Prom pictures

1. Jordan's favorite
2. Close up
3. The whole group. The couple just to the left of Jordan & Alli is Shauna & Matt, the couple they went to Winter Formal with. You can see Shauna on GM commercials this month promoting the Million Thanks campaign that GM is supporting with collection boxes in their dealerships (if you want to go drop in a letter or two).
4. The guys- all of Jordan's favorite buds (who aren't already in college): Chris, Adam, Jordan, Garrett, Ryan and Matt
5. In the limo

Kids Say the Darndest Things on Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day, everyone! I am blogging as Kyle takes a nap in honor of the day. (He got up at 7:30 to make me breakfast in bed, and now he's making up for it. Cade also proposed that I take the kids to the pool in honor of Mother's Day.) But I had to pass on a few quotes to you: 1.) Today, Heath asked me to revise the theme for his birthday party next Saturday: "I want a half-Jesus, half-Curious George party!" Don't worry, folks, I will send you pictures of that one. Also, now that Kyle's a stay-at-home dad, he watches a lot of Home and Garden television, and, watching a show on organization, Cade observed "That must be why he stays at home! He can't find his keys!"

Gigi & Jakie

This was the only animal we could get Jakie to pet. Gigi was sweet to a little goat and it started to follow her. We got to see sheep being sheared, too. Mont & Mark went to a car show.

Me Too

I found this one in the back of Heidi's house. Really!!

We went over to the High School's 'farm fest' and I got to hold this 2 yr old python. I couldn't resiset getting my picture on the blog with a snake like Cade & Heath.

Still here

I'm not dead, just haven't been to log on for a while because my computer was being stinky. So here's a quick update:

Prom was great: pre-party and after-party big successes, prom nice, all good. Will have to post pics later because the camera needs to charge

Book arrived: I thought I was jaded and nonchalant, but I opened the package and thought it was so beautiful and I felt all proud-like and I cried. I'm really happy. Again, pictures forthcoming. For anyone interested, you can get it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. It will probably take a few weeks or more to end up in bookstores.

Mom, Dad & Gigi are here for Mother's Day. Mark took Dad to a car show this afternoon and then over to Watson's (our 100+ yr old local soda fountain) for a soda and shake. While they did that, Mom, Gigi, Jakie and I walked across the field to the FarmFest at the high school for some farm animal viewing/petting. Then we all went to the 5pm service, then over to Huntington Beach for a walk down the long pier for a sunset dinner at Ruby's. Nice breezy walk back (a little too breezy for Gigi) and we just got home. Since we did church tonight, we get to sleep in a little tomorrow and Mom & I are going to make an easy brunch for us and Mark and Jan- a couple quiches, field greens with fresh berries salad, etc. But we won't be cleaning up!

Mom is in the other room posting. Let's see what she says...

The Avocado Spotter

This is our recent haul. Gigi has found them on the ground in the last 2 weeks. We've already eaten 2 of those she has found. When she found 2 more today - I had to make you all (if you are an avocado lover like us) jealous. I should have put a ruler along side because they all are at least 5 inches long and BIG around. They must have been high up and we never have seen them - but then they show up on the ground. (Or else God is raining avocados on us). I doubly love it because Mont & Gigi are always saying, "We just won't have very many this year." Pessimists - BAH What a bonus after the 50 or so we picked and ate through December.

We are headed up to Heidi for Mother's day - overnight Sat - leaving about noon when Gigi finishes her promised stint at the library. (She's filling in for someone else's turn)

We have new neighbors to the west. They are renting from the couple who own it. They bought a condo downtown to try the hot city life. They are 3 young professional ladies sharing the house. We met one and got the scoop. We were quite surprised to see moving trucks there a couple of weekends ago - out then in.

Cade sure looks cute in his spiderman hat!

Birthdays and Cannonballs

Cade had his party, as Windy mentioned earlier, at the Lakewod Link. The Link is a rec center here, and it has a pool. I have no pictures of the swimming, since I was required with Windy to be in the water supervising the kiddos.
Also, today was the last day of swimming lessons, and Cade's class got to go off the diving board. He did just fine, as you will see.
Heath also did very well, but there is no real action in his video today. I'll get something up for Boomer this week-he's always got action waiting to be captured. Someone called him "entertainment in a box" this week.

The kids were accepted to the school. So, now the Petrie's are officially part of the Lutheran School system again. It did ok for Windy, Heidi, Jordan, Mark, and Me.

