My Family's News

All I Want for Christmas...

2009-12-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

So, for all of you out there with little ones who are all grown up, this may take you back... It's the kids' Christmas wish lists:

Faith's wish list (phonetic list above):
Nintendo DS and DS game
Barbie & the 3 Musketeers movie
Hanna Montana the Movie
Pixoes
Phone
Aqua Sand
Moon Sand
The Cupcake maker
Clothes
a horse toy
record player
a hat
a cat
a clock
a fishing rod
a fox toy

Elijah's wish list (above):
LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure continues
[pretty easy shopping list!]

Isaac's wish list (above):
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit traeks for the Nintendo DS
[too cute: his list was originally longer but he tore it up and only gave us the piece above... when questioned, he finally admitted that the longer list included guns and knives... Ahh, to be a nearly-14-year-old boy!]

and finally....
Faith's sweet letter to Santa... So sweet! ("Toy snow man, pony, guitar, santa toy, new gloves, cat, new bear, the best Christmas!")

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Halloween Good Times....

2009-11-01T20:07:00.000-08:00

This year for Halloween we went up to Salem to see our good friends Carrie & Geoff who were gracious enough to host a Halloween Party. Tons of fun, lots of Rock Band, and we even spent the night after staying up until about 2 AM partying hard! We really appreciated the hospitality and fun :-)

Halloween at PeaceHealth

2009-11-01T20:00:00.001-08:00

Isn't this awesome?!? :-)

Nilda and Rachelle

Patti

Happy Halloween!!

2009-11-01T19:58:00.001-08:00

Family Fun at the Pumpkin Patch

2009-11-01T19:47:00.001-08:00

You've got to love the PumPkin Patch especially when the trek includes:

- tons of fun in the fall leaves
- time with my honey
- fresh hot apple cider
- caramel apples
- kettle corn
- 96 lbs of pumpkins
- 3 silly kids who fought over getting pushed in the wheel barrow
- a beautiful, crisp, sunny shiny day in the fall in Oregon!!

Praise the Lord!

Happy Birthday Baby Doll .... Joel's 32nd Birthday

2009-11-01T19:34:00.000-08:00

Joel's birthday was a couple of weeks ago and as a special surprise Joel's mom flew in from Arizona to surprise him for his birthday. We hadn't seen her for about 4.5 years and so it was especially nice for the kids to get to know their Grandma Donna :-)

Alas, the only "downer" was that I had a doozy of a head cold and so we weren't able to do all the fabulous things that I'd hoped (e.g. beach, pumpkin patch, etc.) ... instead we spent the weekend cuddling on the couch, watching movies, and Grandma let Faithy have a hey-day playing games with her Facebook account (Happy Aquarium and the Cafe were her favorites).

It was GREAT to see her and have that special time (thank you Donna!) !

:-)

Faithy's Field Trip to Thistledown Farms

2009-11-01T19:05:00.000-08:00

I got to volunteer to go on a field trip with Faith's class to Thistledown Farms here in Eugene... we had a lot of fun, can you tell? :-)

First graders

For the field trip, each of the adult chaperones were responsible for keeping track of three kids... much easier said than done when you have three independent kids all wanting to explore a farm!

Highlights:

1.) Cuddling with Faith on the bus ride
2.) Hayride to the field
3.) Feeding the goats (the kids were grabbing leaves to feed the goats)
4.) Going through the corn maze with the kids (granted, it was tricky when they each wanted to take a different path in the maze!)
5.) Beautiful scenery - the farm was great!
6.) Special time together.....

They had to explore every inch of the field in search of the best "tiny" little pumpkins.... the rule was that they could pick a pumpkin no bigger than their head. One of the girls was in search of the smallest, cutest pumpkin she could find; she ended up with a pumpkin roughly the size of a small orange. The second little girl was kinda quiet and just ran along -- she was the last to pick her pumpkin. Faith was undecided and switched pumpkins a few times. All in all, lots of fun!

So many choices!!!

A Happy Day :-)

Happy Birthday Baby!

2009-09-16T18:46:00.000-07:00

Faith's birthday: 7 years old!! Can you believe it?!? Wow. (Right now she's big into watching re-runs of "America's Next Top Model" and posing away... growing up too fast!) We started with the family birthday party...

And ended the birthday parties marathon ("crazies") this past weekend with Faith's very first birthday party with friends: pin the tail on the donkey, musical chairs, pinata, chocolate cake, and presents. What could be better?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Faith!! I love you! :-)

Let's Talk About Sex Baby...

2009-09-16T18:29:00.000-07:00

So, about a week or two ago, this is about how the conversation went:

[Picture this: I'm sitting on my bed working on my laptop with the TV on as background noise when Miss. Faith comes into my room and sits down on the bed next to me.]

Faith: "Tell me about the 'S' word."

Me: "Huh?"

Faith: [whispering] "You know, sex"

Me: [surprised, but playing it cool] "What would you like to know?"

Faith: [very matter-of-fact] "Well on TV they were talking about how parents need to talk to their kids about sex. So what do I need to know?"

Me: "What would you like to know?"

Faith: "Well, when should I be doing it?"

Me: [thinking "Never!", but calmly answer] "Usually it's after college ... " [okay, not always] "... and it's usually with the person you're marrying. Does that make sense?" [let's not get into all the other parts of this discussion right now...]

Faith: "Hmm. Okay. So why do people have sex?"

Me: "Well, it feels nice and some people just have sex because it feels nice. But it's best when people do it do when they love each other and want to have a baby."

Faith: [as a statement] "So you and Dad have sex."

Me: "Yep. . . Do you have any other questions?"

Faith: [all casual] "Nope."

Me: "Feel free to ask me if you have any more questions."

Faith: "Okay." [And she hops off the bed and heads off to play.]

Me: [Dear Lord!]

Ahh, yet another day with a precocious child.

The First Day of First Grade!

2009-09-16T18:03:00.000-07:00

I vaguely remember first grade, but one of my recollections was of being really nervous... In contrast, Miss. Faith was all confidence. I really admire her bravery and courage as she started a new school this year.

You go girl!!

I love you :-)

Happy Birthday Elijah!!

2009-09-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

We just had weeks and weeks of celebrations starting off with Elijah's birthday party on August 29th at some video game playing place in Eugene. Elijah invited a couple of boys over and they spent a couple hours at a arcade and then had a slumber party at our house with even more video games!! . . . what could be better than that for a boy turning 12 years old?!?

Then, we had a family party for Elijah's actual birthday (a couple days after school started).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Elijah!!

Happy 4th of July!!! (late. . . )

2009-07-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

Better late than never. . . I'm FINALLY posting some pictures from our camping trip over 4th of July weekend up at Detroit Lake (SE of Salem, Oregon). We headed up Thursday afternoon after work and stayed until mid-afternoon on the 4th of July (we made sure we were home by the evening of the 4th to ensure that the dogs were okay with the fireworks) . . . We were pooped!! But a great time was had by all!

What did we do?

We packed up and headed out on an adventure!

We swam in the lake
(Isaac dislikes having his picture taken these days)...

the kids played checkers (I played too and lost
against Isaac but won when playing Faith
. . . It was my first time playing). . .

we napped. . .

. . . hiked around the campground with our "Camp Hosts" . . .

We watched the cute little ground squirrels . . . (good picture Isaac!)

We roasted LOTS of hot dogs and marshmellows!
(Don't worry Faithy, smoke follows beauty)

our boys were "boys" as they wrestled
around in Mom & Dad's trailer. . .

and we celebrated the 4th of July
("Good morning Dad. Do you need some coffee?")

Faith got decked out for the campground's annual 4th of July "Kids' parade" -- bikes, kids, and pets were all decorated and circled around the campground together giving the rest of us a parade.

Elijah did a great job in the J.R. Beaver costume!!
(that's him with Faith. . . too cute!!!)

HAPPY 4th of July 2009!!

Happy Father's Day!!

2009-06-21T23:23:00.000-07:00

It's waaayyyy past my bedtime, but I thought I'd take a few minutes to wish all of you out there a Happy Father's Day! And, Happy Father's day to my husband, Joel :-)

Today Joel slept in and, per his request, was served breakfast in bed: Biscuits, gravy, and coffee. . . LOTS of hugs and kisses from the kids.

Faith is a total Daddy's girl!

Then, after several loads of dishes and laundry, we headed out to go shopping for a bike helmet for Isaac (his has been trashed), running shoes for Joel, and to see about finding a tent for this summer's camping. . . . Alas, we had no luck with the shoes or tent, but we DID find new bikes for the kids! They were very excited!! Especially the boys who have had the same bikes for more than 5 years (they've grown a lot in the past 5 years!). Isaac and Elijah are now sporting full-grown, 26" tire, MEN's bikes! [sigh, my babies are growing too fast!]

And Faithy is moving past toddler bikes and into the 20" tire kids' bike categories. . . She's especially proud of her cute blue Bratz bike. Now we just need to get her set up with some good training wheels and she'll be set!

Sadly, it's time to say good-bye to old friends. . .

Thanks for the memories!

Anyhow, we've all ended our day just chilling out: The boys playing video games, me installing the latest update for my phone, Faith watching a Garfield movie, and Joel ending his Father's Day with a favorite pastime. Again, to all of you out there: Happy Father's Day!

Faith and Religion

2009-05-23T22:55:00.000-07:00

Joel and I just went to see the new DaVinci Code movie "Angels and Demons" (really good!) and afterwards we started talking about faith and religion. . .

Me? I was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church when I was a wee babe. I like to label myself "catholic" (small c). Note, according to www.dictionary.com:

cath⋅o⋅lic

[kath-uh-lik, kath-lik]
–adjective

1.broad or wide-ranging in tastes, interests, or the like; having sympathies with all; broad-minded; liberal.

2.universal in extent; involving all; of interest to all.

3.pertaining to the whole Christian body or church.

versus

–adjective

1.of or pertaining to a Catholic church, esp. the Roman Catholic Church.

2.Theology.

a.(among Roman Catholics) claiming to possess exclusively the notes or characteristics of the one, only, true, and universal church having unity, visibility, indefectibility, apostolic succession, universality, and sanctity: used in this sense, with these qualifications, only by the Church of Rome, as applicable only to itself and its adherents and to their faith and organization; often qualified, especially by those not acknowledging these claims, by prefixing the word Roman.

b.(among Anglo-Catholics) noting or pertaining to the conception of the church as the body representing the ancient undivided Christian witness, comprising all the orthodox churches that have kept the apostolic succession of bishops, and including the Anglican Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, Church of Sweden, the Old Catholic Church (in the Netherlands and elsewhere), etc.

3.pertaining to the Western Church.

See what I mean? I like to believe that most churches are united in some way or another and that, perhaps, we have many more commonalities than differences. Are God and Allah and Yahweh all the same?

I believe in the creed of the Catholic Church:

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty

maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made,

one in Being with the Father.

Through him all things were made.

For us men and for our salvation

he came down from heaven

by the power of the Holy Spirit

he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered, died, and was buried.

On the third day he rose again

in fulfillment of the Scriptures;

he ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of Life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son.

With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.

He has spoken through the Prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen

Taking it apart:
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. True, I believe there is one God -- different names. For me, I like to see God as a warm and caring father. I believe that God is more. . . and that to best relate, we can put "Him" in a role. For me, Father is appropriate. The ultimate caring father who wants what's best for all of us and who has wisdom and compassion. He can be protective as needed, but he's ultimately the father of all. Creator of all . . . And when I say "all" I mean everything. He gave us the miracle of life and the ability to form babies and unite. Pretty cool.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father. True. It's hard for me to fathom and explain. I believe that Jesus was God's son and was also God placed within Mary as a virgin birth; he is one with God -- like a shared awareness, a shared love . . . It's hard for me to fully comprehend but I'm okay with that. My gut says it's true.

Through him all things were made. [Wow!] For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. I believe that Jesus was given to us as a gift: For God to live among us so we can see how much he treasures us and so God can speak through His own voice and not through a prophet. The Holy Spirit - the invisible movement of God - filled Mary (who was NOT already pregnant and who was of a strong faith) and choose to become a man -- to become one of us -- because he loves us. And, because he loves us, he sacrificed himself for us and was crucified -- so that we may believe and see the miracle. I believe that God's kingdom will have no end. I believe that ultimately good triumphs over evil.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. I believe that God moves as a Spirit. I believe when I feel that tingling on the back of my neck that it is the Holy Spirit's presence that I'm feeling. I believe that the Holy Spirit is ever present and that the Holy Spirit speaks through the Prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. Yes, I believe that there is one universal church and that we strive to be apostle-like.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. All baptisms count . . . All who choose to invite God into their lives and have faith are a part of my family. . . They don't have to be baptized in the Roman Catholic Church to be considered faithful.

We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. It seems like there's something about joyful hope too. . . Yes, we believe that there is a afterlife and that death isn't something to be feared but, rather, we should trust that God has more planned for us. This isn't something to dread, but rather a "joyful hope."

I think that's cool. "Amen!" I agree! I believe! Here, here!

I like to imagine the early church gatherings: Apostles spreading the word about Christ. . . Sharing his works in stories in small gathering rooms where they may have met in secret or met with those wanting to know more. Offering prayers and blessings. Reading stories from the Old Testament, the Torah then praising God with David's psalms (words of encouragement or reflection), then telling stories of what they've seen and experienced. . . Saving the best for last: Stories of Jesus' life here on earth. Then teaching the crowd and discussing how Jesus fulfilled the predictions and phophesies of the Old testament. All the while, the Holy Spirit moving within people -- opening minds and changing hearts. Wow!

From there they would begin the sacred ceremony of breaking bread with them as Jesus broke bread, reciting Jesus' words, "Do this in memory of me." I imagine the people standing in a crowded room trying to see what was going on. I imagine the people sitting to listen to the stories of the Torah they may have heard before and to listen to the apostles speak. I imagine them falling to their knees as they recognized the reverence of the moment. When I go to mass, this is what I think about. So many people just seem to recite the prayers by rote, but truly, it should be special.

I also like to think that the Catholic church tries to unite us all: Agreeing and printing books that list what stories we will hear and what prayers we will say -- lifting a voice in unison of praise to God. Uniting us as brothers and sisters (I can call a cousin in another state and ask, "What did you think of the story of the woman at the well?" discussed at today's mass). And still, we have our apostles trying to share their own faith and praying that God gives them the words to apply the teachings to our lives and to encourage our faith. I try to pray that I'm open to God's word and the Holy Spirit. Some days are better than others.

My frustration with the "religion" tends to be more in terms of the politics of it all. I don't like that the Catholic church tends to seem judgemental -- dictating what books and movies are appropriate to see. That's frustrating. I don't like when I've seen people use "faith" as a reason to condemn others (e.g. "I can't go to my son's wedding because he's not getting married in a church"). I dislike how many people seem to just go to mass out of a sense of obligation and not because they want to praise God. I don't like that I've met priests that haven't seemed very holy and that they spoil it for the many wonderful priests I know.

For me, I want to be catholic in all the idealistic ways: Believing in the wonder of the mass and reliving the awe-filled moments of those early Christians. I want to believe that I have much in common with my Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, and other Christian friends (Mormons, Lutherans, Pentacostals, Baptists). I believe that God is a part of my life and that the tingle on the back of my neck is the Holy Spirit (it's that same sense that gives me the nagging urge to call my mom just in time to find out that someone close to us is dying). I want to sing "Alleluia" and feel it to my toes. . .

And, I have days. . . Days of wanting to sleep in on Sunday. . . Days of dreading dragging my kids and husband to mass. . . Days of sitting through mass and not recalling a single reading or anything that was said. . . . There are days. My goal is to have less of those than the good days.

So. . . Faith & religion? At the end of the DaVinci code one of the actors had a very inspiring line, and for the life of me, I can't recall all of it. But, I remember that the point was that we have faith; religion is imperfect because man ("mankind") is imperfect. . . but faith remains.

Happy Easter. . . And everything else

2009-04-16T21:32:00.000-07:00

So, what have I been up to? Trouble. . . No good. . . Fun!

Okay, so I went out with one of my favorite girlfriends tonight for some fun and to celebrate her birthday -- that tends to put me in a good mood (Happy Birthday Kim!!). As for the rest of it: I was gone to Bellingham all last week to meet with a consultant from Microsoft (Steve Pontello). Steve was AWESOME and I learned a ton. . . Enough that by Easter Sunday I was exhausted, could no longer formulate thoughts, and was feeling quasi-anti-social. Monday I couldn't think enough to remember my name, Tuesday I felt a bit Attention-Deficit, and yesterday I was able to complete simple tasks. Today I'm back to functioning semi-normal. I can tell you that I arrived in our conference room about 7:15 each day, we started the discussion at 8 AM, took a hour lunch, and worked until 5 PM (with a debrief until nearly 5:30 each night). Throw in the 6 hours to drive there on Monday and the 7 hour drive home Friday, with meetings on Monday and meeting with Steve until after noon on Friday and it was a VERY full week. Awesome, but also busy. Ryan (my cohort) and I agree that the meeting with Steve probably set us ahead in our work about 2 years. Seriously awesome.

Then, Easter weekend was spent at Mom & Dad's in Stayton watching movies with the kids on Saturday night and then getting waaayyy too little sleep! Sunday morning Faith snuck into our room about 7 AM and said "Happy Easter! Wake up, wake up, wake up!!!" Very cute. . . Way too early! We had a fun time, went to mass, hunted for Easter eggs, and had a good dinner with family. Me? I dozed on the couch during the conversations (did I mention that the week had taken a lot out of me?). We headed home early in the evening and spent the evening watching some shows recorded on the DVR.

