Happy Holidays - even with the snow !!!

Not the greatest picture in the world but it goes to show I can do hard things. This snow is here to stay and even showed up on Christmas day. We received another 6 to 8 inches on Christmas morning and had to move it before everyone came. Not a desired thing to do before presents but you have to do what has to be done. Matt was home after getting stranded in Portland for the days before Christmas. Except for Damon and his family ,Cristy (Cristy's first Christmas not spent here) and Nathaniel - we where all together. We finally got everyone here around 11 a.m. and started opening presents. Always a fun time.
Christmas is better with kids.....I think !!

But then again it's great to have the parents there too!! My brothers and I got Mom and Dad a cell phone. We got the phone for seniors - the Jitterbug - Mom was really glad and I really think it is growing on Dad. It is great to be able to communicate!

My reaction to seeing that Damon and Nikki got us a web cam for the computer. Now we can see the grand kids when we talk to them. I'll get into this 21 century yet. Thank-you Grant for grabbing my camera and taking pictures.

Grant and Liz are holding Georgey's interest with this surprise.

Mandy got this game from Grant and Liz. I actually got the same game for her but found out before Christmas that Grant got her that - so I brought my game back. The grown - up kids played a round of the game after dinner. Speaking of dinner - we ate around 1:30 and it was goooooood! Cooked the bird in a bag this year and boy was it faster and juicy!!
Here is Dad going back for seconds. I love to see him eat !!! It was a good day - we got to talk to Cristy and Damon a few times each throughout the day - yes, a very good day!

And then we had to get back to reality! Snow!! We have dealt with two more storms and a two day melt down since Christmas. Darren left in the middle of one storm and I am glad to say he made it home safe and sound.

Grant has gone the extra mile and worked on Dad's roof - getting ice out of the gutters and the first foot of roof. He had to use a pick. As you can see it is snowing again. We got another 6 inches today. Please remember us in your prayers in that our snow blower keeps working. Grant and Liz are taking off tomorrow - it isn't suppose to snow tomorrow but the next day we are forecast to get another 6 inches.
Remember my lilac bushes? I hope they survive this snow. They are just about covered. Over at Dad's house there is a spot where the snow blower can't blow the snow over the top of the berm. And this is still just December. I love winter. I love winter. I love winter.

UNBELIEVABLE !!!!!!!!

We just had a repeat of last years winter - only it happened in one day!!! The above picture is a yard stick just stuck in as far as it would go - I bet it isn't to the grass - so....add a couple more inches. It started snowing yesterday at 6 a.m. and it hasn't stopped yet. It is crazy!! So we had a snow day today and tomorrow is already called off. So two extra days for vacation. It is so bad that even Matt is home. He got up and went to work - after getting stuck 5 times and digging himself out - he made it back home - only to be stuck in the driveway.

So out came the snow blower and he dug himself out again.

This is not the greatest picture of me but look at how high the snow is - to my thigh!!

No plow has been by - there is no snow berm to make this look deeper - this is how much snow we have gotten in 24 hours. We have broken records set in 1950 - for the most snow fall in one day. The last record was 12.5 inches and officially we got 27 inches. That is Coeur d'Alene record not Spokane.

The view of the house from the street - which is undriveable - the snow is to the top of the porch.

The snow is deeper than the snow blower. I'm glad Matt is not on the road - I could never push that machine through this.

This is Dad - I just wanted his picture - but once again the snow behind him has not been piled upon.

This is the pick-up next to the shop. The snow on the roof of our neighbors' shop is impressive.

I walked over to Mom and Dads' and noticed that the snow was higher than their porch. I am really glad we are here to help them.

This is the fence between Phill and us. TV has been nothing but news about what is closed and telling us all to stay home. They even closed the shopping mall. So after plowing us out - it only took 4 hours - Matt and I are going to rest up so that tomorrow we can do it all over again. It is still snowing and it isn't suppose to stop till sometime tonight.

The good news is that it is very light snow. Now much water in the snow- can't make a snow man - it won't pack. So we don't have to get up on the roof and shovel :)

So right now - I'd like to tell my kids how much I love them - stay active in the church and always follow the prophet!!! Just in case - I might get lost in this snow - but I'll try not to!!

My old friend died this week!!

I feel really bad because my old friend died this week. I never knew what a friend he was until now. How much I depended on him - how much he knew me and how well I knew him. He felt perfect in my hand, not too heavy not too light. His buttons where just where I would want them - so I could push them without even thinking. He was the best hair dryer - ever. I had him for years - I mean I can't even remember having another hair dryer.

It was a tragic morning. I sleep until the very last second - I only give myself 45 minutes to get ready and out the door. There I was, doing what I do every morning - first I get my hair wet to calm down the mattress hair - then I reach for HIM! Mr. Hair Dryer. With just a flick of the thumb he is on. Blowing that perfect temperature of warm - not hot to hurt - not cool to chill but warm, warm - to dry and style. But that morning there was a strange smell and then the handle was allot warmer then it has ever been. Then came the smoke!! NO NO NO!!! Not another fire I thought. But no - just smoke! I turned Mr. Dryer off and looked at my hair. NO NO NO !!! I wasn't done and please - I can't go to work like this. I do a few other things and give Mr. Dryer another try - what a trooper he was - still worked - I was able to get presentable but again he got very, very hot and started to smoke again. I knew this was the end. The sorrow started to sink in.

