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2008/12/31

Tag...YOU'RE it!

I've been tagged! Thanks, Michelle!

ABC Tag
A- Attached or Single: Attached
B- Best Friend: Besides Rick and my kids? Kathy from Oaktown, and Marti from L-Town.
C- Cake or Pie: I totally agree with Michelle: CHEESECAKE all the way!
D- Day of choice: Friday during the fall - Love football. Any day during summer (vacation), and Sunday during the school year.
E- Essentials: Family, friends, my horse, and coffee!
F- Favorite color: purple
G-Gummy bears or worms- I pick out the cherry ones of both, but really don't like any of the other ones.
H- Hometown- This is always an interesting question...I was born in Spokane (Dad was in the Air Force at Fairchild), but then I went to 13 schools K-12, SO...I don't really feel like I have a hometown. I would say as an adult besides Omak, it would definitely be Leavenworth.
I- Indulgences: Reality tv (yuck, I know), mochas, myspace, pedicures.
J- January or July- July all the way! I love my summers!!
L-life would be incomplete without: My family and friends (ditto, Michelle)!
M- Married date: Well, I was married for 11 years, and then said I would NEVER get married again...That looks like it will change this next summer ;)
N- Number of siblings: 1 sister, 1 brother (both younger)
O- Oranges or Apples- Apples, and you know what? It ticks me off that during the winter we have such yucky apples in our stores when we live in the Apple Capital of the world!!! I do love clementines and Christmas oranges, too.
P- Phobias or fears- My absolute biggest fear is something bad happening to anyone I love, but especially my kids. I am scared about Cody deploying.
Q- Quotes: "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." (Semisonic)
R- Reason to smile- Being a mama to my kids and my students ;) Our menagerie of animals make me smile all the time.
S- Season: I am totally a summer baby!!
T- Tag three- Jill, Amy, Carmen (You can fill this out on myspace!)
U- Unknown fact about me: I always wanted to be a semi-truck driver!
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: I am a carnivore, indeed!
W- Worst habit: Taking on too much and not making time for myself.
X- X-ray or ultrasound: probably ultrasound, I have had way more of those.
Z- Favorite animal at the Zoo- We had a blast at the San Diego Zoo last year, and I absolutely loved the baby meerkats.

2008/12/30

Oscar's Paradise, right?!

     Something that always amazes me, every year at Christmas, is the intense amount of garbage.
     Between the wrapping paper, and the boxes with 78 zip ties, and other pieces of plastic, the mound of trash is a bit overwhelming! I keep telling Rick that we need to go on vacation for our Christmas and make memories instead of garbage!
     Plus, then we would have LESS stuff! But, for now, we aren't able to do that because of our shared custody situation.
     One year, my ex-husband and I did take the boys to Disneyland and Palm Springs the week before Christmas. Then they just each received ONE present from Santa.
     Honestly, that is one of the BEST Christmas times I have ever had, and the boys both agree with that, too.
     I can definitely see that as something in our future Christmas times.
     The only major problem with trying to do something like go somewhere is the weather is so unpredictable, and that could mean nightmare times in the airport!! LOL!
     I did read an interesting article about how Amazon is decreasing the amount of wrap and especially at eliminating the clamshell plastic casings that hold pieces into place.
     I realize that all of the packaging is related to security as well. But, for real, anything that you purchase online, why does it have to have the massive amount of wasteful packaging?
     Just something to think about...
     Well, if nothing else...my mission for next year is to decrease the amount of garbage. I am thinking more gift cards or homemade things. I did give some of those this year :)

Another reason I love the 80s!

     I decided this year to buy the boys something that wasn't an electonic gadget (although we did buy that stuff, too). Something old school. Something that has been around even before their time...So, I bought them each a Rubix Cube.
     Turns out that the cube was invented in 1974, but didn't gain its international popularity until the early 80s.
     I decided it would be my mission to solve the Rubix. And, thank goodness for technology, as I was able to find You Tube videos to figure it out.
     I did find the algorithms to solve the cube, but they didn't mean anything to me because I am a visual learner, and I need to see it happen.
     I watched the video over and over and over and over, and actually there are two videos to watch in order to solve it. Well, there are a bazillion videos, but the one I liked the most was a two-part video.
     Everyone in my house says that I am cheating by watching the video, but I don't think so.
     Now, I can solve it by simply looking at the codes that I have down on paper. I don't have to watch the video anymore.
     Eventually I think I will have the algorithms memorized, and then I won't even need the paper.
     But, for now, I love that I can solve it!! I feel accomplished...ahhhh, the things that teachers do on their breaks, LOL!

Gas!

     So, on Sunday when we took Cody down to Wenatchee, we went to purchase gas at Safeway, and I had accumulated quite the discount. We saved $1.30 per gallon, so in the end, we paid $0.51 a gallon!! I had only wished that we would have an emptier tank!! LOL!
     Did you know that the Chelan Safeway now has gas? That's cool, too.
     I like that we don't have a gas station at our Safeway, because it allows you to really save up those discounts!
     The only problem is that they do now have some restrictions now which include that you have to spend or lose those discounts. I think the timeline is every three months.
     Anyhoot, I don't mind considering that I paid a little over $3 for 6 gallons!!!!!!!!

Snow, snow, snow (and, a little more?)

We have some snow. We will get some more. BUT, it seems like the snow is mostly skirting around us, especially as compared with Spokane! As of last night, Spokane had received 63 inches of snow, and most of that just in the month of December, CRAZY!

That reminds me of the big winter in Leavenworth, when we had snow up to the eaves of our house! Of course, I know it won't be that bad here, but I love the snow.

The other night we sat in the hot tub, and I just loved how everything looked around us, all covered in snow. It's so pristine. I think that's what I like the most.

Today I am on my way up to the storage unit to dig out my cross-country stuff. I can't wait!!

A great break (so far)

     Well, it's been busy, but good! We survived Christmas and all that goes with that, and now we are gearing up for New Year's.
      I know that January will be exceptionally full this year because I am directing the play that we will perform the last weekend of January!
      So, for now, I am just relishing in the relative quiet and calm before the proverbial storm. Today especially! I slept in until 9:30, and now I am having my morning cup of coffee and computer!
      Getting Cody home was a roller coaster of emotions because there were several changes and glitches, but in the end, he was home at the time we originally planned. It was touch and go there for a bit, though.
      It was so nice to have Cody home! He deploys on January 9th, and that is scary for us, but he is smart and strong, and a survivor, so he will be home come August.
      My world is complete when my family is also. We have so much fun just being silly and playing and laughing and teasing each other. Our littlest one absolutely worships the boys. She is so funny with them, and this year it was hard to take anything serious from her with both of her front teeth missing!


      We also got to spend some quality time with Rick's oldest daughter and her family. That is always loud and fun!
      As I was sitting back seeing everyone there (minus Rick's son, Mikey), I was thinking how this is all that matters in life...the health and happiness of all those we love.
      Unfortunately we did have to take Cody back. SIGH. We drove him down to Wenatchee to catch a ride with our friends over to Seattle. I did mostly OK on the ride down...a few tears.
      I gave him a huge hug when we dropped him off, and then I jumped in the car and started bawling.
      I cried for awhile, and then felt a little better. Couple of tears yesterday, and so far none today. But, I imagine that as the day comes closer when he actually deploys, I will be an emotional wreck.
      He does get to visit my parents in Vegas later this week, and in the end, Cody saw EVERYBODY he needed to while he was home (lots on the list).
     Now, we have a little less than a week until back to school. I plan on continuing with my great break and getting quite a bit done on my to-do-list, including some RELAXATION!

This video is from our trip down to drop off Cody. I have several funny ones with the two boys in the backseat singing, too. You can definitely tell that Cody is NOT in Marine mode, but more VACATION...hairy boy! LOL

2008/12/22

Frankie Doodle!

