Missing-

Have you seen this sign? 

It was missing sometime between  9:30 last night and early this morning.  

 I took a picture of the lawn yesterday--  I was going to post about how neither one of my boys would mow the lawn for the last month.  Hence I was out doing it in anticipation for the big storm this weekend.  Little did I know that would be the last time I would see my sign!

Luckly I had another sign in the garage.   But I feel for sign #1, she has been a part of our lawn decor since Oct 16.  Jordan put a Yes on 8 bumper sticker on my Tahoe.   Vandalism does worry me... but then I just have to reach inside and think-- "I have a right to express how I feel, no one should intimidate me or take away that right"

Keep all Californians in your prayers--   and tonight my "Yes" sign will take cover in the house.

Cub Scout Downtown Tour

On Tuesday the Wolf Den took a tour down our very cute and historic Main Street.   Walking along I realized I do not get down there enough.  I pay way too much to live here not enjoy the amenities. 

Wow-- check out that building in the background, a real old west building!  They say a ghost that lives there- she can be seen early on Saturday morning.

Outside of Christensen's -- built in the 1920's and still in business today.  Impressive! 

The boys peeking in the window of Christensen's, they spy toys.

We spotted gas for less then $3.oo a gallon.  This must be the cheapest place in town because I have not seen that price anywhere else.

Ice Cream from the dairy-- with the fire station in the background, it is being refurbish.

The most interesting was the Old Mortuary.  The front picture window was used to display the deceased in their coffins.  The iron gated walkway really gave us the creeps when we found out it was the driveway for the hearse.   Sorry I did not get a picture of it-- that was before I thought to take pictures. 

  

An Allegory- Cat Lovers Unite!

Blogger has this nifty tool in the dashboard where you can enter your blogs you follow and get immediate updates-- it is hidden from all my readers-- but so convenient for me.  Yesterday I was treated to a post by Allison, local friend.  It was an allegory on the homosexual agenda written by Kathy, another local friend, entitled  "Cat Lovers Unite!" I thought it was excellent, superb-- Kathy has a gift.   I would like you to take a few moments to read it,  Scott did and he agreed it was "Wow"!   Click here to read "Cat Lovers Unite!" 

Not a simple costume- a giant leap for our family.

As Jordan entered grade school he became self-conscious.  By the time he was in 3rd grade his Halloween costumes consisted of simple costumes; train engineer and baseball player- as he was ill at ease to dress up as anything that would draw attention to him.  It did not take long before he was content to stay home and hand out candy.  As Chance has come along I have embraced any inkling he has to dress-up.  This year he wanted to be Lucario- a pokemon.   We could not find a costume and I also knew that he has pretty much outgrown the kids costume sizes... we learned that when he wanted to be a fireman in kindergarten, I had to cut his fireman costume from the year before and add duct tape to alter it.   So we started the quest to make our own Lucario costume.  Chance and I headed to the local fabric shop armed with a picture of Lucario and raided the clearance rack.  We purchased some great finds and Chance had fun picking out just the right colors.   I was going to have the middle area yellow-- he said,  "No it needs to be skin color."

Chance designed and sewed the ears.  We used plastic canvas mesh and we cut it to the shape of the ears, sewed it together with yarn and stuffed it with batting to have to give it dimension.  Chance loved being a part of the creation.  Here he is showered and ready for bed- he was quick this night because he wanted to help.  

I spent the week putting  his mask together.  It was required by Chance that no one be able to see him, so I had to create a mascot type mask.  He needed to be able to see and breath, all while no one could see him.  I ended up using a bicycle helmet to hold the frame I had made out of the canvas.  I was not really pleased with the end result... but I had to keep reminding myself that is was okay and the more I worked on it and added details it did not look so bad.

