And you need to see it again :)
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Just Letting People Know I am Alive
Now that Archer is out of school, we can finally go out and play with our cameras. It was cold on Saturday (as you might have guessed), but we went downtown anyway. He came away with more worthwhile shots than I did, but I was mostly goofing around.
For that someone who was starting to believe that I had imagined the Kyle Train-ha! It does exist!
Archer thinks this is a hilarious snapshot- "Dude, you were even ducking under the sign!"
This is an interesting building in an industrial area outside of downtown. There are Stars of David integrated into the brickwork on the left side of this wall.
I have no idea what this lone neon sign means. It was just outside of a warehouse door.
For that someone who was starting to believe that I had imagined the Kyle Train-ha! It does exist!
Archer thinks this is a hilarious snapshot- "Dude, you were even ducking under the sign!"
This is an interesting building in an industrial area outside of downtown. There are Stars of David integrated into the brickwork on the left side of this wall.
I have no idea what this lone neon sign means. It was just outside of a warehouse door.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
We're home!
Yvenson Bernard signing Caleb's football.
Inside Pier 48 (click on the title of my blog for a short video clip of the tailgate party).
Enthusiastic fans everywhere ~ check this lady out!
Caleb in his Santa hat.
Caleb and Kelsey with Alexis Serna, Oregon State's graduating kicker.
Okay, now that was fun. I think we definitely need to do the Bowl Game thing more often. Our mantra was "Next year in San Diego!"
The trip down was, indeed, harrowing. We took the coast to avoid the snow through the Siskiyou pass and ended up stuck in snow in the Redwoods. We personally never slid or had to pull over, but there were cars just everywhere on the roads, idiot people hiking up the road after their cars got stuck, we watched a semi trailer fish around on the ice two cars ahead of us... it was nasty. By the time we got to the bottom they had closed the pass and weren't allowing any more cars up. After finally making it through, we ended up sitting in stopped traffic for more than an hour just north of Ukiah and had no idea why. We assumed maybe an accident, but it turned out they were screening each car and only letting 4 wheel drive carrying chains through. All others were being turned around and sent away, although they couldn't go back up the pass so I have no idea where they were supposed to go. After gaining the approval of the Caltran we decided to play it safe and put our chains on before we even started up the next hill. That meant yet another delay, but we figured it was worth it. It was incredibly relieving and yet frustrating as we drove up the hill to discover the roads were simply wet. 35 degrees, no ice, no snow, nothing. Nada. We had to pull over to take the chains back off again. All that long-windedness to say that it took us 18 very long, very cramped hours to drive to San Francisco. We were driving Nathan's rented Jeep Commander, which technically seats seven, but only if you believe in torture. 18 hours worth of torture.
Woo boy... this is going to be a long one, I can tell.
Yesterday, game day, was fabulous. I was honestly having severe doubts as to whether the trip was worth it after that first day but I'm happy to report it far exceeded our expectations.
We stayed at the downtown Marriott, which was the PAC-10 team hotel. That was absolutely the only way to go. When we got up in the morning and walked down to the lobby it was like an 12 year old's football fantasy... all the players were mingling around in the lobby, in Starbucks, in the hallways. Their mothers were there, too. :) I had brought Sharpies for both Caleb and Kelsey in case they wanted to get an autograph or two, but I'm pretty sure they got nearly the whole team. Kelsey had them sign her Beaver baseball hat, and Caleb had a Nike football signed. They were photographed with multiple players, including the quarterback Lyle Moevao and our fan favorite Yvenson Bernard. I'm having a heck of a time with my camera so sadly many of the pictures are blurry, but a few are salvageable.
Around 1:45 we packed up our gear for the game and walked about a mile down to the stadium, with a pitstop first at the official OSU tailgater party which was housed in Pier 48. Talk about fun! There were hundreds and hundreds of people there, a huge tri-tip buffet, the marching band played and the cheerleaders did what cheerleaders do. It was really just a ton of fun. Even the port-a-potties were Orange. :) We ran into 4 or 5 different people we knew, including Caleb's old elementary principal, a boy from Sarah's class, and someone George works with.
When the tailgate was wrapping up we walked over to the stadium and settled in with the rain. It wasn't so bad... Beaver fans are used to sitting through games in the rain, so we're all prepared. Our seats were down low and close to the field, but the crowd stood through the entire game which is not so great if you're vertically challenged. I have sore calf muscles today from standing on my tiptoes the whole time.
