A Reunion of Sorts

Back on the beach

2010-02-24T06:06:00.001-08:00

Wow, Illinois sounds like a long time ago. Lots happened. Brian's job went south fast, and we headed to Florida.

Brian and Robin headed to Chicago to stay with her sister while they looked for jobs. Brian found one in Tennessee.

In the meantime, Ray and I headed to Florida. We house sat in Atlanta for a few days, then headed "home". we stayed with Sondra for a week, then went to the Villages in central Florida to house sit.

In the meantime, I was hired on another contract by AARP, so yay! Robin landed a job in Pennsylvania. They had plans to do that until the end of the year, she in PA, Brian and the girls in Tenn.

Ray went to Tenn and stayed with Brian and the girls for a little more than a month, then he helped Brian move to PA.

I stayed with Sondra for that month. Ray came home, then we headed to St. Croix to contemplate a job offer. Beautiful, but health issues and concerns made me turn the job down. Bummer. But no regrets.

Moved to our own place after spending a month in a vacation rental. We were in the new house a week before Christmas. It's nice to have our own home. Tiny, but our own.

Who knows what adventures lie ahead?

Along two months

2009-07-21T00:41:00.000-07:00

My summer is not going as I planned. In early June, we learned my dad had cancer. The doctors said it was a fast-moving cancer and though we could choose to subject daddy to intense treatments, in the end it might prolong his life only a month or so.

He opted to go home. He came home on a Thursday. I arrived on Sunday in Texas to help care for him. My brothers and sisters and I shared the responsibilities. Never leaving Daddy alone. Always one person dedicated to his every need. He died the following Sunday morning. It was father's day.

After the funeral, I rushed home. We had to move, and we had to help my son pack up his house and move. We're not thrilled about that. He and his family have left Florida for a new job opportunity. That's good for them, and we support them. But we're sad.

Because Robin had to stay at her job for two weeks, Ray and I helped with the move. We're still in Illinois. We're still at loose ends.

No house awaits our return. No jobs await our return. I'm still freelancing, so my job moves with me. But I miss Florida.

Who knows what the future will bring in the weeks ahead. We're just along for the ride.

My kids

2009-07-21T00:38:00.000-07:00

Ah, they grow up too fast.

Beach Baby

2009-05-10T21:14:00.000-07:00

She has a way of making us smile. When we moved here two years ago, she was just a baby. Brian would slather her in sunscreen, put on her little cap and tuck her under the cabana on the beach. She fell asleep drinking her bottle and listening to the waves.

Two years later, she runs straight into the big waves and giggles with delight as they crash over her head. She's our beach baby.

Willow

2009-03-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

Willow loves this photo. She got excited when she saw it in a frame at my house. "Look, it's The Willow!" Indeed, it is.

Changes

2009-03-28T15:02:00.000-07:00

It's almost April -- 2009. How did that happen?

This blog is going to change as of tomorrow. It's now going to be a photo blog with captions. That's it folks.

Photo of the week

2008-10-26T06:12:00.001-07:00

I'm bound and determined to make this family blog work, so dang it. Start contributing.

Easter bunnies

2008-04-08T04:36:00.000-07:00

Papa and Willow's afternoon nap

2008-04-05T00:19:00.000-07:00

Seems like we just got home

2008-03-12T07:49:00.000-07:00

We got back from a friend's wedding in NYC on Tuesday morning. We leave Friday for Miami.

I used to think getting to travel a lot for work would be fun. Not so much anymore. Expecially since after this trip, there's another one looming. I'll be headed to Tallahassee before the end of the month. Sigh. Yep. I'm tired.

Moving

2008-02-17T05:28:00.000-08:00

Wow, moving is hard. Yes, I know that's an understatement. Robin and Brian are moving to a nicer, larger home with real bedrooms etc. They'll miss the beach cottage and the beach, but the girls will have a yard to play in and it's much quieter.

I'll post a photo later.

Ready to be home

2008-01-30T03:05:00.000-08:00

Woo hoo. It's 6 a.m. and I've been up for two hours. I think I'm just so excited about getting to go home today. I've been on the road now 8 days straight. Today being day No. 9. Nice hotel, it's like an apartment almost at the Embassy Suites. I'm just ready to go home.

Need to watch a sunset today.

Sick, sick, sick

2008-01-19T04:45:00.000-08:00

Ugh. So, the doctor says I have "allergies." I have a cold. Pure and simple. Stuffed up head, ears, etc. Of course, things like that only happen on the worst damn week at work. Anyway, photos always cheer me up.

The 10 Resolutions

2008-01-10T22:37:00.001-08:00

10. Save more money, be frugal with the budget

9. Pet my cat more

8. The standard - lose weight

7. Get this company to hire me permanently after the campaign.

6. Stay in touch with my family and friends more.

5. Send -- and get -- more flowers

4. Grow a tomato

3. Finish decorating my house

2. Hug my family more

1. Watch more sunsets.

Walk to the beach

2007-12-28T10:38:00.001-08:00

From the front of our house to the beach, it's about 200 yards.

New paint in the dining room

2007-12-28T10:33:00.000-08:00

And, no. We're not OSU or Tennessee fans!

The House

2007-12-28T10:23:00.000-08:00

Our House

Another year

2007-12-26T08:06:00.000-08:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been more than a year since I posted to this blog. I'll get better and invite you all to post your thoughts, comments, family moments here.

Here are some photos from Christmas, enjoy!

Family posts

2006-11-12T19:03:00.000-08:00

Well, I've definitely neglected this blog, so it can now become EVERYONE'S blog -- well, everyone in our family anyway.

I'm still trying to finish baby quilts to get in the mail. That's why little Willow is waiting to be born, she knows Grammy's not quite finished. Ha!

And, just to see if you guys are reading this. I'm going to Olympia the first week in December. Date to come, yet.

posted by MOM

Stress

2006-08-31T06:45:00.000-07:00

Well, stress has a way of creeping into our lives doesn't it? This last week, it sort of got slammed into our lives because some morons stole my purse out of my locker at the Y this week. Along with it, my bonus check of $500. We needed the money, so that sucks.

But we're trying to stay positive and I'm giving the cops an incredibly hard time about not doing anything. The bank on the other hand has been wonderful.

Our first grandchild -- Mason -- started school this fall, so that's scary. We're getting older. That sucks too.

Hey, I promise the next post will be cheerier.

Trips and moves

2006-08-13T00:31:00.000-07:00

Well, we just got home from our big trip to Minnesota. It was great. I guess Minnesota was really the "vacation" part of the trip, though we just about got to see everyone.

We only spent two whole days, and three nights with Elaine. We had a blast and want to definitely have a family vacation at her brother's resort White Birch next year.

Tubing down the river was fun -- slow, but fun.

We managed to squeeze in a short trip to the Mall of America. Then we stopped in Ames to see Tonya and Brad. They were moving, so we helped unload furniture.

Then we went to see Sondra, Mason and Shane. They were moving, so we helped them pack one box. Left before they made us lift anything. Just kidding. Did take Mason to the doctor.

After that we went to G-ma Betty's place. Aunt Mo is fine. Big news there -- Joyce and Gordon have their house on the market. Apparently, they went to visit friends in Tennessee and bought a house while they were there. Now they are moving. Have no idea where exactly, they haven't told anyone in the family. It's weird how money changes people, or maybe they were that way all along and this just brought out their real personalities. We wish them well, just a little stunned by it all.

G-ma Betty is going to have a cancer spot removed from her arm. We tried unsuccessfully to get her interested in ANYTHING. She just sits and picks at her arm, and caused a staff infection. Frustrating. I don't understand why people just quit living after they get a certain age. Just waiting to die. I plan to live my life to the very last second.