I had to go buy another hair dryer. So off to Target after work that very night. Have you checked out the hair dryer aisle lately? Must be 30 different dryers to choose from. OK - the $60 ones where checked off the list right away - that left 25. The marketing people must give this project to all the new guys on the job because I have never read so many ways to say - blows hot and cool air. But the most important to me was how it felt as I held it. So I was thankful that they had them all laid out for me to pick-up and sort of try on. I chose one on sale - shocker I know - and I think this one is more of a Miss Hair Dryer. And yes, it has a diffuser attachment.

So even though my old friend died this week and received a burial in the garbage can - I will remember him always because if this new one doesn't measure up - it's the garbage can for her.

Yellow, the red nosed school bus!!

Not the greatest picture but....anyway this is to the tune of Rudolph, the red nosed reindeer.

Yellow, the red nosed School bus

Had some very flashy lights

And if you ever saw them

You would even say that's bright

Some of the little children

Didn't want to go to school

They acted loud and naughty

Just to try and brake the rules

Then one foggy snowy day

Darrell Rickard came to say

Yellow, with your lights so bright

Please get these kids home safe tonight.

Then how the children loved him

As they shouted out with cheer.

Yellow, the red nosed school bus

You did your job without fear.

The poor city of Rathdrum had to but up with this music and our bus as we joined in the December d'lights parade. The parade was only 10 lighted vehicles - not very long but we drove all over town for almost 2 hours.

We have a driver in the sleigh - Santa - he throws candy canes to the kids - we sit inside - allot warmer - and wave out the windows. After the parade Matt and I went back to the bus yard for a taco dinner. Was a nice night.

We also decorated the house - not as fun without you kids - but the new tree is up. Looks good!

Now the most important thing - Nathaniel's name is on the stocking!!!! Welcome to the family - again - now it is official!!!

This is one time I really wish Nathaniel had a shorter name - it was hard to get all those letters to fit. Almost called you "N" :)

Now last week I spoke of a tail. It was for the bus - but we had to make a decision - the tail or the generator to run all the lights. The generator won - so no pictures of the tail I help make. That's really OK - the thing just looked like a fat ironing board.

Color Clouds

Thanksgiving traditions- lots and lots of food. A few games and then off to the city for a light parade and fireworks. My favorite - remember. Well, we had food - prime rib - and this year I did it right. A perfect medium - just the right amount of pink. Dad got a good piece of meat and it was gooood. I didn't go crazy on the side dishes since it was a bunch of old people eating. So we didn't have any leftovers to speak about. That is really weird. I had to cook all weekend. The games part of the day was - guess - your right - Goof!!! Yes, I was the score keeper and yes, I won. Dad and Matt tied for second. Poor Mom.

The next day was me making a tail for the school bus and if you want to know more on this - just read next weeks posting. Anyway at 5 p.m. off Matt and I went to the city. Parked in our usual spot - same place as last year when we were with Da and Nik. It snowed that day so we sloshed along in the melting snow as it was raining then. We watched a few floats go by all lit up - but went on to the beach to stake out our spot. And it continued to rain!! About 6:15 or so the count down started. And off went the fireworks!!! My favorite!!! Except this year - yea for colored clouds. The more the fireworks went off the more smoke it made and the harder it was to see. At one point it looked like the clouds where raining sparklies - as the sparks fell to the water.

This is the beginning. See the pretty, this is the most we got to see.
The ones shot off from the board walk where the ones we could see the best. The show lasted about 10 minutes or so - . Since it was raining and slick - we didn't run back to the car. A nice walk and when we where leaving - there was this family with two girls and a stroller. I kept looking at the guy and I knew I knew him. It was Liz and Dave. Didn't recognize the girls with all the hats and scarfs. So even if it was raining and cold - who cares - its TRADITION.

Fire!!!!

Fire - I love fire. There is nothing better than a good camp fire. Sitting around roasting marshmallows and eating s'mores. The conversation around a camp fire is always fun and sometimes deep. Watch the fire is mesmerizing. I love poking it with a stick and watching the sparks rise from the fire and fad out. Listening to the fire is calming. The snap, crackle, pop of the wood as it slowly turns into ash. Fire is a great motivator sometimes when a pop occurs followed by an amber being shot out of the fire and landing on or close to your shoe. People learn how fast they can move.

We use the word - fire - in allot of different ways. "Light a fire under that guy" is used to get someone to move faster. Fire in someones eyes usually means anger or insanity. The fire of a diamond refers to its brilliance or light. The raging fire of a fever (Shakespeare) and someone is really, really sick. Sorry Darren I know how much you hate Shakespeare. In the army we would like them to cease fire. Lightening is described as fire from the sky. Fire is also to make things stronger. Clay in a kiln - is fired and made stronger. Stories of adventure fire the imagination. When you are excited you are all fired-up or on fire. When we make a mistake we miss fire, and Jack Bauer will open fire on the bad guys.

