Our Anniversary

Friday, June 30, 2006

Yesterday was our 10th anniversary! Wow, seems like yesterday when we were planning our beautiful garden wedding!
My dear hubby wanted to plan our night together, but finally broke down and asked me what I would like to do. We originally wanted to go back to Cannon Beach where we spent the majority of our honeymoon, but with gas prices what they are, we decided to just have a quiet time together.
We have been so busy lately all I wanted to do is to have some time to re-connect and relax. Hubby had to work yesterday and I was working all day at the church so before I went in, I sent him an email, which I guess he really liked cuz I got a phone call immediately. It was very sweet. Then later at work, he called me again. Then about 3:30 he pops in with roses and a balloon and card. What a sweetie he is! His boss actually "fired" him for the afternoon so he would get to go home early. It was really fun to get to see him before 6:30 or so at night.
We had received a gift certificate to Red Lobster from his parents so we decided to go there to eat. It was scrumptous. We went for a walk on the beach and then just took a liesurely drive along the lake. It was so relaxing and really gave us a chance to spend some much needed "us" time together.
Amazing how well we fit together now. It is really like we are becoming one! Not that we don't disagree from time to time, and lose patience with one another, but we know that when we wake up in the morning God has given us another day together and we are walking side by side, trying to do what God has planned for us.

Better Today!

Sunday, June 25, 2006

The car show is in the history books! We had 46 cars, trucks, and motorcycles! We had a nice response from the people that came and altogether with the show and yard sale, earned $1558 for our charity, Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic to help Mom's and babies.

Boy was it a warm day! We had a lot of fun, gave out alot of hot dogs and pop and water. The guys had a raffle and blew up an engine, and we had a poker walk!

We met lots of new people and were able to see some of our old friends as well. It was a fun show! We even got some new people interested in joining our car club. It was an awesome time! I will have pictures soon!

Way too BUSY!

Friday, June 23, 2006


Just stoppin' in to let you know that I haven't forgotten about you, just way too busy to blog! How sad is that?

Hoping life will slow down after the middle of July (VBS) but it is not looking too promising! Today we are hauling all the yard sale stuff to the church, pricing the last couple truckloads and setting it all up. Tomorrow is the Big Hot Rod Show, and the yard sale! After that is done my hubby can calm down a bit and things will be a little smoother for us even though I will be concentrating on VBS full tilt then. We already have 34 kids pre-registered! Woo-hoo! That's what we had last year by the time it started. And we ended up with 100 kids total. So looks as if we may exceed last years. That's awesome, can't wait. It's a whirlwind, but I love it!

Hubby came home last night and said they had tentively decided the dates when he was going to Korea with his job. It is set for 4 days After VBS. Then they are sending him to Singapore also for a week or so. Well, atleast I will get some rest after VBS. No cooking...awwwwww! That will be too cool! Yaaaa Hoooo!

Well, gotta run, gotta do the VBS sign to be put up today, and go work on the sale. Never a dull moment! BYeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Wednesday, June 21, 2006


My Baby Girl is 34 years old today! Wow, that makes me O-L-D! My little blonde California girl who still gets carded for cigarettes, the mother of my five amazing grandbabies, is thirty four! You'll have to pardon me, I have to say that a couple three thousand times to try to let it sink in. THIRTY-FOUR! Geeeeeez!

Go on over to Plaid Toaster and give her some love! But be quiet, she is trying to sleep in! I have no idea what tires her out...is it the five kiddos, (2 of which are teenagers), or the lovebird, or the 2 cockateils, or the kitty, or her six kitties, or the rest of the zoo, or school, or work, or maybe it's the hubs himself. But whatever it is, she deserves to sleep in anytime she can.

This girl is special . She has a very quick mind and actually the mouth to match! Sorry Mel. She grew up with two younger brothers. They brought her up right. She needed that strength to get her through the rough spots. She has survived more than a lot of people do in a lifetime. I really do admire her, but gosh, don't tell her, I'd never hear the end of it!

She really is my best friend and I would give her the world if I could. She is the best daughter any mother could ask for. I am truly honored to be her mom. Now go on over and wake her up...it's time she got her lazy fanny out of bed and faced the fact that she is
THIRTY FOUR years old! Love ya Mel!

Can Sculptures

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Some people are so creative. I wonder who first thought of making a sculpture out of cans! I think this is my favorite. Woodstock is just so cute!





