YES, THEY ARE ALL MINE

Some of the perks of being a Gramma2Many are

2012-01-31T22:53:00.000-08:00

Attending the Missoula Childrens Theater production of The Secret Garden, where one of the very cutest bugs you have ever laid eyes on calls you Gramma.
Abagail Evalina, you are the best!!

Or the middle school concert where one more of the cutest kids in the entire universe plays her flute.
Miss Elizabeth Iuliana, you are the delight of your Gramma's heart too.

One flock after another

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Of Canadian Geese heading North.

Could it mean Spring is on the horizon?

It is gone now..................

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Can you see the Thrush in the tree?

But it was beautiful while it was here. Now we are back to rain, rain and more rain. Watching the rivers for flooding now.

People think I am crazy, but I love the snow.

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This is my Curly Willow tree. It is on the hill behind my house. I took it as I stood at the bottom of the hill watching my two grandchildren sled down the hill. My roofline is on the right of the picture and the neighbor on the left of the picture.

On January 5th I flew with Cooper

2012-01-17T13:45:00.000-08:00

To Bethel Alaska. He had been visiting us since the week after Christmas. He and his brother Ben came down but Ben went home early because he wanted to go to a New Year Eve Party.

The Tundra across the street from Tricia's house.

While I was there, we got the tail end of the storm that dumped 25 feet of snow on Cordova. We only got about a foot of new snow, but the temperature was about -36 with a wind chill into the -60's. It is so cold at that point that it hurts to breath.

Crossing a lake in Bethel. It is the shortcut from point A. to point B.

This fellow had just been dropped off by the taxi on the other side of the river. He walked across the river to his cabin.

The Russian Orthodox Church

We are crossing another lake here. The sun is beginning to set. Truthfully, it did not get much higher than this all day long.

My original intention was to stay until Tuesday but...........because of the storm, the planes were grounded in Anchorage. There were no flights out of Bethel on Tuesday. Flights resumed on Wednesday, but I was worried about not being able to make connections from Anchorage to Seattle. I fly standby space available. Knowing many people did not get out on Tuesday, I opted to stay in Bethel on Wednesday and return home on Thursday. Thursday came and I changed my mind. Tricia and Dave and the boys were flying out to Vancouver Washington on Friday, so I waited and left when they did. Dave, the Boys and I caught the 8AM to Anchorage and then he and the boys went on to Vancouver and I caught a flight to Seattle. Tricia flew out on the last flight on Friday night.

I must say, living in Bethel is interesting to say the least. It is a village that is accessible only by air. Because of the permafrost and the tundra, water is a premium up there. Dave and Tricia have a huge tank that they have water delivered to once a week. You get used to yellow water in the toilet. I remembered the old saying of if it is yellow, let it mellow. I am so thankful that I do not have to do that. Showers are short and sweet. I took a long one the morning after I got home and a long hot bath the next day. I understand why Cooper always wants a bath when he comes here. I also have the habit of brushing my teeth with hot water. Now don't look at me like I am some kind of freak!! You wash your body with warm or hot water, you wash your dishes in the hottest water you can, so why now wash your teeth with hot water? It was hard to do there, because you had to let about 3 gallons of water run before the hot water reached the tap. For some odd reason, the hot water tank is out in the detached garage. I switched to cold, but just for the time I was there. I am back to hot water, thank you:) Also, because of the permafrost and the tundra, the sewer system is a bit spotty. Again once a week, a truck comes and pumps matter from a large tank. So much we take for granted.

Fast forward to today. We have had one of our very infrequent snow falls in the Pacific Northwest. The kids are all out of school. Playing outside.

Olivia making a snow angel

Darius and Olivia sliding down the hill between my house and a neighbor house.
We have a 10 foot space between the two.

So much fun. They had had enough right after that and were inside to warm up.

The Weeping Cypress we planted this summer.

Our front yard in its blanket of snow

I am inside, warm and toasty. Still in my jammies. Might be that way when Stan gets home too. I love the snow. I do not know if I love it enough for months on end of snow, but it is so beautiful and everything looks so clean. The kids are excited and outside playing. Sledding, snow forts, snow angels, snowball fights....all good clean fun. Sometimes Stan and I think of the possibility of 6 months in Alaska and 6 months down here. It would be a win win. We both like Alaska and we could have more quality time with the boys. We will see if it ever becomes more than a thought.

My tiny tree, I just had to have. I hope it survives this cold.

Mom, do you think I am old enough for a real bed yet?

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Jumping

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Remember this picture?

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Well, I want to say publicly...............He was right.

We did not have any creepy crawlers in our house this Christmas.

Christmas Blessings to All.

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My favorite picture. I think it really captures Christmas.

And in no special order

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A few more pictures of our Saturday Photo Shoot. It was such a fun day. Do not think I will be posting all 102 pictures, but there are more I want to post at another date.

Kris, Joe and boys with Rebel
Daughter #3, Child #4

Tricia, Dave and Boys
Daughter #4, Child #5

Stan and I

Karyn, Jon and Boys
Daughter #1, Child #2

Gina, Sebastian and Family. Looks like one was not too happy at the time.
Daughter #5, Child #6

Angie, David and Girls
Daughter # 2, Child #3

Bryan, Darla with three daughters and one son
Only son, Eldest Child.

My Husband and I at the Beach

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In West Seattle

Today, the entire family

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Went down to a park in West Seattle near the Fauntelroy Ferry dock. We went with a professional photographer who spent about two hours with us taking tons of pictures. Some candid and some posed. We had a great time and I am sure there will be many pictures I will want. My son in law shot a few behind him. This is one Jon took. All of my Grands. You can click on the picture for a larger view.

The tree is decorated!!

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By the way, I am very thankful Stan vacuumed the tree. See yesterday's post. I am not fighting little critters in my house

Cannyn putting up my outdoor lights

The elf that has been a part of our Christmas tradition for the past 46 years.

Caleb hiding the pickle

Jesse just being Jesse

It took me from Saturday to today, but it is done.

Last year when I was out Christmas shopping with my mother, I picked up a box of these ornaments.

I told her how much I loved them.

And how they reminded me of my childhood.

They were my last gift from her.

My children accuse me of having OCD

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Brrrrrr

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On Friday, December 2, Stan and I left our house at 5:30 PM. Went to dinner and then drove to SeaTac to fly to Bethel Alaska for the weekend. We left SeaTac at 9:30 PM, arrived in Anchorage at 12:30 AM. Our connecting flight to Bethel was at 6:40 AM. Arriving in Bethel just before 8 AM. I did not get many pictures taken because baby, it was cold outside!! What I got are below.

This snowman was standing in a yard of one of Cooper's friends. All of the white beyond is the tundra. AKA a field.

A barge on the Kuskoquim river. Size relationship is shown by the mobile home on top of the barge.

The frozen Kuskoquim River. One of Tricia's neighbors said he went out with a four foot auger and drilled into the river ice. He broke through right at the four foot measure.

These are docks that the fishing boats tie up during the fishing season

You see boats all over like this one. Once the river thaws, they will refloat it.

The real reason for our trip though was because our grandson Ben had a few parts in the Bethel Theater production of Annie.

Here he is playing the part of Mr. Bundles schmoozing Miss Hannigan.

In the song and dance rendition of New York, New York.

Another New York New York shot.

Holding the applause sign for the "live" audience.
He also had an invisible part as a radio announcer.

As President Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Curtain Call.