As for today, I took a deep breath and opted to have courage in talking with my manager about my frustrations at work. I'd written a letter to God beforehand so that I could try to formulate my thoughts and reflect on why I was frustrated (I also prayed that the meeting would go well). Fortunately Darian was very receptive and a good listener. Essentially, I've been feeling like I'm driving in 3rd gear on the interstate; extremely frustrated. In trying to narrow identify why, I explained that I'm a production/hands-on kind of person. . . We're developing new architecture for our OLAP cubes and I'm needing to get into it. Over the past several months we've been slowly working our way into it and we've had MANY conversations about what might work best and trying to make good design decisions and we've made a couple of cubes. I'm now ready to dive in!

I've got a long "To Do" list at work but it's primarily "mini-tasks" with things like documentation, effort tracking, typing up notes, etc. But I'm craving more "build" work. I'm a multi-tasker by nature and I like to have different types of things to work on to make the most of my energy level and mental-prowess at any given point in time ;-).

I also explained that I'm a Gemini and a bit of a split personality: I recognize that I have a social side to me that can be very abstract random, take in all sorts of stimulus (non-verbal cues, tone of voice) and process what we're discussing. It's the skills that I use to find compromise in meetings and the ability to participate in long training sessions. However, there's also a very linear, structured side to me: This is how I behave when writing and structuring my thoughts. . . This is also how I operate when programming and doing architecture work -- very logical. I told Darian that it can be difficult to transition between the two skill sets. Admittedly, last week during the training with the consultant, I would do fine listening, processing, and taking notes. Then when it was my turn to present and do the hands-on programming work, I'd stumble for a few minutes, ask for a second to collect my thoughts, and then would slip on my programming hat. . . Today Darian seemed to appreciate the explanation for my behaviors.

Also, I don't like to talk on the phone much . . . This has been a interesting challenge when my OLAP partner works in Bellingham and my manager is in Bellingham. How best to communicate? Here's today's action items:

- I told Darian that I need to establish timelines for myself; it gives me something to aim for while realizing that the timelines may need to be adjusted due to illness or a sudden high-priority request. The important piece here is that I need to set the timelines for myself but have Darian aware of them. . .
- I also told Darian that I'll do best if I can send him a email at the end of the week with a list of what I've accomplished throughout the week and what I plan to work on during the following week. . . This is more for me to reflect on my work in a logical/linear way and to gather my tasks for the upcoming week (especially since it's so difficult to remember where I left off come Monday morning). He's good with that.
- I also asked for an additional/lower priority cube to work on. . . Something to balance the high priority work, the 30 minutes-to-an-hour tasks, and everything else. It gives me something to do while my mind subconsciously trouble-shoots problems I may be having with the high-priority work.
- And, I told him that, knowing that I have to consciously transition between social and logical/linear, I try to schedule all my meetings close together and then schedule chunks of time to do my programming work. This is how I work best. This includes needing a telework day occasionally so that I can get through big chunks of work at a time so that I feel caught up.

. . . So, it's been a few weeks of self-discovery and trying to get back on track.

As for the rest of it: I'm not checking my personal email and computer nearly often enough -- my doctor recommended that I avoid my computer in the evenings because it makes it more difficult for me to fall asleep at night. I'm trying to hold myself to it. . . but tonight I felt the need to process my thoughts was more important than needing to avoid my computer. :-)

And, as always, I'm trying to balance it all: Work, Friends, Family, . . . Date time with Joel, TV (and discussion) time with the boys, Being Mommy for Faith, Trying to pick up (and spring clean) the house, and . . . trying to take time for myself. . . . Oh, and God fits in there too. . . And exercise. . . And. . . Well, you know how it goes. . .

Best wishes to you all and I pray that you're all weathering the turbulence of our times as well as can be expected. God bless!

One of my favorites. . .

2009-04-05T00:38:00.000-07:00

Check this out: Armed Forces/Memorial Day Tribute 2007 (Casting Crown's "Praise You in this Storm"). . . This is so true of so much of my life. Especially relevant right now as we face a lot of uncertainty, a scary economy, and unemployment. . . I'll choose to praise God even in these stormy times. This video, also, reminds us to pray for those soldiers (and their families) who do so very much for us.

God bless!

Depression

2009-03-29T21:46:00.000-07:00

Let's face it: Life sucks these days. I'm getting numerous emails in my inbox all providing warning signs of depression . . . webmd, health.com, prevention. . . they're all doing it. I suppose that with the highest unemployment rate since the Great Depression and forecasts that things may get worse -- we're all subject to depression. And, I think that the general morale contributes to it. . . I mean, when you're fighting depression you're supposed to avoid negative people; people that bring you down. But truly, right now we're all commiserating with one another and wallowing in the misery. In my small town of Junction City the primary employer (Country Coach) filed for bankruptcy and has been shut down for a couple of months. The news channels feature teasers that if a judge rules in their favor they may be able to reopen (and re-hire the town's people). But the emotional yo-yo and anxiety of people waiting to hear is apparent even in the grocery store.

We're no longer greeted by smiling faces when we walk around town. There aren't a community of support people giving you a pep talk and telling you things will get better. Instead, we're told, "Hey, at least you've got a job." Depression seems inevitable. But we try to hang in there and have faith. . .

Alas, I'm losing my steam. . . The point of this little blog was to point out that, yes, the economy and employment statistics are depressing, and yes, we need to be aware of the warning signs. But, really, where can we find the "pep talk" we so desperately need?

Confession: I don't read much. . .

2009-03-06T20:41:00.001-08:00

I don't read much primarily because when I start a book I can't put it down until I've finished it. . . I'm a read-it-cover-to-cover kinda girl. And, admittedly, most of the time my favorite book is whatever book I happen to be reading at the time. I'm currently reading the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer.

I'd never heard of the Twilight series prior to hooking up with old friends via www.facebook.com . I read high-school classmates' postings that Twilight was their all time favorite AND there were pictures of them with Twilight t-shirts! Argueably, I don't know if they are solely fans of the book or movie, but I was curious-enough to use our Barnes & Noble giftcard to pickup the first book, "Twilight."

I read The Shack first (also bought during that trip to Barnes & Noble) and it immediately became a favorite -- I read it cover to cover in one day (Sunday two weeks ago). Alas, Twilight sat unread for about a week; but, our family has recently started to try to have a allotted reading time each Sunday afternoon after mass (week 1 was The Shack). The boys enjoyed the time so much (reading their new books: Halo series books and Bones books) that Elijah asked if we could do this every week.

Anyhoo, last Sunday I picked up my first Twilight book and read 150+ pages the first night. Easy read and I was interested. I love the first person narrative! I finished the book by Tuesday and picked up the 2nd book Wednesday night this week. Thursday Joel & I went and saw the Twilight movie at the dollar theater :-). I'm picky: The book is always better. Finished the 2nd book and bought the 3rd book today. Thankfully there are only 4 books in the series (whew!). I've already bought the 4th book just to have it handy for Sunday's reading session ;-).

The point of this blog, however, is to confess that this is precisely the reason why I avoid reading: I'm finding that I tend to neglect my children and my housework because I feel distracted as my mind is essentially "paused" at where I left off in the book. It's a sad addiction really.

Also, I'd like to point out the Gemini in me. . . I feel a bit flaky in the fact that I find love (of a book) so easily. I am loyal in that certain books hold a special fondness for their sentimental value: I enjoyed reading the Jungle Book (and other poetry by Kipling). When reading Maugham's Of Human Bondage and Dicken's Great Expectations -- Dickens was a clear winner! (Would I like Dickens if I didn't have the sharp contrast I wonder?) I have a special fondness for Animal Farm because I admired the author's ability to express his philosophy through the metaphor of Animal Farm.

And, while these books were surely educational and good "literature" (nose up and all) -- I also love the easy reads like Nora Roberts and Mary Higgins Clarke, and, God love me, the occassional Harlequin Romance (gasp!). I get a thrill and love the great wording of a Dean Koontz book (he, too, has a great job expressing his philosophy in his writing). And, I smile when I hear Edgar Allen Poe's "The Raven" because it reminds me of my brother's memorizing it (and reciting it at the dinner table) when they were in high school; then me pestering Joe Duman (poor guy sat next to me in English) as I recited "the Raven" from memory based on listening to my brothers.

Then there are the stories that I hold fond: Green Eggs and Ham, and Elijah's favorite, Oh the Places You'll Go. The boys frequently requested that I re-read these books over and over when they were little. I can still see the twinkle in Elijah's eyes and the joy when I agreed to read him these books "one more time." I miss those days cuddling together for story time. I'm trying to make new memories with Faith.

So, in an effort to purge my soul (and perhaps identify with others reading my blog): I'm a fickle soul who loves a good book and will avoid it as much as possible. Now please excuse me as I start Eclipse (book 3 of the Twilight series) ;-).

Family Update

2009-01-24T20:30:00.000-08:00

Here's what I sent to my family (we do round-robin email updates on how we're all doing) but I thought I'd share with you too:

It's Saturday and we're trying to get chores done: Joel's at the vet with Oliver for him to get his shots and I'll be taking Faith to a class birthday party later this afternoon. Faith's been battling a cold and I've had a touch of the flu bug this week and so we're trying to play "catch-up" while also trying not to push too hard. Know what I mean?

For our household: Elijah is in wrestling and tends to get frustrated -- he's lost all his matches but Joel reminds him that he had lost all his matches his first year too and then went to State the next year. However, it's nice to see Elijah making improvements at each match :>) Joel's tried to make it to a few of his practices to help out and I think it's nice for them to spend that special time together. Still, we have two hormonal teenage boys with Elijah making comments on TV shows about wanting to see cleavage (lovely.) and Isaac trying not to blush by Elijah's comments. It's an experience and we're just at the beginning! They're both getting acne, they've got pit hair, and we've all got some mood swings. . . . But, we also have our special moments where the boys and I have just sat together and talked about what's going on -- you know, those impromptu conversations :>) And, when I had a really bad headache with the flu bug this week, Isaac brought me up some dinner & juice to bed and then cuddled with me to watch movies. That was special too. :>)

Faith, on the flip side, continues to grow and try to assert her independence. She's a handful as she challenges us, gets in trouble then cries, and flips between wanting to cuddle and wanting her space. I try to remind myself that this is normal for a 6 year-old who is on the verge of being a "kid" and still not quite there yet. This week's delight was seeing her lose one of her top middle teeth and so now she's got that really cute, toothless smile :>) (We noted that you could see the tooth underneath coming in already and so it was definitely time to lose that one!!) Today's fun is that she got a "My-nebo" (or something like that) for a late Christmas present and she played it non-stop (a video-game type toy) and when she's cared for the pet on the game long enough the top of the toy flips open and delivers a little stuffed animal-type thing. She was very excited :>)

Needless to say, with all the horomones in the house we're trying to buy organic food whenever possible. This includes us trying to switch our dogs to more of a "raw" diet: I have a friend who is a dog trainer and she recommended the diet for our dogs because she says that people don't realize that sometimes their dog's food can contribute to behavior (think Elijah on caffeine and sugar). So, we're trying out cooking for the dogs: stew meat, spinach, apples, oatmeal, etc. all mushed together. Last night was day 1 (we'll see how long this lasts) and the dogs LOVED it!

As for Joel & I: We continue to work on our relationship and are trying to incorporate more date nights and time together (grocery shopping?). For me, work is really busy: I successfully built my first SQL Server Analysis Services 2005 and Integration Services 2005 packages to make those "OLAP cube" interfaces for people to drill around in our data (similar to a webpage). . . This is part of a big initiative for the Executive team where they want more dashboard (glance at our corporate data) to see how we're doing. It's a high-pressure project with two OLAP developers and three dashboard developers all trying to learn brand-new software we've never used to get about 30 measures out by March 15th. It's chaotic and crazy because there aren't any "teachers" to help us out and answer questions so it's been a lot of self-taught learning. I guess the good part about it is that we build a real sense of comraderie on this team AND there is a real sense of accomplishment when we get something built. Hence the "Woo-hoo!" about building my first cube; it's also the first one completed for the project. Yesterday I started my second. . . Crazy! Just think of me whenever you hear about the major reform for the health industry being about making "smarter decisions" -- interpretation? Work for me!

Joel, on the flip side, got more stressful news: HP just announced that they'll be going through a second round of layoffs in the second quarter. Joel's wanting to volunteer since the atmosphere at HP has really been bad and there hasn't been much work going on for the past couple of months as the company tries to assess what projects to continue and which to toss. Joel's thinking that this may be his opportunity to go back to school to pursue being a high-school science teacher . . . Agreed that this would be a better fit for his personality, we're both stressed about the financial changes, AND change is change -- it's difficult.

Anyhow, that's a pretty long update -- you know me and writing ;>) Hugs to everyone. . . . life keeps steam-rolling along!

Simple Truths of Service Video

2009-01-21T13:57:00.001-08:00

Here's another video that had been sent to me (via work) that got me teary. Enjoy!

http://www.stservicemovie.com/

Why Don't We Do It In Our Sleeves

2009-01-21T13:42:00.000-08:00

Some of you may have already seen this but it still cracks me up AND it's an important message. Check out the video here: http://www.coughsafe.com/media.html.

Here's a book I need to get. . .

2009-01-15T18:57:00.000-08:00

My cousin, Amy, sent me this link and, watching it, I was reminded of my Mom (LOVE her!). Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_4qwVLqt9Q

Apparently it's taken from the book "The Middle" by Kelly Corrigan. . . I think I need to get this book :)

Mom Song

2009-01-11T22:06:00.000-08:00

Very cute: http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/mom-song/

HELP REQUESTED: Seriously sick & tired of my flippin irregular heartbeat!

2009-01-07T19:11:00.000-08:00

Be forewarned: I'm grumpy! I just got back from grocery shopping with Faith and while out I experienced another "episode." I mean, seriously! Is there no peace?

What's it like? You know how it feels when you hit your funny bone and it's that sharp pain . . . Imagine that sharp pain moving up from your elbow into your heart and growing in intensity as it approaches the heart. My heart feels sharp, cramping, heavy pain that grows in intensity and then gradually subsides. The event typically lasts a total of 5 minutes or so and then I'm left with that dull ache like after you've had an intense muscle cramp. . . . And I'm grumpy.

April/May 2007 I wore an "event" monitor for a month and they diagnosed me with an irregular heart beat: Supraventricular tachychardia and something else (I have it written down somewhere). Basically my heart rate fluctuates between 80 and 130 bpm and also skips beats. . . My interpretation? My heart is wiggin' out. The doctors said that it seems to be a normal irregular heart beat but that we should keep an eye on it; no action required for now.

However, I can tell you that, when I'm experiencing that sharp pain and am debating about going to the emergency room and waiting to see if the sensation moves below my elbow, those five minutes feel like forever!!

Good news? It appears to cycle: I have these "events" periodically over about 2 months (with them growing in intensity and then lessening over the two months) and then they go away for several months. That's the good news: If I can bear it then this too shall pass.

So, my request? Does anyone else know anything about this? Suggestions?

Thanks!

Drum Roll Please. . .

2009-01-05T20:32:00.000-08:00

So, as I've been working on my desk space, Faith's room, and organizing the downstairs (building bookshelves, buying baskets, etc.) the boys have commented on "when are you going to fix up OUR room?!?" I'd roll my eyes and continue on with my projects. Little did they know that I've been scheming to fix up their room for a long time now. . . . Months and months (possibly even years).

Some of you may know that I chose to do this as a surprise for the boys' Christmas present, but I also roped them in for labor. . . They'd been asking to paint their bedroom since I painted my bedroom this summer -- they wanted some bright colors. Well, over the Christmas break I opted to try to teach them about priming and painting. My crazy thoughts? They are 11 and 12 years old and need to learn to paint at some point -- best they learn before we replace the carpets!

So, here's some pictures of the process. . . Thankfully Mom & Dad kidnapped the kids overnight for some sledding at their house and I was free to assemble to my heart's content (they'd been begging me to let them move back into their room since they'd been sleeping on Faith's floor but I told them they couldn't until the paint dried). Thankfully I had some wonderful helper elves with the assembly! It went much quicker than expected :) (Thanks Kim & Blandon!!)

Anyhoo. . . Drum roll please. . .

1.) Here's the lovely wood paneling that's driven me crazy since we moved in. . . Icky, icky! :>P

2.) Here's the boys' bed -- it's a loft bed and we'd had the intent to build another one but the boys opted to make it a bunk bed by placing the other mattress on the floor below it.

3.) I found them using one of their dressers as a toybox -- a lovely dresser that I didn't want to get ruined. . . So, that was taken out of their room in the "bedroom makeover"

4.) No storage for toys was another problem that needed to be addressed.

5.) Priming the walls
6.) The inevitable. . .
I didn't get any pictures of Elijah the Smurf because he'd already jumped into the shower.

7.) Drum roll please. . .
8.) The cleanest this room will ever look (before they ever even saw it!)

Lots of storage space under the bed! Joel built the TV stand out of the wood from the old loft bed.
LOTS of storage space for the boys!!

9.) The boys have moved in. . . :)

Very cool. ;>)

Settling

2009-01-04T22:21:00.000-08:00

Well, in an effort to get back to my work schedule, I went to sleep about 2 hours ago. . . Took a little bit but I finally fell into a "nap-like" sleep only to wake a little bit ago to the sounds of kids playing (they were supposed to be going to sleep when I did). So, Joel hollered at the kids and I can't sleep; oftentimes restless sleep means that I need to write and so here we go. . .

I've had a long list of blogging topics to write about: The boys' room makeover, how I feel about being catholic, my creed, the our father, SQL tips, letters to my children, goals I have for myself. . . etc, etc. So, where to start?