We hate leaving sometimes. Aunt Mo cries everytime we leave. She's so sad since Bucky died. Please remember to send her a card now and then.

The only person we didn't get to see on the trip that we had hoped to see was Barb. We had wanted to swing down by St. Louis and see her, but wanted to rush back to see G-ma. Well, that and the next time we're up we definitely plan to stop by Aris' in Jeff City at lunch to share a carafe with Phill and Lorie.

That's the vacation in a nutshell. Lots of fun, lots of family stuff. Now, we'll concentrate on getting to Washington. We're missing the girls growing up and that makes me so sad. :(

Counting the Days

2006-06-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

Less than two weeks, we'll be going up for Mason's baseball game. Can't wait to see him. It's been almost seven months. Seven months. That's the longest we've ever gone without seeing him. So we won't let that happen again.

Last night we saw a dad and his three little girls. They were all so cute, and definitely daddy's girls. We wondered if that was going to be Brian.

Reunion

2006-05-14T04:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been thinking it's time we had a realy reunion. So I'm going to call some of the Snyders and see if they are interested. I don't think ya'll have met too many of your Snyder clan folk. Heck, your dad doesn't know all of them.

So it's time before too many more die out. This comes because I ran across an old letter (cleaning out my "must do" list.) This letter was two years old, and we meant to respond -- you know I'm dad's secretary. We never did, and Walter passed away last year. So it's time to do this, and it will take a year of planning, but it will be worth it.

Anyway, how's the world out there?

Take a long look

2006-04-25T21:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever just taken the time to really look at the people you love?

You should, sometimes it's just looking into that familiar face that makes you fall in love all over again.

Speaking of, I'm sure missing some familiar faces and we need to make a trip to Missouri soon. We're thinking we're going up to Grandma Betty's for Mother's Day. Maybe we can meet there? If not, we'll trek up to Mo. because we miss the little red head. Speaking of, wonder if Mason has any hair yet.

I had a dream last night about a little girl with dark curly hair. She was holding my hand and had a fistful of bubble gum. Hope it's not an omen. Brian sure wants a boy. But you can always name her Sam (antha).

Love you all.

Growing up

2006-04-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

Wow. We like Brian and Robin's soon-to-be home. It's weird seeing your kids all grown up and self-sufficient. Thank God. Hee hee.

We're proud of our children. Brian and Robin are good parents. Brian's a good daddy.

I know Sondra's still struggling to get through college. We're so proud of her. And, Amanda's still finding her way. She will. Sheldon's one heck of a hard worker. He never misses a day of work, so they'll be ok once they find their path. Hopefully, he's going to be getting into this program at Bob Howard Auto Group. They hire people for six months, then send them to school for six months etc. That would be perfect for Sheldon because he wants to be a mechanic -- if you can call them that anymore it's so high-tech now.

Dogs and easter eggs

2006-04-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

Dogs don't do a very good job of finding Easter eggs...just kidding. But that was our Easter -- alone with two dogs and a cat.

It was quiet though, and sometimes quiet is good.

I'm crunching trying to get all the stuff done for the podcast. Not like I haven't been planning it for several months now. May 1 -- no kidding. Look for it.

Exercise nuts

2006-04-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

Well we joined the Y two weeks ago, and now it's starting to become a daily habit. Ray is really going overboard, walking at noon and then going to the Y and working out for one hour to an hour and a half each day. I'm usually the one who's ready to leave.

The Y here has a cool thing called "FitLinx" The machines automatically record what you do and when you do it. Miss a day, and it gives you a message like "where have YOU been?" Keeps you honest and you don't cheat on the weights.

That's our life right now. Work, gym, sleep. Well sort of sleep -- still on the old mattress. We're keeping our fingers crossed that tomorrow is the day our new mattress will be delivered. If not, we might get cranky.

We have no plans for Easter. None. We were going to a cabin (my mom's idea) at a lake, but dad's not up to traveling. We probably should go see Grandma Betty, haven't done that in a few months. Amanda kept asking us what we were doing so we tried to include them in our plans. Nope. They are going to Vernon. They wanted to know what we were doing coz they want us to babysit the dogs. Are you kidding me? Kids, I swear :)

Cars and more cars

2006-04-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

Wow. We had lots of fun yesterday. Decided to go to the "free" car show at Rose State College. That was a small car show, but lots of fun. They had new cars (my favorite) and old muscle cars (dad's favorite) and then they also had the import cars that kids like these days and there were even a bunch of low riders. It was definitely and eccletic mix. We sort of liked that.

Well this is the hot rod show weekend, and we didnt' go to that show because tickets are $15 a person. Too much for us cheapskates. So instead we did what the news told us NOT to do. Apparently South Meridian up to NW 10th has become an "unofficial" cruising spot for the last few years. Some years they even set up concessions. We wanted to check it out.

The police were doing their dang best to ruin the fun, setting up roadblocks every other block. The cars were amazing. The crowds were amazing. Whole families, young and old. It's really too bad that OKC doesn't embrace the event, put it somewhere where it's away from the residents who complain. It was fun. Muscle cars, hot rods, there's always been an element of lawlessness that goes with the whole thing.

Anyway, we got home and finally watched King Kong. Great flick. I was surprised and totally expecting not to like it because Jack Black was in it. I don't like him. He's annoying.

I promise to blog more on here. :)

Missing the grandkids

2006-03-22T01:26:00.000-08:00

Yet, another day of missing our grandkids. You know I didn't think I was going to be one of THOSE grandmas that always talked about the grandkids and had pictures. I am. So is papa. We see the eyes glaze over when we say the word "grand..." but we keep talking.

Too funny. I'm up at 3 a.m. because I woke up from a bad dream. And, Ray was talking in his sleep. He's looking for a good used older jeep and he's driving me crazy. So, if you see an older jeep for sale, ask the price, mileage, four-wheel drive or not and size of engine. Your dad would probably drive for a while to get it.

I just want to travel

2006-03-19T23:36:00.000-08:00

Dad and I are getting restless again. Blame our trip to Washington. We've lived in Oklahoma for nearly four years now. Of course, we don't want to move and leave Amanda and Sheldon all alone. Besides, I think it will be at least a couple of years before we move.

But we want to live near EVERYONE. We miss the grandkids and want to be able to see them whenever we want. We really were spoiled when they lived here.

We're trying to find a lake that we can all get together at for Easter. So plan for that, ok? We'll pay for gas etc.

Hide and Seek

2006-03-16T06:15:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm not sure we're up to babysitting dogs anytime soon. We babysat Sheldon and Amanda's dogs last night, and Nuka jumped over the fence and took off.

We looked for that dang dog for hours. Amanda joined the hunt after she got off at 9 p.m., then the dog comes running back from across 36th street -- busy street. He stinks to high heaven, is limping and crying because his hurt leg hurts more.

Too much stress for us. We're looking forward to a quiet evening -- without dogs.

All alone

2006-03-08T11:28:00.000-08:00

Man -- this house seems empty now. Yep. That's right. Amanda and Sheldon moved out Saturday to their own little apartment, so now we're officially empty nesters. We can't quite get used to it. We've never lived in this house by ourselves so it's really empty.

The apartment is cute, and we've managed to furnish it. Sheldon and Amanda bought a dining room table and a stand for their t.v. She took the desk and a dresser and bed from their room, so now it's officially theirs. And, we loaned them (gave them?) our pink floral couch and a coffee table, plus an end table. They bought a lamp, dishes, etc.

It looks cute. Red and black is the color scheme.

Ray is especially proud because we moved everything over there in the PT cruiser. Yes, even the couch. Amazing. I'll post pictures next time.

Back again

2006-03-01T22:05:00.000-08:00

Geez, Louise it's been ages since I wrote on this blog. Shame on me. Our trip to Washington was well worth it.

