the snow to go away.

Get your taxes done early and don't worry they won't hurt you they only want your money.

2008 ALREADY??

2008-01-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

I know , I know , I'm one step behind the drummer. It took me all week and a whole day of check writing to have it sink in. My time flies when your having fun.
It has been a good year in so many ways. I know unpleasant things have happened but I am going to take the lessons learned and move ahead swiftly.

I made a few resolutions to myself that I think I can live with. Trust me , I did not set the bar too high. I decided that I needed improvement in a few areas and now is a good time.

I am going to write more notes and letters. I love beautiful stationary and that's a good reason to share the beauty.

I am going to watch a whole movie without folding clothes.

I am going to ride my scooter 35 MPH and not be afraid.

I am going to take 20 items to the express lane and by cracky they are going to CHECK ME OUT !!

I am going to let a dirt ring form in my tub.

I am going to buy clothes that are not on sale.

I am going to spend more time with my friends. They deserve it.

I am going to be more tolerant of my own and others shortcomings. However I will still keep working on them.

I will let my family eat in the living room without having an anxiety attack.

I will turn my head the other way when my husband purchases a gas station hot dog or a krispy cream donut.

I will not go ballistic over my son leaving cigarette butts in my drive way.

I will not be distressed when Sarah does not dress her kids in snow suits to walk from the house to the car.

I will not tell my husband to turn his blinker on or off.

I will leave a drink cup in my car all night , maybe I will drive around with it all day.

I will stay in a hotel without cleaning up after myself.

Wait........... This is already too overwhelming for me. I can't possibly do all that in one year. Okay , I've narrowed it down to just spending more time with my friends. Whew.. I feel less pressure already.

God bless you and keep you in this new year. May everything you put your hands to prosper. I will be calling you for lunch!!

Christmas Gifts

2007-12-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

This is a demo of how beautiful JuJu's belly dancing costume is.
I wish you could hear the jingle of all the coins on her dress.
Demonstrating how the arm should be positioned for optimum noise level.
The frenzy of gift opening.
And there will always be music at our house. Warren is showing Jamie how to play a harmonica. Can you belly dance to a harmonica??
A wonderful Christmas was had at our home. Hope yours was just as good.

Christmas Shoes

2007-12-22T00:33:00.000-07:00

I love red.
I love shoes.
Red shoes make me happy , and they make Jamie and Olvia happy too.
Today we finished up our shopping with the girls. I took them to the dollar store and let them pick anything they wanted for the people on their lists. It was very interesting seeing what they chose for everyone.
Then Olivia asked if her and Jamie could have red shoes. Their mother said it was a big waste , but I did receive her permission before we made our purchase.
How , may I ask you can red shoes be a waste? Olivia wore them during lunch while she was totally naked because she stripped down while going to the bathroom. They wore them in the car and during cartoons. However they did remove them for nap if I agreed to place them on the dresser where they could see them. That does not seem like a waste to me.

Our tree is a little tired because it has been dressed and redressed several times. It is happy though because it is so loved and admired.

Go out and buy yourself some red shoes and redecorate your tree, it will give you great joy.

Ahh, the wonder of Christmas through a child's eyes.

quote

2007-12-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best of us, that it behooves all of us not to talk about the rest of us.

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

2007-12-10T22:58:00.000-07:00

I woke up to beautiful snow this morning. The drive to work was fine with clear roads. I always like snow for Christmas, so I hope we get some fresh stuff for Christmas eve and day.
Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. Not because of the gifts but because of the spirit of it all. Even people who don't celebrate the fact that it's the birth of Jesus still seem to have a tender , loving, giving nature this time of year. They are more willing to be forgiving and kind. Compassion abounds when it is truly forgotten at all other times.
My youngest will not be home for Christmas as he now has a new extended family that want them to spend holidays with them also. I understand but I also have an empty spot that I refuse to fill up with carmel corn. My other sweet kids and grand kids will be home and we will have a great time.
My parents have been gone for many years but Christmas always causes me to miss them and wish they were here to see all my kids and gran kids . To share in the making of new memories and to recall old ones. Such is the circle of life.
Enjoy the season and spend as much time with friends and family as you can.Have a Merry Christmas.