We listen for the fire alarm. Our sun is a fire ball. We get out of the way of the fire engine. Some of us own a fire arm. Fire crackers are fun to light on the forth of July. My kids favorite family home evening was when we practiced our fire drills. The fire eaters in a circus are just plan nuts. To be a fire man is very honorable. But if you have a fire sale it is because someone had a real fire. I love fireworks. My favorite really. Every one should own a fire extinguisher. Matt and I buy fire wood to go into our fire place almost every weekend.

Then there are fire sides. Meeting at church or in a home where you could learn about fire and brimstone, or maybe something else. Moses was led out of Egypt by a pillar of fire at night. Abinadi was killed by King Noah by fire. We learn of other prophets being saved from the fire. And in Matthew 3:11 "...he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:". I can go on and on but I won't.

Fire is great and then it is scary. Like Saturday morning - I wake up and go into the dinning room. Matt is at an in service meeting at work. Saturday mornings are not for work - anyway - I turn on the light in the dinning room and POP. I hear a loud pop followed by some crackling. I look up and the ceiling light fixture is on fire. UGH!!!!!! I think - fire is not suppose to be coming out of a light bulb. I turn off the light and the fire goes out. YEA!!!!! Now I am really awake. Fire is no fun on your ceiling. My next thought is - darn I should have taken a picture. Dumb - I know - but I did think that. Then I went and made sure I knew where the extinguisher was. I was right!! This is the burnt fixture - not the greatest picture - tuff - it is what I got.

Matt putting up the new fixture.

This is our new dinning room light. Like it? All because of a fire that wasn't bad - just a little unnerving.

What is so great about getting old?

When I was 14 - I used to think "can't wait till I'm 16". Then when I was 16 , I wanted to be 18, than 21. It seemed to stop there. I don't remember ever wishing I was 30. (except maybe now I do, but that is backwards) No one ever says - "wow - I can't wait to be 40!" But then again no one ever warns you about 50 either. Why? I'll tell you why.

In a women's life it is summed up in one word - menopause!! Natures way of getting even for all the times you tried to speed time up. You know the time I was 17 years old and out walking the streets in Las Vegas at two o'clock in the morning, in a mini-skirt. How stupid is that? I can't believe I didn't get into trouble. Not the little trouble from your parents kind - but the guy throws you into his car and you are never the same again - kind of trouble. Not having any brains when you are a teenager is expected but when you are older and don't use your brains - it is something else. When you are 17 - people just shake their heads and say "teenagers" . When you are 50 something - people just shake their heads.

I don't care about the hot flashes or the night sweats. Really they aren't that bad. But I am told that the exercising is helping keep them small. What is bad is the brain thing. I now know it was a 50 something women who coined the phrase -"Of all the things I've lost I miss my mind the most" It is amazing how one minute you can know something and the next have no clue. I mean not one little sparkle of a clue. I give myself all the Alzheimer's tests and keep passing them - thank goodness - but I still keep giving them to myself anyway. At least I think I'm passing them - I mean it is me doing the grading.

The good thing is that these moments go away - fleeting moments of frustration. You get your brain back and can think again. Until the next surge of hormones or lack thereof. So for now I give Grant and Darren tons of material to tease their mother about. Damon, Cristy and Mandy just shake their heads. That's o.k. cause I do to - shake my head that is. Only now I hear a little rattle.

When I was a kid

So today was a very boring Saturday. The third Saturday is clean the house really good day. I limit this to once a month - no I clean other days but this is the big clean day. And really with only two people in the house things stay cleaner. Anyway this is not what I was going to write about today. Today after we got the brakes fixed on the Park Avenue and Pick-up , we went to Costco to get Matt some glasses. Our big date. We ran into Mandy, Grayam and George squared. Surprise!!! That was fun but then again - this is still not what I was going to talk about. Anyway while Matt was gazing into this machine and that, I walked around Costco. All their Christmas stuff is out now. And that is when I got to thinking about when I was a kid. (finally - this is what I want to talk about)

I always thought that my Grandfather Hank saw allot of change. I mean he was born when people where still using horses to get around. I thought that was amazing! But I got to thinking and well, I was here before computers in every household. My TV was the three major networks - ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS. We never watched public TV - too boring. Our telephones had rotary dials on them and when push buttons came out it was a big thing. Our idea of a Mobile phone was one with a eight foot cord. You could get around a kitchen with that. As a kid we could stretch that cord to the basement door, close the door and sit on the top step so we could talk with no one listening. I bet Mom and Dad listened on the other side of that door.

We only had one color TV. The other TV in the house was in mom and dads room and it was black and white. I would lay down on the floor in the hallway and peek through the crack in the door to watch whatever Mom and Dad was watching. I would try to slowly open the door more to get a better view. Like my folks never noticed the door slowly opening on its own. I was such a dweeb. Thought I was so sneaky. My folks where mostly nice and let me watch for awhile but then would shoe me off to bed. A couple of times - on a Friday night - they would fall asleep and I would get to watch TV till the station went off the air - they always played the national anthem to sign off - anyway I would wait for Mom or Dad to get up to shut the TV off and nothing - so I walked in and shut the TV off and then went to bed. For a nine year old that was way cool to stay up to 1 or 2 in the morning. Now I wonder if TV channels even sign off - do they all stay on all night long?

