Birthdays & Music

Yesterday was a big day for us. We had Jim's Birthday and Jace's 7th Grade Band Concert. Jace & I got up and left the house at abou 6:15 a.m. to get some surprises for Jim and get an apple pie ordered for his birthday. We went up to Walmart and got decorations and balloons, cards and wrapping paper. Jace got a really funny card that makes sounds. On the outside of the card is a photo of Chris Farley as "Tommy Boy." When you open the card, the line "I can't believe you've never been cowtipping before!" plays.

We laughed so hard in the store at 6:30 a.m. Too bad no one was around to stare and point at us.

When we got home, we decided to make Jim a Birthday omelet, rather, I made an omelet. I put in yellow, red, and orange peppers, freshly ground cheddar cheese, and various spices. He really seemed to enjoy it, and naturally, we served it on the "You are Special Today" plate. He signed it: My birthday today: 5.28.09

We all got to where we needed to go: Jim to work, Jace to school, and I returned home to work. While working, I decided to decorate the garage doors. It was pretty fun! You can't read it here, but it says: "(balloons) Hap-py Bir-th-day J-I-M! We love you!" And then I got a little over-zealous in the house as well... Jace helped blow up about 30 balloons when he got home from school.
Later when Jim got home we opened cards and presents.

Jace got Jim the movie "Taken"...if you haven't seen it; its must! "I will find you. I will kill you."

We then ate dinner quickly and Marni and Papa joined up to attend Jace's end of year band concert.

Jace plays the trumpet. He was really a beginner this year, since his teacher in Maryland was HORRIBLE, and once we saw what a crummy musician and teacher he was, we let him quit. So, he has been taking lessons, and has made a lot of progress this year. What was so cute about this concert was he wore his hat throughout and then didn't have a chair in which to sit for a few minutes. The director finally found one for him, though.

We were surrounded by friends: The Mays, the Levines, and the Helms. That made it especially fun.

This is Landan May. She played the cello with the orchestra. Ethan Helms and Nathan Nilsen also play in the orchestra. Jace's other good friend, Ray, plays the trumpet and played 3 solos very beautifully.

After the concert we had the Levines, Mays, Marni & Papa, and Gibsons over for dessert. It was chaotic and fun!

Hmmm, birthdays and concerts...it must be the end of May! Yes, we had the "funzies!"

Pirates of the Caribbean.

The Honey-Doers!

This morning I awoke feeling like the sandman was still sitting in my eyes. This week has been one of challenges.

On Wednesday our kitchen sink clogged. This pretty, white sink turned into the bane of our existence. We still don't know what was clogging it, we just know that between Jim & I, we spent over 8 hours on the drain. Finally, I threw up my hands, and to relieve my poor husband, I called Roto Rooter. We were supposed to have the missionaries to dinner, but since our kitchen was in a total state of chaos, I rescheduled for the next evening.

Roto Rooter came out the next morning and worked on the sink for 45 minutes before getting the drain cleared! I remember right after Jim had installed this sink, for months I would say to him, "Thank you for the sink." I really loved this sink, and now that it is clear, I love it all over again!

Thursday came with its own "issues." We decided to have Central Air Conditioning put into our house, not only for our own comfort (I like being comforted.) but for the value of our home. I was able to get a really good deal on it from a reputable company, who agreed to put in the Hepa Air cleaner for FREE! Yay! Down economies come with their perks I suppose. Anyway, the Air guy was here and the Roto Rooter guys were here. The place was in a state of chaos still. The Air guy came and told me that he would have to take out the water heater in order to get the air cleaner installed. I told him, "okay."

Well, when the missionaries showed up for dinner, we had no water. It was a hot day, so it was a nice respite to have the air conditioning going, but we passed around the hand gel before dinner, and BBQd. They were really kind about being rescheduled due to the sink, and then showing up and having no water, which meant, no toilets! Poor guys. They were so kind. The REAL hero of this event is the installer. He came at 8:15 a.m. and did not finish until 7:00 p.m. He was veryhardworking, and even though it was well over 80 degrees, he did not complain. We asked if he wanted to eat with us, but he said his girlfriend was making him dinner! :)

Friday: the beginning of the assault on all things on the "Honey Do" List. What should have been the most exciting day of the week, Friday, the day that begins the long weekend, started the landscaping, barking, planting, weeding, pressure washing, deck stair staining, lattice installation and staining, dog care, window washing, garbage removal, clean up from the air conditioning installation, laundry, closet cleaning, vacumming, dusting, mopping, caulking, etc.









