Christmas

Christmas has yet come and gone again!! With the blink of an eye, it is all just a memory! But oh what a memory it is!!!
Everyone arrived safely through the mountains and hills that they had to drive through. They also all arrive home safely, which is such a blessing.
We went to the movies, we sledded, we put up the tree with this years new ornaments. We ate and ate and ate some more. We read books and made Christmas cookies!! What a good job they did decorating them. It snowed and snowed and snowed some more. Jeff's family went home on Friday, and made it okay. Jill's family was going home on Saturday, but the passes were closed all day long, so they had to wait until today. They also arrived safely.
What a delight all my grand kids are! Each one has such a uniqueness about themselves that makes them so very special. It was a delight to watch Sophie, opening her presents, like she had done it many times before. She is so smart!!! They all are.
Jack came down with a cold, which he decided to share with me. Sophie also had a bit of a cold. I am better today, I think.
All in all the holidays were full of fun and more fun and more fun!! Such great memories to cherish forever.

AMACING RACE

What a race it was!!!!! It ended in Portland Oregon, which I have been to many times so that was exciting to watch. Except for the fact that the TV was having issues, staying on, which was very frustrating. The big question is where was Toni and Dallas? They were not anywhere that I could see at the end of the race. Were they still trying to get out of Russia????????

I always hate to see it come to an end, would be a great race to go on!!!!



Had a good day at the bazaar! Will try to see if I can post some pictures. I need to figure out how to do that, will see if I can.

Productivity

Today has been quite productive, which is a good feeling. I got more bags made to sell at the bazaar on Saturday. I would like to get two more made, but if I don't that will be okay. We ran arrands , and got stuff done around town. We had a coffee from Starbucks, that was delightful!!! It was cold here today. When we walked the dogs, it was really cold. Then the sun came out and warmed all up. I should have hung my Christmas lights, but we didn't get home before dark, so maybe Sunday i can get them up.

Today was my great uncle's 84th birthday, He lives in Colorado. Mom talked to him, and he was feeling good. He has good days and not so good. It would be nice to see him again.

Phennace has taken to laying on the dogs beds. I must say he is quite brave to do so. Leia, thinks that is not at all the thing for her to do, and gets him off of them pronto. Luke is much more nonchalant around Phennace, unless Leia decides to chase, then it is a free for all.

I guess i need to get pictures of my bags, and see if i can upload them. All for now

BELIEVE

It is hard to believe that it is this time of year again!!!! It seems to have gotten here really fast. I love this time of year, the holidays I mean. I do not like it getting dark early, but we are not far off now from the days starting to get longer.

Back to the holidays---------I guess the main reason I love them is because my kids all come home for Christmas. It is something to look forward to, this time of year, when the weather is usually not the best, and you get up in the dark and get off work in the dark. I am so much a light person. I just want to go to bed if it is dark out. Zaps all of my energy, that darkness does.

Once again, I am looking forward to everyone being here for the holidays!!! I hope for good weather, so they can travel safely. So far this year, our weather has been unusually warm. We have had skiffs of snow on the mountains, but not here yet. I do love the snow, but last year we had so much for so long, that it is nice that it has not come yet.

We have been having rain, which I really do not like. With puppies, the rain causes for much muddy feet and bodies , These puppies are 11 months old today, so they are full grown, not yet able to be trusted in the house if we are gone, which means some days they get many baths.

I have much to do to get ready for Christmas. I have been busy sewing and trying to get some thing made to sell at the bazaar. I have two bedrooms to get ready for company, now they are catch alls for whatever needs to be put there. I will get it all done, I always do.

My dad's 82nd birthday would have been this month, if he had not passed. It has been almost 6 months since he died. Sometimes it seems like the time has just flown by, and other times it seems like a really long time ago. I do miss him. Mom has been really missing him, even though she doesn't say much about it. I try to talk to her often, and do things with her and keep her busy. Not a day goes by that I don't think about my dad.

