Rocky Mountain Ramblings

I'm Back!!!!

2009-06-18T22:45:00.001-07:00

The Carnival Conquest

Jamaica Mon @ Sunset Beach

Whitley the world traveler dazzles in front of the camera!

John & Jamie in the ship's library

The day before the cruise on Galveston Beach

Well, it was mid March when I last posted in happenings! My last blogg stated that I hoped to post again within the week, but alas, 3 months have sped by at warp speed! zzzooOOOOMMMM!

I had a nice visit with my Uncle Larry, my Dad and family in AZ for 4 days. I am forever thankful for this time as my uncle passed away while we were on vacation, May 31,2009. May he rest is peace!

School was quite a push and very stressful. I have been out for almost a month now and I don't miss it in the least! I hope this attitude passes by August. I finished strong and kept my GPA on track! I have once again applied for a full academic scholarship and should know by the end of July if I have another full ride for my last year at Red Rocks.

Whitley finished strond and we had her continuation ceremony from her primary school to where she will attend for 7th & 8th grade years.

John got his new specks and he loves them. It took a couple of days to adjust..him to wearing them..and me getting used to seeing him wear them. He looks very smart & handsome indeed!

We just got back from a wonderful vacation. We drove thru Texas to the Port of Galveston and took a 7 day cruise to Jamaica and Grand Cayman. We had perfect weather and had a fabulous time. We concluded the trip by taking two more days to return home to CO.

We have come home to a very, very wet and green state..the most rain we have seen in over 30 years! We are greatful for the water, the forests' thirst quenched and a cool summer. In between the showers I have been trying to catch up on yard work and planting annuals, mulching, etc. I felt really good about my efforts, but tonight we have had 4 heavy downpours and pea sized hail that it looked like snowfall. I cringe to see the damage tomorrow morning to my flowers.

Whitley cleaned out the playhouse..also known as the neighborhood clubhouse today. Her friend Izzy is coming up for a sleepover tomorrow afternoon and her friend Anja is coming for the summer in one more week! We average about 7 kids a day here at the house and it is a blessing for Whit since she has been an only child for so many years.

Whit had some more great news today; she was selected to volunteer at the Genesee Veterinary Clinic & Animall Hospital. A bonus is that it is only 2 miles from the house; her Mom loooves this part! It will give her the required two years of volunteer work to then apply for the Zoo Crew College Prep. Program at the Denver Zoo. The Denver zoo will allow her to care for the animals' habitats, help with sick animals, work with children at the Zoo's summer camps, dress up in costume as zoo animals for promotional events, etc. This has been a lifelong dream for her...since Kindergarten..and perhaps before. YAY WHITLEY!!!

I am excited for my 20th High School Reunion coming up on August 8th. A classmate & I have been working on this since January and it feels like things are coming together. It is in IL so it will also be wonderful to see my Mom & Marv, Dad & Val, my sisters, niece & nephew and so many others! Whitley & I will be driving out with the Jeep, as my Uncle has given John a dirtbike and my Dad is looking for one for Whitley. John will fly in around the 12th or 13th and then we will all drive back the following Monday. Can't wait!!!

Until then, I hope to have some lazy days-eeeze in the hammock reading at liesure, playing some tennis, playing withe kids, etc. I feel like it is going to be a restful, enjoyable summer that is going to breeze by!

I hope all of you are well and having a great start to your summer as well. It's hard to believe the 4th of July is in two more weeks; YIKES!

I guess after my last post in March, I won't make any promises about posting anytime soon. I certainly will do my best and as often as I can!

What We Did Over Spring Break

2009-04-05T17:15:00.000-07:00

It was neither felt like Spring or a Break. We were plain busy!

The first two days I finished my business/school portion of taxes so that John could plug the numbers in to the computer program. The result was nice; a return that was 4xs more than last year!

Whitley did a fantastic job helping with Spring Cleaning, ya know, the deep stuff that involves cleaning out closets and drawers and filing and all that good stuff. I also got caught up on laundry and all the bedding switched to Spring comforters.

John got his eyes dilated and tested and we FINALLY ordered him some really nice bifocals with all the bells and whistles on them: transition, no line, non-scratch,etc.

We saw a few friends that we do not normally get to see over the course of the school year and although our time was short, it was sweet indeed!

We have getting storm after storm and some much needed snowfall, which ultimately translates to water!! Surprisingly, I do not mind it as we have had a very mild winter and I know that summer will soon be here..and with a lower threat of forest fires!

I still had 6 jobs I had to run for my cleaning business over break so I'm never really on a vacation until I get out of town all together; I am so thankful to have a job tho!

Our trip to S.Dakota was cancelled due to weather as we had planned to drive it; perhaps another time. I purchased a ticket to see my U. Larry as he has an aggressive form of brain cancer and his time on earth is short. I hope I make it in time to see him. I will be in AZ from the 14-17th.

Other than that, there is 35 calendar days left of my semester, 16 class days and 6 exams to go!!! Whitley has had a fantastic semester and we had a wonderful teacher's conference. The teacher is referring her for the Honor's Program at the Middle School next year so Whit was very pleased with herself...as were we! PHEW!

Right now, my family is waiting on me ot head out the door to eat and to run to Target for a few items. I hope to post next week!

Ta ta for now!

SNOW DAY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

2009-03-26T14:09:00.000-07:00

Poor John was stuck blowing out the driveway.

Meanwhile, Jamie studied......

Goosebumps and Whitley played.....

...and some overdue filing even got done!!!!!

What do you do when the snow is falling and blowing at a rate of 3 inches per hour?

Hopefully, we all answered, "STAY AT HOME!" However, what we did at home today varied vastly between each of our family members.

Whitley did a little of everything: Played in the snow, read her book and played the computer. Her school was called off very early this morning.

Jamie: For the first time in 30 years classes were cancelled at her school as well. So, she studied for her lab practical that she will be taking tomorrow, filed over a years worth of paperwork and cancelled old credit cards as she carefully reviewed her credit report.

Poor John was left the blowing out the driveway. It was his regularly scheduled day off so in between keeping the drive open, he also squeezed a couple of NETFLIX movies in as well!

WOW! I never knew how productive a snow day could be. It's no wonder we were behind on all these tasks as we have not had a drop of water in three months! Even though, I am ready for Spring, I know that the moisture is greatly needed for our well and forests.

Day at the Spa

2009-03-09T23:05:00.000-07:00

( : ( : GIRLY NAILS : ) : )

Whitley and I enjoyed a wonderful day pampering ourselves, enjoying each others company and going out to lunch. I was blessed to spend this time with my daughter as I had no homework over the weekend and the weather was great! We had a great time and are exicted for Spring Break to arrive in a two and half more weeks that should afford us a few more outings together. Before we know, summer will be here and we'll have tons of fun in the sun!!

SUUNY D

2009-03-02T19:01:00.001-08:00

SUNNY D is gross in my opinion...nuttin but sugar water.

But Sunny D, as in , the-sun-is- shining- in-Denver....... is FABULOUS!

Today we reached 74 degrees and tomorrow 75. Days like this are killing me because I have so much homework this week and I would love to go for a long run! I tried to run today after class but only went for 20 minutes as I had not eaten the whole day and had forgotten my purse at home; no purse, no moolah, no food! It was like trying to push a car that was out of gas....simply impossible!

Tomorrow, I am gonna be caloried up and hopefully squeeze a run in..even if I am swamped with work!

I'm Baaaackkk!!!

2009-02-27T20:57:00.000-08:00

Jamie with Mom's scope

This is Jen. We are the same age and were inducted to Phi Theta Kappa at the same time!

This is Danielle. She doesn't live too far from me, and this semester we have started working out at the gym together. We have to put all this information about our body to good use!

As you can see, we have a great time together. We behaved and didn't make any goofy poses with the anatomical models! Aren't you glad?

Okay, this blog is for Valerie T. and Karen G......

I know you think I dropped off the face of the planet but life just seems to get busier all the time with school. We just finished a unit on the heart, blood, blood vessels and the endocrine system. I learned how to read and an EKG and EEG and examine the waves for the various chambers of the heart. It was a special unit as I got to use my stethoscope, given to me by my late mother-in-law, Odelia.

When John was back in Pennsylvania, he asked me if there was anything I wanted of Mom's and at the time, I could only think of a rosary. The rosary is special to me because Mom figured out a way to pray for each one of her children and even her married grandchild's family, using each Hail Mary. I loved how she personalized this prayer and how I knew she thought of us each and every day. Not only was I blessed to have a rosary, John also gave me her scope, blood pressure cuff and a couple of pins that she received while working at the Leader Nursing home. I was touched by John's thoughtfulness and am honored to use these intruments that aid in providing life sustaining information!

I thought I would show you a picture of how I proudly donned her stethescope and a few of my friends who see me more often than my old friends do. Please know you are in my heart and I think of you all often! Someday, we are going to celebrate and take a girls trip when this is all over with! Have a great weekend!

On a Roll for the Honor Roll

2009-02-06T16:41:00.001-08:00

For the second trimester Whitley once again made the Honor Roll with a 3.49 GPA. Congratualtions Whitley. We know that school does not come easy for you and that YOU worked very hard for this. We are very proud of you! Love-Mom & Dad

Science Fair Success

2009-02-06T16:35:00.001-08:00

The results for the Science Fair are out. Out of 317 entries, Whitley placed 3rd. Although it is not the blue, she is very pleased and realizes that lots of kids did not even place. Congratulations Whitley!

ANOTHER BLOG SITE

2009-02-04T21:28:00.000-08:00

If you were wondering why I haven't been on this blog as much, well...here's the answer!

A few days ago I finally joined FACEBOOK. It has been a blast catching up with old friends and browsing through their photo albumns. It has been a handy tool as we have found about 1/2 of our graduating class through there for our 20th reunion this summer.

School has been really busy so there just isn;t much time to keep it all together. The Science Fair is tomorrow, judging in the evening and results first thing Friday morning. I can't wait to see how Whit fairs.

It was 67 degrees today and felt exactly like summer. Tomorrow, 70's in the forecast! OH HAPPY DAY!!!! Gotta cut this short-later!

I Cheated on my ALLI

2009-01-31T19:44:00.000-08:00

Well, I have been dieting, like most people, since the first of the year. I took up running again and have been watching what I eat. I am down about 12 pound so far...not bad for 3 weeks.

A few days ago, I started an over the counter, FDA approved aid called ALLI, that is supposed to help you lose 50% more fat than dieting alone. I carefully read all the little books they provided, and the possible side effects and their unpleasantries. How lucky I felt to not have any negative experiences...

...until today that is.

I think the reason I did not have any problems with ALLI is because I was eating really healthy: whole grains, fruits, veggies, fish,etc. Last night however, we picked up take-out....Fried Chicken and potatoe salad. It was oh-so good!

Apparently my stomach betrayed me, and told my ALLI that I cheated and today I am in trouble. ALLI has become my enemy! It is right up there with the stomach flu. All I want to say is, make sure you do NOT eat more than 7 grams of fat in one sitting.

More Company on the Way

2009-01-28T19:55:00.001-08:00

In two weeks we will be hosting our friends Barb (Baer) & Kyra Johnson from the Detroit area. Also, we just learned that their nephew/cousin Philip may be joining them from Ohio as well. On their last night of staying Austin Huber has made plans to join us too!

I always did want a BIG family, so I guess I just have to borrow other people's kids for a week at a time! We can't wait to meet Philip and spend some time with Austin, Barb & Kyra whom we've known for about 18 years. The group plans to spend a full week of fellowship and skiing at Copper Mtn. and we can hardly wait! FUN!!!!!

Coming Along

2009-01-26T21:07:00.000-08:00

Today was Whitley's first day back to her old, neighborhood school. She was received warmly and is happy to be back. She felt a little lost jumping into some of the classes midstream, but hopefully will adjust soon.

Tonight, I thought I would snap a picture of her working on her science project. This evening she completed her otline and penned 4 paragraphs to her first draft. She has one little section left to finish on her display board, and her paper to finish. I hope she does well!

Our weekend thus far....

2009-01-24T17:47:00.000-08:00

Last night we went clothes shopping for our growing Whitley, who needed some more street clothes, now that she will no longer be going to a charter school. We did okay but did not find as many pieces as I hoped for; she is VERY particular. Her most fave purchase was a pair of .....SKINNY JEANS!! We told her that for the price they should be called 24/7 jeans, because they may be the only pair we can afford for her to wear all week!!!

Today we spent over 7 hours working intently on her Science Project and display. Whitley had incredible focus today! The only thing she has left is her report to write. She plans to do that tomorrow, but she still has 2 weeks to complete it, so no pressure there.

Tomorrow, I think she wants to get her hair highlighted and try the mall scene again. We also need to go to Walgreens to get our passport pictures taken. Other than that, I was assigned 670 Math problems on Wednesday that are due Monday and I'm not even to the halfway mark yet.

Hope your weekend is great!

CONQUEST

2009-01-22T17:38:00.001-08:00

con*quest (kon'kwest) n.

The 1.) Act or process of conquering

2.) One that has captivated or overcome

3.) A person whose affections have been won

The new year has presented many challenges and changes for everyone in the Samuels family. There have been many questions that needed answering and and many situations that needed revision. In a way, we have been on a conquest, and as a result, we have conquered!!!!

This past week, we have moved Whitley back to her neighborhood school. This takes my communting down from about 450 miles a week to only 45 miles. We also have the option of bus service now, and in the years ahead. Whitley is really excited to see her old friends more often, but understands that many will go different ways for Middle School next year. It is a chance she is willing to take.

I have cut down on my schedule and will be graduating next Spring instead of next Christmas, w/out losing my scholarship.

John has agreed to pick up Whitley when she needs to stay over for after-school activities and cook a few nights a week. We have also agreed to rent a place during my 21 months of clinicals so that we do not have to move from our main house in the near future.

Closing on a high note, we have booked a 10 day vacation and cruise that we will embark upon when school is out. Passports are applied for, our room is booked and now we just need to work on scheduling our excursions! Now that's more like it!

And one more thing...the name of the ship we are sailing on, which is pictured above, is you guessed.....

The Carnival Conquest!!!

Facials and Perfume

2009-01-19T21:36:00.000-08:00

It was a nice long weekend.

Friday, we went to the mall and John was on a quest for a bottle of perfume for Jamie. The scent qualifications were: it has to be mysterious, has to take him away, can't go sour, not over-bearing and doesn't scream a particular fragrance, like roses or spice. After nearly 4 hours of being swabbed with scents, cleansing our noses into coffee beans we found a cologne....Christian Dior's "J'dore". We even found one for Whit, but she is not getting it until Valentine's day. It is by Haraku, called "Love".

Instead of hanging out with us, Whitley received her first facial from a lady at the Estee' Lauder counter. She has come a long way from her first experience at the age of two with make-up. (see picture).

Saturday, our mouths had their first encounter with Indian food. Our friends Grant & Christi gave us the nudge with an agreeable meal of Tandoori Chicken and rice, Chuteny, Naan, and Pompadouns. Chardonnay wine accented the palette of spices and it was very good indeed! Whitley also enjoyed a sleepover at Izzy's.

Sunday, Izzy stayed at our house and the playdate continued well into the day. It was such a beautiful, warm day and hour by hour we peeled another layer of clothing off until we were down to short sleeves and jeans. I took the girls to a great sledding hilll (north-facing) and the moisture made for slick conditions and great snowman building. I finished the day, by heading to the gym at 7pm for an evening run!

Yes, a facial and perfume, never hurt a girl's long weekend!