We got into Bethel on the first and last plane of the day. Other flights (2) were canceled because of wind and ice on the runway. Of course that gave me reason to worry about getting out on Sunday. Sunday was a bright new day with flights back to normal so we caught the final flight out. Were able to upgrade that flight to first class. I must say, I could easily get comfortable with first class, very easily:) We were trying to catch a 10:30 flight to Seattle, but it was full. We were able to get seats on a 12:30 flight. Arrived in Seattle at 4:30 Monday morning and home to our house at 6:30. Needless to say, we slept until one o'clock that afternoon. From Tricia's front door to our front door was 11 long hours. I will do it again, without hesitation.

Gramma told him no

2011-12-07T01:40:00.000-08:00

But he was just to darn cute.

Another Headband

2011-11-28T23:37:00.000-08:00

Angela Juergens at Absolute Knits has designed the cutest headband. I have knit three so far, with orders for three more. I am thinking my model Shaylene Aspen #3206 is pretty durn cute too.

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Three finished headbands

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These are the headbands I was talking about in yesterday's post. They are knit in the round, very simple. One skein of worsted weight yarn. I used Cascade 220 Superwash. Makes three headbands and three sets of leaves. I used size 8 circular needles. Cast on 76 stitches. K1P1 for 5 rows. Stockinette stitch for 16 rows. K1P1 for 5 rows and bind off loosely.
For the flowers and leaves, I just went to Ravelry and looked up Crochet flowers. The two bands Olivia is modeling has the same flower. The light pink one is quite a bit larger because I used a larger hook. The bottom band has a flower that is not quite as dense. I actually prefer the top two flowers. The leaves are very simple single crochet and sewn onto the band after they were crocheted.

Now I am working on a headband by this designer. I love her work. You can purchase her designs online. She is also on Ravelry. I am loving this band. It is a little more like the ones you are seeing in the stores these days. I am sure I will use the same flowers I used on these bands instead of the flower she uses. Just because I really am very happy with how they look. I think I will also add leaves to mine.

Been knitting, knitting, knitting.

2011-11-20T01:50:00.000-08:00

Usually I post all of my knit projects on my other blog. However, I have been working on some headbands that have turned out so cute I will just have to share them here. Also, these are not for sale. I have one completely finished and two knit, but not put together totally. They all three have crocheted flowers and leaves that go on them. I just finished the flowers and leaves for the two unfinished headbands. I need to sew them on and weave in loose threads. I am sure they will be finished in the next day or two. I will post pictures then.
I am trying to ramp up my sewing also. I have a very cute teddy bear downstairs in my sewing room. All I need to do is finish the stuffing and sew his appendages onto his body. My original thought was that it would be a Christmas gift for our "Bonus" grandson, but as I worked on it, I decided it was not a baby teddy bear. It is not soft and squishy enough. More of a big kid bear that sets on top of a bed or bookshelf and looks cute. I also bought said "Bonus" grandson a squishy teddy bear this weekend and he does not like it. He chewed on it for a couple of hours right after I bought it but totally rejects it now.
I also noticed that I have reached the magic 100 followers. I wonder how many really do take the time to read my blog on a regular basis though. I have been planning a give away when I reached said number. However, with the approaching Holidays, I am going to postpone my give away until after the first of the year, so stay tuned. It will be fun to see who enters.

Cinnamon/Dinner Rolls

2011-11-17T20:56:00.000-08:00

This recipe comes from my 90 year old aunt. Her cooking prowess was well known in the Yakima Valley of Washington State. She was published several times in local newspapers. It is my go to recipe. My copy is handwritten in the center of a letter from her. On a now, very stained piece of yellow legal sized tablet.
2 cups of milk scalded. Aunt Deb uses 1 can of canned milk with enough water to equal 2 cups.
I did not have any canned milk when I made these so I substituted 1 cup of milk and
one cup of very heavy whipping cream. Can you say RICH!!
1 T salt
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 pkg yeast proofed in 1/4 cup warm water and 1 T sugar.
2 eggs
7 cups flour

Scald milk, add salt, sugar, margarine and 3 cups of flour. (I have a kitchen-aide so I use it and the dough hook to mix all together.)
Be sure the milk is not to hot. It will kill the yeast if it is. Add yeast and eggs and beat again. Add the rest of the flour. At this point you may have to knead by hand if your mixer is not strong enough to mix the dough.
It is a VERY soft dough. You may need to add a little flour to be able to knead it by hand. Do not add to much though, you want the dough to be soft and not stiff.
Place into a greased bowl and allow to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. It should be very close to double in size.
It is at this point that you either pinch it off into rolls or roll it out into cinnamon rolls.
If you are rolling into cinnamon rolls, roll into a rectangle, about 3/8th of an inch thick.
For the filling, I melt 1 cube of real butter, add brown sugar. (I don't know how much.) You want it to be kind of thick yet spreadable. I think I may add close to 1/4 cup of cinnamon. Play with this, it is dependent upon what your tastes are. I spread this over the dough. You can add nuts and raisins if you like. I prefer them plain.
Roll into a roll like pictured in the blog below. Slice into about 3/4 inch slices and place into a greased pan. Do not crowd. If I am using a 8x13 pan, I put 3 across and 4 down. Or 12 per pan. I usually have more dough than one pan, but not enough for another large pan. I think I get four more rolls from my measurements. I just bake those in a smaller pan.
Cover and let rise for almost an hour. In a warm place.
Bake at 375 degrees for about 20-25 minutes. I am kind of vague on this one because I go by smell and not time. When you take them out, just pull them apart a little in the middle to be sure the dough has cooked through. If not put them back for a few minutes.
For the frosting, I use one cube of butter. (I like butter) 1-8 oz pkg of cream cheese, 1t vanilla. Mix this all together until smooth and creamy. Add powdered (10X) sugar until spreading consistency. This makes a huge amount of frosting, but what you do not use can be frozen. Spread over warm rolls, pour a glass of milk and ENJOY:)

I might say Aunt Deb is still with us, but she has slowed down a bit in her cooking. She does still live in her home and is sharp as a tack.

I could share the recipe, but it IS Wordless Wednesday

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Check back tomorrow, there may be a recipe.

A Sunday Walk

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It is long, I know. There were just too many to choose from in order to tell the story.

Whidbey Island

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Today I went for a drive. I was going to go to the beach. A quiet restful place to be alone in my thoughts. I drove to Whidbey Island. I took some knitting and just planned to find a spot to sit and enjoy the water. All was good for a while. I sat in my car and knit for a while when I realized I had not shut off my headlights. Of course, I ran my rather weak battery down. Rather than panic, I just decided to take a walk along the beach and hope my battery would recharge on its own. I did and it didn't. Weighing my options, I knew I could ask other beach goers if they had jumper cables or I could call for roadside service. Chose the first option and the second person I asked was able to accommodate me. I had really wanted to stay there and see if I could get a good sunset picture. I decided however, that given the fragile state of my battery it would be prudent for me to head home before it was completely dark. I had not told anyone I was going. It was just a spur of the moment decision. I did have my phone with me so I was not in any real danger. As I started driving home I noticed my speedometer had quit working. Driving on the Island is a drive that must be done without speeding at all. What to do, what to do? Just paced myself with other traffic. If I felt cars were piling up behind me, I increased my speed a little. Seemed to work. Made it off of the island without incident. Still had several miles of freeway to navigate also. That was easier though because you can pace yourself with the cars around you. Not the same as driving on a two lane winding island road.
Stan said it could be related to the bad battery. I really need a new car. We do not need a payment though. The solution is for Stan to drive my car the three miles to work and I will take his car. It will work for a while.

There were 6 deer feeding in the open field as I rounded the curve and dropped down the hill at Ft. Casey. They were not at all threatened by my presence. Very used to human interaction.

This ship passed through the passage between Whidbey Island and the peninsula. It was headed North out of Puget Sound. I like to think it is taking things to Alaska. Something that may even find its way into Tricia's home.