FORGIVE ME PLEASE

2007-12-02T22:46:00.000-07:00

I know that it's been awhile and I have no excuses. I guess I'm just not as efficient as I used to be . Anyway a lot of time has gone by and a lot of things have happened.
Thanksgiving for us started the Tuesday before and ended the Sunday after. We also squeezed in our family Christmas party on the Saturday after , because Joe and Kelsey will not be home for Christmas.
So as I was throwing the turkey carcass out the back door I was draggin the Christmas tree in the front. Had it up decorated and presents under it in less than 12 hours after turkey day. Wow , I feel almost as pushy as a retailer.
Then on Monday the 26Th the Billy Joel concert , good but not as good as James Taylor. Can you tell I'm somewhat prejudiced? Work , appointments and then sick on Friday , Saturday, but today I think I will live. I tested my strength by going to the Mall after church to Christmas shop. I did manage to have lunch with my future daughter-in-law Casey, by 3 pairs of jeans and a sweater for myself before I became too weak and tired to purchase any gifts....WHEW..
That's okay because I plan on devoting all of Wednesday to marathon shopping. So heads up kids if you don't give me ideas you will get whatever my wild imagination can conjure up.
I am still working on retrieving costaween pictures and I also have some great pictures of arm and leg wrestling at our Christmas party. By the way Melissa flipped me like an IHop pancake. I did flip Joe but then he wised up and was undefeated until his Dad whipped him .
You may be a red neck if the girls arm and leg wrestle at the family Christmas party. We had played wii on Thanksgiving and I think the boxing is what got us all fired up for some real contact sports. Although I must say Sarah was quite entertaining wii boxing Jimmy. I will post the short video if I can and you all can vote if the best boxers were Joe and Jimmy or Jimmy and Sarah. They all were quite a sight. Thanks a lot for bringing your wii Gabe ,we really enjoyed it. Hey I noticed you did not participate in the wrestling matches. Whats the matter, not geeky enough for you?
Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving and enjoy the coming Holiday also. Read Sarahs blog and take heed. Just enjoy. One of the holiday traditions I really enjoyed was Gene would take all the kids hooky bobbin behind his truck. The kids had a blast and the parents got free babysitting for the afternoon. It was the most fun though when we had snow.

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

2007-11-20T21:54:00.000-07:00

I know I have a lot of catching up to do but today I am focusing on one thing... How very blessed I am. My heart and my soul fill with gratitude when I think of all that God has blessed me with in my life. I have a great family , goooood friends , an awesome church family, a great husband , health... the list goes on and on.
This morning Olivia called me to say it was snowing. The excitement in her voice was magical as she described it to me. One minute earlier my thought was, oh great its snowing and I have a Doctors appt. in Meridian. Her joy totally changed my attitude.I now saw the same beauty she was seeing.
This Thanksgiving when you gather with the ones you love to celebrate really count your blessings. Thank God that you live in America and we have the freedom to pretty much do whatever we choose. The little things like a warm house and plenty of food and clean clothes.
Today I made pies and prepared some of my dinner items , the whole time feeling wonderful that my kids were coming home on Wednesday to spend time with each other. Life don't get no better than that.
So if I have not told you lately how much I love and appreciate you in my life , consider it said. Happy Thanksgiving!!

BIG FAT SLACKER

2007-11-12T22:54:00.000-07:00

I know I have not kept my promise of pictures. I'm not sure what happened , I guess time just got away from me. Went to a women's conference in Seattle at Christian Faith Center , I had a great time. I'm still trying to absorb all I was taught. Big job!! Women are amazing people!!
I have two days in a row off of work and my plan is to lock myself in my house until I get all my work done. I just hope 2 days is enough. Maybe then I will have something wonderful to write about. TTFN .

JIMMY ALWAYS DELIVERS

2007-10-31T08:21:00.000-06:00

OMG... It feels wonderful to be 17 again for 2 and a half hours!! I was giddy with excitement as we headed for the concert. I had a lump in my throat , one of those ones that you're not sure why it's there , but it could release a flow of tears at any moment. When James came out on stage the lump grew. The first song and my eyes welled up . The second song they began to leak. The third song was a full tear roll. It didn't help that Gene said " you're going to cry aren't you." It really wasn't because I am so moved by James, I guess it was the flood of memories that caused the dam to break. Well I composed myself by intermission and when the second set came I had transformed myself into a screaming fan. I sang along to every song just as loud as the drunk guy and his girlfriend beside me.In fact our row had united in a bond that will endure forever.
This summer we were asked the question " If you could go back and relive any segment of your life again what would it be and why? "
I would not relive any part of my life again. It wasn't that bad , it wasn't that great. It was a combination of both. I want to move ahead and see what's in store. Never the less, it was fun for a couple hours.
Have a fun and safe Halloween. I haven't forgotten the costaween pictures.