Now I have a satellite on the side of my house to bring me over a hundred channels. I have to pay for this. I remember when there was a big push to stop pay TV. TV was free and should remain that way. I believed that when I was young. When VCR's came out - I remember saying - "who would want to watch the same movie over and over?" What a dweeb!! I own over a hundred movies. Guess I would!! - I also remember the kids asking me - how did I watch movies when I was a kid? - when they learned I didn't have such machines when I was young. Now TV is changing again in February - what is in store for us next?

Anyway thanks for letting me remember - when I was a kid.

Little Girls

I am such a dweeb!! I sit here thinking of my little Cristy and I am tearing up. My little girl turns 29 on the 10Th. That means I'm old. OK I'm not tearing up because I'm old but it sounded like a good cover.

It was just yesterday when her father placed her on the kitchen floor and said "it's time for you to walk" so off she went. Always believing she could do "it". What ever "it" was -she knew she could do it!!! Cristy saw her brother climb a tree and thought "I can do that" and she did. Only to look down when she got up there and then get scared. She was only 2 years old. I won't get into how stupid I was to let her do it in the first place but Cristy couldn't be stopped. Just ask Damon - she wouldn't stop tormenting him no matter what. He would plead but she just smiled and kept it up.

She could charm her way out of trouble like nobody else. Principles could never really yell at her. She would just smile and well..... She got pulled over a few times by the police and no tickets that I know of anyway. Who could ticket that face???? In high school she was voted class president. Poor kid that ran against her. But then again - if Cristy wants to do something - she does it.

She worked two jobs one summer - KFC and Dairy Queen - six hours at one store then off to the other. Paid off her braces that year - more than what her parents could due. Nothing stops Cristy.

She entered Junior Miss pageant - came in second. Came out of it with a scholarship to NIC. Went out for the cross country team and got another scholarship for the rest of her time at NIC. Went to Boise State for a year. Found the money - worked her little self to the bone. Next was BYU. Paid her way through it all.

Now - well she is old now. OK she has a year to go before she is officially old. But she told me a funny story the other day and I hope she doesn't mind me sharing. But she remembers telling someone when she was little that I was 28 years old. She remembers me at 28 and now she is 29. So now she is older than her Mom.

Cristy you will never be older than your Mom. You are definitely wiser, but not older. I am so very impressed with how you have forged your path in life. Always turning to your Heavenly Father and doing what is right for you. Your prayers have lead you to this perfect time in your life - a great job, a great husband. Too far away from me but, that, I am afraid, is also inspired.

So happy birthday Cristy!!! I won't tell everyone that you are also the child that caused the most gray hair. The police never called me on the boys! (teehee) Sorry - just had to mention that. Don't worry no one but family reads this anyway.

The first 29 years where filled with wonder - what shall the next 29 bring? (more grandchildren?)

Nana First!!! (teehee)

First off - I don't have a picture of Grayam in church, so this one was taken on Sunday - soon enough. So why do I need a picture of Grayam in church , you ask? Simple - Mandy and her fam joined me last Sunday for Sacrament meeting. I love Sundays like that - anyway - Grayam is crawling all over his Mom and Dad when he looks over at me and says "Nana". That's right folks he says Nana before he says Mama. Sorry Mandy but that made my year!!!! I have no idea what was said in that testimony meeting except "Nana". Yea for me!!!

This week has been boring - except for the "Nana" thing - I canned pears all week-end. Matt worked on his car. I gave away the rest of the pears we had and we even had a mystery pear picker come and take the rest of the pears off the tree. No more left for the deer to eat.

Mom is doing well, she is going in for blood tests and they are adjusting her medication. Blood got a little too thin there - so keep the prayers coming. Till next time-----Nana signing off!!

Mom is Home !!

So Mom wouldn't let me take a picture of her in the hospital - don't blame her - so here she is at home. The place she loves the most. I'm suppose to tell you all she will look better tomorrow after she goes and gets her hair done. I think she looks great!

I can tell you that she is motivated to eat better and take care of herself. I was able to talk to Cristy for a long time and come up with some important steps for Mom to take. I love getting free professional advise. (I am trying to figure out what profession we are missing in this family and assign Darren to fill that void) She is enjoying one step tonight....

Chocolate mint chip ice cream. OK it wasn't a step but she is my mother and you don't take away the ice cream without allot of tears - and I don't make my Mommy cry!!!

So in the end Mom spent two nights in the hospital, had a ton of tests made on her heart, and tons of blood tests and they just came back to original problem. Her heart doesn't beat right. They are thinning her blood - taking more blood tests along with more Dr. visits. Dad and I are going to help with the better diet. For now that's about it.

Thanks for all the prayers - to Darren who suggested the blessing - thanks but her grandchildren were not there to give it , so she passed. Bummer. But the prayers worked - THANKS!!

A pat on the back with a spit in the eye!!!!