Took just a short walk along the beach. Liked this tree lying there. I always wonder where it may have floated from. What storm tore it from its spot in the forest. The way the kelp is lying across it, I think that probably some children placed them there.

A pile of logs being held captive by the tree in front of them. Maybe they are being protected by it.

An old dock no longer in use. A safe resting place for the Comorants.

Looking across the sound to the Olympic Peninsula. The Olympic Mountains in the background.

The path I returned to the parking lot on.

After I left the Ft. Casey area I drove down a road I had not been on before. This huge house looks like it has been abandoned.

Directly across the road from the highway was this barn nestled into the hill.

Yesterday, Olivia, Darius, a little neighbor girl and I

2011-11-07T09:22:00.000-08:00

Walked down to our neighborhood park. These pictures were just too cute to me. I could have put my camera down and helped him, but if I had done that I would have missed all the "Photo" action. Some choices are hard to make.

For the record, he hung on. Never fell.

We went to

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LaConner yesterday. Just the three of us. It is a little tourist town along the Swinomish Channel. I had plans to take lots of pictures of the area, but Gina called and they were headed to our house so we hurried home so we could play with cousins. Far more fun for them than hanging out with Gramma while she takes pictures.
I did take this one though. It is on a ramp leading down to a very narrow dock. After I took it a gentleman came up and asked if I wanted one of all three of us. Of course I did. It is in my archives now, not to be made public. As he handed my camera back to me, I commented the kids are wanting to go down on the dock but I was a bit reluctant to allow them to do so as I am not as nimble as I once was. I then turned and returned to the kids and we did walk down to the end of the ramp and stood for a while. I would not allow them on the dock though. When we turned to come back up the ramp, the man was standing there watching us. As we returned to solid ground, without a word, he turned and walked away. I like to think he stayed close by just in case something happened. Gives me faith in the goodness of strangers.

Life in Arlington Washington. Linking up with Unknown Mami and Sunday's in My City.

Having a personality

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That tends to dwell on what hurts and what cannot be changed. I have decided to instead focus on what makes me happy.

A Rainbow and the promise it holds definitely makes me happy.

This rainbow was last week. I took the picture from my back porch looking East over the rooftops of other homes in the neighborhood.

Fighting a little bit of depression

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When God walked me over to my back door and showed me a little of his splendor.

The Cutest Little Freckle Face I know.

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Abigail Evalina #6416

Prayer Request

2011-10-30T19:48:00.001-07:00

PLEASE PRAY FOR MY DAUGHTER KRIS. THINGS ARE NOT GOING WELL RIGHT NOW.

Rafting down the Tieton

2011-10-26T23:49:00.000-07:00

Stan, Sebastian and some of the Grands made a final raft trip of the summer a couple of weeks ago.

They went down the Tieton river in Eastern Washington, near Yakima. The Tieton is fed by Rimrock Dam. Every day water is released from the dam and sent down the river to be used by farmers to irrigate their orchards. It's secondary use is:

The beginning of the trip. Fairly calm, but looking at the upcoming rapids.

They are hitting the rapids here. Everyone needs to be in their place and doing their jobs.

I am a little jealous of them, but do not go on these trips with them because although I enjoy the water, I am overly nervous when the kids are there. I ruin all of the fun for everyone. They go and tell me all about their close calls when they get home.

As they maneuvered their way through the rapids and between the rocks,

Brystan spotted the camera person who films the rafters as they go downriver.
He raised his ore in a sign of victory. They had conquered the rapids.

His Uncle Sebastian had to tell him to put his ore back in the water and row.

It wasn't much later that they hit another rough spot. Here Sebastian is flying out of his seat

As the rest of the crew flew about the raft,

Laureen went flying out.

Sebastian is checking on her and giving her instructions for coming back aboard.

Getting Laureen back into the raft. As Sebastian helps her in, everyone else has a job to do to keep the raft stable.

In the last leg of the trip, they hit another rough spot.

Stan was pretty sure they would all swamp this time.

The calm after the storm.

The tired crew.
Granddaughter Amanda, Grandson Brystan, Stan, Son in law Sebastian, Laureen, who is a Massage Therapist in Stan's office and Grandson Cannyn.

Maybe I will go on one of the trips. But only if there are no children along. I really am not any fun when I am constantly worrying about what might happen.

Seattle Sunset.

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Click on the photo for a better view.

I did not take this picture, but it is too pretty to not share. Taken in downtown Seattle by a KOMO TV
photojournalist Peter Mongillo

Banana Grams

2011-10-25T00:38:00.000-07:00

It is a game very similar to Scrabble, except you do not play on a board and each player completes his/her own Puzzle. I often play this with Kris when I go to visit her. I, as often, loose. So.........I bought my own game and Stan and I play almost every night. (It is good for old folks to keep their minds sharp.) I also play it as solitaire. Whatever I have to do to someday beat Kris. Lately Kris has been playing what she calls "theme" games. Makes it harder for her and perhaps, just perhaps, I will have a chance to win one or two games. Yesterday, I decided to play a theme game myself. I was playing solitaire. Makes it a little easier because you do not have to share tiles with another player. I chose an easy theme too. Can you see what it is?

Speaking of Kris, she had a consultation today. I am sure I will mess it up and she will correct me, but if I understand right, the tumor has torn her lung loose. Because it is not attached to her chest wall as it is suppose to be, she has been having troubles with fluid collecting and shortness of breath. She does have a date for surgery, now she has to decide if she wants to go through it. Of course her mother has an opinion, (that she has already shared) but ultimately the choice is hers and her families. Prayers for wisdom and acceptance of whatever the decision and/or the outcome.

Why? By Kris Rosebrook Eberle

2011-10-23T09:25:00.001-07:00

Why?

by Kris Rosebrook Eberle on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at 4:48am

Wednesday mornings have been especially difficult. The 30 minute drive into chemo tends to be a long emotional trip. Dread is heavy. Last Wednesday I asked a few friends to pray for me, specifically to help me have a heart of gratitude. God showed up in a big way for me. I could feel Him holding me. My attitude was changed. Friends were texting me encouragement and prayers. My sister Tricia came from Bethel, Ak. ( knowing I would likely be asleep most of her visit). For 2 days we sat around together in our pj's. She gave our dog a bath (He stunk!), just so I could hold him. Meals were delivered. Our son Brandyn, whom we had not seen since August, came home from college for the weekend. To sit and watch the boys make pizza together was priceless and then delicious.

Why? I refused to ask this the first time around. I figured the answer was; Why not? I'm not so special that I could escape a disease that affects so many people. It was just part of life. It could be that I refused to ask because I did not really want to know....This time I'm asking. Why God? Why do I have to do this? Why do I have to hurt so much? He has not given me one answer that explains everything and I don't expect that He will. He has given me answers that help explain some things. He wants me to find strength in Him, not in myself. He wants me to trust Him completely. He wants me to let others love me. He wants me to love others without judgment. Why God? I'm ready to hear you. Why God? I'm ready, teach me.

Week 10 Chemo Buddy

2011-10-20T19:34:00.000-07:00

This weeks artist is her husband Joseph.

Wordless Wednesday Fireworks for Homecoming

2011-10-18T23:59:00.000-07:00

From my back deck, through my weeping willow tree

I have been wanting to take a drive up to Mt. Rainier

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Stan does not want to drive that far, so we compromised and did the Mountain Loop Highway which is a highway that connects Granite Falls and Darrington along the base of the mountains. It is a very scenic drive that is open only during the summer months. I was snapping pictures right and left as we drove, making Stan stop several times along the road. These are a few of my favorites.