It's 2009 and, again, life feels like a blur. How on earth did it become 2009 already? Is it just me or does it feel like life is picking up speed? Admittedly, I seem to run in two speeds: "on" and "off." Vacation for me has been "off" mode: watching movies, cleaning a little bit, catching up on email, avoiding running errands :). Tomorrow I get to turn back "on": hurrying from meeting to meeting, trying to multi-task emails and questions with some tough intellectual work (learning my cube building skills, MDX, and learning to write dynamic SQL), running errands as I'm able to fit them in, and juggling carpool, bills, and trying to keep on the kids for homework and chores. Can I just say, "I don't wanna!" (sigh) And THIS is why 2008 passes in a blur.

I'd like to be more present in the moment. This holiday's epiphany was that I need to try to learn to "settle" to find time to be present. You must be thinking, "What the heck?!?!" For me, I realize that I push myself so hard because I expect that I should have not only the downstairs picked up but my desk picked up, everything vacuumed and dusted, and clean sheets on the bed each weekend. I hate the messes and want my house spotless all the time. I tend to feel guilty and depressed that I can never achieve complete spotlessness throughout the house.

I'd like us to eat a health, pyramid-like diet and to take the dogs for walks as a family. Having family outings and bike rides; perhaps something more physically active? Camping? Hiking? I admire the families that do that. I feel bummed when my family groans at me when I suggest this or they agree to a walk and it ends up being a "death march" in the rain. It's painful and leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

I'd like to write more and have daily, long-thought-out blogs that are inspiring and where I feel like a writer again. I'd like to complete a couple of big scrapbooks a year and be one of those people who can scrapbook every day and have these bright, funky pages that are really creative and inspire me. Alas, this is not my life.

My life? Getting up at 6 a.m. to hit the snooze button and drag my butt out of bed at 6:10 a.m. When I wake up, I go to Faith's room, flip on the light, and say "Good-morning! Time to get ready for school." I stumble back to my room to stare blankly at my closet and try to figure out what to wear: Nice dress shirt, curl the hair, and slacks? OR long-sleeved t-shirt, fleece vest, slacks, and a ponytail? . . . My co-workers know what I tend to pick. (At 6:15 a.m. I don't want to get out of my sweats and so fleece is a close second for comfort.) I usually get numerous interruptions with Faith showing me her stuffed animals, saying she can't find her ____ skirt (she often has something specific in mind), or Joel hollering about throwing him down a towel for his gym bag.

Me? I have to remind Faith to get ready, ask her to pick up her nightgown off the bathroom floor, and toss Joel down a towel. I put in my contacts (if my eyes aren't feeling especially gritty: then it would be a glasses day) throw on some concealer on the circles under my eyes, some blush because I still feel like the walking dead, and some mascara to cover the blond tips on my eyelashes. As I begin to brush my hair, Faith comes in and asks if I'll do her hair too. . . Usually this is accompanied by complaints about her tangles (then I put some detangling lotion in her hair) and she tells me precisely how she'd like her hair done. Admittedly, I think, "What's the point?" By the time Faith gets home her hair will be in her eyes and a tangled mess (she plays hard). I'd prefer to put some hair gel in her hair, put it in a tight pony tail, and be done with it! (This particular hair style is one of the few that last all day with her whispy blond hair.) Alas, most days we end up with a "Faithy-specified" hairstyle. Note: At this point, I'm still not feeling particularly awake.

Somehow, through the chaos of finding shoes (that were put away when I went to bed last night but that Faith has somehow lost in the past 5 minutes), getting back-packs and school snacks packed, and picking out a coat -- we're always running late . . . Or, at least, later than I'd like. The boys have been good enough to get themselves up and get ready; they're often watching TV as I leave and I feel guilty that I've barely acknowledged them (sigh). On the way into school it's Faithy's choice for music . . . As I run through the list of today's to-do's in my head she's asking me to put on something specific: I kick myself for not planning ahead because now I'm fumbling with my iphone's ipod player to try to find the song she's looking for -- I'm a terrible hazard while driving and I know this. I should really pull over and get it all set-up, but, again, we're late. Finding the song, she settles, comments on the moon, the sunrise, the fog, everything on the side of the road: Have I mentioned that Faith is a morning person?

We finally arrive at her school about 30 minutes later, I wait for Faith to re-dress herself in the car because somehow, during that 30 minute drive, she's unpacked her backpack, kicked off her shoes, and needs to put her coat back on. By the time we get into the school (the kid-packed gymnasium where she needs to be dropped off with her teacher), we're barely making it there in time before the bell rings (it often rings as we're walking through the door). When I drop her off, I hope to give her a big hug, kiss, and tell her to have a great day; what I get is "one more hug", me bending down to hug her, her starting to lift her legs (she weighs 80 lbs and is trying to hang from my neck), and me threatening to spank her butt if she does that again! She begs me to come to school with her for the day but I tell her that I have meetings (staying at school all day is something that I need to arrange ahead of time). By this point in the morning, I'm feeling pretty guilty as a parent and that things haven't started off smoothly.

However, I heave a sigh of relief as I jump back into the car (alone!) and head off to work. It's quiet. This is good. . . . But, the to-do list for the day is already running in my head and so I'm feeling behind even though I'm not yet late. (Admittedly, I'd prefer to get to work early, before everyone else has arrived and respond to email and wake-up more slowly. . . Pre-JC move and when I was working at the State and Joel had kid morning duty, I liked to arrive at work about 7:15 in the morning. . . It was awesome!) So, I hurry into work and begin my day. Mondays and Fridays have the least meetings and so I tend to walk a little slower into the building on those days. I feel guilty that I don't feel as productive, but, it's nice to take a minute or two. I respond to emails, chat with co-workers, try to solve the latest issues and problems, take a walk with friends, and try to squeeze in breakfast and lunch.

Usually at 3:30 I've finished my latest task but am trying to be aware of the time because I'll need to leave to pick up Faith in about an hour. . . That's always the hard point because it's a question of: Do I get involved with another project (where I tend to lose track of time) or try to do the "extra" work like entering my hours or filling out my expense reports, etc.? Depends on the day as to which I do. The "busy" days (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays) can tend to feel like a marathon depending on the number of meetings. . . I need to talk to my cohort in Bellingham and I have a ton of questions or thoughts to share, but, at the same time, I don't want to start a call because then I'm not able to multi-task as well. Sick and wrong. So, there's a bit of an internal debate there. There are days where it's difficult to find time to go to the bathroom, let alone eat! I really think that meetings need to be scheduled with a 5 or 10 minute break between them! Having a 9 to 10 then 10 to 11:30 then 1 to 2, etc. meeting is really difficult! (sigh . . . And so it goes. . . )

I scramble out of work because I realize that I'm past when I needed to leave to get Faith -- it's a double-edged sword: I don't want to start packing up before it's time to leave because I'd like to get as much work done as possible, but when I wait I tend to lose track of time. :>P At Faith's school, I head in to pick her up in the cafeteria at her after-school program; usually Faith doesn't want to leave and she wants me to 'wait a minute'. Admittedly, I feel rushed because I either need to go to the bathroom because I had afternoon meetings, or I know that we have errands to run on the way home. I try to be present when she wants to show me her latest artwork. I ask her how her day was when we jump in the car and she says, "fine" as she grabs bear,bear and puts her fingers in her mouth. . . She's tired now. Some days she's cranky and wants to go somewhere before going home. Many days she's ready to nap. Thankfully, it's my choice for music on the way home and so I just click anything on.

The way home can involve a trip to Target for Comet, Drano, shoe laces, or whatever else is needed. It may involve stopping by Jerry's for a hose connector for the broken kitchen sink hose. It may involve stopping somewhere because I received a call that says, "Can you stop somewhere for food? We don't have anything to eat." . . . After work I'm tired and I dread those calls. I am a morning person and, when I leave work I think of all the things I should do when I get home and by the time I get home I'm pooped!

At home, I get asked what's for dinner first thing when I walk in the door. If it's Monday or Thursday I say, "Ask your father" . . . If it's Tuesday or Wednesday it's my night -- on a rare occassion I have thought ahead and thrown something in the crock-pot in the morning. Most times it's a scramble to figure out something quick and easy (again, I'm tired). Somehow the night flies by and it isn't until after the kids are in bed and asleep (9:30 ish) that I heave a sigh and sit down to check email or whatever. . . I channel surf and try to sleep by 10 p.m.

So, when I say "settle" -- at 10 p.m. I need to not be so hard on myself. My goals for myself? Throughout the day I'd like to be more present and turn off that running "to do" list . . . Perhaps I need to shorten it? Maybe my to-do's need to include days without chores and laundry and dishes. I need to not tell myself I'm constantly running late and how I should be writing or scrapbooking or taking the dogs for a walk with the kids. I need to accept where I am at the moment and appreciate when we get out for a walk -- it doesn't have to be daily. I'm working on having a different attitude. Know what I mean? And, as I work on this different attitude, I need to recognize to be gentle with myself . . . not so hard on myself.

So, here it is, 11:16 p.m. (an hour later) and Joel's just come to bed and is drumming his fingers as he waits for me to turn off my computer. (sigh) I will try to lower my standards for myself and to really stop and appreciate the gifts in my life: Special time with Faith each morning, a job that keeps me busy and satisfied, and a family that wants to spend time with me. These are good things. . . The rest. . . The rest I'll try to take in stride :>).

Current Playlist

2009-01-04T15:05:00.001-08:00

I tend to think that my current playlist reflects a little bit about the mood I've been in lately and what's going on in my life. . . Am I reflective? Do I need more energy? Do some of my favorites stay my favorites? Or has my taste changed?

For that reason, I like to periodically post my latest playlists (Top 25 off of my itunes). Here's today's:

i-tunes top 25 most played songs:
1.) Waiting for My Real Life to Begin by Colin Hay
2.) Eyes by Rogue Wave
3.) Breathe (2 a.m.) by Anna Nalick
4.) Girlfriend (Featuring Lil' Mama) by Avril Lavigne
5.) Because of you by Kelly Clarkson
6.) All We Are by Matt Nathanson
7.) Moments by Emerson Drive
8.) How to Save a Life by The Fray
9.) Tiki, Tiki Room (Hillary Duff) - Faith's new favorite
10.) One More Day by Diamond Rio
11.) Far Away by Nickelback
12.) So What by P!nk
13.) Boondocks by Little Big Town
14.) Someday by Nickelback
15.) Jesus Walks by Kanye West
16.) Walking in Memphis by Marc Cohn
17.) Creep by Radiohead
18.) In Too Deep by Sum 41
19.) Angel Main Theme (Sanctuary) by Darling Violetta
20.) Breakfast at Tiffany's by Deep Blue Something
21.) Save Me by Remy Zero
22.) Black Balloon by Goo Goo Dolls
23.) Me vs. the World by Halo Friendlies
24.) You Belong to Me by Jason Wade
25.) I Do by Jude

- as of 1/4/2009 (while I continue to wait for my computer to defrag)

My playlist this week reflects some of Faith's favorites too: We listen to my iphone (itunes) on the carpool drive back and forth to school. . . Lately she's wanted to hear Hilary Duff's "Tiki, Tiki Room" over and over again! When the song finishes, she says, "Can you play it again?" Hence, it's been bumped up the playlist. "Save me" and "Girlfriend" remain two of her favorites, and, truthfully, I much prefer this music over the Barbie Princesses Sing.

As for energy this Christmas season, a couple songs didn't make the list but are working their way up (after getting re-hooked on them playing "Guitar Hero World Tour" with the kids). Included are: "The Middle" by Jimmy Eats World, "The Joker" by Steve Miller Band, and "Story of My Life" by Social Distortion. . . Very cool!

Throw in there the late night's wrapping presents and my mellow music that's a bit reflective: Waiting for My Real Life to Begin, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Eyes, You Belong to Me, I Do, etc. and that's how we get the playlist.

Just thought that I'd share :>)

Christmas 2008 . . . Wow!

2008-12-28T21:35:00.000-08:00

Well Christmas 2008 has come and gone. . . It was a whirlwind!! (Enough of a whirlwind that I haven't blogged all month!) What have we been up to?

The first weekend of December kicks off the holiday season with the Priddy Family Christmas Party up in the Salem area . . . 16 kids, multiple families, and lots of fun!! Alas, my camera's batteries died before any pictures were taken; I'm thinking it was left on in the camera bag. Ahh well. Next came decorating the tree, wrestling matches for Elijah, school, taking the kids up to see "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" in Salem, enjoying Mom's Sweet Adeline's Christmas show, Christmas shopping, work, Faith getting sick, a week out of school for snow (the week before Christmas), Christmas Eve, Christmas, and then we had the Wasko Family Christmas Party yesterday. . . . with today spent taking the kids shopping with their Christmas gift cards. Whew!

Oh, and did I mention that the boys and I painted their bedroom and then I gave them a surprise Christmas present by having Mom & Dad take all the kids overnight (thank you so much!!) for me and my pals (Thank you Kim & Blandon!!) to assemble their new beds and bookcases. Joel threw together a TV stand and the boys were delighted with the new room.

Needless to say, all I want to do for the next couple of days is a whole lotta nadda! I'm pooped!! Fortunately Joel & I are off work until the 5th and so we have some time to unwind. (NOTE: Faith just snuck into my room 20 minutes after being told to go to bed, gave me a kiss, and told me I'm the "bestest mom ever". . . Now I hear the boys hollering "go to bed Faith!" . . . always something!) My plans? Reading a good book, scrapbooking, cleaning up our room. . . And, possibly (no promises here!): Blogging ;>)

My take-away from this holiday season? I'm very thankful for my many blessings and the joy of the Christmas season. I'm thankful that I really feel God's presence. And, next year I'd like to push myself to make the effort to put together an advent wreath. . . That's something we did when I was little and I think that it really helps me build up the anticipation for Christmas and prepare my heart to celebrate the gift of love that God's given me. There's something about lighting the purple candles each night for about 15 minutes, singing "Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel" or "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" and saying a prayer of preparation while looking forward to lighting that pink candle that signifies that Christmas is almost here. . . That's something that I need to do next year so that I force myself to slow down on a daily basis and appreciate the season of Christmas. As is, I love this season and the joy of it all! I am busy by choice: I choose to try to experience all the season has to offer. Alas, I can't fit it ALL in (no sledding, caroling, I'd love to host a Christmas party, and the children's Christmas show is delayed until January) - but I'm very grateful for all the fun we've had!

Here's a few pictures for you to see what we've been up to. . . . Merry Christmas and much love!!

My lovely children after attending "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" at the Pentacle Theater.

Decorating the Christmas tree

Brothers :>)

Daddy's Girl"The stockings were hung. . . "

Christmas Eve mass . . . Alas, the other pictures taken were blurry (bummer!) ;>)

Cheese!

Can you roll your tongue? I can't.

Grandma Sherry (mom) made Faith a very special Christmas dress :)

That's my boy!!

Guitar Hero World Tour was a big hit at our house!! We even got Mom & Dad (Grandpa and Grandma) into the gig. LOTS of fun!

Elijah is a "expert"-level on the guitar!

Joel's got "expert" on a couple songs . . . He and Elijah like to compete but Elijah tends to beat him ;>)Faith's a beginner. . .
I really like that Guitar Hero now has the beginner level -- it means that Faith can participate on the drums and guitar. She's doing pretty good at keeping the beat :>)

I can do the "easy"-level but it takes a lot of concentration!

Merry Christmas Mom!!

Dad is infamous for his wrapping presents in duct tape (oh the joy to unwrap the gift wrap to find a box with layers and layers of duct tape and newspaper). . . So this year I returned the favor. . . This is layer 1.

Here's layer 2.

Mom is a duck fan about to attend the Sun Bowl (leaving at 3 AM tomorrow) to receive an award on Grandpa's behalf -- so for Christmas she received a pair of "Beaver" earrings I made at my friend Barb's Christmas party. Mom said that's much better than the Beaver T-shirts (which tend to give her duck loving body a rash). . . What a goob!

Many thanks. . . The boys are HUGE lego fans and Isaac is thanking Elijah for the new Bionicle.

Some of the stocking treats on Christmas morning.

Our joyful Christmas tree . . . LOVE Christmas!

This was the kids today: This is how I see them all the time -- Elijah not quite paying attention, Isaac screwing around, and Faith being silly. Ahhh, love these kids!

Merry Christmas!!

Time to update my top 25 i-tunes

2008-11-30T14:33:00.000-08:00

i-tunes top 25 most played songs:
1.) Waiting for My Real Life to Begin by Colin Hay
2.) Never Again by Kelly Clarkson
3.) Breathe (2 AM) by Anna Nalick
4.) Eyes by Rogue Wave
5.) Girlfriend (Featuring Lil' Mama) by Avril Lavigne
6.) Because of you by Kelly Clarkson
7.) All We Are by Matt Nathanson
8.) --
9.) Moments by Emerson Drive
10.) How to Save a Life by The Fray
11.) I Will by Allison Krauss
12.) One More Day by Diamond Rio
13.) Someday by Nickelback
14.) So What by P!nk
15.) Jesus Walks by Kanye West
16.) Far Away by Nickelback
17.) Boondocks by Little Big Town
18.) Big Girls Don't Cry by Fergie (remember her as Stacy Ferguson on Kids Incorporated?)
19.) Walking in Memphis by Marc Cohn
20.) Creep by Radiohead
21.) Finale: Friends forever from Scrubs: My Musical
22.) Guy Love from Scrubs: My Musical
23.) In Too Deep by Sum 41
24.) Breakfast at Tiffany's by Deep Blue Something
25.) Sun Comes Up by John Legend

Previously (10/27/2008):
1.) Waiting for My Real Life to Begin by Colin Hay
2.) Never Again by Kelly Clarkson
3.) Eyes by Rogue Wave
4.) Breathe (2 AM) by Anna Nalick
5.) Girlfriend (Featuring Lil' mama) by Avril Lavigne (Faith's favorite!!!)
6.) Girlfriend (Junkie Remix) by Avril Lavigne
7.) Because of You by Kelly Clarkson
8.) How to Save a Life by the Fray
9.) Moments by Emerson Drive
10.) All We Are by matt Nathanson
11.) I Will by Allison Krauss & Tony Furtado
12.) One More Day by Diamond Rio
13.) Far Away by Nickelback
14.) Boondocks by Little Big Town
15.) Jesus Walks by Kanye West
16.) Big Girls Don't Cry by Fergie (Man! It's been a long time since I listened to that one!)
17.) Someday by Nickelback
18.) So What by P!nk
19.) Sun Comes Up by John Legend
20.) For the Last Time I'm Dominican (Scrubs Musical Soundtrack)
21.) Guy Love (Scrubs Musical)
22.) Finale: Friends Forever (Scrubs Musical)
23.) The Little Things by Colbie Caillat
24.) Walking in Memphis by Marc Cohn
25.) Forgiveness (Just Friends Soundtrack)

I am thankful. . .

