Grateful

Few things fill the heart like connection. Sometimes we connect with food, a good friend in conversation, my favorite connections are the one without words. Sometimes it’s a melody. Sometimes from a kiss or the precious baby we hold for dear life.

Today I was so blessed. I had one of those precious, precious connections. It had no audible words, only the sound of tears, the hum of our hearts as an amazing truth played loudly in the back ground on an excellent sounding stereo. We got to hug and cry and through two WHOLE songs! As I held I cried and prayed and thanked GOD for the opportunity and prayed I wouldn’t ruin it in any way. As she held, she cried. She didn’t say why. She just held for dear life and wouldn’t let go. I can only imagine why…. For a minute I felt like God. Not in an egotistical way, but the love God must feel for us. For nothing, NOTHING can separate her from my love, nothing. I just love her. I believe in her. I see her as perfect, unblemished and for a minute I understood how God sees us. I felt God-ly. I felt blessed.

I am still reeling from the precious, precious, innocent high God gave me today, in two songs, a pair of arms and a couple of people willing to be broken for a minute.

Well? What do you think of my new look? please comment!

Merry Christmas! Click on the picture and HOPEFULLY it'll be big enough to read! We love you! PS-this is actually not the final draft...Rachel and Jamie added a LOT more pictures on the real one but I can't find it. Maybe later. Hearts, bubbles and loves!

CcCcCcCcold!

I went to sleep last night wondering if the cold was what made Laura Ingalls (from Little House on the Prairie) where a cap to bed at night. I thought it was to keep their hair from getting too mussy. I think now it was more practical than that. I was so cold last night, that the beanie on my dresses seemed like it would look better (and feel better) on my head. So Jimmy boy came in later and found me asleep with the beanie on. He took the picture and texted it to me. I hope everyone stays warm and cozy tonight.

bits and pieces ...

Sorry, been busy with Christmas preparations, working etc....plus the annual Christmas letter that I have really managed to pass on to the girls...good, very good. Plus we are taking family photos Monday. Does that mean an update to the Christmas letter? It's late I'm tired. Just a love note. Good Night! PS- here are bits and pieces of our Christmas newsletter. Loves!

Just a note to say we're having a fantastic time....

• Woke up early and drove to SD, went to Old Town, ate and laughed
• Today went to the beach, took a run :))))), drove to the border and almost got lost in TJ Shopped, drove to PLNB, had a blast.
• Tomorrow we board the ship! :))))))))

turn it around

I've been trying to turn it around.

Ccccccruise'n!

I'm really looking forward to our cruise...

Our ship....the elation inside and out
Cabo San Lucas
Thanksgiving on the boat!

I am feeling blue....

I don't like it....

I will be glad and

more glad

when this passes....

Ummm thought you'd want to know...

Feeling good. Had a good two days at work.

No problems. I am glad.

Meet Dick - My Veteran

Our dear friend, served in three wars, WWII, Korean and Vietnam. He served our Country and fought for our freedom for 29 years! He arrived at Normandy on the third day as part of Artillery. He is a gentleman and a very dear friend. We love him. Everyone, meet M/Sgt. Richard Joseph Schwartz!

I am PERFECT...my doctor said so!

My doctor said, again, that I am perfect. Can you believe that? He's even a friend of Jesus and he said I was perfect! Actually, I am healing perfectly. He says a few things kind of funny with his accent. But I like the first translation best.

I'm feeling much better. I was up and at it all day from 8-4:30, I'm practicing for when I return to work. Can you believe one can actually have such major surgery and return to work in a week? I am living proof!

By the way. You should read my comments section of the survey I posted. Rachel did a cut and paste and she's a funny girl!

Happy Monday! Remember tomorrow is Veteren's Day. Thank one!

bored?

1. What is your occupation right now? High school secretary (LOVE IT!!)

2. What color are your socks right now? Clear
3. What are you listening to right now? The t.v and sometimes the voices in my head
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Ooops....curly chlli cheese corn chips
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Babe
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? A lot
8. How old are you today? Get a life
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Seriously? Desperate Housewives
10. What is your favorite drink? Diet Coke and Cosmo
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? no it's natural
12. Favorite food? wasabi almonds this week
13. What is the last movie you watched? Kit Kitterage
14. Favorite day of the year? wedding anniversary :)
15. How do you vent anger? kiss Babe
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? My Jamie Summers action doll (the Bionic Woman, duh)
17. What is your favorite season? all of them
18. Cherries or Blueberries? Cherries
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Yes
20. Who is the most likely to respond? ????
21. Who is least likely to respond?
22. Living arrangements? Live with my Babe, and two girls!
23. When was the last time you cried? last night. I gave birth to something invisible
24. What is on the floor of your closet? shoes and Christmas gifts
25. Favorite vacation? Carribean Cruise with my family
26. What did you do last night? Died five times
27. What are you most afraid of? Something happening to Babe or the girls
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? Cheese Hamburger
29. Favorite dog breed? German Shepherd
30. Favorite day of the week? Thursday, cause it's almost Friday
31. How many states have you lived in? 1
32. Diamonds or pearls? A girls best friend....duh..
33. What is your favorite flower? Rosalyn
34. Most embarrasing moment? Peeing in a church closet