You watched the game, so you know how it went. George, Nathan, Caleb and Kelsey joined the crowd on the field after the game while Teresa and I held down the fort. We finally walked in a crowd of Beaver fans back to the hotel and arrived just as the team was pulling up in buses and getting off carrying armloads of pizza boxes. It really was great. They're estimating more than 9,000 fans made the trip ~ San Francisco was a little bit orange this weekend.
We really had such a great time!
Inside Pier 48 (click on the title of my blog for a short video clip of the tailgate party).
Enthusiastic fans everywhere ~ check this lady out!
Caleb in his Santa hat.
Caleb and Kelsey with Alexis Serna, Oregon State's graduating kicker.
Okay, now that was fun. I think we definitely need to do the Bowl Game thing more often. Our mantra was "Next year in San Diego!"
The trip down was, indeed, harrowing. We took the coast to avoid the snow through the Siskiyou pass and ended up stuck in snow in the Redwoods. We personally never slid or had to pull over, but there were cars just everywhere on the roads, idiot people hiking up the road after their cars got stuck, we watched a semi trailer fish around on the ice two cars ahead of us... it was nasty. By the time we got to the bottom they had closed the pass and weren't allowing any more cars up. After finally making it through, we ended up sitting in stopped traffic for more than an hour just north of Ukiah and had no idea why. We assumed maybe an accident, but it turned out they were screening each car and only letting 4 wheel drive carrying chains through. All others were being turned around and sent away, although they couldn't go back up the pass so I have no idea where they were supposed to go. After gaining the approval of the Caltran we decided to play it safe and put our chains on before we even started up the next hill. That meant yet another delay, but we figured it was worth it. It was incredibly relieving and yet frustrating as we drove up the hill to discover the roads were simply wet. 35 degrees, no ice, no snow, nothing. Nada. We had to pull over to take the chains back off again. All that long-windedness to say that it took us 18 very long, very cramped hours to drive to San Francisco. We were driving Nathan's rented Jeep Commander, which technically seats seven, but only if you believe in torture. 18 hours worth of torture.
Woo boy... this is going to be a long one, I can tell.
Yesterday, game day, was fabulous. I was honestly having severe doubts as to whether the trip was worth it after that first day but I'm happy to report it far exceeded our expectations.
We stayed at the downtown Marriott, which was the PAC-10 team hotel. That was absolutely the only way to go. When we got up in the morning and walked down to the lobby it was like an 12 year old's football fantasy... all the players were mingling around in the lobby, in Starbucks, in the hallways. Their mothers were there, too. :) I had brought Sharpies for both Caleb and Kelsey in case they wanted to get an autograph or two, but I'm pretty sure they got nearly the whole team. Kelsey had them sign her Beaver baseball hat, and Caleb had a Nike football signed. They were photographed with multiple players, including the quarterback Lyle Moevao and our fan favorite Yvenson Bernard. I'm having a heck of a time with my camera so sadly many of the pictures are blurry, but a few are salvageable.
Around 1:45 we packed up our gear for the game and walked about a mile down to the stadium, with a pitstop first at the official OSU tailgater party which was housed in Pier 48. Talk about fun! There were hundreds and hundreds of people there, a huge tri-tip buffet, the marching band played and the cheerleaders did what cheerleaders do. It was really just a ton of fun. Even the port-a-potties were Orange. :) We ran into 4 or 5 different people we knew, including Caleb's old elementary principal, a boy from Sarah's class, and someone George works with.
When the tailgate was wrapping up we walked over to the stadium and settled in with the rain. It wasn't so bad... Beaver fans are used to sitting through games in the rain, so we're all prepared. Our seats were down low and close to the field, but the crowd stood through the entire game which is not so great if you're vertically challenged. I have sore calf muscles today from standing on my tiptoes the whole time.
You watched the game, so you know how it went. George, Nathan, Caleb and Kelsey joined the crowd on the field after the game while Teresa and I held down the fort. We finally walked in a crowd of Beaver fans back to the hotel and arrived just as the team was pulling up in buses and getting off carrying armloads of pizza boxes. It really was great. They're estimating more than 9,000 fans made the trip ~ San Francisco was a little bit orange this weekend.