Chloe and Mikayla have grown into absolutely beautiful little girls (see Brian's blog for photos). We're thrilled beyond words at getting to be around them for at least a while.

We just can't get over Mikayla -- probably because she was just a baby when ya'll moved. We're so bummed we weren't there to see the transition. Every time we see Mason, he looks like he's grown a foot.

It's already been two whole months since we've seen him, and probably won't get to see him until April. Dang it all.

But glad to hear Brian promise that he and the girls will be back soon for a visit. We'll have to get them down to see the greats too.

Looks like our next trip is going to be to Fort Worth to see Willie Nelson for our anniversary though. Yep. He's at Billy Bob's on April 1, and we thought we'd do something just crazy and just for ourselves on the anniversary since we didn't get to on the big 20th last year.

So...we're taking the Amtrak -- way more affordable than flying or driving!

Still hobbling and the Super Bowl

2006-02-05T05:59:00.000-08:00

Hey, am I allowed to say Super Bowl? Apparently if you haven't paid some enourmous fee, you're not allowed to use the words "Super Bowl" - copyrighted.

So much for our First Amendment right of speech. Anyway, we're cheering for the Steelers. So we're digging out the black and gold stuff today. I think we might have some :)

My apologies to all for not calling etc. Gridiron, work, injury. I'm still hobbling on the knee and have just given up and use the cane all the time now. Sucks.

Hey, Aunt Sylvia bought a silver PT Cruiser (2006). Hmmm. Reminds me of someone's car, just can't put my finger on it.

Busy busy busy

2006-01-25T09:48:00.000-08:00

I don't know why I do this every year. Right after Christmas and New Year's we kick into the Gridiron rehearsal schedule. It's grueling. With basketball, our fav reality shows and football play-offs all luring us to the tube, which we really don't have time for -- 'cept Saturday mornings, which have unofficially become our "watch everything on Tivo mornings", work and everything else, January has been a blur.

Which is probably good, because it's a long month and like most people we are so broke, we wouldn't have time to do anything else if we did have the money.

Sylvia wants me to go to Odessa this weekend, but it's just not happening. Money, time etc. We have rehearsals on Sunday. We're shooting a commercial on Saturday, and I have five articles due in the next week plus the Lawton Clean Air campaign needs my full-time attention right now. AND, I have to get a whole lot done for the week I'm gone. Craziness, but I love it.

NOW, if I could just hire a maid.

January or is it March

2006-01-21T12:59:00.000-08:00

Either way, I hope it at least rains in March. No rain, despite the weatherman's promises for at least three days of it this week. None. Nada. Nil. Ziltch.

So your dad is watering the grass this morning. I have to get control of him though because he seems to think he can till the ground and ready the flower beds. Heck, if it doesn't start raining, I'm thinking xero-scaping. You know, change the grass in our yard for rocks like they do in Arizona, plant a cactus or two, preferably where the neighbors cats like to come lie in our yard. A cutout of a howling coyote and it's Arizona!

Yes, I know some of you are sick of the rain. We pray for it every day. Weird world. Or God has a sick sense of humor.

Snow maybe

2006-01-15T06:18:00.000-08:00

Yeah. Snow is in the forecast. Rain maybe. We'll take either. It's so dry here that we've had to water our grass regularly because we're worried some person who never listens to the radio or television or newspaper news might throw a cigarette ash -- if not the whole cigarette -- out of a car window and on to our lawn. I don't know why people think it's ok to throw trash out in the yards of houses on the corner. That was a problem when we lived in Canyon too, and in Columbia. Geez, do we have a thing for "houses on the corner?"

Feeling better today. Maybe because we just had a stress-free day yesterday. No work. No thinking. We joined NetFlix -- at least we're trying it free for a month. I think it's going to be worth it in the long run. So today we're watching movies. Yesterday, I watched all the shows I recorded during the week. I don't have time to watch television during the week at all anymore due to Gridiron.

Found out Integris, which is only a few blocks from us has a health center complete with pool and Tai Chi classes. We're calling them to find out just how "affordable" "affordable is -- that according to their ad.

Hug the kids for us...

The week in review

2006-01-13T18:49:00.000-08:00

It's been a long week. Probably because we've had two four-day weeks in a row. Of course, Ray has another four-day week next week due to the MLK holiday.

I've been getting a lot of press for one of my clients, good news and bad news. More work for me!

I'm headed to Lawton on Monday. The Clean Air campaign kicks off in March and I have tons of stuff to do. In the middle of it all, I was too much of a wimp to say no when the editor of one of the publications I had been freelancing called. I wrote a story for them. Too much work, and not enough time. I'll be sitting here this weekend finishing up more projects.

My cousin Lydia emailed me and said she's retiring from Texas Tech. Dang. I feel old.

I'm late on birthday cards and calls, so I'm sure my name is mud in some circles. Oh well, nothing new there.

I got more photos put on disk, so that's a good thing. I've still been having the intense chest pains this week (been ongoing since the first week in January) so I guess I'll break down and go to the doctor. I almost drove myself to the E.R. today, but I decided it was just stress. I start Tai Chi next week, so I'm hoping that will help relieve some of the stress.
Gridiron is not much fun this year. I'm thinking it might be my last year. We'll see. -- I think I say that every year. My friend, John G. from the Capitol isn't in Gridiron this year. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer and just had surgery. He'll be out for a while, so they sent someone else to sub for him at the press room. Ryan -- the ass -- got promoted this week so he's no longer at the Capitol. They brought out the young girl who had just graduated the year before (I call her the editor's "cha cha" girl, so you get my drift) She's the one they had wanted to replace me with, until I threw a hissy and they sent McNutt out there. Oh well, some people work their way up, others sleep their way up.

Anyway, that's my week in nutshell. We were supposed to go out with S&P tonight but we're curtailing any eating out, movies, etc. until after the trip to Washington. Still need to check about Mas going up with us. BTW -- we're already starting to plan the 2007 trip to Walt Disney World. Everyone will go. We're renting a huge house, along with Jerry and his family -- total three houses. We're paying for the stay and park tickets. Just plan to pay for transportation and some eats -- unless I win the powerball this weekend -- yes, Oklahoma finally has powerball. If I win everyone in the fam should expect a new car and a new house. ha ha. Cross your fingers.

Passing Gas

2006-01-12T07:23:00.000-08:00

Not literally. Yesterday -- late yesterday -- we came home to find a note on our door that our gas had been shut off due to nonpayment. What?! We dug out the receipt -- my new filing system is paying off -- a file for each bill and I remembered to put the receipt in there. It was paid before Christmas! Anyway, I call the gas company, stay on hold for 40 minutes before finally speaking to someone.

Guess what? They say we're not shut off. Well, my house is cold and I have a note on my door. 30 minutes later ... they finally figured out someone screwed up after they call their dispatcher. Gee, we're sorry. Here's $50 on next month's bill (not turning that down) but we can't turn you back on until tomorrow because it's too late this evening.
So we traispe to Wal-Mart (ok, we tried everywhere else but Wal-Mart at first and finally had to go shop at the evil empire.) We buy two electric heaters, and some firewood.
We were warmer in our bedroom last night than we ever are. The house stayed at 68 degrees. AND there was actually still enough hot water for both Ray and I to shower this morning. So guess what. When they turn the heat back on, we're keeping the temp on 68 degrees or lower and continuing to use the electric heaters on really cold nights.
Maybe our next bill won't be $300+ like it was this last month.
So they actually did us a favor.

Gridiron time

2006-01-11T08:36:00.000-08:00

Well, this is certainly going to make the time go faster -- we're already in rehearsals for Gridiron. Our last show is Feb. 18 -- so that means we have to leave the 19th, not the 18th as originally planned.