By Thursday evening the mask was done.  We spent all day Saturday making the rest of the costume.   As we got nearer completion I reminded Chance that he could not wear his mask in the church when he went to the trunk-or-treat.   He started to ask questions like "So do people laugh when you wear a costume that does not look very good?"  "How about I wear my Ninja costume (last years) to the trunk-or-treat and wear Lucario on Halloween?"   Luckily we had lots of time to talk as he worked on his 13 days of Halloween book for school and I sewed stopping to measure him and have him try on bits and pieces for fit.   I did make it very clear that he was going to wear this costume... he wanted it, he will wear it.    As the trunk-or-treat hour drew nearer, his tension increased; his heart was pounding and he was sweating.  I knew because I was still finishing up and he was trying on this piece and that.  I was giving him lots of encouragement because I was worried he was going to revolt and not wear it.  He refused to let his dad see it on him and Scott was pretty sure that Chance was not going to make it to trunk-or-treat  as Lucario.    I am happy to say he did, he was very brave!   As we got out to the Tahoe, he said, " I'm a really nervous."  I held his paw, well actually his arm- the paw was too big and we entered.

He was quiet and sweet and went to a line to try his paw at hitting the cans.  The kid in front of us, a middle school aged,  turned around and looked at Chance.    The moment of wondering what he will say has me anxious... he speaks, "Are you Lucario?"  Relief... the costume is recognizable even without the mask.  I could hug the kid- thank his parents for not keeping him from Pokemon cards.   Two other teenagers identify him also... one gives him an extra piece of candy because Pokemon are cool!  He likes that and his confidence soars.

Chance plays a few games on the side, he is happy.   I feel claustrophobic, it is so crowded.  It is cumbersome for him to move with the tail and paws for hands and feet.  Lucario- is like a wolf, you know.

We made sure we had a stop at the portraits.  Mark is our Webelos leader and a few years ago we had him take our family pictures.  We have a nice 16 x 20 in the living room.  We really like it.   For the website for Mark's Portrait's, click here.

As the portraits cycle through on his website you will see the picture of our family. 

Mark donates his time and supplies every year-- he would really like to do photography full time-- it is what he loves.  In the meantime he works at his job because it pays the bills. 

This picture of Chance is not as good as the original-- that would be because I do not scan, I just take a picture with my digital camera.  Much easier since my laptop and printer are wireless-- scanning needs a direct hook-up, my computer technician has not taken care of that for me.

So the costume turned out to be just what he wanted and as we walked back to the Tahoe after having our fill of games, hotdogs, nachos and trunk-or-treat-- He said,  "That was not so bad!"  I am glad he faced his fear-- not about things that go bump in the night- but the fear of self-consciousness.  I was glad he was brave, he is a good example for me.

Lucario Costume Total Cost

$16.00 + all those batting scraps I saved from quilting

3 days of labor

Seeing his happy face- made it all worth it!

2nd Band Competition- 2008

Jordan had a band competition on Saturday, the same night as our stake's Trunk-or-Treat. Scott and I split duties.

Scott returned to tell the horror that happened during the performance and we needed to prepare for Jordan being upset when he returned home. As we have watched many band performances we always wonder how they do it so perfectly, because if they did not- it could have a domino effect, and you would see one after the other fall down. It is a marching band nightmare.

In the past week the band had put in a new element. The color guard pulls out these really long banners from a fanny pack of different band members- the result is stunning and a bit mysterious. Jordan is one of those wearing the fanny pack. During the performance one of the color guards, for whatever reason, did not pull out the banner but only grabbed it partially pulling it slight out of the fanny pack. As the trombone player (Scott thinking it was Jordan) continued through the routine, the slippery material slid out of the fanny pack becoming a long trail as he marched around. It wrapped itself around him and it trailed behind until all 22 feet was shockingly displayed. Luckily at one moment in the routine a band member was able to pull it out by stepping on it and they finished the final set banner free. You have to admire the kid, who it turned out was not Jordan, for never missing a beat-- he just kept going. If you look really close, you will see another kid who trips on it and falls down, but does a quick recovery that you really have to look to notice.

All in all they did an excellent job and placed 1st with their Icon getting the Sweepstakes yet again-- but this time they only trailed by 3 points! It was an utterly amazing job done by all- and extra points to the band member who had to march with the blue banner!  

Yes on Prop 8- It is about protecting my Family!

Chance and I have been having a lot of conversations about Prop 8. I like that he always asks me questions and tells me what he is thinking. I answer what I think he can understand and what he needs to know. 

Today he said, "So they are saying I could marry my friend Ndem? Are they just stupid!" 