Heart, Teeth & Heatstroke

2009-01-17T11:56:00.000-08:00

I know it's a silly title but it quickly covers the latest happenings here in the Rocky Mountains.

HEART: Whitley was checked out by Children's Hospital of Denver and was given a clean bill of health. Everything is A-OK and she can proceed with the meds! Thank the Lord!

TEETH: Whitley's sceince experiment proved several things: 1) Never suck on lemons; the lemon juice (acid) was highly corrosive to the teeth compared to sugar. 2) Mouthwash only freshens breath; it is not a subsitute for brushing and the teeth rotted! 3) Flouride toothpaste was the best all around. Because the enamel was spared, the tooth was whiter, healthier and cavity free! 3) Stay away from tartar control toothpaste; results may prevent tartar, but the rest of the tooth decayed and rotted anyway 4) Baking soda didn't do a bad job, but there were still many "spots" (starts of cavities), so this applies to the "natural/organic" toothpastes.

The bottom line is, everyday your teeth and bones break down and repair themselves, leaving microscopic holes. Left unbrushed, malnourished and uncared for the breaking down process would exceed osteogenesis, or bone building. The neat thing about fluoride is is contians PO 34 which is phosphorous. It bonds easily to teeth and fills in those microscopic holes that would otherwise lead to cavities. Always, look for fluoride toothpaste. However, too much of a good thing can be just as harmful. Check to make sure that fluoride levels are adequate, neither too high or too low if you have a natural well for drinking water. Happy Brushing!!!!

HEATSTROKE: Here in Colorado, we are experiencing a heat wave! it is supposed to be close to 70 by Tuesday!!! I know that seems hard to believe because many of you in the Midwest have been in subzero temps. for most of the week. How us Coloradans wished we were getting that cold as that is what is needed to kill the Lodgepole Pine Beetle that is said to have destroyed another 400,000 acres of our forests in 2008!!! Research shows that for nature to kill the beetle, we need -30 to -50 degrees weather sustained for 3-5 days, while the beetle is in the pupa or larva stage.

Back to you in the Midwest: Fear not, Winter Solstice is over, which means our days are now getting longer and summer will be here before we know it. Only 17 weeks of school left in the year!!! If we are lucky enough, we can squeeze a trip to somewhere warm and welcome summer a little sooner. Before you know it, summer will once again return! Think warm!!!!

Here are some things to keep in mind about HEATSTROKE (also known as hyperthermia):

A heat stroke is when the body's internal temperature exceeds 106 degrees. The body has tried to sweat profusely to cool itself; this is why being hydrated is so important. Dehydration means there is no water left to sweat, and therefore, this natural evaporative cooler begins to break down, causing other organs to shut down to conserve energy. No organs, no heart, no life!!!

Heat Strokes are preceeded by heat exhaustion which includes the following: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, weakness, muscle cramps and dizziness. The next symptoms give warning that the body is in dire straights: high body temp., loss of sweating, confusion, disorientated, agitation, hallucinations, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing and last, seizures and coma.

Infants, small children and the elderly are most susceptible to these dangers as their body processes and protein synthesis work more slowly and are not able to rapidly correct situations that throw the body out of homeostasis. These age groups, coupled by their inability to care for themselves also explains how easily it is to get behind on life-saving fluids.

We hope today's blog on the heart, teeth and heatstroke were helpful!!!

Another Medical Prayer for Whtiley is Needed

2009-01-15T11:14:00.000-08:00

Real quick.... I'll fill you in.

Whitley recently had an EKG before starting some medication. At first the regular pediatrician, (whom is brand new to us as our ped. since birth has recently retired) was a little uncertain about the EKG. She agreed to start the med. on the lowest dose and said she'd like to send the EKG to a cardiologist. The night before last, the new Pediatrician calls and said the cardiologist noticed some right atrial branching and to stop the meds. immediately! This is all we know at this time as they passed the EKG on to Children's Hospital here in Denver. For now, no meds and be patient as we wait to hear from them. They feel she is okay so long as the meds. are stopped, until they can figure out what is going on.

We are very thankful to have such good care and are hopeful for a good outcome! As always, we pray for healing if it God's will. Irregardless, we pray for acceptance, whatever the outcome may be. We thank you in advance for your prayers.

Fairy Tales Do Come True

2009-01-15T06:31:00.001-08:00

The Disney World castle lit up for Christmas at night.

The icing on the cake: Beautiful fireworks implode in the background!

You may have heard us speak of our friends, Karen and Norm, whom we met on our cruise several years ago. If you were really lucky, you may have also seen two of the beautiful videos they have put together for us: One from the cruise and another from all the cathedrals in Europe.

Recently, Karen sent me the photos above, from their recent travels to Florida. (They have a daughter there who is studying to be a nurse anesthetist.) As you can see, the photos are really spectacular.....and trust me, it wasn't just a "lucky" shot. These two have been developing a video production company over the last several years. Norm is a computer guru and Karen recently "retired" from working at a school. The business became sort of a hobby turned moonlighting business.

I'm recently told that they purchased new gadgets and hardware for Christmas, including video in high definition! Anyway, I really wanted to share these two photos with you and I asked them if it was okay to share a little bit about them on my blog, to which they agreed.

So, if you are in the Detroit area, and you are in need of a photographer or videographers these are the people to see. The couple are fun, talented and people of integrity and I think you will love their work!!! If you would like a contact for them, please let me know and I'll be happy to connect you to them!

Amish Heritage Figurines

2009-01-11T19:16:00.000-08:00

About 2 years ago, I started this collection while rummaging through all the for sale items on E-bay. I instantly fell in love with each unique quilt square, the adorable children's faces and the mixed media. These adorable figurines were crafted by a lady named Anne Dezendorf in early 1990's. Most items go for $30-75, but some of the rarer, larger pieces are over $1,000!!! Needless to say, I do not own any in the latter price range!

The top piece photographed up above is entitled Jacob & Toby

This figurine feature an older sister teaching the younger how to ice skate. To physically view the piece, one can see the blade of the skates and the scoring of the ice. All parts are done in resin, except the scarves are knitted with yarn; that is the mixed media portion I love!

This is called "Winter Fun" - Martha & Lizzie

To date I have collected 10 pieces, two if which are Whitley's as she payed for them with her own money. Like mother, like daughter!

Double Shootout With a Doxie!

2009-01-11T14:56:00.000-08:00

Saturday night card playing at the Samuels can be a challenge. Look out for "Goosebumps", the Dacshund, and her sly right handed game!

Goosebumps lays down her hand. She's a "WEINER"!!!!!

Science Experiment

2009-01-07T12:11:00.000-08:00

Whitley's Science journal filled with research and observations

Abstracted teeth specimens line the counters in various cups. One row is filled with lemon juice (an acid) and the other pop (sugar).

HELP!!!! My kitchen has turned into a science lab. For over a week now, abstracted teeth have lined my counter in little cups; EEEeeewwww!!!

Daily, my little scientist dons safety glasses and rubber gloves and scours each labeled tooth with a particular cleaner ranging from fluoridated toothpaste to baking soda. Two teeth serve as controls and are washed with water only. The goal is to see which type of toothpaste works best on acids or sugars.

In our research however, we predicted some problems that may obscure our data. For example, the teeth come from various donors at an oral surgeon's office and each of those donors may have varying degrees of healthy enamel on their teeth. As a result, some teeth may hold up better in certain conditions than others. We tried to atleast match the same donor one per acid and sugar to alleviate some of the variables.

Another problem is that my kitchen is going to be a mess for almost a month and requires extra sanitizing after each and every brushing. I have thought intensely about what led up to this experiment and about how to ensure this never happens again. My solution????

Never EVER buy your child the Playdough DR. DRILL N FILL unless they have promised to go to dental school!!!!!

I'll close with one last informative message: Brush daily and floss only the ones you want to keep!

New Year's Resolution

2009-01-04T09:24:00.000-08:00

This blog entry is alot like the days follwing Christmas. Merchants deeply discount their wares and offer as much as 75% off. Not to be outdone, I am calling this blog entry my 2 for 1 special as I'm about to post another fabuous read and share my New Year's resolution with you. In reality, the two go hand in hand, thus the 2 for 1 deal.

The book I am suggesting is called: THE SHACK -Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity, by Wm. Paul Young. (sorry, picture would not upload)

The story is about a man named Mackenzie Allen Phillips. His youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently form God, inviting him back to the shack for a weekend.

Against his better judgement he arrives back at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change his world forever.

The book is profound and has caused me consider a new perception in the way I view God. It has caused some wrestling and unrest as I had to admit to myself that I really did not fully trust God with my life, or I would not be so controlling and fearful with my life and those who I love. As I type, I am still evaluating, but one thing I know is that this year, I resolve to trust God more with my life. Of course there is always a few pounds I could shed, and to get good grades, but allowing myself to trust God more is the clencher.

If you should pick up this book, I hope you will be blessed by it as well! Happy New Year & Welcome 2009!

Hittin the Slopes!

2009-01-01T10:02:00.001-08:00

Okay, I finally got up the courage to go skiing with my family. 17 winters have come and went and I decided it was time to give up my title, "Lodgegirl". I will admit, I kept of couple of good reads in the car just in case I chickened out.

John is a beautiful skiier and really good instructor because I feel that I did really well, thanks to his coaching and patience.

Whitley's Norwegian genes are definately expressed the most when she is on the slopes. Today was her first time to ski on her new snowboard. It is a difficult sport, but she did extremely well and had a lot of fun!

This is my cousin Karen and her husband Scott. They are visiting from the "Show-me-State" and so we decided to show them a fun day on the slopes. Scott is originally from Montana and has skiied before so he did really well. Karen, was determined to get it and by her second day, she did GREAT! They have two girls, Paige & Payton, who also skiied. Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures of them as they were in ski school all day and my camera froze up at the end of the day.

This is Whitley coming down on her new Burton Snowboard. I never could skateboard, much less come down the side of a mountain on a banana peel, so I am impressed!

There is a little story behind this picture. You see while John was teaching me to ski, he was also chomping into Whitley's first day of snowboarding. She had asked him several times, "Dad, when are you going to take me on the lift?"

Unfortunately, her Mother was not a quick learner, so Whitley took it upon herself to go on her own. All the sudden we looked up and her she is going up the chair lift! If you will notice, snowboarders go up with one foot out of the board and then have to pop it in as they get off the lift! (scary) Anyway, we gasp as we see her and say, no yell, "Whitley!!! Why are you going up there alone????"

She just smiles, gives us two thumbs up and says, "Chill out; it's my second time and I did great!"

Marv Goes Skydiving

2008-12-27T20:55:00.000-08:00

The highlight of Marvin's Christmas was to go skydiving...indoors! How can this be? Well, there is a place called SKYVENTURE COLORADO that has a simulated tunnel to skydive in. For a firstimer, the package includes 45 minutes of training and two, one-minute flights. I am told that this is a generous amount of flight time as a flight off an airplane is only about 5 seconds before the rip-tag is pulled on a parachute. Marvin said it felt much longer as it took extreme concentration and was very hard to breathe. I hope to post a video footage of his flight soon. It was exhilirating to watch!

Maybe the next time, he can dive like the pros featured in this photo!!!!

In Search of Post Christmas Sales at the Mall

2008-12-27T20:32:00.000-08:00

Like many people, our family headed the mall in search of deeply discounted savings the day after Christmas.... and we did find some great sales!!

Whitley found yet another coat for $30, a new wallet, bling for her IPOD, earbuds, sweater and leggings with her Christmas money, and plenty left over.

Here I am taking a break on a comfy chair while the others hit some great bargains! Marv found a $260 down coat for $54, some size 15 shoes for his son Derek for $50 (a good deal I'm told). My Mom got a suede leather coat at Wilsons for $30 and 4 cases of dishes at the Corelle outlet store for 1/2 price. John found a new leather wallet at Wilsons leather for $7 and new gym bag at Colorado luggage for $14. I did find some foot cream (to keep heels from cracking) for $10. I almost purchased a suede leather jacket at Wilsons for $31, but it was 1 size to big.

Marvin's favorite saying completed our day of shopping as he passed this store window!

Opening Presents

2008-12-27T20:16:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning we awoke around 7:30 am and enjoyed sharing gifts with one another. I distributed the gifts and picked up trash/cardboard, John photographed, Whitley ran the video cam and this is of our guests, my Mom & marv, opening their gifts. Why even Goosebumps (our dog) is in the picture!

Marvin was thrilled with his gifts: a new toolbox, pj bottoms and box that made him guess for a later surprise.......skydiving!!!!

My mom was all smiles. Her favorite gift was a necklace Marvin had designed that had each of the grandkids' birthstone on it and a ticket to see the Nutcracker Ballet the following day. I received many nice gifts, as did John & Whitley, but it is especially a gift to spend our Christmas with our family as this was my Mom & Marvin's first Christmas with us!

We enjoyed time with our foster daughter and her family, luch at the Cheesecake Factory and a beautiful candlelight service at church.

Decorating Sugar Cookies

2008-12-27T20:03:00.000-08:00

A favorite childhood memory of mine is decorating Christmas sugar cookies with my Mom. It was great to continue the tradition with Whitley and her Grandma!

Our neighbor Amy came over with her 3 children and a friend named "Miracle". Unfortunately Amy's daughter Rachel did not get in the picture. Together the kids had a great time decorating the sugar cookies; the more the merrier!!!

Here are some of my favorite cookies: snowflakes and mittens

And still some more...that tasted as good as they looked! YUMMMMM!!!!

The Invisible Secret of Christmas

2008-12-18T09:26:00.000-08:00

Did you ever wonder what it would have been like to be Mary, the Mother of Jesus? Would you have ever imagined that something so marvelous would have been born of a peasant woman? A woman who was, uhummm pregnant, before she was married???

Perhaps there is a little Mary in all of us. We all have our individual stories. We all have a past, over even a present, that is a little less desirable than we care to admit. If you have ever been a Mother, you may well understand that at times, it can seem like a frustrating, thankless job. This Christmas tho, I wanted you to think about your role as a Mom as if you were Mary.

Envision this sweet baby boy lying swaddled in a manger of hay....oh the dreams she must have had for him. By the age of 7, he was imitating his father in the family's carpentry shop. By adolescense, things began to change......why one day he ran off they couldn't even find Him! When they finally found Jesus, they found him in the temple preaching, and when they met up him, he simply questioned, "Who is my Mother? Who is my brother?" What kind of response is that!!!! Heavens, he sounds a little like my 12 year old!!!! Perhaps it was here that Mary, began to realize that God had a unique plan for her Son. Still, did she ever imagine that her innocent Son would be crucified to a cross for the sins of all mankind? Do you think she fully understood, even as she watched in horror that day on Calvary's Hill?

Now, for you Dads, we can't forget about Joseph....although the Bible hardly references his name. What if he wouldn't have taken Mary secretly? What if he wouldn't have waited to consumate his marriage until after the Jesus was born? What if? Would you believe that there have been many astonishing carpenters after the life of Joseph, that had many "invisible" secrets as well?

As the mother of a 12 year old, I can relate to some of Mary's feelings. I can remember the completeness and joy that autumn, November 3rd morning when I gave birth to my daughter. I can remember the sacrifices of nursing as I curled my toes in anguish waiting for the "let down". I can remember the interrupted nights of sleep, the loneliness of a toddler Mom, the thousands of diapers I have changed. Today I feel the 88 miles I drive each day to get her to a great school, the times I go without to give her $20 to go have a good time with her friends, the worry as I think of ways to help her feel good about her grades at school, the regret for all the times I have yelled and disciplined in anger, the confusion of how senseless and unrewarding this all seems to be!!! But what if.....what if I could peek ahead and see the admiration of my day to day invisible labors. What if it the admiration does not come in my lifetime or Whitley's, but in the life of a great grandchild? Will it have been worth it then?