Sweet Baby James

2007-10-29T22:16:00.000-06:00

We are home from Rexburg after having a wonderful visit with our little family. Chance is as sweet and adorable as ever. I went with them for vaccinations on Friday... sob... he had six individual shots. Poor baby, but he let me love him after I had held his legs down while two nurses each poked his fat legs at the same time. I hope that is not burned in his memory and he associates me with shots.
I will post his costaween picture in the near future with the girls. They are coming here this week-end so I get another shot of baby love.
Tomorrow night I am going to see James Taylor in concert. I know he's old but I still love him. Gene agreed to go if I would go with him to see Billy Joel in November. Fair enough trade.
My friend who was also my sister-in-law ,Laura, would put on a James Taylor album ( yes a big vinyl record) and practice her court recording while I wailed along in the back ground. She is no longer with us but every time I hear a James Taylor song I think of her. Maybe I don't like James Taylor as much as I love the memory. Oh well, either way it works for me.
Last year Sue and I went to see Michael Buble and Sue swore he was looking right at her as he sang, in fact I think she said he was singing to her. I cannot attest to the accuracy of this as I can't see from the 181st row to see his eyes , but I do trust her so I guess it's the truth. I hope James sings to me. My seats are pretty close and I will be wearing my glasses. See ya Wednesday.

I'm Off Again.

2007-10-24T22:16:00.000-06:00

This will be short and sweet as I'm off again. Worked Monday , went to McCall Tuesday , came home Wednesday and I'm leaving for Rexburg when I get out of work on Thursday. I will be home Sunday night with pictures of my chunky monkey boy. Maybe he could do a commercial for Mike Crapo, hint hint. See you on Monday. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather.

Ghetto rain coats

2007-10-19T20:00:00.000-06:00

Today was FUN FRIDAY. The weather being as it was we decided to have lunch at my house then watch a movie. All of the kids were too wound up to sit still and watch the movie. I seriously doubt that it had anything to do with Halloween candy , cookies , and juice boxes. That's an old wives tale. Anyway I thought it had stopped raining so I told them we could walk to the park around the corner from my house. By the time we got shoes and coats on it was pouring rain again. Grampy saved the day by making all the kids raincoats out of trash bags. Well not all of the kids because as you can see Isabel had a beautiful store bought rain coat. That's because she is an only child and her parents have real jobs. (Simmer down I'm Only joking). Grampy offered to make Melissa and I rain coats out of yard bags but we told him to stuff the bags...... with leaves that is.
Off we go down the street looking like a local day care. We explored yards and Halloween decorations. It was fun and we came home and threw every ones clothes in the dryer after we promised Jonathan no one would look at his chinos.Not sure I spelled that right but it means underwear.
I love having them over for fun Fridays because its such a party for the girls. They plan food and activities and you would think by their excitement it was Christmas. Well worth the effort. Hey maybe us grownups should have a fun Friday. Eat , watch movies ,run in the rain.................

Costaweens

2007-10-17T20:25:00.000-06:00

I have been working on Olivias Halloween costume. She wanted something beautiful she said. Her Mom got her a snow angel costume which is white net with white fur trim and of course your standard angel wings and halo. She did like it but requested Grammy sew some more beautiful on it. So off to the fabric store we go and she chooses some lovely red sequins to go around the waist and the sleeves. I rush right home and hand sew them on and deliver it back to her today for her approval. She declares that it is indeed beautiful but would like some dangley beads around the hem like a belly dancer. I'm not sure where she admired a belly dancer costume but apparently somewhere. Off again to the fabric store to buy dangley beads. I will sew them on while I catch a little t.v. tonight. Tomorrow I will present it once again for her highness' approval. I hope she truly loves it because it cost about the equivalent of a cheap wedding dress now.In fact maybe we will just store it for that very thing.
Jamie on the other hand is a fairy. Plain and simple and quite beautiful. She took hers straight off the rack no alterations required. That's my girl. I will post our beautiful picture soon, as they have worn them every day since they got them. Nothing makes a gal feel better than a new gown. Have a wonderful day and don't forget to tell someone you love them.