Not stupid Chance- that is not nice to say. They are just confused. .... (how do I explain that to a child; why a person is gay? I am not even sure)

Chance says, "That makes no sense because they could not have kids.   A man can not get pregnant" 

No, honey they can't. (I am glad he sees the logic)

"They could adopt though"

 Yes, they could. (Again... I am a bit stumped on how to proceed in the conversation as I am awe struck at how much he understands and his common sense)

I liked this video I stumbled on to... How does same-sex marriage affect my family?  My conversation with Chance proves that it does affect my family.   

Cinnamon Rolls and Apple Fritters

We were given a large bag of apples- really only good for baking-  and been trying use them up.  For an after school snack I made apple fritters.  Jordan loved them-- Chance thought they were so, so.  Gave them one in their lunch the next day.  Chance said his was delicious- it only had one piece of apple in it!  Apple Fritter recipe here.

Cinnamon Rolls... I have been craving them like crazy.  My Grandma makes the best cinnamon rolls and this time of year reminds me of them.  She would send up bags of them with Grandpa when we went deer hunting.  We had them for breakfast, for snack, for after lunch.  I think that I need to get the recipe for them... but I doubt I could duplicate hers.   

I found this easy recipe and made a batch up... I switched out ingredients to make them whole wheat and reduced the fat by half.  They did not turn out-- I think I ruined them further when I put the no fat cream cheese frosting on, I was thinking of a cinnabon- but was not even close!   I actually threw them out after we just could not choke anymore down.    I was still craving cinnamon rolls, good ones!   I used the recipe again, only I followed the ingrediants exactly.  It was heavenly and I have been making them about twice a week.   Scott and the kids give it a two thumbs up and it hit the spot for me, although they are not my Grandma's and I would still like to find a good whole wheat recipe.     Find the recipe for these Cinnamon rolls  here. 

As for me,  I am going to start another batch!

Luck of the Draw!

Chance came from home from school, popped his head inside the door and said, "I have a surprise, Mom.  I won it!"

What a nice surprise!  They had a drawing at the school for those who participated in the Sally Foster gift wrap.   I think the students name was entered a number of times based on how much they sold.  Chance would of only been entered one time.  How are those for odds?

Lucky Guy! 

First Competition- 2008

Jordan had his first marching band competition yesterday.  After practicing for most of the day they loaded the buses for Gilroy-- about a hour away.   Their performance was at 8:00 pm.   They did awesome and landed 1st place in their division.  They were a crowd favorite, at least the sea of purple's favorite.  Jordan was disappointed that they did not score closer to their icon who won overall, took the sweepstakes. 

 Chance and I also made our debut on the marching band field, we helped take the pit (percussion instruments) on and off the field.  Scott took video which is posted on You Tube.  I choose to link you there so you can see the comments and the number of hits.  At 10:00 this morning they had 204 hits (people who had watched the video) and 10 of those were probably Jordan watching it over and over.  As I finish typing this up at 6:00 he is watching it once again.  I say that so you can fully understand that Marching Band is very important to Jordan and he spends a good share of his available time focused on it.  For family and friends who would like to have a conversation with him-- that would be a good place to begin.

This is the candid photo I got of Jordan in full uniform- he is awaiting the rest of the band as they get their loose hair tucked into their Shakos.   When they are all in full uniform, they warm-up until performance time.  This is about 6:30.  I snapped the photo right before he caught me and told me to go away.

The Marching Band-- to haul 235 members it takes 5 charter buses and two Uhaul trucks to carry the pit equipment, the shako carts and plume cart.

All members with long hair wear it up and all loose strands need to tucked in their Shakos.  This is a picture of all those loose hairs being shoved in with chop sticks.

As Scott, Chance and I walked through the school grounds toward the competition site-- the marching field- aka football field--- I took these pictures.   This is a band from Idaho- I thought their trailer was pretty snazzy.  Jordan's band is at the point that they would love to have a semi-trailer as they have outgrown their smaller trailer, hence they use the Uhaul trucks.   

The icon, the arch rival, the ones to beat.  This band has been a dominating force for a long time.    The have 300+ members and the largest color guard we have seen.  To play in this band, you have to try out.  Imagine that! 

The first half of this trailer is a kitchen.