Now I have a situation that has happened to me that I have to deal with, somehow. I found out more about this situation tonight at dinner. After I had a moment to think about it, I just started laughing. I mean really, it is so bazaar that laughing about it all, is probably the best thing to do. I am so glad that I have the support I need to get through whatever happens.

Well, I guess I should get busy and sew, the time is getting away from me, and I have much to do. My creative juices are flowing, flowing over to be exact. Smile and be happy.

Thanksgiving Eve

Today was a nice quiet day, for the most part. Brad and I got up and started getting things ready for our Thanksgiving dinner. We had Brad's parents, and my mom here. It was small, but nice. The food was great, we tried a new recipe for sweet potatoes, and it was very good. Got it from my daughter Jill. (thanks Jill). We had a nice visit, and ate too much, or at least Don did! I went on line, and did a little shopping for the up coming holiday. Hope I got all the sizes right! Don and Nancy went home, mom stayed awhile longer, we had a turkey on a roll, and then she went home. I think she was struggling a little bit today, even though she doesn't share much about what she is thinking. She did say she didn't sleep well last night, but no reason why. I am sure she is missing dad. It does seem different not having him here. He so loved to eat on the holidays these past few years. He always like to eat, but whenever I had him out for dinner, he always ate really good. On thanksgiving and Christmas he always had a big appetite. I do miss him, seemed like something was just missing, with him gone. The next big hurdle, is his birthday which is coming up. Home health and Hospice has a tree, that you can light a candle for a loved one that you have lost, or just some one you really care about. I am going to do that, and the reading of the names just happens to be on what would have been dad's 82nd birthday.

The puppies are doing good, calming down quite a bit. This was their first thanksgiving, as they were born Jan. of this year. I think they enjoyed the turkey that Brad fed to them. They like their new dog beds, and have not tried to chew them up. I hope that me saying that doesn't jinx anything.

I tried to post the other night, but my computer would not let me. It was doing weird things, don't know why.

I don't know how to do some stuff, but I guess I will figure it out. I am getting ready to hook up to cable, instead of dial up, which will be great, I will be able to upload pictures and such. I so look forward to doing that. I know Jill will be glad when she visits, that things are moving a little faster.

I guess I have rambled on enough for now. I keep telling myself I have to work tomorrow, seems like I should have the day off, if I were queen, all would get the day after a holiday off!

Tagged

Seven things about me you might not know
1. I do not like it when it gets dark early. I am a light lover, and when it gets dark by the time
i get off work, i just want to go home and go to bed.
2. I really do not like clutter and stuff everywhere, but I can't seem to catch up on all the clutter
it seems the faster i go the behinder i get. I used to be so organized.
3. I love to quilt. I think i am about ready to get to my sewing machine again, and get busy
quilting.
4. I LOVE ALL MY KIDS AND GRAND KIDS WITH A PASSION! IF I COULD I WOULD LIVE
AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO THEM. I WOULD LOVE TO BE ABLE TO SEE ALL THEIR
EVENTS AND SPECIAL THINGS IN THEIR LIVES UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL AND NOT
FROM A DISTANCE. IT PAINS MY HEART TO BE SO FAR AWAY, ALL THE TIME!
5. I love going to the mountains and being out in the fresh air
6. I miss my dad
7. I love to ride my new bike, take my puppy's for walks, listen to music, watch the amazing
race, brothers and sisters, dancing with the stars and American idol when it is on. I am sure
there is lots more, but i need to get busy.