Sometimes, I think that it is perhaps is better not see the result of our work, or we would become puffed up with pride and self centeredness. I have to remember that the whole duty of man is to worship God by doing his will.....even it seems like our life's efforts and labors are invisible. I wanted to share an e-mail below that has changed my life this Christmas. I connected easily with the story as just a Christmas ago, our friends we met on a cruise, Norm & Karen, made a video of all the beautiful cathedrals in Europe. I remember Karen, sharing with me that many of the artisans and craftmen, never saw their work completed! So, grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy the story of "The Invisible Mom", below.

Invisible Mother......

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone (or even on the toilet) and ask to be taken somewhere.

Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm busy?'

Obviously, not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a taxi to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.' I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated sum a cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going; she's going; she is gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England . Andrea had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself.

I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Andrea turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe . I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To Susan, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work. No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.' And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Susan. I see the sacrifices you make every day,even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcakeyou've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.' At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my ownself-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on.

The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because thereare so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree. When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My mom gets up at 4:00 in the morning and bakes homemade pies. Then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'you're gonna love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women. (and men)

I hope this encourages you when the going gets tough as it sometimes does. We never know what our finished products will turn out to be because of our perseverance. Mary and Joseph, would probably blush to see the statues and stories written about them, moreover their Son Jesus.

Who are you living your life for? How will your story be told 200 or 2,000 years for now? Will you abandon your project half way through? Will the quality of your craftmenship endure the test of time for others to enjoy? Or will we make an edifice for ourselves?

May the INVISIBLE SECRET of CHRISTMAS be apparent in all of our lives!!!!

Family Photo Fun!!!!

2008-12-17T21:02:00.001-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS from GOLDEN, COLORADO

MAY your CHRISTMAS be filled with LAUGHTER,

and wonderful MEMORIES as we celebrate the birth of JESUS!!!

The Nutcracker Ballet

2008-12-17T20:47:00.001-08:00

Our Prima Ballerina

2008-12-17T20:43:00.001-08:00

Guiness Book of Records

2008-12-15T18:39:00.000-08:00

We have set new records at our house this week:

A cold front with dry air broke the 1901 record: -15 deg or -39 deg with windchill

Number of winter coats Whitley has lost in the last two weeks: 2 (ARRGGHHH!!!)

Number of times Jamie has yelled: (they stopped counting...and listening for that matter!)

Number of lost, I mean grey, hairs for John this week: 50

Number of dishes accidentally broken this week:2

Number of flat tires: 1

Number of times we are supposed to FORGIVE: 70x7 (but I think we have surpassed it)

Thankfully, when God forgives, he keeps no RECORD of wrongs!

12 Hours to go!

2008-12-11T20:27:00.000-08:00

I know I talk about school constantly, but it really is consuming! Last night, we met at 5pm for one last study group. We closed the place down at 9 pm and two of us, drove to yet another Starbucks that is open all night. We left there about midnight. Today I slept in and let John get Whitley around for school. I spent the day going over my notes and preparing a 3x5 notecard for the final. Thanks to technology, I am able to get a TON of info. on my card because I typed all my notes on the word processor in a size 5 font! This should help alot and I feel well prepared for the exam as well. In just 12 hours, I will be well on my way to finishing up my last exam and I couldn't be happier!

I plan to "veg" this weekend. I may start going back to the gym if I'm feeling motivated...heaven knows I need to! I have some Christmas gifts to wrap and I need to start getting some housework done before company arrives. Monday I need to work, as I canceled my normal work day (which was today) to prepare for my final. Tues-Thurs I plan to do some grocery shopping and baking and Friday I work at Whit's school. Whitley will be getting out for her break that day too! Then sat or Sunday my Mom & Marv will be arriving! WOW! Where did the year disappear to?

Well, I am heading to bed so I can be rested and prepared for tomorrow. Take Care!

The Study Marathon

2008-12-10T07:14:00.000-08:00

This is it; the final stretch, the last few meters of the race that make champions raise their fisted hands in the air or losers slump in dejection. Early Friday morning, I will be taking my last final of the semester. So far, I aced my other three, but this last one is my hardest and I am feeling very run down. In this game called "academia", I must confess that I will test positive for shameful amounts of Starbuck's caffeine pulsing through my veins. Uh-hum...is this considered doping? Perhaps this is why you have never seen a 4.0 college student on a box a Wheaties! Irregardless, cheer me on, cross your fingers and pray I get through this and then we can go celebrate at IHOP, or somewhere, and have breakfast of champions!

The Missing Coat and the Nativity

2008-12-06T23:12:00.000-08:00

Can you imagine how Joseph (not Mary's husband) felt when his coat of many colors was taken from him?

A week ago, out of the bue, Whitley burst out in tears and said that her new down, winter coat was missing. She said that she had looked everywhere including the lost and found and was told that it had been taken.

The tears were contagious and I began to cry. She had only worn the coat 2 times. It was a quality down coat that a lot of love and thought went into, before purchasing it. It was one of those deals where you talk yourself into spending a little more because we knew it would keep her warm on the ski slopes and at recess. It was the kind of coat where the sleeves near the wrist were finished in such a way that Whitley could flip it and get a few more inches in length, which translates to at least two winters of wearing the coat. I cried because the school had just hit us up for a $78 PE fee, a $20 PE uniform, a $111 dollars for dance costumes, a $40 outfit for a Christmas recital, and the list goes on and on!

A couple of days later, we learned that a teacher had taken the coats for a drive at her church. Someone in the office had given her permission to do so before a local goodwill came for their usual lost and found pick up...which meant they were taken right off the coat racks and we were not the only family effected. This is the part that turned my salty tears to anger. Why would they be collecting winter coats off the rack on an 18 degree snowy day!?!

Well, it was going to take a lot of prayer for my heart to soften. I was not happy about this and even less happy when I found that the coat had already been shipped out and was irretrievable. There were so many questions that loomed in my mind but the biggest question was, "Why couldn't I be more gracious and happy that the coat went to a church charity, to needy children?" The answer was....because the coat was expensive and brand new!!! And that is precisely when it hit me!!!

I instantly began connecting the dots of the Nativity, pictured above, that sits on my fireplace mantle every year at Christmas. The situation caused me to think about the way I "give". Although I didn't directly or voluntarily "give" the coat away, I had to think about it in the context of whom it was being given to. I started thinking, "Wow, when GOD sent Jesus to earth to be our Christmas gift, he didn’t send us a Hand-me-down, or a ratty used item, or something "re-gifted", He sent us brand new baby....HE SENT HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON!!!! God gave us His absolute best, something he treasured dearly, something we didn;t deserve and he didn’t do it indirectly, or unwillingly....he did it of His own accord to pay for our sins!

I have been humbled this Christmas. I have been given so much and threfore, much to is required of me to give. I also realized that whenever anything is "missing" in my life, I need to let the love of God fill the void. This Christmas there are sure to be many things "missing" for many of us....jobs, a well funded savings account, a limb, a family member, etc.....but the one thing I hope you all have is JESUS!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS!

12:55 am

2008-12-03T23:56:00.000-08:00

This is the time when most people are sleeping...that is unless you work third shift or are a college student studying for finals.

I just returned home from closing down the Village Inn in town. My friend Tiffany and I got some good studying done and it was worth the drive in, despite being 14 degrees outside.

In three and a half hours, that would be 4:30 am, I am picking up my other study partner Danielle, to continue studying. The odd hour is because this is the time her husband heads to work and she needs to hitch a ride to town with him as they are getting a new car and only have one at the moment.

This will be my fourth study group this week as we have two tests this Friday. The weekend and following week look much the same as I have one more test on Tuesday and my last final on Friday. I keep telling myself that there is only one week to go....for this semester that is.

I just signed up for my spring classes on Monday and got the times/days/profs I had hoped for. It will be a comfortably challenging semester but not as rough as the one I am currently wrapping up. I am still praying about whether to do a summer class again so I can graduate in December next year or drag it out until the Spring.

Whit has two and a half weeks until Christmas break. I am excited for her and we are all eager for some quality time as a family.

We've been having some cold weather and snow. We are pleased to report that the 3rd time was the charm and the new roof is working beautifully...no icicles or lost heat! John is thrilled!

Well it is past my bedtime and it will only be a short sleep as the alarm will be going off in a few hours. Whenever God brings me to mind, please say a prayer for strength to get through this last little push!

ZZZZZZZ....snore

A view through our November window

2008-11-28T21:51:00.001-08:00

Two of the kits made it from this Spring's litter. This is the smallest one of the two. They come by frequently for a piece of stale bread or a dog biscuit each night around dusk. Their coat is nice and full for the long winter...., just in time as we received a heavy snow tonight. We learned something new yesterday as we observed then digging holes in the yard and burying their food. I love it when I have a moment to pause and watch nature; I learn something new every time!

Putting the THANKS IN THANKSGIVING

2008-11-25T23:46:00.000-08:00

401 K's depleted, thousands of jobs lost and 85,000 homes were foreclosed last week alone!!! Cancer, medical bills, no insurance, loss of a loved one.....is it possible to still be THANKful???

The following story is told by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson. It is about a man by the name of Miles Standish, who endured a Bitter Winter and a Better Thanksgiving:

"Then the sickness begane to fall sore amongst them, and the weather so bad...the Gov/r and cheefe of them, seeing so many dye, and fall downe sick dayly, thought it no wisdom to send away the ship...."

Capt. Mile Standish had been at his wife Rose's bedside. As much time, that is, as he could spare from stalking game, guarding against savages, and felling trees to construct crude homes on shore.

A bitter wind whistled through the chinks and cracks in the Mayflower, anchored in Plymouth Harbor that winter of 1620-21. Rose's chills would turn to incontrollable shaking. Then just as suddenly, her body would ablaze with fever. Herbs fromt he surgeon's chest did little to relieve her. By spring only five wives remained out of the eighteen who had sailed to Plymouth. Rose was not among them.

Thanksgiving? What was that? The golden dreams of a New World that Miles and Rose has cherished together had evaporated into hollow hopes. And yet that fall Capt. Standish joined other bereaved Pilgrims in the first Thanksgiving celebration.

The real test of thankfulness is whether we can give thanks from the heart for what we do have, despite the wounds and pains of yesterday's struggles. Ours is not some fair weather faith, but a resilient trust in the middle of pain. The Pilgrims lived close to the edge of survival. Perhaps that is why they were so thankful.

In the book of JOB, Job says, "The Lord gives and the Lord taketh away.....who am I to question God? Nevertheless, I shall praise him and give thanks".

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Jamie's Booklist

2008-11-20T21:09:00.000-08:00

Genre: Historical Fiction Synopsis-Written by Pearl Buck in 1931 and won a Pulitzer the following year. The novel was originally written to describe Chinese culture and it allowed Americans to consider becoming allies with Chinese in the forthcoming war with Japan.

Genre: Religion/Spirituality Synopsis: A great book about deliverence from falling into the pits of life. Beth shares her personal story of deliverance that offers hope to many.

Genre: History Synopsis- David McCullough, one of our nation's finest historians, breaths life into the patriarchs of our History that fought Britain for our freedom and penned the Declaration of Independance. You will be glued from page one, and end with a deeper, heart felt appreciation for our liberites today!

Okay guys. I'm not Oprah, but I do read ALOT! I just thought if you were shopping for the bookworms of your family this Christmas, you might enjoy a few good titles. Here's 3 for starts!

Important Papers Come By Mail

2008-11-17T21:22:00.000-08:00

No, I am not talking about bills, or my checking statement, I am referring to Collector's Currency from the mid 1800's. About 6 weeks ago, I ordered some replicas of currency as I have an artifact search/presentation due for my History class on Dec 3rd. They came today and are really neat to look at. If you would like to look at additional replicas, ready to order, you can go to Militaria.Com

As for the history....When the Civil War started there were two types of money in circulation in the North: The largest part was "hard" money-silver and gold coins of the US government; the rest was paper money issued by prominent state banks. As the war progressed, more and more hard money disappeared as people began to hoard the coins.

In 1862, the US govt. began issuing "Greenbacks" (as Fed. currency became called) to supplement the states' paper money. Greenbacks were soon in widespread use, amounting to more than half the currency in circulation. Fractional currency (paper coin) also became prominently used.

The federal Govt. passed strict banking laws in 1863; these laws along with heavy taxes soon caused most of the paper money of the private banks to disappear. The laws did not become effective in the South until after the war was over in 1865.

The picture above is a $1 Pennsylvania 1865, Bank of Montgomery County. It honors four Union Officers, all natives from Mont. Cty. (clockwise left to right): Gen. Adam Slemmer, Gen. Winfield Hancock, Gen. Hartranft; Col. Edwin Scall. The central pic. is of the bank.

Another is a $1 Illinois 1861, Bank of Quincy. The nore detailed the drawing of the Indian hunting a buffalo. The Bank of Qunicy was founded in 1856 and closed in 1862.

The other important piece of paper was the official paperwork, with my "gold key" to Phi Theta Kappa.

Paper, paper, paper...guess I need to plant another tree!

Gearing up for the Holidays!!!

2008-11-16T22:14:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you all, but our family seems to march double time from Oct 31st on toward the end of the year. It seems like there is a party for everything: from Harvest Festivals at church, to classroom parties, to 2 birthdays in our house and next thing you know Thanksgiving and Christmas are here!

This year, we are excited that we are having LOTS of company so we have been doing some musical rooms and getting ready. We finally bought our new matress set and gave Whitley our queen set. For the basement, we bought a new sectional that is very lightweight and versatile. Whit can now give up her bed and we can move out the coffee table and move pieces around for her to stay in the basement when we have company. We also purchased a flat screen for the wall and this will make for fun family movie nights in the basement and also provide a sound barrier for when I am upstairs studying and people are downstairs watching TV. We are down to one last phase of our remodel now and that is to come back to the kitchen and repair one last wall of water damage and to build the side-by-side into the wall and make a desk/workstation where the fridge used to be. It is a one day, easy, low budget job that will only take a few pieces of drywall and some mud and we are done!!!

In the meantime we are wrapping up the semester and getting ready for my Mom & Marv to come, my cousin and her husband and two children and our friends Barb & Kyra. It will be GREAT to see everyone and have the house full of kids and memory making while sharing the wondrous joy of the Christmas Season!

Updated Picture of Kendall Elyse

2008-11-11T21:38:00.000-08:00

Two years and nine months already; WOW!! Kendall and her family came up to celebrate Whit's birthday a week ago. She looked so cute in her little Broncos cheerleading outfit. John and I can remember when we dressed Whitley the same way, and it seems like yesterday that Whit was only 2!

Anyway, Kendall is is doing great! She is sharp as a tack and can jabber up a storm. She is into the Disney princesses and loves to be read to (still). Her family has even considered having her IQ tested as she is very bright! God has certainly blessed this little lady and she has overcome so much. We are thrilled for her and love her and her family vrey much!

COUNTDOWN

2008-11-10T22:10:00.000-08:00

There are only 12 classroom days left to this semster. I took my last regular test in History today and have only the final left to take. I have two big writing assinments due in the next few weeks: one is an analytical review on a 400 page book I read and the other is an artifact search. I found some old bank notes online from the 1800's so I will be talking about the banking crisis after the Rev. War and the necessity of backing paper with hard currency; sound familiar???