Watch the video of the Marching Band performance  here.

And choose the High Quality Option--

A kid's perspective

Heard on the Playground this week...

"And he put a hook in my mouth, a real hook, and scraped the dirt off my teeth"  6 year old describing his trip to the dentist to his friend.

"Yard Duty, she won't accept my proposal, I gave her a ring"  

The 4th and 5th graders are playing a game.  

I ask her why she proposed to her friend. 

"Because I love her!"

Her friend is a girl.

They are laughing and being silly.  A boy looks at me, he rolls his eyes.

I cry inside-- I do not think it is funny-- the world has changed.

Women of Faith

My sister and I talked about some blogs we follow.  Interestingly-- both women are named Stephanie.  

Amidst our busy, chaotic lives, they remind us of what is important.  They are women of great faith, they inspire.  If you have not heard about them or stumbled upon their blogs, let me introduce you to Stephanie Nielson and Stephanie Waite. 

The Daily Scoop- Click here.  

Stephanie's 14 month old daughter, Camille, drowned in the their backyard spa on June 13, 2008- she died two days later.  This is Stephanie's journey as she works through her grief.

   

NieNie Dialogues-   Click here

Stephanie has been in an induced coma for the past two months as her body is treated and heals from burns over 80% of her body.  She and her husband and flight instructor were in a plane crash on Aug. 16, 2008.  Her sister re-posts her blogs that readers request.   

This is a news clip with information on the crash and the family-  

Hurray for sturdy packaging

What I found in the dryer -- 

Guess what it is Marlo?

I was wondering where it went, never heard another word about it after pictures.

Below is a picture and caption from my sister's blog.  It explains.

I will note that the ingredients are intact and dry.  Cheers to Nestle for using washer/dryer proof packaging- you never now when it will come in handy!

"I had to try and get a close-up of my nephew Chance holding up his hot cocoa packet he got from the hotel that morning and was pretty excited about it (it was the 1st thing he told me about at church and he kept holding it in the picture... it was pretty funny) and there's uncle Andy holding Jace."

The Prince marries the Princess... a forgotten tale?

This is what is happening in Massachusetts, where same sex marriage is legal.

I could not imagine--  The new AD for "No on Prop 8" is telling voters that same sex marriage does not affect Education and Churches.  It does... 

My blog following is small-- so please put this video on your blog-  or email it.  Get the word out.

A word about my Sister

This weekend Scott, the boys, and I traveled 3 1/2 hours to attend the blessing of my newest nephew Jace.   We stayed overnight and called my sister at 6 that evening to say we were coming by to visit.   She laughed, "You're coming right now?".  It was the laugh that said... how funny/ironic that "right" now you are coming.   So I asked if it was a bad time... she said "No, come on over".   So we did.   And this is were the Super Wife/Mom story begins.   Jared (Bishop) has been gone since 4:30 am on a  hike with the boy scouts.  When we arrive Marlo has just put the 3 Lasagnas she has made in the fridge for tomorrows lunch with family.  She has homemade rolls in bags and 2 large sheet pans of carrot cake.    No small feat for a nursing mom with 5 children and husband who is a Bishop with a full time job and a full time responsibility to his ward members.    We visit for a couple of hours,  I  hold Jace and bribe the kids to take their showers by giving them candy corn.  Kyler hurried so fast he still had shampoo in his hair and he was wet under his pajamas having skipped using a towel.

There are two things I wished I would of done for Marlo...

1. Brought dinner for her and the kids  

2. Washed her dishes from making the Lasagna

 