     Santa came to our house early!!! He brought our little one a kitty!! She named him Frankie Doodle! She named him Frankie because her grandpa has a kitty named Frank, after his neighbor Frank Rogers. Then after she named him Frankie, I sang, "Frankie Doodle went to town, riding in a stroller," and the rest of his name was born (the stroller story to come).
     I was worried about the dogs, but they all love on him, which is so sweet. He has adjusted right well to everything here, and everything here has adjusted to him, too.

A pic of Mitzy our Blue Healer/Australian Sheperd loving on the kitty. She watches over him like he's her baby.




     He's a red-flamed Siamese, and he's 15 weeks old, so he's not super tiny, but definitely still a cute little kitty.
     He's in that exploring stage now, so everything is new and interesting to him, which provides lots of entertainment at our house.
     I think the cutest thing ever is that he loves to ride in Sarah's stroller! She drives him around the house, and he is perfectly content. What a sweetie!

Mr. Frankie Doodle in the stroller!


My favorite pic of our little one and our new baby. Why? As you can see, our little one lost a tooth on Friday! The other top one is loose, too!!

2008/12/17

Some realizations and perspective, I suppose

     Life has been busy, sometimes hectic, maybe even a bit chaotic, but it's altogether been a good year.
     We have a lot going on right now, and I look forward to sharing that all with you soon! We have to wait for the dust settle, but in the next couple of months we expect some HUGE changes in our lives!!
     I do hope to blog more next week when I am off for Christmas vacation, as I have lots on the list to tell ya!!
     The most exciting news is that Cody will be here Friday evening!! It feels like forever since I hugged him (Labor Day was the last time), and I know it's going to be a really long time after he leaves us since he will be going out on deployment.
     I can't wait to have my family together!!

2008/12/11

Toy Drive!

      The National Honor Society at Okanogan High School is running their toy drive again!!
      You can come to the winter concert next Wednesday, December 17th and enjoy some amazing seasonal music (really gets ya into the spirit), and you can bring a toy, as the collection boxes will be there!
      You can donate a new or gently used (but clean and unbroken) that will then be given to Community Action which gives the toys to local families.
      After I talked to the lady there, it sounds like more than ever our community needs this!! Please consider bringing in some toys!!

2008/12/06

On my mind

     I've been wondering how long gas prices will stay low, and also just how low will they go?
     Not that I am complaining by any means, as it's nice to have some extra money in the pocket during this time of year especially.
     I do think that people are skeptical about when the price will spike up, and I don't really think we are going to see any upsurge in people buying SUVs by any means.
     I believe that we have realized that we need to be more efficient regardless of the fluctuating price.
     I was just talking to a person who carpools from Tonasket to Okanogan with several other people, and there is no chance of them stopping just because gas is cheaper now. Even though it was the $4+ gas that drove them to beginnning the carpool in the first place.
     What do you think? How low will it go? And, how long until we return to $4 a gallon?

2008/11/23

Grab the tissue box

     One of the BEST books I have ever read, and it took me months to do so!
     I had heard about this story at the end of the school year last year, and I was interested, and I simply added the book to my "Want to Read" list!
     A Carnegie Mellon professor named Randy Pausch is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and he basically decides to accept the invitation to be a part of the lecture series known as Last Lecture in which retiring professors give their last lecture. Of course, he shares what is really valuable in his life by giving his Last Lecture (literally and figuratively).
     Then this summer I was teaching a summer class, and a fellow teacher asked me if I had read it and talked to me about it.
     This woman also happened to be my neighbor, and so one day last summer I came home and found the book on my doorstep.
     I didn't start reading it because I had several other books I was reading or that were waiting to be read.
     I took my cheerleaders to camp in Ellensburg at the end of July, and one of my girls was totally upset one day. I asked her what was up, waiting to hear some sort of team drama, when instead she told me that she had read a book a couple months earlier about this inspiring guy, and her mom had called to say he died that day.
     I thought to myself that I had to read the book. When I returned home life was busy with vacations, my horse, moving, and then school started, and cheer was in full swing.
     Well, I just read the book this weekend, and let me tell you it touched my heart! What a story! What a message!
     He connected with me as a parent, as a spouse, as a sibling, as a child, as a teacher, as a student, as a co-worker, and more importantly as a human being.
     I cried and I laughed. And, then today, I watched the video of Randy Pausch's last lecture, and I was equally affected. WOW!
     Here's the link to his website. And, here is a link to watch the video of his last lecture.
     I will definitley be giving this book as a present to many people during this upcoming holiday season.

2008/11/12

Pay it forward

     Many years ago I had a person come into my life who made me realize that ANYTHING is possible if you put your mind to it.
     When I was a freshman in high school, I ripped my ACL in my left leg. I was a three varsity sport athlete, so you can imagine how I felt like my life was over.
     I lived in Oroville at the time, and my mom took me to a specialist who was up from Wenatchee working at a satellite campus in Omak.
     So, into my life walks Dr. Ed Farrar. Little did he know (or maybe he really does realize his gift), but he would change my life completely.
     Yes, he was my surgeon, but even more he was my inspiration in the moments that I wanted to give up. He told me that I could play sports again, if I dedicated myself to my rehabilitation.
     He is a mountain climber in his free time, ya know, the BIG mountains in Nepal :)
     Well, he was going on one of his climbs, and he gave me one of the t-shirts that he had made up for the expedition. He told me to remember that I could climb any mountain in my way, any time.
     He was right.
     I have since climbed so many mountains, and someday, I will even climb one that is not metaphorical, Mt. Kilimanjaro.
     Dr. Farrar was far more than a doctor who repaired my knee. He was someone I believed in who also believed in me. I played softball six months after my surgery, and I continued sports throughout my high school career, and on into my adult life.
     We were so impressed with him that he became our family doctor providing orthopedic treatment for my mom, dad, brother, and even my son! Yes, he has helped three generations of our family!!
     Tragically, Dr.Farrar was hit head-on by a car while he was riding his bike to work (something he did every day). People who know Dr. Farrar, know that he was a champion for bike safety, and for the sport in general. His son is a professional bike racer.
     You can read about his accident, and the tribute bike ride here.
     And, what's even more inspiring is reading his journal and his guestbook. You see what an incredible influence his gift has been on so many people in so many places.
     He is doing better, but he certainly has a LONG rode ahead of him. Please keep him and all of the people in his life in your thoughts!

2008/11/11

I AM proud to be an American!

Too cool! At the Veterans Day assembly at my step-daughter's elementary school, the first graders were responsible for singing the Marines' Hymn! She was so cute because she was so proud in telling everyone that she was singing for her brother!!

OK, so here's a video to celebrate today!

We have the freedom to do just this!

     Today me and the litte one are staying in our PJs, watching movies, baking cakes, reading, and just enjoying this day off. And, don't for a minute think that we don't appreciate it and truly realize what a gift it is!
     We sent a Veterans Day care package to Cody (with lots of stuff to be shared with his fellow marines).
     We are so proud of him, and for all those who have and are serving our country.

MySpace Marine Corps Graphics

2008/11/09

Top Chef

      I'm stoked for Top Chef to start this Wednesday. This season is in New York!!

2008/11/08

2008/11/06

The little things...

     I read a great article the other day in which a lady talked about the little things for which she was thankful.
     I do mention all the big things often, like family and friends, our pets, and my career, and...you get the gist, I'm sure.
     SO, the little things list, an abbreviated version.
1. a cup of coffee in one of my favorite mugs
2. flannel pj bottoms
3. time to read
4. sitting with a cup of a coffee (in one of my favorite mugs), while wearing flannel pj bottoms and reading a book that I don't want to put down (all while the pellet stove is cranked up and everything is toasty)
5. good hair days
6. when I get a real letter or card in the mail
7. a cuddly blanket
8. rain puddles (they make me feel like a kid)
9. Scooby Doo socks (wearing those right now)
10. the drawings on our fridge

     What simple things make you thankful?