2008-11-30T13:47:00.000-08:00

Alas, it's a few days past Thanksgiving but I'd still like to reflect on my blessings. . . Joel is out with the kids taking them for haircuts and I am thankful for the quiet household where I can sit and think :>)

I am thankful for Elijah and that he's proud of how well he can play "Guitar Hero" (and that he's accomplished a few "expert"-level songs). I'm proud that he's trying wrestling for the very first time and that he's developing some interests on his own; he's courageous to take on the sport without his brother attending practices with him. It's cool to see him try his own things.

I'm thankful that Isaac still likes to hang out with me and talk (even if it's just hearing the entire story line of the latest video game). . . I like that he's willing to help me with projects and that he'll cuddle with Faith and sleep next to her when she's having nightmares (Faith sees Isaac as her hero). I like that Faith looks up to him and that he's a good guy worthy of her admiration.

I am thankful that Faith is so eager to learn and that she encourages me in my faith. . . She's been attending a catholic school and it's helpful that she is the only other member of our family who really pushes to go to church each Sunday. She sings happy Jesus songs and tells me the cutest antidotes about how "God bless you" means "God is blessing you" and how it's not one word but two: "God blessyou" :>)

I'm proud that I have smart, sarcastic, funny kids that like to cuddle me too :>)

I am thankful that Joel really is trying to make things better for our relationship and I'm thankful for our time to talk and that we're adding date nights (two dates so far!!). . . I'm thankful that he's willing to take the kids for haircuts.

I'm thankful that we have two goofy dogs that make us laugh and are loyal despite Faith's trying to hold Oliver or get Kali to chase her tail. ;>)

I'm thankful that the shoppers were out on Black Friday (with me) and that people are still trying to stimulate the economy. I'm hopeful for a better tomorrow. . .

I'm thankful that I have family support with periodic check-ins because they haven't heard from me for awhile.

I'm thankful for having a girlfriend who takes me shopping and teaches me the fun of purses and "pretty shoes" AND who understands my feeling like "one of the guys" and doesn't judge me for it.

I'm thankful for "my boys" at work who make me feel smart, funny, competent, and protected. I feel encouraged and like I can continue to grow. . . That's really special in this crazy I.T. business.

I'm thankful that we're making progress on the house (slower than I'd like) but that the windows and roof aren't leaking and the toilet has quit flooding! I'm thankful that, despite the washer & dryer's threats to break-down, it's hopeful that they'll wait until after Christmas!

I'm thankful that we have cars that run and friends who gave us a car when our other one was totaled. I'm also thankful that the gas prices have dropped down to less than $2 after hitting the $4 + mark this past Spring!

I'm thankful to have cozy sheets and comfy sweats to lounge around in. I'm thankful for the creativity and freedom and humor and . . . . so much in my life!

I'm thankful that I live in God's country -- with lush green as far as the eye can see, mountains within an hour's drive and the coast within an hour's drive. . . I live in one of the most beautiful places on earth and I am thankful.

Praise the Lord for all my blessings!

Dear Children. . .

2008-11-04T21:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Children. . . Tonight is a historic night -- our nation has elected its first African-American president (a mere 40 years or so after the Civil Rights movement). Admittedly, I've been a Obama fan in a large part because he is so different than our usual candidates.

Let me tell you a bit about my experiences: My elementary school years were in the era of the Cold War -- remember a week or so ago when we talked about nuclear weapons and the threat our nation felt? Remember how we talked about the mass destruction of Hiroshima countering our experiences at Pearl Harbor? Remember how we talked about our current threat of nuclear weapons coming not from controlled, governed nations but instead coming from radical terrorist groups who buy them from greedy people willing to sell to the highest bidder?

I come from a childhood of seeing numerous presidents vie for office with promises of improvement only to become "politicians" who seem to say what the public wants to hear but act in a way that will win them the most influence (in other words, think of the "cool kids" at school who will do whatever it takes to be popular even if it means doing what they know is wrong). These experiences of my childhood have made me cynical -- I have grown to feel like "why even bother voting" because to vote feels like I'm choosing one liar/name-caller over another -- and it feels like I'm endorsing those behaviors. It's been sad and frustrating.

I've longed for the Presidential leadership of our history; the inspiring speeches and changes made by presidents like Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. I felt like my parents were so interested in politics because they had experienced truly great leaders and they knew that things could be different.

In my lifetime it's been debated whether or not we should even question when the President lies to the nation -- like we're not quite clear whether or not that's right or wrong. We've seen people with questionable ethics but have felt like we need to accept it because all politicians are like that -- truly good people can't get elected.

I feel like tonight we have hope for change. . . This is the first time I've felt like that. Admittedly, I would support McCain as president had he won because I believe in democracy -- in making decisions based on the majority and then supporting the candidate once those decisions have been made. I think John McCain was a good candidate: He, too, made great arguments and he genuinely wanted to make the United States a better place. Alas, he had experience in the political realm and I've been skeptical of him being a "politician" like the stereotype I've defined over the years. I believe he's made mistakes over the years and that he's tried to learn from them. I trust that he's a good man.

And, I voted for Obama. Why? Because he inspires me. Because for years, I've wanted someone who inspires our nation, who is willing to push for what he believes is "right" and who doesn't speak in terms of "I will. . . " but instead speaks as "We will. . . " When I listen to Obama speak I do not hear a "politician" instead I hear a leader -- that's a big difference to me. Admittedly, I'm cynical enough to question whether or not he's for real and whether or not he will live up to his campaign promises, but I took this chance for you -- how can I not take a chance on someone who wants to make the world a better place for you?

I want to believe that Peace is Possible (the theme of a youth convention I'd attended in Junior High shortly after the Berlin Wall came down). I want to believe that we can find compromise with other nations through talks and not might (similar to how I encourage you boys to talk it out and resorting to violence only when you are physically threatened). I want to believe that our nation doesn't need to have such a big divide between the wealthy and the welfare populations. I want to believe that all people can have their basic needs met. I want to believe that we can have a UNITED nation that isn't divided by politics, race, or social background. I want to believe that this world can be a better place for you than it currently is -- understanding that the world swings on a pendulum between trying to improve and becoming lackadaisical.

I have hope that Faith, at 6 years old, will not experience the cynicism I've acquired and that she will have hope and faith in our country.

So, dear children, I hope that tonight is the beginning of a better world for you. God bless us all!

Love you,

mom

Happy Halloween from our house to yours. . .

2008-11-03T22:07:00.001-08:00

. . . A couple days late, but I wanted to share. Here's some pictures from Faith's Halloween Carnival and Halloween night :>)

Faith's butterfly pumpkin and little smiley face, Elijah's triangle-eyed smiley face pumpkin, and Joel's Jack-Skelton pumpkin. . . totally cool!

Faith & Madeline D.

Elijah dressed as Freddy Kruger (he's not wearing the mask yet), and Isaac (see name tag below), and Faith as Princess Jasmine.

Remember trying to wait patiently to FINALLY get to go trick-or-treating?

Remember going door to door trick-or-treating?

Remember clowning around with friends?

Isaac stayed home handing out candy with his buddy, Jacob -- we had a rule that he couldn't scare anyone 6-years-old or younger. This is Isaac's first year not going out for candy. . . He's getting so big! He seemed okay with it, though.

Each year Joel & I escort the kids (walking the dogs on their leashes) with me hollering after the kids "Remember to say Thank you!" These are the days that I'll always remember :>)

Happy Halloween 2008!

A Couple Pet Peeves. . . Just gotta get this off my chest

2008-11-02T20:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, if not through a blog then where else can I vent these frustrations? Here's a couple for you (can I hear a "Amen!" in the chorus?!?):

1.) People who abandon their shopping carts literally two spaces away from the cart corral in a parking lot. . . This is a true symptom of laziness. I mean, come on people!

2.) People who are obviously looking at their GPS or i-pod or what-have-you (as it illuminates their face in the darkness) and drive 30 mph in a 55 mph zone on the back roads towards home. Seriously: Pull over!

3.) Major Halloween pet peeve is all those parents that drive their children around for trick-or-treating. Do you want to know what contributes to obesity in our country? Teaching your children that it's easier to drive around the neighborhoods rather than walk and making sure that they get a lot of candy and sugar for their "efforts." Remember when we were kids and you pushed yourself to walk a little further just to see if you can get your candy basket a little fuller. Granted, we rarely had candy at our house and so it was worth the extra effort. Fruit snacks weren't common place at my house and we had limited "treats" -- Halloween meant walking for a couple of hours to get a candy stash to last you for awhile. Additional irritation? Those parents driving their kids around mean that my kids are waiting on the curb to cross the street because they see on-coming headlights and we end up waiting just to have the car stop with their kids about 10 feet away: Seriously, you're slowing down our progress! Final irritation? SAFETY RISK!! Tons of little kids wearing dark clothing and, in their excitement, they're running across the street to the next house. We're in the suburbs -- blocks & blocks of houses and here's these parents driving their children and about to run over mine!! Thankfully, we've completed our annual Halloween trick-or-treat session and I survived this years' heart attack with the cars about to hit kids.

Grrr. . . .

Anyhow, just had to share. Note, I accept the shopping carts abandoned in the parking lot when your child has just throw up in the backseat, I accept the people driving 30 mph as they slow their car to the shoulder of the road because they just answered their cell phone and are receiving bad news, and I accept the parents driving their children in monsoon or snow-storm weather. However, for the rest of you: Get a clue!

Seriously!

Okay. . . I'll climb off my soap box now.

LOVE my boys!!

2008-10-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've been working on scrapbooking and I stumbled across these pictures of my boys. The pictures are from March, but I absolutely LOVE them!

These two brothers can drive each other nuts occasionally ("he won't let me play the game!") but they're also self-declared best friends. Granted, when they were little and a friend picked on the other brother, we would tell them: Friends come and go but brothers are forever!

Other memories? When Elijah was born Isaac couldn't say "baby" and so Elijah was called "Bay" for the first year or two of life. . . Then he was called "Yay-ya" (sounds like "Lijah") and Elijah called Isaac "I-yik." I smile thinking of how, when they were four and five, they'd tell me that when they grew up they would live together. When I told them that they'd likely move out and live with their wives and children they firmly told me that it's okay, their family can live with them too ;>)

As for these pictures, they were doing what they do: being silly and being brothers. They'd been dressed for church and after church they found some of Joel's ties to play with: wrestling, silliness, and me breaking out the camera. . . .

Man, I love these boys!!!!

YAY for Faith!!! She's a Jog-a-thon Champion!!!

2008-10-12T19:33:00.001-07:00

Faithy participated in her school Jog-a-thon this year as a kindergartner. In all actuality it should be called a "Jog-a-TON." Faith's goal was to run 10 laps this year around the track. . . with Daddy's encouragement and a lot of drive she ran 20 laps! (That's roughly the equivalent of 5 miles!!)

Friday was her school's Jog-a-thon and Joel had taken the day off of work to cheer on his girl. This means that I dropped them both off at school and Daddy volunteered in her classroom and Faith "showed him off" to her friends. Joel told me that one of Faith's friends had her shoe untied and another classmate offered to tie it for her, but the little girl said, "No, I want Faith's Daddy to do it!" . . . These are the kinds of things that make Faith beam with pride :>)

So, Joel & Faith spent a VERY cold Friday (it was in the high 30's to high 40's most of the day) jogging the track at Ohara. He told her that if she made it to 20 laps then he would give her a piggy-back ride. . . Well the two of them jogged and walked the whole 1.5 hours and she made it to 20 laps and Daddy made it half-way around the track with her on his back :>)

I am so proud of her and her determination! She's been a strong-willed girl and the occassional challenge, but she showed me that this strong will can also be a real benefit. Many of her friends took the leisurely approach of walking a bit and then sitting and drinking water or eating their snacks and playing, but Faith was a real trooper and made her goal. SUPER cool!

Way to go Faith!!!!

It's awesome to watch Isaac play football!

2008-10-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of Isaac! He's playing his first season of football (as tackle) and it's so cute to see him bond with his buddies on the field (smacking helmets and taking helmets off, raising them up, and hollering for the kickoff return). Granted, Isaac is 12-years-old and nearly 5' 8" and so he's still got to grow into his body -- but I love the happiness and fun he's having. (Next year will definitely be Elijah's turn!)

Here's some pictures of my boy:

LOVE this kid!!!

Family Camping Trip to Newport

2008-10-12T18:27:00.001-07:00

"Smoke follows beauty"

Well, we're trying to make camping a annual occurrence (at least!) . . . but we're not quite to the "tent camping" point. And, it's not because we're wanting to play it safe; it's because we're two parents who work full-time and don't have time to pack all that STUFF! So, instead, we trekked off to a yurt in South Beach (down in Newport, Oregon) and had a terrific time!!

The weekend of September 12-14th was a real blessing, here's some of the memories (in no particular order):

* FREEZING the night we arrived: It had been in the 90's when we left the Willamette Valley in shorts and t-shirts and we arrived about 9 PM to a cool, damp wind and goosebumps! Thankfully we didn't need to set up a tent because we had our yurt (heater included) to keep us warm. For those of you who haven't done yurt camping, it's handy because we had a bunkbed with a twin mattress on top and full mattress on the bottom. And, we had a futon, table, and chairs. Plenty of room for our lot!!

Here's our yurt

Animals aren't allowed in the yurt and so Kali kept pushing it right to the line. . .

Instead, the dogs slept in their crates in the back of the Jeep :>)

* We had a lot of fun with the dogs -- especially enjoying Kali's experiencing the "wild" for the first time (she's nearly 2 years old and we missed our camping trip last year). Her ears perked up to every little sound, she smelled everything (and attempted to crawl under the yurt), and had her tail wagging almost non-stop! Between her mushing us on the beach and figuring out how to untangle herself from the trees (she was on a 30 foot leash tied to a tree) -- she was a lot of fun!

Specifically, on our first day she chased off some sea gulls picking at a crab. When she went to sniff the crab, she was surprised to find that it was still alive (and wiggling ever so slightly -- poor thing!). Kali thought that this was a wonderful toy and so she picked it up and tossed it into the air repeatedly. She would tire of it and go to explore the rest of the beach, but whenever the sea gulls tried to come back she would chase them off and toss the crab a few more times. (What a goof!)

Also, my parents came camping with us and had brought their dogs: Lira (a lhasa opso) is known for stealing toys and treats from other dogs. . . Well, our dogs had bones to chew on and so Lira tried to steal the bone from Kali. . . . Kali jumped up, growled at her, and threw her big malamute body between Lira and the bone. (No agression, just protecting her "treasure.") We laughed as Kali kept burying her treats at the campground and then unburrying it and moving it whenever anyone came near. . . . Seriously, she's a goofy dog! Great entertainment!

* SMORES: Camping isn't camping without smores. I got a kick out of Joel and my mom comparing techniques to create the perfect smores. The kids, Dad, and I all just hold the marshmellows over the fire and call it good, but Mom & Joel have to move the logs around to get the embers just right and then toast them ever so precisely. It was very funny! (And, there were the obligatory comments about how I'd burnt the hot dogs . . . cracked me up!)

* The Beach. . . The beach is one of my favorite places in the whole wide world. The waves are so life-giving and spiritually refreshing and the windy beach is soothing. I LOVE IT!! And, God blessed us: Our second (and last) day there, we had a beautiful, sunny day with about 70 degree weather. There was a slight wind and it was perfect! The kids built sand castles together, Oliver (our jack russell) chased sea gulls, and we had a fun time.

Seems like a majority of my shots at the beach are "butt shots" -- Faith gets so busy playing she just doesn't want to pose for me. I don't push the poses because it's so good to see them having so much fun.

Joy

Elijah and Oliver. . . Do you see Elijah's wet pants? ;>)

* Walks through the campground: Mom & Dad didn't get a spot next to us and so we spent quite a bit of time trekking from one spot to the next. Even the trek to the beach was about .5 a mile: Funny thing is that Elijah wanted to complain about the walk but Isaac had just come back from a camping trip with his best friend, Jacob, where they had done a 10 mile hike and so Isaac told Elijah "this is nothing!" ;>)

* Faith packed for herself. . . Again, we are two full-time employees and parents. . . I made the mistake of letting Faith pack for herself. What does this mean? She packed slippers and costumes to wear -- no shoes and nothing warm. So, Saturday morning Grandma watched the kids while Joel & I made a run to Walmart for some clothes for Faith. Fortunately their summer attire was on sale and so we were able to buy sandals for $1 (Praise God!). Needless to say, I learned that Faith isn't quite ready to pack for herself!

Anyhow, those are some of the memories. . . Here's a few more pictures just for fun :>)

The kids watched "High School Musical 2" on the car ride over and then again in the yurt. . . Technology addicts!Isaac didn't want his picture taken which led to all sorts of brotherly-fun and wrestling! :>)

Oliver was constantly getting himself tangled up. . . crazy-making dog!

Special memories. . .

Isaac's favorite memory: Getting to see Grandma and Grandpa.

Elijah's favorite memory: Getting play with the dogs and having smores and "the best part was spending it with my family."