Anatomy and Physiology is tough. I have a test this Friday on Neurophysiology and for the first time I am struggling and playing catch up. I hope I do well. I just did my lab practical on muscles this past Friday and received a 97%. After this test Friday, there is a back-to back lab practical and written essay right after Thanksgiving and the final one week later. This is the class that may have me run down and sick by December; I pray I get through it.

Whitley has had lots of birthday parties and activities going on. She has her first school dance this Thursday night at the Lakehouse. Her two best friends have their birthdays one week after hers so there is a party this Friday and the following Saturday--busy, busy!

Well, it's going for midnight so I need to get some sleep! More to blog later!

2008-11-05T09:08:00.001-08:00

Whitey's 12

2008-11-03T05:42:00.000-08:00

On November 3, 1996 Whitley Autumn Samuels was born on a beautiful, fall Sunday morning. The weather this year is much the same as it was the year she was born...unseasonably warm, but appreciated.

It is hard to believe that 12 years has passed so quickly by. The days of great big birthday parties with all these little people running around, are over. Now she is content to celebrate with family or a couple of close friends.

This year we celebrated with our foster daughter's family and a neighbor friend and had a really nice time. We have moved on to clothes and hair and make-up items, but I find that deep down inside, she still appreciates a toy or two. This year we purchased PICTIONARY MAN. It is for ages 14 and up. Most of the clues she knew, even though she's 12, and there were only a few she had to skip. Still, we had a blast playing!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WHIT!!!!

Trick or Treat TEST

2008-10-31T21:34:00.000-07:00

Whitley's 2008 Candy Stash is featured up above. Not bad for a gal who has to walk up the sides of mountains for her loot! I came across a little candy trivia that I thought might be fun to play. Try testing your skills below:

1. How many pounds of candy did the average American consume in 2002?

2. What year was Lemon Heads invented and manufactured?

3. How many flavors does Dum Dum suckers experiment with before deciding on a new flavor?

4. How many pounds of candy corn do Americans eat every year?

5. What year was Dubble Bubble gum invented?

_____________________________________________________________

ANSWERS:

1. 24 pounds

2. 1962

3. 400

4. 20 million pounds

5. 1928

This Family is "Stickin Together" at Halloween

2008-10-31T20:33:00.000-07:00

This is Whitley & I in costume

This is Whitley's costume

Well, we have a 12 year old in three more days. I really do not know how the time escaped us. It seems like one minute we're ringing in the New Year and before you know it's summer break. Now here we are at the end of October!

For the past few weeks, we have been racking our brains about "what to wear for Halloween". My daughter has always been very gracious about donning my crafty concoctions, but this year we were at a loss for not only ideas, but time. Then, the epiphany came; we were going to be stick figures!!!

Perhaps you have seen those little stick figure families on the back of mini-vans and SUV's: the dad, the mom, the child, and even the dog! Well, why not translate the idea into a Halloween costume. All it took was 15 minutes of time, a roll of packing tape and 20 packages of glow-n-the dark light sticks. With a little snipping, twisting and taping we became a walking glow-n-the-dark minivan bumper sticker!!!

I really can not tell you how much fun we had, and how much fun people had watching us postulate and pose. It was a beautiful, balmy fall evening...a rarity as it us usually snowy and icy here in the mountains this time of year. It was so much fun driving down the road and seeing people gawk and slam on their brakes as these neon stick figures cruised by. People yelled out. "Hey, I like your costumes!"

Our inexpensive little digital Kodak camera will never do justice, but John was able to take a few pictures of Whit & I. Oh how I would have loved to capture all three of us on film. We ended up closing a dark evening on a very bright note! Hope you had fun too!

25 Things My Mother Taught Me

2008-10-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE .'If you're going to kill each other, do it outside.I just finished cleaning.'

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.'You better pray that will come out of the carpet.'

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL .'If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock youinto the middle of next week!'

4. My mother taught me LOGIC.' Because I said so, that's why.'

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC .'If you fall out of that swing and break your neck,you're not going to the store with me.'

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.'Make sure you wear clean underwear, in caseyou're in an accident.'

7. My mother taught me IRONY'Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about.'

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.'Shut your mouth and eat your supper.'

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM .'Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!'

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.'You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone.'

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.'This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.'

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.'If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don'texaggerate!'

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE .'I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.'

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.'Stop acting like your father!'

15. My mother taught me about ENVY.'There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don'thave wonderful parents like you do.'

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.'Just wait until we get home.'

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING .'You are going to get it when you get home!'

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.'If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze thatway.'

19. M y mother taught me ESP.'Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?'

20. My mother taught me HUMOR.'When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running tome.'

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT .'If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.'

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.'You're just like your father.'

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.'Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?'

24. My mother taught me WISDOM.'When you get to be my age, you'll understand.'

25. And my favorite:My mother taught me about JUSTICE'One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn outjust like you.

Obituary for Odelia Ricko- by Elaine Ricko-Barnes

2008-10-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

HEAVEN HOLDS A PLACE FOR THE FAITHFULLY DEPARTED

Mrs. Odelia Ricko departed this earth Oct. 19, 2008, being 88 years, 10 months of age. She passed in the care of the Hospice Community Care Unit at Geisenger Hospital South Wilkes-Barre, PA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Aloysius Ricko, in 1989; and grandsons, Eric Frank Kammer, in 2001 and Brandon Jon Gabriel, in 1976. She had remained sound of mind, faithful, stable and strong till her journey on this earth ended, and now rests in the House of the Lord.

She was born Odelia Gabina Tapia, on Dec. 7, 1919, in Las Vegas, N.M., at the home of her grandparents, Clemente and Simona Garcia Chaves. A journey made especially for her birth. She is the daughter of the late Samuel and Gabina Chaves, Tapia and the eldest of four children. Her families’ heritage dates back to the early Spanish Colonial Settlers of the Spanish Empire of what is now New Mexico. They have been documented living there since the mid 1600s. She was bi-lingual in Spanish, for this was the language spoken in her childhood home. While living in her hometown of Trinidad, Colo., she worked as a secretary for Trinidad Junior College.

After World War II broke out, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she was employed by the War Department. It is here she met her future husband, Leo Ricko. After they wed in 1946, she and Leo moved to his hometown area in Luzerne County, Pa., and set up housekeeping. They quickly settled into the City of Plymouth and began raising their family. There she remained for the entirety of her life.She enjoyed her trips back home to Trinidad, Colo., to visit her family with whom she remained extremely close and forever missed.

Her whole life she only knew hard work. Mrs. Ricko retired from the Leader Nursing Home in 1985, where she was employed as a nurse’s aide for 13 years. Prior employment consisted of work in the factories.

She was a devoted member of St. Vincent’s Church in Plymouth. Later, after having to switch, she transferred to the newly formed Congregation of All Saints Catholic Church.

In 2004, she traveled to Trinidad, Colo., to attend The Trinidad Historical Society’s Indoctrination of the Tapia Family into The Century Family’s of Las Animas County. Her grandparents, Jesus and Juanita Benevidez, Tapia arrived in Trinidad, from New Mexico, before 1880. She has been an active member in the Daughters of the American Revolution since 2006. This honorable recognition came through Spain’s financial support for the cause, among the Militia Soldiers located at the Santa Fe Presidio, Spanish Colonial New Mexico. The obligation included the participation of her third great-grandfather, Manuel Mares in 1781 and 1785.

While every heart knows its own sadness, her journey on this earth was not without trials and tribulations. But she managed them with grace and dignity, stemming from her strong faith in God. She was an extremely strong individual who loved life and never questioned the cards she was dealt. And when the end was near she just left it in God’s hands. She never complained. She was especially blessed with excellent health, a hopeful and cheerful disposition, loving family and devoted friends. She passed on to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren the courage, pride and strength of her Spanish heritage.

Odelia is survived by her children, Mrs. Nadine Ricko Kammer, Kingston; Mrs. Elaine Ricko Barnes, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Leo Ricko, Leesburg, Va.; John Ricko Samuels, Golden, Colo.; six grandchildren, Traci Kammer Goldberg, Jamie Kammer, Jessica Barnes, Whitley Samuels, Elijah Ricko and Emily Ricko; two great-grandchildren, Samuel Goldberg and Jaren Golderg; and her brother, Samuel Tapia, Trinidad, Colo.

Her final resting place will be next to her husband, Leo, in St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Larksville. Odelia will be missed greatly by her family, friends and neighbors.

Our family would like to thank the angel nurses and staff of Hospice Community Care. You made mom’s last moments on Earth peaceful and comfortable. She passed with respect and dignity. Something very important to her.

In her memory and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice Community Care, 601 Wyoming Avenue, Kingston, PA 18704. Thank you.

Funeral Mass will be held at All Saints Catholic Church, Plymouth, on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 9:30 a.m.

Services for Odelia Gabina Tapia- Ricko

2008-10-20T19:34:00.000-07:00

Service for Odelia will be held:

Wednesday, October 22, 2008
9:30am - 11:00 am
All Saints Parish
66 Willow Street
Plymouth, PA 18651

Arrangements are being handled by:
Kielty- Moran Funeral Home
87 Washington Ave.
Plymouth, PA 18651

1-570-779-1901

A Tribute to My Mother-In-Law

2008-10-19T12:01:00.000-07:00

In Loving Memory of Odelia Gabina Tapia- Ricko

December 7, 1919 - October 19, 2008

October 19th, 2008, Odelia Gabina Ricko

awoke to her last autumn dawn.

A life that began December 7, 1919 in Las Vegas, NM would take her from the RockyMountains of Colorado,

to the Woodlands of the East.

She lived through numerous wars,
The Great Depression and was a Daughter of the American Revolution.

As a young woman,
she worked in Washington, D.C., where she met her husband, Mr. Leo Ricko. They soon settled in the borough of Plymouth. Pennsylvania.

Four beautiful children came forth from this union.

Through every step of the way,
her beauty and strength illuminated as brightly as autumn foliage.

Faith anchored her roots.

Strength and dignity were her clothing.

Loving, supportive friends and family were her branches.

Weeks ago the breath of a Northeastern wind whispered,

“Let go; it’s time to go home.”
She surrendered herself to the hands of God and slowly, she floated away like the waltz of a leaf making its descent back to the earth.

Her branches now weep. Their tears fall upon her. Autumn's long shadows are closing and the stinging bite of winter has come too soon.

She leaves behind her loving family: Daughters Mrs. Nadine Kammer (Ron)- Kingston, PA, Mrs. Elaine Barnes (Bruce)-Scottsdale, AZ. Sons, Mr. Leo Ricko (Sara)- Leesburg, VA and John Samuel-Ricko (Jamie) – Golden, CO, 6 Grandchildren and 2 Great-Grandchildren.

She was preceeded in death by her husband, Mr. Leo Ricko –Plymouth, Grandson Eric Kammer –Kingston and her sister, Mrs. Josephine Cordova-Trinidad, CO

PHI THETA KAPPA INDUCTION

2008-10-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

A little luck never hurts either....Jamie won a drawing for the PTK school bag All new PTK inductees entered their signatures in a log; a tradition that has been done for almost a 100 years.

This is the graduation regalia: It contains a PTK stoll and a blue and gold cord

This is a friend and study partner from Anatomy & Physiology--Jen

Jamie is waiting in line to light a candle. The white rose stands for purity.

Students with 4.0 were asked to step forward for a Certificate of Achievement from the College President.

Well, it seems appropriate that I should do the blogging since I was the photographer. It was a big night for my wife. It was a night that celebrated two semesters of hard work. It won't be long until she will have another semester down and from the way things are looking, she hasn't budged on the Honor Roll. Providing everything goes well, she should graduate next December.

After that, she will do 21 months of clinicals.......and after that, she hopes to go into anesthesiology. Her goals are years in the making but as long as she has the energy and drive, I am more than happy to support her! Congratulations and keep up the good work!

BLAH-GING

2008-10-12T20:29:00.000-07:00

Blogging without pictures is BLAH-GING in my opinion. I really do not know when they will fix the problem so bear with my plain old rambles.

This week was tough. We spoke with John's Mom over the phone, but she is very, very weak and can only speak a few words. We are thankful when she told us that she has not had pain and is comfortable as can be at this time.

Whitley was a pill again this week and might soon be learning that her folks mean business. We sold her Guitar Hero on Craiglist because she lost a $25 school planner and a $15 thermos. Thankfully, it sold for $50 to cover the losses.

John had a big project at work this week that is labor intensive. While he was gone, some guys broke a machine that he had designed to pull off conveyor belts that are 6 ft. wide and as long as a football field; you can imagine how heavy those belts are. Since repair parts could not be brought in expeditiously, they are back to the old way, cuting the belt in 6 ft. sections for removal.

I had two tests this week and another coming up this Friday. Midterms are the following week. Come on Christmas; I am ready for this semester to be over with! Bear with me this semester as my blogging will continue to be minimal...especially since there are no pictures.

It has been a cold, foggy weekend and the snow just started to fall here at the house about an hour ago (8:30 pm), so October 12th makes our first official snowfall! I enjoy the change of seasons and the thing I appreciate about winter is that it makes us slow down a bit and spend time inside with our family.

Before you know, little kids will be knocking on your door for treats and Thanksgiving is coming just after that. May the season be safe and enjoyble!

Phi Theta Kappa

2008-10-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

Lots of great news! Last night I found out that I am officially going to be inducted to Phi Theta Kappa. The induction consists of a formal candlelighting ceremony that will celebrated with friends and family on October 15th at 5:30-7:00pm. With the news of my induction I received another academic scholarship of merit that reimbursed me for all my textbooks this year! I am rejoicing over God's provision and abundant blessings!

Another piece of great news is that Anesthesiology is once again, a contending area of study for me. I had recently ruled it out, as there are no schools for this discipline in Denver. However, I learned last Friday that there is a college that is just about to receive their accredidation to teach this area of study! I am so excited and I just can't believe how well things are working out!

It is always nice to have good news to share! I hope something made you smile today too!

NOT ABLE TO POST PICTURES

2008-10-01T15:26:00.001-07:00

Pictures are worth a thousand words. Good thing I post several every now and then or I'd be writing a book every few days.

Unfortunately, Blogger has redone many things on their site and I am currently not able to upload any pictures. A little thing called a widget is malfunctioning and they are working on correcting the problem.

In the meantime, please excuse my plain old ramblings. I have lots of neat pictures in store for the future!

Shaggy Manes and Morrels

2008-09-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

Main Steet and Morals.

Two words that are changing the finance backdrop of America.

I don't have the heart to incorporate the two into my blogging, the news stations are all over it right now.

So let's get our minds off the troubling realities for a moment and think...MUSHROOMS!

No, I'm not suggesting 60's and 70's counterculture revolution, I'm talking grab a frying pan, some crackers, a whole stick of butter and fry-these-babies-up-kind-of-mushrooms!

Back where I come from Morrels means "Mushrooming". Wet, wooded areas breath life to this particular delicacy. Springtime in Illinois means folks are up early battling the sting nettles for their fungi!

All around, stories about mushrooming are told in coffee shops and local watering holes. The stories of mushrooming in the Heartland are big as fish stories being told in Wisconsin! Just like a good fishing spot, not a soul will reveal thier caches of wild, edible mushrooms.

In the West, the word "Shaggy Mane" is substituted for "Morrel". And they really aren't a secret either, they are growing right in the middle of my backyard! Never seeing them before, I carelessly yanked them from the ground thinking I was warding off a vet bill or a dead dog. However, my neighbor stopped me and said, "Those mushrooms are delicious, have you ever had them?"