2008/11/03

November already?

     Before we know it...Christmas will be here. Yikes!
     I love November. I love Thanksgiving. I love Veterans Day (which by the way does not have an apostrophe): 11/11. I love the first snow. I love how all the leaves are on the ground. I love getting everything ready for winter. I love pumpkins (those are in October, but we have the pie in November). I love the end of football season. I love the start of basketball season. I love that we will elect a new president. I love shopping the day after Turkey Day. I love the movie Sweet November. I love packing away all the summer stuff, and buying new snow boots. I love the rain. Yup, I'm thankful for November.

I love Halloween!

     We had such a blast for Halloween! It was the end of a LONG week, seeing as how it was Homecoming at our school, too.
     We did the whole trick-or-treaing, and our little one scored the candy, holy! She was an adorable rodeo princess, and EVERYWHERE we went people would give her a handful of candy, instead of just one!
     Then we headed up to our best friends' house to hang out! Good times. I love the Lockwoods. They are such good people.
     This was a good Halloween. Jordie was home, too! School was nutso; we had a Freaky Friday, where we had a reverse day. We went from periods 7-1 instead of 1-7. I was pretty out of sorts, LOL!
     Having a Freaky Friday reminded me of the movie, the older version. I remember when my mom took my brother and me to see it at the drive-in. It was one of my favorite movies.
     So, good times for Halloween this year!

Vote!

     This is THE election. Did you vote? Will you complain about who becomes the leader of our nation, and yet your voice is silent?
     I was shocked and naive to find out that tricks happen to try and keep people from voting, and that it is historical in nature. As in tricks have happened for as long as we have been voting.
     For real, people have sent emails and flyers out saying things like that this election has such a gi-normous turnout that the Republicans are voting on Tuesday and the Democrats on Wednesday. Or how about, if you have an outstanding parking ticket and you show up to vote, you will be arrested.
     Wow! I am shocked at these tactics, but why am I? Maybe I am more surprised at the fact that people would actually believe any of these to be true.
     I am excited for tomorrow! My vote went out in the mail weeks ago ;)

2008/10/26

Cinderella's Cowboy Hat


     Something about my Grandpa always made me feel like a princess. He was such an amazing man, who I dearly miss.
     My recent visit to Seattle meant seeing my little sister, who brought me some special gifts.
     The most important one to me...my Grandpa's dancing hat. He was a true cowboy from his Stetson hat to his worn cowboy boots.
     Well, it turns out that his dancing hat didn't fit anyone else in the family, and, of course, no one expected it to fit me, but when I tried it on...it was a PERFECT fit! And, trust me that's something with all that hair I have, right?
     I just cried when it fit me! It makes me want to write a children's book about the story, and I just might.
     I miss you Grandpa. I miss dancing on your feet, when I was a little girl. I now wear your dancing hat proudly.

2008/10/12

Whatta week...coming up!

     So, we have a BUSY week ahead of us!
     Football games (INCLUDING the Backyard Brawl III!), a volleyball game, pep assembly, tailgate party, birthday parties, Girl Scouts, and then it is finished with a trip to Seattle.
     I'm tired thinking about it! LOL! But, it will be fun; that much I know for sure!

Perfect weekend!

     It feels like this weekend has gone on for days! LOL, but I say that in a good way!
     Thursday I drove to Leavenworth, watched Jordie play football, and then he came and stayed with me at my best friend Marti's house. That was a good time, as always!
     Then I drove home and got all ready to go to Chelan with the cheerleaders and our rooter bus to go to the football game. Unfortunately we lost the game, but we have good fans, and it was a good time! Jordie came up to the game and rode back with us on the rooter bus, yeah!
     Saturday we went to the Autum Leaf Walk. I loved doing that! This year was my first time, and I definitely know it will not be my last. My cheerleading team and our Bulldog went, so we had a super time with everyone. What I really liked about the walk the most was just seeing so many friends from the community there! It felt like one big get together.
     It's so amazing to me how many people I have met and know! I know I have said this before but I feel my family and I are so loved and accepted here! Good people all around us.
     Yesterday after we got home from the walk, we messed around the house, and then we took Jordie back to Chelan. We always have fun car rides! Ricky went with us, and he just cracks me up.
     After we returned from the Chelan trip, we went and rode horses. I saddled my horse all by myself, and I was able to mount no problem. We went out for a long ride. Then we galloped up and down hills...what a blast!
     I have trotted a lot, and I have done some galloping, but not like yesterday! Yeehaw! I found out that I love that feeling of reckless abandon!!!
     When we returned home, I was about out of breath with all the excitment, and I decided to ride Joe in the field more, so I galloped him all around. I was laughing so hard because it was such fun, well, maybe nervous fun! I told Rick that riding Joe like that felt like as if I were driving a motorcycle on the road at 80 mph with NO hands!!!!
     I know I am an andrenaline junky, but my oh my! I can really get into this horse riding!!
     My saddle is too small. I have found the exact saddle I want, and I am saving the money to buy it, but for now, I just use the one we have. However, I know I will feel safer when I have a saddle that fits properly.
     After our horseback riding, we did a bunch of winterizing around the place, and some other chores.
     Our very good friends, the Lockwoods called, and we headed over to their home. We always have fun when we go to their place! We laughed, chatted, listened to big hair bands, and played Phase 10, which the girls kicked butt, of course.
     I am excited for the fun things upcoming that we planned, liked going to the Taste of Two Valleys auction (this is a tradition for us),and then we are going to a fun Halloween party! Gotta start working on the costume ideas!
     Today I was a BUM! I slept in until after 11! I can't remember the last time I did that. WOW, what a treat.
     I mostly lounged around, and then finally I went out and saddled Joe and headed out for a ride on my own. It was perfect weather and so relaxing.
     I came home and did stuff that I needed to in order to prepare for the busy week ahead. And, boy it's busy!
     Now, we have the little one tucked away and fast asleep, after our nightly reading, and Ricky and I are watching E.T. (I forgot how much I LOVE this movie.)
     Perfect, indeed.

2008/10/08

Truly GREEN

     Today I had the pleasure of hosting Washington State's poet laureate Sam Green in my classroom for two periods.
     What's super cool about that is he will also be back in my room tomorrow, and I am excited to see what he has in store for us.
     The Methow Valley Arts Alliance sponsors his visit to local schools, and I am lucky to be a part of this visit.
     Sam has a story to tell. He does so with the magic movement of words, whether on paper or in the poetry of his candid discussion that at times feels like a stand-up comedian.
     Today as I sat and listened to him, I thought to myself, "What he just said sounds like a poem, and yet I know it wasn't."
     Everything about him breathes lyrical. I love it. He inspires me to return to writing poetry, and I know he touched his teenage audience.
     Sam lives on Waldron Island off the "grid" and truly green, just like his last name.
     You know, it really doesn't surprise me that he has published 10 books of poetry! His life is filled with such interesting experiences.
     We did this cool exercise today...check it out on my other blog!
     I can't wait until tomorrow!

2008/10/07

Bareback all the way, especially in October!

     Tonight we went for a ride, and because we wanted to hurry before darkness took over, we decided to go bareback.
     I am happy to say that even when Joe thought MAYBE he didn't want to go, I was able to get him to go where he was supposed to, and all while I was bareback.
     I thought that I needed the saddle, but really I didn't, and a GREAT reason to ride bareback is to stay warm!
     I couldn't believe how much warmer I was (it's getting cold, cold, cold)!!
     So, two good reasons for me to go bareback tonight, one being to keep warm, and then I also once again built up my confidence, woo hoo!

2008/10/06

Guten Tag!

