Closing

The closing on our new property in Oregon has hit a glitch. It seems the underwriter wants a few things done before it can close. They called us yesterday morning - closing was to be tomorrow. The essence of POWER!! The seller was all set to move tomorrow, we were all set to close tomorrow, everything was all set - especially since the closing was like 4 weeks out - so when nothing came back last week - we were sure we were set!!

Now, the realtor (which will also be our neighbor) is whizzing around getting the piddly work done (loose toilet and spongy back door) and a subterranean spray done and get the things signed off for us. She is really having to work for her money!! I'll owe her a big bbq when we finally get there! We know that the house is small, that it is old, that it isn't in the greatest shape - but we know the potential!! That is what we are buying - but try to explain that to a person that has the POWER to stop everything in it's tracks. Why did she wait until the last minute? 'Cause she had POWER, that's why. I so dislike people that use POWER to cause others grief and discomfort!!

Skunks and Pet Doors

A year or so ago - one the the cats here decided to tangle with a skunk - the skunk won. S'te says it took weeks for her (Coco the Cat) to smell better!! :)

Well, the last couple of weeks we've noticed that towards evening - after the kids are in bed and all is quiet - Coco will come streaking into the house. If she needs to use a window - she will. Whatever it takes. She has a pet door from the outside into the laundry room (it used to be big enough for the Grant the Great Dane but was downsized when the kids were using it for access) and another thru the door in the library. They love thier doors although they would very much rather someone get up and open a door for them.

The other night S'te was in the kitchen and noticed movement in the laundry room. Then the next night Rod noticed black and white movement in the laundry room. Since Rod has been underway - we've been kinda watching and ~ each evening we see various SKUNKS eating the cat food, drinking thier water, wandering in and around the tools stored there. Rod has tried taking pictures since they don't seem to be the same ones!! Twice the skunk I've seen was just a baby one. They really are sort of cute in an odd, stand-offish sort of way - hehe. Since he (Rod) didn't really want to open the door and go out - the pics didn't turn out well (I don't think). But I know they are there!! If I get ahold of one - I will certainly post it!!

The neighbor has been trapping them - he's trapped 6 and each time his back yard has been sprayed - so I think he gave up. But there are more!!
Last night - after dinner - I picked up the cat food and water and brought it inside - saw a bigger guest come to see what was for dinner - ooops - nothing. He scouted around - found nothing and left.

Fast forward to about 10:30 - I went out front - and there were 2 BIG ones standing in the flower bed that we just finished planting and cleaning - S'te hollered "what do you think this is - Burger King - ?" to the population of the front yard!!! :) She is so funny! So what it looks like is that the Mommy and Daddy skunks are showing baby skunks how to use a pet door. . . . I'll bet the rest of the neighborhood is glad of that!!

So that is my funny for the day.

Still no baby.

Still Waiting

We are still here. Still waiting for the Baby to make a grand appearance!! Not much is going on right now. I've slowed down quite a bit this last week. The Karate Kids all "graduated" to thier next level and I missed it. My get.up.and.go has just gotten up and went. Keith is on some new meds that have slowed him down a bit too. We have pretty much turned into couch potatoes over the weekend.

Tomorrow is Ty's birthday. It's hard to believe that he will be 17 already ~ just yesterday he was coming into my life as a new grandson and a new member of our family. I took him today to get his birthday present. I gave him a $ limit for shoes (that was what he wanted for his birthday) and for that amount ~ he got shoes, pants, shirts, cd's, a sweater, and I don't really know what else ~ but he is quite a shopper!!

The middle kids are doing "summer school" here at home in the mornings. S'te gets thier assignments all ready for them each day. Not that they are all that excited about it - but it will certainly help them as they go on to their next grades. Kiah really gets into it - he is doing his current work and delving into the next grade work too!! He's quite "into" schoolwork!! Moreso than the others. After the schoolwork tomorrow the girls are going to bake Ty a cake while he is in school and we have a few other things for him ~ and then on to karate practice for most of them.

We are still on track for closing on the little house in Coos Bay. I am really anxious to see it. We will go after Rod returns from this "underway" and hopefully after the Baby arrives. Rod is due home the 6th and the Baby is "supposed" to be here by the 12th. So all we can do is wait. S'te is getting quite anxious also. So around here it's pretty much a wait and see show!!