Ain't she purdy??

2007-10-14T19:14:00.000-06:00

This is my new scooter. New scooter you say, don't you already have a scooter? Well this is actually my third scooter. Scooter number one could not hold up under submarine conditions so we buried her at sea. Scooter number two was in a drunk driving accident ( I was not the drinker or the driver) and sustained serious head injuries. She is functioning but is impaired and will require extensive physical therapy. We have decided to keep her because she is part of the family. I chose to adopt Lucy , that's her name, because she just speaks my language. She likes to cruise at about 25 to 30 mph. She does not like rain or crowded streets. She doesn't like cold so she prefers to be in the garage. She REALLY doesn't like kids so I have to keep her put away when my kids come to visit. In fact I'm not even sure my kids know we have adopted a new girl so we may just keep this between you and I....shhhhhhhhhhhh.
If you see us cruising around give us a wave and a honk.

Not fun Friday

2007-10-12T23:03:00.000-06:00

It is 10:30 p.m. and I just finished unloading my groceries. It's usually not a big deal but JuJu was my helper tonight and somehow it took us a lot longer. I also have odd things I never buy?
Today Sarah and I spent most of the day at St. Lukes while Olivia had an MRI of her head. Dr. is concerned about neurofibromitosis. I'm not sure of spelling , but its a long one. I believe she is fine and healthy. Sarah can give the particulars. She was in recovery a long time because she had to sleep off the anesthesia. She was like a baby drunk , poor little thing. Hospital time takes the oomph out of you and Sarah looked like she had been through the mill., Unlike myself all perky and stuff. Well pray for our baby. Touch base later.

I promise I'm still here.

2007-10-09T20:54:00.000-06:00

My time flies when your having fun. Only problem is I have not been having fun. I have been really busy but I'm not sure what I have been busy doing?!?!
Just seems like my days are gone and I still have so much to do. A lot of appointments that need attended too. I guess nothing fun , just necessary.
I have survived my second week of Pilate's. Its not any easier , but funner because I'm starting to get to know the people. I'm not the only one grunting and moaning. Misery does love company. However I did buy a new double baby jogger so I have no excuse for not walking when the girls are here. It is so easy to push and goes anywhere. I honestly think if I got tired they could push me home in it.
I am missing baby Chance terribly and can't wait to see him. We will make the journey in the very near future. Well tomorrow is weigh day......
I'm not very confident in my progress this week. I'm going to bed now so I can pray for intervention and the miracle weight loss overnight. See you in the morning.

OOOUUUUCHIE!!

2007-10-01T20:57:00.000-06:00

Tonight was my first Pilates class at the Y. It was an hour and a half intro beginner type class to give you the basics. Easy right?? WRONG. Oh so wrong. I have taken aerobics classes for years off and on, took ballroom dance which was pretty excercisy, I'm reasonably active for my age . I play crazy with my grandkids , rough house with my big boys , work hard , so this should be a piece of cake once I get warmed up.
My first clue should have been my cracking knees when I bent to take my place on my mat.Then we were to locate a certain muscle in our lower abdomen. I wasn't sure so the instructor came to my aid. As she was pushing on my stomach she said it should feel like a contraction. Holy cow, if someone would have yelled " It's crowning " I would not have been surprised. In fact I had a sudden urge to push. Oh sweet Jesus what have I gotten myself into??
Because I am a woman of my word and I have committed to twice a week for one month I shall see this through. One of two things will happen ,either I will become stronger and more flexible or I will give birth to twins. I'm going to bed now I am exhausted.. Happy Thoughts.

Fun pictures

2007-09-29T20:41:00.001-06:00

Here's the picture I promised of Kelsey in her spud truck. She may be small but she can handle this rig.
Here's Chance trying to climb in the tub while Mom gets it ready. That is the cutest butt I've ever seen.
Jonathan, Olivia, Isabelle, Jamie and Erik at the zoo on Friday. They are all very close in age and their parents all are friends. The circle of life continues.
Chance after demolishing his birthday cake. He was really more interested in the bath.Hope you all have a good week-end. Give thanks for all you have.