The South Fork of the Stillaguamish River right outside of Granite Falls. This river also connects with the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River in Arlington and goes from there to empty into the Puget Sound near Camano Island

One of many un-named waterfalls emptying into the Stillaguamish River.

The last huckleberry.

A Fungus. It was huge and I have never seen one this color.

Some of the color I was wanting to see.

I love the way the brush reflect into the pond.

A small falls on the river.

The last foxglove.

I took this picture to show the power of the river. It looks so calm an mild right now, but these are trees that were torn from the forest. Probably during the flooding last year.

Just a picture of the road as we drove down it. We liked the way it meandered.

I liked the sun shining on these sword ferns.

We stopped so I could take a picture of the Sauk Prairie area below, but I saw the way these two branches were twined together and focused on them instead.

I am not sure what this mountain's name is. I found the sight breathtaking.

I liked the way the sun shone through the trees here and the branch that cuts right across the picture.

This picture was taken just as we left Darrington and headed south to Arlington and home.

Maybe he will take me to Mt. Rainier next week:)

One evening as I was sitting in Krissy's bedroom with her,

2011-10-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

I saw the most amazing red sky out her window.

But by the time I got up and got my camera,

This is all that was left of it.

Chemo Buddies and Week #8 thoughts from Kris

2011-10-13T00:57:00.000-07:00

2/3 shrinkage is significant. I should be dancing in the street. I've been more in the mind set of I'll believe it when I feel it. #8 chemo has been a difficult one to recover from. At no point during this week have I felt good. Today as I was feeling sorry for myself I was reminded of how blessed I am.

I am almost never alone.
My friends and family call, text, email, fb message and snail mail encouragement to me daily.
Friends drop in.
Meals are delivered.
My husband loves me.
My sons are top quality.
Laundry is done. House is clean. (Everyone needs a brother-in-law like mine)

What do I have to complain about? I'm not happy about the pain, but I choose joy. My heart is full.
Psalms 28:7

Favorite pictures of my Mother.

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I miss you so much.

Week Seven Chemo Buddy and a note from Kris.

2011-10-06T09:28:00.000-07:00

Kris Rosebrook Eberle

Went to the oncologist today for the results of the scan yesterday. He came in smiling claiming to have only good news. The larger tumors are responding well to the chemo and have shrunk by about 2/3. The Dr is suggesting a procedure that will drain off the water on the lung and then attach the lung back to the walls, then the water won't continue to pool. Please pray for wisdom in what to do.
This is Angie Cope, her favorite sister reporting from Port Orchard ;)
I think this Chemo Buddy reflects our opinion of Cancer more than any of the others:)

Day 4 Blogtoberfest. Not a Wordless Wednesday post. A Miracle in our Life.

2011-10-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

I came very close to not blogging today. I was going to break my commitment after just three blogs. This morning something happened. A miracle to say the very least. I had spent my entire day yesterday in despair, crying, praying, crying again. Constantly telling myself that I had promised to have Faith and Trust. I joined a new Bible Study yesterday and cried through the entire presentation. I cannot help it, it is my makeup. My emotions are on the surface, my tears are always ready to flow. Sad, happy, scared, it doesn't matter. I have the most free flowing tear ducts in the entire nation. Today, my tears are tears of JOY!!! I know we have rounded only one of the bends in this journey we are on. I know also that we will shed many tears as we climb the hills and shout with joy and jubilation as we run down the other side of those hills. Today is a joyous day. Today is the day my precious Kris learned her largest tumors have shrunk by 66%. Today is the day she made the decision to continue with treatment instead of ending it. Today is the day I learned that I will have my daughter for a little longer time. The length is in God's hands and I thank and praise him for each one he gives us. Yes, today, I am crying tears of JOY. Thank You Jesus!!!

So much to think about.

2011-10-04T08:35:00.000-07:00

Me, Kris and Tricia

by Kris Rosebrook Eberle on Monday, October 3, 2011 at 12:58am

I'm not much of a country music fan, in fact when I hear it, my hair stands on end and I usually bellow out a great big TWANG! But there is one song that has given me plenty to think about.

Tim McGraw - Live Like You Were Dying

I'm not much of a bucket list kind of person. Sure, I have made big plans for my empty nest years. I want to ride motorcycles all over the USA. Fly somewhere on a whim with my sister. Learn to scuba dive. Travel to Nepal with my brother-in-law. Hike the Grand Canyon. Go to a white sand beach. White water kayaking......All that seems so trivial now.

I totally believe that if God chose to He could completly heal my body. I believe that He wants me to ask Him to extend my life. I believe that He wants His best for me. I believe he will answer my prayers. The answer may be yes. The answer may be no. I believe He is faithful and regardless the answer, worthy of my praise.

My reality on this day is that I am dying. (I don't know how I could hurt this much and not be.) So, how am i going to live while I am dying? I want to hug my husband and both sons, my parents and each of my sisters, my brother, and my friends and tell them what they mean to me and how much I love them everytime I see them. I want to make new friends and feel my heart grow. I want to declare that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, that I do not fear death. Whether it be sooner or later, I am looking forward to Heaven.

Tuesday at 10AM I will be having a CAT scan to find out if the chemotherapy is working. I will have answers Wednesday.

Please keep me and my family in your prayers. Though we know the truth about our eternity it is an emotional rollecoaster, and none of us are experienced at dealing with our emotions.

Day 2 of Blogtober Fest

2011-10-03T00:50:00.000-07:00

Stan and I drove over to visit Kris today. She lives on the Kitsap Peninsula and Stan and I live about 60 miles North of Seattle.

These bridge pictures are of the new (on the left) and old (on the right) Tacoma Narrows Bridge

Short of taking the ferry across Puget Sound, this is the connection to the Peninsula. If you have ever heard the song They Call the Winds Mariah, it is a song about a wind storm that hit Washington State in 1940. It was so strong, that it caused what is called harmonic tremors on the original Tacoma Narrows bridge, which collapsed into the sound below. Fortunately, no one was on the bridge. The Bridge was called Galloping Gertie by the construction workers because they noticed how the bridge deck would sway up and down in wind conditions. She was only 4 months old when she collapsed. The replacement bridge was not built until 1950. The new eastbound bridge was finished in 2010. When the bridges were built in 1940 and 1950, they were the third longest suspension bridges in the world. Stan is a destination driver. He does not slow down for me to take pictures, so I have learned to take them through the windshield of the car.

Stan, Kris and I were happily playing Banana Grams when Joseph came inside and suggested we do something together. He prefers to be outside. I asked we do something so I could take pictures. We settled on taking their boat out for a while. We headed North from their home to Poulsbo. These are pictures I snapped as we sped up the Sound.

There were plenty of big beautiful homes along the shoreline, but I found this one to be quite unique. I love the ivy growing on it.

A sailboat in the harbor as we were coming into Poulsbo.

The marina at Poulsbo.

Several seals were lounging around the docks. They looked quite content.

My grandson Andrew tying us up at the dock.

We went for a little walk uptown. Kris is a real trooper and does not complain, but I think it was a bit much for her.

There were many unique shops along the way, but I really liked this one.

A seal in the harbor.

This is a jelly fish that was in the water along the dock.

I just snapped this picture as we were headed home. I would love to be able to make the same trip in a few weeks when the trees turn color.

A stairway from someones home down to the beach. They would certainly make for a good workout if you did them every day.

Bremerton is the home of the Puget Sound Navel Shipyard. Many ships are in moth balls here, as well as under repair.

