Another Trip Around the Sun

I'm asking myself the same question again: How can the year be over already? I always marvel that a trip around the sun has come to an end and another one will begin. It doesn't sneak up on me; it's simply a mark in time that seems to occur with increasing speed.

We are spending this new year's eve with good friends playing Scum; a card game that takes no brains or thinking which allows for a lot of great conversation. Last night I learned that Murray and I are a lot older than the rest of our scum group. I almost felt embarassed to say my age out loud. Then I asked myself why? I never feel that same hesitation to mention my age when I'm one of the younger chicas in the room. Oh well, we really love those young friends of ours.

Here's to a wonderful new year. May 2009 bring us good cheer, good health, and the joy that only the Savior can give and yes, another birthday.

Seems Like Just Yesterday

Twenty-six years ago I won the lottery and walked away with a heck of a guy who quickly took me to the temple to be married.

He claims he had to take me there quickly because his mother refused to feed him until he got married. I know better..... he just couldn't wait for me to become his darlin' wife with all the perks and benefits that come with that position.

In his rush to achieve marital bliss, he got faulty goods whose warranty expired a few years ago. My Dad shook his hand after the ceremony and told him "all sales are final, no exchanges or returns" with a big grin on his face.

The best part of it all, he's a happy customer because he knows he needs me as much as I need him. Let's keep it going forever honey. I love you.

New Couple in the Ward

Have you met the new couple in the ward, Johnny and Mahana?

Johnny Lingo was a shrewd Polynesian trader that went to the big island to bargain for a wife. Mahana, the young woman he desired, was considered by her neighbors and even her father to be of little value, sullen, ugly and undesirable. As the bargaining began, women of the island brag to each other of how many cows their husbands had given for each of them, and comment that Mahana's father will be lucky to see one cow as Lingo's offer. The counselor advises Mahana's father to ask for three cows so that finally, Mahana's father will at least get one cow.
The bargaining began and as the counselor suggested Mahana's father asked Johnny Lingo for three cows. Islanders laugh derisively, then wait for Lingo to make his counter-offer, certain that he will make a devastating bargain.
Johnny, considering, says that three cows are many . . ."But not enough for my Mahana!" He then offers the unheard-of price of eight cows for her hand in marriage. The next day, the villagers gathered at the house of Mahana's father to see the completion of the deal. Some of the islanders said that Lingo reconsidered his deal and would not show up. But Lingo brought the cows. He and Mahana then left the island on a trading trip.
When they came back, to the island's astonishment, Mahana is a beautiful, happy woman. Even Mahana's father began accusing Johnny Lingo of cheating him by giving only eight cows for a girl truly worth ten cows. Johnny, her proud husband, had proved to her that her true worth had nothing to do with what others saw, but only what she truly was.
He had made the best bargain of all -- a few cows for a life with the woman that he loved.

Don't believe me? Their car is in the ward parking lot right now.

Yes, they really are in my ward. The proof:

Deck the Halls

An anonymous person regularly decorates a tree on the main thoroughfare in my neighborhood every year the day after Thanksgiving.

I heard through the grapevine that whoever does this had to obtain a waiver from the Civil War Park authority to walk on this piece of terra firma and dress the tree as Rudolph. You see, he stands on hallowed ground. This strip of land lies between two lanes of opposing traffic and contains civil war Federal troop trenches and is protected.

I'm so glad that waiver was granted. Rudolph is a small piece of whimsy to greet me when I drive down the street to my house.

I know that in the coming days my neighbors will put up their Christmas lights and brightly colored decorations. I love this time of year for many reasons. When Rudloph shows up I know it's the beginning of a joyous season of celebration. We all celebrate in our own way, but it's a time of merrymaking that brings us all together.

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

I know, it's been a while since you have heard from me. I don't even have a good excuse but it's time to warm up the communication lines. You are the best at fulfilling all Christmas wishes. I don't want much "all I want is what I have coming to me. All I want is my fair share."


Please give me more time in each day. I would get much more accomplished with those extra hours especially if I didn't need to sleep. Which brings me to my second request.


Please take away my need for sleep, I could get even more done. I love sleeping but wish I didn't need to do it so much.


Please send me that calorie-free chocolate chip cookie recipe again. I really really need that recipe.


I know you can make this one happen, I need more cubbies in my car. You know, places to put my diet Coke and some calorie-free chocolate chip cookies while I'm tooling around town running errands.