We really had such a great time!
Friday, December 28, 2007
The trip
Hi All!
Well, the trip to the Emerald Bowl was a long,long, trip. They did elect to go down the coast route and called from Coos Bay at a reasonable time. That was the last of reasonable. They were stuck somewhere for 2 hours due to an accident and when we talked to them about 11PM, they were stuck again but were able to move a short time later. Marilyn went ahead and had the hotel pre check them in. We left a message to have them call us whenever they arrived at hte hotel, but I don't remember cause I sleep very hard. We will update after Marilyn wakes up in a couple of hours.
Well, the trip to the Emerald Bowl was a long,long, trip. They did elect to go down the coast route and called from Coos Bay at a reasonable time. That was the last of reasonable. They were stuck somewhere for 2 hours due to an accident and when we talked to them about 11PM, they were stuck again but were able to move a short time later. Marilyn went ahead and had the hotel pre check them in. We left a message to have them call us whenever they arrived at hte hotel, but I don't remember cause I sleep very hard. We will update after Marilyn wakes up in a couple of hours.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Go Beavers
I hope we can hear soon that the marathon trip to SF ended safely for all involved.
Today Jake and I enjoyed one more day in SD with Mom & Dad, Win & boys before the Denver crew heads back. We spent a couple hours at Mission Bay for general frolicking in the winter sun, then snuggling up in the Pt Loma house. Win & I got through one of my Christmas presents from Mark, the Masterpiece Theater version of Great Expectations, which I think is the best film version available. We enjoyed a spaghetti dinner in front of the Holiday Bowl.
Tomorrow us Schmidts are taking off for a quick 2 day/1 night trip for riding in a new area we haven't tried yet. It's a good thing we got satellite for the trailer (motivated by the AZ Thanksgiving trip) so we don't have to miss the Emerald Bowl! Go Beavers!!
Love to all!
Today Jake and I enjoyed one more day in SD with Mom & Dad, Win & boys before the Denver crew heads back. We spent a couple hours at Mission Bay for general frolicking in the winter sun, then snuggling up in the Pt Loma house. Win & I got through one of my Christmas presents from Mark, the Masterpiece Theater version of Great Expectations, which I think is the best film version available. We enjoyed a spaghetti dinner in front of the Holiday Bowl.
Tomorrow us Schmidts are taking off for a quick 2 day/1 night trip for riding in a new area we haven't tried yet. It's a good thing we got satellite for the trailer (motivated by the AZ Thanksgiving trip) so we don't have to miss the Emerald Bowl! Go Beavers!!
Love to all!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
...and we're off!
Off to the Emerald Bowl, that is. Nathan, Teresa, Kelsey, George, Caleb and I are leaving in the morning for a marathon trip to San Francisco to watch the Beavers clobber Maryland. Reminiscent of our winter trip to Kyle and Windy's wedding, there are nasty snow forecasts over the passes and we're debating whether to drive down the coast. The coastal drive, while beautiful, adds several hours to the already-really-long trip, so we haven't quite decided what we're doing yet. Of course, getting stuck in a snow drift at the top of the Siskyou Summit doesn't do much to improve speed and arrival time, either.
We've packed all the orange stuff we can find and filled in the cracks with black or gray Beaver wear, so I think we're all set. Caleb has a Sharpie packed for collecting autographs, which he's pretty hopefull will be abundant since we're staying at the downtown Marriott with the team.
Friday afternoon we'll be going to the official tailgater with the band and cheerleaders plus a tri-tip buffet, then off to the game in the evening. Caleb will be wearing his Beaver Santa hat, and I'll be in my black and orange striped Cat in the Hat Beaver hat, so keep you eye out for us. We're at about the 15-20 yard line, about 10 rows up from the field.
The day after
Twas the day after Christmas
and Grandpa was left with the boys
while Mom & Grandma hit the malls.
WHEEE what fun!
A first Flexi ride on Grandpa day
followed by pie face coffee!
The others arrived home to photo the last ride.
OK - not much of a poem ;-)
Stockings!
Windy just got the letters put on with Mont's help Christmas eve while the boys and I were gone. Aren't they nice?
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas!