It was a fun afternoon and brought to mind the times I begged Stan for a boat. He does not really enjoy the water so it never happened. Hmmmm, I don't enjoy the snow but he has skis. Oh well, I will just ask Joseph for rides a little more often:) We got back to their house at about 5:30, spent a while thawing out, had dinner and came home.

Thanks Joe, Kris and Andrew for a great afternoon. Love you.

Day 1 of Blogtober.

2011-10-02T23:43:00.000-07:00

I am not a Winter person.

In fact, if I could live where the sun shone all year, I don't think I would ever tire of it.

So it makes me sad that my flowers are putting on their final show.

I took a walk outside this morning to take some final pictures

This is my "Front Yard Rose. The only one I left up front when we redid our yard.

Rose of Sharon. I want to move it, but Stan wants it to stay. I think it is kind of out of place with the new landscaping.

Our new Weeping Cedar we planted yesterday.

My Hydrangeas did not bloom as well as they have in previous years. Many of my neighbors said the same about their Hydrangeas.

Two roses in the back yard. I love the dew on them, but I do wish they would last much longer. Autumn is in the air and soon my garden will go to sleep for several months.

Blogtoberfest

2011-10-01T23:30:00.000-07:00

I was blogsurfing tonight and ran across this little fun game to take part in. Decided to play along. I hope you decide to too. You can link up here
The goal is to post something every day. Since I have been struggling with bloggers fog, I thought this might give me the kick start I need.

Please do not think I am posting these pictures to garner sympathy.

2011-09-28T20:32:00.001-07:00

That could not be further from the truth. I find I need to document for myself this journey.

And I love looking at her face.

Her Chemo Buddy artist this week is her sister Gina.

The picture is of Hobbs chasing his tail.

This is week seven of Chemo.

EDIT
I love looking at both of their faces.

It took 12 years of waiting patiently

2011-09-28T11:21:00.000-07:00

For it to be his idea

For it to be his idea.

A little bit of finishing to do and it will be ready for next summer

When Kris goes in for Chemo,

2011-09-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

She always has a new piece of artwork drawn around her port.

This week was week number 6 of who knows how many. Her newest Chemo Buddy. You can be sure the Chemo Nurses look forward to her visits and her newest Buddy. The center portion is always left open since that is where the port is and she cannot have any ink that may contaminate it.

Edited to add this picture, because Frizzy asked if Kris does the work herself. She has friends who come over and draw on her:) This week Vanessa was the artist.

I love you Kris and I love your spirit.

Wordless Wednesday/My Grandson's Sunflowers

2011-09-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

Taken from 30,000 feet. Mt McKinley and a glacier on my way up to Bethel Alaska

2011-09-14T00:34:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Sept 11

2011-09-13T17:09:00.000-07:00

Our town held a 9/11 Memorial/ Firehouse 46 dedication

These are friends Stan and I have known for close to 30 years. I just happened upon them in the crowd.

The ceremony began with the Snohomish County Firefighters Bagpipers. To say they were amazing would be an understatement.

The firefighters, both officers and regulars.

The city police and the presentation of the flag.

The Missing man flyover. If you look to the left of the picture, you can see the plane that left formation. Just above the the ladder of the firetruck.

Other good friends I found in the crowd.

The unveiling of The Artifact. We are so privileged to have been a recipient of this. Our town feels very honored.

This is another shot of the crowd. It was amazing in a town as small as ours that there were so many people there.

Our Mayor cutting the ribbon to the newly remodeled

firehouse. See the ax in her hands?

Flag hanging over the street.

The merchants in our town have been working for the past few years to spruce things up. This is a new clock. It was suppose to have been dedicated a week earlier, but we lost one of our City Council members and his funeral was the day of the dedication so it has been postponed.

Since I am a knitter, I could not resist taking a picture of the bike rack that was yarn bombed.

Arlington used to be a Dairy town. We have lost all of our dairy farms in recent years. I think we have one left, so I should say almost all of them. This is a time capsule in the shape of a milk can. I think it was sealed in 2003. Guess I will not be around when it is reopened.

A closer look at the artifact. They hope to have the memorial constructed within the year.

The firemen voted to call it Firehouse 46. The city agreed. Sounds much better than Firestation.

This eagle appeared in our main roundabout a few weeks ago. It is the work of one of our local artisans and I think it is beautiful. It speaks of our city. We are located where two rivers merge into one and is a favorite fishing spot for the eagles.

Jonah

2011-09-07T01:35:00.000-07:00

For my Wordless Wednesday, I thought I might introduce you to one of my Grands. In our family, we have a numbering system, just for fun, that identifies each grandchild. Each number has a significance, The first number is the birth order number of our child who is the parent. The second is the child's birth order in his/her family and the last two numbers are their grandchild order. Jonah is 6517. Our sixth child's, fifth child and our 17th grandchild. These pictures were taken on a day he went to Eastern Washington, with Pop's and I, to visit my Aunt.

I know many of you have seen our numbering system before, but since I have been linking up with Wordless Wednesday, I thought I would explain it again.

On Wednesday I flew up to Anchorage

2011-09-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

And met Tricia, Dave, Ben and Cooper. They flew down from Bethel and we went to the Alaska State Fair at Palmer. I lived in Anchorage for 11 years and never once went to the fair. This was a first for me.

We saw a 1700+ pound pumpkin that was sadly, disqualified because the judges found a small hole in the bottom of it. A 1200 pound pumpkin wound up being the winner.

My Cooper, #5216 and his great big happy smile

We saw all of the fair things, Here Ben # 5113 and Cooper #5216 are feeding and petting the animals in the petting area.

I looked for Charolette and her amazing web, but did not find her. I did not take any pictures of Wilbur either because I was really taken by the contented smile on this Mama's face as she nursed her little brood.

We got to watch baby chicks, ducks and something else in very tiny eggs hatch.

We also got to "People" watch. We were both pretty amazed by the lack of clothing on this woman. We were layered up so much and still cold and she was walking down the fairway like she thought she was in LA in July.

Cooper and Ben both got to jump for a while on a trampoline. Of course they loved it.

After the trampoline, we parted for a while. Gramma was to tired to walk any more. I actually sat down in the Craft Barn and snoozed for a few minutes. Afterwards, I walked around enjoying the exhibits while the rest of the family was enjoying the rides.

This was by and far the most amazing exhibit of all. It is a wedding dress made of Doe skin, all hand beaded. Someone made the dress and the bride did all of the beading. There was a picture of her in it that would have taken your breath away. She also beaded a head piece that was amazing. I did not see it exhibited but it was visible in the picture.

The family returned to collect Gramma. Tricia brought me chocolate covered bacon on a stick. We shared it as I did not feel like eating it all. I must say it was a very interesting combination. We hung around Anchorage on Thursday. Dave flew back to Bethel because he had to work. We did some school shopping for the boys and then I caught the 5:10 back to Seattle.

Anchorage sits in a bowl with the inlet to the west and the Chugach mountains to the south and east. These are a couple of the glaciers I saw from 35000 feet. They were amazing!

And, finally an amazing sunset from 35000 feet. We are above the clouds here. Sadly, the sun was almost behind the airplane and I could not capture the incredible beauty of it with my camera.

Have I told you how much I LOVE Tricia's job? If she did not have it, I would not be able to make these wonderful impromptu trips.

Wordless Wednesday/My Grandson's Sunflowers

2011-09-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

She has been gone since February 13 2011. Love you and miss you Mama.

2011-08-30T23:10:00.000-07:00

Me and three of my daughters holding my mother's hand the day before she left us.

When I was driving down the freeway today, God gave me this song. It is amazing how he knows exactly how to reach us.

2011-08-28T15:52:00.000-07:00

As I have said so many times before, the two words He has given me are Faith and Trust. How can that be so hard? This song is a gentle reminder of both.

