Chips 'n Salsa

MELE KALIKIMAKA

2007-12-13T10:22:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!! Bruce and I are giving each other Hawaii for a present this year. We are going with Tom and Leeann in January for a week, on the island of Kauai. At first I was a little apprehensive with flying and all again. But I have heard it is abit easier now a days. We shall see. Sean, Niki and I made sugar cookies last Sunday in fun Christmas shapes. I sent them home with Niki, so they can paint them with frosting this week. I remember doing that with Niki and AJ when they were little. They had so much fun. Bruce and I got most of our shopping done last weekend. It was a very cold shopping day. We kept getting latte's and sipping free hot chocolate at William/Sonoma. Plus they have this fire pit at The Summit shopping center. But you practically have to climb in it to get very warm in this cold weather. It is festive tho. Bruce and I have been thinking of making up a thermos of hot cocoa and doing the rounds of the neighborhood light shows. I am waiting for the newspaper to do a map of them, like they do each year. I know we are in our 50's, but its just fun. And we haven't done it in years. Christmas dinner will be another fun contribution of lots of things. I'm sure Bob will find some new way to smoke a turkey again. Bruce and I are going to do lamb this year. Brian and Niki did one for us about a month ago, and it was so darn good. I wasn't sure about it, but when I talked to Cheryl and Sharon about it, they said they would love it, and Al said the same to Bruce. We will have to get the games out, and of course the winter puzzle is out. Sure miss Rachel working on it. We have the borders done, thanks to Cheryl and Sharon, and I think Al at Thanksgiving. We will also plan a foosball tournament. Maybe I will put AJ in charge of that. I have learned that I am horrible at foosball. I am sure I can improve. Do I want to??? So, how is this winter treating the rest of you??? (We have had some snow, and my driveway is one icerink since we were not able to get out and scrap it before we drove our cars all over it. I just drive straight into my garage. No walking out on it. Or I would surely fall.)

HELLO FALL

2007-10-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody. Thanks Tim for blogging and letting us know you guys are in a safe area so far. Keep us posted. I tried to comment but my computer wouldn't let me. i will keep on trying. Those fires are so aweful. I don't think we have ever seen anything like this. We are praying for everyones safety, and that the winds and all cooperate. The leaves are all changing and falling here in Carson City. My favorite time of the year. Today it is 75 degrees and absolutely lovely. I have my window near my desk at work open and the air is wonderful. This Friday night is Brandy's Halloween Party, so Bruce and I are watching Sean and Darby so Brian and Nicole can attend. I can hardly wait. I just can't get enough of those kids. Sean is starting to talk more and what a great personality he has. Darby, well she's just 2 months old, she weighs 12lbs and is just my little sweet pea. She smiles and is just starting to coo abit. I was with Cheryl and her grandbaby, Alex on Saturday, and boy does he ever coo and try to talk to you. So very cute. With those big brown eyes. We had a fun time together watching the babies, while the older kids, Sean and Taylor went to a pumpkin patch and petting zoo here in Reno. They had a great time. I remember when my kids were young, we always tried to go to grandma and grandpas in early October to visit and then go to the pumpkin patchs in Half Moon Bay. Those where some very good times. I miss that. I think the fall season just brings that all back to me. The cooler weather makes me nostalgic for the old stomping grounds. For one last Thanksgiving walk around the block at mom and dads after the dishes were done. To watch the planes take off and land from their veranda. To smell and hear the popcorn popping in the pan as dad shakes and shakes it to get all the kernels popped. The swoosh, swoosh sound of dad walking in his slipper, and moms crisp steps in the kitchen as she prepares one more meal. The unending bowl of nuts, and dad begging us to eat them. Persimmon cookies and mom's turkey dressing. I could go on and on. Hey, what do you remember?? Also, who's all coming for Thanksgiving? I have the puzzle out already. Its a good one. I will even get some nuts. Ha!! I hope you all can come, the more the merrier. Lots of love. Terrie XOXOXOXO

Okay, now where has summer gone?