Cade Off The Block

Cade Off the Board

Trying AGAIN! - Kelsey & "Company"

It WORKED!! YIPPEE! Please review the pic headings and remember to enlarge the "watery" looking one. Enjoy!
mc aka Proud Gramma

May Gray it ain't

You can see what a glorious day we are having - it's Santa Ana time and the sun is bright - and I can tell we won't be thrilled with the temp in the house this afternoon. Not much breeze today, either. Just thought I'd give you a view of our flowers and the beginnings of our veggie garden - can hardly wait! We also have planted several vines and other hedgy stuff to cover the back fence finally. I've got sunflower seeds planted for this year and hopefully by next summer the vines will begin to cover the unlovely view. Hmm Hmm - can't wait to have those veggies to eat and cook with.

We've got termite treatment happening Monday - the tenting didn;t take care of the subterranean termites that keep showing up in the window sill in the fam room.

I have a confession to make

I am really enjoying living in this apartment right now. Maybe because it's bigger and more conveniently laid out than our old house, and has much more amenities than our flat in Lithuania, so my perspective was well prepared for it. This week, the pool opened, and no one is there during the day because the grown ups are at work and the kids at school--except for us! WhooHoo, we are having a month-long pool party until we leave for California. Also, they have free DVD rentals. Really, this is not bad at all. And, although the boys don't appreciate them, the six flights of stairs are good for the...well, never mind.

We had Cade's Superhero Swim Party on Sunday, with all his good Colorado buddies. This was our first attempt at the All-American location birthday party: reserving a party room at the "Pirate Pool" (it has a pirate ship in the middle, with secret tunnels and slides--Heidi can tell you that Colorado does the rec. center thing very well)so Kyle and I spent the afternoon playing with and supervising seven kids in the water. Ben's mom told me I was a better woman than she, because nothing could induce her to do so. I will get Kyle to post pics soon.

What in the world is happening??

It appears that we can't get the bloomin' pictures up tonight. Will try again tomorrow.

Kabitzing with Kelsey, etc!

What a great day we had at N&T's today! The DOWN side was we were there helping Teresa while Nathan was at work - she was recovering from a nasty food poisoning and was at the weak-as-a-"dishrag stage" but PTL is gaining strength quickly now.

The UP side was a WONDERFUL time with the Grands & we FINALLY got to see Kelsey's gymnastics, something we'd already arranged to do before Teresa got sick. LOVE it that the "new" gym is so much closer to their place AND classes are on days that we can occasionally go watch!

What progress she has made! WOW!

1. Relaxing with "Boo Boo."
2. Blow this up to see the unexpected, cool side effect of the pic taken of Kelsey through the viewing glass in the visitors waiting room!
3. Parallel Bars!
4. So limber!

SIGH, this "editor" won't "let" me post the pics right now, so I'll reattempt later after a "cool down" time - sometimes that works.

Well, we don't know what the problem is, but we can't seem to get any pictures up tonight. So, we will try again tomorrow if we are home long enough!

Cade's First Sleep Over

Well, Cade wil tell you that he has done many sleep overs, but the reality is that they have all been with mom and dad with him, or his brother with him, or it has been at family's homes.
He went to his friend Ben's last night, and did all the things boys do until 10 or 11PM. Mommy went to the senior banquet, and Heath and I had "boy's night in." That entails popcorn, staying up a little late, and getting to sleep in the top bunk where his brother usually has his domain. Heath thought it was pretty cool.
When Heath and I went to pick Cade up, we were informed that they had found some snakes. Ben is definitely the most athletic and tough of the three of them, but you wouldn't know it from these pictures. Cade would let his snake go, follow it through the grass, and then pick it up and put it back in the box they had fashioned as a "home."
Heath was a little nervous at first, but soon was pretty stoked about handling a snake.

Last time the boys and I went to Ben's, we had fire torches. this time snakes. Windy probably thinks we will teach the kids how to drive next time.
She hates snakes.

Attempt THREE! : Ethan - future Dentist?!

1. "Hummm what's IN there, anyway?"

2. "Looks like this'll be a challenge!"

3. "That cavity was SOOOO BIG"!

My Kids are Geniuses

Just ask me...

Actually the kids took placement tests today for the new school year. Heath's test was only a "development" test, and I will get feedback on that in a few days. but Heath told her which things he knew already-just because-and she was impressed with that. Cade tested in the 98th percentile in math (puts him in second grade level), 96th percentile in spelling (puts him in 3rd grade level), and the 98th percentile in reading (putting him at 4th grade level). Of course I am proud of them, but I have felt a little in the dark from time to time with this homeschool thing, but now, at least, I feel like I didn't fail the kids with their entry into education. Who knows how things will be in the future, but I can say I didn't ruin them from the get go.

Starting the farewell tour...