Well, no I haven't, but I guess it is high time to do so. So, I brought them into the house and scrubbed them up in the sink and left them on the counter to dry, and off I went to get Whitley from school.

Out of sight, out of mind is how my brain seems to function these days. I was on to another night of battling my pre-teen daughter about responsibility, smart mouthing her mother and homework. Agghhh...Whitley exasperates me! Then, John stops me. He is holding something in his hand and is half laughing.

"So this is how you're gonna fix her!"

I see that he thinks I've brought in poisonous mushrooms. We both start laughing.

No, it won't fix Whitley or Wall Street, but it very well may fix me for one evening as I salivate in the rich, deep fried butteriness of Shaggy Mane Mushrooms!

Study, Study, Study!

2008-09-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

Seems like there is no time to post these days. I see beautiful things with my eyes as I'm racing here and there and would love to take a picture and post it, but there never seems to be enough time to pause and do so. The leaves are just gorgeous this year (and turning earlier than usual too).

It seems that I study all the time. I am looking forward to mid December when I will get a break. Next semester should not be as hard, so there should be a little breathing room. How I wish I was smart enough to have done this when I was much younger.

Please forgive me for not having anything interesting to post; I'll try to do better. Talk to you later!

99, 94 and 4

2008-09-24T16:50:00.000-07:00

99, 94 & 4

Hmmm.....

The nunbers above are not the quick pick numbers for Powerball. They are not the highs and lows for Denver weather. They for sure are not my weight, but they do have some special meaning.

I received a 99% on my first History exam, a 94% on my first Anatomy & Physiology Practical and in just 4 hours, my husband returns home after being gone several weeks!!!!

These numbers are the makings of answered prayer and a really great week! Thanks for thinking of us! You are numeral uno - ONE!!!!!

Update

2008-09-16T22:13:00.000-07:00

Since I am without a camera I decided to scan the letter I received from Phi Theta Kappa today! Today's blog entry will explain a little bit more about it. You can click on the letter and it will enlarge!

John has been gone for one week now; only seven days remain until he is home. Despite one or two phone calls a day, I miss him greatly. His absence has caused me to pause and ponder many things. In so doing, I can't imagine what our military families go through for year-long deployments while their loved one is in harms way, or the pain of a widow(er)'s heart when they lose a spouse, or the thought of me still being single at 36. Marriage is truly a wonderful thing!

John's Mom was thrilled to see her entire family and he said there was definately a "sparkle" in her eye. She is in good Spirit and comfortable at this time. We are thankful that all her children could make it back to see her and enjoy her.

Whitey has had a good week in school. A lot of her friends asked her to run for student council president, but we concluded that it would take a lot of her time and rob her of her studies. For now, she is still taking dance:Jazz, Hip-Hop, Ballet and Poms. She is as limber as a noodle and is having a lot of fun with the classes. The top of her head is now up to my eyes now and I keep wondering where she will "top-out" at? When we doubled her height at 2 years, it came out to exactly my height 5'11''. She seems very comfortable with her height and it seems like girls are much taller these days, than in the years of my "gigantisism".

I am doing okay. I haven't posted any new pictures because John has the digital camera, so I had to use some "archives''. Sorry. Maybe he'll have some neat photos to post when he returns.

I think I will start to relax a bit after this week as I took my first history exam this past Monday and I have my first Anatomy and Physiology Practical this Friday. I feel very comfortable with the anatomical terminolgy, gross anatomy, mitosis and the 55 slides of tissue idenitfication. The last section I need to solidify in my mind is the Integumentary System (skin)....a very complex and fascinating system!!! I know I will start to relax after I learn how the professor's test and get a feeling how to better prepare for the exams.

Today, I received a letter from my school and invitation to join Phi Theta Kappa. Apparently after so many credit hours and semester of academic success, they invite you to join. The next step is to have a professor write a referral. My Human Growth and Development teacher told me she would be happy to write something for me. If I am inducted, then I must not fall below a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) at any time. From there, it my understanding that the top three would then graduate with Honors and could qualify for additional scholarship opportunitites. It's a lofty long term goal and it is very competitive so I am just taking it one day at a time and asking God to give me the strength to do this. As long as I have my health and my family's blessing and support, then I hope to see it through. If the BIG plan works, I will still have another 6 years of schooling. If at any time, it seems like it too much for the family than I still have a great launching point in the medical field. So far though, I am just absoutely in awe of God's miraculaous creation of LIFE!!!!

THE FOG

2008-09-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

Today it is foggy again. It came in quickly from the valley below and in minutes, the house was enveloped in a haze. It's a good day to stay inside and enjoy a strong cup of coffee. Ahhhhh.....cheers; let's blog!

*Fog is a cloud that is in contact with the ground. Fog is defined as cloud which reduces visibility to less than 1 km, whereas mist is that which reduces visibility to less than 2 km.
The foggiest place in the world is the Grand Banks off the island of Newfoundland, Canada. Fog is frequent there as the Grand Banks is the meeting place of the cold Laborador Current from the north and the much warmer Gulf Stream from the south. The foggiest land areas in the world are Point Reyes, CA and Newfoundland, both with over 200 foggy days a year.

*Fog forms when the difference between temperature and depoint is 5 °F (2.8 °C) or less.
Fog begins to form when water vapor(a colorless gas) condenses into tiny liquid water droplets in the air. Conversely, water vapor is formed by the evaporation of liquid water or by the sublimation of ice. Since water vapor is colorless, it is actually the small liquid water droplets that are condensed from it that make water suspended in the atmosphere visible in the form of fog or any other type of cloud.

*Fog normally occurs at a relative humidity near 100%. This can be achieved by either adding moisture to the air or dropping the ambient air temperature. Fog can form at lower humidities, and fog can sometimes not form with relative humidity at 100%. A reading of 100% relative humidity means that the air can hold no additional moisture and the air will then become supersaturated if additional moisture is added.

*Fog formation does require all of the elements that normal cloud formation requires with the most important being condensation nuclei. When the air is saturated, additional moisture tends to condense rather than stay in the air as vapor. Condensation nuclei must be present in the form of dust, aeresols, pollutants, etc. for the water to condense upon. When there are exceptional amounts of condensation nuclei present, especially hydroscopic (water seeking such as salt) then the water vapor may condense below 100% relative humidity.

*Fog reduces visibility and thus contributes to accidents, particularly with modes of transportation. Today, I had less thatn two car link of visibility. Notable examples of accidents due to fog include the July 28, 1945 crash of a B-25 Mitchell into the empire State Building, and the July 25, 1956 collision of the ocean liners: SS andrea Doria and the MS Stockholm.

*taken from WIKIPEDIA

A POEM: (I found this poem online; beautiful)

The Breathing - by Denise Levertrov

An absolute patience.

Trees stand up to their knees in fog.

The fog slowly flows uphill.

White cobwebs, the grass leaning where deer have looked for apples.

The woods from brook to where the top of the hill looks over the fog,

send up not one bird.

So absolute,

it is no other than happiness itself,

a breathing too quiet to hear.

VACATIONS

2008-09-10T19:09:00.000-07:00

Cruises are great ways to have fun for all the family; mom and dad time and play areas for kids. Food, entertainment, lodging and excursion were GREAT! Vactions do not have to be far or budget buster. The Gateway Arch in St. Loius is fantastic!

Enjoy other people's art on vacation. This Chihuley glass chandalier is owned by Steve Wynn, owner and designer of the BELLAGIO.

You do not have to "SIN" in Las Vegas. We stayed at the beautiful Bellagio Hotel and had a fatastic family vacation. The drive through Utah is gorgeous, for starts. In Vegas, we enjoyed the fountains and pools at the Bellagio, as well as their Cirque de Soile' show entitled "O".

Other family stops included the Hoover Dam, Maddame Tussaud's Wax Museum, a gondola ride at the Venetian hotel, IMAX 3-D at the Luxor and amusement rides and sculpting at Circus Circus.

Vacations are good. They create lasting memories, enrich our minds, broaden friendships, give us rest, and somehow make us appreciate home more than ever, after we return.

Vaction seemed like a fitting word to blog about today. My parents just returned from a 10 day trip that started in Spokane, Washington, continued down Hwy 101 into the Redwood Forest, back to Spokane and commenced in Illinois. It has been neat hearing their stories, the memories they made and the explicit beauty that beheld from each destination.

No sooner than I could say EXPEDIA.COM, I found myself leafing through old photos (when I should have been studying) and dreaming of my next travel destination. Hmmm...what sounds good? Maui? Turkey? Greece? At this point anything; anything to escape the flood of medical terms and history dates spinning in my head. The Carribbean? Greenland? Ireland?

The next thing I know, Whitley is asking me an Algebra problem.

"Huh? What day is it?", I said.

"Mom are you alright?", Whitley asked.

The truth is, I'm not sure I am. Twenty three minutes had just ticked by and I can not account for one second of it.

I sighed heavily and took a glance at the calendar; only 13 weeks of school left until break.

I exhaled, again.

"I can do this, " I said to myself.

"I know," I said back, "these old photos will have to suffice for now".

So, I uploaded and pasted and thought I would share a few old photos.....,

just in case,

you too,

were in need of a VACATION!

I LOVE QUILTS!!!

2008-09-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

I just love quilts. The patterns, textures and color schemes are endless. I especially value each stitch of love that goes into them or the wonderful circles of conversation and laughter that occur around them while they are being created. The Amish are masters of this craft as they usually use 8-12 stitches per inch! Recently, I have been looking at a quilt with a fall color scheme in it. I thought I would share a few that I found and you will notice a resemblence in each of the color schemes.

So far in my search, my favorite is called PRAIRE STAR APPLIQUE. You may have noticed it on our blog header.

This is so wintery looking. It is called EDGE STAR MEDALLION

This is my second most "fave" one on my wish list. It is called, BLUE AND GOLD BLOOMING STAR

This quilt is called the AMISH PAPER BAG

The Grumbling Blogger

2008-09-09T08:08:00.000-07:00

If this blog was like a paid subscription to a newspaper, you'd be saying, "I want a refund!" I'm afraid my frequent posts will exist on a subsistant level. I am totally overwhelmed by the new semester. For the first time in 20 years, I'm having "breakouts" on my face. As I look in the mirror, blemishes are everywhere like a dot-to-dot. So I took my eyeliner pencil and tried to connect all those red dots and here is what it spelled: S-T-R-E-S-S!!!

In two weeks I've read about 700 pages worth of information, of which about 400 is committed to memory. Maybe in my next life I'll be an actress, since I'm becoming so good at memorizing...or atleast after my complexion clears up!

My history class content is easy but the quantity of work is gruelling. In two weeks we have had 8 tests, our normal reading, a supplemental book from a booklist with a 5 page report due later, A 7 page paper on the relations between natives and Europeans as it relates to the 1600's, attended the "Ancient Voices" exhibit (on my own time) at the Colorado History Museum, followed by a 6 page report on that!

The next class is Anatomy and Physiology...more memorization! My short term memory is on OVERLOAD!! It too has a generous amount of reading and for the first practical I've done 90 pages worth of written labs and have had my head under a microscope for hours on end memorizing tissues, muscles, blood, bone and all the minute parts!

Yes, I'm grumbling...what did you want for free???? (smile)

So, I will keep trying and try to modify my work strategies to get more efficient so I can ummm.....post positive blogs;that's the ticket!

I take John to the airport tomorrow at a time when you should be sleeping instead watching tarmacks speed by your side window. Whitley is staying at a friend's tonight, becaue there is no way I could get to three different places on oppposite ends of the world in two hours. John will be gone for two weeks visiting his Mom.

It has been cold here. As my dear friend Marlene says, "We are in the Brrrrr-Months: SeptemBrrrrr, OctoBrrrr, NovemBrrr..etc". The autumn fog rolls in and out. The heater has been running for the last few days. Today, the sun is supposed to break out with temps. in the low 70's. Autumn is my favorite time of year but I think I'm still in post-seasonal denial.

Well, that's it for the Rocky Mtn. Ramblers. Hope things are great on your end of the fiber optic connection! Talk to you later!

Lessons in History

2008-09-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

To round out my associates degree, I needed one history course to complete all my electives. Thinking it would be a piece of cake, I signed up for AMERICAN HISTORY 202. My preconceived ideas was that it was going to be about memorizing amendments and various battles and peoples of importance. However, as I course the pages of history once again, in my late thirties, I am starting see more than just the bits and pieces, but the sum total, the "big picture" of all these little dates and facts.

I was particulary overwhelmed by a passage from the 1500's. I wanted to share a section of the book I'm reading called THE AMERICAN PROMISE-A History of the United States-4th Edition, James L. Roaork, Michael P. Johnson, Patricia Cline Cohen, Sarah Stage, Alan Lawson, Susan M. Hartman, Copyright 2009.

"Both Charles V and Phillip II fought wars through out the world during the 16th century. Mexican silver funneled throught the royal treasury into the hands of military suppliers, soldiers and sailors wherever in the world Spanish forces fought. New World treasure was dissipated in military adventures that served the goals of the monarchy but did little to benefit most Spaniards.

In a sense, American wealth made the Spanish monarchy too rich and too powerful among the states of Europe since it fueled grandiose Spanish ambitions. The ambitions of Charles V and Phillip II were so great that the expenses of constant warfare far outstripped the revenues arriving from New Spain. To help meet military expenditures, both kings raised taxes in Spain more than fivefold during the 16th century. Since the nobility, by far the wealthiest class, was exempt from taxation, the burdensome new taxes fell mostly on poor peasants. The ambitions of the monarchy impovershed the vast majority of Spain's population and brought the nation to the brink of bankruptcy. When taxes failed to produce enough revenue to fight its wars, the monarchy borrowed heavily from European bankers. By the end of the 16th century, interest payemnts on royal debts swallowed two-thirds of the crown's annual revenues. In retrospect, the riches from New Spain proved a short-term blessing but a long term curse."

Wow! I could not get over the similarities between our present day situation. I thought our country taught history to avoid making the same mistakes!?! As King Solomon said, "There is nothing new under the sun." He was so right having only few years of history to reflect on.

May we ponder these painful lessons as we vote and make choices for the future of America. May God have mercy on us.

Crossroads Bulldog Backers

2008-08-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening. The sun slowly sank down behind the beautiful Rocky Mountains and a gentle breeze floated across the stadium. The thermometer read a comfortable 78 degrees and at precisely 7 pm, the referee blew the whistle for kickoff!

As you looked across the field to the opposing team, only a few faithful parents were there to cheer their kids on. Our side would have looked much the same , but recently our church felt led to support a local high school. Together, we had Bulldog Backer T-shirts made and rallied 500 people from our parish to cheer the Arvada Bulldogs on! Our side was a sea of red!

But we didn't stop there. We raised $12,000 in two weeks to buy them new uniforms for the first time in 15 years, we purchased new basketballs for the girls' team, we donated backpacks and supplies for over 60 students and over 140 people signed up to tutor kids at the high school.

Why? Because sometimes the mission field starts at home. This football team had not won a game in two years, attendance was at nearly zero, their uniforms were mismatched and it seemed that no one cared.

The church is called to be a city that shines on a hill, to be a light in dark times, and with the economy, it does seem dark indeed. We are to model Christ's love and be a father to the fatherless. We decided that this was an opportunity for God's love to shine, to love the unloveable, the undesired, and so......,

we drove,

and cheered,

and clapped

and encouraged

kids we had never met before.

And guess what happened????

THE BULLDOGS WON,

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2 YEARS

42-0!!!!!!