Faith's favorite memory: "It's something that you get wet and it's water. . . I gave you a clue!" . . . Playing in the ocean!

LOVE these kids!!

Faith turned 6 years old!!!

2008-10-12T18:11:00.000-07:00

My baby is growing up and I don't like it! This September Faith turned 6 years old. . . She's learned to tie her own shoes, she can put her hair in a pony-tail, and she's pulled her own teeth. . . . She's definitely growing up. . . I pray that this process slows down!

Admittedly, I've had baby urges lately: hormones? or the fact that my baby isn't a baby anymore? Alas, we are done in the baby department -- but, still, I've been very blessed to be given three wonderful children to raise :>)

LOVE these kids!!

Here's some birthday pictures:

Grandma came down on her birthday and brought her a gigantic teddy bear (which Faith named "Sarah" -- her favorite name!). Here they are "cuddling" as she watches Barbie and the Diamond Castle (one of her birthday presents).

Faith still sucks her fingers and clutches bear against her cheek when she's resting. I know that someday soon we'll have to work to break those habits since odds are that the sucking of fingers will mess with her teeth. But, it's also comforting to see that she's not all grown up yet. Know what I mean?

One of her favorite presents was the Playdoh Octopus set. . . She'd been asking for it for several months but both Joel & I haven't been big fans of playdoh since the boys were big on having pieces tossed elsewhere and then mashed into the carpet. But, as a special gift, I opted to take a chance and get her some Playdoh this year. She, Joel, Isaac, and Elijah were teamed around the little table (one that Joel & his brother played at as children) and had fun. [Note: Mom was busy taking pictures!] She's done really well at keeping it picked up and has had lots of fun playing with it :>)

Faith's birthday menu? (Note: family tradition is that the birthday person gets to pick their menu for their birthday.) Faithy chose McDonald's cheeseburger and chocolate cake!

Here's my growing girl. . . 6 years old and a happy, well-adjusted kid. . . VERY loved!

I'm WAAAAYYYY overdue to blog. . . so keep posted. . .

2008-10-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be posting tons of pictures. . . But, in the meantime, here's what's happening at my house:

The kids are playing video games and Elijah has had his "girlfriend" Savannah over. . . Looks like Isaac (top bunk) is playing and everybody else is just watching.

Where do they learn these behaviors? "I learned it by watching you, okay?!?!" . . . One of Joel's favorite pastimes is to play World of Warcraft on his computer. He's sent me links to the "World of Warcraft Widow's forums" -- are there any other widows out there?

And me? Alas, no picture of my happenings today. . . I'm sitting on my bed, propped up by pillows, with "Something to Talk About" paused on the DVR. I can hear the kids sifting through legos in their room. . . And I thought I'd upload pictures and blog. You know, a typical Sunday.

Happy Belated Birthday!!!

2008-09-28T22:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday dear. . .

. . . Elijah (3rd)
. . . Faith (9th)
. . . Dana (11th)
. . . James, Sarah, and John (17th)

Happy Birthday to you!!!

As taken from: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.internet.is/mvala/birthday_monkey.JPG&imgrefurl=http://metropolitanlady.wordpress.com/2008/06/18/happy-birthday-mom/&h=301&w=363&sz=20&tbnid=iqM9PqseTWIJ::&tbnh=100&tbnw=121&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbirthday&usg=__a37Kr8JrqTrxtQmqW65oQGU0FxQ=&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=4&ct=image&cd=1

BELATED: First Day of School Pictures

2008-09-28T21:15:00.001-07:00

New School Shoes
(Elijah in Sketchers boots,

Faith has "High School Musical" shoes with pink laces she tied herself,

and Isaac in camo Converse)

Can I tell you how totally cool my kids are? Isaac just entered 7th grade and is on his first football team -- strut and all. It's really cool to see the self-esteem that goes along with the encouragement and being one of the "guys." We can expect he's at least a half-hour late as he hangs out after practice (since we live on the other side of the field) . . . cute.

Then there's Faith who is 6-years-old and just entered kindergarten. She's SUPER excited to finally have homework like her big brothers and we've even given her some chores for around the house (putting away silverware, picking up shoes, putting dishes in the sink). She's sooo anxious to grow up and she's learning so much: wanting to do her own hair (sloppy pony-tails and pig-tails) and she learned to tie her shoes in about 5 minutes! We were very impressed!

Finally, Elijah just turned 11 and is in 6th grade. He's trying to adjust to life without Isaac as his constant companion -- he hasn't liked that Isaac has been busy with football! Unfortunately when we tried to sign Elijah up for Pop Warner football he was too big for his age range. We're hoping to get him started with wrestling or something in the winter. In the meantime, he's a MAJOR video game addict! Sweet, hormonal (a.k.a. "emotional") Elijah -- I take comfort in remembering that Isaac went through this too (and will again). God love the poor kid as his body starts changing!

So, there's a bit of the news at our house. . . Enjoy the pictures!

Faith headed in for Orientation & to drop off school supplies (she picked out her outfit)

Kindergarten!!

Elijah (still a sweet kid), Isaac (too cool), and Faith (ready to go!!)

P.S. Honest to goodness! Faith said, "I have a passion for fashion!" Friday when she got to dress herself for the day (no school meant no uniform) -- too funny!

Confession: I Love John Denver!

2008-09-24T18:33:00.000-07:00

I've been watching a John Denver special on PBS (one advantage of a flu bug is the time spent vegging out) and it brings such warm, fuzzy feelings. The show features some footage of John Denver way back when (late 70's) and I have vague, early memories of watching him with my parents. . . . My parents were big fans and tried to live the life John promoted: family, love of nature, singing with the acoustic guitar. Watching him brings back those memories. . . Mom singing to us with her guitar and Dad tucking me in at night. Do you know what I mean?

Mom had the record, "An Evening with John Denver" (released in 1975 - the year I was born) and we'd listen to it over and over again. I can picture our living room with the record album propped against the stereo (not a "stereo" by today's standards -- but one of those old stereo's that was the size of one of today's small entertainment centers -- with the speaker on the bottom and a record player, 8-track, and radio up on top - the hinge lid). . . listening to the music while I helped Mom by dusting or singing along with it. My favorite song was "Matthew" and I'd ask to listen to it over and over again.

Now that I've grown, other songs speak to me. . . Sweet Surrender ("Lost and alone on a forgotten highway - traveled by many, remembered by few. . . ") . . . For Annie. . . Then there are the songs that make me laugh like Toledo, Ohio ("I spent a week there one day") or Forest Lawn and then there are the oldies by goodies like Grandma's Feather Bed and Country Roads Take Me Home. . . I've grown up and have, since, bought the CD of "An Evening with John Denver" and there are heartfelt moments on sunny-drive road trips through the country where I will roll down my window and proudly belt out "Thank God I'm a Country Boy!"

In the meantime, I'm enjoying this warm, fuzzy feeling and happy memories with listening to John Denver. Thank you, John, for the music and love! Praise the Lord (and God bless John Denver)!

I have vague memories of watching this on TV. . . John Denver and the Muppets - what could be better? :)

Happy Anniversary!

2008-09-23T17:15:00.001-07:00

Today is Joel & my 13th Anniversary. . . so much has happened in those many/few years. . . Three kids, two dogs, two college degrees, 3 years in the military, and too much life to count! I know that we were young when we married but looking at these pictures reminds me of how very young we were (and skinny!) ;>)

Take a walk down memory lane with me. . .

1.) Here we are at the rehearsal -- both Joel & I were very excited! Joel spent the night with his buddies and arrived late (later than I expected, I should say) on the morning of the wedding. Whew! He made it! :)

2.) Here is Becky Schmitt and Diana Herb helping me get ready (all those little buttons at my wrist) -- I was nervous and excited!

The photographer, Mike Dean, took our pictures with each of us "apart" with our family prior to the wedding and saved our "together" pictures until after the wedding (so Joel didn't see me in my dress until the actual ceremony). Here's some of the better pictures:

3.) This picture cracks me up because it really captures the youthful cockiness of Joel. . . He was two weeks from turning 18 years old. . . He strutted when he walked. . . He was a great kisser. . . He liked to give me that sly smile. Here he is having a "guy moment" with his brother, Krag -- his best man. Krag is the one who introduced us: He was fresh out of the Navy and started attending the community college where I was a freshman and we hit it off. I was dating someone else and my friend, Tammy, had a huge crush on Krag -- so we hung out talking and I heard stories about his suave little brother. During winter break Krag invited me and my friends over to play cards and I met Joel -- Joel was grounded and stuck at home & my boyfriend was back home with his family. . . We laughed, cheated at cards, and eventually fell in love. Wowee! See why Krag's the best man? ;>)

4.) My friends cracked up when, after many many pictures, I sat down with Sarah on the steps of the alter to relax until it was time for the wedding :>) Can you believe that Sarah was a mere 9-years-old then and is now 22-years-old and a Registered Nurse down in Medford?!? She's grown into a absolutely beautiful woman and one of my best friends. . . I'm glad we shared this special moment.

5.) During the wedding ceremony people commented on the beauty of this moment. . . lighting our unity candle and sharing a special moment. Admittedly the day was blessed -- end of September is often the rainy season but our day was clear with a rainbow outside. . . We were both happy but also joked about the fact that everyone probably thought it was a precious moment and we were both feeling beads of sweat sliding down (and wanted to itch!). Alas, this is a wee bit typical for us: great friends joking and sharing time as opposed to having romantic moments. . . Ahh well.

6.) When we were finally wed, we had the usual "Wedding Party" picture -- many thanks to all our supportive friends! Pictured: Becki, Melissa, Diana, Sarah, Jonathon, Joel & Elizabeth Priddy, Mandy, Krag, Dustin, Kevin, and (little brother) Tim.

7.) First dance. . . Danced to "One boy, one girl" by Collin Raye

8.) The Toast. . . Krag then Diana then, one by one, each of my siblings toasted us. VERY cool!

9.) Here's a picture of us feeding each other cake. . . Always the question: smash it into the face or feed gently? Joel strongly believe that you need to feed each other gently as it's a sign of respect and trust -- we were nice to one another ;>) Isn't he cute?

10.) Ahh, the wedding mobile. . . That car served it's purpose but it was an AWFUL old car! When we gave it to Mom & Dad to donate to charity -- Joel had replaced the head a couple of times and the front driver's seat was propped up on a block of wood. But, we were a poor, young, newlywed couple and there are memories associated with it :>)

11.) Finally, Mr. and Mrs. Joel and Elizabeth Priddy:

So, there you go. . . That's where we were 13 years ago today. We missed our first three anniversaries together because we were apart for the military and other bits of life happened, and, today I've had a slight case of food poisoning and Joel's battling a bug too. . . Par for the course? Ahh, but we've hung in there and 13 years later, we're still Mr. & Mrs. Priddy. . . pretty good for a couple of young kids getting married ;>)

One last pic just as a P.S. -- Joel's cousins, Mandy & Jonathan, were our flower girl and ringbearer -- they were too cute!

A Once in a Lifetime Event. . .

2008-09-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you:
- take two huge pots of noodles (4 packages)
- 2 pots of oatmeal & barley
- 3 boxes worth of instant mashed potatoes
- some canned peas, carrots, and cranberry sauce
then team 8 boys (Isaac, Elijah, Jacob, Cody, Brandon, Christopher, Joshua, Mason) and Faith?

Elijah's 11th Birthday Party. . . With a Food Fight theme! The boys have been asking me for a Food Fight birthday party for about the past 3 years and now, with Elijah having just turned 11 and Isaac(12) - they are the perfect age for this experience. So each kid was armed with a can of whipping cream and silly string. . . we established some ground rules and then had about 20 minutes of wild fun :>)

Here are the results:

BEFORE: Ready, set, go!

Isaac learned that you shouldn't take the cap off a can of whipping cream, put the can in your pocket, and then bend over ;>)

Daddy taught Faith to put the whip cream in her hand and then throw it. . .

Cody

Isaac & Mason

Silly string & whipping cream :>)

AFTER: The picture doesn't nearly do them justice. . .

Brandon

Jacob (Isaac's best friend) and Chris (Elijah's best bud)

Elijah and Mason -- a happy birthday boy!

And what next you ask?

Dishes. . .

Video games. . .
A Happy Birthday!!
Then, hopefully, they will sleep tonight :>)

Praise the Lord for Elijah and may this year be truly blessed. God, please continue to guide his life and may his life be filled with even more joy than he experienced today. . . that is my birthday wish for him.

What have I been up to? . . . Building my first "bird house"

2008-08-07T22:56:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's been a long while since I've blogged. Admittedly, I've been busy with other things. . .

As you know we spent Father's Day working on insulating and hanging sheet rock. Since then, I spent a couple of weekends painting the downstairs and then our bedroom (notice in the pictures below the big difference between the previous dark green color and then new light color).

I was hot & sweaty!!

More importantly, since my last blog, I've been learning to use power tools to create something I've wanted to make for the past couple of years (woo-hoo!!!)!

After working at the State, I learned what desk configuration and height worked best for me and I've hunted for a desk at the store to meet those needs. Alas no desk was to be found and so I designed my own desk (I've been a avid Family Handyman, DIY, Better Homes & Gardens fan for most of my life) . . . meaning I've been learning about wood-working. I've never taken a shop class, never used power tools, and had never even built a birdhouse and so this desk has become my first "bird house."

Joel's tried to stay as "hands off" as possible with the exception of his teaching me some of the basics (thank you SO much!!): mitering corners, using the chop saw, using the pneumatic nail gun, using the table saw & circular saw, drilling pilot holes, the difference between types of screws . . . and the importance of slowing down and taking my time.

This beast has taken me several weekends and I still need to finish the drawer, but here's a couple of preliminary picts. . . I'll have to take more later. I also built a shelf above my desk.

Still to do?

1.) Finish drawer
2.) Build additional shelves above my desk
3.) Hang peg board
4.) Build bookcase
5.) Finish putting everything away and CLEAN UP!!!

I guess I must be doing okay because Joel's encouraging me to build more & more rather than go buy a bookcase :>) Admittedly, I've got my crooked brad nails on one edge of the back of a shelf as I was learning and there's a couple of spots on my desk top where the plywood veneer got cracked & broken during the sawing/sanding process and then I tried to fill it with wood putty but didn't finish it properly (sigh) so it looks funny on a couple little spots. Also, there are a few screw holes that are indented because I didn't know that I needed to apply a second filling of the wood putty. . . but, it's all learning.

LOVE IT!!!

I hope that my kids learn from my example: That just because you don't know how to do something . . . YET. . . doesn't mean you can't do it. I also hope that they're proud of me and that they can appreciate my willingness to try to achieve and materialize my dream. So far they've been proud and I think that's the best reward yet!

LOVE those kids!!!

Dr. Horrible

2008-07-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

Admittedly, it sounds like it's the latest craze, but I totally loved the musical for Dr. Horrible. Check it out here: http://www.drhorrible.com/index.html

:>)

Please cover your mouth and nose!!

2008-07-07T16:47:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love this video! I've sent it out via email (I got it from work) but have to share it again. One of my pet peeves is when people cough/sneeze and don't cover their mouth/nose. Worse yet is when they cough/sneeze into their hand and go on with what they were doing without washing their hands (eww!!!!). I'm not a hypochondriac but with three kids bringing home everything from school - I feel like I need to try to minimize the extra germ exposure. Enjoy this video: http://www.coughsafe.com/media.html

I love it! :>)

Congratulations Mom & Dad!!

2008-07-06T22:08:00.000-07:00

Today Mom & Dad celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary: Starting the day off by renewing their vows during the homily at 10:00 mass. Admittedly, I felt a bit teary hearing Mom & Dad recite their vows to one another. . . It wasn't a "Do you Sherry take Doug. . . " with an "I do" response; instead it was them saying, "I Doug take you Sherry. . . in sickness and in health. . . til death do us part" -- very cool.

I've been blessed to have parents who still get a twinkle in their eyes and make innuendos for later in the day. I'm blessed to have parents who really mean it when they make those vows. . . Who meant it 45 years ago, who have had countless fights and difficulties and have somehow made it to the other side, and who, 45 years later -- with bad knees and bad backs -- still choose to be together and to love one another. . . . with all the flirtations of 45 years. I praise God for that blessing. Joel and I aren't there yet but it took Mom & Dad awhile to get there too and so I have hope for us :>) Joel and I still have heated arguments that make me wonder if we'll last, and I pray that we can continue to find the determination to make it work and the hand of God soothing us when our tempers are close to their limit. I pray that eventually we make it to the "other side" and realize we're done butting heads and can really appreciate what we have because we worked so hard to get here. Know what I mean?

My parents married young and Mom was bare foot and pregnant within the year (and subsequent years). They, too, had to finish their degrees with children and life (Mom finished 30 years after graduating high school -- that's totally awesome!). Dad was so typical in his wanting to do what he loved: sports, coaching. . . And Mom tried to be a good wife while struggling to discover who SHE was/is. . . I can very much identify: Joel torn between wanting to do what he wants to do but knowing he should be present for our family, and me, struggling to figure out who I am and what I want out of life and what I need from Joel (he's constantly asking me to just tell him what I need from him. . . exasperated most of the time that I'm still figuring that out).

My parents fight and they make up and I can see when they get annoyed with one another and choose not to fight . . . and, thinking of the two of them makes me smile. I like that they are still partners after all these years: taking on the challenges of life, trying to figure out their budgets, their priorities, where God is guiding them . . . and they do it together, as partners. I smile identifying with the feeling of having someone who knows you so well and who can share a moment with you with just one look (like Mom noticing how much Tim playing with his daughter Addie reminds her of Dad with the same mannerisms and Dad seeing the look in Mom's eyes). . . And, I appreciate that they're not perfect, that they, too, experience the frustration in one another when "you still don't get it after 45 years?" :>) Very cute. . .