The thought of driving around town brings me to my next request. I want to drive the maximum speed limit, maybe even a little faster and some drivers are not cooperating. This one involves a little more effort on your part, please make people travel in the right lane not the left. Leave the left lane for those of us who go speed limit or faster.

Since this is beginning to sound like a letter all about me, I have one last request, please help me to ignore the idiots around me. I'm supposed to love everyone and sometimes it's rather difficult. So if I could ignore their insignificant babbling the love can flow freely.

Thanks Santa and love,

Annamarie

I'm So Embarassed!

Have you ever gone back over your blog entries and discovered misspelled words or grammatical inaccuracies?

That's what I am currenlty doing and finding both types of errors. Me, the grammar police making a written mistake? Yep, I admit that they are there. In order to preserve my reputation I am currently in the midst of correcting any errors I find.

This is where you come in. I'm the first to admit that my brain may not recognize every error, please report any mistake to me in the comments section. Seriously. I won't be offended only appreciative.

Grammar girl is one of my favorite web sites to use when I have grammatical questions. But she is a "read only" site and doesn't proofread my entries. So, come on and help a sista out.

My Autumn in Virginia

I love, I mean LOVE autumn in Virginia. The humidity is gone and the temperatures are mild. Leaves of red, yellow, orange and brown currently laying all over my yard and blowing in from my neighbor's yards. My neighbors are lighting wood fires in their fireplaces and the air smells so good.


I snapped a few photos of this beautiful area and a few of the things that made me laugh or just caught my eye.

The colors just beginning to emerge. The photo is slightly fuzzy because I'm speeding down the road at 65 mph while I take this one.

Another fuzzy photo, this one of the Chancellor family mansion foundation. A site of an 1863 Civil War battle amd Confederate victory. It is now owned and managed by the National Military Park organization.

Downtown old Fredericksburg. A quintessential small town with shops, cafes, banks and salons. Everyone has a smile on their face and traffic actually stops to allow pedistrians to cross the road. Truly a friendly place to spend your money and have lunch with a friend.

My favorite shop downtown. A lady named Barbara owns this wonderful establishment. She has wonderful taste; I could buy one of each item in her store and be totally happy with it.

The street I live on. My home is just a mile on down the road. This is a divided road so you are seeing the right hand side. The wooded area to the left divides the opposing traffic and contains Civil War trenches. They are protected from development, hence the divided road.

And finally the Worm Poop at Home Depot. Emma thought it was hilarious and suggested this photo. Who would have thought something like worm poop would bring a teenager out of her occasional personality disorder to volunteer for a picture.

Halloween Pranks

This morning I saw this tikki torch in our front yard. We don't own any tikki torches. I called Emma to come take a look at this and we laughed trying to figure out where it came from and what it means.

If you have any answers to my question, please comment and let me know.

Is it a prank? Is it akin to receiving the "Droopy Tube" award in Field Artillery communities? Is it someone trying to tell us our yard is ugly and in need of attention? OR maybe one of Emma's admirers put it there?

I'm dying for an answer cause you know me, I'm gonna return the prank ten fold.

Now I've Heard It All

How would YOU pronounce this child's name: "Le-a" ???
Leah?? NO
Lee - A?? NOPE
Lay - a?? NO
Leia?? Guess Again.

It's pronounced "Ledasha" Oh yes...you read it right. This child attends a school in Livingston Parish, Louisiana. Her mother is irate because everyone is getting her name wrong. When the mother was asked about the pronunciation of the name, she said
"the dash don't be silent."

SO, if you see something come across your desk like this please remember to pronounce it correctly.

Are You Smarter Than a Fourth Grader?

Do you see anything wrong with this? Every vehicle owned by the Sheriff of our county has this same title across the front and the rear. Add to that the badges and patches each employee has on his/her uniform carry the same title.

When Emma was in fourth grade she asked me how many sheriffs there are in our county. I replied, there is only one. Emma then asked how come the car doesn't read Sheriff's Office?



Good question sweetie. After asking a local policeman/sheriff's deputy I learned the cars have been like this "forever". I don't know what to make of this grammatical error. There has to be a good story behind this, when I learn what it is, I will share it with you. You know, we're just all good ole' rednecks in these parts.

No Turn on Red Light

A funny thing happened on the way to the theater last night. The conversation went something like this.

M - Oh, there is a police car behind us with his lights on.

A - Is he after you?

M- I don't know.

A - What did you do?

M - I don't know.

Murray pulls in the the fist available area which happend to be the theater parking lot. The young, 26 year old policeman approaches Murray's side window and asks for his license and registration. After examining them both he asks Murray "do you know why I stopped you?"