2007-08-09T16:29:00.000-07:00

So here it is August 9th already, and I haven't been to Sand Harbor once. This really stinks. I know there is still time, but I actually have to take it and use it for going to the Lake. Will I???? Since we are in the throws of kitchen tiling and painting, it seems every weekend is used for that. I really like my backyard tho, and sit out there, or lay in the hammack and just listen to the birds and crickets. The stars at night are great, and Bruce likes looking for satelites. Good company, a glass of wine and a nice summer breeze, that's hard to beat. Got to go and see my new grandnephew in the hospital. Alexander Cruz Mena is a beautiful little boy. He is so loved, and so wanted. I can hardly wait to see him again. Taylor had the sweetest smile on her face the whole time I was in the hospital visiting them. Brandy did such a great job. She's such a great mother, and Chad is such a proud dad. No doubt he is going to be fantastic at being a dad. Hope Cheryl puts some pics of him in her next blog. Maybe one of Taylor holding him, with that sweet smile of hers. Nicole is due Sept 4th. I can hardly wait to see that new little Kelleher. She has her room already, infact Sean thinks he should be able to climb into her crib now. Its going to be interesting to see how he reacts to someone else taking Nicole and Brians time besides him. Nicole has three names she likes so far, Darby, Brenna and Terra. Once she and Brian sees her, then they will make the decision. Hey, how is everyone doing out there? How's your summer? I know Dave and Jami are in Germany, so I will be really excited to here how that all went. Hey, Bruce broke the tile cutter he bought, must not have been Bruce proof!! HaHaHa!! He said it was because when they built it the person who screwed in the mail screw, over screwed and it was stripped. Does that make sense? He took it back to Lowe's and he got a new one. So on again to finishing the tile in the kitchen. This weekend will be all about grouting. Talked with Helen (Van Wey) Betzler the other day on a chat line of all things. Seems she is taking her dad to Hawaii this month. He is 94 years old. Hope they have a fabulous time. Have a great rest of summer. Love, Terrie

Summer Again!!!

2007-06-05T15:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is summer again. Lots of things blooming, including weeds and hard to pull grasses that are inbeded in the flower beds and are very hard to pull. Yeah!!!! This last weekend that is just about all Bruce and I did. Plus Bruce took a load of stuff to the dump, including our old counter from the kitchen. Our new granite counter tops look great. we still need to paint and put up the tile backsplash. All in time. I am learning to be patient, and just live day to day. It so much better than the other way around, which is yelling and being upset that things are not moving as fast as you would like. Keeping in God's word and just loving your family and what God has given me helps alot. Sean is such a joy always. Nicole and Brian are fantastic parents, and they have created a very special child. I can hardly wait to see the newest on in September, plus Brandy's little boy. It just doesn't get any better, does it? We just came back from a family vacation with AJ and the Kelleher's. We all went to Monterey/Carmel area and rented a house. We had a very relaxing time. We went to the Aquarium, which Sean just loved. The whole 2nd floor is just for children his age, very hands on and fun for him, and us. To watch Sean get so excited about the fish and penguins and all, it was so fun. We stayed there for hours. Then we took him to the beach, and boy did he love that. I think he would of just walked right into the waves. It was just like the biggest sandbox ever for him. He played with his pail and shovel, and cried when it was time for us to leave. We ate at Clint Eastwoods old restaraunt, Hogsbreath. We sat outside in the courtyard right by a fireplace. Very nice. Carmel is a fun place to visit. The guys golfed a couple of days. Nicole and I went shopping one day and then to this kids park called Dennis The Menace Park. The guys BBQed for us and we went in the hot tub almost everyday. The house had a great view, and lots of birds. A nice relaxing time. But of course it went to fast. So back to reality and all the things that need to be done here at home. Never ending.