10:00 a.m. and it's time for a nap. I'm having trouble getting my camera to focus well, but here are a few pictures from this morning. Check out them bicep bands. :)
The McCardles and Gigi will be here around noon. More later!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Cookie Day!
Mary came over for decorating. We just did a small batch of gingerbread so was not too tiring. Just enough to still be fun!
Christmas Pictures
Hey There! Where is everyone's pictures of their Christmas trees??? Don't tell me you're too busy. Here are some of our best pics. We really are having a relaxed time - not attempting too much! Mont took off today and we are all just chillin mostly. I took Cade & Heath to see my 94 Yr old friend who taught SS for umpteen years.
Christmas Eve
It's Christmas Eve!
We look forward to getting a "Gigi's Oregonian Christmas Adventure" update whenever one can be supplied. :)
We had a nice Counsell family Christmas on Saturday. It seemed to go much too quickly, but that might be because I slept through the last half of it. ;p I was still exhausted and hadn't yet been able to rest at all since getting home from the hospital so as soon as our active festivities stopped, my body went into hibernation. So for what happened after that, you'll have to look to San Diego.
Before that.... they arrived in the morning, so that they could celebrate with Jordan before he went off to work. We started with a little celebration of Mom & Dad's anniversary before we opened presents and visited. It was a perfect amount of stuff for the kids to open...just a couple toys each. Enough to run and play (which they did) without being overwhelmed with stuff or trash.
We had takeout Chinese for our dinner and joined in a chorus of "Fa ra ra ra ra" before Heath led us in prayer. After dinner is when I lost consciousness so I don't know what else happened.
-----
Yesterday, we started the day with a tamale-making session at the home of Blake, one of Jordan's best friends who's home on break from Valpo. We whipped out 10 dozen tamales in 2 hours! We took home just 2 dozen which we'll have for our Christmas Eve lunch today. yummy. :)
After making tamales, we came home and gussied up and headed out to the 4:30 showing of the Glory of Christmas at the Crystal Cathedral with the Schmidt. Jake was mostly interested in the pulley systems for the angels, rather than the angels themselves. I caught him using the opera glasses to look backwards at the spotlights instead of the the stage. Jan was sad to see that although the show is exactly the same, the quality of the show has very sadly diminished since Johnnie Carl's death. It was still really cool to watch the sun set as the show progressed and to see the full moon rise looking through the wall. For some reason, looking at the moon keeps making us wistful about wanting to be back in France like last Christmas.
From there we went to The White House- not the one in DC, but the restaurant in Anaheim. It's a lovely gourmet restaurant, that is a white colonial-style house, hence the name. They always bring in snow for the front lawn every Christmas, which Jakie loves, and absolutely drench the whole place inside and out with gold decorations and white lights, which we love. We truly feasted on so much magnificent food, it was a meal to remember, ending with their magnificent Grand Marnier souffle, topped with Creme Anglais and Chocolate Ganache. Now I sound like Mark Sr, recounting our meals for you!
-----------
So this morning is Christmas Eve. Mark is out running with his brother. The boys are asleep together. I will start getting ready for our tamale luncheon. We're all waiting anxiously with Brad & Nika for baby girl X, who is officially due in 1 week. Tonight we will attend Christmas Eve service together and then our traditional fondue dinner.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!!
We look forward to getting a "Gigi's Oregonian Christmas Adventure" update whenever one can be supplied. :)
We had a nice Counsell family Christmas on Saturday. It seemed to go much too quickly, but that might be because I slept through the last half of it. ;p I was still exhausted and hadn't yet been able to rest at all since getting home from the hospital so as soon as our active festivities stopped, my body went into hibernation. So for what happened after that, you'll have to look to San Diego.
Before that.... they arrived in the morning, so that they could celebrate with Jordan before he went off to work. We started with a little celebration of Mom & Dad's anniversary before we opened presents and visited. It was a perfect amount of stuff for the kids to open...just a couple toys each. Enough to run and play (which they did) without being overwhelmed with stuff or trash.
We had takeout Chinese for our dinner and joined in a chorus of "Fa ra ra ra ra" before Heath led us in prayer. After dinner is when I lost consciousness so I don't know what else happened.