Answer to the Mystery Object

2008-08-28T11:40:00.000-07:00

Much to my relief, the local fire department honored my calm, cool, collected phone call and did not arrive with all the "bells and whistles". The Fire Marshall put on safety gloves, examined te device posted yesterday and gave his verdict:

The odd item lying in my backyard is a "pipe tester' used to test a 4 inch diameter pipe for leaks. The projection at the end of the object is an air nozzle that allows the bulbous part of the device to be inflated and/or deflated with air.

The tester is placed inside a pipe, inflated, the pipe is filled with water and is then observed for leaks. After the test is complete, the device is deflated and removed.

How it made it into our back yard is beyond me, but it has been removed, placed in the trash and the "all clear" signal has been given.

What is It??????

2008-08-26T08:20:00.001-07:00

This morning I let the dog out and noticed this unusual sight lying in the yard.

I have a nitch for identifying body parts but this sort of thing is out of my realm and my husband, who is a mechanic, is not here to settle the question.

What is it?

Is it space junk that fell from the sky?

Is it a tractor part from neighbor's tractor?

Or is it a bomb? With that thought circling my mind, I decided not to touch it and either call the police to look at it or let John look at it when he gets home from work.

Take a guess in the comment section and I'll let you know, if/when we find out.

Hitting the Books Again

2008-08-26T08:06:00.001-07:00

What can $700 buy today?

Here are some ideas:

4 weeks worth of groceries for a family of 3,

2 airline tickets from Colorado to Pennsylvania with a 10 day notice,

6 tanks of gas if you drive an Escalade,

a small flat screen TV on sale (minus the cable bill),

the annual salary of 3 people in Ethiopia,

the cost to build 1/10 of a church in the mission fields

BUT,

in the United States of America, this is what it cost for JUST THE TEXTBOOKS to attend THREE CLASSES at a COMMUNITY COLLEGE!!! THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE TUITION!!!

Is it any wonder that the disparity between the rich and the poor is getting bigger and bigger each day?

Someone's Birthday List

2008-08-24T23:57:00.000-07:00

71 days from now, someone has a birthday. That someone could be anyone under 16, 18 0r 21 but probably not anyone over 22! After 21, most of us like to "forget" our birthdays until dementia takes care of it for us, and we actually do forget!

I found an anonymous "Birthday Wish List" by my computer this evening. I wonder who could have written it?

The first wish on the list was...an ELEMENT SK8 Board. (Hmmm....Is John's inner child thrill seeking?)

Next, SIMS 2: University, Free Time, Pets, Apartment Life (any or all) (Or is this something on Jamie's supplemental college list?)

Third, HOT DIGGITY DOGS. They are little resin collectible dachshunds that are in a variety of costumes and are very cute. (Did Goosebumps leave the birthday wish list?)

and last on the list...., $MONEY$ to buy a laptop.

Hmmmm..who could this someone be???? One does have to wonder who this someone is because you all know that Jamie is 20 and John is 21, and my step-mom is eternally 39!!! (right Val?)

As I glance at the calendar I see that August is nearly over and November is just two months away. I conclude that John has his computer and I have mine and finally deduce that our soon-to-be 12-year-old is dropping us a "subtle" hint.

Ahhh, thank goodness for birthday lists. I was beginning to fear that I was actually going to have to turn 22 this year!

Another Snip to the Apron Strings

2008-08-24T23:17:00.001-07:00

She's packed and off and running, AGAIN! A year ago, this was a big deal, but this year she is ready to go...no tears, no anxiety, and if the truth be known, she's probably excited to break away from us for a week.

The Middle School kids will be heading up to Granby,CO for a week of fun, team-building and educational studies. They will be doing activities like horseback riding, swimming and some community service projects as well!

We're amazed at how quickly Whit is growing up and how independant she is becoming. In just 9 more months, she will be taking her biggest trip yet ...to Sea Camp for marine biological studies. While there, she will do lab work with whales, dolphins, squid, octopus and a variety of marine life on Catalina Island. From there, she will snorkel and venture off the coast of Mexico for more inter-coastal exploration! All of this, without Mom and Dad!

The steps are so gradual through the years: the first time you can leave them alone in the yard unattended, the first time they can cross the road by themselves, or ride their bikes alone around the block and now trips out of the state/country with her school! Like it or not, the days come and they tug to break away.

They say that the lacerations that tear are prone to infection and disfigured healing, but the nice clean cuts heal the best. With that in mind, I decided I'll sharpen my Fiskars and add another snip to the apron strings. It is bittersweet, but I can clearly see that she is ready. All I have left to say is, "Look out world; here she comes!!!!"

The Fox and the Hound

2008-08-24T11:33:00.001-07:00

As I've shared before, our yard is like an animal crossing. On any given day you can spot elk, black bear, mountain lions, foxes, birds, raptors, voles, rabbits and the list goes on!

About 6 months ago, we were coming home late at night and our headlights caught the most unusual sight! A red fox and uh.......dog? A coyote? A wolf?

The answer was a fox..., a GreyFox! But this grey fox was almost black, not red and a hint of grey, like you see in field guides.

The Grey Fox has become like a neighborhood pet. A few months ago he introduced us to his lady friend who is equally grey but has a white tip on her tail! Genetics is so fascinating! Anyway, my neighbor Bud, feeds the foxes frozen chicken strips and we throw out the heels of our bread loaves to them. They come like clock-work for their supplements and they are not longer skiddish when they see us. The other day, I beheld the funniest sight. I am so sad that I did not have my camera handy. Here were three foxes and Goosebumps, our Dachshund, running in circles around the house!!! At first, I thought they were setting up Goosebumps to turn on her and eat her for dinner, but they didn't, they just ran round and round, like they were filming a Disney movie! Perhaps someone, long before me, had this visual that inspired them to produce, THE FOX AND THE HOUND! Regardless, I for one, found this version, quite entertaining! Although I was not able to film the great chase, my neighbor did manage to get our Grey Fox to pose for the wonderful shot up above. Hope you enjoy!

It Takes a Village

2008-08-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

Last semester, I once again enrolled in an Honors Biology class. A requirement for the course was to do a thesis on anything related to Botany or Natural Selection.

In light of the devastating beetle kill to both Colorado and Canadian forests, I decided to study the Lodgepole Pine infestation.

Aside from the research, I was also required to perform 30 hours of community service related to the project. I fulfilled this requirement by setting up collection cans throughout the community to raise money to purchase fire resistant trees that would begin a reforestation program for Colorado. In truth, I was overwhelmed by the workload and knew that this was bigger than one person; it was going to take somnething bigger than me!

The eight little collection cans raised a humble $99.45; not bad for loose change over a few weeks time! But the miracle began to occur like it did with the story of the "fishes and loaves" and before I knew it, Whitley's school was involved, the YMCA of the Rockies and then the US Forest Service!

The catalyst that started exponential change is when I learned that Whitley's school was taking a trip to the YMCA of the Rockies the second week of school. I heard that their science teacher, Mr. Bryant, wanted to do something related to the Lodgepole pine beetle. So, I got with him, explained that I had just done some research on this and could I help?

"Could I help!", he exclaimed. The school trip had been put together in a matter of days as a trip normally taken later in the year, had been changed. He had been trying to get resources pulled together, but knew they would not arrive in time. My work was an answered prayer!

In turn, Mr. Bryant was my answered prayer as I was in need of utilizing this money and completing my community service hours. Mr. Bryant had a lead on wholesale trees and estimated he would be able to purchase not a hundred, but one thousand trees with our humble change!!! WOW!!! I could hardly believe it! So, I wrote a check to the YMCA of the Rockies, which coincidentally sits right next to the US Reforestation Grid in Granby, CO!!!! Mr. Bryant and the school plan to pass on the funds, where the trees will then be purchased and 1,000 new trees will then be replanted at this beautiful facility that has provided healthy activities, both physically and spiritually, for almost a century!

In a day and age where the value of the dollar is shrinking, who would think that a bunch of pennies could make a difference? In truth, it probably wouldn't, but with God NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!!!! Truly, it takes Him and a village!

A Poem for my Mother-In-Law

2008-08-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

You became my other mother, the day I wed your son,

And I just want to thank you Mom for the lovely things you have done.

You raised in love the gracious man , with whom I share my life,

You are his lovely mother, and I his lucky wife.

Lazy Daisies

2008-08-14T23:27:00.000-07:00

After a record stretch of 52 days over 90 degrees and a new high record of 105 degrees, Denver has finally cooled off and has been receiving some much needed rain!

Tonight however, the weather is supposed to turn even cooler and tomorrow the high is 42 degrees! There is even a chance of snow for the higher elevations (above 10K ft.)!

My last set of annuals (white shasta daisies) bloomed last week, Whitley has 4 days of summer break left, the first school meeting was tonight and tomorrow I take Whit to middle school to meet her advisor and to arrange her locker. I start back to school on the 25th and from there, I would say we are off and running for another action packed 9 months.

It's hard to believe that there are only 4 more "lazy daisies" of summer.

Putting the ZZZZZZZ's in ZEBRA

2008-08-14T23:21:00.000-07:00

Well, our case of the missing zebra has been solved! Today, it magically arrived by UPS along with the beaded curtain we purchased to finish Whitley's closet. The zebra has been caught, the project is done and we can all catch some ZZZZZ's!!!!

Pray for our Military

2008-08-13T23:09:00.000-07:00

The war in Iraq had raged for many years now. At the start of the conflict, I must admit that I did not know of anyone personally, who was serving in the war. The closet person I could connect with was my cousin Morris Blakey (my Dad's nephew/A. Joyce & U. Pork/wife Amy and 3 precious children), who served in the first Desert Storm in 1990, as a Special Force Marine.

In this war, over 4,100 US military have lost their lives and the armed forces are scrambling to fill those vacancies.

Another "Blakey", Nick (my Cousin Grant's son) will soon be deployed to the desert. We have also learned that my cousin Randy Joe Nichols (my late great A. Ruth's and U. Nick's son/wife Heather and kids), who has been with the National Guard for over 20 years, is being deployed to Afghanistan.

I pray for all the people who have caught in the middle of this awful conflict and specifically today for Nick, Randy and their families.

I also pray for those who are wounded, who are grieving the loss of loved ones, and for those who deal with the mental anguish and post traumatic stress of war. May God wrap His loving arms around each one of these souls and may all be comforted, healed and protected.

God bless each one of you, including your families, for your sacrifice!

2008 Miss World Festival Queen

2008-08-13T22:58:00.000-07:00

There are some things that stay in a family; Granny's cookie jar, Aunt Ruth's recipe for snickerdoodles, old photos, a quilt and the like.

Another part of the legacy I find interesting, is that we have another "queen" in the family tree. In 1988, I was crowned Miss Stark County Queen and here, 20 years later, a new family member takes reign! My cousin, Jordan Milroy (my step-mom's niece) was crowned the 2008 World Festival Queen.

The picture shows her calling her friend on her cell phone. Her friend was the person who encouraged her to do the pageant in the first place.

Jordan is 16 years old and will be a Senior this year year. She is President of her class and part of the National Honor Society. Her parents are Shane & Jill Milroy.

Congratulations Jordan!

The Case of the Missing Zebra

2008-08-08T11:16:00.000-07:00

This is Whitley's new room (minus the zebra bedding). We had a lot of fun recycling items from our house to give her a new look. The night stand belonged to John & I's bedroom set; we painted it white and the hardware silver. The lamp she had from before, but I used fabric paint to paint the lamp shade black. The bed frame we used for guests and I simply made a bed skirt and tacked it around the perimeter. The headboard we made for $50. We cut down wafer board to size, I used the memory foam from her old twin bed and then covered in white faux leather and accented it with 8 buttons. The little mirrors I used on my 10th anniversary under candles, so I used some double stick tape to attach them.

This is what we call "Fish Art". For $4o we purchased a board, three fish bowls, 3 betas, black rock, plants and then made the shelves for them to sit on. The wicker chair in the background I had for 12 year so we painted it white and dyed the cushion black. We still need a hot pink accent pillow. Not pictured is her desk we got FREE off of Craigslist last year, and we changed the paint from antique white to pure white and painted the handles silver too.

Calling all detectives and mystery sleuths! This is as close as it gets to being a Nancy Drew or Sherlock Holmes. It seems that our zebra bedding is MISSING!

I called the company today in California and they have no clue what has happened. There is no tracking number, yet our order is still in the system...., and has been for two weeks.

The customer service representatives said at best she could reorder and they would arrive sometime after the 18th. (sigh)

So, in the meantime, all you clue-searching-sleuths can be on the look-out for a zebra striped, queen sized duvet cover and two pillow shams!

This could be your opportunity to convince your spouse that you need that trip to South Africa or exotic vacation you been dreaming of, while being a vital part in.....,

THE CASE OF THE MISSING ZEBRA!!!

Tutti Frutti Wall meets Cool Quirky Closet

2008-08-03T21:29:00.000-07:00

After three days, Whitley's room is now painted: three crisp white walls accented by an accent wall with a paint color called "Tutti Frutti" and one cool, quirky closet! The closet is finally so organized that we are wondering if we should put the door back on?

Tomorrow, the frame of her bed goes in, while we still wait for the zany zebra striped duvet cover and shams to arrive via UPS. The to-do list still includes painting an old night stand white, making a white faux-leather upholstered headboard, sewing a bed skirt and valance and spray painting these metal do-thingys (that she hangs pictures on w/ magnets), black!

It has been interesting watching her sort through 12 years of "stuff" that she arranged into four distinct piles titled: 1- Baby-ish-stuff-going-to-Goodwill 2-Things-to-keep-in-the-new-room 3- Memory-things-to-put-away-in-a-safe-spot and of course, 4-Garbage! It was fun looking at special tiny baby outfits that we saved, an old lullaby CD, vacation souvenirs, special items grandparents have given her and even a collection of rocks (yes, as in geological fragments).

I still am feeling great, although I feel a little worn out as I post this blog entry so I will probably take tomorrow off and get back to doing my part on Tuesday before I turn into a Tutti Frutti patient who has overdone it! Ta-ta for now!

The Good Patient and the 102 Degree Temperature

2008-08-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

This is Whit & the closet that needs finished in the background This is the drywall patch John has put in place and now they are priming the walls for white paint

THE STORY OF THE GOOD PATIENT AND THE 102 DEGREE TEMP.:

Are you joking???

Well yes...,

and no.

I am being a very good patient, but my thermometer reads 102 degrees today. However, I am not talking about the thermometer you put in my ear, but rather, the thermometer outside.

So here we are at home, ceiling fans swirling on high and the sounds of an old Amy Grant CD floating through the hot, balmy air.

I have spent the day writing thank you and e-mailing and John and Whit have started the project in Whitley's room.

You are probably thinking we never sit still, and in truth, your thinking is correct. We do enjoy putting around the house and we especially enjoy the projects that are low budget and only last a day or two. This project started because Whitley has never had a finished closet so it high time, (now that she is wearing a size 2/3 women's pants), to do so! We sold her twin beds as she has been wanting a queen sized and we were wanting a matress upgrade. We also needed to patch a whole in the wall where John installed a ceiling fan/overhead light earlier this summer and so she lucks out and gets new paint as well. I'm planning to make her an upholstered button pleated headboard as soon as I get to lift a little more than my present restriction allows. She plans to get a black and white zebra stripped comforter that will accent her one hot pink wall color entitled "Tutti Frutti" and the rest of the walls are white. It seems like a fitting choice for a girl who loves animals and modern decor!