Now that I'm officially finished with Cal Baptist until Sep, my focus has turned to wallowing in all the "lasts" coming up with Jordan. We're beginning our "farewell to Jordan's childhood" tour. Today's installment: going to rent a tux and order a corsage for senior prom, his last formal high school dance.

Don't worry, I'm not weepy yet, just wistful.

ATTEMPT TWO - re Atlanta Round One, sigh!

(Arrg! WHY does my "saved draft" "eat" these?!)
ANYway, N&T & Ethan flew back yesterday & Nathan says he thinks it will likely be a "go", IF they make him the right offer. More to follow as we hear. Nathan was headed for bed when we called, after being up since 2am our time to catch his flight! mc

FINALLY - - PRINCESS Emma!

1. "The Princess" alights her "carriage" - a moment of "independence"! ;-)
(Be sure to enlarge this pic to catch her UNposed "regal" expression :-)!

2. The Princess holds "audience" with the FIRST "Potato Bug" of the season.

3. A Princess MUST protect her delicate skin against a rare GNW sunny day!
(Can you believe it, Kyle! ;-)

A day with "Princess" Emma!

Here is some of what I have been wanting to share from our time sitting last Monday! I'll add captions after the pics come up. (IF they'll come up, that is!)

Cultural Disconnect

The ice cream truck just drove by playing "Jingle Bells" and "The First Noel."

Don't let this happen to your church

I think we saw the worst sermon ever last night. I think we came out of church dumber and more sinful than when we went in. I hate to joke about preaching, lest I be denigrating the work of God, but if this was God's work then I'm a tree frog.

First of all, our assistant pastor was leading the service which isn't really ever good news. I feel I can say this without just being a ministry assassin because I truly know that this stuff actually happens in the Lutheran system (which has many great things that I love, but is far from perfect). There are people who just plug themselves in to a Lutheran job and ride the instant-tenure-guaranteed-jobs-and-tax-breaks system until they retire. And since within that system, jumping through the hoops and getting little checklists done, counts for more than character or calling, you end up with some stinkers. Lots of good ones, but some definite stinkers. It often happens that young people will start out as Lutheran teachers who just fail miserably- usually at dealing with the kids. Now in the Lutheran system it is incredibly hard to fire a teacher, seriously. But every now and then a teacher is soooo bad (yelling or physical confrontations with kids, out-of-control combative attitudes towards classroom discipline, entire classes getting Ds and Fs) that they just have to actually remove them from their job. If it's a woman, they tell her to go home to her kids or become a secretary in the Lutheran system. If it's a man, they tell him (I kid you not) to go into pastoral ministry. This just happened last year at LHSOC, when the new theology teacher was sooo awful (all the reasons I listed before) they HAD to remove him from the classroom mid-year and use a sub to finish the semester. They sent the guy into pastoral ministry. Then it happened again. Yes, another theology teacher sooo awful, they had to remove him from the classroom and send him to...pastoral ministry, that's right.

Anyway....our assistant pastor is one of these guys. We know this because he has told the story many times himself : he escaped being convicted of assault on a kid because his attorney was a better attorney, as he tells the story. So he just switched to being a pastor. Great!

We love our church and our head pastor and the rest of the staff and all the people. We just have a hard time with the assistant pastor. He speaks to everyone as if they are 4 or 5 yrs old and is also very, ahem, effeminate. His sermons are like giant, bad children's sermons. But last night was the worst ever. At least I hope there haven't been worse ones.

You have to imagine all this with our pastor in his blue-gray suit with his hands clasping and twirling from his wrists and his soft, lisping, gentle articulation.

He announces it's Good Shepherd Sunday, his favorite Sunday! So he's invited a shepherd to be with us. In walks one of our deacons in a bad shepherd costume. He walks to the front and they proceed to work through a very stiff, awkward, scripted dialogue about being a shepherd. The lesson was constructed of gems like:

Pastor: You have a very soothing voice, the sheep must like that.
Shepherd: Yes, they do.
Pastor: Is being a shepherd dangerous?
Shepherd: Yes, it is. I have almost lost my life many times caring for my sheep.
Pastor: What are some of the dangers?
Shepherd: Well, sheep are really really dumb. They also don't swim very well and they tend to wander off if the pastures aren't verdant. (yes that's what he said/read)
Pastor: You have very strong hands.
Shepherd: Well, I should be getting this guy back to my flock (picks up a giant stuffed animal sheep from the floor and exits)

Mark was actually trying to control himself shaking with laughter and I was just confused feeling like I was in some sort of twilight-zone gay preschool.

When the shepherd exited, we thought, whew! Now to the sermon...

But no.

The pastors says we have another special guest...The Good Shepherd!

