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.

Silverwood

Fun times in the sun. When the family gets together it is always fun. Well, I think so....So with Cristy on her honeymoon in Jamaica - we couldn't be outdone - off to Silverwood. A local theme Park with rides and water for a hot day. Damon with his family, Nikki, Maddie, Sadie and Jack. Mandy with her family, George, Georgie and Grayam. Grant and Liz and Darren. And we were joined with friends Liz and Dave and their kids Kenzie, Haily, Greg and Connor. Matt is at work, it is Wednesday. I was there too but I'm behind the camera - a great place to be when in a bathing suit.

First, we got a cabana, a covered 10x10 space with a locked storage and a small fridge that didn't really work. but a great home base. Suits on - time to hit the water-

Uncle Darren takes the girls in and oops forgets his cell phone is still in his pocket. How long does it take for a phone to dry out? We will let you know....

Grayam will play with this stream of water but no other...too much splashing.

Uncle Grant gets all of us wet.

Damon was brave enough to go on the steep slides...not me.

Even baby Jack was having fun. Such a cutie pie!!!!

After the water park - on to the rides and Garfields summer camp. Grayam in the tree house.

Georgey and Haily in the Dumbo ride. Always a fun time.

Nikki and Sadie on the run away train.

So, what do you do with five children when the grown-ups are on the big roller coasters? Make your own ride out of a wheel chair. Georgey, Sadie, Haily, Greg, and Maddie. Who said they have a hard time sharing?

The panic plunge is about to begin- look out George and Liz. What goes up....

Must come down..sooner or later..
I think Liz liked going up better. We started the day at 11 in the morning and ended the day at 9 at night. I think we all had a great day - I know I did!!!!!!