Back at Last

Here I go again!!!!!!!! I just typed a long post, and I hit something, and it all went away! I can't believe it! As I was saying, a lot has happened since I last posted. I have been to Utah to see my wee ones, which is the high lite of the past couple of months. Mom and I flew, got to see Jack play flag football, and Bella play soccer! Both were a joy to watch! Bella had a gymnastics lesson that was fun to observe. What a great facility they have in Lehi, the Legacy center. Of course we got to be with our Sophie girl, as she turned one! That was so much fun, watching her open her presents and eat, or should I say wear her cake! By the way, where did that year go, was she not just born the other day! Time just flies, and it keeps going faster and faster, especially the week we were there.
Grandpa Goo had a birthday a few days ago. His mom and dad came up and we went out for breakfast. I went to work, and then Brad, mom and I went out for dinner, at the pony! He had presents and I made him a fruit cocktail cake. Yummy!
Yesterday, we buried my dad up at the same cemetery that his mom and dad are buried in. They had a plot right next to them, so that was nice. We went to the cemetery about 10 in the morning. I had found a couple of crosses that had the lords prayer and the Shepard's prayer on them. I attached them to a couple of mum plants, looked nice. David read a prayer form the bible that the union gave my mom when dad passed away. I took 3 balloons, a red heart and a white and a blue star. I wrote messages on them, and we released them, they flew high into the sky, toward Baker first, and then toward Pendleton. We watched them until we could see them no more. As we were standing there visiting, this red fox ran through the cemetery towards the mountain. It was very cool, and one of those " ah ha" moments. I believe things like that happen for a reason. We left the cemetery and went out for breakfast. After breakfast we drove back to the cemetery to see how things looked, all was good. The day started out drizzly, but by the time we left, the sun was shining. It felt good that we had got dad to his final resting place. When I talked to mom today, her voice sounded so much better. I think yesterday was a much needed day for her, closure to that part of my dad's passing. I feel good about also. I do miss him, I can't believe he is gone, seems like there is so much more I needed to know from him. I was blesses to have him as long as I did, but it still wasn't long enough.
Mom and dad would have been married 59 years on the 14th. I spent lots of time with mom that day. She seems to be doing okay, I know she misses him alot, as I do too.
Work has been slow. Not surprising with all that is going on. I hope it picks up soon. On the bright side, gas went down another 10 cents a gallon. 3.25 here today. It's pretty bad when 3.25 sounds good.............Does that mean grocery's are gong to go down also?
So much to do, so little time. All is good here. The puppies are doing pretty good, calming down and being better , most days. They are napping now, just like babies do.
Well, I better get this posted, before I hit the wrong key again. Take time and remember to enjoy life, enjoy each other and be kind to someone today!

My Dad

My dad passed away last week. I got a call form the hospital at 3:35 a.m. that they had him in the emergency room, and he had stopped breathing, and they wanted to know what his wishes were. I told him that he would not want to be on any lifes saving machines, but to contact my mom for the final decision. I then got dressed, went by moms,picked her up and got to the hospital. They had intubated him, so they removed the tube, and just put him on oxygen, and made him comfortable. I told him I was there, and mom too. He said where is Artie, I said she is right here. He said where is David?, I said he is in Nampa, but on his way. He then asked what time it was. He had a thing about the time. They had given him a muscle relaxer, and some moraphine. We waited, and about an hour after he had been in the ER, they moved him up to a room. The ER doc, told us he could live an hour, a couple of days, or bounce back. He just didn't know. So away we went up to the room in which my dad was moved to. I called my brother agian, and he was on his way, the RR was driving him home. Time seemed to be moving really slow, but fast at the same time. I just held my dads hand and talked to him, he seem comfortable. Then the nurse, who was very caring came in and moved him to his side. He didn't seem comfortable on his side, so she moved him back to his back. It was just after 8:00 in the morning, when the doctor came in. Introduced himself, as dad's regular dr. is ill and on leave right now. The nurse was taking dad vitals, and looking concerned. I had been watching him breathe, and knew that it was slowing down. She got the dr. to come take a look and listen to him. At around 8: 25 a.m. or so, I watched my dad take his last breath. I must say, it was very peaceful. It just ended . At the very time he took his last breath, I just felt this heaviness lift from my shoulders. It felt like an angel came from above and took the stress and the weight from me. I had never been with anybody when they passed away before, except some of my animals. I was so glad that I could be there with my dad. I can't explain the feelings, but I am so glad that my mom and I were with him. My brother did not get there in time. My dad passed about 10 minutes before he got there. Even when someone is sick and you think you have been preparing yourself for this day, you are not. The finalilty of it all is overwhelming. All of a sudden I was thinking of things that I would never be able to ask him. Things I would not know. We then went into planning mode. We had a celebration of life on Monday, June 30th. It was a very nice service. A full house!!! My dad knew no stranger, that was evident. He will be missed. I miss him so much, I actually have been missing him for several years, do to his disease. I know I will see him again someday, until then I have many great memories that continue to pop into my thoughts everyday. I love you dad.