Nachos and Popcorn-Fabulous

2007-02-14T14:26:00.000-08:00

Today is Valentine's Day, and I am going to make nachos for dinner. Nachos!! You say. Where's the surf 'n turf or scampi or something fabulous. Well I like nachos, and it's easy to make and Bruce and AJ love them to. Plus we had a big dinner on Monday with london broil etc... Plus nachos are fun. We finally mastered our large professional popcorn machine. I found this company on line and ordered the kits of popcorn. The first time we tried it the popcorn seemed chewyish and not crisp so I bought some other popcorn, and used part of the kit plus the new popcorn and that was delicious. We have been watching alot college basketball lately. Nevada is now in the top 10, which I believe is a first. College basketball is so much more fun to watch then professional. March madness is just around the corner and will be another fun one to watch. I will probably have to bring the small TV to work again. Yesterday it blizzard from time to time, today it is very sunny and warm. You've got to love Carson City weather.
Sean turned 1 last Sunday. We celebrated at the Kellerher home with about 30 or so people. It was fun. Nicole was all nervous about having that many people at her house, but I think it went very well, even with all the small children. It was nice to meet some of her play group parents and kids. Plus this is my favorite age for kids, I really enjoyed myself.
I am trying to plan a vacation spot for my family this year. I think we will go to Carmel. Also want to go to Disneyland sometime with AJ, maybe Knotts Berry Farm too. Its been awhile for Bruce and I. Just want to wait till the weather is a bit more warm. Can't love the log ride as much or any water ride when it's cold out. What's everyone else planning???

Birthday Month

2007-01-18T16:14:00.000-08:00

Yes, I just turned 52 and mom would have been 85 can you believe it? She's been gone 5 years now. I miss her. Nicole and Sean came and took me out to lunch. She also brought me 2 huge slices of cheesecake with strawberries on them from a cheesecake she bought at Costco. Probably Cheesecake factory. Bruce brought home carnitas from Micasa 2, and even margaritas. I ate and ate. I've actually got to stop all this holiday and birthday eating. Bruce had his eye surgery on the 9th and can see 20/15 in each eye now. He loves it. He has to use reading glasses, but no longer the daily glasses for distance viewing. Tonight Bruce and AJ are going to the UNR/Fresno basketball game at Lawlor. Bruce just got 2 tickets. It's a sold out game so he was very lucky that 2 of Michael Hohl Jr's friends couldn't go so now they are. Guess I will just take a nice bubble bath put on my warm jammies and watch a good movie. Probably finish the rest of the carnitas. What are you doing tonight??? How is everyone????

Put the tree away

2006-12-29T12:41:00.001-08:00

What a fine Christmas Day we had. The usual to much to eat, especially the appetizers. I thought I was going to be so good about that this year, but once again a plethera of small snacks. I guess that is just the way it will always be. We tend to eat our big much later, because we are so full, and that's okay. We all seem to have good breakfasts on Christmas morning anyway. So we will just eat later from now on. The appetizers are fun anyway. Since Brian,Nicole and Sean where in Chicago, we are doing our Christmas with them this weekend. So I really won't be putting the tree and trimmings away until next weekend. Bruce didn't get his eye surgery this month because he got the flu. But he will be getting it on the 9th of January. I will let you know how it went. Was good to see Tim wrote in his blog. We knew you were busy, Tim and Paula, we love you and miss you. Hope your cruise and week off will be restful and reviving. Let us know how it goes. My New Years Resolution is to read Mom's old bible from cover to cover, (just found it in my box books the other day) and to lose some weight or atleast get out and walk more. I am really starting to feel my age, and I don't like the sluggishness. What about you all? Any resolutions??? Love you all. Love to hear some comments.