-----
Yesterday, we started the day with a tamale-making session at the home of Blake, one of Jordan's best friends who's home on break from Valpo. We whipped out 10 dozen tamales in 2 hours! We took home just 2 dozen which we'll have for our Christmas Eve lunch today. yummy. :)
After making tamales, we came home and gussied up and headed out to the 4:30 showing of the Glory of Christmas at the Crystal Cathedral with the Schmidt. Jake was mostly interested in the pulley systems for the angels, rather than the angels themselves. I caught him using the opera glasses to look backwards at the spotlights instead of the the stage. Jan was sad to see that although the show is exactly the same, the quality of the show has very sadly diminished since Johnnie Carl's death. It was still really cool to watch the sun set as the show progressed and to see the full moon rise looking through the wall. For some reason, looking at the moon keeps making us wistful about wanting to be back in France like last Christmas.
From there we went to The White House- not the one in DC, but the restaurant in Anaheim. It's a lovely gourmet restaurant, that is a white colonial-style house, hence the name. They always bring in snow for the front lawn every Christmas, which Jakie loves, and absolutely drench the whole place inside and out with gold decorations and white lights, which we love. We truly feasted on so much magnificent food, it was a meal to remember, ending with their magnificent Grand Marnier souffle, topped with Creme Anglais and Chocolate Ganache. Now I sound like Mark Sr, recounting our meals for you!
-----------
So this morning is Christmas Eve. Mark is out running with his brother. The boys are asleep together. I will start getting ready for our tamale luncheon. We're all waiting anxiously with Brad & Nika for baby girl X, who is officially due in 1 week. Tonight we will attend Christmas Eve service together and then our traditional fondue dinner.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!!
Friday, December 21, 2007
MMTWGR
Anyone know what this stands for, before I respond to the mr Clever string? It is not a pop culture thing.
Nathan
Nathan
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Early Christmas! - My wall hanging quilt!
I hope "y'all" ;-) can enlarge this to better see my gift made by Evie for our Christmas exchange! It is truly a work of art and is absolutely LOVELY!! It was JUST the right size to hang on the front door where it is really visible and can be "properly" displayed (as in "shown off" :-) !
THANK you again, Evie, (& Mont too! ;-)
Love& Hugs,
Marilyn
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Fashionista - we're not
I cannot fathom where our 2 girls got such great style and fashion sense.
Sunday as we were walking out the door to church - right before Mont out on his jacket - I realized the sweater he was wearing needed a shirt under it (I had watched him get dressed) - plus it was the one with holes in it I really should have thrown out. When we were in the car on our way Mont was saying - "I just love this jacket, I'm going to have it for the rest of my life!" I looked over at it and something seemed wrong so I reached over and touched the jacket and realized -He was wearing MY jacket! It had such nice fur around the hood, too. We managed to disconnect the hood before we went into SS, but I looked at him walking around in class in the sweater and the jacket over his chair and had to walk away from everyone while I contained my giggling fit. OH MY.
Darcy, where are you????
Sunday as we were walking out the door to church - right before Mont out on his jacket - I realized the sweater he was wearing needed a shirt under it (I had watched him get dressed) - plus it was the one with holes in it I really should have thrown out. When we were in the car on our way Mont was saying - "I just love this jacket, I'm going to have it for the rest of my life!" I looked over at it and something seemed wrong so I reached over and touched the jacket and realized -He was wearing MY jacket! It had such nice fur around the hood, too. We managed to disconnect the hood before we went into SS, but I looked at him walking around in class in the sweater and the jacket over his chair and had to walk away from everyone while I contained my giggling fit. OH MY.
Darcy, where are you????
Monday, December 17, 2007
Archer
My buddy Archer graduated yesterday. A few of you know him, and I thought you might like to see the last post on his BLOG. He and Katie will be moving to S. Korea in a few months.
http://www.archersabroad.blogspot.com/
http://www.archersabroad.blogspot.com/
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Monique Gymnastics Video
Monique in the intrasquad on vault. I was videoing on my camera, so sorry for the bad quality.
Kelsey Gymnastics Video
Kelsey in the intrasquad on bars...I missed the mount, but she did really good.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
WHAT I DID THIS SATURDAY
Mom (Gigi) has a new Winter toy, a simple 2 button "ON-OFF" remote control instant warm, cheery (much more so than our AZ fireplace - I'm already coveting it) fire without me having to chop kindling, haul firewood, and Evie having to clean ashes and smoke stains. The pine cone to the right of the firebox is the remote receiver control box.