This would have been really fun to watch as they were building them!

























Our poor little M&M guys look a little scary!
















































And my special hero...King Kong!








Ok, so tell me who your favorite is!

Happy Father's Day Daddy!

Sunday, June 18, 2006

You have been gone for almost nine years. How is that possible?I remember the Father's Day card I got you on the last Father's day you had here on earth. It was sealed with a letter inside, still sitting on my entertainment center long after Father's Day! I found it after you had passed away. I thought we had mailed it. I am glad that we talked to you on that day.

It was hard to talk to you Dad! Hard to hear you struggle to hold on to the phone to talk to me. The stroke had left you with only one good hand and you were losing muscle tone in that. Sometimes it was very hard for you to talk. It broke my heart to hear the struggles that were your everyday life. You never complained though. You were always happy to hear from me or Tana. I'm sorry that I didn't call more often. I hated hearing Vivian yell at you to hold the phone or talk or whatever. I know now that it was part of the Alzheimers that she was suffering from that was undiagnosed at that time.

I know your last years were the kind no one should ever have to endure. Being trapped in that hospital bed not even able to turn on your own. Being at the mercy of an ailing wife and her daughter who was I'm sure stressed from helping her mother to care for you for so long. I know there were times when they were far from kind. So much came to light my last visit to see you. I felt like grabbing you up and carrying you all the way back home with me. You never would have survived the 900 mile trip.

Your only joy was Saturday nights when Uncle Cliff would call and talk to you. The two of you could be transported back to times when you were growing up. I know these were special conversations for you both. When Uncle Cliff fell and had a stroke, I know you were heartbroken. Then you and Vivian were put in the nursing home by Patsey. No phone, no way to communicate with the only family you had left. Then on Oct. 20th Uncle Cliff went home to be with the Lord. Daddy, I know this was just too much for you to bear. Your mind was clear, but you had to feel so alone that you just couldn't go on anymore. Forty five minutes after they told you about Uncle Cliff's death, you finally were freed from this pain and torture you had endured for the past seventeen years. When I recieved this news, the second in 24 hours, I was saddened beyond comprehenshion, but also happy for you! You were free to dance and run and do whatever it was that you wanted now.

Tana and Todd and Rick and I went down to Uncle Cliff's funeral, and then took my very first plane ride, down to get your remains. I did carry you home Daddy. Back to Oregon, back to where we started as a family. Back to be buried in Uncle Cliff's plot with him, right next to Grandma and Grandpa, and Aunt Iola. May You Rest in Peace. I love You!

2996 Update

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Yesterday, when I went downstairs and checked my mail, there it was! The email from D. Challener Roe with the name of one of the victims of 9/11 for me to do a tribute on.
(If you have not checked this out yet, please do so! Go read my post "2996". It is just two posts down or click on the button on my sidebar.)

I was struck with the reality of this moment as I stared at the name of the gentleman I was to research, and pay tribute to. I checked the website given and saw his picture. I have to say that with tears in my eyes, I read what was there. He was just a regular guy, going about his day, at work, making a living, possibly supporting a wife and kids. (ones he would never again see this side of Heaven) What was he thinking that day? What was the last thing he said to his wife that morning when he left for work? Did he have a sense of impending doom? Did he have any clue that it was going to be the last morning of his life? Or was he just like the majority of us who just do what we have to every day to get by? We always think we have our whole life ahead of us. Well, we do, but sometimes that whole life is only hours or minutes! Life is not always 80 or 90 years. There are not any promises of so many days or years. The only promise is of eternity. Eternity is not here! This is not our home!

An Honored Tradition

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Today when I was at church someone asked if I had ever read the flag folding instructions and knew what they meant, and what they stood for. I was pleasantly suprised when she started telling me what she had read. I always knew that there was honor, love, and a deep respect involved, but I didn't know how right that was and for what reason. I came home and looked it up. Here is what I found. (I know it is long, but read below the flag folding instructions, where the actual ceremony part begins.) I hope you all find it as fascinating as I did. Those that do not come from a military background may never have known this.


Flag Folding

As an Army and Navy custom, the flag is lowered daily at the last note of retreat. Special care should be taken that no part of the flag touches the ground. The Flag is then carefully folded into the shape of a tri-cornered hat, emblematic of the hats worn by colonial soldiers during the war for Independence. In the folding, the red and white stripes are finally wrapped into the blue, as the light of day vanishes into the darkness of night.