As a young mother

2011-08-27T00:12:00.000-07:00

it was very difficult to find time for myself. Privacy was always an issue too. At any given moment, someone needed me. The solution came when my husband would return from work. We would have dinner and then I would run myself a bath. A hot bath. I would lock myself in the bathroom and soak. I would sit in the tub and soak until the water was cold, drain the tub and refill it and soak some more. During this time I also developed the habit of "talking" to God. I could pray and meditate uninterrupted, if Stan was doing his job and keeping the kids away from the bathroom door. It is a habit I have carried throughout my life. I still bathe in the hottest water I can stand, I still (often) refill the tub if I have sat long enough for the water to cool down. I still find this the best place to hold my conversations with God. He has told me many things while I am in the tub. It was there that He comforted me the year my baby Jeffery died, it was there He confirmed I would make my trip to Africa, and it was there that today He talked to me about what is happening in our family right now.
Sometimes I feel so weak and without faith because I am not accepting this as something I am suppose to just accept and go on with life. I am fighting with all of my being. I am arguing with him, I am begging him, I am pleading with him. I cry every day. One day, as I have shared before, He told me I had to have Faith and Trust. I know I must turn it over to Him. I, however, am human. I am full of flaws and have a sin nature that makes me cling to what I know and fight what I do not know. Today, I was discussing my weakness with Him. Asking him for strength and peace. He answered me. He comforted me. He told me that even though from the moment Mary conceived her Son, she knew also he would die, she pleaded with Him to not make her go through that pain. He said she had not lost her faith when she would plead with him. She was human also and she did not want her son to suffer. I know that I do not measure up to Mary in any way except we are both mothers. He reminded me today that He would never leave me or forsake me. What a comfort to know we are not traveling this road alone. He is right there with us. I will cry, still. I will plead, still. I will argue, still...............because I am her mother. He will continue to listen and hold me up and give me the strength I need, because I am weak and with out Him I am void. I will continue to talk with Him while I am soaking in the bath too, because that is what I have done for the past 46 years and why should I ever change something that works.

WHY

2011-08-26T00:45:00.000-07:00

Can't I make it go away?
Can't I kiss it and make it better?
Can't I hold her close to my heart until she falls to sleep?
Can't I be strong?
Can't I walk in Faith?
Can't I Trust?

Wordless Wednesday-In the Garden

2011-08-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Party!

2011-08-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

This year Darius #1419 has figured out Birthday Parties. He thought he should have a surprise Dora Dora party for his mommy. So we did:)

This picture is a bit dark and out of focus because I was not ready when they arrived.
My son Bryan and Darla arriving for the party.

The Dora Dora cake we ordered because Gramma just did not feel up to making one.

Gramma did attempt to make a Dora Pinata. It was a far cry from looking like Dora, but the kids did not care as long as it had candy and they had a stick.
Jonah # 6518 taking his turn at the bat.

Olivia # 3317 was next, as cousins looked on in anticipation.

Cooper, # 5216 had come down with his mom from Alaska, so he got to take part too.
I am always so excited when he and his mom and brother get to come down. His dad too, but he does not make it down as often as the others.

Abigail #6415 takes her best shot.

Brystan #2310 is steadying it for

Elizabeth #6314 because she decided to do it blindfolded.

Darius, #1419 is up to bat again. I never noticed he had closed his eyes. He would not let me blindfold him.

Small tip, when you make a pinata, do not use decopage glue. It is too strong and the pinata does not break easily.
They finally tore it from it's attachment string. Here, Angie, I think, had tossed it to Gina and she was batting it back.

Finally Gina tore it and the mad scramble began.

The "Birthday Girl" and Bryan looking on.

Once she was emptied, Brystan #2310 and Cannyn #2208 wrecked their type of "boy havoc" on her.

We definitely missed Kris and Joe and boys and pray for the day Kris will feel good enough to make the trip home again. We Love You Kris!!

School starts right after Labor Day and FINALLY Summer has dawned.

2011-08-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

So we spent the day at the beach..........again.

Jonah, Olivia and a friend they made building sand castles.
Jonah and Olivia are kneeling in the sand.

Our "on loan" Grandson enjoying the sun on the blanket. Isn't he a cutie!!
He does not have a number, because we do not get to keep him.

Abigail giving Olivia a piggy back ride.

This picture was an experiment

To see if I could photo someone underwater

Elizabeth coming up for air.

Olivia is moving out of the deep water. Gramma is just to nervous when it is to deep.

Abigail and Elizabeth making plans

Abigail doing the hold her breath float thing.

Caleb atop the climbing tower.

Darius came too, but he was later than everyone else and Gramma had put her camera away.
I almost got to much sun. I think I will look for a sun hat on sale someplace. I had to go find some shade to sit in for a while as I was getting a little light headed.
We are expecting another nice day tomorrow, and then Ben and Cooper and their mom will be here for a couple of days. Lilah is coming too!! We will have a fantastic Friday, cause Gramma always looks forward to Ben and Cooper time. Pictures will follow:-)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-17T00:36:00.000-07:00

Finished (almost)

2011-08-12T11:41:00.000-07:00

We decided to carry the rock up the driveway.

Dang, I forgot the name of this one. It is going to weep and cover the corner though.

A Weeping Pussy Willow. I got this one on sale and it needed some trimming, but next year I will allow the branches to continue to grow downwards.

A tip of the hat to my heritage:) An Irish Yew. Front row and center.
Miniature boxwood behind it and heather on either side.

An evergreen grass.

A shot from another angle. All of the plantings in the background we did last year or earlier.

There are a few more things I want to include, but have to wait for a few dollars to magically appear in the budget.
Anyone else have that problem?

INK

2011-08-11T23:40:00.000-07:00

The little friend Gina drew around Kris's port. It gave the Chemo nurses a good chuckle.

Keeping Busy

2011-08-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

We added a rock wall to the front of our yard

With the exception of this corner. We had put this in shortly after we moved here.

Two and one half yards of dirt later.

It looks like this.

We are going to remove the front beds and the porch railing and extend the cement pad by about three feet.

Shayleen and Olivia planting boxwood.

Olivia really took over the boxwood planting.

There really was not much for Darius to do except torment everyone with his water gun.

Before long, Olivia was digging the holes for the boxwood.

Brystan is taking a breather from digging.

Gramma and Darius are overseeing the project.

One tree hole dug. Good thing most of the dirt was the soft easy topsoil we had just put in.

Darius finally got his hands on a shovel and is digging too.

I am trying to stay busy as much as possible. That way I do not think. Today, the kids and I worked on our front yard.

We had a couple of sunny days this week. So we took advantage of one.

2011-08-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

At The childrens park at Lake Goodwin.
Olivia and Darius walking into the lake

Darius showing Gramma how brave he is.

Olivia checking out the water.

Showing me she can to swim.

We found Kate at the beach. A next door neighbor they play with.

We spent a few minutes on the kids toys.

Maybe Gramma should have remembered he needs sunscreen.

Olivia in the water out at the dock

Darius gets brave enough to jump in.

And Olivia catches him.

Telling him how brave he was, and see the water is not over your head.

Olivia

Jumps

Solo

Darius

Bravely

Follows.

We find another friend here. Katie lives down the road and goes to school with Olivia.

Ahh Blessed sun, now it is time to go home, tired and happy.

Coming home on the ferry this evening.

2011-07-29T23:11:00.000-07:00

Mt. Rainier. Looking Southeast from Kingston across the sound. Seattle skyline visible also.

I want one of these!!

East and west bound ferries passing in the sound.

The Spokane headed west to Kingston. I rode this ferry to Edmonds.