     I had the best visit to L-Town this past weekend!!!!! We went to see Jordie play some football (in the pouring down rain). We stayed with my good friend, and I cherish visits with her.
     We did the whole tourist thing because our youngest hadn't been there before. You have never seen something so cute as watching a 6-year-old's eyes in the Wood Shop!!!! We also hit up some of my favorite places: Candle Connection, Taffy Shop, Clock Shop, etc.
     We got there super early since it was Oktoberfest! But, that strategy worked because we had NO crowds or lines!
     I was also fortunate enough to know all the people who own those stores, so I even was given a locals' discount! I guess since my heart is there, I still count as a local!
     We had such a great visit, that I am going to make plans for all of us to return, and I want to bring my mother-in-law there, too.
     Now, I can't just decide if we should go in November of January.
     I am headed back for a quick trip this next week to watch Jordie play again, but this will be a solo trip.
     I love living here, especially at our place, our little farm, but I love and miss my Leavenworth, and my river!

Kinda quiet, mostly busy

     I haven't blogged in what feels like forever. Mostly I think this lack of writing has been related to a surge in busy!
     I love the Fall. I love the weather. I love football and cheerleading. I love to ride my horse at dusk. I love to snuggle inside on the couch. I love to read a book. I love to drink coffee from one of my MANY cups (I have a ginormous collection.). I love to go for drives. I love to spend time with family. I love to teach. I love to read. I love to write. And, I even remembered that I love to blog.

2008/09/28

What I've learned from my horse...

     A lot.
     I have learned that horses are just like people. They will see what they can get a way with!
     I am so proud of myself!!! My horse has decided that maybe he doesn't want to leave the place if we aren't going out with his favorite horse, Jake.
     Yesterday, Rick took out Jack and Buttermilk (the mule), and I was going to go with him on Joe. Well, Joe jumped and reared, and basically he decided he was boss, and I let him.
     I was bareback, and I was a little worried about being dumped on the asphalt, so I let him go back to the house.
     Then when Rick came back, he took Joe out. This, of course, was a mini-rodeo! He spurred him and fought him the whole way, but he got him out, and once they were down the road, he had a decent ride.
     When he came back with Joe, I did get back on him, but I only rode him up and down the driveway and out in the field.
     I felt a bit disappointed, but I was still proud of the fact that I stayed on him, and then got back on him again. If all that would've happened at the beginning of summer when I was first learning how to ride and take lessons, I probably would've just been through. I would've got off the horse, and walked him back in and gave up. But, I didn't.
     Well, I decided today that I was going to ride him out and around all by myself no matter what. I saddled Joe, all by myself for the first time, and then I got up on him without using a chair (the stirrups help big time!). I did have to have Rick hold him for me, though. (That's my next challenge, to get up on him all by myself!)
     So, I warmed him up by going up and down the driveway and out into the pasture. Then I just decided I was ready and I started out the driveway, and he started hopping and backing up and swinging his head. I held firm and just kept at it, and finally I got him down the driveway, out onto the road, and then down the road!
     I was so stinking proud of myself! The neighbor, Rick, and G-ma Pat had all watched this happen, and I could tell how proud they all were, too!!!
     I went for my first ride by myself, and we went down to the dried up pond, again. I love just being out on my horse. I was so relaxed, and I felt so strong and independent!
     I brought him home, and I made Joe go right on by the driveway, which, of course, he did not care for as he wanted to go home, but we went down the block, with him a jumping and backing up the whole way, until I was in complete control, and then we turned around and came home.
     I have learned all the practical things like how to take good care of my horse, how to saddle him, groom him, etc.
     But more importantly while riding Joe, I have learned life lessons that I have always known to be true.
     You have to stay firm in your convictions. You have to stay in control. You can't let fear rule your life. You have to look for the good in everything. You have to always keep on trying. You have to believe in yourself. You are a lot stronger than you might think when you let yourself really find out.
     I love my horse! He is a part of my family, a part of me. I can't imagine a life without horses ever again. Amen.

2008/09/21

A funny thing happen on the way to the forum...

     Well, not on the way to the forum, but actually here on the farm instead!
     Yesterday morning we had the farrier up to shoe and trim the horses' feet, and so I was sitting out watching for a bit.
     Our little one concocted an ingenuous plan to...catch a chicken. As she was cooking up exactly how to do this, I asked her what she was going to do with this chicken when she caught it, and she told me, "Well, we are going to eat if for dinner!."
     She went on to tell me that she would have Dad kill it, and she would pluck and keep all of its feathers!
     Then she spent the next forty-five minutes working on her delicate trap! She had all the baling twine from our hay connected to trees and weeds, and anything she could tie it to. It looked like a giant orange web!
     Then she sprinkled a bunch of chicken feed and even grabbed some water from a puddle (just in case they were thirsty), and waited, albeit not quietly, as she has perfected her official chicken call, which seems to work as about ten chickens came arunning!
     She stood behind the tree with her pull string (this is what she called it), and waited, while sneaking peeks to decided the opportune moment to snag a chicken for supper!
     Finally, the moment was right, BAM! Total chicken chaos! LOL. Those chickens had no idea what was going on; the racket was unbelievable. Sadly, a chicken was not caught.
     Although this simply prompted the tying of more strings, more chicken feed, more ideas. TOO FUNNY.
     In the end, she decided that she wanted a dog carrier to lure a chicken in it. I told her that the carriers were up at the storage unit.
     Then we went to ride the horses, so she seemed to forget about her little adventurous plan.
     I didn't though. Not only did I smile and chuckle a lot, but this reminded me of a fort that my son and two of his friends built on our beach.
     Those three kids spent hours building the perfect fort out of driftwood and vines, and even when the river flooded our beach, that fort stood! It was up for almost three years, and only then it was taken down by a human, not the elements, and that was the summer after we moved away from that house.
     I remember when I first saw that it was down, I was very sad because in my mind that fort symbolized CHILDHOOD.
     Just like the chicken trap! When do we abandon that wonder and awe that we once had when we were little, when we thought that anything was possible?
     When do we start rooting ourselves in the so-called reality of life that tells us what is possible and what isn't? When do our dreams become only dreams?
     I think that the joy of having children is they remind us of all the possibilities life has in store for us!

Random, I know

     So, yeah, last night was pretty random. First, I realized something that I have always wondered and then I discovered something new.
     OK, have you ever noticed the "Feel Lucky" button on Google? Do you know what it's all about?
     I decided to check it out last night, and even though I expected to see a SORRY, YOU ARE NOT AN INSTANT WINNER or a WINNER! sort of message, instead I did find out that it's a practical button.
     Yup, if I were to enter Chihuahua into the Google Search, and then instead of hitting enter, hit the Feeling Lucky button, it would load the first page that would've been on the search results. Cool, huh?
     Then as I was eating the most delicious steak ever (Ricky is the Supreme BBQ King - next to my dad, of course), I was shaking the A-1 steak sauce bottle, and guess what I noticed?
     On the side label, opposite from the nutritional value side, it says,
"SHAKE WELL If there's only one drop left, a more extreme form of shaking may be required. Like dancing. Or jumping jacks. You can do it. Yeah, it's that important."
     Too funny! Unexpected, but delightful, sort of like the A-1 sauce taste itself.
     It reminded me of those funny sayings on the Vitamin Waters or the Smart Water!
     Cool, cool! I like random.

2008/09/18

When you miss something, you know that it has value in your heart!