I pray that I have that in my future. . . That I can have a life partner who shares all my life's highs and lows, and who, years down the road, will be able to share a look with me as we reminisce.

Song of the moment? Alan Jackson's "Remember When" -- seems appropriate for Joel & I . . . falling in love, breaking each other's hearts, busy as parents, and hopefully, eventually, remembering when. . . (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Y4NTXT96EM )

Best wishes and much love. Praise & thank you God for my parents and your love in their lives these many many years.

Dear me. . . too cute!

2008-06-22T20:17:00.001-07:00

Admittedly, Faith is at that age where she just says the darndest things! A couple of minutes ago, she told Joel that she kept getting out of bed because she wanted to watch the "sun sparkles" (the dust that you see in the sunlight). . . too cute! :>)

I love you Dad. . .

2008-06-22T00:04:00.001-07:00

. . . Just wanted to say it. :>)

Final Road Trip with Grandpa

2008-06-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

I've been overdue to blog about this one. . . As many of you know, my grandpa Evans died at the end of April after a long battle with Alzheimer's (cancer, broken bones, heart issues, etc. etc.). He'd lived in Spokane, WA since his retirement nearly 30 years ago but moved down to Salem, OR last year to be in a nursing home closer to Mom & Dad's. Well, during one of his more lucid talks with Dad, he'd said that he wanted to be buried back up in Spokane. Somehow it was decided that Dad would drive him back up there. . . Dad also said that he felt like it would be impersonal to have a stranger transport him all that way.

However, it still took us all by surprise when, after Grandpa died, Dad said that he wanted to drive Grandpa back to Spokane. . . in the pickup truck. (Dude!) Me? I didn't want them to go through that alone, and I felt like since work was gracious enough to give me bereavement leave, then I would make the road trip with them. As a fun surprise, Mom also included her sister Suzy and my cousin Amy in the plans! This being the case, rather than cram into the pickup truck, I followed along in our Jeep: we had 3 in the Jeep and 2 in the truck at any given point in time. Here we are as we were heading out (alas, I am taking the picture and am not included):

So, schedule of events?

- Sunday night Mom called me upset and said that it had been a rough day with Grandpa

- Monday, I had a nagging feeling that I needed to make it up to see them. I left work early Monday and headed up to Salem, I stopped to see Grandpa at the nursing home and he wasn't "there" -- I held his hand as he dozed off and on, but it was the first time that he didn't recognize me. When I got up to throw a cup away, he got upset and angry with me, telling me to stay out of his stuff! I held his hand again, and he dozed. Later, I was telling him about my kids and how Faith looks a lot like my mom and he said, "that Sherry is a good girl." :>) As I went to leave, he told me to "be nice to Mama! Nobody messes with MY mama!" hmm. . . I then went to Mom & Dad's for the rest of the afternoon and evening and I had a really good visit. Dad got to talk a bunch (about everything under the sun and especially his concern for Mom) and I got plenty of the hugs that I was needing.

- Grandpa died early Friday morning, I went to work (in shock) but broke into tears when, after forwarding Mom's email announcement to my work team, my supervisor called and asked me with all genuineness "How are you doing?" Needless to say, I was sent home.

- Saturday the kids & I headed up to Salem (from the Eugene area) to see Mom & Dad,

- Sunday I took the kids home and then headed back to Mom & Dad's

- Monday included cleaning, getting the program for the memorial service finished, and a run to Costco for trays of food

- Tuesday was the memorial service in the evening with family and GREAT visiting during the day :>)

- Wednesday we spent a wonderful morning visiting with Grandpa's surviving sibling: Mom's Uncle James, and Aunt Bunny (James' wife), Aunt Margie (Grandpa's brother Keith's wife), and David (James' son). . . We spent time talking and looking through some of Grandpa's old pictures -- the senior members of the family were WONDERFUL in helping us identify who people were in the pictures and so we took the opportunity to get out a pencil and label the backs :>) The crew of visitors left in the early afternoon and our roadtrip began about 3:00 P.M. (Holy smokes!)

We drove to Tri-Cities just across into Washington and spent the night at a hotel. You can imagine our humor about having a coffin hanging out the back end of the pickup (we were all tempted to stop and take a picture at the "Coffin Road" exit). On the roadtrip, I was blessed to get to have some time to talk and get to know my Aunt Suzy and cousin Amy much better. . . that was very special time for me :>) And, then there were the humorous moments like when we were listening to Brooks & Dunn's song "Believe" and one of the lines is "it all ends with a long ride in a hearse" and my cousin Amy pipes up "or a pickup truck!"

Dad was always mindful of the precious cargo we were carrying: driving UNDER the speed limit, backing the truck/coffin back against a fence and bushes to prevent someone from taking it, and just being an all-around good sport. Granted, other road trip memories included me trying to keep Dad awake while driving Wednesday night and when I was telling him about how Elijah has been doing in school, Dad made a comment that "he'll be doing better when he's up in Seattle" --!?!?! Okay, so Dad wasn't really awake while driving! When I asked him what the heck he was talking about, he kinda shook himself awake and said he didn't know. . . . Then again, in the course of the conversation Dad started talking gibberish again and so we opted to pull over around the next pit stop (thank goodness!). I almost had to start asking Dad about politics just to wake him up: Thankfully I was spared that last resort! ;>)

Needless to say, when we finally got settled into the hotel room late Wednesday night, everything was feeling a bit surreal and we were all in a quirky mood. . . . Joking about how we can check "transport dead body" off our "bucket list" :>) Or how that could be quite a conversation starter (wouldn't it be wonderful to carry a camera around and tell everyone we meet about how we're transporting a dead body. . . NOTE: For me, Grandpa was gone and this was just a body.). Amy & I kicked ourselves for not posting a sign on the back of the pickup with something like "Cemetery or bust!" or "Yes, this is a coffin! Back up!" But, what else do you expect when this is what you see for a few hundred miles?

If Dad were rear-ended would the insurance cover the coffin damage? How does that work? . . . . Don't follow too closely!

I mean, utter confession includes joking about what Grandpa would've thought of the potholes and our curiosity about whether or not his body was shifting in the coffin (yes, Mom, Suzy, and Amy checked at the cemetery and, no, he did not shift -- surprising!). Dear Lord! It was surreal.

We slept and then headed out for the rest of the ride to Spokane Thursday morning. . . . Can I tell you: the trip felt like it was blessed by God -- rainbows as we headed east out of Portland, sunshine followed us along the way, and we had safe travels. We stopped at Sprague Lake just south of Spokane -- this was one of Grandpa's favorite fishing holes and it seemed appropriate to stop and remember him. Here's a couple of pictures:

Afterwards, we made it to Spokane, checked into the hotel, and then headed to the cemetery where we had the burial service with Grandpa's wife, Ann's family and some of the friends up there. There was a big sense of relief at finally making it there (and a touch of humor in the fact that the song playing on the radio as we turned the final block was "Prop me up beside the Jukebox when I die" . . . Seemed meant to be). We were able to take a deep breath and cry. . .

. . . Later we went out for Margaritas and the best Mexican food ever!

There are other things that I can write about too: like the hurt I felt when Ann's family mentioned how much he'd been a part of their lives and seeing his Christmas cards when Grandpa hadn't been around for me AND the memories of Grandpa's laugh and how he had a sweet tooth and how, when I did see him, I felt loved and special. It's complicated. . . . but isn't that the nature of life and relationships?

Friday morning Amy & Suzy flew out at oh-my-goodness early in the morning and later we headed out towards home. Mom & Dad headed to Jim & Beth's in Lake Oswego and I headed to their house in Stayton to meet up with Joel and the kids. The kids & I bonded at the Stayton movie theater as we watched "Iron Man" :>) (Faith slept.) Joel was away at a motorcycle gig.

We spent Friday night there and headed up to Sarah's pinning ceremony for her nursing degree (at University of Portland) on Saturday morning. Afterwards was a lovely reception and party, and then our family headed over to our hotel for our family time. . . Long overdue!

Sunday we slept in and then headed up to Vancouver to drop the kids off at Cece and Scott's house so they could play and Joel and I headed to Sarah's graduation. . . . eventually, we made it back home to our house at nearly 7 PM and I crashed!! I was soooo tired!

It was a long week with many blessings (including Sarah's graduation). As for the road trip: I'm glad that I went. . . It was important to me to be there to hug and laugh and help. . . . and, I needed the closure and to say "good-bye." And, hell, now I can add "transport dead body" onto my list of lifetime accomplishments (wonder how that would look on a resume?).

Praise God for these surreal moments :>)

Home Remodeling: It's official

2008-06-15T22:35:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!! We've been spending Father's Day with Joel giving us a gift of love: insulating and hanging drywall. Our home remodeling project has been prompted by a couple of factors, specifically:

1.) Our upstairs window leaks and needs to be removed; the previous owner bought a used window and jammed it into a hole too small for it -- snapping the casing. This window has leaked. We've had a repairman come in to fix it but he can only patch it since the window is broken. We know it needs to be replaced. This "window" is an over-sized sliding glass door that used to have a 1 foot-deep balcony in front of it. The purpose of this door? Moving furniture up and down stairs -- furniture can't make it up the staircase because the stairs do a tight 180' turn in a small hallway. So, the deck was taken off to get furniture up and, then again, to fix the leak -- we've just kept it off until it's repaired.

2.) The stairs weren't constructed of the best quality, have huge gaps in the spindles, and, as stated, we can't get furniture up and down. . . Lovely.

3.) The front door was built into the staircase and so, to repair the stairs, we'd need to move the front door.

4.) We talked to a siding company because we've been having insulation issues and wanted an estimate -- they offered to move the front door for us. Awesome!!!

Hence, the project was kicked off! They moved the door, removed one of our downstairs windows, and sided the house. We're mid-fix-up: We still need to tape, mud, texture, paint, paint the gutters & garage door, etc. etc. etc. . . . Isn't that always the case?

However, both Joel and I feel some sense of excitement that we're officially starting the repairs AND we're making this home more OUR home. Know what I mean? :>)

Today's activities: Joel insulating and me making SEVERAL trips to the store! Man, I guess we need to add gas money to the budget for remodeling! Two trips to Safeway, three trips to Bi-Mart, one trip to Ace Hardware, and a trip to Jerry's Home Improvement store. . . Ugh! Team that with the laundry, a couple loads of dishes, making breakfast fajitas (got the recipe from Dan Wangsgard's wife, Muriel's blog -- LOVED it! Thanks!!), and then picking up Mexican food for dinner. . . . Did you catch that? LOTS of Mexican food: This meant that, as I was holding the sheetrock for Joel -- in close quarters -- him forgetting to put on deodorant today, he was feeling the beans. Phhhhhewwwwy!!! Baaaaadddd Joel! He and the boys were busting up laughing! oh, to be boys!

So, here's some of the before and after picts for you. Enjoy! :>)

BEFORE: Front of the House

BEFORE: Two front windows -- we opted to remove one to put in the front door and to add to the structural stability of the front of the house . (There's a 4"x4" between the two windows and that's it!)

BEFORE: Front door

Don't know if you can see it or not, but here's the door embedded in the stairs. We couldn't open it all the way. Hmm. . .

Here's another view of the hinges. . .

AFTER: Where the front door was! (And Miss. Faith) :>)

AFTER: New front of the house; we'll also be adding shutters soon :>)

A fun little splurge: We got a key-less lock to help out the kids. Very cool!

Here's some pictures of today's work

Oh, the fun of older houses, built by amateurs! They had carved the outlet into the 4x4. . . What were they thinking?!?!

Finished sheet-rocking the old door -- woo-hoo!!

Here's a glance at the stairs (and me holding up the sheetrock while Joel went for the drill).

Gotta love this one! It was funny: They'd filled the edges of the door frame with expanding foam and were sanding it down. Isaac (on the chair) was sanding it down onto Elijah's head ;>) When Elijah caught on he said it was like it was snowing. . . Glad they were all good sports!

The old window space now has drywall! Woo-hoo! High-five! Another accomplishment! :>)

Elsewhere around the house, the boys were digging holes for new fence posts. . . Alas, the old posts had to be cut out for the new siding: one was planted firmly in the foundation of the garage and the other gate didn't have a post (the previous owner had screwed the hinges into the house) . . . Lovely. The boys were AWESOME!!! Hard-workers who didn't complain too much :>) I was very proud of them :>)

And, finally, Faith and I planted the blueberry plant that she got from her class field trip to a nursery. She was very happy to be watering her blueberry plant :>)

So, there's a bit of our day; I hope that you had a great time too! HAPPY FATHER's DAY!!!

Budding photographers

2008-06-07T15:34:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling a bit guilty this past year because I haven't been taking very many pictures as I usually do. . . However, I found my memory card full when I went to download pictures today: It seems that my children are budding photographers. :>) Here's a little bit of life from their perspective:

(NOTE: I erased about 30 pictures of the TV that Faith had taken of "Enchanted".)

Our front yard

Our unplanted geranium (and mess)

Big Brothers

Daddy on his computer

One shot of MANY!!

Self-portrait of our little photographer. . . having lots of fun!

Here's her shoes :>)

Her picture of the two of us together: Attempt #1

Her picture of the two of us together: Attempt #2

Praise God for digital cameras! :>)

Green alligators and long-necked geese. . .

2008-06-04T22:14:00.001-07:00

I have to say that I LOVE Pre-K and am very proud of Faith. Tonight was her Spring Music Concert for school (Pre-School through 4th graders performed) and they were SUPER cute! If there were a super-power for cuteness - their cuteness was disabling. . . . too cute. . . can't re-sist. . .

It helps, too, that I've been volunteering in Faith's classroom quite a bit lately and the teacher gave me a great job: I was tasked with interviewing each child one-on-one. I got to ask them questions like, "What did you learn in Pre-K?", "What's your favorite color?", "What are you thankful for?", and "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Cutest of cute!

ME: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

Child1: "A Mommy like my mommy"

Child2: "A fighter-fighter [fire fighter] and then when I get bigger a SuperGIrl!"

Child3: "a Mail Box Person" (because the mail box person brings boxes and he got a box of candy for his birthday and he never gets candy and so he wants to bring people boxes too. . . )

. . . Too cute!

Granted, we encountered a couple of snares: Faith was jealous sharing me on recess and pouted when a friend gave me a hug -- guess we have to work on her reaction since she's always been the baby in our family. Thankfully she did much better on the second day :>) But I got to spend the WHOLE day in her classroom and that was very special. . . pushing preschoolers on the swings and being called "Mrs. Priddy" and "Faith's mom" -- best role ever! And Faith beamed with pride and wanted to show me everything. (sigh) Very good.

So, tonight we listened to some wonderful songs at the school with Faith getting a bit distracted by the video camera and being able to see herself on the big TV screen stage-left, but she sang out with all her heart and did all the hand motions. They sang about how "the wise man builds his house up on the rock" and then the "Green alligators and long-necked geese" which was too funny because the music teacher tried to lead them through the verses (which all the kids stumbled through), but then the kids belted out the chorus and really got into the hand-motions (I especially got a kick out of how they wiggled their shoulders for the "humpty backed camels"). Again, too cute!

Faith's teachers told her how well she did after the program and she again beamed with pride. . . We need to give her more opportunities to be proud -- don't you think? (She also got a second place ribbon for her grade for her art picture of a cat -- drawn and then painted with watercolors . . . too cute! That's something that will even impress her big brothers :> ) )

It was a fun night and I love these pre-schoolers and this special time with them. . . very cool.

P.S. I can also be super proud of my boys:

Isaac got an 'A' on his presentation & board for our family heritage of football -- very cool! And, it's cute that I heard other boys in his class talking about how they thought his presentation was cool. . . good thing for a 12-year-old boy to hear :>)

Elijah competed in his class' Olympic games today and took second place in the 100 meter dash and sixth place in the 50 yard dash -- VERY cool! I definitely want to continue to encourage him. . .

P.P.S. Faith lost her second tooth yesterday!

2008-06-02T00:13:00.000-07:00

Another big milestone! At the wedding last night, Faith wiggled her tooth with her tongue and it popped out. . . She asked if she could give the tooth fairy an I.O.U. so she could take the tooth to school to show her teacher. Joel & I told her that we'd get the message to the tooth fairy; she asked how & we told her that we "know people." ;>) Oh, the joy of kids. . .

Something else I'd meant to share: About a month ago Faith first noticed this tooth was loose and was afraid to tell her daddy about it in case he offered to pull it. But, being her typical brave self she gathered up the courage and told him she had a loose tooth. He asked if she'd like him to pull it and she replied: "No, I can handle it. I've got it covered." -- Where on earth does this kid come from? She cracks us up! Miss. Faith, 5-years-old, and it's not a "I can do it." instead "I can handle it". . . too funny! She then proceeded to try to rip her tooth from her mouth; I cringed and told her just to wiggle it. She tried to pull her tooth for a bit but then, without success, opted to just wiggle away. . . Now, a month later, she gets her relief!

How many times can I describe this girl as "precocious"? It's totally appropriate!

Per dictionary.com:

pre·co·cious –adjective

1.	unusually advanced or mature in development, esp. mental development: a precocious child.

2.	prematurely developed, as the mind, faculties, etc.

3.	of or pertaining to premature development.

Botany.

a.	flowering, fruiting, or ripening early, as plants or fruit.

b.	bearing blossoms before leaves, as plants.

c.	appearing before leaves, as flowers.

LOVE that girl!!

P.S. Here's some pictures from today's football project

2008-06-01T23:07:00.000-07:00

I'll try to post some pictures of the project, too (later). Cool?