I truly feel this is the last project for quite some time. It is hard to believe that we are beyond sunshine yellow walls, picket fences and flowers and we have now reached a mature bedroom. I so enjoyed that time doing her room for her but it is just as nice to see her personality shine through as well. When it is all done, and I am all healed, it will be just what the doctor ordered!

Surgery Success!

2008-07-31T10:25:00.000-07:00

Surgery went really well and I have experienced no pain whatsoever. I have only taken motrin (even in the hospital) and am now just taking the motrin to reduce swelling and inflammation, rather than for pain. I am amazed at how great I feel now and how in 3 days I have went from looking 4 months pregnant, back to my normal self; YEAH!!!

The tumor was a little over 4 inches in diameter and now is believed to be a cyst of some sort. A pathologist was called into the OR as it was filled with this "gross, yucky honey dijon mustard sunstance" as my doctor put it. They are running test on it now to make sure it is not cancerous. The pathologist did not feel upon initial observation that it was.

I would have been home in less than 24 hours, but my bladder/kidneys took some time to wake up, so I was released later on Tuesday afternoon.

I have been blessed by all your prayers, your good thoughts, phone calls, visits, flowers and meals. It has made the process go so smooth and has been a big help to me and my family. I am touched by your love and support! Thank you so much!

July 23-26th

2008-07-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

Phew! It has been hot and hectic! Wednesday I went to work, then drove into town to radiology to get a new picture of my "melon" (tumor). I came home, made dinner and started studying for my final exam for the following day. I felt a bit stressed as I had absolutely no time to prepare with the onset of two additional doctor's appts. this week, that I did not anticipate.

The cause for the additional appts. is because of a condition called (MH) Malignant Hyperthermia. Eight years ago, I had a very rough time with the anesthesia and it required 4 extra days in the hospital. I pasted Wikilpedia's definition that should help explain this "lay-terms": Malignant hyperthermia (MH or MHS for "malignant hyperthermia syndrome", or "malignant hyperpyrexia due to anaesthesia") is a rare life-threatening condition that is triggered by exposure to certain drugs used for general anaesthesia (specifically all volatile anaesthetics), nearly all gas anaesthetics, and the neuromuscular blocking agent succinylcholine. In susceptible individuals, these drugs can induce a drastic and uncontrolled increase in skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism which overwhelms the body's capacity to supply oxygen, remove carbon dioxide, and regulate body temperature, eventually leading to circulatory collapse and death if not treated quickly.

Susceptibility to MH is often inherited as an autosomal dominant disorder, for which there are at least 6 genetic loci of interest,[1] most prominently the ryanodine receptor gene (RYR1). MH susceptibility is phenotypically and genetically related to central core disease (CCD), an autosomal dominant disorder characterized both by MH symptoms and myopathy. MH is usually unmasked by anesthesia, or when a family member develops the symptoms. There is no simple, straightforward test to diagnose the condition. When MH develops during a procedure, treatment with dantrolene sodium is usually initiated; dantrolene and the avoidance of anesthesia in susceptible people have markedly reduced the mortality from this condition.

And so, for this surgery, and here on out, I need to be AWAKE! Monday, I drove to the hospital and went to a Clinical Anesthesiology for a lengthy pre-op consult. We discussed how/if Whitley should be tested and determined the type of block they plan to use in my spine and how it would be similar to a woman having a "C-section". The tumor is not the size of a melon, just a smidge under 9 cm., but the condition has caused my uterus to swell to the size of someone who is 12 (+) weeks pregnant and so that is why I call it my "melon". The plan is to take do a complete hysterectomy Monday morning. I will be in the hospital for two days at the most, and then will come home to recover for several weeks. John will be home with me for the bulk of that time and I just learned that my Dad is driving out as well!

Medical issues did not stop my finals from coming and so I went in and did my best on Thursday. I am not sure what my grade is yet and there was a section that was difficult. Hopefully my other tests scores were strong enough to absorb the final if I didn't do so hot.

We have tons of extra kiddos running around the house. We had a little girl from the West coast for two days and two little girls from the East coast on and off for a month. On any given day there can be 9 other kids here, so the summer has went really fast for Whitley and she has had a blast with all her friends.

Friday, my sister Amanda had surgery on her back and I am told she is doing well from the procedure. I am so thankful for answered prayer.

A thousand miles away, Whitley and I scrambled to purchase school clothes and supplies as I don't see myself doing any power shopping in the next two weeks after surgery. I still am in awe of how expensive things are with my wee little family of three and I just don't know how these big families do it these days. Just school supplies alone were $160!!!! and trust me, I did the 44 cent pencils and 50 cent reams of paper. We got off for $140 with clothes as 1/2 of her clothes still fit. We have two more hits before school starts: $390 for registration and $890 that needs to be paid for SEA CAMP (science trip to San Diego/marine Biology). I guess this is how they warm up everyone for the BIG checks you write when they are in college,right?

Today it is still early and we already have one neighbor kid here. The two girls from NY left at 8:30 am. I just got off the phone with my Dad and he is over halfway here! My sister is supposed to be checked out of the hospital today and head home.

I stil have a few things to get around before surgery on Monday morning. I'll sign off for now, and hopefully, be back up blogging in a week or so!

John is "THAI-ING" One On at 50!!!

2008-07-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my dear husband of almost 14 years! Today, July 22nd marks his 5oth birthday! WOW! Who can believe that a half a century could fly by so quickly?!?!?

Today, John is off from work (he is still on vacation) and he has been at home most of the day, relaxing at home. He did take Whitley to dance for me as I had school today. He came home to many well wishes on the phone and a mailbox full of cards.

Last night, we had some old friends and neighbors over for a dinner of: Salmon, red peppers, avocado, couscous, parslied carrots, a bottle of Pinot Nior and Key lime Pie!! We had a great time of fellowship with everyone!

This evening we are going to try a new THAI restaraunt as a birthday treat for John. I have 3 places to choose from, all with great reviews, and surely one is bound to be nice! If you recall from a previous post, John's sister and family turned us on to THAI food when we were in Scottsdale over Spring Break and we have been craving it ever since!

Our friend Christi recently introduced us to Kettle Cooked THAI Potato Chips. If you like THAI food, or think you would like to try it, the picture posted is of the chips so you can easily identify them in the store. They do have a little "heat" that kicks in after you have eaten about three of them.

And so....., bring on the curry, the cumin, the coconut and all the other wonderful spices of the far East.....John is "THAI-ING" one on for his 50th!!!

THE BARBER FAMILY FOUNDATION MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

2008-07-20T13:40:00.001-07:00

Well, the long awaited day in July has come! Yesterday I received, via mail, the congratulatory news of a full scholarship for the entire 2008-2009 school year!

Long ago, back in late February, early April, I had to compose a 900 word essay. I know, you're all laughing, knowing that a 900 word essay would be a piece of cake, since you all know how much I like to talk!! Truly that was the easy part and the rest was the waiting. I was surprised to see that the majority of scholarships were given on the basis of need, but that there were only a few that were given on merit.

With God all things are possible, even when things seem improbable, and I am grateful to be awarded THE BARBER FAMILY FOUNDATION MERIT SCHOLARSHIP. With all the competition, there are certainly a lot of deserving and qualified students who were equivocally deserving of this gift, so I just feel very humbled and blessed to be the recipient of such a generous scholarship!

My thanks go to Mr. & Mrs. Barber, who created this scholarship in 1994. Their daughter Cathy, was a graduate from the school I am presently attending. Mr. Barber has been on the RRCC Foundation Board of Directors since 1996. He is an accomplished wildlife photographer and a world class glider pilot. He and his wife are strong proponents of education and wish to give RRCC students the opportunity to pursue their educational goals.

I am excited to meet this family and express my personal thanks to them! In the interim, the foundation gave all recipients the donors' addresses so that we can begin our relationship with a deserving letter of thanks!

It is easy for me, at times, to get dismayed about the economy and wrapped up in all the negative news events, but today I have been reminded that it's never to late in life, even being thirty something, to reach our dreams! Truly, America is still a great land of opportunity! With some dedication, hard work and folks like the Barber's, success is more attainable!

Wisconsin's Most Wanted List

2008-07-13T16:09:00.000-07:00

NO, we are not talking about cows and cheese curds. We are talking about DRAGONFLIES!!!

Say what???

You heard me.

Apparently these dragonflies have MOOOOved from Wisconsin and now they are all the BUZZZZ at the Samuels' house. Here's the story:

Leave it to Whitley to try and nurse any animal back to health. You name it, we have had it here at our Wildlife Refuge..., I mean house. Yes, we have had bats, woodpeckers, saw whet owls, a fox with a broken leg, a salmander with an amputated tail, snakes that apparently weren't slitthering fast enough for my daughter's hands, mud puppies and the like.

Yesterday's featured rescue was a Dragonfly. Of course this not just any old dragonfly; this is the Aeshnidae, aka. "Darners".

Need a Biology translation in English?

No problem; I can help!

In short, we are dealing with a dragonfly. In a taxonomic classification system, the family in which this particular dragonfly belongs to is the Aeshnidae. The order is Odonata. The taxaniomic system simply lumps and splits things together. Basically, it states how plants and animals are alike...and how they are different.

This dragonfly is about 4 inches long. It is the largest dragonfly in the US!!!! It's body shape looks like a sewing needle as the abdomen thins directly below the thorax. Hence the common name "Darner", like a darning needle.

Other indicators are that their eyes touch at the top middle of their heads, their wings are clear with the exception of a small stigma (mark) on the tops side of the wing. Males are more blue and females are more blue green. This dragonfly is closely related to the "Libelluloide" aka the "Emerald". The only difference is the "Emerald" is, you guessed it, emerald green!

After doing some research, we confirmed with certainty that we have a "Darner". No, make that a sick and injured Darner.

The Darners flight patterns occur 20% in July, 40% in Aug., and 40% in Sept. We read that in Wisconsin, this Dragonfly has been placed on their "Most Wanted" list as the numbers and information about them have depleted in recent years.

How great! Our own little field zoologist/biologist, Whitley Samuels, was going to provide the State of Wisconsin with some much needed information about "Darner" and how we are now seeing them in the Wild West Rockies of Colorado. Oh happy day!

Until today, that is.....

The "Darner" has expired!!! Flatlined, croaked, keeled over, DEAD!!!

And so, today we led a funeral march to the beat of an old Folgers can with our beloved Darner, entombed in ZIPLOC container to our very own Pet Cemetary. The colorful Darner now joins the remains of a red headed woodpecker, a robin (both of which crashed into our 25 ft. window) and a hamster. (sniff sniff)

And so the Darner will continue to be on Wisconsin's Most wanted list, and off the list Whitley most wanted....., to rescue an animal from the wild.

However, all is not vain; she tried her best while adding some information to her zoological repetoire' to boot!

County Roof Inspector Gives us a SURPRISE!!!

2008-07-12T21:39:00.001-07:00

The county roof inspector popped in for a "mid-roof inspection" and John passed with flying colors!

He and the inspector chatted for a bit and he told John it wasn't necessary to do the other side since it had south west exposure and did not dam up.

But how were the two sides going to meet at the ridge vent if one side was thicker/higher???

Well, you simply cut the difference off the ridge vent on the lower side! Apparently this is totally acceptable with the county! So....John only has to do one side and the job is officially done after 4 LOOONNNNNG, HOT days!

Another bonus is, we loaded up the other half off the materials, returned them to Home Depot and put $500 back in to savings! PTL!!!

Swedish Doors

2008-07-09T21:02:00.001-07:00

My grandmother and her parents immigrated to the US from Sweden....just ask anyone how well we "burn" instead of "tan".

I may not be thrilled with my complection, but I do love learning about the Swedish culture and heritage. Everyone knows that I have worn clogs since the 70's, love wool nordic sweaters and enjoy Grandma's Swedish Meatballs! However, as I've gotten older I have taken a liking to collecting antique pieces that are Swedish as well. I have a dala horse, a tine' and a svelt pick. One thing I would love to have is an old trunk or armoire. I love the old crackeled paint and a technique they use called rosemaling (flowers and swirls). These old pieces can be purchased for 6-15 thousand dollars!! It obviously doesn't seem like one of these pieces will ever be in my possession......SOOOOO, about two years ago, I started studying the rosemaling and painting techniques. Perhaps I could create my own antique rendition!

My old laundry room bi-fold doors have many cracks in them and we have glued them back together several times. Several months ago, a large piece splintered and broke off from the door. Hmmmm, finally some "character" to those old doors. Since John has plans of remodeling that area NEXT year, and the doors most like would go to a landfill, I decided to see if I couldn't breathe some Swedish life into the things.

For the last three days I have worked away, transforming my old laundry doors into Nordic pieces of art. I am very happy with the result, even though I may get to enjoy them for a year or so more. Who know, I may even cut them down into wall art or a headboard!!!

So what do you think? Swedish success or UMPHFTA!!!

3rd Time's a Charm

2008-07-09T20:45:00.000-07:00

We can only hope this saying is true as this is the third time John has had to work on our roof since we switched from asphalt to steel shingles. For some reason, this roofing system has not ventilated as well and causes ice dams to form up above in the area between the two ladders. A year ago, it migrated so far in that it made it into the house and caused a lot of water damage; hence why we remodeled the upstairs.

This time, he is putting on what they call a "cold roof"'. This is where he took off the steel roof, peeled off all the asphalt shingles. Next he placed firring strips (1x4's) and then put wafer board over that on the entire roof. Then, more 30# roofing felt over that. Still yet another layer is an asphalt membrane that goes around the outer perimeter. Finally, he will put the steel roof back on!

We were thankful for nice weather and safety today. We did not make as much progress as we hoped, but are slowly making progress. This is officially the first day of John's summer vacation and he has the next two weeks off (some vacation, huh?). He anticipates the roof to take a week of that time. Fortunately, he will have an additional 4 weeks off at home as I recover from surgery, so he should be good as new when he goes back to work!

Better yet, the roof willl be good as new too! As they say, 3rd time's a charm!! Yes, we can only hope!

The DOG DAYS of Summer

2008-07-06T19:59:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you all have experienced days like these. Days that are long and hot and the fish aren't even biting. Well, I had one of those days today and decided to see what I could do here at home without burning $100 bucks worth of gas to go somewhere, only to spend more money.

Here's what I did:

This is an old picture (taken at night) of what my kitchen looked like at about 2 pm today. Here's my kitchen at 4:30 pm. I took out a nearly full gallon of paint to touch up the scuffs and holes around the the rest of the house. It had been three years since I had done such. Realizing that the paint would probably go bad before the next time I "touched up" I decided to paint my kitchen with the "left-overs". My kitchen was a faux finish that I did nearly 11 years ago, but it looked tired, dull and had some grease splatters and other foreign globs of stuff here and there on the walls. I decided to paint it the same color of the rest of the house and modify some curtains and VIOLA! I now have a bright SUNNY, SUMMERY space!

After that, I still had some energy, or maybe too much Starbucks/Pepsi caffeine in my system so I decided to torment Goosebumps and get some pictures of her. After I was satisfied with the shot I was looking for, I decided to edit the photo on the computer and come up with some fresh new wall-art.

How appropriate; sunny kitchens and canine photos

for the DOG DAYS OF SUMMER!

THE LAKE, in the Summer

2008-07-06T19:40:00.001-07:00

Today I visited the lakehouse. We have spent many Christmas eves, celebrations, hiking and ice skating here. There is a golf course nestled in the trees in the background. The lakehouse is the hub of our community.It's hard to believe that we stand and skate on this very spot in the winter months. Today, there are birds flitting in the air and ducks gliding about the rippled, glassy surface of the lake. Off in the distance folks have hung up their ice skate and snow shoes and drug out the canoes and paddle boats.