It was really exciting when Matt received his "million mile" safety award. The $100 debit card was spent in I think 3 days - the flash light went straight into the truck - coat is hanging in the closet - sun visor is in the garage (won't use it) and the $5000 savings bond is in the safe --but not for long......

So Matt checks on the computer - the truck computer - to check to see what this weeks paycheck will be --- $289.23----WHAT???? In case you didn't catch that - two weeks of driving 17 hours a day and all you get is a couple hundred dollars? Get a new job time!! I was proud of Matt - he calmly called the accounting office and asked nicely - Whats up? Oh--they had to take all the taxes out of this paycheck for the safety bonus - yes folks - for the savings bond. All that stuff we had to pay taxes on - some bonus. Matt called the owner of the company and told him he could have it all back - no thanks - don't need to go into dept for a phony bonus! So the company is lending us $1000 for six months - no interest - at that time we have to give them the money - either by cashing in the bond and getting $2500 for it or coming up with the $1000 to keep the bond. Either way it SUCKS!!


So to work off the anger - we started to organize the shop. We worked out a plan as to where everything is going to go. We talked it all out and then Matt had to go to the dentist. Another toothache. So the real work starts next week. Don't worry - all the stuff you have up stairs is safe. Darren your kayak is now in the shop. The dungeon is going to be food storage and Matt's TVs are going to be in the shop and everything in the shop will be moved. Where are the boys when you need free labor? Aren't you glad your all out of the house?


So I'm sitting in the living room reading book three of the "Twilight" series and I get a call from Damon - "Mom" he says -"get on the computer" - ok - I put my book down and off I go to the office - Jake and Bella are just talking about who loves who - they can wait - Damon is in the car with the whole fam trying to go to a football game in Jackson Mississippi - he is lost and wants me to figure out where the game is. No problem- I start with the college home page and go from there - but by now the kids are starting to fuss -( actually I am told Jack has been crying the whole time) and forget it - they are going to just get some food and go home. OK - no problem - I go back to my book and start to think about what just happened. Wait a minute- what did people do before computers? Stop and ask someone -at a gas station - convenience store - or buy a map. Has times changed that much that we can't trust a stranger for directions?

So just a few random thoughts from me - in case you are shocked that I used the word "sucks" - I figure if Grant can say it at the pulpit - I can use it here!!

The longest Tag ever

Attached or Single? Married, what is this attached thing? at the hip?

Best Friend? That would be my hubby Matt - followed by my kids!

Cake or Pie? Cake! Costco Cake! Only for special occasions though (or Tuesdays)

Day of Choice? Sundays are my favorite.

Essential Items? Item is not people - so - chap stick - glasses, so I can see -

Favorite Color? Red to wear - blue to look at -

Gummy Bears or Worms? neither - I pass

Indulgences? Tuesday night Dairy Queen - ICE CREAM!!!!!

January or July? January - and sham on Mandy for saying that nothing is good about January - it is my birthday!!!

Kids? 5 fantastic children, 4 fantastic in-law children and 5 wonderful grandchildren

Like or Love? - what? these questions? Like

Marriage Date? February 1988, and April 1988

Number of Siblings? two older brothers

Phobias/fears? Heights - don't care for them -and my children and grandchildren standing too close to the edge of anything - cliff, dock, you name it - My fear of them falling and I can't help them -
Quotes? Don't sweat the small stuff
Reasons to Smile? Family and chocolate!

Season? Fall!!! the colors - crispness in the air - Love it!!!

Tag Six? I just touched six people and said tag your it - they looked at me like I was nuts - actually all of you have been tagged already - so it stops here with me.

Unknown fact about Me ? I am turning into a shoe person - ugh!! I don't really like it but I want cute shoes!!

Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals? - Oppressor of Animals? What is that suppose to imply? Sorry I love meat !!

X-rays or Ultrasounds? What? What is wrong with me? What ever is needed!! Find it! fix it! I want to LIVE!!!!