Put the tree away

2006-12-29T12:41:00.000-08:00

GET THE TREE OUT

2006-11-30T14:39:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's time to remove the fall decorations and get the christmas tree out of the attic. Doesn't sound as good as going to cut our tree out in the mountains, but it is alot easier let me tell you, and less cold. Altho the attic can get very cold this time of year. I can hardly wait to see Sean's reaction to the decorated tree. He gets so excited about things. Looks like Brian, Niki and Sean will be here for Christmas after all. Probably they will spend the night on Christmas Eve, so they can wake up here with all the presents and smells of fresh latte's and baking, since that's what Bruce and I do. Sounds of christmas carols and the reading of Luke 2. Traditions are good. Time to try and find all my recipes in the top cabinet where I just keep stuffing more and more recipe finds. Someday I am going to organize that. (Sound familiar?) Went to Niki and Brian's church last Sunday, they had Sean dedicated. It was such a great time. We saw our old friends, Eric and Susie Nelsen, who were there visiting from Utah. The worship was so awesome and Louie Jr gave a great message.
We had a great time on Thanksgiving. Bruce and everyone helped so much, Thank You. Since I was sick with the flu the day before, I was kind of weak and not all there on Thanksgiving Day. But everyone was great, and I think we got everything on the table. I know I forgot to bake my apple pie, but there was so food and plenty of sweets etc... We missed not having Brian and Angie. Rachel and Jamie and Al got our puzzle started nicely. I have a feeling it will still be here for Christmas. Bruce hasn't touched it yet. But if it gets done, I have another one. Has anyone started their christmas shopping yet? I think I need to get some kind of list going. Isn't it December 1 tomorrow?

Summers gone, here comes fall

2006-09-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, the best time of the year is here. My carpet is in, and things are good. Bruce was in our trees this past month cutting all the dead limbs out. What a chore. Bruce did say he sees why bears like it up there. My frig finally died so we bought a new one. I sure like it. Its a kitchenaid like my other appliances. We had a great time on our vacation last month at Pine Mountain Lake. Just relaxed and swam in the lake and basked in the sun and soaked in the hot tub. Saw alot of deer and ate alot of good food. Then The following week Bruce and I went to Las Vegas (Bruce had won a trip through GMAC at his work) He went on a ride and drive with the new gmc truck. He said it was very impressive. Most of the time we were together seeing the sites. Bruce surprised me with tickets to see Phatom of the Opera at the Venetian. It was so good. After we went to this italian restaurant over looking the canal with the gondola's and their drivers singing italian songs. So nice. We drove down rather then fly. I like driving and I hate flying. Especially now with all the hassles. We had fun talking, listening to great music, and I even read to Bruce from a book we are going through together. Just good time. Nicole's friend Laurie is having a halloween party for alot of her friends, and the babies get to go too. Nicole bought sean a lion costume, and she is going to be a lioness. We think Brian is going as a lion tamer. I hope to have pictures and I will put them on my blog. Fun. Hey Dave, can we get some pictures of Bunson and Beaker soon??? AJ says they are very cute. Hope to hear from more of you guys. What are you all up too???? We all have had a nice cold and some great fall allergys, but otherwise healthy. Love to all. And Happy 48th Birthday Tami!!! (On the 3rd) How did you celebrate?

CARPET TIME

2006-08-15T10:18:00.000-07:00

Our carpet for the remainder of the house is being put in on the 24th & 25th. Yeah!!! We are trying to get all the rooms ready by pulling up all the old carpet and padding and pulling up all the staples etc... What a mess and alot of work. Plus we need to move everything out of the TV room, guest room and master bedroom, then that night move everything back and move everything out of the computer room, AJ's room and Nicole's old room. Hey, I think I am getting muscles in these flabby arms of mine. Then in September The Peters are having a garage sale and said we can come and be involved too. So I am also trying to sort out things to get ready to bring to that, what to keep and put in the attic, plus look in the attic and get rid of stuff in there that we should sell. Hey, if you guys are looking for anything in particular, give me a call, I may have it. Bruce just finished doing the hallway baseboards and trim. It looks so good. I think his next big project with AJ will be to do the built-ins on each side of the fireplace in the TV room. That will probably take them sometime, but I think they have the talent and will find out that it is rewarding to do something you have never done before. Planning it out and picking the wood and stain etc... I will probably be the stainer; and complainer that it is taking so long. Lord, help me. I know it will be done right in the long run. SOOOO, I will try and keep my mouth shut and just appreciate that it will be done, someday.
Planning a trip to Pine Mountain Lake the first week in September. Renting a house on the golf course, with a hot tub. Just to relax, read a book and sit by the lake. Probably a day of going to Rainbow pool and Yosemite for a day trip. Brian has never seen it. Bruce and I will go up early and have a few days alone before Niki, Brian, AJ and Sean come up. I hope the weather cooperates. I've been feeling alittle fall in the air these mornings. Abit more chill. Love you all so much. Had a great time at Meadow's Party at the Harder's Sunday. I just love getting together. Hey David. How about some kitten pictures on your blog. Wasn't Morris Chapman fabulous on Sunday? He is always so refreshing. Next get together "My Big Fat Piano Moving Party" Sometime after the carpet is in, and before we go on vacation. I will keep everyone informed. Love you all. (Jamie got a new piano, so need Aunt Laverne's piano moved to our house, since Nicole wants it for later when they get a bigger house, or can figure out where to put it, and I promised dad we would keep it in the family. Don't you just love that explanation?) Love you all.