My kind of Saturday.
Mr Clever strikes again
Well, the Monty's bought their Christmas tree this evening. We were at Stumps (walked there) getting a green pepper for the chili and spotted their trees - they looked great and were in deep shade and in water..... so Mont had the brilliant idea to buy one and carry it home - which I nixed. So his next brilliat idea - which worked great - was the FLEXI. We walked home and carried it up and rolled the tree home - no hassle of tying it on the car, no mess. Isn't he clever? (But he had to pay $5 extra for the stand it was in which we needed to get it home on the flexi.)
We'll decorate it when the Petries arrive.
HO HO HO Chistmas is coming. ;-)
Friday, December 14, 2007
intersquad-sorry bout that last one
okay these are my scores:
vault: went from an 8.6 to an 8.0
beam: went from a 7.1 to a 7.9
floor: went from an 8.3 to an 8.8
bars: went from a 7.9 to a 9.2
I LOVE GYMNASTICS
(i will post pics later)
vault: went from an 8.6 to an 8.0
beam: went from a 7.1 to a 7.9
floor: went from an 8.3 to an 8.8
bars: went from a 7.9 to a 9.2
I LOVE GYMNASTICS
(i will post pics later)
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Weston-Super-Mare
We received a calendar from Teresa & Brian Wedman in England this year. His Mother is a Counsell. This is where they live, which is about 9 miles from Mark, England, where the Counsell name is in one of the churchs stained glass windows. Thought you all might like to see it. MB
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
King of the house
Now that Skylar is top dog - er, I mean Cat ... he has decided he should also control the remotes. I'm not sure why these 2 were left as they were but Skylar moved in.
We finally - after 3 yrs - got the Bose fixed. It was my Dad's so is quite old - but what a pleasure the sound is.
Mont is actually willing to share the remotes with Skylar - cause he's a guy.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Christmas is weird
An article in "The Edge" from the Oregonian.
"Christmas is weird. What other time of the year do you sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of your socks?"
Come on, now - I just copied it for you all. MB
"Christmas is weird. What other time of the year do you sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of your socks?"
Come on, now - I just copied it for you all. MB
Monday, December 10, 2007
Thanksgiving.
I have finally had the time to post some TG pics.
Cade being Cade.
Heath at his Fall Salad Social. A similar picture (class pic style) was in the Denver Post TG week.
Heidi is a really good shot. Don't make her mad, Mark...
Jordan-not so good. :)
Cade being Cade.
Heath at his Fall Salad Social. A similar picture (class pic style) was in the Denver Post TG week.
Heidi is a really good shot. Don't make her mad, Mark...
Jordan-not so good. :)
A Great Thing About Colorado
We get this at least 3 times a week. This was last week outside the apartment.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Tough Day in Colorado
From the state that brought you Columbine:
I'm sure you've heard, but we had two separate shootings at faith centers in Colorado today. The YWAM shooting affected the Petries a little. The co-director is in our Bible study and all of the kids in the dormitories were displaced as a result of the crime scene. Tom, the leader of our group and a coworker at the Mission, and I spent the day getting supplies from the Mission warehouse and delivering them to a mountain retreat over some treacherous, wintry roads.
Those kids are hurting, for sure.
The second shooting was at Ted Haggard's former mega church. The shooter was killed by an armed church security guard. Police are hinting the shooter may be the same individual in both cases.
I'm sure you've heard, but we had two separate shootings at faith centers in Colorado today. The YWAM shooting affected the Petries a little. The co-director is in our Bible study and all of the kids in the dormitories were displaced as a result of the crime scene. Tom, the leader of our group and a coworker at the Mission, and I spent the day getting supplies from the Mission warehouse and delivering them to a mountain retreat over some treacherous, wintry roads.
Those kids are hurting, for sure.
The second shooting was at Ted Haggard's former mega church. The shooter was killed by an armed church security guard. Police are hinting the shooter may be the same individual in both cases.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Thanksgiving Rewind
I meant to make a nice post about Thanksgiving when it was more relevant, but I just got carried away with getting right back into work and school after a week off that I didn't follow through...so here it is in retrospect.