In walks a new member who happens to have a beard, dressed in a knee-length Jesus outfit. He and the pastor then climb onto swivel-stools (so his poor hairy shins and bare feet are front and center). You must still imagine the pastor the same way (suit, clasping and twirling hands, sweet lisping voice) and imagine "Jesus" looking scared to death, speaking haltingly and wooden, and swiveling back and forth from nervousness. Their exchange was like this:

Pastor: What is it like dealing with us sheep?
Jesus: Well, if they want to lie down with a lion, that's not a good thing.
Pastor: How does that make you feel?
Jesus: Well, if they use their free will to make bad choices, that makes me sad.
Pastor: We just really really want to thank you for shedding your blood for us and saving all mankind from eternal damnation by giving us salvation (said while looking into Jesus' eyes)
Jesus: Yes. It was the one of the hardest things I ever had to do.
Pastor: Again, we just really want to thank you just so much for shedding your blood for all of us and saving us all from our sins.
Jesus: It was, uhhhh, my pleasure. Thank you for, um, um, receiving that.
Pastor: You have a very soothing voice.
Jesus: My voice is like the songs of the birds.
Pastor: How can we hear your voice?
Jesus: Well, you can hear it in this (holds up the blue Lutheran pew Bible)
Pastor: Oh!!!! Thank you so much for that!!
Jesus climbs down off the swivel stool and raises his hands and says "My peace I give to you" and exits.
And the pastor says "Let us pray."

That was the sermon.

Tavie

How's Tavie, Darc? What's the diagnosis?

College craziness

Remember when you just applied where you wanted to go and you got in and you went there and that was pretty much it? Not anymore.

Up until this year, you could count on one hand, literally, the number of schools with single digit acceptance rates (less than 10% of applicants accepted). Even Stanford, Georgetown, and many other elite schools had acceptance rates in the low teens. But this year was crazy. Pretty much all the Ivy's and other elites, USC, UCLA, and many others ended up with single-digit acceptance rates. Maybe even UCSD. All the rates were SO low because of overwhelming numbers of applicants for a limited number of spots. Where you can get in fairly easily are private schools that are in a growth phase or state schools with guaranteed acceptance policies. The UC system is even juggling people around. Jordan applied to UCLA and UCSD and didn't get into either, but received letters saying that the UC system had forwarded applications of kids to their not-as-in-demand campuses and even though he never applied, he was accepted to UCR and UC Merced. Betcha didn't know there was a UC Merced! Funny.

Well, I am happy that he did get in where he wants to be anyway. But I hope that it's easier by the time the rest of the great-grands time comes. Or maybe they're all so brilliant and talented they'll be accepted everywhere. :)

Swimming Lessons

This is moments before Cade jumped in by doing a beautiful cannonball. I didn't know he was capable of doing one with such precision, or I'd have taken that shot instead.
The videos below are of their lessons today. The pic was included for Marilyn, since she doesn't have highspeed :)

The video link for the bad weather is dead now. I had to delete it to get this one on.

KJ

Heath Jumps

Cade Swims

Tavie

I'm worried about my Tavie cat tonight. Her back legs don't seem to be working well all of a sudden and she yowled a little when I picked her up. She's never done that before. Her eyes don't look good, either. George has her on the bed next to him while he reads and she keeps shifting around like she hurts. All she's done all day is sleep... I don't think she could have injured herself. Why would her leg suddenly hurt? I know you don't have the answers, I'm just worrying.

I think her time is coming.

Yesterday, Windy Wore Open Toed Sandals, and The Boys Were in Shorts

I could get used to this! :-)

(posted by Marilyn)
After Grampa & I spent the day here helping with the Grands on our MONTHLY 'date' so Teresa could help out in Monique & Emma's classrooms, I am having an unplanned for sleep over here! YIPPEE! Sigh, Grampa had to go home, however, as there is necessary yard work there & decent weather in which to accomplish it, but he'll pick me up later in the day. Ethan will likely "forgive" him that - afterall, he IS a "Grampa's Boy" :-)

You see, for SOME "silly" reason, Ethan can't accompany (chaperoning) Teresa on Monique's am FT and Teresa can't "clone" herself to also get back in time for Emma's bus ;-)! And as if those weren't reason enough, Nathan's co. had the nerve to fly him out to Atlanta in the earlier am so he is temporarily out of the picture too!

OH well, SOME Gramma "has" to do it ;-)
mc

You know you're Baptist when...

The men use hairspray.

Women should dress modestly at all times...while wearing heels, big curled hair and full makeup.

You know you're Lutheran when...

The board meeting dinners are in a beer hall.

Is this mic on???