We kept talking about going to Kirtland to see the artwork. The reality was that this was a pipe dream with all we had to do.

Sunday should be the day of rest. Jim and I were up around 6:30 a.m. Jim had to speak in Olean, NY and I had to teach in Relief Society. I spent the morning preparing and Jim arrived home in time to come to church with us. Yay! He is often traveling and not able to come. Last week's Stake Conference made little impression on Jim and Jace and I continually threatened both of them, because neither one of them was reverent!!! As Briana would say, "Oh my stars and garters!" We were rewarded with a gentleman who came to speak dropping his drawers as he got up there. He's been losing weight. It was hilarious! This guy is amazing, though. He made a little joke and gave a GREAT talk; what composure. Even so, still really funny.

I had never taught in Relief Society before. If you are not familiar with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Relief Society is a women's meeting. We are assigned to teach certain topics, and I was asked to substitute. The topic was increasing your faith in Jesus Christ. At one point, the lesson hit a lull and I said, "Sisters, I'm not going to drop my skirt for you!" They ROARED! Emily had missed that part of sacrament meeting while she was out nursing her little baby boy, but she laughed along with the crowd. Thanks to the wonderful comments made, and treats made by Karen, and the piece de resistance, Jim singing "Art Thou the Christ", it went well. We both felt drained. But had a kind invitation for a BBQ at friends. We had a blast, and not making dinner was just fine by me. After we got home, we worked until midnight.

Monday was more of the same: Honey-doing and all. We did take a little break to talk to Jace about Memorial Day, and it's significance. We had gotten an email showing all the burials of U.S. Soldiers in Europe, mainly France. I feel grateful for our military, and not just because Justin is in Basic Training at Fort Benning. I do not know what would have happened had the U.S. Military not come to Germany. I'm sure my father would never been able to immigrate. He does not consider himself German. He's been U.S. citizen for years, but his gratitude and teaching us has been ingrained.

As for Justin, he and his wife, Rachel, are brave and nobel people, who are living their lives by the best principles and ideals, in my opinion. Justin is doing well in his training, and his foot problems seem to have improved. He has been losing weight, so we're going to start praying about that very diligently. Please pray for he and Rachel. They are snail-mailing it during this period of time and aside from about 3 minutes of phone time a week, they have no other contact. Jim and I are very proud of them, and pay tribute to him and all who sacrifice for us.

Jennifer had a birthday on Saturday!!! She is 29! Wow, I remember being 29 the first time :). I think I'm the only one who thinks this is funny. We were able to buy her a First Edition Twain. It is a book of his impressions, a real find. She sounded estatic! I'm so glad. She is a wonderful lady, and I hope we'll get to see her soon.

I didn't hear from Daniel over the weekend, but Briana went hiking yesterday. Oh how I love to hike where she was! She sounded so happy about going, and was a little sunburned today, but feeling good. I am always so glad to hear her voice, and to hear that she is well and happy. Everyone knows that Briana and I are close. Lucky the woman who gets to say that! ;)

Poor Jace, he just hobbled to school this morning. He has inherited a congenital foot problem, and spending the weekend on his feet helping us really made his feet scream! I felt so badly about it this morning. He really worked hard, and planted some BEAUTIFUL Jasmine bushes. They are so fragrant. In time they should sprout up to about 15 feet and provide some privacy. Along with the lilacs Jim planted a few days before, it should make for a lovely experience.

We did take a little time for fun yesterday. We saw the movie, "Night at the Museum 2". It was cute, and have humorous moments. The evil Pharoah was played by Hank Azzaria. He kills me!!! And, he "had come back to LIFE!" If you've seen this, you'll understand this.