When your HOT your HOT!!

2007-09-25T21:30:00.000-06:00

When I was in the produce section at Walmart today selecting my healthy nutritious weight watcher food , a very dapper OLD (80) gentleman struck up a conversation with me about the price of watermelon. Everyone who knows me knows I'm a geriatric male magnet. Well , in his very Italian accent he proceeds to tell me how much better the fruit and champagne are in his
country and how inferior and expensive it is here. Welcome to America I say, thinking that we just made comments in passing........... OH NO.. I have to hear about the plight that killed all the grapes therefore they being unable to make this fab drink blah blah blah.. He tells me he is an anatomy professor and guesses I'm about 45. Okay so now I'm starting to warm up to him. Maybe I was hasty in my irritation. Then he compliments me on my beautiful teeth 3 times and tells me the proper way to brush. Hello.. I obviously know how to brush with these gorgeous horse teeth. Then he tells me I look healthy because I am slim and have nice teeth. Oh my God, I think I heard a little bell tinkle. Anyway I finally was able to give him the brush off by saying how glad I was to have met him and hoped I would see him again. He said he was really glad to see me because today his eyes were working so well. What??? Anyway I hope when I am old that some young feller will humor me by giving me the time of day. I'm sure his step was a little lighter after having such stimulating conversation with such a young woman with such nice teeth. How pathetic is this that I truly am complimented today. Oh well, like I said when your HOT your HOT.

Man them taters is big!!

2007-09-23T17:44:00.000-06:00

I arrived home from Rexburg today safe and sound. Had a wonderful time with Kelseys family and Chances birthday party. Ann is so gracious to let me come in and take over her house like I live there. I just boss everyone around and act like I know what I'm doing. I will get the hint if they are out of town the nexxt time I come. They sent home some of the biggest spuds I have ever seen. I will post a picture of Kelsey in the spud truck. What a gal!! She hopped in that truck and drove it like nobodies business , all 100 pounds of her. We got to do some work on Joe and Kelseys house. There is more to do but it has come a long ways. I feel much better now that I got to survey the place and lay my hands to it. They are excited to get moved in and settled. I will try to run up again in a few weeks and help some more. I'm tired and need to get some stuff done. I will post fun pictures as soon as Sarah comes to show me with my new camera. I'm excited about our biggest loser contest. WOW are women competitive or what?? Everyone will do great even if they win or not. Oh puke , who am I kidding? you know we are out for blood!! I'm living on Kashi and water until Nov. Happy healthy habits girls.

Here I come Baby

2007-09-16T20:22:00.000-06:00

I am off to Rexburg on Tuesday to help my kids get into their house , but mostly to see my little fat baby boy. He has been gone almost a month and I am having me the hankerin for some fat baby smooches. His birthday is the 20Th and he will be one year old. Seems just yesterday that we were scrubbing up to see him in NICU. You would never guess he was a preemie. He is the happiest baby I have ever seen. I hope JuJu doesn't teach him her wily ways. See you next Monday. Maybe I can thrill you with some new grammy photos. Take care and don't forget how much you have to be thankful for.

Can we have a storm?

2007-09-15T09:40:00.000-06:00

I would really like to have a good wind , rain storm to clear out this awful air. It seems to be affecting me more than usual and I'm ready to be done with it.
Okay so you read my blog about getting in shape and losing weight , right? Well Jann and Kathleen if you are making this a contest lets get together and lay down the rules. I'm not good at competition I get way too nervous , like before a test in school , but if it would cause us to all get together and party at the end I'm all for it.
I have gone to the Y everyday this week. Some days I walked on the treadmill and some days I did a few weights. Anything is better than nothing at this point. I'm trying to follow the weight watchers plan and am doing okay.
Friday I had the girls and we had to run errands all morning. They were very good , especially JuJu. I think she saves up the terror for her Mom because she loves her Mom the most. My oldest son Warren loved me the most, that's why I got the most everything from him.
After having lunch at Carls Jr. we had one more quick errand downtown. Olivia was tired and had a bit of a melt down because we had to leave the play area. Jamie decided to lighten things up after we were in the car by placing fries between each of her toes and then eating them. Her talent never ceases to amaze me. We did enjoy the show . Have a good weekend!!