     Tonight was the first night that I have not been on my horse! We have been so good about riding every night, and I would've tonight, but we didn't get home until late, since we went to visit a friend first before coming home and getting dinner going!
      SO...I realize that I am having withdrawals from not riding, and that's a good thing! I truly LOVE my horse sooooo much, and he is amazing!
      Sometimes it takes not seeing someone (In my case, my horse rather than a person. But, I did see and talk to him and love on him, though.) or not doing something to TRULY realize how much you it means to you. You know the old adage, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

On my mind

     Ok, so I heard a story on NPR last Sunday when I was driving to Leavenworth to go and see Jordie (We made plans for Rick to go ride with his good friend Ray, and me to skip out and go to L-Town instead!)! It really made me think!
     Did you know that our military personnel who happen to be out of the county are not able to vote? Well, let me take that back. They can vote, but there ballots don’t end up to them even on time OR if they do, they don’t make it back in time to be counted!
     How ironic is that?? People who fight for our country cannot even have a say of who should be leading the military in the first place. Of all people who deserve that voice the most… And, the number of voters who are overseas and who don’t get to vote are pretty amazing!
     I agree with one of the ideas. Perhaps for the women and men in the military overseas, they could have the opportunity to vote online! Or, maybe they could vote online to the precinct to which they belong, and then the vote would be by proxy in their precinct.
     If you are interested in the full story, check it out HERE on NPR.
     SO, some other stuff from when I was on my road trip to visit my son. And, this even fits with the whole patriotic bit. I LOVE the flag at Prey’s Fruit Barn, just as you head into Leavenworth. It’s so gi-normous. It’s so clean and bright and beautiful! I LOVE IT!
     And, finally, also an NPR connection, I just love their puzzles of the week! This week as I was driving to L-Town, I head the challenge, and even better...KNEW it!!! I shared it with my kids today at school, and someone in every English class figured it out!
     Here's the puzzle. OK, so first you have a pair of words, and the last three letters of the first word are the first three letters of the second word. For example: move over (ove) or local call (cal).
     So, the puzzle is a pair of words where the last three letters of the first word (which is 5 letters long) and the second word (which is 8 letters long) are a furry animal who can grow to be six feet long and four feet high.
     Know it?? If you figure it out, you can submit it on their site! Right here!
     You can download the puzzle right here, if you need to hear it, too! Good luck!
     Anyhoot, I love road trips, even when I go just by myself :)

2008/09/14

Winter?!

     The other day I was talking about how I never watch tv in the summer, and that now with fall upon us and all the new seasons and shows starting up, I am watching more and more of the boob tube.
     My friend Kendal mentioned that with winter coming, we will all be snowed in with nothing else to do but watch tv!
     That comment really sparked my thoughts. I have had many of the old-timers tell me that this winter is going to be bad!
     They note the wasps and flies as being worse than they have ever been.
     They talk about all the stuff happening around the world weather-wise, especially the hurricanes, and that now these devastating storms are moving farther inland.
     They bring up the wind how it's been more severe this fall than normal.
     So, people who want to be warm...stock up on your wood, your pellets, your blankets and flannel PJs, it might be a doozie (I looked up this word, by the way, and its etymology is interesting; it relates to a luxury car of the 1920s. And, it has different spellings.)!

Mixed feelings...

     I see all of these people who did not evacuate with Hurricane Ike on his way, and I feel different things about it.
     I feel angry that the rescue efforts are so huge, and I am sure quite expensive.
     I feel curious about the motivation of the people who stayed behind. Could they not go? Did they not have a way out? Were they afraid of looters? HOW SAD IS THAT...people use a disaster to steal from others!!??!
     I feel sad for all of the devastation. It truly does look like a bomb went off!
     My family is from Texas, and many family members still live there. Thankfully, they are very south and west, and seldom have to deal with hurricanes.
     But, as stubborn as many of them are, I think some of my own family might ignore evacuation orders, too.
     Who knows what I would do? I'm glad I don't have to make decisions like that.
     Rick always asks, "Why do people live in places where that stuff happens over and over again?"
     Good question.

2008/09/10

Another reason

     I just realized another reason I like this time of the year...new season for tv shows! I don't watch a ton of tv, and relatively none during the summer, but I am excited about some of my shows starting in the next couple of weeks :)

2008/09/09

Recap

     Now that I consider summer officially over, I decided to reflect upon the summer of 2008. The first thing I looked at was my list that I blogged about in July.
      So, here's a recap:

1) Work on my novel! - I did think about the novel. I did talk about it. I did plan some other things out, but I didn't actually write about it.

2) Finish another book in the Outlander series! (Plus, I am reading three other books right now, a total of four!) I just finished the second book in the series!

3) Catch up on scrapbooking (OK, not "catch up" but I would like to get at least 10 pages done. I can do this with #8)! OH my goodness, I didn't do this at all. SIGH. I was just invited to a scrapbooking weekend, and I might do that. The last time I did, I scrapped 30 pages!!!

4) Find a horse and saddle! As you know, I did buy a horse, actually two! I have a saddle, but I am looking for new tack.

5) Workout! (And, lose weight) I didn't not workout as much as I wanted, but I did lose weight!

6) Empty out my storage (Only one truck load left, and I am going to haul it up to my mother-in-law's house, since everything is in tubs. I can't believe I have lived up here now for four years; that's a lot of money to storage! Rick and I have been together now for 4 1/2 years!!)
SIGH...so, I actually put more in the storage unit. It's totally full right now with the move and all.

7) Plan a girls night! (I have incredible friends, and many of them don't even know each other!!! I need to get all these women together!) I am going to make this happen! Now that all my girlfriends are home and back in town. We are in the process of planning a Saturday night! I think we might go to an event at the winery just down the road from my place.

8) Watch at least 5 movies on my to watch list (told you I love lists). Did this!!!

9) Work on my yard (weeds to be pulled and grass to be seeded). Well, I don't have my yard anymore, so I don't need to worry about this one. I did pull the weeds and work on the yard for the summer, and it did look better when I moved!

10) Go to Chelan for the day, at least once. Woo hoo! Did this, too!

     So, why do we write lists? To see what we don't accomplish or what we do? LOL

It's been awhile!

     I have been updating via Twitter, but I have not blogged here in such a long time. Yikes!
     Well, today it is eight weeks until the election. I am excited to see how it all turns out, and I hope that it won't be ugly in the coming weeks, but rather we can look seriously at some issues, especially our economy!
     What else is new? Well, I have decided that I really like the month of September. This is a new realization :)
     I love the fair (I already knew that!). I love Fall. I love football. I love long weekends (fair and Labor Day). I love squeezing in all those last things even though the temperature is dropping, like camping, going for a ride over the North Cascades, road trips, etc.
     I also love that school starts! I love all the fresh and eager faces, all the dusting of the mind's cobwebs, the returning to a routine.
     And, for me when school starts, that's officially when cheer is in full swing. This is my second year as the cheer coach, and I love it! It really does meld to things together that I enjoy: cheer and football!
     So, it's official, September is one of my favorite months!

2008/08/30

History, indeed!

     No matter what...we have history in the making happening right now!
     Either an African American President or a woman Vice President will be elected in only two months!
     We are alive in an incredible time! It's crazy to think it was only in 1870 (15th Amendment) that all men were allowed to vote, and then later in 1920 (19th Amendment) women, too. That's not that long ago at all.
     Can you imagine what people like Elizabeth Cady Stanton or Hiram Revels would have to say??
     The other day I was involved in a conversation about the meth-heads arrested in Denver and believed to have planned an assassination attempt on Obama.
     That is such a fearful thing to me. That we live in a time where someone would kill our President because of the color of his skin.
     Of course, everyone is jumping all over Obama's slip when he introduced Biden as the next President, and then corrected to Vice President. A prediction?
     Of course, one cannot forget when Marilyn Monroe (because she arrived so late to the event) was introduced as the Late Marilyn Monroe, only to die just a few months later. Creepy.
     I hope I live in a country where Obama's speaking mistake will not come true!

2008/08/27

So, here was the first assignment (notice how many words the title is)

     Today we did a little spin on the six-word memoir, and rather than write our life stories in a short little sentence, we wrote six-word summer stories!
     Some of them were fantastic! Here are some of my favorites.
     Why is summer always too short?
     I like to golf and fish.
     I am glad to be back.
     First love, first car, I'm sixteen.
     I missed my friends; divorce sucks.
     Belief: Everything changes for a reason.
     Half of my to do list.
     Horse, family, move: all equal happiness.