Where did those months go?

Wow, where did those months go? I can not beleive it has been over two months since I posted anything here! I have had a lot going on. I did go on vacation with my daughters family. We went to the magical kingdom, and had a fabulous time!!! What a great place to vacation with grandkids at the ages mine are!! Even Sophie who was not quite 7 months had a great time! It all went to fast, and it is those times that you wish would just never end!! Jack and his Jedi traing academy, and Bella and her princess's all around!! It was just a great time, good memories for a lifetime! Since Sophie and I were car buddies, she now knows who her grandma is on the telephone!!! Jill says she smiles ear to ear when she hears my voice.
After I got back from vacation, we went to the shelter to look at dogs. It was so overwehelming, I was not ready for all of that, had never been, so didn't know what to expect. We did come home with two puppies, border collies. About 3 1/2 months old. Brother and sister, named Checkers and Blackley. We decided to change their names to Luke and Leia, for the grandkids!!!
I have been busy with them training them to be good dogs and have manners, and they are learning pretty good. they do get excited when they see and meet new people, but they are getting better about obeying!!! They are very friendly and seem to love all people. They have consumed lots of time, getting up in the middle of the night to potty, and all of that. Forgot what it was like to have puppies again!!! They are a joy, a happy place!
On a sad note, we did put my dad in a assisted living place about a month ago.. He had a bad day, and was more than, my mom could handle. He was in one place for about 13 days, and we decided it was not the right place for him. We moved him to a much smaller place and it seems to be a good choice. It has been a long road and a difficult decision for mom. She still struggles with it, thinking she could maybe bring him home. But she also realizes that on his bad days, that he is more than she can handle. She has at least gotten some releif and caught up on her sleep, and has the freedom to come and go again. She does miss him a lot, and I think he misses her alot. Life isn't always the way we want it to be.
Now, I am enjoying the longer days, and some sun this week. It did snow here last Tuesday, most of the day! What a weird June! We went to Wallowa Lake yesterday, and it was beautiful! The puppies made many new friends and saw things they had never seen! Life goes on!!!

Sunshine, Oh what a beautiful day!!!

This week on my days off, I got some things completed that I wanted too. I got my bathroom cleaned from top to bottom, and that took several hours. Thank goodness it is not a big bathroom, or it would have taken the whole day. I got my taxes pretty much done, so I know what the damages are there. I got my haircut today, and it is quite a lot shorter than I had planned, but I do like it. It will grow back at a fairly fast rate I am sure.
Next week at this time I will be with my grandkids, and that is making me smile from ear to ear! I can hardly wait to see them all!
While out shopping today, at least 3 different people asked us about Wyatt and why they hadn't seen him with us. They were all very sad that he is gone. I am sure there are many people wondering about him, as he walked with us daily a 4 mile loop. I still miss him, I always will.
I almost forgot, a car rear ended us at the stoplight on the strip. We were stopped at a red light, and the next thing I knew, a lady ran into us. She wasn't going very fast, so we didn't have much damage. We did go get an estimate, and it was about 468.00 to get it fixed. All labor and paint for the rear bumper. I felt bad for her, that sounds odd, but she was quite embarressed, I am sure.
We then went and got parts to fix my moms toilet, just to find out my brother had just fixed it. We took the parts back, and headed for home.
I had a Pampered Chef bridal shower for my neice Sara. It went quite well, and all seem to enjoy it.
Now I am getting ready to pack for my trip!! That is my main goal for the next few days. Of course I have to work, but then it is off to the magical kindom!!!!!! Ready or not, here I come!!!!!!!!!!Tag you are it!!!!!!!!