I like pictures

2007-09-10T21:40:00.001-06:00

This picture has nothing to do with my post , I just liked it.

You know when you reach the place where your sick and tired of a certain thing and you are ready to do something about it? Well I'm sick and tired. Sick and tired of being out of shape and mushy. In 2 years I have gained 10 lbs. Not a big deal in the whole scope of things , but 10 lbs goes straight to my butt and belly. My face , arms , calves, nothing gets the weight but those 2 areas. Big butt , scrawny ankles...not a good look.

My husband and I used to ballroom dance at least 3 times a week. That was enough exercise to eat a big mac daily and still make a pair of jeans look good. Well we slowly got out of that because we allowed other things to take priority and now I am sorry. I hate exercise!!! I like working , dancing , playing , anything that gives you a workout. But when you label it as exercise I suddenly dread it and start the countdown to when I will be finished. I know its all in my head , but still

So I have made my self a promise that I will be back into my old clothes by Christmas. Now that's a reasonable goal if I stick with it. I have made myself all sorts of deals about rewards I will receive if I am successful. I know that sounds like bribery , and well it is , but oh well. Mostly I need to take my whole body and tighten it up. Easier said than done when you are 50. I still have the same body , everything is 5 inches lower than before UGH!!

Don't invite me to dinner or lunch unless I can do an accurate points count. Don't invite me to a movie if you plan on eating yummy, salty ,buttery popcorn in front of me. In fact it may be best if I just hibernate until I get a grip on this.

Really I can do this , I've done it before. It just seems harder this time. Have a good day!! Tell someone you luv em'

Happy Birthday to Valerie

2007-09-08T16:16:00.000-06:00

September 9 is my sister Valeries 71st birthday. She is second from the left. (like I had to tell you that). I come from a family of 8. I am number 5 and also the 5th girl. There are 7 girls 1 boy. Don't say oh that poor boy. Trust me he had it easy. He may have been a little dismayed by us dressing him up as a girl but I'm sure that had little influence on the paths he chose in life.
Anyway , growing up in a big family was ...... I'm looking for the best descriptive word..... interesting. There was always someone to play with. There was never a quiet moment , and there was always just enough... most of the time. We definitely learned to share and to fend for ourselves. Its funny how families go. You are all raised in the same house with the same parents , yet you all turn out so differently.
Valerie , oh yes this is about her. Obviously she was not at home when I was born so we did not do the growing up together thing. She was always this older ,glamorous, travel around , live in California mystery. I remember she taught dance lessons at Arthur Murray dance studio in Medford Oregon. I would see her get dressed for work and she looked like a movie star to me. I was 6 years old so you know I was stricken by the long nails, makeup and beautiful dresses. She was a stunning woman. When I was 13 she came to visit us in Boise and she was driving a red Oldsmobile convertible , complete with Jackie O sunglasses , scarf , the whole nine yards. I was so proud to have her drop me off at school.
Well I'm not 13 anymore and she does not wear beautiful dresses anymore but she can still awe me with her stories of younger days. She looks and acts so much like my dad its amazing.
The other people in the photo are , left to right, Joanne , Valerie , myself , Linda. We all live in town and try to see each other as much as we can. $ of us are missing from the photo. Judy the second oldest who lives in Melba is absent because she is livin it up. Her husband retired last year from farming and they are blazin a trail across the U.S. and parts unknown on there Harley's and in their 5th wheel and boat. Dianna is next after me and the last known address was somewhere in Alaska. She is reclusive and is happy with her cats. Ed my one and only brother whom I have not heard from or seen in 3 years I believe lives somewhere in Oregon. The boy marches to the beat of a different drummer. When he does appear its worth the visit for sure. Angela my youngest sister lives in Nampa. The baby child syndrome is her mantra.
But for all their craziness and weirdness and oddities, I love them all dearly. We have a common thread that runs amongst us all. They are the only people in the world who truly know me , know where I came from and how I got here.So HAPPY HAPPY Birthday to you Old sister. Hope we celebrate many more together. Love recalling the old family stories that only we can appreciate.

Singin' in the rain

2007-09-06T07:49:00.000-06:00

The temptation was just too much!! They were watching the rain pour down yesterday and JuJu just lost her composure. She bolted off the patio out into the middle of the yard , with Olivia close on her heels. Oh to be a kid again......