Yes, this is the lakehouse. I wonder why in the winter months, people do not call the icehouse??? Sort of like how you park in a driveway and drive on a parkway. Funny how our language is. Maybe we could settle the confusion and just call this gathering place a cabin!

SUMMER

2008-06-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

A NEW QUILT

MATH, MATH & MORE MATH

I haven't been doing a good job of blogging this summer. The days seem to be going by like a blur. In truth,my Math class has taken up a lot more time than I had hoped it would. I am half way through the class, with just 4 weeks remaining. The class really wouldn't be that bad except an entire textbook is crammed into 8 weeks and although we are given a hefty amount of homework (which one has to do to understand the material), the only grades recorded are on tests and quizzes. I am an anxious test taker so this poses some stress on me because my grade rests on the tests alone! I just took my midterm and I was in total shock when I got it back...100%! Surely there was some sort of mistake; but there was not. So, I am much more relaxed as there is only one more test and a final to go!

Other than that, I play "taxi' driving Whitley to dance class twice a week and picking up friends for sleepovers and such. Whit is taking Hip-Hop and Jazz this summer. I just looked at the new schedule for fall and I am not liking it, as classes are at 6:30 in the evening..which means another trip west, which means 85 miles a day (school /daance) and that, I do not believe is an option. I am not sure what I am going to do!

We just finished vacation Bible School and this year Whitley was a teacher's helper instead of a student. The theme was "Jerusalem Market" so the kids learned about herbs, tying knots, Hebrew, weaving, woodworking (making driedals) and of course biblical lessons.

Her friend is arriving today from New York and will be here for a month. She is so excited and made a banner for the front yard for her arrival. This willl be a built in pal for the summer!

In four weeks, I will be done with school and then I will have my surgery on July 28th. John will be off for about 6 and a half weeks to help out around the house. Then, it will be time for everyone to go back to school, myself included, and head back to work!

Other than that, it is an uneventful summer. The weather volleys back and forth between hot and cold. The constant is that it has been very dry and so the pollens have everyone "Ah-chooing" for the last couple of weeks.

I did find a comforter for my bed, since our remodel is behind us. My other one was rather blah and lackluster but I like the contrast of my new quilt. The great thing is I didn't have to buy anything else to go with it as my drapes and such went well with it, and the bonus was it came with a free matching oversized tote (which makes for a cute school bag this fall, lucky me).

Okay, I'll ramble on another day....goodbye for now!

HAPPY FATHERS DAY

2008-06-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

There are 7 Fathers in my life that have made an imprint. Today is the day I get to acknowledge and thank each one of them.

I'll start with my Grandfathers, both of whom are deceased, and deeply missed. My maternal grandfather Cliff, I called "Grandpa". My fondest memories with him were the magical Christmases they put on for all 21 grandchildren. Special times alone with him was re-filling the birdfeeder and setting out corn for his pet squirrel. On another occassion he showed me how to use a magnifying glass to start a fire. He also taught me about patriotism and gave me money to buy a red poppy on "poppy day"...to raise money for the charitable events the VFW sponsored. I am thankful he was able to see my wedding as he died the following year.

Next was my Grand-dad Grant. I was so close to this man and spent every wakening moment with him that I could. He taught me how to mow, paint, trim the rose bushes, garden. I went grocey shopping with him, tended to the family's graves and learned how to work a Kodak Disc camera. A favorite thing to do was to take a ride to Princeville for and ice cream and take a look- see at how all the crops were coming along.

My Dad is Mike. He is an extremely gracious and giving man...he is the first on the scene when there is a need. He has plowed snow and helped countless people out of ditches, for free, I might add. He has coached many softball teams and given to his community, which he loves. He probably would be a rich man had he not given away every penny he has made. I enjoy his weekly calls and seeing him as often as possible. It is a treat to watch him love on his grandchildren.

My step-father is Marvin. I admire this man for his fairness and for loving my daughter and my sister's children as if they were his very own grandchildren. He gets right on their level to play with them and they squeal with delight! He has been very gracious to my mother, my sister and I and I thank him for it.

Another man named "Sean", stepped up to be the fabulous daddy of Kendall Elyse. He dotes on her and is a wonderful provider for his family. We are so thankful that his love is big enough to share with us!

My husband John is a wonderful father. He adores his little girl, who is not so little anymore. My daughter will have pages of memories to tell about her Daddy: all the fun times skiing, ice skating, bicycling, swimming, hiking. Whatever they do together, you can be sure it is a great time.

I thank my heavenly Father for his mercy and love for me and mandkind. If not for his patience and unconditional love, I would have been consumed a thousand times over.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO EACH OF YOU!!!

Last Day of School

2008-06-07T09:08:00.001-07:00

With the sun shining up above and a slight breeze stirring the pines, boys and girls, along with their parents, gathered for the ceremonious last day of school. For Whitley, the day was all about the "Continuation Ceremony" to Middle School. For me, it was about pulling off a "surprise" that she knew absoutley nothing about.

The preparation began the night before as I secretly removed items from her room and began packing up an overnight bag. I got "busted" putting her bike in the back of the Jeep and she began asking me why I was doing so. With some quick thinking, I said, "Wasn't there something you wanted fixed on here?" She replied that the right brake was sticking. Apparently she knows nothing about WD-40 or that her Dad really can fix anything! I then told her that was going to try to drop it off at the bike shop on the way home.

Next morning was an early rise as we provided the graduation cake for the class and needed to pick that and a few other things up at the store on the way to school.

She went to class, and I helped the principal move the BBQ cooker that the fire district allowed us to use. We also set up tables, the PA system and so on. Before we knew it, the hour was up and the ceremony started.

After that, we went back to the class room for an hour and a half and had cake. The kids were also busy signing yearbooks. The surprise began when Whitley's lifelong friend Isabella "Izzy" walked into the class with her Mom. It was priceless to see the look on Whitley's face! "Oh My Goodness!" Whitley said over and over. The girls embraced and Whit was quick to introduce her to the other kids.

We enjoyed an all school BBQ and then did shopping around town with our friends. It was at the last stop that Izzy explained to Whitley that the bike and a bag of clothes had been prepared for her to have a sleepover over the weekend in town at their place. Whitley could hardly process all of it. She truly was surprised!

So she's off, officialy a 6th grader now, having a great weekend full of bicycling, swimming and summer fun with her best friend! What more could anyone ask for?

51/49

2008-06-04T19:42:00.000-07:00

This is the result of Whitley's Nuc. Med. test. What does it mean? Well, several things:

1- The right kidney is doing 51% of the function and the left kidney is doing 49% for a total of 100% function! A perfect score would be 50/50.

2- 51/49 is the exact processing number that she had a little over a year ago, which confirms to me that she is perfectly stable and doing FANTASTIC. As we were told a year ago, this is an excellent reading and better than expected results from her surgeries.

3- I haven't spoke with the doctors yet (I read the machine for myself to get the numbers), but I surmise that they will conclude that the additional growth is simply to her physical growth this year...which has been remarkable.

Thanks again for your prayers and thoughts! We are relieved once again. Let summer begin!!!

The Blessing of Friendship

2008-06-02T21:02:00.000-07:00

A Blog entry for each of you.........

My Father always told me if I had one good friend I could count on, I was lucky. He said if I had two, I was very fortunate. Well, this week I have felt like a rich man as I have seen and felt just how many people truly love and care for me.

This past year has been a challenge for me as I learn to parent, with my husband, a strong willed tween that is flexing her wings here at home. I am fortunate that I can pour out my heart and seek counsel and advice from so many of you who have already braved the teen years. It is a priviledge to exchange our stories of trials and testing. I feel so much more "human" when I listen to your stories because I look up to each of you.

I have gained much empathy for my parents as I now see how hard it can be to love and parent. It is a priviledge to call my parents, and my mother-in-law, my friends as well. I can't forget my loving aunts and uncles either.

I also have gained a deeper love for my friend and husband, John...a true gift from God!

I can't help but feel fortunate for Valerie T. who takes my calls (well past the 9pm rule) and so graciously gives me her time and counsel...and who also added us to the prayer board at church. We are truly feeling those prayers!!!

To Susan, Leslie, Naomi, Ruth, and Amy..more awesome prayer buddies. To Sonie for always popping in at the right moment with a Starbucks coffee and a listening ear. To Marlene & Elaine who I can always gab with until the battery croaks on the cordless. To Barb & Karen G. who E-mail most faithfully. To Christi who always nurses me back to health when I am really sick or have a surgery, while looking after my girl (Whit).... and to my childhood and lifelong friend Karen K. who is so good about writing a letter or fxing up a really cool care package and mailing it (and keeping my husband in business at the Post Office)! To Kim & Sean C., who allow me and my family to share our love with their daughter Kendall Elyse. There are friends like Terrie, Sarah, Debi, Kelly, Linda & Annie whom I can be real with and pick right up where we left off anytime, anyplace.

Thank you to each of you beautiful women, and men, who love me unconditionally for who I am. Thank you for loving me in spite of my inadequacies and shortcomings. Thank you for your encouragement, your prayers, your stories, your strength and for sharing your lives with me. What can I say when I have not just one, but dozens of people who are beyond an aquaintance, but are true friends that I can always count on. I hope I can be just as worthy of reciprocating the love you have all shared with me.

I am learning to parent, to be patient, to accept my daughter for who she is, to accept myself and God's grace when I fail. Perhaps someday, I will be honored to hear my daughter call me her friend as well. Thank you all again for.....
The Blessing of Friendship!

Love,
Jamie

June 1st

2008-06-01T21:44:00.000-07:00

June 1st marks 20 days until summer. It is now late Spring in the Rockies and the hills have come alive with life. This is my favorite time of year as the days in the mountains are a comfortable 76 degrees and the evenings are in the low 50's.

My Columbines (the CO state flower) have awaken from their winter nap and their faces seem to smile at the world each day. It is the one flower the elk/deer leave alone.

We have baby kits again that reside in a drain under the drive. There were three, but we are down to two. One year we had 5, but that all perished when a flash flood overtook them. We were so sad as we loved to watch them frolic and play hide-n-seek in the yard.

Tonight the sky was beautiful and we happened to have the camera in the car to catch one of the little foxes peeping out of his hole and the glorious colors of a springtime sunset. ENJOY!

The last week of May

2008-06-01T20:27:00.000-07:00

...has been busy in a good sort of way. We have been having fun going to weddings, graduations and receptions, dance recitals and just ringing in summer fun with BBQ's with our friends. As my friend Susan says, "This is great; I haven't had to cook in over a week!" Ditto for me!

This week the weather has been enjoyable. Whitley's homework is dwindling so the evenings are nice and relaxing. John is done with his handy work so we are just enjoying our free time as a family.

Last weekend was a wedding and graduation; this weekend a dance recital and graduation. We had a blessing as we went to Whitley's friend Keanu's dance rehersal. We went to the rehearsal because they had sold out tickets for the show. After the rehersal, we walked out and saw our friend Diane, who was surprised to see us there and wondered what/who we were there to see. We explained that we wanted to be supportive of Whit's friend, but that they were out of tix. Ironically, Dinae's in-laws had to leave town and here she had 2 tix that she had purchased for them, and so she gave them to us! We offered to buy them from her, but she refused. (Thx Di; you're a doll). What a thrill for us and Whit's friend! The recital theme and music was from the Wizard of Oz; it was great! If we can get an all clear on Whit's kidneys, she has decided that this is what she would like to do again; DANCE!

After the recital we went to her friend's home and arrived back at home a little before 1 am. We got up today and went to the graduation/reception for my friend Leslie's daughter Kara. Kara's brother Brady is in Whitley's class. Leslie & I were prayer partners in Mom's in Touch for 5 years. Way to go Kara!

We have one more graduation send off in July for my friend Susan's (another mom's in touch mom and dear friend) son who has graduated high school and made it into the Coast Guard Prep School, so they are having a send off for Dillon. It is a big honor to be accepted in the school and so we are really excited for Dillon and his family!

Congratulations to Kris & Britany on their marriage; God's blessings to you! Additional congrats to David, Teddy, Darci back home. And.....to my sister Hannah from graduating from college and landing her job of choice! Also congrats to her and Chad as Chad asked my father for her hand in marriage last weekend!

It looks like this time of year next year will be equally as busy as I have my 20th class reunion, and most likely my sister's wedding!

Time is marching on and so today, we greet the first day of June. A new month and a new chapter for so many! That wraps up this blog for the month of May.

New Hobby

2008-05-27T21:52:00.000-07:00

Whitley's first floral painting

Jamie's first ceramic painting

Art has always been a fun outlet for me. I don't care what it is: crafting, crocheting, scrapbooking, stamping, chalks, oils, watercolor, you name it's fun !

Recently, I started dinking around with single stroke painting of flowers. It is really a surprise to see how two colors will pull through with each stroke. No brush strokes are the same. Mums are a great flower to start with and a simple stem and leaf.

Tonight, two accomplishements occured......I painted my first ceramic piece and Whitley decided to learn. For a lefty, she did great. She was very strong with the petal part of the flower but she felt the leaf was challenging...and she's right; it is!

So, enjoy our first two pieces. Maybe in a year, we might improve, but atleast it is fun along the way.

Prayer Request for Whitley

2008-05-27T16:58:00.000-07:00

{The Photo above is an original MRI before Whit's surgery. You can see how much bigger her left kidney is than her right kidney..,about 6 x's the size of her right kidney. Don't forget that her left side is viewd as your right.}

Well, we were hopeful to share some good news with you about Whitley's kidneys, but we just got a call this morning from her urologist. The urologist feels that the kidney looks pretty good, but the radiologist hotly contests his remarks. The only way to solve this is to send her back to Nuclear Medicine, which we were hoping to avoid, so thge repeated radiation does not fry her ovaries. This test clearly reveals function and will settle the dispute between the two doctors readings. We are staying calm for many reasons: 1) The radiologist that read this film did not have a comparison film to show how her kidney looked before the surgery vs. after/now, and Dr. Mohr, our urologist, does. 2) I think that our urologist, who happens to have over 27 years experience, knows what he is talking about over the radiologist 3) we've seen prayer help us before and so we are relying on that once again to take it one day at a time and accept the outcome. The Nuc. Med. scheduler was supposed to call back today because she was unsure as to whether to schedule her at Children's Hospital or Franklin Med. Ctr. We should hear more tomorrow.

We thank you in advance for thinking of us, sending us good thoughts and keeping us in your prayers!

Love-The Rocky Mtn. Ramblers

The Story of 3 Doctors

2008-05-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

There is a urologist named Dr. Mohr, who God used to save our daughter's kidneys. He is a talented man and a humble man and we thank him for his services to us. Whitley is to be monitored by him for the rest of her life. In the spring we do a lasix renalgram and in the fall, an ultrasound. Tuesday evening Whit went in for her regular check up on her kidney. We anticipate a good result in a few weeks! We'll share the good new when we find out!

There is another doctor named Dr. Tanzanelli. She will be performing surgery on Jamie July 28th. About a year ago a cat scan revealed a pedunculated tumor. It has now grown out of control and taken over 2 of my organs, so it needs to be removed. I am feeling great but do experience back pain as it is pinching on the nerves in my back. I should be up and around in 3-4 weeks after the operation.

Today we rented a Rug Doctor. We shampooed all the carpets, area rugs, furniture, drapes and the 3 cars. Whew! Perhaps we may be adding to our collection of doctors for our aches and pains when all is done! Let's hope not. Maybe a Dr. Pepper will hit the spot when we are through!