Quiet Space

Today, is Easter, although I must say is doesn't feel like Easter. Brad is at work, I have the day off. No plans to do anything. I have just been lounging around this morning. I am about ready to go take a shower. I am feeling sad today. I am really missing the Wy boy. He really did comsume so much of my time, when I am at home. He always had me doing something for him, now it is just so quiet and empty space with him not around. I know it will get better as time goes on, but today, the tears just seem to stream down my face, as i miss him so much. He really was my buddy.
I am really excited about my vacation coming up next month. I need to see the kids. I really miss them all, and Sophie is changing so fast. I know she is going to look so much older. It should be a great trip, and something to make me smile and be happy about.
Well, I need to get something constructive done today, so I better get busy. Going to try to go for a bike ride if the weather agrees.

Wyatt July 1998 to March 19,2008

Yesterday was a very sad day in our home. We had to have our dog Wyatt put to sleep. He had a mass somewhere around or in his stomach that made it so he could not eat much, and would not keep it down. I will be lonesome without him, he went with me about everywhere. We walked him everyday, 4 mile loop. He loved to go on his walks, and in good weather, we would go twice.
Wyatt was a very smart dog. He knew to lay on his back to get his feet wiped off if they were muddy. He would sass me all the time I was cleaning them off, but knew it had to be done. If his feet and legs were covered with snow, he knew to go to the bathtub to get them rinsed off. When I gave him haircuts, I put a sheet on our King size bed, and he got up there and snoozed while I clipped away, and then in to the tub for a shampoo he would go.
He loved to herd the kitties, didn't really want them on my lap. But to no avail, they always made it there. He would usually put a stuff toy in his mouth and carry it around while he was herding them, as this kept him from nipping at them. He knew he would be in trouble if he bit them.
I think Wyatt had a pretty good almost 10 years. I wish it hadn't ended so soon. Now he if free to run and play again like he could a few months before. He walked on his walks right up until almost the end. I am sure he is with all our other pets who have passed on, enjoying what they do best,Being loved by those around them. It feels so strange not having him here when I get up in the morning, or come home. I really do miss him, that Wy boy of mine. Someday we will walk together again, until then I have GREAT MEMORIES!

Mid-March

Half way through this month, how time flies!!! The sun was shining for most of the day. I walked Wyatt, while my bread was in the oven baking. I baked it for a friend whose daughter just passed away. Very sad, only 32 and a really pretty girl. My thoughts are with their family, not a lot to say at a time like this.
Wyatt isn't eating much today, not a good sigh at all. Still not keeping down what he does eat, so he is losing weight. He is still herding the kitties, and has a little get up and go, but I am sure that will diminish as the days go by. We walked after work and then I rode my bike.
Don and Nancy drove over today, they got a new car. So were out for a Sunday drive to figure out all of its features.
Tomorrow is Saint Patricks Day! I tried calling Jeff to see what all he did, for the weekend, as he likes to celebrate this day, costume and all! Did not get him, so will have to find out later I guess.
Only 3 weeks until I go to Utah!! I am so looking forward to that trip! There are going to be some fun times ahead, So Bella, Jack and Sophie, watch out, because here comes the GOO! On that note, I think I will sign off, that is a happy thought, and those thoughts are nice.

Daylights saving time!!!!