41 days. But who's counting?

2006-01-07T07:32:00.000-08:00

That's how long it will be before we get to see our little Kayla and Chloe. We're are literally counting the days. A whole year is just too dang long.

I'm telling you -- you have to move closer. It about broke my heart the other day to hear Chloe -- and we love to hear their little chatter in the background when we're talking to Brian and Robin, especially since the little stinkers won't actually talk to us. But anyway, Chloe asked "Is my Mason there?" When B told her he was talking to us.

Ah...that was so sweet and it's great that she still remembers Mason. Those two used to hug like they hadn't seen each other in years when they lived here. We might not be able to pry them apart if they finally see each other this year. I wonder if Mikayla remembers Mason?

We're worried she doesn't remember us. It's been a while, and she was so little. The first time we had a long separation from Mason when he was little, it took him a while to let us hug him. He was mad at us. Kids don't understand "far away" and why people are so far away. Yep. I'm trying to make you feel guilty about moving. Is it working? I know you guys are trying, and we'll think positive thoughts for this year -- but Houston, or Denver -- you know there's clean up sites at both and both are far better than Maryland or Florida. But heck even those are drivable as compared to Washington state.

We hope Mason will get to go, but I highly suspect his school would say "no" anyway to him missing so many school days. So maybe you guys can plan a vacation this summer to come here if you're still up there.

We'll be in Fargo in June, but that's still 18 hours from Richland. That's a darn shame when Fargo, ND is closer to us than you guys are...

Coffee Time

2006-01-06T07:27:00.000-08:00

Photos - finally

2006-01-06T07:23:00.000-08:00

So it takes me a while to get photos developed. Here's a couple from last summer.

Papa's big fish

Craziness

2006-01-03T10:29:00.000-08:00

It's great to go to Brian's blog and get a glimpse of the girls. What a happy family.

I'm glad that you and Robin do so many fun things with the girls. They are going to have some good memories when they grow up.

They've turned out to be quite the little snow bunnies, haven't they? We're planning still to go to Washington in February. We've already started picking up a few things -- the latest a Dora hopscotch puzzle mat -- to take with us. We have a whole year of spoiling to make up for in one week!

A whole year. That's too long. It's time to move closer (within one-day driving distance!)

Happy New Year

2006-01-01T08:30:00.000-08:00

I resolve this year to:

1. Learn to design my own blogs

2. Post more regularly on this blog

3. Love you all even more.

I miss those I didn't get to see, but am looking forward to February 18!!! And, 2006 has to be a better year!

You all should: Resolve to go to church this year!!
Love you,
MOM

Merry Christmas

2005-12-24T07:27:00.000-08:00

I love you all and wish you were here.

Too much to do

2005-12-23T05:01:00.000-08:00

I think I just haven't felt like Christmas. You can't tell it by our house, whose halls have been decked for some time now. But no presents. So I'm gonna go shopping today and tomorrow. Crazy huh?

Grandma Candy and Papa might come up on Christmas Day. They are going to Emma's for their usual Christmas eve dinner. I hope they come up. Otherwise we'll be alone most of the day since Sheldon and Amanda are working, now. We'll go to the LaVictoire's church in the morning (Paul and Susan) because Su and the kids are singing that morning. Then we'll come home and cuddle by a fire -- we're gonna have a fire I don't care if it's 80 friggin' degrees outside.

Then we'll have dinner when the kids get home. Sheldon wants ham. But we're having beef tenderloin? Why? Because I'm cooking and in charge of the menu. I have made about six dozen tamales and will likely make more before New Year's -- they turned out fairly good considering I don't make them often and have no idea what I'm doing.

The first batch needed a little more flavor. Sheldon called them "junior tamales." The second batch was better.

I think I'll back some muffins and bread and make some green slime too. I'm making Buenelos on New Year's, which I think we're supposed to have a party. Not sure about that. Gotta call some folks.

Well that gets ya'll up to speed.

It's cold here

2005-12-20T07:14:00.000-08:00

I'm really not liking the cold weather as I get older. Playing in snow is overrated. I never have figured out why people pay so much money to go to ski lodges and slide down an ice-covered mountain. I'd rather be on the beach.

Really. I'm think North Carolina, Florida, (not Arizona, the whole cactus thing doesn't appeal to me at all.) Heck maybe even Georgia might be good. Not California, although that might work better for my plan to be a t.v. or movie star in my 60s -- you know they always need the cute old ladies in Hollywood.

I'm looking forward to 2006. This past year brought too many changes that I'm not happy with. So 2006 has got to be better. I miss reporting, so I imagine that I'm gonna really hit the job hunt hard after the 1st of the year.

I'm annoyed

2005-12-19T11:53:00.000-08:00

Today, U.S. House of Represenatives opened the way for oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge bringing their legislative year to a close."

It was a bit hard for a lot of lawmakers to vote against this measure. Why? Because it was attached to a major defense spending bill, and had the $29 billion hurricane relief amendment in there too.
Convenient isn't it? Lumping a whole lot of things together like that. Vote against it, and during your next campaign your opponents can say you voted against the war -- it will be done, just watch. Vote against it and your opponents can say you voted against hurricane relief.

Again, the Dems were asleep at the wheel when that amendment was added.

697 miles

2005-12-17T18:36:00.000-08:00

That's how many miles we logged on our car the last couple of days. It's been a wild week.

We went to Texas Wednesday for Sheldon's dad's funeral, and drove back.

On Thursday afternoon, I get a graduation announcement. My "baby" sister is graduating from college. The postmark said November, but I got the card Dec. 15.

We both found out at the last minute that we could get off, so we both left the office, packed in 30 minutes and drove to Canyon Texas in time to see my sister graduate. Heck, Anita flew in from Dallas for the big event, and we all still beat Armando to the graduation and he lives there. We had a very nice time, ate mother's great cooking and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. No regrets about the last-minute trip.

So today, we drove from Canyon, 3 hours to another town in Texas to pick up our daughter and then headed back to OKC. Whew. Tired, and the weekend just got worse.

Roy lost his battle with cancer. My prayer's are with Sylvia and Jim in Arizona tonight as they deal with the pain. I'm tired of people dying.

Working on this blog

2005-12-13T06:31:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to jazz this up a bit. So it will be an ever changing process. I'm know that I can create my own logos etc. I just haven't quite figured out how to use Publisher -- now if I had Pagemaker that would be a different story. Can I ask Santa for that.

Hey, have ya'll paid attention to the news? There's geysers erupting in Oklahoma near Kingfisher. (Check out the Red River North site, there's a link)

We're going down to Texas tomorrow for the funeral. It's so sad. I hate funerals.

Update on our life

2005-12-11T12:05:00.000-08:00

Ray's party went off without a hitch. He was truly surprised, which is truly amazing, considering all the people who knew about it. Last night -- a whole 24-hours after it happened, he's still trying to sort out what was true. He says, "Oh, that's what Amanda meant."

Apparently after Sheldon's dad died, he heard Amanda tell me I'd better not cancel Friday night. He thought she was talking about dinner out with friends.

Sheldon's dad's funeral is Wednesday. We had thought it was Monday, but they are waiting for some family to come to Vernon, so that means Wednesday. It's a tough deal. His dad was only 42. Puts turning 50 into perspective doesn't it. Not so bad to get old, considering the alternative.

I go from being busy and enjoying the holiday events with friends, to getting downright depressed about not having the grandkids around. But we'll see them in January/February. So expect Christmas to be a little lighter than planned. We're saving money for the plane tickets. For three of us, it will be about $700 (because we've already told Sondra we have to take Mason with us.) Those kiddos are really close. So we all need to decide where we really want to live long term and then all move there. Me -- I'd like somewhere warm. Florida? Ok, not necessarily warm. I'd be happy with Colorado. Heck, I'd even move to Arizona. All those have fishing spots (important to Brian, Shane and Ray).