M - No sir

Policeman - You turned right on a red light at the last intersection when it's clearly labeled that you can't turn right on a red light at that intersection. Is there a reason why you did that?

M - I just didn't read the sign.

Policeman - I see, please wait here.

During the next 10 minutes I mentioned that he could have at least said, he didn't see the sign (which is true). Then we waited and waited while the policeman called in our plates, check M's driving record for outstanding tickets and reckless driving. He came back with a ticket that had a pared down fine of $30 compared to the $180 it could have been.

Policeman - I filled out this citation, please sign here. If you want to prepay it will save you the $50 court fee. Just log on to this website and submit your payment. And sir, please drive carefully.

M - Thank you sir, I will drive carefully.

I could only get this picture of the blue flashing lights in my visor mirror. I just didn't have the guts to ask the young policeman to pose by his city police car. When we came out of the movie, he was there with his blue flashing lights writing another ticket to someone else.

So.... Murray, who has no moving violations, speeding tickets? Answer that for me.

She's Fourteen

Fourteen years ago Murray was painting the living room while I was at work. The phone call that we had longed for came that day, October 5, 1994. He was informed that the papers had just been signed and there was a beautiful baby girl ready for us to pick up at the hospital. When I got the call at work I was thrilled with the news and immediately checked Alaina out of her 5th grade class and sped home. I walked in the door at home, with my mind racing. Quick, we don't have a car seat, diapers, bottles, formula or even a crib. A call to my neighbor Kecia Pearcy solved the car seat dilemma; she had an infant car seat for us to borrow. I rattled the list of what we MUST get for this baby and Murray took over. He, with his cool-as-a-cucumber nature, assured me that we can pick up everything we need on our way home from the hospital.

On our way to the hospital I couldn't stop thinking about this gift from God. As we entered the hospital the social worker took us to the room of a young 16 year old girl, the birth mother. She wanted to visit with us. We spent 2 hours in the room with her talking about the birth and her hopes and dreams for this little baby. When the time came she picked up the baby and walked to me, then saying "here" she placed her in my arms. Ahhh... how good it felt to hold an infant again. The birth mother and I agreed that we would keep in touch through the social worker. When she was ready to hear about the baby's progress and see some photos she would get word to me.

Fourteen months later the adoption was finalized and we we received the adoption decree and birth certificate. Within two weeks we went to the Washington, DC temple and she was sealed to our family.

She is a bright spot in our family and makes us laugh daily. God blessed us with another child through a different route than most and I am eternally grateful. I see her kindness to others and her undying love for our smelly little dachshund. I love to see the look on her face when she solves a complex geometry problem and watch her cheer for her favorite football team. I get a kick out of her "organization lists" for everything from birthday party plans to school supply lists. I am touched when she bears her testimony of the Lord. I'm quick to say that despite her refusal to take piano lessons she can play almost any song you put in front of her.

So my dear Emma, you are part of a miracle. Heavenly Father answered our prayers and blessed us with you. It's all I can do to not hug you ever so tight each day and squeeze the pudding out of you. Sometimes I chance it anyway and I am blessed most days with your beautiful smile followed by your elbow shoving me away. I know you need those hugs as much as I need them. I promise I will never stop hugging you.

After School Naps

I love the after-school hours. Emma comes in the door and calls out, "I'm home" and I call back "Hello". It's our routine. She then grabs a quick snack, usually a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios and then starts her homework. Before she is finished with the book work she has fallen asleep. She is not picky about where she naps. The living room couch, the family room couch, her bed, my bed or Dad's office floor. This is the same child that refused to nap at 18 months old and has just recently realized how heavenly a nap really is.

When Murray is in town she will wander into his office and tell him about her day at school. Last Friday Murray laid down on his office floor with Emma and they had a nice discussion about their days; hers at school and his at work. I was in the next room and listened to them talk about normal, ordinary, everyday things.

It wasn't too long until I learned that Emma loves, really loves the new Camaro and thinks it would be a great gift for her 16th birthday in two years. She also wants to go to the high school football game this weekend, "would you go with me Dad?" "Could we rent the party room at the ice rink for my birthday and invite all the kids from church. And could we order pizza and soda for everyone?" Soon I heard a very quiet snoring and knew Murray was asleep and Emma would quickly follow.

Aaahhh.... Every day should be this good.

I Hereby Declare, an Oath.....