Kind of hard to see, but there are two little seagulls here.

The western sky shortly before sunset.

Another view of Mt. Rainier. From the ferry this time. It is one of Washington's very majestic mountains.

The past week in a nutshell

2011-07-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

I have been spending some time with Kris. It has been a very heart wrenching journey. I must say first how proud I am of this daughter of mine. Her faith never waivers. As I was lying on her bed one evening holding her hand, bawling my eyes out, she kept reassuring me that it was all going to be OK. I know in my heart of hearts it will all be OK. I know that all that happens is by His design. Sometimes I argue with myself about which outcome is to win this war. If she dies, she has won the final trophy, Eternity with Jesus. If she lives, she has won the battle against cancer for the short term.
When I arrived at her home on Wednesday of last week, I was just in time to accompany her to her last radiation treatment. They were hitting the largest spots, trying to give her some relief from the pain. There is no possible way to radiate all of the hot spots in her body. In excess of 100. On Thursday she went to the hospital to have a port inserted under the skin on her chest. She has started calling it Chester. It is in the upper right side of her chest with a tube attached directly to her jugular vein. On Friday she had to have a tooth pulled. The only one she has ever lost as an adult, except for her wisdom's. That in itself was quite traumatic for her. It had an infection in it that the dentist thought would heal itself, but with the discovery of the Cancer and the need to begin Chemo, the infection had to be gone before they could proceed. They decided the fastest course was to pull it as antibiotics would take too long. When I left her on Friday, she was quite out of it and remained so most of the weekend, I am told. Needless to say, I bawled again as I drove out her driveway and down the freeway. Quite a dangerous thing to do.
I returned to her home on Wednesday of this week to find her sitting at the table with friends, smiling, joking and playing cards. What a blessing to drink in the beauty of that smile. She has been up most of today also, spending time with her amazing church family. There seems to be someone here all of the time. I am truly in awe of their love. They have also signed up to bring dinners to them every night (nearly) of the week. I say we truly have enough food here to feed a small third world country. I will go back home tomorrow and try to return again next Wednesday. However many hours she has left with us, I want to experience as many as I can without intruding on their private family time. I do recognize that the family needs to have time to be alone with one another during this period also. Her esophagus is burned quite severely from the radiation. It makes it very painful to swallow anything at all. Each day shows a little improvement there, but she still has not eaten anything solid for a week. Well, almost. I guess she forced herself to eat a piece of toast on Saturday. She told me today her new jeans are too big for her.
She will be going to the Oncologist on Monday. They will then map out the Chemo treatment. She does know that she will have to take a pill daily and a cocktail weekly. They just have to decide on the strength of the cocktail right now. The Dr. did tell her that he will keep her pain free. He also told her that she will have to do Chemo as long as she lives. He told her he has a patient who has been on Chemo for 20 years. We will see if we have the same results for her. I wonder if her friends are willing to provide dinners for the next 20 years:) Tomorrow night she plans to go play Farkle with some of her friends. Her first outing since she has been diagnosed. A good sign, I would say.
So, I end this little composition with my heart felt thank you to all who have prayed and are praying for her, her husband and children, and all of us as we travel this path we did not choose to travel at this time.

If you want to see more of this,

2011-07-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

You have to go here:http://grammasrightagain.blogspot.com/ because I accidentally posted on the wrong blog and am to distracted (lazy) to fix it.

I have not blogged for a while

2011-07-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

I find it very difficult to write anything right now. This is my "fluff" blog. It is where I chronicle all of the happy of being a mother and a grandmother. It has been kept, for the most part, pretty ,safe, free from really private and heart wrenching matters. Families all go through things, but we usually do not put it out in Cyber World for everyone to see.
My family is going through something. Not infidelity, not job loss, not a major move, but the very real possibility of one of us leaving this world sooner than she should. Losing my mother was expected. She was 90 years old. She had lived a very full and rich life. With her is the realization that she was going to die, we were prepared. Everyone wants to keep their loved ones forever, never wanting to face the reality of death. Losing my daughter is the hardest thing God has ever put into my life. I cry, I scream inwardly, I beg, I pray. I find comfort in Him to only begin the cycle over again. I think of my friends who have lost a child. I wonder how long it takes before they begin to function again. Do they ever function on the same level they used to. Is there a huge void forever? People say you will heal, but do you really. Yes you go on with life. You have to, others are depending upon you. Much as you may want to, you cannot withdraw, you cannot quit. People get hungry, the house gets dirty, the laundry must be done, yes, I know life goes on. I know He is in control. I know that even when she was in my womb, He knew at her conception how long he would leave her here on the earth before taking her to her heavenly home. I know all of that............We are suppose to rejoice when a Saint is called home. Why am I not doing so?

Laura Story : Blessings My daughter found this. It speaks to our hearts right now.

2011-06-29T19:12:00.000-07:00

2011-06-28T02:25:00.000-07:00

DAMN CANCER!!! DAMN DAMN DAMN CANCER GO AWAY GO AWAY NOW! WE DO NOT WANT YOU HERE!!

She is sick again.

2011-06-28T01:49:00.000-07:00

Thursday, August 28, 2008

..............................Remission................................

My 5 year marker is today. Yea! I'm counting from my last Rad of radiation.

There are a few things that cancer has taught me that I'd like to share.

#1 I am nothing. I am everything.

All my accomplishments, my talents and my self confidence, mental, emotional and physical strength mean nothing. Take all that away(plus the hair).

Weak and sick. Begging to die, feeling so alone in my pain. At the end ofmyself, I am everything! A child of God. When I am weak He is strong.

#2 A mother's work is never done. And never properly acknowledged.

Thank you Mom for all the time and effort you put into taking care of my family. (Although, I think that the boys still don't change thier underwear regularly!)

#3 Good friends will muddle in the muck with you. And kick your rear when you need it.

#4 Hair is highly over rated.

Almost three years of remission. Please keep her in your prayers.

Spring and Summer, my favorite seasons of the year.

2011-06-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

My double peony

First rose to bloom in the back yard.

The front yard rose. Look at the dew collected between the petals right in front.

My south side gate with the Hydrangea growing up its trellis.

Bees hard at work in the Creeping Thyme on my rock wall.

My Wygelia at one A.M.

Mama's Poppy

Purple Clematis on the south side of the house.

An Iris ready to open. It opened the day after I took this picture.

I love seeing my garden come alive in bloom. The children playing in the sun. The sound of lawn mowers up and down the street. The gloomy silence of Winter is broken with the joyful sounds, scents and sights of Spring and Summer.

I think my new camera and I are getting along better.

2011-06-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

Two Weeks Went By Far Too Quickly

2011-06-20T11:12:00.000-07:00

We spent a morning with Aunt Jacque

Drawing murals on her front patio.

Played in a bouncy house at a park

Raced Olivia down the bouncy house slide

Had our faces painted

Climbed as high as we could on the climbing structure at Kyak Point.

Started up, but never quite made it to the top.

Jonah went with us to Kyak Point.

Tried to figure out how to get the ball that is not suppose to be kicked, out of the tree.

Gramma consoles herself with the knowledge she will see them in two weeks.
They went to Vancouver Washington to spend a few days with the "other" grandma before they are off to a week of summer camp.
The truth is, my main career goal has been to be the best Mother and then Grandmother I could be. Not an easy task, but I think I have done a fair job of it. It is such an honor that God has blessed me with the family I have. I treasure each of them for the unique person they are.

A very busy month.

2011-06-11T16:43:00.000-07:00

Can you tell me why the backs of little people are so darn cute?
On our way to the neighborhood park on a sunny afternoon

Olivia has mastered the fine art of hanging upside down.