So let's here it. Where do you guys want to live? And we can all focus on getting jobs there this next year. I'm not kidding. I'll move if you guys do. -- MOM

Happy 50th Ray!

2005-12-08T07:05:00.000-08:00

Ray turns 50 today. Wow. 1955 was a very good year. The birth of The Maneater. The birth of my Ray.

A 1955 chevrolet is a classic.
So is Ray.

Happy birthday!

Sheldon's dad

2005-12-07T20:38:00.000-08:00

Sheldon got the news this evening that his dad died today. He had been in the hospital since Thanksgiving, but had gotten a little better and was released from the hospital yesterday. Today everyone was out of the house except for Sheldon's 16-year-old brother. He went in to check on his dad, and found him not breathing. He called 911, but the paramedics couldn't revive him. Sheldon's dad was only 42 years old. He had really bad asthma and his lungs just failed.

Everyone's in shock. I don't think it's hit Sheldon yet. He hadn't had a chance to tell his dad that he had officially joined the Naval Reserves (Sheldon's first drill was to be this weekend.) I'm sure he will be excused from that this month. It's heart wrenching to watch him. It just hasn't sunk in yet, I don't think. We had just talked this evening about how proud his dad was going to be when he saw Sheldon in his uniform (his dad was retired Navy.)

Still don't know when the funeral will be, everything is in a bit of chaos. No one was expecting this, so it's been crazy. We're all still in shock.

Somebody's getting suspicious

2005-12-03T06:24:00.000-08:00

I think maybe Ray's getting suspicous, or he's figuring to find few clues about his upcoming birthday. He's actually dropped a few hints about what he wants this year - something he never does. Anyway, he was actually reading my blog yesterday, and I caught on just in time to pull it down before he got to any revealing information. Now I think he thinks I'm having some online fling. Ha ha. So, I've edited any other mention of his birthday. And, I don't care if he actually reads this ...

Still decorating -- really pictures soon. This working full time interferes with my life.

23 days and counting

2005-12-02T10:52:00.000-08:00

Wow. Where did this year go? Not that it's necessarily a bad thing, 2005 was not exactly a great year. So, I'm looking forward to 2006. We plan to ring it in downtown OKC - probably freezing our tushes off as we see them drop the ball.

Well, I understand not liking the inconveniences of snow. But heck, we would love to have moisture. Oklahoma is 6 inches short this year, and that's a lot. The last rain we got -- not much -- was on Halloween morning. Last year if you remember we only had a dusting of snow during winter. It's dry dry dry.

Ray's already looking forward to spring and working in the yard. I swear he ought to just give up accounting and go into landscaping.

Well, got lots of work to do. I'm baking all weekend.

Christmas

2005-11-30T20:34:00.000-08:00

Wow. The lights look great at Brian and Robin's place. And as always we are thrilled to see Kayla and Chloe in photos -- even if we can't see them in real life. I hate that job of Robin's though, and I can't wait until the kids move closer to home. I think they will because it's just too hard to be away -- particularly that far away -- from everyone.

I have cousins there in Washington, I hear. So tomorrow, I'm calling Freddy and asking him where the cousins are so that maybe the kids will have "family" there. But I think they are in Vancouver, which is still a ways from them.

Can't believe Robin went shopping for Carharts... the first time I ever heard about those was when I took a press tour of "ag" Missouri, and we were stopping at a country store off the highway between Columbia and St. Louis -- great store by the way. Anyway, everyone kept talking about how it was the best place in the state to get carharts. I thought they were saying "car parts" I was a little surprised when I went into the store at what they were talking about (yep, the lights came on in the brain about then.) And, yes, Rev. Black - you are right. It ain't cheap to be a redneck. Heck, do you have any idea how much it cost to spend a weekend in a travel trailer at the Texas Motor Speedway for a Nascar race? Out of my price range.

Jazzing it up

2005-11-26T06:13:00.000-08:00

I think I need to jazz this site up. It's rather dull, don't you think? Oh well.

Christmas cards in the mail today -- that's my goal. I was going to wait until Dec. 1, but I just want to get 'em out. Maybe it will signal the start of the holiday season for someone who's not in the mood yet.

In the meantime, I still have 20 pounds of turkey in the fridge because Amanda and Sheldon had to have a turkey, and then decided last night that they were sick of turkey. Hmmm, "turkey and dumplings" "turkey enchiladas" "turkey alfredo" might have to get creative.

Have a good weekend all.

Thanksgiving

2005-11-24T20:09:00.000-08:00

We had a great day. Lots of folks over at our friends, Paul and Susan's house. There were about 35 people there. Variety of folks from family to Susan and her sister's old nanny from when they were little, and Bill, otherwise known as "Watermelon Slim," a blues musician we all like.

Lots of good food. I feel like I might explode!

Turkey

2005-11-23T13:47:00.000-08:00

Hmmm...turkey. Can't wait for dinner already. Dang, it's tomorrow.

Lazy cat

2005-11-22T14:27:00.000-08:00

Actually, it's a crazy cat. We've had this cat nine years now. She knows the rules, and yet lately when I'm working on the computer in my office (aka the jungle room). She lies on the bed in here. Not beside the bed, ON the bed. I yell at her, she moves -- slowly -- and gets off. I get busy and turn around and see she's back on the bed. She opens one eye, if I don't yell or move, she closes it again.

Anybody want a cat?

Thanksgiving

2005-11-19T08:11:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess I'm going to go out and buy some "Thanksgiving Food" today. Don't much feel like it. I think we're going to be by ourselves, so we were thinking about going out to a restaurant and a movie. Though, now I guess we might just go to a friend's house.

Though Ray is already bemoaning the fact that we won't have leftovers, so my mission is to go out and find the smallest turkey possible.

That's a change!

Second summer

2005-11-13T08:24:00.000-08:00

It's still like summer here, or at the very least a warm spring. People are still wearing shorts. It's great. Well, except for Ray's obsession with the yard.

As those of you who have seen the yard know it's huge. And in need of some major work. There's more dirt than grass in the front, which makes mowing the yard a major pain and a very dirty task. Ray's mission? To have grass. So we're planting winter seed and today we're fertilizing and watering again. And, we have bulbs. Lots of them to plant today.

I've decided the best thing to do is save money for the spring because I know it's going to be expensive. We've already spent $100 on the grass stuff and bulbs. Oh, and did I mention that we got a new lawnmower this year? Now he wants a riding one -- it takes about two hours to mow the lawn with the walking one.

But it will look nice when it's done! And, it makes Ray happy.

So today we'll spend another day outside, up until about 3 p.m. then we decided it's time to have some fun, so we're going to Galileo's for a blues competition (to watch, not participate.) We really like blues and jazz, and are really getting into that music scene here.

Sad

2005-11-09T13:19:00.000-08:00

Autumn. Fall.Whatever you call it, the season with it's warm colors and temperatures that migrate from cool to cold, and warm to downright hot -- at least in Oklahoma -- always makes me a little sad.
The epilogue to a chapter. Maybe I'm sad because this year, I've seen the last of my children get married...my precious grandchildren move far away...another year slipping quietly into history.
I'm sad also because I know this might be our last holiday with my dad. I'm sad because my sister's hubby's brother is now in hospice -- his last stop before moving on to the next world. He wants to be cremated. I don't know how I would act if I knew this was my last chance to see the leaves turn golden and orange.
For all of this I'm sad, but I know like autumn my sadness will pass and I'll laugh and dance and cry a little longer.
I'll be glad for Spring.