Not any amazing video, just checking to see if this works. This is Ethan trucking around on the trampoline at Easter.

What We Did Today (It'll ramble-so pay attention)

We went bike riding first thing in the morning, and since my bike is not in optimum running shape, and my rollerblades were buried in storage, I just walked around the lake by myself waiting for Windy, or a child to come cruising past. I managed to take a few pictures and a video of the boys (see posts below).
Then Windy made the boys lunch, took Cade to a play date at a magic show, managed to get into the magic show herself with Heath, then Jason and Grace and their dad (from our church) showed up at the magic show, then Windy ended up taking care of Jason and Grace from the duration of the show. After which she spent her day with Heath until she went off to a banquet for a retiring faculty member, and then a Music Department Gala.
Meanwhile, after biking, I went to the storage unit and redid the mess we created from last week when we hurriedly found some items we despartely needed (like beds, dressers, and toys for the kids). That took about five and half hours. Then Heath and I went to a "guys" night out while Windy went to her banquets and galas.


She was at a luncheon yesterday, and will be at a roast tomorrow. She's giving Heidi a run for her money on the socialite scale.

Only Two Fathers Would Let This Happen

Boomer on the Bike

SECOND attempt - Atlanta or Bust??

(ARRRG "lost" my 1st attempt to publish! this, so briefly as I can, here goes a retry!

1. Nathan's about to become new parent company somewhat hinted that if HE was/is willing to relocate to Atlanta, they may have a position for him there at corp. hdqrts!

2. To Nathan's surprise/shock, Teresa & the Girls ALL gave a "thumbs up" re the possibility! - In fact "fingers" have been burning up their keyboard researching the area! - Teresa has already "found" a potential house AND church :-)

3. Nathan flies to Atlanta on business this next week - Teresa & Ethan joining him there for a long weekend at trips end to "explore". The Girls stay with a friend of N&T's since school is in session, Kleins are in Germany & I have FT work hours yet! (SIGH!)

4. NOTHING would be "offered" him, (if any is, we must still remember) til the sale closes the end of this month or early next.

5. Of COURSE we Grandparents are both a "yippee and sigh" re this, praying behind them and "bracing" ourselves for the possibility, but we WILL support them 110% if it is a "go" - AND "smell" a web cam on the horizon in the future, too! ;-). We are ALSO pouring over maps re visiting them there, too! :-) - A WHOLE "ADVENTURE" may be opening before us ALL!

Stay tuned!
mc





mc

the Harris Antelope Ground Squirrel

This fellow (or gal) is one of our neighbors. He finally paid us a visit this trip. Gigi spotted him while sitting and catching her breath after a walk & dusting while Mont & I packed and cleaned.

The first time I ever saw one of these guys he was running away from us in the forest. I yelled, "its a rabbit, no a squirrel, no a rabbit, oh heck who knows?" They run sorta bouncy (bounding like an antelope???) and have the long upright ears, but obviously have a bushy squirrel tail. We're glad to have a picture to share.

We also saw 7 elk one day crossing the lot next door - from the droppings it is a common trail. Gigi was still asleep for the 1st 4 which I scared off unintentionally, but the last 3 we watched for a long time as they browsed and ambled. We also saw about a dozen during our midnight arrival. We drove slowly and spotted them along the road - except for one who was standing in the road - we stopped while he made up his mind whether to go to the right or to left.

Mont & I were also charmed by an Acorn Woodpecker who shyly visited our bird food dish. We couldn't get a picture 'cause he was very wary! But we watched him perch and eat from a few feet inside.

There you have it, nature lovers among you.

We had interesting weather. 2 pretty days, 2 windy days and one with dark clouds and a quarter cup full of snow pellets. We loved every minute of it!

I realized in the great room picture the little lamp was still pushed aside so Mont could put the ladder where it normally sits. Looks a bit funny! - But how do you like our torchiere? I think its cool - obviously - I bought it. It actually gives sufficient light - unlike some of the other fixtures I fell in love with and picked out.

The spoon & fork hanging on the hall/kitchen wall will be painted black - (they are ones Mont made in our spaghetti dinner phase. )Notice I'm cleverly using them as decorations - hoping never again to have to stir with them.

It's starting to look more like a home

Mont & I hung pictures and he finished the light soffits for the bathrooms. I organized a few more of our storage items. Now the house is starting to look more like a home and less sterile. It makes me impatient to get more 'things'. Patience, Dear!

BTW - I like the new format! Very Springie. We came home to a lovely front yard - many more flowers blooming.

I guess I'll have to do pics later as I keep getting an error message for the images. But obviously I had no trouble getting in.