Your Favorite Food? ICE CREAM!!!!
Zodiac? Capricorn

105 Questions
105 Facts About You (actually it is only 97 facts )

1. EVER BEEN GIVEN AN ENGAGEMENT Ring? Yes.
2. LONGEST RELATIONSHIP? I had to check the calendar - 21 years in February
3. LAST GIFT YOU RECEIVED? Matthew sent me roses when I was sick in August
4. WHAT IS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ? I am almost through with "The Chase" by Clive Cussler - it is good
5. WHENS THE LAST TIME YOU WORKED OUT? Sept. 8 I try to work out at least 3 times a week if not more!
6. THING(S) YOU SPEND A LOT OF MONEY ON? Food, gasoline
7. LAST FOOD YOU ATE? Ham , potatoes, watermelon - Dinner with Mom and Dad
8. FAVORITE WAY TO EXERCISE?: I belong to Curves but I prefer to ride my bike
9. ONE FAVORITE SONG? What else? America by Niel Diamond
10. WHERE DO YOU LIVE? It probably wouldn't be hard to find out, but I'm slightly afraid of Internet stalkers, so I try not to say it outright.
11. HIGH SCHOOL YOU ATTENDED: Connant High in Chicago and LaQuinta in California
12. CELL PHONE SERVICE PROVIDER: Verizon
13. FAVORITE MALL STORE: JCPenney and Christopher and Banks - I'm old!!!
14. LONGEST JOB YOU HAD: 16 years and still counting
15. DO YOU OWN A PAIR OF DICE? yes and WHY?
16. DO YOU PRANK CALL PEOPLE?: No and I bet this is on the way out with caller ID
17. LAST WEDDING YOU ATTENDED: Cristy and Nathaniel's - June 28th.
18. FIRST FRIEND YOU'D CALL IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY: No friend - FAMILY but I don't think they would believe me
19. LAST TIME YOU SAW YOUR BEST FRIEND: 5 and a half hours ago - hes on his way to Portland - again
20. FAVORITE FAST FOOD RESTAURANT: I change between - Arby's and Panda,
21. CAN YOU DO A CARTWHEEL?: No
23. WHERE'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT WITH FRIENDS? Lately it's been Red Robin
24. CAN YOU COOK? What? in general - nothing fancy
25. WHAT CAR DO YOU DRIVE?: A Park Avenue Buick
26. WHERE IS THE COOLEST PLACE YOU'VE BEEN ON VACATION?: Manning Park in Canazada!! Remember?
27. LAST TIME YOU CRIED?: Last week we rented "The Bucket List" yes- I cried!!
28. MOST DISLIKED FOODS: Peppers, coconut and onions
29. THING YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF: My sense of humor
30. THING YOU DISLIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF: I judge quickly
32. LONGEST SHIFT YOU HAVE WORKED AT A JOB?: in the home-24 hours, outside the home-10 hours
33. FAVORITE MOVIE? I love chick flicks but I can watch Apollo 13 and Independence Day over and over and have!!
34. CAN YOU SING? If I sit next to someone who can
35. LAST CONCERT ATTENDED? too long - can't remember
36. LAST KISS? What was that answer before about last time I saw my best friend - same answer
37. LAST MOVIE RENTED: Same answer as last time cried
38.ONE THING YOU NEVER LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT:cell phone, glasses
39. HOW MANY HOURS OF SLEEP DO YOU GET A NIGHT?: I try for 8 and usually get it
(what happened to question 40-42?)
43. LAPTOP OR DESKTOP COMPUTER?: Desk top - I must be the last one who likes 'em!!
44. FAVORITE COMEDIAN?: Jeff Dunham
45. DO YOU SMOKE? Nope.
46. SLEEP WITH OR WITHOUT CLOTHES? With.
47. WHO SLEEPS WITH YOU EVERY NIGHT?: My husband - questions are getting "off"
48. IF YOU HAD TO GO ON A REALITY SHOW, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU CHOOSE?: does Dancing with the Stars count?
49. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU BEEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE? Been a long time - I used to get a ticket every three years until I got my CDL now its been 16 years
50. PANCAKES OR FRENCH TOAST? right now French toast - ask again in a month
51. DO YOU LIKE COFFEE?: no
52 HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR EGGS? Favorite Scrambled on toast - but I love eggs so....
53. DO YOU BELIEVE IN ASTROLOGY?: no
54. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?: Mandy
55. LAST PERSON ON YOUR MISSED CALL LIST?: Darren
56. WHAT WAS THE LAST TEXT MESSAGE YOU RECEIVED?: picture text from Nikki - showing the girls and their "pretty" hair
(What happened to 57 - I think we are being edited - good?)
58. NUMBER OF PILLOWS?: 1
59. WHAT ARE YOU WEARING RIGHT NOW?: PJ's
60. PICK A LYRIC, ANY LYRIC: "the wheels on the bus go round and round"
61. WHAT KIND OF JELLY DO YOU LIKE ON YOUR PB & J?: grape or my raspberry jam -never jelly only jam
62. CAN YOU PLAY POOL?: I am the luckiest player on the planet - ask Darren
63. CAN YOU SWIM? not a strong swimmer but yes
64. FAVORITE ICE CREAM?: Vanilla with chocolate sauce or hot fudge or cookie dough or chocolate or double chocolate fudge brownie or UGH!!! is it Tuesday yet????
65. DO YOU LIKE MAPS? Yes
66. TELL ME A RANDOM FACT ABOUT YOURSELF: I have lost 15 pounds in the past year
(missing another number - at this rate it is only 100 questions)
68. EVER ATTEND A THEME PARTY?: yes
69. PAPER OR PLASTIC?: it used to be paper now it is plastic
70. LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED AT SOMETHING STUPID? I drive school bus - daily!!!!!
71. WHAT TIME DID YOU WAKE UP THIS MORNING ? 5:50 a.m.
72. BEST THING ABOUT WINTER?: cold nights with a fire in the fire place - fresh snow
73. LAST TIME A COP GAVE YOU A TICKET?: over 16 years ago
(74 Where are you)
75. NAME OF YOUR FIRST PET?: Daisy the dog.
76. DO YOU THINK PIRATES ARE COOL OR OVERRATED?: For Georgey - cool
77. WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS WEEKEND?? Organizing the shop
78. EDWARD OR JACOB?: Edward! even tho I have no Idea what this means
79. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE: When? in general? how about Happy
85. ARE YOU ON A LAPTOP?: no
(no 86 either)
87. ARE YOU SMILING?: right now? yes
(88 is lost forever)
89. DO YOU MISS SOMEONE RIGHT NOW?: Yes.
90. IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD YOU GO?: Hawaii, DC, Mississippi, Utah, Pocatello, and Pullman and a hunt for number 91
92. DO YOU SKI OR SNOWBOARD?: neither
93. MAYONNAISE OR MIRACLE WHIP?:Miracle Whip
94. CATS OR DOGS?: dogs
.95. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR BATHING SUIT?: black.
96. HOW MANY EMAIL ACCOUNTS DO YOU HAVE?: Two.
97. DID YOU GO ON VACATION LAST MONTH?: Nope,
98. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ON A CRUISE?: Nope
99. DO YOU HAVE A SISTER?:nope
100. ARE YOU UPSTAIRS?: nope,wait I was just in the nope business, I guess if you count the basement that would be a yes
101. ARE YOU IN LOVE?: Yes-been married 20 years!!!
102. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN THE HOSPITAL? Yes.I'm old of course I have
103. DO YOU WISH YOU COULD SEE ANYONE PARTICULAR RIGHT NOW?: Yes, too many people to list.
104. WHAT JEWELRY ARE YOU WEARING?: Just my CTR ring Damon and Nikki gave me
105. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO AFTER THIS SURVEY?: Celebrate!