Last night we went over to friends for another BBQ! What can I say? The food and company were AMAZING! I really haven't laughed that hard for I don't know how long. I love to laugh!

So, last night, we wrapped up our chores by about 10 and fell into bed. I hit snooze several times this morning and drove Jim to work. He had a flat tire. I just returned from getting it fixed and tonight we're off to trumpet, etc.

Life really doesn't get less busy as you get older. It just gets harder to keep up!

I'm just so grateful for Jim and Jace for helping to get all of this massive work done, and hope that tonight we'll be asleep by 8:00 p.m. At least the results of our efforts speak for themselves. Honey-Doers "out!"

39 and Feeling Fine!

Today is my 39th Birthday. 40 is just around the corner, and surprisingly, I'm fine with it. Yes, I'm "wrinkled, lined, and flabby, " and I'm proud of some of those markers. (Not the flabby part, in case you're wondering) I've had gray in my hair since I was 29...I feel I earned all those. My Dad calls them "Celestial Blond." I hope I make it! :)

Last night, as I lay awake, I tried to consider all that had happened in the last decade since turning 29. I often do this, because in a few days, Jennifer will be 29. She and I are close in age, and so are our Birthdays. I really admire all that she is doing in her life; her schooling, teaching, and writing. It is amazing to me! Congratulations, Jennifer. And besides, I kind of love her!

Anyway, back to what has happened over the past 10 years. I'll just give you the Cliff's Notes version. There have been triumphs and tragedies, arguments and make-ups, victories and losses, and a lot of laughter.

Well, in 1999, we moved 4 times. We made our final move to Erie, PA where Jim began teaching at Mercyhurst College for 3 years. During that 3 years, we made many wonderful friends, had my mother-in-law, Beth, live with us, and had Jennifer, Justin, Daniel, Briana, and Jace here. And, we had the aforementioned, ROGUE! When Jim and I were talking about this today, he said, "Yeah, that was a lot of fun." And it was! There was always some chaos, but in general, leaving Erie to move to Washington, D.C. was somewhat of a difficulty, because it meant saying goodbye to friends, and children. Justin left for his mission in the Russia, Moscow South Mission for 2 years. Jennifer finished her Bachelor's Degree and moved to Colorado. Daniel and Briana moved back to Seattle to live with their mother, Elizabeth. So, we felt like empty nesters in Maryland.

Grandma had moved back to Ellensburg to spend her final year with Kathy and Terri as she struggled with pancreatic cancer. I'll never forget Kathy's kindness to me. I was explaining some of the challenges of having Grandma with us. She lovingly said, "You call me anytime. We'll take over." So, one day, I did. I so appreciate the care and kindness they gave to a loving, accepting mother-in-law who loved me as her own daugther. I look forward to seeing her fun personality again, and meeting my father-in-law for the first time. :)

While in Maryland, I started working for an Endodontist, and I've been with her ever since. It is a good job, and I'm grateful. Jim worked at Howard University for 6 years. We loved the Derwood Ward there, and our many friends we love from there. Jace grew up quite a bit in Maryland. He finished 4th grade there.

In 2007, Jim and I felt very strongly that we should consider a move back to Erie. We didn't know why, but after prayer, we knew we were to come back. Our house had recently been left emtpy by tenants, and needed a lot of TLC. So, we schlepped back, and Jim made that HORRIBLE commute for 2 years back to D.C. Again, Kathy to the rescue. She and Roger hosted Jim during that time. I don't know what we would have done without their kindnesses to us. Thank you!

Now it is 2009. Jim is working at LECOM as the Director of Recruiting, and he's really doing a great job! I cannot believe his success, and yet, knowing his great talents, I can! He is truly amazing, and I love him more than ever!

Jace will be 13 this year! Yes, our final teenager emerges. I hope I handle it even better than before. :) He is really a funny kid, with diverse interests and talents. He is my pal, and I cannot imagine life without him.




Briana is at Central Washington University majoring in Anthropology. She really loves it, and while I miss her, I am proud of the choices she is making and the woman she is becoming. She is so strong and full of life. I love her and miss her. We often make up our own words. Two of my favorites are "being in utter dumbdom" and all "fs" become ph's. She is really phunny!