Movie Monday

2005-11-08T19:05:00.000-08:00

Went to see Zathura (free sneak peak, of course). It was awesome. Kids are gonna love this movie. We loved it, and I had to drag Ray to it. It has great special effects -- now if you're a sci-fi nerd (Brian, Robin) don't go in expecting Star Wars. This is a kid's film, but it's good and fun. Exciting, imagination and good lessons for the kids. It's great.

Now the crazy part of my week. I actually have a job interview tomorrow. Really. It's nuts, I know because I have a NEW job. But they called me and made me an offer I couldn't refuse. Well, at least not refuse to go talk about. Now, the clincher is if they get me what I want and that is a signing bonus (hey, I need a extra car -- sharing is getting more and more difficult!) Wish me luck!

And, yes, I know it's Tuesday instead of Movie Monday -- maybe I should have done Showtune Tuesday -- RENT is coming out on film after all.

Now the pressing question of the day. Are the Rocketts dancing yet?

Television addict - I admit it

2005-11-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

Wow, I didn't have much time this week to write -- at least not for leisure. But it was a great week. We actually stayed home last night and tried to catch up on some missed television shows. This morning, I got up early and watched E.R. and Grey's Anatomy.
If you didn't see this week's episode (actually last Sunday's episode) of Grey's Anatomy -- you should. Since I was in the living room alone and everyone else is asleep, I watched and blubbered through most of it. It was a good show. I know -- guys don't undertand that. But my guess is that this show will make them cry too. Watch it.
But I had enough of television when I flipped over to "But Can they Sing?" Think American Idol with celebrities. I watched as Morgan Fairchild "sang" Nancy Sinatra's "These boots were made for walking". Not good. Antonio Sabata Jr. sang "I'll be watching you." Painful. But the final straw was some psuedo-celeb Bai Ling singing -- and I uses this term loosely -- Madonna's "Like a Virgin." I shut the television off.

Good day/bad day

2005-11-04T21:05:00.000-08:00

Good day -- got to talk to Mason for the first time in more than two weeks.

Bad day -- he asked to talk to Papa after he talked to me for about 30 seconds.

Bad day - Miss the girls.

Bad day -- Hear Brian's been talking smack. Doesn't believe the package thing. I have a witness. Sheldon was with me when I retrieved the package left by UPS on our doorstep and then went to FedEx Kinkos to send it off again -- after inspecting that all was in there.

Good day -- I love seeing photos of the girls.

Good day -- What does everyone think of going to Vegas for the holidays so that we don't have to have Brian driving over the mountains? Cheap flights.

Finally

2005-11-03T12:54:00.000-08:00

Well, just got to see more photos on Brian's blog, but still makes me sad to see the girls when I can't hug them.

Finally, the girls will get their very belated birthday presents. UPS dropped off the box at OUR house yesterday. So Sheldon and I took it to FedEx and sent it off. We would have gone to the post office but they were already closed and I wanted that box to get to the girls as quickly as possible, and I was not about to trust UPS with it again!

So I'm trying to write a book this month Southern Fried Baptist
It's part of the National Novel Writing Month challenge. Why the heck not? I've got a bijillion books in my head.

Well tonight we actually got invited to go to a Murphy family event. Col. Murphy is being inducted into the military hall of fame. Pretty nifty. But Ray's so excited about being included. It really hurts me to see how hard he tries to get his brother to like him. Though, my guess is not that his brother doesn't like him -- it's me. So I'm going to go tonight be the good little QUIET wife. Yeah, tough role. I'm never quiet. I'm proud of Ray and what he's accomplished.

Holiday Time

2005-11-02T07:21:00.000-08:00

Used to be whatever we decided for the holidays was the only thing we had to worry about. With everyone grown, scattered across the country and working now we have to coordinate. And it's tough! So that's my mission today to finalize plans for the upcoming celebrations of Thanksgiving, Ray's birthday and Christmas. Ray's birthday is a HUGE deal this year because well, it's a milestone.

No cracks about half a century -- none.

So questions to the kids -- what about a football game on Christmas eve in Kansas City? Or New Year's? The only other option is a Cowboys vs. Chiefs game in Texas, and some how I think Dad would rather be at Arrowhead. I'm putting this in here, because he rarely reads this blog :).

Halloween

2005-10-31T20:09:00.000-08:00

We had one little girl come to our house to Trick or Treat. Tons of candy left. Dang. We thought this neighborhood would be different, but I guess if you don't live in the ritzy part of town in a big house no one wants to come to your house anymore.

Not like we live in the ghetto or anything. We live in a nice neighborhood. Oh well.

Amanda and Sheldon were disappointed. They were home handing out candy. We were at the zoo for the Haunt the Zoo. We volunteered two nights. The first night we were at the Mad Scientist booth. Halloween night we were at the Jungle Booth. It was fun.

It was hard work too though!

We missed Chloe, Mikayla and Mason though. :( We wish we could have been with them to see costumes. I'm sure we'll see pictures soon.

I promise to post more on this blog now that other folks are posting more often on their blogs. I have another blog that I spend most of my time on, I'll admit. Sorry.

I should be in bed.

2005-10-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

I have to be up and at work in five hours. My last day at the Edmond Sun -- even though they want me to work on Thursday -- not gonna happen.

I'm having fun at the new job. It's weird being in p.r. and thinking of ways to get reporters to write a story -- then again THAT's not much different than being an editor.

We watched "The Weather Man" today. Sort of weird and depressing. I think we were supposed to learn something, but I think I really learned that Nicholas Cage should stick to action films. I say that, but I can't actually say I didn't like the movie.

The movie we saw before that was Domino. Great flick. Violent -- not for kids.

We were going to see a sneak peak -- yes, I haven't paid for a movie in weeks -- maybe months -- of Zorro. But the kiddos are working and need a ride home. Dang it. We NEED ANOTHER CAR.

Spent two hours today talking to schmucks at UPS. They are still looking...

Well, just found out that B bought the girls Cinderella -- scratch that off the Christmas list. Dang it. Brian. :)

Well, really now. I'm going to bed.

Our boring -- yet fun -- weekend

2005-10-23T09:28:00.000-07:00

Well this has been a good weekend. The Missouri Tigers won -- Go Mizzou and Ray's Kansas City Chiefs won. Yesterday we went for a hike with friends at the Martin Nature Center. It was nice. It's not as well kept up as other nature centers we've been to, but it's still nice to get in touch with nature in the middle of the city.

We're volunteering on Sunday and Monday at the Oklahoma City "Haunt the Zoo" We get to dress up and hand out candy to kids. Since we don't have any little ones around this year, we thought that might be fun.

Saturday night, we're invited to a Halloween Party -- it's a pajama party, so the challenge this week is to find p.j.'s that are like a costume. Should be interesting.

New job

2005-10-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

Wow. Yesterday, I was considering moving to Tulsa for a new job. Today, I got another offer for a job here in OKC. It's great. I took it. This will be the first time I change jobs and actually get to stay where I want to be.

More wedding pics

2005-10-16T19:40:00.000-07:00

Wedding Pictures

2005-10-16T19:22:00.000-07:00

It was not the big wedding we had planned, but it was still beautiful.

Don't ask me what this was about!

Geez, lovebirds get cheesy in front of a camera.

Sunday afternoon

2005-10-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

I'd say it was a lazy Sunday afternoon, 'cept I've decided to organize my office. And Ray is out -- well, literally up -- in the pine tree cutting branches and a large vine that's wrapped around the tree. He's having fun, but I check on him periodically to make sure he hasn't fallen out of the tree.

Next week will be fun with the wedding and all. Wish everyone could be here.

posted by Carmel

Happy Birthday Kayla!

2005-10-08T16:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Mikayla!