     The last three are mine. What's yours??

CODY

will be home on Friday, and I can't hardly believe it. SIGH.

2008/08/24

My baby is coming home!!!

Cody will be home on Friday!!!! I can't wait! He's so cute; he sent his request for certain meals, his favorites :)

2008/08/19

Dog days of summer, literally!

I have a Chihuahua named Turbo, and we often call him Turby! He is naked on his tummy, and for whatever reason people think that I shave him??!! But, the vet said he has a recessive gene from a hairless Chihuahua. Thank goodness it only affected his tummy! LOL!

Turbo hooked up with our Pomeranian/Datsun dog, Gracie. She had the most beautiful puppies ever, one of which is Rambo. He is the most loving dog on the planet.

They are both such a part of our family!

Anyhoot, I caught them the other day lounging like cats in the sunshine from the window.

Here is Turb:


His son Rambo:


And, the complete pic:

My baby!!!!


     Cody is coming home next week!! I can't believe he will be here on Friday. I am totally happy, happy, happy about it!
     I haven't hugged that little fart since January.


2008/08/18

Working at the car wash!

     If you have ever had the pleasure of fundraising with kids, you no doubt have either worked a car wash for endless hours or a bake sale, right?
     WELL...hold onto your shorts folks! Here is the twist on our car wash FUNdraiser!
     Brett Yusi (a local Okanogan businessman and HUGE supporter of our kids, and someone I consider a family friend) invited the OHS Fall Cheer girls to DRY at the car wash!
     Yup, we are drying cars for donations. And, the super cool thing is that Brett Yusi is going match what we collect! Plus, he even bought all the girls t-shirts for the occasion!
     SO, come out and support his new car wash, which by the way, I love the automatic one!!
     We will be out there this Wednesday, August 20th from 1:00 p.m. until around 3:30 or so at the Clean Image Car Wash across from the Western and right next to Randy's Towing on Elmway.
     I know they are doing a live radio broadcast and giving out all sorts of prizes and stuff!
     Bring your dirty rigs in!

I can believe its (not as in the possessive form of its, but I am officially making it a plural, as in more than one it!)

     I can't believe Madonna is 50. It kinda creeps me out because I grew up with her. I remember exactly where I was (Spokane), what I was doing(babysitting my little brother, sister, and nephew), and when (1984, and I was 13) when I first saw her video for "Lucky Star." Then I became a maniac Madonna wannabe! LOL. I wish I could find pics of that time in my life. How did my mother ever survive?!!
     And, now she is 50?? I realize she was older for her debut (in her late twenties), but geez where does time go exactly?
     I can't believe my baby will be 16 tomorrow. Um, I don't remember giving permission for that to happen! I'm actually not too worried about the driving bit, because he has had his permit since February, and he is a good driver. I felt WAY less stressed this time around than I did when Cody started driving!
     I can't believe summer is almost over! I go back to school for my first teacher day on Monday. Wow! That was fast. Good, but fast! I am always excited for school to start, and I only wish it started more like college, later in September because usually our weather is much nicer in September than it is when we get out in June.
     I can't believe Cody will be home one week from this Friday!!! I AM SOOO STOKED ABOUT THIS. Yup, giddy girl, that's me!!
     I can't believe that Bernie Mac died. I am really sad about this, because I loved his humor, as crass as it could be. We just watched him in a movie last night, and I was sad :( He was so young!
     I can't believe I am having another yard sale. WHAT was I thinking? Enough said about that.
     I can't believe it's not butter. I really do like that spray stuff! LOL
     I can't believe cheerleading is starting up! I am very eager for the SUPER season we are going to have this year!
     I can't believe next year is my 20 year reunion!! I have two to attend, because I moved three days before my senior year started. I was just looking at my friend's pics of her 20 year this month, and I was dying because there were people that I have not seen since twenty years ago! Crazy!
     I can't believe I just wrote a blog about the things I can't believe. Later!

2008/08/17

Jerry Springer style?!

     I have been thinking a lot lately about family. You know, I have known people who strictly believe that family can only be blood-related or legally by marriage.
     I know I have blogged before about being a step-mom, and how I totally understand people who adopt children and love them as their own, as I don't think a mother/child relationship can be defined only by blood or marriage.
     Cody and I were recently talking about how much Rick means to him (a fact he really didn't get until he joined the Marines), and how he considers him a dad. So, we chatted about what makes family...family.
     We also talked about labels. We talked about how some people are bothered when a label like "brother" or "mom" is attached to a relationship but not by blood or legally.
      We decided that those are people with small minds and hearts who are losing out in this world!
     I consider my mother-in-law to be to be a mom to me. I consider all the kids to be siblings to each other and grandkids to G-Ma Pat.
      This past week, Jordan was at church camp, and he had the largest family to come on family night! This included his big sister Nicole, her three kids (I got lots of baby time with grandbaby Nathan), his little sister Sarah, Rick, Grandma Pat, and me!
      I wish you could've seen the pride and appreciation my teenage son had for his family. No one can deny that these people are all his family, even if they don't fit nice and tidy into a categorical definition.
     That doesn't even start to hit the people in my life who are incredible friends; I consider them family, too.
      I think family members are the people in your life that you would unconditionally do ANYTHING for at any time and not feel that it is an obligation.
     Sometimes we can even have biological family or people to whom we are legally connected, but we don't consider family. I am fortunate to not have that in my life, which makes my family HUGE!
      Ultimately when I am trying to explain how I am related to someone, I end up explaining that we have a Jerry Springer Family. I don't mean that we are trashy or that we have issues, but rather that we are complicated; our tree is one of those SUPER cool, unique trees that you just want to stare out for hours. That's us.
     Think about it...who do you have in your life that you TRULY consider family? Who are your brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents? What does the picture of your tree look like?

2008/08/16

Sweet new discovery!

I stumbled upon a fun site! It will take any text you enter and make it into a word collage! I made one from my past three blogs, which all three were centered around family! I hope you enjoy! Check it out here!

2008/08/11

On vacation

See ya next week!

2008/08/08

BEST NEWS EVER!!!!

     Cody's coming home!!!
     I haven't hugged my baby since January!!! SIGH. So, he will be home at the end of this month for five days. I can't wait to squeeze every second out that he is home!
     This is the BEST way to end my summer!!!!!

Family!

     We had Rick's oldest daughter and two of her kiddos (my grand babies) over on Wednesday afternoon through until late night.
     What is it about holding a sweet little baby that just soothes the spirit?
     I always feel so happy after we have quality time with Nichole and her kids :)
     We had good dinner, good conversation, good times! I'm excited to spend more time with them in this next week.
     We are having a huge family BBQ tomorrow! Both of Rick's brothers will be here, and their families, too. Also, a bunch of cousins, and all the kids. I wish Cody could be here :(
     We are going on vacation with one of Rick's brothers and his family. That will be a good time, too!
     And, Rick's oldest daughter and kiddos are coming to visit on one of the days, so it's going to be family, family, family time!

More Movies!

      We added two more movies to our watched list this past week!
      First we watched 21, and I liked it, but it was definitely a renter! Kevin Spacey is good, as always, and I felt like it was pretty predictable, but I LOVE Vegas, baby!
      The othe movie was Nim's Island. This movie was very cute! It's a good family flick, lots of funnies, and I love the concept behind the movie. TOTALLY worth renting!