Cade Rode A Bike

I rode a Bike. for the very frirst time. Love, Cade

Bringing Home Baby

Today's the day. :)

Cade and Math

Cade wanted y'all to know that he did a math problem today in which he "carried" several times and the final answer was 32,548. He was pretty stoked.
Before bed the last two nights he has asked me to leave him some math on the dry erase board so he can do it first thing in the morning.
Crazy kid.

Checkin' in

HI - we are home -had a great time - will post tomorrow pics and stories. Loved reading the blog tonight.
love ya all

Got Spring?

I feel like I really lucked out with this crabapple tree. I bought it after the bloom season last year because of its eventual size at maturity and boy is it a beauty!

Baseball Tonight

Hey Mont,

Padres/Dodgers is on ESPN tonight, and I bet Joe Morgan is calling the game. Better than Tony, even according to mom.

KJ

New template

Thought I'd make us feel all San Diego-y with a little seaside-ish background.

Memories :-)

Mark cleaned the garage today and re-bestowed on me my "Most Spirited - Academic Team" medal. Made me laugh. Yes the Academic Team gave a "Most Spirited" award, and even an MVP (Cameron K. if memory serves). hee hee. I was captain of the team and once someone brought me a cape and I wore it as "Captain Heidi" for that match.

Also brought back my big "AAAAAARRRGGGHHH!" moment. In a close match against a big public high school, the question was "Who wrote Civil Disobedience?" I knew it was Thoreau- I buzzed in first and said........."William Henry Thoreau!" then immediately thought- "Wait! What did I just say? That's not his name! It's Henry David!!" And as I was thinking this I heard the moderator say "I'm sorry, that's incorrect." But since I'd already said Thoreau- the other team knew the answer and just had to ring in and say "Thoreau." It was awful. I was seriously miffed.

I asked Jordan this morning "Who wrote Civil Disobedience?" He said "Henry David Thoreau"
Made me feel a little redeemed.

I'm wearing my silly medal around my neck. I was such an activities geek in high school. As much as I HATED junior high, I LOVED high school. I did about anything and everything there was to do. Was there anything I didn't do in high school? hmmmm, not sure. But I was Most Spirited on the Academic Team and I have a little bronze(ish) medal hanging on a yellow ribbon that says so.

The moral of the story is to clean your garages because there's fun stuff in there.

Friday indeed

I hate car shopping ~ have I mentioned that? :( It would be one thing if it was all about going to a nice dealership and simply picking out the car I wanted and driving it home. However, that is not how it works around here. Instead, I'm tracking used cars all over the northwest, like picking through a haystack. I'm looking for something pretty specific and of course the color has to be right, so that makes it even harder. Yesterday Dad and I drove up to Portland to look at one and it's perfect. Honestly, I don't think I could come up with a better one if I tried. Problem is it's in Portland, which is no easy drive from here. George has been gone a lot the last two weeks following the Ways & Means Committee as they host town hall-type meetings all over the state, so he really can't even go look at it until mid to late next week. Additionally, he wants our mechanic to look at it and asked the seller if we could bring it to our mechanic. If I were the seller there's no way I'd let someone take it that far and this guy isn't so inclined to do that, either. He's thinking about it and he'll get back to me today. I hate how complicated this all becomes.

I guess there's not much point to this post... just getting it off my chest. I'll let you know how it progresses.

How's the snow???

Hope you Denverites are snuggly and warm today. Checked the CCU web-cam and there is no snow yet. Maybe it will fizzle. We had a cold night last night - we just got the windy fringes of the storm that is supposed to give you snow.

Take me out to the - -

Thursday was a great day, weatherwise for the Dolfin's season opener! Well the original opener had been postponed due to rain, but that is beside the point :-)! Monique was really happy to get "into" her newest sport & her parents and I were SO proud of her! Most of her teammates have been playing for 2 or 3 years, but our brave, tenacious lil Gal gave it her all, too, stepping up to the plate and connecting with the ball 3X, getting on base twice! Granted they were not SOLID "hits", but connected she did and was off & running! (It was SO cute before hand in that she had asked Teresa how she would know when to run! ;-) It was equally enjoyable watching Emma & Ethan's facination with an abundance of mud, sticks and Dandelions! ;-)

#1. "Spectators", Ethan, Teresa and Emma - Nathan arrived after work, bringing our "dinner" along with him, while Grampa, sigh, had his own "season opener" at the Inn, SUCH timing, huh?) #2. Monique's very 1st time at bat - you can see where the (florescent green) ball landed after being "hit" :-) - then slowly rolled about 4-5 feet in "fair" territory, giving her enough time to reach 1st base! #3. Ethan & Emma's "nature" discoveries. ;-)
Play ball! - This "de ja vous" sports stuff (sp?) is SUCH fun! mc

Hellllllllooooooo?