She's definitely grown in the past year, and she talks in full sentences. It's amazing how much kids can learn in such a short time.

We wish we could be there to hold you and give you a b-day kiss.

E and Papa

2005-09-27T14:24:00.000-07:00

"What do you want to be called," my Sondra asked me about my preference for what the new grandchild would call me. "I don't know, how about 'your majesty' or 'diva'?" I asked, still in shock at learning I was to be a grandparent at the ripe old age of 42.
Fast forward a few months and my daughter decided I was going to be "grammy." Mason started talking and saying everyone's name. "papa" "mommy" "daddy", but no name for me, or so we thought.
It wasn't until he really wanted something and he kept tugging on my leg, "E, babble, babble, babble." After a while, we realized that I was "E", it wasn't just a preliminary noise he made before launching into an unintelligible request or complaint of some sort.

Fast forward a few more years and adding two granddaughters -- my son's girls -- and I'm still "E." Not that they can't say "Grammy" or "Grandma" should they so desire. No, they go out of their way to correct people about the name they've given me. They were delighted when a character on the Incredibles was called "E." And, no my name is not Edna. "E," you are on the Incredibles! And so I am.

Now I'm sitting here in my office, my red "Incredibles" phone handily by (Yes, really. It's got the "I-logo" and everything cool. Flashes when I have a message.) and missing my grandchildren -- my three little monkeys very much. Whoever thought being a grandma would be so much fun. Play, spoil, send them back home.

Oh well, it will be the holidays -- not soon enough -- and I'll get to play with the little monkeys who all live far away now. E will definitely have some spoiling to catch up on.

Lazy Sunday

2005-09-18T19:46:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I tend to work so hard on Sunday's. I really need to take it easy and relax, but I don't. I finished painting the master bathroom and my dressing room today. I also organized drawers. Really, I need to remember that Sunday is a day of REST.

Now I have to go pack so we can make it to Oswego, Kansas tomorrow for Bucky's funeral. Sylvia got to go home today after more than a week in the hospital. Her surgery went well on Friday. I hope she does ok, not being mobile is going to be hard on her.

Missing my grandbabies

2005-09-15T19:04:00.000-07:00

It absolutely sucks that my grandchildren don't live near me. I miss Chloe and Mikayla so much. Ray really misses them. He has a BIG soft spot for Mikayla -- not that we don't love them all equally. I can't believe she's going to be two years old already. Here's a photo of Chloe on her birthday in July:

Miss our Mason too.

The Health Report

2005-09-12T17:02:00.000-07:00

Good grief. I think I'm going to be happy to see 2005 end. Sylvia is now in the hospital and is awaiting surgery on her foot. She's going to take a long time recuperating, and I wish I could be there for her.

I'm so upset about that. It stinks to live so far away from one another. I think she should move closer to home. -- But she won't.

Daily

2005-09-09T09:16:00.000-07:00

OK, I've gotten as bad as the rest of you on this blog. I'm going to start doing this daily though, so get ready to get bugged.

The week is turning out better than it started. Dad was in the hospital. Now out, and doing better. As mom says "he got his oil changed."

Daniel is still on the mend. Not doing as well as we hoped by now.

Brian is doing better. More tests.

So all in all the family is hanging in there.

posted by Carmel

How do you cope

2005-08-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

Brian's doctors told him this week that they think he has colon cancer. More tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis. He's put them off to go on vacation.

We're trying to hold it together. Positive thoughts. He'll be ok. Anything else is not an option.

We're moved

2005-07-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

OK, we've moved into a new home! A lot -- A LOT -- of hard work, painting, elbow grease etc. made this a livable place. Glad it's over. Now we just have to unpack.

Mason went back home last week. We miss him already -- ok , not when we're shopping, but we definitely miss him. Chloe turned a big three and has her bike. If I can figure out how to add photos, I'll post one of her on her bike here.

Dad went through his surgery succesfully last week. Prayers answered.

Fourth of July

2005-07-05T06:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday America!

I hope all of you guys had a great great great Fourth of July. We had a super weekend.

Friday -- we found a great place to take Mason to eat at -- Joe's Crab Shack. Noisy -- so he can yell and scream if he wants. Music -- he can dance too. Great food -- he placed his own order for "just shrimp" though he did give the waitress a hard time when she brought him fries. "I said, 'just shrimp.'

Saturday -- Tinker Air Force Base to watch the Thunderbirds. Still amazing no matter how many times I see them. In the evening we stayed home and watched Star Wars -- Episode V.

Sunday -- Nice quiet day, did some shopping, Ray bought a lawn mower, perfect weather.

Fourth -- Participated in the Edmond parade, and Mason got to ride on a "float." We invited friends over and had an impromptu bbq. Good food -- thanks Ray -- friends and the kids played until they wore themselves out. After a much needed nap we went downtown for a strategic location to watch fireworks. Afterward, Ray and Mason and I sat around the dining room table and had a drink and snack and talked about our favorite firework and other such things. Great day overall.

Lessons from a four-year-old

2005-06-23T06:24:00.000-07:00

Play hard, daylight's burning. Change your mind several times in 10 minutes about the movie you want to watch again. You can never watch The Incredibles too many times. Saying Al Pacino's line "You talkin' to me" every time you're asked to do something will drive grown ups crazy. Pizza rolls and spinach dip (with carrots) make a perfectly balanced meal. You can look cute and mad (or sad) at the same time. You can go to Subway and have chips, a drink and a cookie and not worry about what Jerad would do. And last, but not least, you CAN be the master of your own universe.

That's just one day's worth of lessons. We'll learn more today, I'm sure.

Grandkids

2005-06-20T06:47:00.000-07:00

We just went to pick up Maosn from Missouri. He's going to spend a couple of weeks or maybe one with us.

Last night, he had Papa (that's Ray) playing hide and seek. It was hilarious because Mason had many rules to this game. If you were the seeker you had to carry various items with you including this toy that makes a sound like a chain saw (we have to talk to the parents about that one, he kept mentioning a movie with a chain saw).

Before he finally went to sleep, he had to make at least five trips to the bathroom and then he was starving. It was too funny.

We plan to wear him out running around doing all sorts of fun stuff today including a ball game. I know we'll all sleep well tonight.

Now we just wish we could see the granddaughters.

Family blog

2005-06-16T18:22:00.000-07:00

OK relatives. This family blog needs some help. We're all slacking. So from now on, I expect postings on your blog at least twice a week. I'll even give you once a week. Send your blog addresses in. We can do this.

http:welcomefamily.blogspot.com

This weekend

2005-06-05T17:21:00.000-07:00

My brother Armando drove my parents up to see us this weekend. We had a good time. Dad is doing better than he was, and I think he had a good time. We didn't do a lot but eat out and go shopping. Man oh man, it's hard to keep up shopping with my mom. I didn't know she was so into shoes and purses. I guess when we were growing up she always had to buy us kids stuff so now she can focus on herself a little.

We're planning on maybe going camping later this summer at least with Armando and maybe our kids. I think Mom and Dad are to the point that they like to stay in a room with a bed. Can't blame them.

Reality TV

2005-05-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

Reality television is anything but real. The kids on American Idol, we're meant to believe are amateurs waiting to be discovered. In reality, almost all of the winners have already cut CDs or make their living singing. Famous or not, rich or not, if you make your living at it, you're a professional.

As big fans as we are of The Amazing Race this season, we had to wonder if they didn't purposely do some things to eliminate those they wanted and keep the older couple in there.

And, what about all that conniving on Survivor? Geez. Oh wait, that's like people at my old job. Never mind. Maybe it is reality after all.

Gotta go, I think the Real World is coming on...