I love when we switch to daylight savings time!! I don't love that I lose an hour of sleep, and should be in bed by now. But the days being lighter longer is such a good thing! I can get so much more done when it stays light out later each evening.
I have booked my airline ticket and am ready to go to Utah to see my grandkids!! That little Sophie is growing so fast, and I am missing so much of her little tiny self. She wants to be big, fast, and is doing things earlier than she should be. This will be a great trip, and an adventure! We are all going to Disneyland, and seaworld in SanDeigo. The magic that will take place while we are in the land of magic should be wonderful!! I know Jack and Bella can hardly wait to go, and explore and show me all the great things to see and do at Disneyland.
This past week, I went to Vancouver, to celebrate my sons 28th birthday. It was a great two days, and we got to just visit and hang out most of the time. We watched a movie " Into the Wild" It was very good, many messages throughout , I would watch it again. The weather was great, the mountains were beautiful, blue skys and sunshine most of the time.
My dog Wyatt , is not well. I think he is not going to be around for much longer, which is very sad. He is a great dog, for me and Brad. He doesn't like very many people, but is a lover baby to the people he does like. He will be 1o in July. I think he has a mass of some sort in his stomach, and has trouble keeping food down. We have been feeding him baby food for a couple of weeks now, and does fairly well keeping it down. It is so sad to see him not feeling good. Most days he is good, and has a bad day every now and then. He still goes on walks, but shorter ones, and we let him choose the direction he goes. He takes different routes almost every walk. I am just enjoying him each day more than ever now, because, I know he is going off to be with all our past pets before very long. that will be a really sad day. On that note, I am going to bed now, I just lost that hour of sleep.

It can't already be the middle of the month!

Where to start? That is the question of the day, the pressure is off to get things done, with the holidays behind us, and nothing pressing coming up. But there are all the things that need to still be completed, like getting all the christmas decore down and put away. Yes, you heard me correctly, it is the middle of the month, and I still don't have the christmas stuff put away, but there is no rush. No one is coming for dinner, or over to visit. There are more pressing things to do, like relax, walk the dog, sleep, and talk to my grandkids on the telephone. I'd rather talk to them in person, but that is not possible today, they live far far away. Thank goodness, for the telephone and computers, to receive pictures often! I talked to both Jack and Isabella today. I spoke to Sophie also, that is important, she needs to hear my voice often, so she will know who I am, Goo, Grandma Goo! One thing has been accomplished this month . The porta potty finnally left my driveway! That was a hit with all the grandkids this Christmas! I guess it was a good option to have, just in case of emergency or something. Anyway the kids had fun. I never did use it, while it was here, guess I should have.
Tomorrow I have to get up early, go sit with my dad while my mom get a perm. That means I should really go to bed now or I won't want to get up. It is so cold here right now, 14 degrees this morning, and about the same tonight. Snuggling into bed would probably be a good thing. Guess that is just what I will do. Sweet dreams to everyone!

Happy New Year

The holidays came fast and in the blink of an eye, it was all over. Time goes so fast when you have family and friends around. I always hate for it to be over. I want it to last and last and last. I don't want everyone to leave and go back home. I know it will be weeks, or months before I see everyone again. Those babies grow so fast, I need to see them often. There is just nothing like grandkids, to make the world seem so right!
It was a great Christmas!! All made it to my house safely, which is what I always pray for. The roads can be slippery and foggy, so it is always a releif when I know all are where they are suppose to be. When Jill's family arrived, we went and got a Christmas tree. It was cold out and windy, but we picked just the right tree after deciding between many.
Then the kids helped decorate it with their ornaments from years past, and the new one for this year.
Jeff and his family arrived the next day. We got to meet his kids, Wesley, Brooklyn and Jack. Isabella and Jack enjoyed playing with them and all got along great! I don't think there was even a squabble. We made Christmas cookies and frosted them, that was quite a site! Then it was off to bed, because the arrival of Santa was just hours away! Christmas morning got off to an early start, with all the little people very excited about what was waiting under the tree!
There were presents aplenty, and food for all to enjoy! It was a wonderful day that I would have like to frozen in time. We would still be on that day, if I had my way! The days went by fast, and it all came to an end, and now we have all the great pictures and memories to treasure for years to come. The new year is here, and this month is going by fast, and before we all know it, it will be the holidays again. But for right now, I think I will just enjoy the thoughts of all the fun times I've had in this last year past.
This year ahead will be lots of fun, there will be many surprises, I'm sure there'll be at least one!
Off to bed I must go, it is very late, morning will be here soon, so sweet dreams await.