Stay AWAY From Sharp Objects

Anyone who knows me, REALLY KNOWS ME, knows how I am. Most people pass gas an average of 14 times a day. My average is three times that amount. I am the LAST person on earth that needs gas ADDED to her to make her bloat. Be that as it may....I've been blown up like a balloon and not passing much gas. All I can say is, yes, VH I am staying away from sharp objects and probably open flames because I feel like I am going to burst. My tummy hurts. :(

Believe it or not, there are stitches in there . . . and two other holes on either side of my bb. Today my mood is SAD because I hurt. :(

A Farewell to the Great Aunt Flow.....

She was so faithful. I'd known her since I was 13. She visited me religiously each month. She would always come when she said she'd come. She hardly ever kept me waiting. She was faithful that way. In fact, I could really gage a lot about myself, sometimes, too much based on her visits. Sometimes, in anticipation of her visits I'd grow anxious, even weepy, especially hungry with a need to eat and make food for the masses. Aunt Flow hardly ate, but boy did I in anticipation of her visits. Kind of like my dog Shelby, Aunt Flow got tougher to deal with as she got older. I dont' mean to disrespect her by comparing her to my dog. I LOVED my dog. Anyway, she just got more difficult. Her stays were still faithful, but my goodness they were exhausting and taxing. I found myself on a constant stream of Motrin when in her presence. Well, Aunt Flow has flown the coop. She has paid me an estimated 288 visits. I have loved her consistancy, her provision and I welcome her demise; knowing we are all headed to happier more comfier places in life. I bid farewell to my dear Aunt Flow.... 1981-2008

THIS PIC IS ACTUALLY PRE-OP

THIS PIC IS ACTUALLY PRE-OP

Post-op-o-liscious!
I was in the operating room by 12, out by 3:20 and in the car for home before 6! AMAZING
huh? I am home and happily recouperating. Thanks for the prayers and well wishes. Love to all!

GIANNA!!

I finally got to meet her today. She is soooo pretty and soooo loved! God is good :)

Press play to hear the papa playing and singing to her.

OMG! She is so pretty! She looks like someone....

New BABY!

This is my new neice. I don't know her name yet....I'll keep you posted!

Gianna Grace!

There are many types of cupcakes. This one smells like my grandma. Kind of old and knit, sweet smell.

This one smells like a grocery store. Kind of like deli, chinese food, coffee and maybe a dirty diaper nearby. This one is my favorite. It looks and smells just like the ones I've made. It smells like I want to lick the batter bowl and eat the frosting! Love and kisses and happy Friday!

Ok, but this one? shows the chocolate of MY cupcakes and I added chocolate chips to the batter!

HOTT!!

Wasn't it hot today? We thought so too. Perfect day for a baby shower. Pictures to follow.

What a trip.

LIFE is a trip! I sound like a burned out hippee or daughter of. Just amazed at life and grateful. I really like my job. It surprises me. WHO likes work? I thought we all liked playing. I am having a great time actually. I like the people I work with. All are very nice. I LOVE the kids. They are so many and each with their own story.

• The year began with a former student and should be senior dying the week before school started.
• Two weeks later, one of my students found her mom dead, totally unexpected.
• Lot's of strugglers in between, lots of encouraging notes to the ones that need it most, that I can see....
• Another girl came in to get an off campus pass to see her doctor, she's pregnant and something is wrong....she'd made a LAST minute, literally, decision to carry.
• Friday a young lady came in to see her counselor, who was not in. She needed to talk privately. I took her aside to see if I could help. She was looking for help telling her mom she's bi-sexual.

So many stories. So many kids. So much hope. Such a privilage. I hope you are all well.

Back To The Grind

Well, summer IS officially over with Labor Day weekend over and all. However, being the Sophomore House Secretary that I am, my summer actually ended August 11, when I went back to work.

I don't think it was a very hot summer by the way. I think it's funny how God waits until school starts so that the kids can REALLY enjoy the heat while they are cooped up and locked away in a classroom. I have to admit I have a little bit of an attitude just because, when I came home from work Friday, the house was a COOL 92 degrees! Seriously felt cool compared to the office I'd been in all week in the double digits. Our offices were slated and set up for a/c but the budget ran out. It makes me cranky inside my heart.

OLD BUT BLOG WORTHY?

PERFECT day!

We had sooo much fun. The pictures say it all. Remember Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk? Where everybody has a goood time!

Ocean, sand, castles, kids, blue skies, perfect day. Even the water was perfect and not roughYou've just got to appreciate the feet on this kid. He had sand everywhere and just didn't mind.
Tres babes.
Can you see Jimmy back there? Kickin it with Pat? He kicked it all day. So nice and so rare :)
Some of our sorry surfers. They found no love on the water.... and one of my favorite pics all of us getting ready to ride the BIG DIPPER!!!!