2008/08/03

double date nights

     This is a rarity! We went to the movies two nights in a row!
     Probably this doesn't happen more because of the expense, but also, we don't usually have two consecutive nights free!
     First up on Friday we watched Dark Knight(so much word play on this title). I think this was the best Batman movie yet!
     I am not a huge fan of Christian Bale as Batman, but Heath Ledger rocked the Joker! He was totally creepy, and it's not because he is no longer alive.
     I loved the action, and there were some great lines in the movie, too. Although pretty predictable, I loved the introduction of Two Face!
     I was glad that our friend told us we should see it in the theater! It was worth it, and I was surprised at how many people filled up the place even after it had been out for a bit.
     Saturday night brought us to tears! Rick, Jordie, and I went to see Step-Brothers. I laughed so hard that my face and stomach hurt!
     Please note: It's definitely a rated-R movie!!!! TOTALLY inappropriate language and sexual situations.
     Even so, the concept behind this movie is HYSTERICAL. I love it! Don't forget how to be a dinosaur!! Perfect theme!
     Our entertainment for the weekend rocked!

Parent Pet Peeves!

     Under no circumstances do I claim to know everything about parenting. Trust me, I realize it's always learning in progress.
     I do have a few things that creep under my skin that I have recently observed other parents doing. Yes, this may seem judgemental, but ultimately we are all entitled to our opinions. Just as much as it bugs me, it obviously doesn't other people.
     #1 - What's up with the leash for the kid? I have never understood that, and maybe I would if I lived in a VERY busy and scary place, although I have taken my own kids on tons of vacations to potential places that could be a kidnapper's paradise, and I would never use a leash. NOPE.
     I did it the old fashioned way of holding my child's hand. That seemed to me to be the easiest way when I was in a place that made me nervous. Or, I would use the piggy back ride technique. That's always an option to keep your kiddo close.
     #2 - Why don't parents MAKE their children (especially ones too small to understand doing it on their own) wear helmets when they are on bikes, push scooters, rollerblades, and horses, etc.?
     That really drives me bonkers. I have heard people make the excuse that a little kid on a little bike or push scooter doesn't have far to fall.
     Or I have even heard the excuse that on a scooter, it's no different than a child's walking height. I agree to that, but they are not moving on wheels when they walk. They normally have a bit more control of their feet.
     As far as the not far to fall to the ground response, to that I say, grab a watermelon and drop it from the same distance and see if there are ANY cracks.
     These things popped up these past few days. That's it for the rant, coming from a far less than perfect parent!

2008/07/30

Blogalog

Here's a catalog of my favorite blogs! Some of friends, some are people I don't know. The topics are all over the place, stuff I love!


Designer Cheese
Friend from school - I love her digital scrapbooking, photography and reading about her family life!

A Widow's Bit
Mary is an amazing writer and inspiring person. I love reading her blog, and since I discovered it late, I was able to read all the posts from the beginning.

Hey Mister
This guy writes about how teaching REALLY is! I love it!! Funny, heartwarming, and genunine! I hope he comes back when summer is over!!

The Amazing Adventures of Diet Girl
All I can say is INSPIRING! I love that this lady both lost her weight and maintained. She is so positive, and I can't wait to get her book!!

Kendal Jean Photography
Another friend from the school family! I love Kendal's photography; she inspires me to learn more about the craft.

Snippets from the Streeters
Fellow teachers and Montessori parents :) I love reading about the Streeter family and their adventures! I love Jill's sense of humor and outlook on life! Great pics, too!

Parker Brown at Caring Bridge
I love reading about Parker and his family. I played softball with Sarah, and I just love her gentle and loving spirit. They are all an inspiration!

Nosh On
I love this blog because I LOVE to cook!!! The writer is funny and friendly, too!

Wear & Wen
This is a fun fashion blog. I just love the concept! Finding cute stuff in every day life. Truly living as an observer!!

Word Spy
I love learning new words and phrases!!

CNN Political Ticker
I love politics, and I love staying informed.

Sea to See Ride Across America
These guys stopped in Omak, and now they are in Illinois!

Of course, I couldn't forget my other blogs! LOL!
My blog about living healthy - Trisha Weighs In.
My creativity blog (poems and photos) - Heart Whispers.

New babies!

     OK, so maybe they are not babies in age or even babies period, but our two new horses are my new babies!!!! I love them like kids already.
      As you know, we have been taking horse lessons all summer, and finally we also found the perfect horses for us.
      I do love Rick's other horses, but they are too frisky for someone who doesn't have TONS of horse confidence just YET.
      Anyhow, we have now added Smoking Joe, a 10-year-old quarterhorse, and Secret Mystery (formerly known as Dirty Little White Girl, but renamed by our little one), a 10-year-old Pony of America - POA.
      My new babies are gentle! They are loving and follow me around everywhere! I just LOVE them to pieces. I didn't really know that you could feel so much love for horses!
      Joe is amazing! He is completely broke. I hopped up onto him (OK, maybe it wasn't exactly a hop, more like a grunting belly slide move).
     Then I rode him around! I couldn't believe how I could talk to him and he would do things by voice commands only!

          SMOKING JOE




      Secret Mystery is just as beautiful and wonderful and gentle! She is a perfect kid's horse!!

          Secret Mystery


      Now, I can't wait for us to go out into the hills! We are already planning a family horse camping trip up in the mountains next month!


      P.S. Speaking of new babies, I am including a pic of SOME of the baby peacocks that we have. We only have a gazillion baby chickens AND peacocks!!!

2008/07/29

Ryder!

     My good friend Missy has a little nephew, who is the cutest little guy!
     They just found out in the past few weeks that he has a condition related to his heart, and they are all over at Sacred Heart in Spokane.
     He is only eight months old, and he will be having heart surgery this coming Friday. PLEASE keep him and his family in your hearts, thoughts, and prayers.
     Certainly this is a time of need that you can only imagine. Fundraising efforts are being coordinated as we speak, and just keep coming back here for updates!
     I know there will be some sort of benefit dinner on August 16th, so keep your calendar open. I promise more details will be forthcoming.
     It does seem in this rural area that we do have a lot of need. Not too long ago, I read an editorial from DEE CAMP (OOPS, I had listed this an editorial from Alex Paul, but I was incorrect, sorry.) about looking into a community foundation in which we would combine all of the individual fundraising efforts throughtout the community and make a BIG impact.
     I am all for it!!! How do we make that happen? WHO makes that happen??

2008/07/20

Ride baby, ride!



     We rode the bike down to see Rick's brother in Moses Lake. It was a perfect day for a ride!!
     We had a great visit, too! And, I think we are planning our vacation together!
     I love riding the bike; it's such a sense of freedom and speaking of senses...I love all the things you notice when you are riding that you would miss in a car.
     The smell of fresh-cut alfalfa, the difference in temperature when you cruise by an orchard, the mama osprey and her babies...it's soul-filling, you know?!
     We stopped at Dry Falls yesterday, and I had never actually stopped there before even though I have passed it a million times!
     The visitor center is really nice! I learned a lot about the geological history of that area.
     I had no idea that at one time the waterfall there was the WORLD'S largest! No joke!


     It's so beautiful there, our very own mini-Grand Canyon!
     Yesterday was a good and relaxing day!

2008/07/18

Why I love Beebe Bridge Park

1) The grass is like a plush carpet. I love walking on it!
2) The beach is sandy!
3) The water is cool.
4) The bathrooms are clean.
5) There is a huge tree that provides shade, if ya want it.
6) The facilities include: a covered picnic area, tennis courts, kids playground, baseball and soccer fields, and even outdoor showers to wash off the river.
7) There is always a slight breeze, enough to cool ya down a bit.
8) It's free! If you go to Chelan, you have to pay $2 for two hours in order to park in the parking lot near the beach.
9) It's beautiful there; you can see the brigde from the beach and the mountains, it's NICE.
10) NOBODY is around! The campground is busy, and I imagine the park is on the weekends, but on a weekday...it felt like it was all my beach!

I had the pleasure of haning out at Beebe Bridge on Thursday. It was SOOOOO pleasant. There was only one family there, and I enjoyed the sunshine and cool water!

2008/07/15

Bathroom redo!

     I decided to redo one of the bathrooms at Ricky's house. As you can see it has a dark salmon colored counter, so I decided to go with some retro colors.
     First, you must know it had white walls that had some purple and some faded green that I think at one time was glow-in-the-dark, but no longer is. GROSS!