Where does the weekend go?

2006-07-19T11:59:00.000-07:00

Man, I cannot believe how fast my weekends go. I think I try and do to much stuff. Bruce and I usually make a list of possible get dones, and try and schedule something fun in there too. Between painting and baseboard re-doing, plus keeping up with weeds and the yard. Wow! A day can fly by, and when did I accumalate so much stuff. Just moving things from one room to another, we have started a yard sale pile that won't quit. One night Bruce and I took a picnic dinner up to Tahoe. That was nice, and what a sunset. Other times its sushi or just a nice drive somewhere. You have to reward good work. AJ got a bike for his birthday so Bruce and he are biking from time to time. AJ more then Bruce. The hills are killer, but they ride down to Franktown road do the loop and then back home up through Lakeview. Quite the workout for your legs and knees. AJ is hoping it will strengthen his knees. Watched Sean the other night so Niki could go to a surprise birthday celebration for one of her old co-workers. (Brian had a work dinner he had to go to) . Sean and I had such a good time together. He is so funny, and we laugh and giggle together. I love every minute. Grandparenthood is really the best.

WARM NIGHTS

2006-06-01T16:15:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I haven't been keeping this blog up, but it looks like I am not the only one. Hasn't the weather been fantastic? Bruce and I have been enjoying the warm nights, and sipping a glass of wine in the backyard before bed. I love to watch the sun go down and the stars come out. For some reason, and I am sure it is Bruce and AJ's hard work, our grass looks fantastic this year. Our lilac bushes are all purple and my iris's have finally bloomed all yellow and sunny. They are so nice to look at. They don't last that long, so you have to appreciate them while they are there. Nicole and Sean came over last week and took me out to lunch. He is getting so big. He is at that trying to grab everything, but doesn't have quite the hand eye coordination stage, so this frustrates him and he gets mad. You can see it in his expressions the concentration. He tries so hard. We ordered the rest of the carpet for our house so now we are forced to get the painting all done. Tonight we must get the family room finished and organized in some form. We bought a LCD TV to put on the wall above our fireplace in the family room. It looks good there. Now if we can just get everything organized. I can't believe how much stuff I want to get rid of, but it is all nice stuff. I just don't want to do a garage sale. Today the world cup soccer games started. AJ will tape them for us since Bruce and I can't be there in the day to see them. AJ has today off so that worked out. AJ got a new bike for his birthday. He finally picked out and got the one he wanted and all the gear to wear with it. Now Bruce needs to get his bike all spiffed up and they can go riding in Franktown. I probably will get one too. Just good excercise.

Were Baaaack...