Foul Ball

Padre/Oriole game tonight
Originally uploaded by Amah

This morning Tim gave us last minute tickets to tonight's Padre game. We took the trolley down ~ it was our first trolley ride from Lemon Grove too~ and went. It was a nice little ride - much easier than driving, fighting the traffic, paying $20 to park, and walking in from the lots too!! I think it was definately the best way to go.

Anyhow, Keith was off getting pretzels during the first 5 minutes of the game when the Orioles scored their first 3 runs. It was rather uneventful thru the next 7 innings. The Orioles definately outplayed the Padres (way to go - huh, Joe!!). Bottom of the eighth inning I finally decided to do the bathroom thing before the game was over and we caught the trolley back to Lemon Grove. While there I heard the fireworks go off and the other lady in the restroom said - "we probably missed the only Padre home run of the night". Well, she was right. WE DID!!

But I missed more than that! When I returned to my seat, Keith handed me a baseball!! He got a foul ball!! Our usher said if I'd been sitting there it would have probably got me!! Keith said he deflected it and another man picked it up and was nice enough to give it back to him. The usher assured Keith that it was his ball - so he kept it. And he has a nice little bruise on his hand to show for it! I've never even had a foul ball come any where near where I was sitting - one finally did and I wasn't even in the seat!!

And then in the 9th inning a young man came from nowhere - across the field - I saw him as he was sliding into 2nd base, picked himself up to get just beyond the pitchers mound before being tackled by security, handcuffed, and escorted off to jail. And there was even a warning announced about jail and a hefty fine before the game started!! I heard that last night that Security escorted a naked female (I wouldn't call her a lady) from the Park! I guess that I must just have better things to do with my self respect (and money)!!

Anyhow, click on the picture to see the little slideshow of our trip to Petco Park.

BTW - the Orioles really dunked the Padres good. That 1 run by Russell Branyon was the only run of the night. He also hit the foul ball that we now have.

Told you she is getting round!!

Peacocks

God's Creatures are certainly beautiful. On the top of hill that we go over to pick Mak up from school is a place that has a bunch of peacocks. They kind of "hang out" on the fence rails, carports, strutting across the road. I come to a complete stop and look around for them. I've been taking the camera many times when I go "over the hill" but never see them then. But anyway, there is a white peacock and peahen there that is just beautiful. Of course, all of them are fabulous. But I've never seen white ones before. The other day they were out under the willow tree and he was just "strutting his stuff" bigtime. He had is train out and she was just ignoring (like a lady would) as he was showing off for her. Unfortunatley I didn't have a camera so I missed it.

Rod and S'te managed to get a couple of pictures and I've "picked" a couple from the web to show just how georgeous they are!!

Spring Valley Sweep

Proud Girls
Originally uploaded by Amah

In the sparring events, Brayana took 1st and Destini took 3rd. There was a little mishap when the girl that took 2nd ducked as Destini was thowing a punch - and got her nose bloodied in the process. All was well - after the nosebleed stopped she came back and took that 2nd place trophy.

Makkiah was in the morning events and brought home a 2nd in sparring and 3rd in forms. He did really great for being 6!!

Jaleel was up against a tougher crowd. This was his first tourney and he didn't know what to expect. He brought home a Competition trophy - but vows to practice harder - and with boys!!

We had a great day - to view the rest of the photos - click on this one for the slideshow.

Space Launch

6-08-2007 (021)
Originally uploaded by Amah

Keith's coworker was honored to be able to attend the June 8 space launch at Cape Canaveral. He and his father watched the shuttle lift off and the amazing sky afterwards. These are some great pictures!!

Just click on this photo to see the rest of them.

Del Mar Fair

Today is Chuckie's Birthday. His big birthday present from Janet was 2 HUGE corn dogs from the Fair. He got them!! He was very happy with them. Happy Birthday Chuckie!!

Of course, the first thing we did was to start eating. Teriyaki chicken, beef, brocolli bowl, egg rolls, and nachos all were on the table within 1/2 hour of our arrival!! While we ate, we watched this bungy jump thing!! A couple of the guys chickened out but the girls actually jumped!! Oh, to be that young and trusting again!! LOL

The first ride was this monstrosity that twirled and twisted and spun upside down!! Debbie and Janet went on it and Keith and I chose to watch and take pictures!!
Look at those faces!! They said that they probably wouldn't go on it again!! Debbie tried several other rides and we all had a blast!!




Then we all went on the Water Slide Ride and got soaked!! Debbie said it was because we had to much weight in our car ~~ can't imagine that~~ We played games, I won an itty bitty bear (about the size of my little finger!) and a red, white, and blue Bear on the Horse Race game. Keith barely missed a BIG animal on the basketball hoop thing, we also played thequarter toss, Janet took a turn at darts And we all got wet!!
And then we got some more to eat and came home to rest!!! We had a good day!!