OK Mandy - don't say I didn't do what I was instructed to do!! That took along time Till next time!!

Yak - ity YAK don't talk back!!

No I didn't go to Tibet - A small herd of Yak is on my school bus route. I stopped this morning to take this picture. You should have heard the kids on my bus - "look at those funny cows" "they aren't cows, they are buffalo" "No they are cows" I can't really laugh , the first time I saw them I was wondering if there was a long haired cow - I mean really who would think that they really are Yaks. Turns out this guy who owns them loves to be the talk of the neighborhood. It really looks funny when he takes a little one out for a walk. Only in north Idaho!!!

So this is a picture of my bus the way they want to ride the bus. This actually is a light day - only 37 kids - taken this morning. The new kids are learning I don't allow this and the older kids that know me are being reminded.

This is the way you ride a bus. In my dreams. Maybe - one day - who am I kidding - we don't pay enough taxes to Velcro them to the seat or install TV in the back of every seat.

So my hope this year, is that I at least don't have anyone "talk back" - - maybe I can threaten them with - "putting them out in the Yak field" if they do - but alas - I'm still dreaming!!!

One Million Miles

Matt is honored for driving one Million miles without an accident. WOW!!!!! This is no little thing - Matt is honored at the company picnic - the owner of the company gets up and says a ton of nice things about Matt and then proceeds to give him a ton of stuff. First the plaque and certificate. Next is a coat - a really good one with the liner that comes out and is two coats in one. A belt buckle with the one million mile safety insignia on it. Two hats - a sun visor -a flashlight - a debit card with $100 dollars on it and a $5000 savings bond.

And they put his name on the door of his truck. This is all very cool. I must add a whole lot better then a trophy. Now it took 12 years to drive these million miles. This is just driving the northwest - I think he knows the roads up here.

So I have been trying to figure out how far is one million miles. And if you figure that it is about 5500 miles to Jackson Mississippi, up to D.C. and then back again- that is approximately 182 trips. So I wonder how many trips it would be if we went to Pullman, Pocatello, Salt Lake then Jackson, up to D.C. and then home?

Well, to Matthew - congratulations - you deserve all the hoopla for all the hard work you do - Job well done!!!!!!!

Thanks

So what does a Mother do when she is sick? Well, there really isn't much she can do-except get through it.

When your children are young - you let them run all over the house and try to put up the knives so they won't get hurt. You lay there and watch Sesame Street in hopes your little ones will watch it too but they never do. They would much rather get into all the stuff they have never been aloud to get into before. You also look at the fine print of the Mothers contract and find out that husbands and your Mother are suppose to help, but sometimes they are not around to do that. Or if they are anything like me - they don't want to catch it, so they lend moral support-"I hope you feel better soon, honey".

When your children get older - it is great-OK not great but you don't have to clean up a big mess when you finally get to feeling better. They get themselves lunch and dinner and even think of you, getting you the "bell" and puke bucket, in between basketball practice and the "gang" meeting at so and so's house. But now you don't have to watch Mickey Mouse Club House and can put that movie in that the kids hate but they won't whine now that you are sick. Lets just say it is easier.

But when they all move away and have the nerve to have lives of their own-when you are sick, you are alone. Its not bad but you have to get up and get your own puke bucket - not the silver pan these days but the plastic garbage can. And you have to make your own eggs up in a glass.

But most of all they surprise you with frozen yogurt and sports drinks. Thank -you Mo. And then the door bell rings and it is a delivery lady with two liters of 7-up and a dozen roses. From a husband who is on the road and can't help. Love you Matt. Thanks guys.
Another thing that is different now - when you get tired of watching TV you can play on the computer. Nice!