2006-05-02T16:13:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful time we had in Bodega Bay. You were right Angie, that restaurant was fabulous for seafood. One night we both had the seafood cioppino, to die for. Then for lunch a couple days later we had the clam chowder and salad with shrimp. Superb! We found this old italian dinner place just outside Bodega Bay that look old and dingy and the farms all around it made the air quite pungent. Cows everywhere. We got out of the car took one whiff and looked at each other and wondered what this place would be like. We walked in, and the aroma of great wine and italian sauces hit us. We were not disappointed. The absolute best italian dinner I have ever had. And yes it was very old and gawdy looking, but what a find. Bruce and I ate till we just about burst. Our little cottage that we stayed in was very old and smelled like an old house by the ocean. I had wished I had brought my Lysol. But we opened all the windows and lit a few scented candles and it was alot better. It was clean, and the garden and hot tub were so great. We soaked and drank wine and smoked a great cigar, and watched the waves hit the beach. There was alway a surfer or two to watch also. We walked on the beach hand in hand and yes I drank in the wonderful air. It did not smell fishy at all. It was the most beautiful weather while we were there, too. I want to go back someday. Maybe more in the summer when it is warmer. Happy belated birthdays to Brian and Brandy. Hope you did something very special. We thought of you both on your days, and remembered your births. Doesn't really seem that long ago.

Were Off

2006-04-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

Bruce and I are off to Bodega Bay Satuarday a.m. and will be back Tuesday. Guess it probably will be rainy, but abit sunny too. I don't even care, I am going to enjoy just looking at the ocean and walking on the sand. I will drink in the moment and breath in deeply, sigh, close my eyes and remember those simpler times of youth, all the time spent on the beach, singing, swimming, the hiking and playing with my sisters and brother. Remembering dad making the fires on the beach, and cooking the hot dogs. Boy, hot dogs sure tasted better then. And 7-up in the bottles. Not that I don't love every minute of my 51year old life now. I am in awe of where I am in my life, and how happy I am, so appreciative of my sweet family and how God's hand is in it all. I will write more when we get back and let you know how it all went. What are your memories filled with?

Day of Remembrance

2006-04-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

Passover begins tomorrow and my thoughts run to the movie "The Passion" and what Jesus did for me so many, many years ago. I love Easter and remembering the love Christ has for us. The willingness to give up everything so we can have it all. I love the words to the song "He Became Sin" by Reba Rambo and Dony Mcguire. It says this. He was born in a stable, so I could live in Palaces. Made lower than angels, so I could rise to the heavens. He gave His all so I could have everything. He humbled Himself as a servant so I could rule and reign with Him as King. He bore the pain of a crown of thorns, so I could wear crowns of glory. He died on the tree of death, so I'll inherit the tree of life. Every stripe on His back wrote my healing song, He was forsaken by all He loved, so I'd never have to be alone. He bacame sin, so I could know righteousness. Love that song..... 2 Corin 5:21 and 8:9. Anyway, I hope everyone has a grand Easter. He is risen! He is risen, indeed.

Yeah, Ribs!

2006-04-05T12:45:00.000-07:00

So this Friday the whole fam is getting together at Al & CC's for a pork rib feast and hot tubbing. Jon will be here, so that is extra special. Nicole will be there with Sean. They are getting over their colds and doing very well. Boy, haven't we been getting the rain. Lake Tahoe will be so full this summer. Won't be as much beach. AJ is providing us with a massive stash of coffee beans, and Bruce has been perfecting his Latte making. We are loving it. We are now onto painting, and have finally repainted the inside of the front door. It looks so nice. Now I must get a new entry rug. Love the pictures Angie posted on her site with all the blooming trees. Makes me miss them alot. You look great guys. Bruce and I are going to Bodega Bay for a few days later this month. Just to refresh, and walk on the beach. We are renting a small cottage, with hot tub of course. It looks right out to the ocean. Its going to be wonderful. They have a flea market on Saturdays, so we are going to go to that, and also their farmers market for fresh veggies and fruit for our stay. Wow.. Jon is going to be 21 tomorrow. Where has the time gone. Happy Birthday Jon, let's go play with Hunter in the Canary hot tub and have a rib or two.... Love you guys lots.

Rock Wall Done!!!