Darius is working on his Slam Dunk

One Sunday we got together for barbecue.

Elizabeth spent a weekend with Gramma and Papa

Jonah did too. This is a letter from George Washington telling him he will be President in 28 years. Papa, who is a realist had to tell him that George Washington has been dead for centuries and could not have written the letter. He carried the letter around all weekend and kept asking why would George choose him to be president. Gramma, who is more capable of dwelling in a fantasy world than Papa is, framed it for him.

We spent the afternoon in a different neighborhood park

Where Elizabeth perfected the fine art of jumping from the swing.

And Jonah demonstrated his prowess on the monkey bars.

At the Relay for Life, I bought a Luminary in honor of my sister Jacque.

Olivia and Cooper had the opportunity to play in the sprinkler

On Friday, we went to Edmonds to wait for Aunt Kris to come across on the ferry so Ben and Coop could spend the weekend with her.

There is something magical about Aunt Kris

Everyone is always delighted to see her.

Even when you are one of the "big kids". I love this picture because when you look at Ben's face, you can tell he is smiling just as much as the others.

Darius was a bit put out with me that he did not get to go on the ferry with Aunt Kris and tried to hide from me in some of the grass. Almost managed except his little pink face shows through.

Last but not least, Shay graduated!! Here with her mom and dad. I don't know who is more relieved , them or Shay.

Today was Recital and Jr. Sr. Prom day.

2011-05-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

A very big day for Miss Olivia. #3317. She was so excited and concentrated so hard to be sure she did not make any mistakes. She was also so delighted to receive all of the flowers after the performance.

Darius #1419 insisted Gramma take a picture of he and Papa this afternoon. I was more than willing to accommodate him.

Then it was off to take pictures of Shay, #3206 as she prepared for Jr. Sr. Prom

Showing Seth who is the strong one here.

Just plain cute:)

At the top of the stairs looking down into the foyer

Gramma can't help but wonder how long those shoes stayed on.

I am so thankful for family and that they like to have Gramma around:)

Last night, just as it was getting dark,

2011-05-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

Stan saw a Rufus hummingbird feeding at or feeder,the first Rufus of the year.

They are so fine and delicate. Just another example of God's handiwork.

Still practicing with my new camera. I do not have any children today. Maybe I will go out and see what I can find to photo.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

Update

2011-05-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

Just want to thank all of my friends for the prayers for my sister Jacque.

The news is not good. Her cancer has reached stage 4 and is definitely not operable.
She developed a lot of pain in her chest over the weekend and when her daughter took her to the Dr. on Monday, they discovered she had developed pneumonia. It is because of all of the probing they did on her lungs and stirring up crud in them. I have finally gotten over the Bronchitis I have been fighting with for the past month and have just sent her an e-mail telling her I will be able to come stay with her on Tuesdays.
Still reeling from Mother's death, I am so not ready to deal with this right now. But then, who is and just when is a good time? Thanks to all of you, once again for the prayers. Especially those for her salvation.

Personally, I think I would give the elephant the right of way.

2011-05-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

Ben and Coopers weekend with Gramma and Papa (and cousins)

2011-05-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

The best thing about Mom's new job is the flying privileges. When she needed a sitter for the boys, it is just a couple of flights to get to Gramma's house. Since they had to fly unaccompanied, their dad had to fly with them from Bethel to Anchorage. They were able to fly from Anchorage to Seattle and Papa picked them up at the airport. We had a great weekend and saw most of the cousins. Sadly, I did not get all of the pictures I wanted to. I headed out with my camera once on Saturday to catch some of the action with Gae cousins but was distracted and did not get back out. They will be back for a longer visit in June, hopefully, and we will get to spend more cousin time together and get more pictures. Cooper was so anxious to go to the beach, but I told him we would save it for a warmer summer day. Just because it was warm to this little Alaskan, we down here just did not think it was warm enough for a dip in the lake!

The shoes came off and stayed off until it was time to put them back on and head to the airport.
If Coop did not have to wear them, than neither did Olivia.

They could hardly wait until

They could head off to Brystan's house

Bry lives just two blocks from Gramma

This is a rock pile in the common area of our neighborhood.
Olivia is not allowed down there alone. She was so happy to have a cousin here and have her reigns lengthened a little.

Ben making a few dollars mowing the lawn for Papa

Mom was in training most of the week, but took a few days to go to Vegas with some friends from their old hometown.
A week is a long time, no matter how old you are.

Yep, Coop missed his mom too.

Bye, Gramma will see you in a couple of weeks

Last weekend, Miss Libby came to Gramma's and Papa's house

2011-05-09T12:51:00.000-07:00

To help weed our garden beds. She was going to camp with her fifth grade class and needed some spending money.

She dug out buttercups

Wallowed in the mud.

And just looked cute.

Happily, the sky was blue on that day.

She said that with what Papa paid her and what she already had, she had enough to buy a camp sweatshirt.
Hope you had lots of fun my darling. Gramma loves you and you are an amazing hard worker.

Apple Blossom Parade.

2011-05-08T17:57:00.000-07:00

There was the Seattle Police Motorcycle Drill Team

Our Veterans Presenting the Flag

Drill Teams

High School Bands

Pretty Princesses

Important People

A fall

A juggling clown on a unicycle.

Little People on little horses

Big people on big horses

More floats

Dancers

And the entire two hour parade was capped off by a rainstorm:(

Stan and I drove over to Wenatchee last night.

2011-05-07T17:09:00.000-07:00

We are spending the weekend here. Chasing the warm.

We went out for a drive and happened upon this house out between Wenatchee and Waterville.

Think we might put an offer on it. He wants a fixer upper.

Love it in Sepia.

Ahhhh.......Blessed Spring!!

2011-05-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

Darius and I set our little tent up on the deck. Since it was nap time, this is where he took his nap.
I did zip the tent flap closed after I took this picture so he would not get a sun burn.

After we picked Olivia up from school, we went down to the park. It was just to fine a day to stay at home. We played at the park until the rude pre-teens showed up at about five. I did ask them one time to clean up their language since I did not care for my children to hear it. Shortly after I did that, another parent, a dad, got angry with them so I just gathered the kids up and came home.

Darius trying to swing himself. I gave him a push, then Olivia was telling him how to pump with his feet.

Olivia's daddy has taught her how to pump with her feet. She was really swinging!!

Gotta get my shoe back on.

Bumped her elbow coming down the slide.

Modeling the shrug Gramma made her.

One time down this slide was enough for him. It was too small.

Olivia showing me how to swing around a pole.

Darius the daredevil. At the top of the climbing structure.

On Saturday there was a Blood Drive in town.

2011-05-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

It was in honor of Elliott Carbajal who grew up in town and was murdered a year and a half ago. His family decided to do something positive in the shadow of their tragedy. They were able to donate his organs and since then have organized this blood drive. This is the second year. Because of Hepatitis as a child, I am unable to donate so I bake cookies for them. This year I made four dozen snickerdoodles, four dozen chocolate chip, four dozen oatmeal raisin and four dozen oatmeal raisin with nuts.

Of course Darius, #1419 had to get into the action too. But before we got down to serious mixing,

He discovered his reflection in the mixing bowl. Had to spend a few moment admiring the handsome boy smiling back at him.

He had just added the flour and was watching it as it mixed in.

Almost ready to add the Chocolate Chips

Once the chips are in, it is far to heavy to stir with the mixer

So, we had to do it by hand.

Sorry there are no pictures of the finished product, but I had to get them wrapped and away or I would not have had any for the Blood Drive.

I have not heard from the kids how they did, but there was a large crowd when I went down to deliver the cookies. I am positive it was a success.