Cinco de Mayo

2005-05-04T08:25:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or have 'white' people gone crazy over Cinco de Mayo? I guess any reason to eat Mexican food and drink beer is a holiday.

I grew up in Texas and hadn't ever heard of Cinco de Mayo. When did I hear and even learn about it? In my late 20s when I was in Okinawa, Japan.

Anyway, happy Cinco...for what it's worth.

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And, by the way -- no word on any jobs today. I think we've decided we're just gonna stay in Oklahoma City and find a new place to live. Life's funny that way.

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Catching up

2005-04-24T10:10:00.000-07:00

Well, this has been a really busy month. I can't believe it's already almost the end of the month. We've been busy working and doing home projects. We're trying to get all the things sorted before we move, so we're gearing up for a big moving sale at the end of the month. I hate moving, but it does help you get rid of stuff you don't need to haul around for years.

This week has been the 10th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. It's a very emotional for everyone who lives here and went through that. Heck, we weren't even living here and I still remember where I was when I heard about the bombing. It's one of those moments that stays with you forever.

And then it's the annual arts festival that happens at the same time the Memorial marathon and all the other events every year. It's funny because even though there is beautiful art from artists all over the country, most people go out to hear the music and for the food.

Today we are doing yard work and getting ready for the week ahead.

Watched Rides on TLC

2005-04-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

Carmel yelled and mentioned that I needed to watch this show on TV. It was the Power Tour of 2004; when I started to watch it they were headed to Tulsa, OK. The next thing I knew they were in Chetopa Kansas; nobody goes to Chetopa. Guess I should mention that Mom lives in Oswego Kansas which is 7 or 8 miles from there. It was a good show to watch not only because of where they were traveling but also the cars. Man was there some really nice cars on the show. I wanted to go out and buy an old car and fix it into a hot rod and make the trip. They ended the trip in Green Bay, what an adventure that would be.

Posted by Ray

Heat, snow and dust

2005-04-12T20:13:00.000-07:00

Well, we just finished our trip to Arizona. We actually got homesick for Oklahoma, knowing that when we came back the green rolling hills would welcome us. Of course, the tornadoes welcomed us home too. We weren't home more than two hours when the tornado alarms went off.

Somehow it seemed appropriate after our trip -- our long trip -- back from Arizona. It was in the mid 90s in Arizona City the day before we left. Saturday, we left early and immediately ran into a detour due to road construction in Phoenix. We were still running the AC. We traveled up up up to Flagstaff. It started snowing before we got there and sure enough a wreck due to the winter driving conditions pushed traffic to a stop. A car in front of us rear ended another car, so there was wreck two. Fortunately, we were close enough to the action that it didn't take us so long to get around it. Those behind us were not as fortunate, and traffic on the mountain was backing up. It was snowing hard in Flagstaff and cold high 30s. What a difference in only three hours (actually by then it was closer to five due to the delays.)

It kept snowing on and off as we headed to Albuquerque. But 90 miles out -- right outside of Gallup, traffic came to a dead stop. We crept along for three miles -- four hours later we finally were detoured off Interstate 40 to a frontage road. Despite the snow, the road was closed due to high winds. It was blowing sand -- a brown out -- that stopped traffic, and even the train that we could see next to the highway.

We made it to Amarillo and stayed the night at my brother's place. Crazy day, crazy weather.

Tornadoes and all it's good to be home. Now we have to decide what we're going to do -- choices? Stay here or move to Arizona. I have a tenative job offer there. And, now I have another familiar detour. I have an interview Thursday morning for a job in Des Moines, Iowa. Yes, same one. Same cows :) But, it has merit so I have to talk to them. Geez, I wish God would send a telegram, or maybe an email.

Posted by Carmel

Letting go

2005-04-01T11:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a painful day. We had to say goodbye to Mason, our little three-year-old grandson. He and Sondra and Shane moved to Missouri. Sure, it's not that far, and yes, we're planning to move too. But it was still hard.

The hardest part is looking out at the backyard that looks so empty now without all the toys. No one to drag us out to play baseball, basketball, soccer or golf.

We've been missing Chloe and Mikayla a lot lately and now that all three are gone it makes it sort of hard. I guess we'll just have to stay really busy. It helps to have Brian post all the photos and information about daily life on his blog. Makes them not seem so far away.

We still cry though when we see their photos. Our little trio of monkeys. ha ha.

Too many dang changes

2005-03-23T20:26:00.000-08:00

Life is getting crazy. First Brian and Robin take my beautiful granddaughters to live in a nuclear waste site.

Now Sondra and Shane are moving Mason to Missouri - the land of goths and meth. So much for "the heartland."

And then of course, our ongoing job searches in Arizona. To make matters worse Des Moines, Iowa might be in the mix with a AP job. But really, Des Moines? I think cows outnumber people there, so I highly suspect I might decline any offer of employment should it be offered, of course.

I don't know what was so wrong with Oklahoma. I like Oklahoma. I don't really want to move from Oklahoma. People are nice here. We have friends. We live within driving distance of both parents (his and mine.)

At the same time I see the wisdom and logic behind Ray's desire to move to Arizona. And, the bright spot there is that I'll get to be near my big sister for the first time in many many years. I might mention while we're both still young enough to go get into trouble together. No comment from the kids on that one.

The thought of not only building a house but actually having it paid off in five years is more than appealing. It's a smart idea. OK OK -- you see the progression here. I'm talking myself into this. I'll be honest. The 130 degree days scare the hell out of me.

Well, it does look as if my latest round of resumes has produced results. I've got one job interview lined up for sure and two more likely will be lined up in the next few days. Looks like I'd better crank up the heater and learn to like sweat.

This should be an interesting year. Anybody want to guess where we'll all be one year from today? Me neither.

Mason and Me continued

2005-03-21T15:15:00.000-08:00

Well the last post was short because Mason was "helping," which meant I told him what letter to type and he typed it. Time consuming.

But spending time with grandkids never gets old even if it means doing the same thing over and over again or doing something painstakingly slow.

Our daily "any time we want " time with Mason is short. Sondra and Shane are planning to move with Mason to Missouri. That on the heels of Chloe and Mikayla leaving is very very sad.

We miss our little granddaughters but have been able to tolerate it by spending more time with Mason -- and crying occassionally. Now all three are going to be far away.

I guess we got spoiled over the last two years. We were certainly blessed to have them all with us. I suppose that will make the time with them all the more precious. And, the blogs and photos and emails certainly help.

Mason and Me

2005-03-21T09:10:00.000-08:00

Mason spent the whole weekend with us while Sondra and Shane went up to Missouri to find a house. They founda town house and Shane found a job.

So this morning Papa went to work and Mason and I are just hanging out. We looked at the photos on the Daddy Daycare site. He is ready to go visit. He misses Chloe and Mikayla and Brian and Robin. He talks to them when he sees their picture.

A better week

2005-03-16T10:29:00.000-08:00

Dad came home from the hospital Monday and mom reports that he's doing well. Now we just have to make sure she gets the rest she needs so that she doesn't get sick.

All is going well in my self-employment endeavors. Keeping busy with freelance articles and so far, managing a fairly decent schedule.

The job hunt in Arizona is ongoing. I'll be glad when and if we are there. Ray has convinced me that this is a good move. I'm sure it is.

But I'm still sad about leaving our friends.

My Dad

2005-03-11T07:52:00.000-08:00

One of these days, I'm going to write a book about my dad. Some may wonder why. He's not the CEO of a major company, doesn't have lots of money and wasn't famous. But what he did was amazing. He raised 10 children, and he did it well. That's a lot. He's always "daddy," the one who provided the basics, made us laugh and could scare us with just one look.

He's in the critical care unit at Baptist St. Anthony's today. The diagnosis is congestive heart failure. I'm scared. We're all scared.