This custom of special folding is reserved for the United States Flag alone.

How to fold the Flag

Step 1

To properly fold the Flag, begin by holding it waist-high with another person so that its surface is parallel to the ground.

Step 2

Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom and top edges securely.

Step 3

Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside.

Step 4

Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open (top) edge of the flag.

Step 5

Turn the outer (end) point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle.

Step 6

The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner.

Step 7

When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible.




Flag Folding Ceremony

The flag folding ceremony described by the Uniformed Services is a dramatic and uplifting way to honor the flag on special days, like Memorial Day or Veterans Day, and is sometimes used at retirement ceremonies.

Here is a typical sequence of the reading:


(Begin reading as Honor Guard or Flag Detail is coming forward).


The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing the states our veterans served in uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted when draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has served our country in uniform.


In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation's honored dead. The next morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.


(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to unravel and fold the flag into a quarter fold--resume reading when Honor Guard is standing ready.)



The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.


The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.


The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.


The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.


The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."


The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.


The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.


The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on mother's day.


The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.


The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.


The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.


The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.


When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God we Trust."


(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to inspect the flag--after the inspection, resume reading.)



After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.


| The Flag Folding Ceremony above is from the US Air Force Academy |



2996


Hi All, I just joined in on a very cool project that is going around the internet. It is to honor the victims of 9/11 in a very personal one by one basis. Here is how it works...(this is from the website of the person that started this tribute!)

2,996 is a tribute to the victims of 9/11.

On September 11, 2006, 2,996 volunteer bloggers will join together for a tribute to the victims of 9/11. Each person will pay tribute to a single victim.

We will honor them by remembering their lives, and not by remembering their murderers.

If you would like to help out, either by pledging to post a tribute on your own blog, or by offering your services to promote this cause, just leave a comment here and I’ll email you the name of a victim.

Then, on 9/11/2006, you will post a tribute to that victim on your blog.

But, and this is critical, the tributes should celebrate the lives of these people–kind of like a wake. Over the last 5 years we’ve heard the names of the killers, and all about the victim’s deaths. This is a chance to learn about and celebrate those who died. Forget the murderers, they don’t deserve to be remembered. But some people who died that day deserve to be remembered–2,996 people.

Thank you,

D.Challener Roe


I hope you all will use the button on my sidebar to link to the website to join in this worthwhile tribute.

Well, duh!

Saturday, June 10, 2006


My daughter asked me tonight if I was ever going to update my blog...Well, yeah, when I have something to say and the time to say it! I'm sure I will sometime! Just not now! It's almost 11 at night and I have need to sleep, unfortunately I have tons still to do.

Tomorrow is Sunday, my favorite day, for two reasons. One reason is church! Sunday's are great! I love our church, and I love going. It's not just "doin' church"! It's family and friends and fellowship, and worship, and the warm fuzzies all rolled into one! And our Pastor is a great teacher, a visionary, and yet he is real. What you see is what you get! We are really privilaged to have our worship Pastor too! The man can make a joyful noise! He can bring goosebumps just standing and singing all by himself. I feel very fortunate that God has led us to this church. Our executive Pastor is our administrative resident pro. But when called on to preach, you really get a treat indeed!

Tommorrow, we start our Summer classes at church. My husband and I are taking "Soul Care" this summer. I have heard so many good things about this class. We are excited for it to finally start.

Now back to the other reason I love Sundays....it is my habit to come home from church, have a quick bite to eat, and then...."Come on puppies, Mamma's goin' to bed!" It is NAP TIME! Yippee, I wait all week for it! My only guilt-free nap of the week! I usually have a long haired doxie under the covers by my side and a slug cat on my feet and two dogs on the floor. We joyfully snooze for a couple hours, then we are up and ready to get up and take on the rest of the day. It truly is our "Day of Rest". Ahhhh! I love it!

Unfortunately, along with church, and our class tomorrow, I also have to go work on getting ready for the yard sale for the Car Ministies Show and Shine! No nap for me! Oh pooh!

I really think I have something on my calendar for every day this month and most of next month, and I had so looked forward to summer. Who's gonna have time to know it is summer? Geeeez!

I will try to be better at posting...whether I am just blabbin' on like this or just sayin' I don't have time to blog...he he! I miss seeing you all!