Daniel is working as a game tester at Nintendo. He is very talented with this and they keep inviting him back. He is still trying to decide what he wants to do further in the future. He is one of the most loving and kind people I know. I love and miss him too!

Justin got married to a beautiful and talented lady, Rachel Anne (Currie) Moore nearly 3 years ago. They are very much in love, and are both so committed to eachother and their work. Justin has gotten his Bachelor's in Russian and Vocal Performace, a Master's in Vocal Performance, and a Performing Certification. He has worked hard. He is currently in Basic Training in the Army, will go into Officer Training School soon after that and hopes to be a Linguist. He is so intelligent and has diverse talents. It is frustrating not to speak to him, as right now that is a restricted privelege, but we hope he knows of the many prayers in his and Rachel's behalf. I know it is a time of deep trial.

Rachel is a wonderful sdaughter-in-law! She is very talented and intelligent, and loves the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have had many deep conversations about the gospel, and I cherish the times I've spent with her. She has exposed a deeply personal side to me that I rarely share, but I am thrilled to have her in my life. I am praying for her now so much, because she misses and worries for Justin constantly. In addition, I cannot think of anyone who loves him as deeply and completely as she does. I truly love Rachel!



Jennifer is doing incredible things as well! She is finishing her Doctorate in English-Poetry! Isn't that incredible too? She has also been published many times, and that is a real accomplishment as a young poet as well! Aren't my step-kids accomplished? Jennifer is teaching at the University of Illinois, Chicago while she is finishing up. She recently had to read 100 books in about 4 or 5 months and then take exams. She too, is a wonderful woman. She has been able to spend Thanksgiving with us over the past couple of years, and she is always a welcome addition to a party. She brings her own verve and personality to it, and she loves her family with a deep devotion that is wonderful. She never forgets a birthday, a holiday, or anything special. I am proud of her and love her.

As for me and Jim...well, I'm finishing my Bachelor's degree after a long absence from school, and I LOVE it. Jim finished his doctorate in 2000, as have many of his family members. They are all my inspirations. Jim is still my best friend, and I love having him home when he gets off the road. He travels throughout the Spring months, so we're loving having him home for the first May in 4 years. Prior to that, he was traveling and singing in the South and Seattle.

We've have fun-filled, stressful, incredible journey over the past 10 years. We're so glad that you've been a part of it.

As for me, I'm looking forward to seeing what 49 brings!

Puppies: WARNING, not for the faint of heart.

I was going to say that I didn't grow up with many pets...Correction: we had many birds. At one point we had 17 birds! Yup...nutty! I've decided that I do not like anything but big birds. Little ones wake up too early, make tons of messes, create mayhem when they escape. "I do not like them, Sam, I am!"

I was bitten by a German Shepherd when I was 10 years old, the dog of a neighbor. I was taking something to their house, and afraid, so I ran from the beast. He attacked. Luckily, the physical injury wasn't very serious, and a tetanus shot later, I was fine. But, I was always a little frightened by dogs. Funny how life can make you take a 180...

So, last night I had this horrific dream about planting gorgeous trees and flowering shrubs in our yard, but while I was trying to supervise the menagerie, I found just the skin of our little doggie, Suki. She is a little Shiba Inu, and other than liking to bark, she is a great dog! The first time I realized I was having this nightmare, I woke up at 4:00 a.m., and realized that Suki was fine. Every half an hour, I'd awaken after more of the plot unfolded in my dreams. I couldn't believe the mess I found in my yard when the crew of volunteers had finished planting things wherever they wanted. I was just too distracted with dealing with who had hurt our beloved little dog. It turns out that we had an entire man-hunt to find the beast! It was some kind of unknown beast, and realizing it had to be at least 15' tall, we finally found it. It was a lizard-like, two-headed, mongrel with long, sharp teeth. It got its punishment, but it was not enough to satisfy me. Not surprisingly, I woke up this morning unsatisfied, unhappy, and told the whole strange tale to Jim as he hurried to get ready for work. Jim had recently told me about someone who was torturing little dogs, leaving them skinless and headless. I blame them for my dreams! Crazies! (Couldn't be that I have an overactive imagination...sarcasm...surprise! The serious, workaholic has one!)