2006-04-01T09:31:00.000-08:00

Yes, the rock wall is finally finished and as you can see by the pictures, it is very beautiful. Bruce did a great job and I am very proud of him. It wasn't an easy task, but it is now done and we love it. BK (Brian Kelleher) came home with a cold that I am sure he got at work. Then of course Sean got it and now Nicole. I went over to be with her on Thursday and again on Friday to help out so Nicole could get some rest. I made them some homemade chicken soup and then a big pot of beef stew. Seems to always help. Sean is amazing. Here he is all congested and having struggles with it, and he still is full of smiles. A very good baby, a super great attitude for one so small. Ice Age the Meltdown is now out. I am sure somehow we will go and see that movie with AJ this weekend. Love that slouth Sid. Annoying but somehow enduring. Happy kind of late birthday to Angie. Wish you were closer for a hot tub time at AL & CC's and a great glass of wine raised to your day!! Just know you are in our thoughts. We love you.

Spring has sprung

2006-03-22T15:01:00.000-08:00

Today is so absolutely beautiful, I think if I had the right shoes on I could walk home from work. A true spring day has got to be just the best. Almost as good as a great fall day, when all the leaves are golden and red and falling all over the place. The air is just the right temperature for an outdoor hot tub. Wish I had one. Is any one watching american idol? Niki got me hooked on this episode since I was down at her house with the new baby for two weeks. Now I have to keep watching it to see who does what. So far I think it will be either Chris, Elliot or Katharine. We shall see. Tonight Barry Manilow is going to be on the show singing. He just takes me back to when Sharon and I were renting that duplex. Sharon had his album and we would play it all the time and sing along. I remember on the album there was a picture of him with his Beagle dog named Bagel. Cute. AJ just received his real diploma in the mail yesterday. It is really official now. Brian Kelleher's birthday was yesterday. He is now 34. We are going to celebrate is Saturday, but I sent a large ziplock bag of homemade jerkey to work with Bruce to give Brian as a pre-celebration gift, with a do not even think of opening till your in your car going home note. I just know if he opens it, that it will be all gone in one minute. Those guys at work are alway hungery. Paula's birthday is Monday, Happy Birthday Paulaaaaaaaa!!!!. Hope Tim is taking you out somewhere great. Have a great rest of March everybody. And keep on Blogging. Which I found out is just Web Logging without the we. Hummm.

WASABI

2006-03-18T08:51:00.000-08:00

Went out for sushi last night with Al, CC, Bob and Sharon. We went to this nice little place in Gardnerville called Wasabi. We had such a great time. We sat at a table so we couldn't do all you can eat, so we ordered these platters, but actually it came out on this bamboo bridge. It was the way I thought it would be, all these selections of different pieces that you could pick and choose from, I just loved that. Rather then feeling like you had to each 8 pieces of Lilly roll, you could have one or two and then switch to Godzilla roll, or just go for a piece of Tuna. Then when we were all full, ( well some of us, I think the guys could of eaten another bridge) We went back to the Canary's for some hot tub sitting and wine drinking. It was very relaxing. By the time we got home, it was jammies and plopping into bed. I fell asleep right away and this morning woke up to Bruce making cafe latte's. Tomorrow Morris Chapman is going to be at church. He is a gifted song writer and singer, it will be a very uplifting morning I am sure. I am leaving in just a few minutes to go to Nicole's and love on my little Sean, and do some shopping. BK's birthday is Tuesday so we want to get his gifts. Life is good.

Pictures and gardens

2006-03-01T12:33:00.000-08:00

I am now back at work at the ole insurance desk, staring at the family pictures I have on the wall. I sure love my family. I pray for you all as I look at the pictures. Jon in his army uniform, Dave and Jamie in their wedding garb. Taylor, Meadow and Hunter in their halloween costumes, Nicole and Brian on a harley, Angie and Brian hugging each other on a couch, Bruce holding Sean etc... It makes me happy and I smile alot when I look at them. I have one of Mom and Dad too. It is a reminder to me of where we all came from and to enjoy family each day. We do not know what will be tomorrow but we have today, and I choose to enjoy it. I have this little saying taped to my computer called " A Garden" Plant three rows of peas: Peace of mind, Peace of Heart, Peace of soul. Plant four rows of squash: Squash gossip, squash grumbling, squash selfishness. Plant four rows of lettuce. Lettuce be faithful, lettuce be kind, lettuce really love one another. No garden should be without turnips: Turnip for service, turnip to help one another, turnip the music and dance. Water with patience and cultivate with love. There is so much fruit in your garden because you reap what you sow. To conclude our garden, we must have thyme. Thyme for fun, thyme for rest, thyme for ourselves. I like that saying. And read it now and then. We do sow what we reap. Guess this spring time weather we are having today made me think about all that.