Parade

Sunday, June 04, 2006

Well, yesterday was the parade for our community that I have been working on. I think I mentioned on here or my other blog that I was coordinating it for our church.

We had a great time! We had a little pick-up decorated for our Vacation Bible School that is coming in July. This year it is called "Fiesta" I rode in the back of the truck with a bunch of our little ones complete with sombreros. Our VBS dance team were leading everyone in the songs and sign language. We also had our 200 lb. chipmunk named "Chadder" handing out candy to the kids.

Our Hot Rod Ministry, "His Rides" were also represented with classic cars and motorcycles. They are having their second annual show at the end of this month. We have given out 500 flyers advertising these two events and ministries during the parade, and over 35 pounds of candy! Glad the dentist office was bringing up the rear of the parade...lol!

Our little town has a population of around 20,000 people and this parade is just a little community parade with the police cars, fire engines and the military all represented as well as local businesses and organizations. It really is a kick.

Our Pastor said the phone was ringing off the wall this morning with people calling to see what time our services were. What a blessing. And we were just having fun! I may have pictures for you later.

Homesick!

Friday, June 02, 2006

Why I am homesick, I couldn't begin to tell you. Why this is affecting me now...don't know that either! Maybe it is hormonal!

My family moved to Santa Cruz when I was a year old. I left once for four years and then returned for another four or five years. A total of about 19 years spent in this little town on the coast of California

.


It was a great place to grow up. A small town nestled at the edge of the evergreens, complete with palm trees and the most beautiful begonias you have ever seen.

These are a few pictures of what most people associate with santa Cruz...







The "Big Dipper" was built in 1924. My Mom used to work at the "Coaster Lunch" which was a small little walk-in hamburger place that used to be right under the roller coaster. Now this is a large restaurant with a different name. This is a fond memoryto me as my Mom used to work evenings alot and would come and kiss me goodnight every night when she got home (still in her uniform). She smelled slightly of her perfume and french fries. I didn't know for years what the smell was, just that it was "Mom" and she was home.

On the days that Mom worked the morning shift Dad would drive her to work as we only had one car, and we got to see the guy walk the tracks to make sure they were safe.





The tourists come in droves for the beach and boardwalk, and the wharf, and then usua
lly venture to downtown to wander in and out of the very unique little shops found there.

Here is what the beach and boardwalk looked like when we first moved down there. Sorry it is taken from a slide and somehow got flipped so what is on the left is actually on t
he right.





That is the "Coconut Grove". Don't you just love the old striped umbrellas? Yes folks, this picture was taken in the fifties!

Here's a better view! Remember they are backwards!







Back then there were several beaches for the local people and basically only the Boardwalk beach that the tourists used. The cement boat and beach is in a state park and my grandparents had a state pass so we got to go there alot and we would go fishing on the boat. This picture is so old that it was all still above water. It is partially closed off now and about half of it is under water. Who ever heard of building a boat out of cement?




I used to live by an old lagoon in the third house we lived in. That lagoon is now the Santa Cruz Harbor. The house was still there last time I went down for a visit. Still the same pi
nk as it was then only, since the sixties it has been adorned with a huge white peace sign on the whole front of the house. Forever to be known as the hippie house!

Life was simple back then. We walked after dark, went for early morning walks on the beach and listened to the sea lions and the sea gulls as you walked your dog on
West Cliff Drive.







When I was pregnant with my first child my husband and I lived in a studio apartment over looking the ocean. It was a spot where their was a lot of surfing. This proved to be a constant source of entertainment for me as I did not drive at the time and my husband worked swingshift. I would walk in the evenings or sit on our balcony and read or watch the goofy surfers changing in and out of their wetsuits. Did you know that they don't wear underwear under those things? I didn't before I lived there.




I used to love to sit on the cliff in around all the iceplant and just watch the ocean. I never could get over the immense power displayed right in front of me. It made me feel very small. I have to go back every so often to fill up my soul. I was not a Christian then and didn't realize that I was seeing the awesomeness of God in action, with every wave that broke on the shore. I just knew that there was something very special about it, and somehow I was a part of it, just by being there to witness it!









Would I like living there again? No probably not! It is way overcrowded now. And who could afford it? I am happy in my little home in Northern Idaho, with pine trees and mountains and lakes. But I do get homesick, and it probably won't be long before I head down again to refill my soul!