On Sunday we go to the Church for the blessing.  I observe.   Easton sits with me, he is my pal during the meeting.  Marlo, Brianne, Jace, Kyler, and Kaden sit in the row behind and Bishop is sitting up in front of the congregation near the podium.  Jace is given a sweet blessing by his father.  I am listening to the blessing all the while my two boys are teasing one another.   Seems they can hardly handle themselves once Scott had got up to participate in the blessing.   The exposed space between them just beckoned for them to bug one another.  This is the chaos I live in-- and they can't even contain themselves at church, to even give the appearance of perfect children!   We make it through the passing of the sacrament.  Kaden, the baby of the family until 4 weeks ago, is upset and Marlo takes him out of the meeting.  Bishop steps down and exits the chapel, he comes back with Kaden.   Kaden happily sits with Dad for the rest of the meeting.  I pass out my Friend Magazines and other books I have to the boys.  Easton is surprised to see that I have the same magazines that he has at home.   Marlo returns after feeding Jace.  I hold Jace for about 5-10 min... until he is on the verge of full fledged crying.  Marlo soothes him.  I listen to the testimonies and notice that a lot of youth, especially the young men, are getting up to bear testimony of the gospel and how it helps them in their lives.  I think... is this a direct correlation of having a Bishop who takes time and makes it a priority to personally attend to the youth of his ward?  I wonder.  It is a good meeting, I observe, and I am glad I am there with my sister and her family.  I see how they need the ward and the ward needs them.

After the meeting we go to their home.  We wait for Jared so we can have pictures of this day. We wait a while, a Bishop is busy.   He comes, we take pictures.  I like this picture.  Kaden is asleep on his Dad's shoulder, we can barely see the baby, Easton has been running around with Chance and his shirt is untucked-- it is a picture of a my sister and her husband who give of their time unselfishly.  This is them, holding it together with the strength and blessings of a loving Heavenly Father.  It is a moment in their lives, a real moment.

Marlo and Jace

My Super Star Sister!  

Wife and Mother extraordinaire.

This would not be complete if I did not also mention that they announced in Sacrament Meeting the Bishop's Youth Fireside would be at 7:00 that evening at the Bishop's home.  Marlo and Jared exchange a smile, the kind were you let your wife know that you are having youth over to the house at 7pm and they need refreshments and then the wife smiles back because she can handle it!  She made extra carrot cake.

Happy Anniversary Mike and Trudi!

Mike and Trudi are celebrating 18 years of marriage today!   Trudi is Scott's younger sister. Mike and Trudi were married in the Logan Temple.   At the reception I remember red wooden carousal horses that were used for centerpieces and lots of other red accents.  I love red.  

Mike and Trudi lived in Reno for a while and before we moved to California they moved away!  They like where they have lived and are living now... but it really would be nice to have them closer.  

 Mike and Trudi are very hospitable and make you feel like you are staying at a bed and breakfast.   I think I discovered  that JB's did not corner the market on the full breakfast until after staying with Mike and Trudi.  They are a team and between the two of them they cook up a great breakfast for their overnight guests.  To further my point, Uncle Dick told Scott and I that he has enjoyed his stays with them while doing his basketball recruiting.   To even further my point, Uncle Dick has never stayed with us, we are not very hospitable.  However he did visit with us and the ferret we were babysitting sent him into an allergy fit.  (It would be bad if he stayed overnight with us and our 3 cats,  and besides, Pooh Bear would eat the breakfast buffet!)

 Mike and Trudi's engagement picture.  Were they take at the same place Scott and I had ours?  There are some similarities.  I look at this picture and think of my engagement pictures -the pose, the soft focus, the youthful faces!

Years later

Years later-- After kids, I could not find any pictures of when the family when the kids were younger.  This is a Christmas picture taken at their favorite place, Disneyland.  I think, besides Scott and I, they are next in line for having gone to Disneyland the most times... and they do not even live in California!  I guess would need to give them extra points for distance and that probably makes us even.

Christmas picture from last year, taken where else but Disneyland... on Christmas Eve.

Mike, Trudi, Shad, and McKenna

In June we got a phone call from Trudi, the family was at Disneyland for McKenna's birthday.  She had some news for us and wanted both Scott and I on the phone sitting down.  I am thinking what is it she wants to tell us... I know they had been wanting to adopt another baby.  (They told us that news when we saw them in March at Disneyland.  That would be 3 Disney trips in 6 months- in case you were counting) 

Scott and I are sitting down, we both have our phones and  she announces "I am pregnant!"  maybe she said, "I'm expecting!"  I only remember trying to fully grasp what she was telling me.  It is wonderful news for Mike and Trudi as they are the best parents ever!  And great news for McKenna and Shad who have been wanting a new baby to come to their home for awhile.  At the beginning of next year they will be changing diapers and doing night feedings once again.