I am doing taxes, and we just found out we're having blizzard on Friday.

Awesome time in Denver right now.

I think my brain is going to freeze

If you can imagine it, I think I might be on party-planning overload. Yes, me. I know I love to plan parties but I think I'm about to stroke out.

Today I have been trying to get all my reservations in place and invitations prepared and sent out for:

1. bridal luncheon for a neighbor
2. pre-prom hors d'oeuvres & drinks photo reception for Jordan and his prom group and their parents/families
3. Prom limo& after-party arrangements
4. Kentucky Derby weekend in Louisville
5. San Diego weekend for Dead Sea Scrolls viewing, including hotel, Padre game and Hotel Del brunch
6. Jordan's graduation luncheon
7. Jordan's 18th birthday party

I'm literally fried. If I don't forget something MAJOR for one of these- it will be a miracle. And I haven't even THOUGHT about Jakie's b-day. I love him too, but Jordan's graduation/college madness requires a lot of focus and energy and "Happy 6th Jakie!" is a LOT easier than "Happy 18th b-day/Last day of High School, Jordan!" for a bunch of teenagers.

And I'm still teaching for 3 more weeks, so I've got grading final projects, makeup lessons and final exams to juggle along with it- no more than any other teacher, but combined with my party-planning madness, I'm going to be deep-breathing to maintain sanity the next 2 months.

You CAN have too much of a good thing. :)

Love you all.

if it's Denver - snow - if it's San Diego - drizzle

Last minute joys of the visit -Sat morning early - sharing one of the library books we checked out Friday aft. I've got my coffee, Spanky has a lap (1/2 anyway), and Heath has a lap and book read. Cade is reading long distance and generally being his happy self! Mont woke up in time to grab the camera before we all got into motion to get Kyle & kids off. Gigi, unfortunately had stayed up late to try to finish a book and got up after they left. Since she slept later by far than usual I had no idea I should waken her.

I don't know why anyone bothers to plan an Easter sunrise service in San Diego. It always is gloomy and drizzly - the worst day all week. The drizzle lasted til around 2pm. we had no plans for Easter, and hardly any food in the house - so we went to Baker's Square after church. Mont had a tasty turky dinner and Gigi the hamburger she was craving and we all had pie, so were content.

Hope everyone had a nice Easter - and forgives me for the lack of cards this year.

We're Off!

There is supposed to be a foot of snow in the Colorado mountains today, so let's pray for the best.

KJ

Who Tah? You Tah!

We made it to Ritchfield, about 40 miles across I-70 from the 15, in the state of great views, many hives, and many wives. I guess the Mormons were big in to honey.



My best Utah joke, however, was last summer while in the car, I saw a bulletin board for the Utah state Shakespearian Festival: I mentioned to Windy that I had heard they did a wonderful adaptation of "The Taming of the Shrews."

Thank you, thank you. I'll be here all week.



She got it about a mile later. Then I got hit.

Heath took a three hour nap which ended at about 5:30. Yeah, he was up until about 15 minutes ago.

Fog on Cajon pass. I threw my phone in the garbage in Baker (I got it back). Half an hour Heath poop in a gas station in Baker. No one at denny's would take our order-we went to Bob's Big Boy (The Bun Boy is gone :( ) No traffic or construction from Baker to Vegas. Some rain (at times, heavy) from Cedar City to Rirtchfield.

Slug Bug Stats were low: All players tied at three since I let Cade play his Gameboy for the first time since our first weekend at Heidi's, and Heath's nap. I actually had about 40-but I didn't call them. I think Heath is the winner for the day since he go the first (on Nimitz!) and last (in Parawon).

We should be home tomorrow afternoon.

Yea!

Ethan's first picture

While at Emma's Gymnastics, Ethan seemed (as usual) interested in the camera, so I thought he might like to take a picture. Talk about bee's to honey or sharks to blood. He could hardly contain himself. Whe he pushed down on the button, HE PUSHED DOWN! He was so excited! Well, you can see what happens when you press the button too hard. MB

Weekend stuff

We're off to the beach for the weekend. George's mom rented a house there for what was supposed to be Joe & Helen's going away party. They've since decided they aren't going away, but we still get a beach weekend. We stayed at this house once before and it's a great place, but did I mention there will be 15 of us there? (ahem) Wish me luck. :) The weather looks like it will decent, though, so that's a plus.

What's everyone else doing this weekend? Where are you now, Kyle? Still in OC?

Dance Pics

Sadie Hawkins Dance: western theme

Welcome!!