Visitors

So Uncle Tom and Aunt Sue are visiting for the week. Helping Mom and Dad get things done - like washing windows and curtains. They have been just relaxing and a lot of old stories are being told - again - but we have done a couple of things. Like we went to Faragut State Park - I didn't realize that Mom and Dad have never been there. So in case you forgot how pretty North Idaho is - here are a few reminders. We didn't walk too much - Dad's knee was bothering him that day. But we did a little--

We brought a picnic lunch and had the whole day use area to ourselves. There was a light breeze and it was a nice afternoon. Here is Mom trying to get Tom to see a nest she sees in the trees. Tom never found it.

This is our old sailor next to a statue that pays tribute to all the men who have served in the Navy. Never knew this was at Faragut.

Then today Mandy and George took us out on the lake. We enjoyed the ride and watched George water ski and Mandy knee board. A few good wipe outs but not on film. No - I was really impressed - I can't do it -
It was a fun day - Tom and Sue will be here till Monday - it has been a good visit.

Mississippi and D.C.

So I have been to Mississippi and Washington D.C. and back. It has been a long time since I have been on an airplane and now I feel like almost an expert. Thanks to a prescription for air sickness (lets here it for the patch) I almost enjoyed the many flights.

So Nikki, Maddie, Sadie, Jack and I left Spokane at 6a.m. the morning of July 16. Sadie had one short moment of feeling sick but the sprite took care of that. First stop was Denver, then to Oklahoma City, then Huston and then to Jackson. Four separate planes and one very long sprint to the next plane in Huston (we made it ) and not one car seat,or piece of luggage was lost. I really think I should write someone and say job well done. Damon and Matt where at the airport to greet us and a very welcome sight they where. The girls did really well flying. Sadie slept the last two flights due to the Dramamine.

First stop was the apartment. A very nice and big place. Three bedrooms with each room having its own walk in closet. Great for storage. This picture is the building from the parking lot. Their place is the second floor but on the other side of the building

I love the trees there - they are Crap Myrdal trees. In case you where wondering. One thing Damon learned is that he never wants to be on the second floor again. EVER! Matt and Da unloaded the truck and Matt put the beds, table and stuff together. The Elders quorum did come and help with the piano and big stuff. Matt left on the 18th and I started playing with the kids so that Nikki and Da could unpack. As you can tell be this next picture - you don't want to be a box that needs unpacking when Nikki is around - yes , this is the knife she used.
Their apartment is bigger than what they are used to and so they have the room they need for all their stuff. Just a couple pictures of the inside.

This is the living room, french doors to the little deck.


The girls room has enough room for both beds and all the toys. The closet has the dressers and toys also.

The kitchen with laundry room in the back. They got front loading machines as you can see the washing machine door is open.


This is the pool they can go to. Perfect for families-the deepest point is 4 and a half feet deep. Maddie is a fish. The water is a little warm , since it was 100 degrees outside. But still refreshing when you get out. You don't need a towel.

One of the first things we did was go to the campus and check out Damon's new office. This is the building his office is in.

Really nice people there and the girls even found a lady that had jelly beans. What more can you want?

Well, as all good things must come to an end -I had a blast being a part of the Damon and Nikki family - I think the girls where ready to only have two parents by the time I left. And more important it was time for their lives to get back to normal in their new home. So after allot of tears on my part - (as I tear up even now) I take off on yet another plane to see Cristy.

One very big airport is Baltimore/Washington International and Cristy was still able to find me. I am very glad of that. It was late and we just went to her place and crashed. Nathaniel was already asleep - he was running a 101 degree fever - so we just aired up the mattress and went to sleep. About 2a.m. the air left the mattress and I slept the rest of the night on the floor. I must have been tired cause I slept.
This is the walk way up to her front door - that blue door you see. Lots of squirrels running around - one of the neighbors puts out peanuts. They too are on the top floor. You can just see their balcony in this picture.

This is standing at the front door looking in - yes it is small but perfect for the two of them. Very cute and this is actually the only picture I'm going to show you. Bug Cristy to post some more on her blog.

After that first night we went and stayed in Cesar and Susan's home. They went to Mexico for the week and offered their home for us to use. NICE!!!! They are the greatest people. Cristy and I went to the temple on Friday -I almost couldn't go because I lost my recommend - glad my bishop was at home working on his computer. While we where there we met Uncle Chucks brother and sister-in-law there. It is a great story - ask Cristy about it. Then off to the sights of D.C.

We spent Saturday morning with Robbie and she took us to Great Falls Park - National Park? Anyway it was great - great hike and great views.

I think my hair frizzed more in D.C. then in Jackson. But all in all - it was a great time touring the nations capital and playing tourist. We even ate at a great Italian restaurant and all the while poor N was home with a fever. On my last day I was able to finally convince N to go to the Dr. He got some antibiotics and by Wednesday he was back to work. We all want to know if he caught this on his honeymoon? Will we ever know?

I have been asked over and over - if I was glad to be home? A very tough question actually - was I glad to be away from part of my family? NO! Was I glad to be home where I have two weeks of yard work to catch up on? NO! But- I guess I am glad to be with the rest of my family and be in my own bed - so yes, I'm glad to be home. But I look forward to doing this whole trip again. Maybe Matt can even join me.