Busy Sunday!!

We all got around on Sunday in time for some pictures before we headed off to Church. Here is Keith and I and the littlest - so far! And then all of the kids in their Sunday Smiles!!




Here is Ladaria, Tyrique, Raquel, (next row) Jaleel, Brayana, Destini (next row) Taniyah, and Makkiah. Tetee is standing on a bench. She definately isn't as tall as Kiah. And here is my baby - and she still has a month to go!!! (at least that's what the calendar says)

Then after Church, S'te took the older kids off to see a movie on base so Keith and I took Tetee and went over to Coronado Island to Coldstones Ice Cream (see the evidence?). It was a beautiful day. Keith eventually took off his South Pole shirt and enjoyed the nice breeze. We all had huge chocolate desserts and Tetee was quite the little lady. She had a blast just hangin' with the old folk. After we finished cleaning up and changed her clothes. . . we took a walk around the park to see what has changed. They took the fountain out, the ducks and pond are gone. . . but we found . . . .

Dixieland Music. She danced and watched the people that can really dance, she ran, Keith napped, she danced some more and then she met a friend that wanted to dance too!! I tried really hard to get a picture of them doing the "swing" but the shutter just wouldn't work fast enough!!

We stopped and got a "caricature" done of Tetee and I by the sidewalk artist. She was quite the Ham. As soon as I figure out how to, I will post it. I LOVE it. She was so cute!!! And of couse, no trip to the Park would be complete without a little trip into the sand. . . . She didn't like the water much - actually - she didn't like it at all - but the sand was ok.

So after all the fun, sun, sand, and dancing ~~ we took a very tired little girl home - she was so tired ~ she put herself to bed!!!

S'te and kids arrived via a friend - the van wouldn't start, wouldn't jump start, wouldn't move at all!! She is blessed to have a friend that also has a vehicle that an entire basketball team can fit into!!!

What a wonderful Day!!

Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is the best day of my life, ever!

There were times when I wondered if I would make it to today;

but I did!

And because I did I'm going to celebrate!

Today, I'm going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I have had so far: the accomplishments,

the many blessings, and,

yes, even the hardships

because they have served to make me stronger.

I will go through this day with my head held high and a happy heart.

I will marvel at God's seemingly simple gifts:

the morning dew,

the sun, the clouds,

the trees,

the flowers,

the birds.

Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice.

Today, I will share my excitement for life with other people.

I'll make someone smile.

I'll go out of my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone I don't even know.

Today, I'll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down.

I'll tell a child how special he is, and

I'll tell someone I love just how deeply

I care for them and how much they mean to me.

Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don't have and

start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me. I'll remember that to worry is just a waste of time because my faith in God and his Divine Plan ensures everything will be just fine.

And tonight, before I go to bed,

I'll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens.

I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and

I will praise God for these magnificent treasures.

As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow,

I will thank the Almighty for the best day of my life.

And I will sleep the sleep of a contented child,

excited with expectation because

I know tomorrow is going to be the best day of my life, ever!

I don't know who wrote this, I received it via email and I really, really liked it so I thought I would post it. Maybe everyone else will like it too!!

Best Wishes and Lots of Love!

I know that this week-end - especially tomorrow - is Sharen's long-awaited SPECIAL DAY! I am sitting here sort of feeling sorry for myself because I'm not there but really feeling that I should be here. A bit conflicted. By now (I've been here just short of a month - S'te may be wishing that I was there by now!) I really do hope she knows that I am there in spirit and best wishes. I am so happy that she will be surrounded by family and special friends as she and Jack renew their vows. From the small amount of "chatting" and the noticable lack of any news on her Blog - I know she has been busy, busy, busy.

I cannot be there in person but I want to give my Congrats and Best Wishes to the Happy Couple and for everyone to have a great time - and email me the details ! ! ! ! !

Happy Birthday S'te

I can't believe it's been 30 years since I first held you in my arms. You were a tiny little thing. So beautiful!!!

It is amazing how times change:
I don't have a newborn picture of you on my screensaver. In fact, the hospital where you were born didn't take nursery pictures and we didn't own a camera. So we have NO newborn pictures of you. I have ultrasound pictures of the grandchildren - but I never had an ultrasound before you were born. Those were special and used only for "problems". Since you had no problems - we saw the OB every so often until the last trimester. Then we went every 2 weeks (mostly the last month) and since not many of us had more than just a guestimate of our due date - all of the dates were +/- several weeks.