Here's some pictures of my dad (#35):

Here's some pictures of my grandpa (Ray Evans) -- he was a team captain (#56):

(Grandpa's behind the neck of the guitar on this funny picture)

GREAT tackle!
Playing in the Sun Bowl:

Here's my husband & father of my kids (back in high school when we were dating):

Here's my little brother, Tim (who played for Western Oregon University wearing Dad's number, 35) with Isaac back in 2000:

GO TEAM!!!

Football legacy

2008-06-01T22:55:00.001-07:00

Today I've spent nearly all day helping Isaac (age 12) with his family research project for school. The assignment: to pick something about your family or the community and do a 3' x 4' posterboard presentation on it. In brainstorming with Isaac, he's chosen to present our family heritage of football.

Many of you may know that Joel has joked about marrying me for my football genes. The irony is that my dad has made the same joke as to why he married my mom :>) It was cute to hear Isaac interviewing my dad, my brother, and my husband about their experiences playing football (highlights, their positions, why they liked it). It was also special for me to get to sit down and share what I know and remember from the stories, like "Dad, don't I remember you being offered to play professional football but you were getting hurt too much?" To which dad (trying to be humble) mentioned that he was called the day before the draft and asked if he would be interested in playing for the Rams. He was also pursued by Green Bay. But, Dad was married to Mom and they had kids to consider. Mom had told me that Dad was getting so many concussions a season that the doc warned him that he may start getting brain damage . . . This is why he turned it down (and pursued baseball instead). Good thing too, because my dad is smart as a whip!! (I'm very proud!)

Anyhow, we found my Grandpa's name on the 49ers roster today and that was really cool! Check it out at: http://www.sf49ers.com/history/alltime_rostere-h.php My grandpa is Ray Evans. . . He'd lived a life full of highs and lows -- but one of the highs was his football career. Very cool! Isaac was impressed because he finally associated what "professional football" meant when he saw the logo for the 49ers :>)

Isaac also thought it was funny that everyone he interviewed said that one of the best parts about playing football was getting to hit people. . . What does this say about my family ;>) ?

So, we're signing the boys up for their first season of football next year (Pop Warner) and I hope that they enjoy it too. In the meantime, today was a headache filled with some frustrations as Isaac repeatedly got distracted while trying to finish this project (due tomorrow) and I'm battling the cold that Joel generously shared with me last week. . . but it was also a really cool day where we got to share some special time working together. Definitely worth it! :>)

Follow-up with the cops

2008-06-01T22:53:00.001-07:00

Well, we got our dogs back with the advice that we invest in a security camera. Admittedly, I understand the dilema: The police officers of our nation are overworked and there just aren't enough . . . Especially not enough to track down who's letting the dogs out (how many of you thought of the song just now?). So, we'll be investigating this one on our own. Hmm. . .

Today: May 31, 2008 in review

2008-06-01T00:02:00.000-07:00

What a day! I'm pooped and waiting for the Police to return our call. . . Ever have one of those days?

Woke up this morning, touched up last night's caulking job on the tub, and prepped the kids to go to Salem for the day. Then jumped in the shower & we were out the door by 10:30 this morning! We headed to Stayton where I hooked up with Mom to head to Salem for our pedicures (when my grandpa died a couple of weeks ago my friends from work bought us a gift card for pedicures with a note saying, "As Jesus washed the feet of the weary, so do we. . ." it was a very touching gift -- THANK YOU!!). The pedicure was a hot stone and peppermint oil treat and I felt that tingly scalp kind of relaxed. Know what I mean? :>)

From there, errand to Costco then back to Mom & Dad's to get dressed and ready to attend Joel's step-brother's wedding. Quite an experience! Not being a catholic service, it was very quick! I was very proud of how well the kids did :>) . . . Oh, and throw in there the argument that Joel and I had on the way to the wedding (joy). And then the beautiful buffet, dancing, cake, and visiting with the handful of people we knew. Afterwards we headed to Joel's Dad's to pick up the boys (who'd left the reception with "Poppy") and we listened to music -- James LOVES music and played his guitar a bit for us -- very cool!

Anyhoo, on to home -- we got home just after 11:30 PM to find our dogs missing. NOTE: We have a dog run area that is fenced within our fenced-in backyard. The gate to this dog run area is difficult for me to open and the latch slides under some of the chain link. The big yard gate was also opened; it opens inward because you can't push it out because we have walkway stones in front of it. Anyhow, both gates were open. . . We've had similar problems before where we had our Jack Russell taken off a chain in the backyard (collar unhooked from the clasp and then taken off him -- never found) and the gate opened. We've had some harassment from neighbors and so now we're wondering what's going on. Joel called the police and told them our dogs were stolen. They said that they had the dogs there and that the dogs were found "at large" -- now we're waiting for the investigating officer to call us back. . . . It's now after midnight.

(Sigh) -- Do you ever have days like this? Any advice? (mutter, grumble, curse.) Flippity, flip, flip, flip!

Woo-hoo!!

2008-05-29T22:33:00.001-07:00

I'm 33 and have been sung to numerous times today (many, many thanks!) -- I felt very loved :>) Dinner out with the kids and Joel, I got both "Sister Act" movies, and tons of snuggles. . . Including Elijah's sweet X's and O's on my card and Faith getting jealous and having to add her own X's and O's. LOVE them all! I hope and pray it's a good year :>)

How old AM I?!?

2008-05-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

One more share today: This week is my birthday and last week (during that special time with the boys) they asked me how old I would be -- I immediately thought, "I'm 34 now and so I'll be. . . wait, I'm not going to be 35. . . 2008-1975 = 33! I'm 32?!?" Over the past couple of months I have actually TOLD people that I'm 34! Yes, I'm a mere 32 years old and I have already forgotten my age. How sad is that?

When I told Mom & Dad this revelation they laughed and told me a story about how when I was 4-years-old I told everyone I was 6 and insisted that I was actually 6 years old :>)

Guess some things never change. . . At least I'm consistent! ;>)

P.S. Blog gaps

2008-05-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

Ahh well, my intention is to blog daily (another item on my "To do" list?) and right after I'd committed to that last week -- we were gone until 11 PM! Isn't that the way life goes? Then, "Oh, I'll wait to blog until I can add that picture I just took on the camera". . . . "The camera batteries are dead. . . Hmm. . . I'll blog once I get batteries". . . "Where the heck are those batteries I just bought?!?". . . "Ahh well, it's been a week, I've already gone past that whole daily blog intention". . . "Flippin! Sit down and blog -- Joel's snoring in the chair next to me, the kids are going to bed, and it's a blessedly quiet 8:30 PM. Praise God!" . . . Hence today's blog got finished :>)

[I can still hear the kids. . . not yet asleep. . . they HAD a 8:00 bedtime. . . Oh well!]

:>)

DVR's bring on a whole new problem. . .

2008-05-28T20:39:00.001-07:00

Am I the only "victim" of the new technology known as the DVR? Admittedly, I LOVE that I don't have to feel the loss of missing the next saga in my favorite TV shows (lately it's Grey's Anatomy, Medium, Bones, and House). . . now I have a whole new issue: Where do I find the time to "catch up" and sit down to watch these shows? I guess they make the assumption that I'm only occasionally busy ;>) but as a working mother with three kids and the activities that go along with that -- where's my free time?

I recently bought a plaque at Hallmark (70% off bargain! woo-hoo!) that says "What is this leisure time of which you speak?" Admittedly, these days I've begun feeling absolutely attention deficit or like a chicken with my head cut off. I'm guessing that part of it is the back to back meetings at work and the spring cleaning I'm doing on my weekends; but more likely, it's the ever growing, overwhelming "To Do" list (both at work and home). How do we find the time? I'm interested in too many things (Praise God!) with a to-do list that includes:

- paint our bedroom
- paint the downstairs (there's currently three different test colors on the living room wall ;>) )
- finish the laundry (is it ever really done?)
- remember to make Faith lunch for tomorrow's class field trip to the nursery
- get a wedding present for Saturday's wedding
- sign the boys up for pop warner football (need to be registered by the end of May)
- do I want long term life insurance? If so, I need to register by Friday
- CHANGE the SHEETS on our BED!!!!! (ewww. . . it's been too long!)
- Put away more laundry
- Don't think about work. . . . (dang it! I just did!)
- etc
- etc
- etc

Know what I mean? Then, there's the healthy stuff I need to do, like get in for that x-ray the chiropractor requested, and set up my next chiropractic appointment (dang it!). . . Oh, and eat healthy, drink more water, exercise, get Faith & the boys new bikes (theirs are outgrown) so we can bike ride. . . Oh and the dogs need their shots. . . AUGH!!! Too much!

Friends and family tell me to slow down. I don't know if I know how to do that. . . But I work on it. A couple of nights a week I will sit for about 2 hours and watch the latest series the kids and I are watching together (right now we're on Smallville season 5 and I'm watching "Band of Brothers" with Joel). . . the hardest part for me is to be really present in the moment. I can typically sit for a couple of minutes and enjoy, but, like a chat at work -- once I've exceeded my own internal alarm clock -- i start to get ansy and I can't help but think of my looming to do list.

I LOVE my kids and want to cherish these moments. . . I know the kids grow up fast and today is only here for today. How do I be more present? Last Friday was special for me -- Joel was off to his motorcycle group and the kids and I cleaned out the living room of furniture and started washing down the walls (to prep for painting. . . alas, we're moving the front door and the paint job got put on hold -- but I'll tell you about that on another day); during this time, the boys started asking me questions and joking: You know, those conversations that you can have when you're all in the same room together hanging out and there's no TV or music. We talked about when Joel & I met and when we were dating (even pulling out the prom pictures -- since the boys were curious about prom after watching the Smallville episode). We talked about birth control and vasectomies (how we ended up talking casually about that I'll never know) -- very humorous conversation with comments about getting a shot in the "balls" (very funny to 10 and 12 year old boys who just cringe at the thought!). And, we talked about when they were little and what I remember about being pregnant with them -- with Isaac, Elijah, and Faith each asking me to tell them something special about them. You know, those things that a mom remembers :>) Isaac (12) wanted to keep talking but the conversation eventually ended at the prompting of Elijah and Faith who wanted to watch movies. We then laid blankets and pillows on our now empty living room floor and popped a DVD in to watch (several more episodes of Smallville) and they fought over who got to lay next to me. THESE are the special moments that I want to treasure. I want more of them. . .

So, again, where on earth does a DVR fit into my life? ;>)

P.S.

2008-05-14T22:13:00.000-07:00

I will occassionally try to post some picts of my scrapbook pages since that's a hobby of mine and it's my creative outlet that's the sharp contrast to my SQL (SAS, etc.) programming logic. Ahh, I am a true Gemini :>)

What I want to get out of blogging

2008-05-14T21:59:00.001-07:00

Okay, I've sorely neglected this post -- perhaps it's because now that my trips are over, I am questioning the purpose, content, and audience of this blog. I realize that my internal workings and thoughts are all mumble-jumble in my head and so writing would be a good way to work them out. Perhaps I need to write for me. And, having tracked occupational fatalities for 6 years, I have this morbid sense of urgency that pushes me to want to document my life and thoughts for my children "in case something happens."

So. . .

Audience? Myself, my children, and anyone else who is interested in listening and learning. (Yes, I realize that employers can google me and find this page and it could make an impression on them; alas, I am willing to "risk it" ;>) )

Purpose? To work out my thoughts, to encourage my writing, and, most importantly, for my kids to know me better.

Goals? To try to write daily . . . Even if it's just a sentence saying "I'm tired." I give myself permission to be brief AND I give myself permission to write that novel length blog that my friends tease me about (all my life I've been told that I could write a book because I write a ton). I will try not to hold back just because social norms suggest that I should keep it brief.

Goal? To be truthful. . . not necessarily an insightful political speaker or someone with the parenting advice for the nation or some clever humorist. My goal is to be true to myself. I struggle with my "public persona" of happiness and positive attitude. . . I'm not naive, I've had my difficulties, I've been suicidal AND I've learned that I need to choose to look on the bright-side and try to be positive -- to avoid the trap of negative thinking. Hmmm. . . But, truth-be-told, my sometimes-struggle to be positive gets me identifying with that Smokey Robinson song "Tears of Clown." I know that to show my truest self with all my flaws and thoughts means to be vulnerable and to trust others not to use them against me. . . . Helluva deal. So, I will try to write it all.

For anyone out there reading this, I encourage postings and comments -- I'd love to know if it's just me in this wacky world or if others can identify. Anyhoo. . . It's past 10 PM and another rule I have for myself is to be laying quietly and settling down for bed by 10 PM on a work night ;>)

And so. . . goodnight.

"I need some tooth pulling music"

2008-02-17T19:38:00.000-08:00

Faith has had her first loose tooth for the past couple of weeks and today we opted to check on the progress. Joel told her that he'd pull it for her to which she said "no" and got teary-eyed (we were at breakfast at the time). On the way home, the big brothers were advising her on how to do it and how it's not too scary: Isaac suggested she push it down, twist, and then pull it out; Elijah suggested she get her fingernail under the edge and pull. Both were encouraging her to do it :>)

Joel suggested that she might need some "tooth pulling music" and turned on the radio. . . A while later we turned it off and continued the advice-giving. Faith then said, "I need some tooth pulling music" and Joel cranked up Linkin Park's "What I've done" and she pulled her tooth out! Bravest girl ever!! First tooth lost and she cracked me up to boot. :>)

You've got to admire that girl!

Side note: As Mommy - there's a part of me knowing that this is another milestone for my baby's growing up -- she's officially losing those baby teeth. Wow. (sigh.) A little sad. Still, very proud of her and amazed.

[Missing tooth: bottom middle on the left]

Praise God, I made it home!

2008-02-10T21:18:00.000-08:00

Well, yesterday I left our hotel in New York City at 2 A.M. Oregon time, stopped in Salem for lunch and to hug Isaac, Mom, & Dad, then I headed home. After dropping off the rental car, picking up dinner with Joel, Faith, and Elijah and then stopping at Hollywood Video for rentals -- it was nearly 7 P.M. Oregon time. Holy smokes it was a long day! (This is the day that never ends, it just goes on and on my friends. . .)

Sooo glad to be home! I was in bed by 9, slept in and napped today. I'm still tuckered out! But oh what an adventure :>)

Last night in NYC

2008-02-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

Well, it's official: I'm exhausted! Pleasantly so, as I sit here in my hotel room in my sweats & tank top, eating part of a brownie, drinking milk, and watching "Bridget Jones' Diary." Ahh. . .

Today's activities? I attended class this morning and learned a few things ;>) Things like converting currency, translating categories to foreign languages, and enabling cube users to over-write data weren't particularly useful topics, but I did get some ideas for things we could do and that helps me get excited with this new job :>)

But, confession: I skipped out of class early (lunch-time) and then headed out to Central Park to see Belvedere's castle. . . It was beautiful, smaller than expected, and had outstanding views of the park. Admittedly, I continue to be surprised at how much smaller things are than in the movies :>) Guess the camera adds 10 pounds. I loved the carved rock steps and the variety of playgrounds and . . . getting a small sense of home :>) Alas, it's winter and there's no leaves on the trees; the bulbs are starting to peek up giving me a hint of the beauty in the spring. I think it would be great to visit in various seasons.

Also, minor miracle: I successfully navigated New York on my own (stadium cheers). Nancy went out with her daughter and so I figured out the appropriate subway to travel back and forth to the park. Very cool :>)

Then, while missing my children, I went out and spoiled them by buying a bunch of souveniers. Places of interest? Build-a-Bear, a HUUUUGGGGE Toys-R-Us store (it was 3 stories, had a ferris wheel, and a big tyranosaurus!), Hard Rock Cafe, and a local health food store. I love the freedom of going wherever I want whenever I want ;>) I also get a sense of satisfaction at having grown familiar with this neighborhood (to my surprise I discovered that the Empire State Building is literally behind our building and across the street).

For those of you familiar with Manhattan: We're staying at the Comfort Inn near Herald Square off 35th (near 6th and Broadway).

Anyhoo, I fly out tomorrow at 7:30 in the morning; meaning that I need to be at the airport by 5:40 AM (God help us!) and then I'll drive home from Seattle so as to avoid the inevitable layovers and delays. . . I'm ready to hug my kids, kiss my husband, and sleep in my bed! Have I mentioned that already?

"Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home." So true!

P.S. My feet feel bruised.

P.P.S. I packed an extra duffel bag in my suitcase and it is now full! :>)

NYC: Thursday night

2008-02-07T18:50:00.000-08:00

Hi!

I've decided that I could be a New Yorker. . . maybe ;>) I love the people watching and that there's constantly something. I like wondering about everyone's story and hearing so many accents. I like being able to walk everywhere and see something new everywhere! On the flip side, I miss the trees and greenery of Oregon (sigh).

Impressions today? We went to Time Square and it's all the bright flickering lights and more than I expected. . . very cool! Rockerfeller Center, on the other hand, felt more cliche and smaller than expected. . . until I read the plaque at the front with a long statement on "I believe. . . " -- it was very touching and renewed my spirit :>)

Then we made it down to lower Manhattan for dinner where there was some sort of contest/party going on at a park and they had what looked like a skateboard ramp covered in snow and TONS of people and lights. . . We never quite figured out what was going on there. Hmm. . . And we had dinner at a local pub -- I LOVE the people! I've found that all the waiters, doormen, and housekeeping seem genuinely surprised when I look them in the eye and smile. I like to pick up conversations with them and ask them what they'd recommend. Very cool.

Other good memory: The parking garage guy down the street. He's an old man in a black stocking cap who reminds me of Joe Pesci. He holds a sign for parking and stops people on the sidewalk when there are cars trying to enter the garage's driveway. . . We started off making eye contact each day (since I pass him each time I head back & forth from the hotel), then a nod, then a smile, and now I'm up to a smile & a wave. It's very cute and I enjoy our daily interactions. . . Is that silly? Ahh well, it's good all the same.