Anyway, long story short, I got this email from Jim this morning with a photo of our Keeshound who we had to adopt out before we first moved to Erie, PA in 1999. Kiesha (now named Molly-cringe) was my pal. She had an assortment of nicknames and songs written by 'the kids' over the years. Names like: Keewoo, Kieshaweesha, Fluff-Butt. Rhymes like: 'Cause she's the Kiesh, 'cause she's on her leash, 'cause she's the Kiesh, 'cause she's on her lease...'

I remember Kiesha while I was pregnant with Jace. I had a very difficult pregnancy, it fact, it agreed with me very little. I threw up repeatedly every day. Kiesha would jump up on my bed and come to "check" me about every 30 minutes when I was home. So, I thought of her as my little nurse companion.

She also did irritating things like eating a lb. of butter, which then gave her diarrhea for a week! Yuck! That is a memory best left suppressed. But mainly Kiesha was a pleaser, and loved to do her little tricks. We all loved and miss her.

After that, we adopted the most troubling dog EVER, Rogue. She was aptly named...but Daniel and Briana have tales to tell about her. What I remember most was her barking, her jumping about 3 feet in the air to get your attention, and her pathetic behaviors. She was trouble "caninized." She was weird! I was sad when we have to move and she went to a farm, but she needed a place to run where she wouldn't tackle little boys and tear their clothes!

Now we have Suki and Spud, Shiba Inus, who are both cunning, and fun. Suki, the tattler, was barking incessantly on Mother's Day. Jim kept telling her to be quiet...what she was really doing was letting him know that Spud was stealing all of the bacon he had cooked that morning...all 50 pieces! Yes, they had their treats that day too! She is really Briana's dog-they are bonded. I know that Briana misses her, almost as much as she misses us (or maybe more!) Suki is so intelligent, and is able to tell verbal commands so easily, it makes me wonder what is really going on in her head sometimes. Even my mother, a professed animal hater, loves Suki. She said to me one day, isn't it sad that this is all Suki can be? She is such a sweet dog, I would love to just talk to her! Shock doesn't even come close!

Spud-well doesn't that name say it all? He is really a funny, and happy-go-lucky dog, and we lovingly call him our "Homeland Security", because he lets us know whenever someone is 3 blocks away from our house! He loves to play fetch, hates to be tickled, and really screams when Jim gets him going...he's a good friend.

So, I'm a reformed dog-hater, to a dog-lover, and I'll never change. As much work as they make for me, I do like having my little companions around. They anger me, they play with me, they lick me, which I dislike a lot, but mostly they care and entertain me.

Things that make me laugh & smile

Jimisms:
"Hoe we going?"
"A pumming, a pumming."
"FUP!"
"There's a spiggitto under the fridge!"
"I'm sorry I can't greet you properly right now, but I'm weary from carrying the milk."
"What's a virginsea?" (borrowed from Briana)

Grandmaisms:
"Go to grass!"
"If it isn't mine, it's urine."
"Love ya, Love ya."
"OW! Do you have to go all the way to China?"
"Oh, your hair is getting so long!"
"We're gonna have the funzies!"
Grandma was in hospice care and they couldn't find her. Kathy found her in man's bed. When asked about it, she said "Was he any cute?"
Grandma was found drinking Roger's beer, not knowing what it was. Kathy said, "Mom! That's beer. I didn't know you drank that." Grandma said: "There are a lot of things you don't know about me!"

Jim: there are too many to list...
Endless Movie Lines
Ridiculous puns
We were bowling and is was his turn. He went to throw the ball and fell on his chest, sliding 6' into the lane. We started screaming, "Good trick!!!!" He got up, brushed himself off and said, "It wasn't a trick."

Jennifer:
Calling Glycerin "Gly-cerin"
The list of metaphors from school this year...hilarious.