     I painted the white walls with papaya. What a cool color!!! I reworked el bano for only $38 and some sweat equity :)






Paint - $12
Shower Curtain - $10
New bath rugs - $10
New bright colored washcloths - $3
Soap dish, garbage can, and basket - $3

Bathroom with new look: Priceless!

2008/07/13

I love summer! Movie time!

I was checking out my movie list from clear back in January! I will update ya!!

First off, we went and watched Hancock tonight, and I will just say that I LOVED IT!! It even had some unpredictable plot :) We laughed, and it must have been the right timing for the right movie, because it hit the spot!

Fool's Gold *VERY funny! Plus I love Mathew :) Two thumbs up, glad we watched in the theater.

The Eye *Jessica Alba, Lion's Gate, SUSPENSE...need I say more? One thumb up, definitely a renter.

Over Her Dead Body *Cute and funny! Eva kicks butt in this one.

Juno *I understand. I had Cody my senior year in high school. This was a delightful show that I wish I would've watched in the big house. One of my favorite movies of all-time.

Indiana Jones 4 * SUPERB!

Bucket List - Two of my favorite actors! I love the idea, obviously. Glad that we saw this in the theater.

27 Dresses *Cute chick flick. Rick even liked it.

Mad Money *Funny movie! Excellent ladies!

Untraceable *Real spooky, as in could this really happen? I love Diane Lane! This was an intense movie, good!

Jumper *I would love to teleport! I liked this, even though I don't especially like the lead actor. Renter.

Rambo *Yes, I watched this, and I actually liked it. We saw it in the movie theater, probably more of a renter.

Be Kind Rewind *This was hilarious. Of course, I love Jack Black (a local boy) and Danny Glover!!! The concept for this movie just makes me crack up. How refreshing!!

10,000 BC *I love these EPIC sorts of movies!!! It did NOT disappoint, and I wished we would've watched at the theater.

Charlie Bartlett - Funny, witty, and clever. Loved it!

Vantage Point - Intense, just watched it recently. Love the concept.

There Will Be Blood - Excellent!!

Drillbit Taylor - Funny. Loved the young trio of actors!

Still need to see:
Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy
The Dark Night (another Batman movie - starring the late Heath Ledger as the JOKER).
Austin Powers 4
Get Smart
Spiderwick
Back to the Future 4
Meet the Spartans
Definitely, Maybe
Spiderman 4 (doesn't come out until 2011)
A-Team (BOY, this brings back childhood memories!)
Stop Loss *I know people who have really experienced this, and we have this right now to watch.

The Other Boleyn Girl * Ihave read EVERY book of Philippa Gregory, and this cast rocks!!! I can't wait for others to now discover her amazing historical fiction novels!!! I still haven't watched this or rented it, but I have been watching the Showtime Tudor's. I almost finished with the season, and it's the same story.

Cloverfield *Creepy - We have rented this twice, but not watched it yet.

Sweeney Todd *I am a HUGE Depp fan, AND, I love the musical. I first heard of it when I watched Jersey Girl, so then I had to research and read it! I have rented this baby twice, but not watched it yet.

P.S. I Love You *I know, I know. Total sap movie, but I do like the old-fashion notion of romance. Still need to rent.

Adding to the list:
The new James Bond movie out in November
Step Brothers
Stone Angel - I have read the book, and I loved it! I love Margaret Laurence's work!
Mama Mia - I love this musical
Mummy 3 - I especially love the history in this one!
Swing Vote
Fly Me to the Moon
The Perfect Game
Death Race

2008/07/11

mOvIeS!

     It's funny. I can't remember the last time we had the regular tv on. We have been playing lots, and then when we do settle down at night, we are watching lots of movies!
     Lately we have been even watching OLD movies! We watched a Louis Lamour movie starring Tom Selleck.
     First off, I love westerns, and I was a huge fan of Tom's back in the Magnum P.I. days!
     Then we watched Frisco Kid starring Gene Wilder and Harrison Ford (when he was a young man). That movie was hysterical! Everyone in the family was cracking up!!
     Last night we watched two movies. The first was Evolution. OH MY GOSH, that was SUPER funny! It has a great cast of talented people, and I can't believe I ever missed that one.
     After that we watched The Apple Dumpling Gang! I, of course, had watched those movies when I was a little girl, but dang it's just as funny this time around! I love Don Knotts and Tim Conway!!!
     The other day we watched The Constant Gardener. WOW! Intense movie that makes you FEEL!
     I am also watching the Showtime series, The Tudors, which is all about Henry the 8th. I love that time period, and it fits right in with my love of Phillipa Gregory's books (including The Other Boleyn, which I have not seen that movie yet, either, but the books all rock!).
     We have several other movies to watch, too! I love it! I promise to keep you posted.

2008/07/09

My top ten list

I love lists (sort of addicted to them), and I especially love David Letterman's Top Ten Lists! This list isn't any any order, but it is the top ten things that for the next couple of weeks I want to do!

1) Work on my novel!

2) Finish another book in the Outlander series! (Plus, I am reading three other books right now, a total of four!)

3) Catch up on scrapbooking (OK, not "catch up" but I would like to get at least 10 pages done. I can do this with #8)!

4) Find a horse and saddle!

5) Workout! (And, lose weight)

6) Empty out my storage (Only one truck load left, and I am going to haul it up to my mother-in-law's house, since everything is in tubs. I can't believe I have lived up here now for four years; that's a lot of money to storage! Rick and I have been together now for 4 1/2 years!!)

7) Plan a girls night! (I have incredible friends, and many of them don't even know each other!!! I need to get all these women together!)

8) Watch at least 5 movies on my to watch list (told you I love lists).

9) Work on my yard (weeds to be pulled and grass to be seeded).

10) Go to Chelan for the day, at least once.

There you have it, what I WANT to do over the next two weeks!

I did it!

      I finished my first little sundress! It's so stinking cute!!! I have a different pattern and more material, so I have three more dresses to go. I promise to post pics as soon as I have them all done :)
      The great thing about sewing is that it's very relaxing! I forgot about that.
      I love my sewing machine; Ricky bought it for me for Christmas this past year, and it's much more fancy than the old sewing machine I used when my boys were little!
      Now, I am all excited about other sewing projects!

2008/07/07

Camping and the computer???!!

     So, we headed off camping, and one of my FAVORITE things about camping is being unplugged!
     Our phones didn't have service, so there were no calls, voicemails, or text messages for the long weekend.
     I read a ton while we were up there. Picture this...sitting in a lounge chair, surrounded by everything green and beautifully colored wildflowers, reading, reading, reading. Nice.
     But, I will admit that each night we watched a movie!!!! LOL!!! We busted out the computer, settled into the tent, and watched some movies that were on our list to see.
     The first night we watched Drillbit Taylor. Although it was totally predictable, it had some funny parts in it.
     I LOVED the three young male actors in the show. They were hysterical and quite talented.
     Another highlight was when the three boys were hiring a bodyguard, they had a cameo appearance of Adam Baldwin who played the bodyguard in the 80s movie My Bodyguard. That was clever :)
     The second night we watched Charlie Bartlett. Let me just say...I LOVED THIS MOVIE.
     The guy who plays Charlie rocked! Anton Yelchin is the guy's named, and when I researched him, I found out that I have actually watched him in many other movies, and just didn't notice him, I guess.
     OK, so the movie is sort of predictable, but I just love the quirky characters and the reality of it all. The movie made me laugh, and both as an audience member and a person in the education field.
     On our last night we watched Vantage Point. Holy cow, loved this action-packed movie, and I did call the ending before it happened, so it's somewhat predictable, but I love the idea of seeing something from many points of view. I like that style.
     So, even though life was VERY relaxing and virtually technology-free for our camp trip, we did catch a few flicks, and I am glad we did!