By today, I'm just too tuckered to write too much. . . Tonight is my last night here and so I think I should try to get some rest so I'm ready to go. I'm hoping to hit Central Park tomorrow. . . wowee!

P.S. The Gothic-looking building is the New York Archdiocese's Cathedral. It's beautiful! Bummer deal is that the bottom half of the building is under construction. . . not quite the same. Still, gorgeous architecture in the midst of the sky scrapers. . . Lots of art to be seen in my surroundings.

P.P.S. I miss my kids, my bed, and the hugs from my husband . . . Oh, and a good night's sleep! (Have I mentioned that already?) :>)

Feeling guilty. . . Mind is full. . .

2008-02-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

We're learning a bunch, but I think I'm at that point where I can no longer consolidate the information. Know what I mean? All graspable concepts . . . just. . . too. . . tired. . . to . . . think. . . zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..................................

MDX learning

2008-02-07T10:39:00.000-08:00

I'm learning a lot in today's MDX section of class. . . It's the "Ah-ha" moment in realizing that it's just another query language similar to SQL and SAS but it's a way to query (and create calculations) aggregated data in a OLAP cube. Hmm. . .

In SAS terms it's reminding me of the Proc Tabulate command (cross-tab) and it runs quickly because the math has already been done within the cube measures. Granted, we can also use MDX to create more advanced calculated measures. Hmmm. . .

Very interesting. . .

NYC: Day 4

2008-02-06T19:18:00.000-08:00

Wow. . . each day it feels like there is a lot to reflect on; like how Manhattan is this big, tall city but it also feels small -- everything is less than 5 miles from each other. . . And subways drop people off just 7 blocks away! I've been getting the hang of things and have been fairly proficient at navigating around town; I occassionally get turned around but I've been doing pretty well :>) Nancy & I even successfully navigated our way around town on the subway! (YEAH for us!) Did we mention the crazy people on the subway (see picture)? ;>) Also, there's the funny issue that the subway seems to be one of the quietest places in New York. Too funny!

Class continues to be "interesting" . . . More on that later. . . Okay, teaser for now: We were forewarned that the class moves really quickly and there's a lot to learn; however, we have a different instructor who regularly falls further & further behind in the slides because he's going down tangents. It's the difficult situation of trying to pay really good attention but having to follow someone who starts giving an example down one path & then discovers that won't work and makes the statement that we should probably get back to the coursework. I'm trying to keep an open-mind, but "wow." Then there's the fact that more than half the class arrives between 30 minutes and 2 hours late. . . regularly. Hmm. . .

Anyhow, we enjoyed the rest of the evening (we TRULY need to get out during daylight one of these days! We asked our instructor about getting out early on Friday and he'd been hopeful but at the rate he's going. . . Today we ended up staying late. grrr. . . ). . . ANYHOW, we went to Ash Wednesday mass at St. Francis Assissi -- we were trying to make it to St. Patrick's Cathedral but were running late and ended up just finding a church on the walk along the way. I really had the sense of the world-wide church there. The diversity of cultures, looks, and people in New York is amazing! I'm not noticing any predominant ethnicities here!

After mass we headed toward the subway and down to Ground Zero. . . We ended up stopping at St. Paul's Episcopal church right across the street from the WTC. The church is where George Washington had attended and there's many more historical notes of interest, but most impressive is that it was the refuge after 9/11. It was miraculously un-touched when the buildings around it were damaged -- it was also where many signs for missing people & messages were posted. Most importantly, it was a main base for the many volunteers those first several months. . . with people generously giving all they could. A sign there had said that they served about 3,000 meals a day there to volunteers and they had chiropractors, pedometrists, and massage therapists there to help the volunteers who were bunking there between their shifts of searching through the debris.

I was touched and teary. . . A small voice inside me heard that scripture passage about Moses, "Take off your shoes for the ground you stand is holy. . ." Know what I mean? Wow. I definitely think that is a place I will want to go on my future visits to New York (have I mentioned that I think I will need to visit often?). In contrast, the actual Ground Zero site was mostly fenced off with high fences we couldn't see past. And then there was the surprise that the subway is back in service there! Wow. (How many times can I say "wow"? but truly, there's no better word for my experiences.)

So, that's a little bit of my day today. . . Each day after I post I think of so many more things to say, but . . . I guess some of it gets to wait to tell you in person ;>)

Quick observations

2008-02-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

Three out of the eleven of us in class are female. . . Odd?

Ooh! And one more think I left out from yesterday: Even during the Broadway show I felt the periodic rumblings of the subway running underneath us - Wow!

Happy Ash Wednesday!

2008-02-06T05:38:00.000-08:00

I'm just off to class but I wanted to say: Happy Ash Wednesday today! :>)

New York, New York. . . Day 3

2008-02-05T20:53:00.000-08:00

Hi!

It's LATE Tuesday night (almost Wednesday morning here in New York) and I'm sitting here happily reflecting on a good day and good friends. :>) I've been attaching a few pictures here and there but there's so much about New York that can't be captured in pictures:

SOUND - - tons of sound all over the place; right now I can hear the sounds of the people across the hall from us being pretty noisy. Sounds like they've got some sort of accent. . . There ya go, that's something new: All those times you call tech support and assume it's been sent off to some foreign country - it may be someone here in New York! Everywhere we go there are people with thick accents and talking in foreign languages. Wow! Even the majority of our class has an accent (FYI: We're in NEw York for SQL Server Analysis Services 2005 training)! Then there's the sounds of the cars honking, the ambulances driving by, and the on-going construction work. . . just to name a few sounds.

SMELL -- Wow! Every couple of feet there is a new smell - no joke! Between B.O., sewage, hot dogs, some mysterious good smell, and restraunts that make you want to head in -- there are TONS of smells! This has been a surprise!

Then there's the rest of it:

Truthfully, we're not sure if our teacher knows what he's talking about. Is that awful? When we ask him a question (i.e. what do you think of Unified Dimmensional Models?), he says that it's some ambiguous up in the clouds kind of thought and not really important anyway. In contrast, the class textbook says that this is a major change in the 2005 software and is hugely important. Hmm. . . I'm trying not to pass judgement, but hmmm. . . It's made me continue to appreciate all that our co-workers taught us ahead of time!

Anyhow, we spent the evening walk around Upper Manhattan and even saw the beautiful brownstones. It's really amazing to see the architecture and the history of New York. . . Every building is different, every building seems to tell a story, and it changes step by step. Wow.

Ooh! And we had dinner at Alice's Tea Cup place. . . the famous Alice in Wonderland shop where they serve you tea and the atmosphere is very cool!

Finally, highlight of the evening was that Nancy's daughter, Becca, got us tickets to a hot Broadway show "Sunday in the Park with George" . . . Awesome show that was big in London and is touring in New York. The music and acting was amazing and I was touched by it (even got teary!). The music was WONDERFUL and they did this really creative scenery where they projected the art work and scenes onto the stage like magic. It was truly amazing!

I, of course, made friends with the person sitting next to me and found out that he's spent the last 17 years in London (this is his first year in New York) and he saw the play twice in London and now in New York (he's a big fan of the two leads who have traveled with the show). Anyhow, information about the play can be found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sundays_in_the_Park_with_George and is based on Georges Seurat's painting Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grade Jette -- an impressionist painting where the artist created colors with a colored dots painted closely together to give the illusion of another color (e.g. reds and blues create violet). The story is touching as it examines the life of an artist; missing life as he was absorbed in his art and the humorous/touching portrayal of the woman who loved him. It then moves forward to his ancenstor who is also an artist and who gets a more hopeful message when he too is under the pressure of producing art. I can't put into words an adequate description that would do it justice. Suffice to say that I really enjoyed myself!

Anyhow, it's late right now (Wednesday morning now) and so I'll have to post the picts tomorrow. Thank you for the special messages from my good friends. . . it makes me feel cared for and loved. . . and a bit homesick, but in a good way ;>)

More tomorrow!

NYC: Day two

2008-02-04T18:09:00.000-08:00

Wowee! We had another very cool day, here's some highlights:

* It snowed this morning! Nothing stuck but it was still pretty cool to see.

* Attended the first day of class today and Nancy & I were surprised to feel competent! It helps that the other two members of our team helped coach us ahead of time. Very cool!

* Class got out late (bummer! Baaaddd teacher!) but we still made the best of it: Checking out Macy's department store (Wow! Window displays and what appear to be antique escalators and elavators.) Both Nancy & I felt pretty claustrophobic in the elevators -- seems that New Yorkers are fine with pushing elevators to maximum capacity; there were a few floors where I thought, "surely they'll see that the elevator is full when the doors open and they'll wait for the next one" but No, they just crammed in a little tighter. Wow. . . . In fact, we had a "New York" moment: A man in the back of the elevator wanted off & the kid in front of him hadn't moved, he proceeded to push and made a comment about how the kid was fat & stupid. Everyone else commented on how he was rude and the lady next to us said, "I sure hope we don't have anyone from out of town here" to which I raised my hand & said we were. She busted up laughing. . . Ahh, quite the experience!

* From Macy's we headed down the road and ended up at the Empire State Building. Wowee! It had never occurred to me that the entire downstairs is shops (we ate at the Sbarro's on the ground floor) and that the building is a tenant building (businesses and residents). Wow! Alas, I am a chicken and afraid of heights and so I didn't take the elevator up to the observation deck. Baaadddd Lizabeth! But it was still a cool experience to see a national landmark :>)

* Finally, we ended up at the Manhattan Mall -- a big building with the bottom 4 floors being the mall . . . a mall like the rest of us know: Bath & Body Shop, KB toys, Pretzel stand, etc. etc. but they also have a few stores we don't! We went to Steve & Barry's - a AWESOME store with Sarah Jessica Parker's clothing & jewelry line. My friends, Rhonda & Barb recommended it and I was very appreciative -- awesome deals (e.g. jeans & coats for $9.98 and t-shirts for $3 to $8!) and a lot of t-shirts that made us laugh. Very cool.

Anyhow, it's the end of a long day -- we both feel like we woke up at 4 AM despite the fact that the alarm clock here said 7 AM . . . too early! But it was all good :>)

Tomorrow we have plans for class and then to catch a show. . . Should be lots of fun!

Woo-hoo! New York, New York!

NYC: First night on the town

2008-02-03T19:14:00.001-08:00

Hey!

We made it and met up with Nancy's daughter Becca who was kind enough to teach us some of the rules of New York. For example, we shouldn't ride in the first or last cars of the subway because that's the furthest from the conductor and most likely to have bad stuff going on. We were also advised to act like we know where we're going and to avoid smiling at strangers -- uh-oh! I'm in trouble!

Anyhow, we braved the subway and headed south and had dinner at Harbor Lights - a beautiful restaurant looking across the river towards Brooklyn. With all the lights lining the bridges and the lights of the city, I was really reminded of Christmas :>)

I'm still disoriented as to which direction is North and which is South, but the adventure has officially begun! As for now, time to chill out (10 hours of travel!) and watch "Meet the Fockers" with Nancy and Becca --- see, now THAT feels like home! ;>)

Here's a couple picts:

We made it!!!

2008-02-03T15:44:00.000-08:00

My co-worker, Nancy, and I have made it to New York City! I have taken my first ride in a yellow taxi cab and I'm still kinda in shock that I'm here. . . . Oh, small town girl in the big city!

One quick observation before we head out: Riding in the taxi cab was kinda scary but also fascinating. . . It's like a choreographed number: The cars dart in and out between each other like they're dancing. Wow!

Just gotta share my goofy dogs!

2008-02-02T17:08:00.000-08:00

Here's our two cute/funny dogs:

Kali - (Alaskan Malamute) was born the day before Thanksgiving 2006. She LOVES squeaker toys and is very playful. She's also energized by the snow and cold. We think she's a big goof! This week during the snow she would dig in the snow with her nose and toss some in the air and bite it. Too cute!

Oliver - (Jack Russell Terrier) was adopted from a Craig's list posting from a family who got him two months earlier from the Humane Society. We're guessing he's about 21 months old right now. He's a total spaz who likes to roll balls around the house and chase them. His favorite? Bones to chew on! Right now he looks hilarious in his "pimpin'" black down jacket to keep him warm in the cold . . . without it he shivers pathetically out in the cold.

These two are a kick! "The Odd Couple" -- they like to sleep in the same crate, wrestle, play, and sleep on each other. Oliver has been small enough to sneak out of the yard a few times, and then Kali just howls & howls until he comes back. And, Oliver (God love him), stays right next to the house even when he gets out because he doesn't want to wander too far from family.

Just had to share these dogs with you!

P.S. 3 AM

2008-02-02T04:02:00.000-08:00

There's a song by Anna Nalick called "Breathe (2 A.M.)" and some of the lyrics are:

2 AM and I'm still awake, writing a song
If I get it all down on paper, its no longer
inside of me, threatening the life they belong to

I totally get that.

3 AM reflections of September 11th

2008-02-02T03:56:00.000-08:00

Here it is 3:13 AM Feb. 2, 2008 – I’m scheduled to leave for New York in roughly 26 hours. Wow.

What do I want to see while I’m there? What’s important for me to see? Admittedly, I want to see some “signs” of the New York I see in movies and shows – where I can recognize landmarks and say “THIS is New York!” You know Central Park, Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Time Square kinda stuff.

Then there’s the one important place: Ground Zero. Why do I want to go there? Morbid curiosity? Historical landmark? No. It’s much more the sense of needing to say good-bye, to have some closure, to show respect for those who died. It’s the same urge and need that I have when I go to Hillsboro and need to stop at the cemetery to talk to Grandma. I owe it to her and I don’t stop my life often enough to appreciate it. Going to the cemetery forces me to slow down and reflect.

Where was I on September 11, 2001? My memories are of waking up to the clock radio announcing some news of a plane crash and something about the Pentagon. It didn’t sink in. Instead I flipped off the alarm clock and did what I always do, say a quick prayer (“God please be with those people, their families, and those trying to help them.”) and then I got up to get the kids ready for childcare and school and me ready for work. Elijah, age 4, was headed to Mrs. Franke’s for childcare; Isaac, age 5, was headed to St. Mary’s school for kindergarten. Me? I was headed to work at the State and Joel was getting ready for school at Chemeketa Community College.

After getting everyone dropped off, I started driving into work and flipped on the radio. Stunned . . . shocked . . . confused. At work, I headed to my cubicle and everyone was milling around in shock. Juli, my co-worker, and I kept reading websites and telling each other what the latest news was. . . Everyone periodically headed over to our administrator’s office to catch the news on the TV in there – replays over & over again of what happened. I remember feeling so confused and wondering if there was some kind of mistake.

We all felt so helpless. Shaken. It shattered our world. We all know how it is where you assign a guardian for the kids in case of a “if anything ever happens to me” but you know it’s a long shot and so you don’t think much about it. Kinda like my upcoming flight to New York – what if something happens? But, I tell myself that statistically, I’m perfectly safe – the chances are slim. September 11^th something happened. God bless those families. I felt shaken . . . what did this mean? Knowing this means war – glad Joel was no longer Active duty, afraid because he was still reserve, knowing he wanted to go fight, afraid to be left with just me and the kids again.

I felt grief and wondered why because I likely didn’t know anyone who died, or did I? Then there is the mixture of fear that someone I know or someone close to me would be impacted – even a cousin’s death or my sister’s brother-in-law’s death would impact us all. And, again, the guilt that I felt some relief that it wasn’t affecting me and the people I know weren’t hurt. (Granted, the whole year following I recognize that I was on pins and needles wondering if the alumni newsletter would announce someone from my class had died or that at a family reunion I’d hear that someone close to me had been hurt . . . and then there was the anxiety that maybe it wasn’t over and we’d be hit again.)

At work that day, several of us headed to the noon mass, held hands, and cried. We grieved . . . We grieved for people we had never met. Then, I headed home and got my kids and held them. Torn between wanting to watch all the news: Hoping for a miracle (“thousands of people found sheltered in a tunnel”), afraid there was more to come, and wanting answers. Torn because we knew the kids shouldn’t be watching it and knowing that they knew something was going on and I didn’t quite know what to tell them (“some mean people crashed some planes and killed a lot of people and so we need to pray for those families”). Feeling helpless . . . willingly giving our money to any charity that asked or any jar at the grocery store or anything. . . Feeling helpless.

Admittedly, I also felt guilt because one of my very first thoughts at work that day had been “who has to track all those fatalities and set up those cases?” As a Occupational Fatalities Analyst, I was used to my ears perking up to words like “fatal” or “killed” because I would need to set up cases to investigate . . . I understand logically why I thought that, but, I still feel guilty.

Why do I want to visit Ground Zero? To acknowledge that this is all real. . . To touch the grave of all those people and say “I’m sorry” and “thank you” . . . I believe that everyone has a purpose and is put here for a reason; was their reason to shake me up – shake us all up, force us to quit taking life and each other for granted. We now live in a world where we know to say “I love you” and give each other hugs each morning because it may be our last or their last. . . . What more did September 11^th teach us? For me, I think I’ll be reflecting on that for years to come.

So, why do I need to go to Ground Zero? Because I need to. Know what I mean?

And, is it bad that the flip side of this reflection is the excitement to see “the City”? I think the true New Yorkers would appreciate that. Goodnight!

Merry Belated Christmas!

2007-12-27T19:44:00.000-08:00

It's a couple days past Christmas and I've finally pried my kids away from the video games (Guitar Hero III was a big hit!. . . It's even prompting us to look at guitar lessons for Elijah!). So, I'm sitting here scanning old family photos (from Grandpa Evans) and watching "Smallville" with the family -- ahh, what a life!

I'm also kicking off the blog habit and Joel's hoping it will stick. He's been encouraging me to start out a blog or MySpace page for several months so that he can pass it off to his family for updates. I hope this helps meet the need :>)

Tomorrow is a day for Christmas shopping and more fun -- I hope you're enjoying your time too!

God bless!