We didn't know if you were a boy or a girl - it just wasn't done in those days. One of the baby shower "games" was to swing a wedding ring over the belly - if it went in circles it was one (don't remember which) and if it went like a pendulum - it was the other (obviously)!!

I cleaned house like mad - it was a Sunday and your father was trying really hard to put a new foundation under his house. I was bothering him - so he told me to go find something to do. So I took Jeremy and went to Grandma's and bothered her. I just couldn't sit still. Aunt Sharen came over to Grandma's too - she was pregnant with Brett - Grandma was having a Gin Rummy game at her house so we chatted, hovered, cleaned the kitchen, watched Jeremy at the park across the street, and Maggie Larsen laughed at me and said "won't be long now". I figured she would know - she had 6 kids herself ~~

Dinner time came and we went home to cook. I went to the bathroom and then called the hospital. I didn't cook. . . . I got your Father out from under the house, he took a bath and changed clothes, and THEN my dear husband and I took Jeremy up to Aunt Susie's to stay - Aunt Susie said "see you in an hour or two - you aren't ready". . . Stopped at the A&W Drive Inn (since I didn't cook) and he wanted to go inside and eat. Now, I wasn't really in any bad pain - it was dinnertime - but I was just uncomfortable - and my BACK HURT - so I talked him into getting his dinner to go. The options were - get it to go or take me to the hospital and come back. I really think I was getting crabby about this time. It was after 6 - I'd been trying to get him going since about 4:30 and we had to go to the next town!!

Well, we got there at 6:45. Dr. Wolfe came in and said hi. Your father walked the halls. No phone, no tv, no family, no friends. That's how it was. Only husbands allowed in the labor room. He wouldn't even call my Mom because he thought it was a false alarm. The belt for the monitor wouldn't stay on my belly :) and my BACK HURT. I slid clear down on the bed so I could put my feet on something to take the pressure off of my BACK!! Your father thought I was being silly. He told me to quit whining and "toughen up" and left me in there alone.

Then you decided - it was no false alarm. I rang the nurse. The nurse said "hold on a minute!!" and ran for the Dr. (who, by the way, was stitching up a motorcycle casualty in the ER) who made it into the delivery room at 9:11 and your arrived at 9:12. Dr. Wolfe said you were beautiful, coo'd over you for (oh about) 45 seconds and returned to the ER to finish up. I was cleaned up and in my own room (there wasn't any other patients in "that wing" of the hospital that weekend. They brought you to me. It was instant, whole hearted, life expanding love, the minute I saw that tiny little face!!! Then you Father was allowed in to see us. He thought you were the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen!! And of course, you were!!! Visiting hours (like there was someone else there to desturb!) were long over - so he had to go - and he went to spread the news.

Next day we needed to decide your name. In those days, they wouldn't let you out of the hospital until you had an official name. He didn't like any of the names I came up with. Not Jessica, not Betty Jean (after grandmas), not Alexsis, not nothing. He did like the Marie part. During the afternoon visiting hours he came with a card that had the letters S'te on it and said "This is her name. How do you want to pronounce it?" I tried hard to think of how it should be pronounced. I finally came up with S.T. as a pronunciation. He agreed and you've been Miss Bright or Mrs. Elmore ever since. We put S'te Marie Bright on your Birth Certificate and off he went (visitation over again). He was going to return to work on Tuesday, so Grandma came and picked me up and we went to meet your brother. HE was EXCITED. He kept touching your little fingers and running that single finger across your forehead - because you made a face when he did that. We spent several hours at Aunt Susie's before Grandma took me home - so I'd get there before your Father go home from work. Guess what - we woke him up!!!! He had "spread the word" so hard that he was just waking up.

And our life began. It has been full of ups and downs, hills and valleys. But there is no one on this earth that can doubt that I have always, will always, and never faltered in my unconditional love for you. All it took was to gaze on that little face!!!

Happy Birthday S'te. Love Mom

Keith away!!

Keith had to go back to Florida to get our car out of the "Long Term Lot". When we left it there - we planned to go back together and spend a few days "summerizing" our home, but, with Rod going out to sea, S'te and her "funny" due dates, and Kiah's surgery - we thought it might be best for me to stay here. So I did. She did take it easy for a few days:

And then here is what we did:

Cute huh?

And today we put together dressers.