Justin:
Well, I'm too worried about his today to write anything funny, but he makes me happy.
Not true...
"How does this work?" The phone rings..."hellopen."
"My magich didn't work."

Daniel:
"I hate you!"
"These treats are guaranteed to make your dog do tricks." Dog sitting there pathetically!
Other various commercials.
"Thoth."

Briana:
"Briana, my heart."
"Now a warning???"
"Butiful!"
"Weight Loss Commercial"
"What's the difference between jelly and ham?"
Calling "lava" "Yava!"
Totally deadpan: "Gina, you're on fire."
Briana having to carry feces aka Theses to the library for work!!!

These are the things that make me smile and laugh. No doubt there will be many more of these to come!

Women Empowered

I left church yesterday feeling empowered by a quote David Nilsen read in church, which said; that "men have to have something given to them in mortality to make them saviors of men, but not mothers, not women. They are born with an inherent right, and inherent authority, to be saviors of human souls...and the regenerating force in the lives of God's children." (Matthew Cowley)

Not only was yesterday a fabulously orchestrated day, but it was nice to hear that women, by their very nature, are nurturing, selfless, and powerful.

My family made me feel like a queen, and quite frankly, I could use more of it! Breakfast in bed, a song, dinner, cleaning; you name it, they did it. I suppose I felt a little guilty being so pampered, but it was glorious.

So much of what we do goes "unnoticed," but I think, in reality, it is the saving grace for our families. Our families would be lost without and we without them. it seems weak to admit that we need someone, but I think it is actually brave.

Some days are difficult with kids; little ones need constant attention and devotion, and teenagers have their own set of challenges, but one thing remains constant; they still need a mom and a dad.

I'm grateful for the experiences of "smotherhood" and motherhood. I have learned so much. I am a better parent because of Jennifer, Justin, Daniel, and Briana. I was just given love for them, from heaven, certainly. But because of our unique situation, I learned more patience. I want them to know what an impact they have had on my life. There were many difficult times, but I know that I grew from them. I would have been a better step-mother had I known then what I know now. But, as they say, hind-sight is 20/20. I did my best, and that is all I can say.

As for Jace, I think of him as the glue that really made all of us feel like a family. I'm glad I got this experience once in my life to feel life within me. Though I love him the same as my step-kids, there is no void in memories. We've had them together since day 1.

I'm forever grateful to be a mother, especially co-parenting with Jim. One of the reasons I wanted to marry him was because I could already see the kind of father he was to his children. He is incredible! I love and respect him so much for the way he treats all of his children.

For those struggling with younger children, hang in there; it gets better! For those who have non-traditional families; hang in there; it gets better!

I'm thankful for the woman who gave birth to my stepchildren. What a gift to the world and in my life.

Sorry for the novel, but I'm just overcome with gratitude to my loving Heavenly Father who helped my dreams of being a mom come true.

~Love you kids! You're such a joy to me! I'll always love you and believe in you!

Assassin in the House

This weekend, Jim played Sparafucile in Rigoletto. The opera deals with a man who plays a jester to a Duke, and is ridiculed for his humped back. Rigoletto hates the Duke because of his womanizing, and hides the fact that he has a daughter. Meanwhile, his daughter falls in love with the Duke and then sacrifices herself to save her love. The person who pays the assassin is Rigoletto. In essence, he killed the one thing he truly loved quite literally. Sparafucile stabs the girl and places her in a bag. Jim was a convincing killer, but the role was a dark one, understandably.
It brings to mind how we, through our actions, kill the hopes and dreams of those who surround us at times. We can neglect them, we can be selfish, we can withhold our love. All of these destructive behaviors destroy the souls and esteem of others.
It, to me, is the most difficult thing to master. Learn to love completely, as Jesus Christ did. Learn to accept those who are different and flawed, because we are no better than they. We are just as hopelessly flawed. Were it not for the atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we would all live in a hopeless state. The question really becomes, will we be self-defeating as Rigoletto, or will we give our lives selflessly to help others like Gilda.
I know…who could find something spiritual in an opera. But, it struck me. We can be the Sparafucile, stabbing the innocent; or we can be selfless, like Gilda.
Just a thought…