This was FUNNY! Rachel waited in line for the ride from hell that she didn't want to do but was pressured into doing! It swung, spun and went upside down. Rachel said she'll never do it again.

We had a blast. It was a great way for me to end my summer break. Loves!

Is there anybody out there?

Does anyone read this? I need a comment. I feel so alone. Thanks.
loves.

Introducing Daniel, Jamie's Boyfriend....AKA Dan, Dan the Cardio-Man!

Jamie and Daniel were hanging out tonight and Daniel held his first class, while simutaneoulsly recording it for future mass release. He's a real go getter and feel free to jump in as he's showing us how to work a sweat!

Camp Esmeyer

We really weren't sure if we were going to take a camp this year. Pathetic isn't it? Isn't camping the poor persons vacation? Well....we went camping and had a blast. It was a trip that was inspired for months and put together in two days. We really had fun. It all begins on the day we had record temps....July 9. We caravaned, following our girls and my parents. They each had air conditioned cars. Babe and I did not. We pulled the bosses pop up with the windows rolled down, high noon, high heat, it was 112 F when we drove through Placerville, wonder how hot Sac was when we blew through.... We were so happy and grateful to be going that NOTHING would dappen our spirits! We arrived at Fallen Leaf Campground in great time. We were hot and unloading and I was insistant that we pop up the pop up! It was locked. There was no key. It was in San Lorenzo in the bosses desk. After a little help from camp maintenance, we opted the safe route and called a locksmith. All was well, back in business!

Day 2: Life is good. Heard bears, drank coffee late, Jamie spooked by bears moves in with us, me awake most of the night eyes darting, keeping vigilant bear watch and heart beating like crazy until 5:30 am. Woke up happy at 8:30 am. Day at the beach, no problem. Life is good. No domestic responsibilities. Rachel on domestic overdrive....loving it. Mom too, loving it. Jessica is on her 9th novel in 5 days. NO JOKE. Our Mains Counsins found us, more girls, three of them, LOVE IT!

Day 3: Slept much better. Feeling good. Got my fiber. Daniel has arrived. Texting traffic airways must have hit gridlocke with all the finger tapping in our camp. Dad is having a great time. Not usual, part of the Alzheimer’s. I suppose the good thing about that nasty disease is he forgot he hates camping. Mom and Rachel are the camp domestic mamma's whipping up all meals AND cleaning. Jamie, Jessica and I take it all in stride, not threatened at all. Jamie banned Jessica from bringing a book on an outing today, claiming anti-socialism. Johnny and Heather come up, have dinner and take Jessica back to Carson for the night.


Day 4: Excited to get up seeing the sky so blue! Drink coffee. Eat fiber bar. Drink coffee. The first cup still in my tummy's sink didn't seems to go down yet. Starting to be tired. Feeling kinda lousy. Think I might hurl. YAK! O.O.C.!!!! (Out of Commission!) I'm down and out with full on flu and fever. Felt bad couldn't even sleep it off, felt so bad. Finally theraflu at 10PM and slept.

I missed my sister and her boyfriend Steve hanging out. I missed Daniel being Daniel. I missed the return and goodbye of Johnny with Jessica. I missed everything.

Day 5: I feel better! I am happy. Tentatively head down Rachel & Jim's path to camp. Some toast, yes. I'm going to be ok. Someone hurry and catch me up on what I missed! Jessica is on book 10! Beach day. Jess is homesick. Jamie is full on 18. Daniel left right after breakfast. Rachel and mom are still the Domestic Queens and Jimmy babe was my hero in sickness. Dad is still happy?!! Let's celebrate. Let's go out! Guess who shows up in to town? ALEX & PATRICIA! Jessica's other brother! She's so popular.

Day 6: Woke up a little sad. Last real day. Don't want it to be over. Just started. Can't we just live here? Can't we just live as nomads in a pop up and pop up where ever we pop up? Why God, why must it be over? Decided to do Lake Tahoe today. So glad we did. It was really lovely. The water was warmer than my swimming pool. Maybe I should read up on global warming, because Tahoe water has NEVER been called anything but bone breaking cold! We swam all day. Then rain clouds appeared. No big, we swam any way! FUN! But I did keep my hat on in the water, as I didn't want to get my hair wet. Such fun. Back to camp. This time, my domestic mamma kicked in. I made dinner, we ate and saved lots of room for all the chocolate we hadn't eaten.

We had so much fun. A few small irritants that come with teenagers, traveling, budgets, humans, animals, waste and acts of God. Other than that all was well. Stay tuned for our "Adventures in Bear Hunting!"

I'm hot

It's a real cooker today. If you're anywhere near me, I'll bet you are hot too. I have some ideas about how to keep cool in this heat wave, here goes:

Be like my father-in-law and sit and read in the shade

Stay in or on the water for long periods of time

Take up evening pee-wee golf

Sit under a tarp or umbrella

or finally....just sleep it off...

Stay cool everyone. Feel free to come by for dip!