In an email today Trudi said,  "We are starting our childbirth classes on Monday.  I was telling Mike that who would have thought that the day after our 18th Wedding Anniversary that we would be going to a childbirth preparation class.  Pretty crazy!"

I am really happy for them!  Crazy is good!  And if I was betting person, I would say it was girl.  But I am not a betting person, so I will just keep it at I am really happy for them and I hope I can see her... um the baby while it is still a wee little one.

Happy Anniversary Mike and Trudi, have a wonderful one.

Love Scott, Karalene and our boys!

fall blew in yesterday

Fall blew in yesterday

A warm hat and gloves to work

It was a good choice the kids said

I baked 

Ginger cookies and Apple cobbler

  Smells like Fall

Fells like Fall

Because 96 on an October Tuesday 

Put California in fire danger

Again 

I like Fall 

Please stay and bring your friend Rain

Ginger Cookies, recipe here

soft, moist, and full of spice

French Apple Cobbler, recipe here

add some half and half- no need for ice cream!

Proposition 8

The song Waiting on the World to Change from my play list-- "me and all my friends we are all misunderstood"... there are those who would say we are intolerant toward homosexuals because we think that marriage should be between a man and women.   Tolerance should be a two way street. 

Tolerance:   the quality of accepting other people's rights to their own opinions, beliefs, or actions  (online dictionary)

Respect:   It is possible that a confusion between the different meanings of respect affects the attitudes of people and organizations. For example, freedom of religion implies that we must respect the right of anyone to believe whatever they wish, to act within the law in accordance with their beliefs, and not to be discriminated against on account of their beliefs. However, the use of the word respect seems to have shifted our attitudes towards the quite different notion that we must behave respectfully towards their beliefs, and not criticise them. This is a restriction on freedom of speech, and is inherently hypocritical—anyone with any view on religion must necessarily believe that those who believe differently are deluded, although their rights must be respected.   The distinction between the two meanings can be shown by paraphrasing Voltaire: "I totally disrespect what you say, but absolutely respect your right to say it."  (wikpedia)

(I talked about respect in a May post,

after the California Supreme Court overturned the majority vote.  Click here to read.)

Marriage should not be a government issue.  It is a religious, moral issue.  I expect Tolerance and Respect for my religious beliefs.  By forcing me to accept gay and traditional Marriage on equal ground takes away my freedom of religion.    Like it or not... I do believe that Marriage is a Divine Institution and is only between a Man and Women.   Let me uphold the values I believe in and please do not call me intolerable because I do.

"Waiting On The World To Change"

Me and all my friends 

We're all misunderstood 

They say we stand for nothing and 

There's no way we ever could 

Now we see everything that's going wrong 

With the world and those who lead it 

We just feel like we don't have the means 

To rise above and beat it 

So we keep waiting 

Waiting on the world to change 

We keep on waiting 

Waiting on the world to change 

It's hard to beat the system 

When we're standing at a distance 

So we keep waiting 

Waiting on the world to change 

Now if we had the power 

To bring our neighbors home from war 

They would have never missed a Christmas 

No more ribbons on their door 

And when you trust your television 

What you get is what you got 

Cause when they own the information, oh 

They can bend it all they want 

That's why we're waiting 

Waiting on the world to change 

We keep on waiting 

Waiting on the world to change 

It's not that we don't care, 

We just know that the fight ain't fair 

So we keep on waiting 

Waiting on the world to change 

And we're still waiting 

Waiting on the world to change 

We keep on waiting waiting on the world to change 

One day our generation 

Is gonna rule the population 

So we keep on waiting 

Waiting on the world to change 

We keep on waiting 

Waiting on the world to change

I am not waiting; I am making my voice heard by voting on Nov 4.  Please make sure you are registered to vote.  We all need to get out and vote-- the world is changing!   Please do not sit at a distance, vote and be heard!

Happy Birthday Justis!

Justis means fair-minded.  It is an American name.

Justis is my nephew, the son of my brother Duane and his wife, Shana.  Justis turns 11 today.  He is the 2nd oldest and is athletic and smart.

Justis is on the far right, this picture was taken when his family still lived in Boise.