Home again

2006-02-25T09:37:00.000-08:00

Well, I am back home again. Left Niki and Brian's house last night. I had so much fun being Mom and Grandma for 2 weeks. I felt like I helped alot, but also got to hold Sean and love on him as much as I wanted. Nicole is already a super mom and Brian, well, Sean couldn't have a better father.We took him to his 2 week doctors appt and Sean is already a pound heavier and 1 and 3/4 inches longer. He is growing like a weed. So now it is back to work and back to getting my house clean and sparkly. I have my work cut out for me. So this will be short for now. I think it is time for another big family dinner or something, what do ya think?? Maybe some hot tubbing?? Sounds good to me.

Sean is here!!!

2006-02-14T18:12:00.000-08:00

Yes, my new love of my life is here. His name is Sean Patrick Kelleher, and he is newest love of my life. I just spent all day staring at him and jumping to his every need. He is 7lbs 1 ounce and 19 inches long. My first grandchild and he is the best! As you can see from his picture, he is quite handsome and very contented, because we cater to his alot. I will probably spoil this kid forever. He will always have an attentive ear in his grandmama. And I will listen alot and pray everyday for him. Grandparenthood is wonderful. I think everyone should try it. Got to go, I think Sean is calling.

Learning to rest

2006-02-08T11:39:00.001-08:00

This is the word God has given me for 2006. Rest. In this Bruce and I have decided to take a step back from ministries we just took for granted. Music and singing have always been a real huge part of my life and so that is where I have always placed myself. I drug Bruce into it, and I mean drag. I remember the first time he came to a choir practice and literally sounded like Lucy Ball when she sang "Sweet Sue, its you" But he prevailed and learned to love it and even took a theory class to learn to read music. I have sung in musicals since I was 15 and just loved it. But during this last musical at Christmas God spoke so clear to me that I needed to step back and rest. To allow Him to do a work in me that can only come from this type of rest and study in His word. So Bruce and I have backed out of worhip and the musicals for this year to pour ourselves into resting and listening to Him. To spend that extra time being refreshed, and spending time with our family. A regrouping if you will. This is so hard for me, but I am learning to seek Him in everything I do. Taking a deep breath and finding joy in the little things. To see and enjoy the things that are important, and let go of those things that I have been holding onto that only brought anger and sorrow. I love the messages that Pastor Louie has been sharing with us, it is just what I know God is wanting me to hear. It makes me think and seek. I need that. Here I am at 51 years old and I feel like I am starting all over again. It is very exciting, I can't wait to see what God has in store.

Firsts for everything

2006-02-02T16:10:00.000-08:00

So now I am going to start blogging. (Who came up with that name for journaling?) And soon I will be a grandmother, first for everything. I hope I will be grand. Grand means large and impressive in size and scope. Guess I'll have to work on that. It also means regal or stately. Guess I'l have to work on that too. But then to your little grandchild you may seem large and regal. I sure am going to try. Well, Bruce is still working on the forever and ever rock wall in our entry way. There is progress, but geeze, my patience is waning. It really will be nice when it is completed. I will try and get some pictures for you that haven't seen it. It is beautiful. I hope Tim can get us some photos of his new and improved house. AJ is now back living at home and he is helping Bruce. Poor guy he went from Brian and Niki's house where we did all these projects( like the whole backyard), to home again with more projects. I think he is learning alot of skills though. (Did that sound abit Napolean Dynamite?) Well, I am at work and trying to get some stuff done before I leave. I will try and write often, and hope I can learn how to put pictures in and all.