We spent- I kid you not- 3 days packing & readying the trailer and the truck and buying supplies. When we hit the road early in the morning on Tues, it was with the triumph of good preparation yielding the desired early departure. By the time we were coming to the crest of I-15 just south of Victorville, it was still a couple minutes before 8am. I had dozed off and woke up to BANG! wooooooooooosssssssssshhhhhhhhh........
I asked Mark what happened and he said the engine had blown, to which I replied, "No, really. What happened?" to which he again replied that the engine had blown and pointed out that as he pressed on the accelerator the engine would rev loudly but with no power behind it. We had enough momentum to just cruise over the crest and begin to coast downhill. The next exit was only a mile, and a downward sloping exit, so we coasted off and parked on the side of the road, where we began to attempt not to panic as the boys woke up and wanted to know what was happening. Car repairs usually take days, so was the whole trip gone- over here in Victorville (which actually smells like feces)?
We called roadside assistance and 3 fltabeds, a pickup and 4 tow drivers later, both the truck and trailer were towed to the Ford dealership in Victorville, just a few miles down the road. ONE HOUR LATER, they had us back on the road- no small miracle- and at a total cost of $200, towing and repair combined. Again, somewhat miraculous.
So, we were back on the road to Arizona- PTL!! We got there late Tues night because of our delay and were just a few minutes ahead of Mom, Dad & Gigi, coming from SD.
We had seen the house in progress, but it was great to see it in its almost-fully-lived-in condition. It's very nice and I can see Mom & Dad being happy there. There is a lot to explore around them. The little guys had a blast running in circles around the downstairs and most of us enjoyed target shooting with the BB guns in the backyards. Their neighborhood is great for long walks and the view off the back deck looks over the tops of the trees to the sky- very nice.
It was cold at night but the days were pleasantly crisp. The little guys also had a great time playing in the front yard.
The meal was delicious and we had oodles of leftovers, and no one person was overworked since everyone chipped in. It was great to all be in the same place with just nature around us and a cozy home to share. A real vacation.
Friday, Win & I had a wrapping party and watched White Christmas. We left early Saturday morning and were back home by Saturday evening- welcomed by glorious Riverside traffic. ;-p yuck.
------
Back to life. This is mine and Jordan's last week of classes with finals and juries next week. We're all really looking forward to Christmas break: Mark has some time off, we get to celebrate Mom & Dad's anniversary here with W&K and boys, we're having a snug Christmas at home with Mark's family, and Brad & Nika's first baby (a girl) is due on Dec 31.
We spent- I kid you not- 3 days packing & readying the trailer and the truck and buying supplies. When we hit the road early in the morning on Tues, it was with the triumph of good preparation yielding the desired early departure. By the time we were coming to the crest of I-15 just south of Victorville, it was still a couple minutes before 8am. I had dozed off and woke up to BANG! wooooooooooosssssssssshhhhhhhhh........
I asked Mark what happened and he said the engine had blown, to which I replied, "No, really. What happened?" to which he again replied that the engine had blown and pointed out that as he pressed on the accelerator the engine would rev loudly but with no power behind it. We had enough momentum to just cruise over the crest and begin to coast downhill. The next exit was only a mile, and a downward sloping exit, so we coasted off and parked on the side of the road, where we began to attempt not to panic as the boys woke up and wanted to know what was happening. Car repairs usually take days, so was the whole trip gone- over here in Victorville (which actually smells like feces)?
We called roadside assistance and 3 fltabeds, a pickup and 4 tow drivers later, both the truck and trailer were towed to the Ford dealership in Victorville, just a few miles down the road. ONE HOUR LATER, they had us back on the road- no small miracle- and at a total cost of $200, towing and repair combined. Again, somewhat miraculous.
So, we were back on the road to Arizona- PTL!! We got there late Tues night because of our delay and were just a few minutes ahead of Mom, Dad & Gigi, coming from SD.
We had seen the house in progress, but it was great to see it in its almost-fully-lived-in condition. It's very nice and I can see Mom & Dad being happy there. There is a lot to explore around them. The little guys had a blast running in circles around the downstairs and most of us enjoyed target shooting with the BB guns in the backyards. Their neighborhood is great for long walks and the view off the back deck looks over the tops of the trees to the sky- very nice.
It was cold at night but the days were pleasantly crisp. The little guys also had a great time playing in the front yard.