They have moved a few times since then.  They now live in a big house with a pool, dog, and everyone has their own rooms-- 3 things Shana said her kids would never have!   He also has a new baby sister-- I think that she changed the share rooms thing they had going on!    Here is his family on his sisters blessing day, Justis has the yellow paper in his hand. 

Here he is with his brothers and sisters- Hayden, Packer, Aisha, and Julia.

Hanging out with cousins from his Mom's side.  I believe those are BB guns-- Chance can't wait to come for a visit!  When Duane sent me this picture,  I just smiled and thought...he has BOYS!  And look at the matching shirts and camouflage!

From our 4th of July this year at El Capitan Beach near Santa Barbara.  Chance, Justis in dark blue shorts, and Packer.

Have a great birthday Justis!  Wish I could come on by for some cake and ice cream.  We need to move closer to you, don't you think!

Love, Aunt Karalene

Identity Crisis

He thinks he is a people!

Jordan's beloved cat "Pooh Bear".  We acquired him and Smokey from an animal shelter in Ohio.  Jordan was 3 years old and he picked this active kitten and named him after one of his favorite characters and TV show- "Winnie-the-Pooh".  He has proved to be a kitty of very little brain--- or maybe he is just too smart for his little body!   

 In Ohio he affectionately was called "Plump-O" for his weight gain.   After moving to California he went on a diet and has been skinny ever since.

 

 In California he has also learned to be an escape artist-- participating in midnight parties in the wild outdoors.  He is an "indoor" only kitty as he has no claws-- but we have not been able to get the message across to him.  Often can be heard, "How did Pooh Bear get outside?" as we see his white streak go by!    We have finally been able to capture him easily by promising him a "kitty treat" or clank a can-- he comes running.  See... in his old age he is not digesting his food properly and is ALWAYS hungry.  

That is why he shows up at the family dinner table.  This is real, it is not posed.  The cat cracks me up-- it is the only thing that keeps him in this house because the smelly litter boxes and cat throw-up bring me close to bumping his hide to the curb!   

We have learned never to leave food on the table or counter-- Pooh Bear will eat it!   He reminds me of a dog-- watching you cook, eating anything that falls on the floor and begging... oh does he beg.  

I promise... we always have CAT food out for him 24/7!  But it just does not seem to agree with his system and the the smell of our food and the sound of the can opener-- he thinks "oh, it is time for me to eat!".   Meeeeooooooww!  

"Look what the pockets hatched"

Once again I was treated to this when I took the clothes from the washer to the dryer.  And to think I did clean out one pair of pant pockets before laundering.  

I look at these and I just smile as I think of my sweet curious Chance collecting these treasures as he goes through out his day.

Raising Boys

I scrub the wall of fingerprints,  Pick up the mounds of clothes.  I sweep the dirt that shoes track in-  Wish I could use a hose!  Meals are served from dawn to dark,  Dirty dishes crowd the sink.  Just when they're washed and put away-  Everyone wants a drink!  The washer pulls the dirty grime  From pants worn thin and patched.  They look so very neat and clean-  Yuck, look what the pockets hatched!  Broken bones and bloody knees,  I should have been a nurse.  I take it all in shaky stride-  Just grateful it's not worse!  Screams and shouts and arguments  Test the keeping of my cool.  They left the neighbor's faucet on-  See their new front yard pool!  A soothing bath is ecstasy,  A reward at the end of my rope.  Raising boys isn't really bad-  But first I must wash the soap!  A rose can say I Love You,  Orchids can enthrall;  But a weed bouquet in a chubby fist,  Oh my, that says it all! ...Roberta I. Teague

Smiley! I never knew...

Sent to me by my sister-in-law, Kristin.  (married to my brother Nielson)  

a

What does the back of  a smiley face look like?  click here

It is rather humerous considering that Chance and I watched this little clip together; he came over to see when he heard the fun music playing.  It was just the thing to put  smile on a boys face!  I was totally imagining a backwards smile and was surprised by the plain yellow circle.

The Pyramid

Saturday:  A long overdue cleaning of Chance's room.  

 

"But Mom, I can't take this apart, it took me so long to build"

Let's take a picture of it then and we can show it to 

your grandmas and cousins.

"Okay!"

Chance giving you all a "wink".

A picture... so much easier to store in the scrapbook file.