I would like to extend a HEARTY family blog welcome to the N&T McCardles and the Matthesens! Yay!! As the paper family letter seems to have officially died "somewhere" in Oregon :-0 we have since contented ourselves with this new e-version- which works great since you don't have to wait 9 months in between news and pics! And we are assured that Gigi reads it regularly so it works fine for us all.

Let us know if you need any help figuring things out. But you're both pretty tech savvy so you should be okay.

Emmas's Gymnastics & (a LOT) more!!

We met Teresa and the younger kids at the gym today, but you'll have to wait a touch for any pics.- BUT I HAD to share how much fun it was for us to watch Emma today! She is SO STRONG and graceful it is surprising to behold! It is not just ME "being a Gramma", either - she is being "moved up" past her age level as soon as school is out!

Ethan was there to mostly keep "Gam-puh" out of "trouble" ;-) ! Yes, he DOES "like" me, but is indeed "Grampa's boy"! Up til today he has called Mike "Pah" - SO cute to hear that Mike & I almost "hate" to hear it go! Ethan's joy in life & living is contagious! - He "hippity hops" through his days in a "gallopy", way that just makes you grin!

We were sorry to miss seeing Kelsey & Monique today, but I have to pick up a friend who can't drive at night, to take to a class tonight & would have been too late to maneuver through the renouned "Beaverton traffic". - Kelsey was not home because of her after school German class, something she has wanted to take for quite a while now - WOW! - Kyle will have someone else with whom he can "practice" too! Monique is now playing softball & tells me she mostly enjoys "hitting"! :-) ! I am amazed that Teresa keeps up so well with their assorted schedules, but she also LOVES this sort of thing, like I did/DO! Oh yes! Emma is starting soccor soon, & even Nathan is playing softball again! Talk about BUSY!!

Alas, the latest new guy at the Inn didn't "work out", SIGH, so I am back to FT again & will have to figure out how/what I can see of games/practices, but try I will!

TTFN!
mc

Bye Bye Van

Well, the van is gone and I'm a wee bit sad. I know it was a very uncool minivan, but I'll admit I was attached to it. We sold it on Craigslist for a lot more than I thought we could get for a dead van and hopefully it will have a happy life. A guy bought it for his daughter who totalled her van, same year and model. They're planning to use the body from my van and the parts from hers, so hopefully that will work out well for them.

Meanwhile I'm driving Joe and Helen's Suburban, which they traded me for their Geo Metro for a few days. Yes, I am driving a Geo Metro. Yes, I have 4 children. Yes, we look like a circus act at the moment. *sigh* I'm trying to light a fire under George's dragging feet, but he doesn't like to move quickly on large purchases. Hopefully I'll be back in business soon. At least Joe and Helen will be giving me the Suburban again so I can lose the clown car.

I've been totally car obsessed since we got home, so no posting about vacation. We did have fun, though. I'll throw a few pictures up for you.

It isn't Everyday You Get to Throw Things at Your Father in Law.

That is the quote of the day from Mont.

Today we rented a 38' boom lift to trim the Carrotwood Tree of its branches and "nuts." The work was grueling, but the view was fabulous. Mont did the manual labor and I did the "finesse" work. Just kidding.

What do the State of Florida and Mont have on common? They both consider the Carrotwood a noxious weed. Actually Mont only hates the nuts.


Kyle in the boom.

GiGi's ride went like this:
"Boy, it really gets up here."
"We still have 5 feet to go."
No. This is fine right here!"

More Pics-Can You Handle It?!

This is Heath waaaay up high.

Cade on his way up-even higher than Heath by a foot, or two. I lost the lower part of my arm in a horrible tree trimming accident. (Seriously-doesn't the blur make it look like I am missing my left arm?)

The view from the sky.

Mont going for a spin.

It's Snowing, so it must be Easter!

Stick a fork in me, people! It seems to be a law in Denver that it WILL snow any day of the year when children want to be frolicking outside, gathering candy in special clothes. This includes Halloween, too, of course, but it only rains on the 4th of July. Of course, this 25 degree and snowing Saturday is everyone's easter egg hunt, which will now occur in the sanctuary of our church, and the gym at CCU.
I am therefore refusing to leave the house this weekend. Luckily, I have plenty of firewood, artichoke dip, and lemon-blackberry tart left from last night's party. Eddie and I are going to enter an advanced state of food-induced stasis together.

Darcy come back!

Darcy, where are you? The rest of us have posted (in some cases embarassing) photos and stories about spring break, and now we are paralyzed until we hear from you. Was it THAT traumatizing to go on a trip without George? Are you recuperating?