The meal was delicious and we had oodles of leftovers, and no one person was overworked since everyone chipped in. It was great to all be in the same place with just nature around us and a cozy home to share. A real vacation.
Friday, Win & I had a wrapping party and watched White Christmas. We left early Saturday morning and were back home by Saturday evening- welcomed by glorious Riverside traffic. ;-p yuck.
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Back to life. This is mine and Jordan's last week of classes with finals and juries next week. We're all really looking forward to Christmas break: Mark has some time off, we get to celebrate Mom & Dad's anniversary here with W&K and boys, we're having a snug Christmas at home with Mark's family, and Brad & Nika's first baby (a girl) is due on Dec 31.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Sweet Memories ...
Sarah & my June '07 visit at GiGi's! L-R Spanky & Skyler spoiling GiGi while Sarah looks on.
Spanky
Our sweet Spanky died last night. The timing was so good, Praise God for His mercy. Mont & I had gone to bed and Gigi soon followed. We had been out late at our small group Christmas party, and Gigi to a church concert.
I heard Skylar meowing uncharacteristically and persisitantly so I got up to see what his problem was and found Spanky in the hall near our bedroom. She had been fine sitting on Gigi's lap til she went to bed. We think she had a stroke. We loved on her and she died a few minutes later. She was nearly 20 yrs old (or maybe already 20). We don't now for sure
We will sure miss her - esp Gigi!
Saturday, December 01, 2007
BEAVS CREAM THE DUCKS
First time the home team has lost the Civil War since 1993. Woo Hoo! Go Beavers! :) What a fantastic game!
It'll be fun to see which bowl we're invited to.
Christmas is trying to come!
With "snow" predicted in the valley, Mike got up this am with a serious case of Christmas "fever"! No sooner had he brought in & set up our lil (live) tree, then Ella made her appearance to "approve" it! She sniffed it thoroughly, rubbed her whiskers on its container, then settled down on the recliner beside it, so it obviously "passed"!
Mike managed to wrap the entire 25' length of lights around it and there is still rm for SOME decorations! He has seen 2 snowflakes in the past 4 hours, so Christmas MUST be coming! :-)
I LOVE it! - It feels SO good to have a kitty exploring our Christmas tree again!
mc/Gramma
Friday, November 30, 2007
Oldest & Youngest
Heath & Gigi enjoying a moment together. If you know Heath, you know he is a inverterate spreader of stuff. Everything goes on the floor in abandon and many pieces.
Well - the day after Gigi spent hours sorting and working on the edge of the puzzle we discovered Heath had neatly returned all the pieces to the box.
Go Figure?
Holiday Bowl Hopes
For several years now we've held out slim hope that the Beavers would make it to the Holiday Bowl. It's looking like we may finally get that chance... or maybe we're hoping again. Regardless, George and Nathan are murmuring about a quick trip to the game if the Beavs do get an invite. If they do come, can they stay with you, Mont & Evie, or should they book a hotel? It would likely be 2, maybe 3 nights. (the game is the 27th) Also, we have a booking deadline with our season tickets of Dec. 3 to order priority bowl game tickets... would anyone down there want to go with them to the game?
Now back to hoping...
Thanksgiving Fun
I can't believe no one else e.i. Kyle or Heidi has posted some pics yet. Mark had some great ones of the tow truck drivers.
We had such fun I don't know where to start.
First off the little boys thought the house was great fun. Those stairs and loft were perfect for nerf dart gun battles and ambushes. And the running & hiding potential was terrific, too. Esp for the little Petries with their 3rd floor apt noise limitations. Jacob met me when we arrived (about an hour after the Schmidts) by running up the stairs with glee and looking over the rail at me.
The big boys had fun with BB guns out back. Kyle said our lot looked like the wrong side of town(or something like that) with all the shot up soda cans, milk & waterbottles, plastic cups, etc. The little boys also loved their first time shooting. Jacob is quite the shot!
The little boys also enjoyed 'army' games in the woods and tall dry grass.
Dinner was delicious! the men did the potatoes - 3 peelers, and one chef! Windy did an abundance of pies. Heidi is an all around good cook.
I'm praisiing the Lord for all around safe travel there and back for everyone.
Mont, Gigi and I had 2 days to rest up before we headed home Tues. Whew! Hope Christmas is as good fun!
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