Today was a remarkable day for 52 people from almost as many countries as they pledged an oath because they wish to become United States citizens. Murray and I attended this ceremony by invitation from Eric Hertert, a family friend, who is originally from France. He has been living and working here (with all the legal documents) for 20 years. He met and married Barbara and they have two children, Pascale and Noah.

If you wish to read the oath go here. The countries that were represented were Ghana, France, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, Egypt, Lebanon, S. Korea, Peru, Pakistan, Guatamala, Canada, Ethiopia, Jamaica, Vietnam, India, Iraq, China, Cambodia, El Salvador, Hong Kong, Laos, Greece, El Salvador, Phillipines, Dominican Republic and Columbia. Each person walking up to the assistant district attorney to shake her hand and receive their certificate of citizenship had a smile on their face. For some, this process had taken years to achieve. All of them thanked the judge. Their dream had come true.

Congratulations Eric, thanks for sharing your day with us. Remember what you promised Barb regarding how you would vote when you became a citizen.

Three Haoles Visit Oahu

Last week we found ourselves on a surprise trip to Oahu, Hawaii. Murray had business meetings with the 25th Infantry Division based at Schofield Barracks. We took Emma out of school and made it a family vacation. Maholo(thankyou) Cisco Systems for those meetings that could only be handled in person and not by telepresence. Maholo(thank you) again for a nice hotel room with a nani(beautiful) view of the pacific kai(ocean).

In between meetings and conference calls we managed to have tons of fun. Emma and I went to the pool and sunned among Aussies and Brits and realized how strong the sun is in Hawaii. Emma was totally mesmerized with the Twilight series; she had her nose in the books the entire trip.

Pearl Harbor was amazing. To see where the US became involved in World War II and battleship row was a history lesson. It takes away some of the guilt I feel knowing her absence from school is classified as "unexcused" when I know she is learning something that she can't get from her teachers at school.

We ventured north of Oahu to Laie where BYU-Hawaii is located as well as the LDS Temple. The campus of BYU is smaller than it's Utah counterpart though equally pretty and well manicured. The students, all 2700 of them, don't look old enough to have a driver's license. Seriously, they looked soooo young. The temple just next to campus is beautiful. I wandered into the Distribution Center and was surprised to see some good friends we know from Fort Bragg, NC and Fort Hood, TX, Ted and Karen Thomas.
We have been stationed at the same Army post with Ted and Karen two different times. Imagine my surprise that we would run into each other in Hawaii. The temple grounds are always a good place to happen upon friends you haven't seen for a while.


The North Shore was our next fun outing. Just driving around the Island is great. I couldn't take my eyes off the vegetation, mountains and the native islanders or inhaling the scents of the nanu(beautiful) flowers.

We stopped at Waiamea Bay and walked across the hot sand and set up our beach mats and towels close to the water. Murray went in with his snorkeling gear but gave up soon as the water was cloudy. I joined him in the kai(ocean) and was quickly knocked over by the rough waves. I tumbled and rolled and laughed so hard. I crawled out of the water (so I wouldn't be knocked over again) and I stood up and found my suit literally full of sand. I had sand in every location possible! Yes, even there!

We ate the most ono(delicious) kau kau(food), fresh fish called Opacapaca, Onu and fresh vegatables. I was a very happy haole(caucasion) malihini(visitor). The Hawaiian people are friendly and gracious. Our experience was limited to those we came in contact with during our stay so if you know any different don't burst my bubble. I did not want to leave the nanu(beautiful) island and lani(heavenly) weather. Emma finished volumes 1,2 and started volume 3 on this trip. She is totally hooked and looks forward to the movie. My visit to Hawaii was great. Any suggestions on which island to visit next time?

Seven Years Ago

Semtember 11, 2001

I remember the clear blue sky with crisp clear autumn air. Coming home from my morning walk and rounding the corner onto Garden Road in Concord, Massachusetts where I lived my neighbor stopped me and asked "have you seen the news this morning?" She mentioned an airplane flew into one of the World Trade Center buildings. As I entered my house the telephone was ringing. My father-in-law just checking on Murray's whereabouts. I told him Murray is in San Jose. His concern for Murray's safety evident in his questions about when Murray was returning home.

I had no idea what I would learn by the end this day, September 11, 2001. I was glued to the news on television all day. At first I couldn't imagine that "hate" fuels something like this. Surely if Osama Bin Laden hates us so much he can learn to ignore us. Silly me, I was thinking like a mom, like I tell my kids. "if she is bothering you please ignore her".

I wasn't processing this tradegy very well. As I began to learn more about Al Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden; anger began to build within my heart. I wasn't just irritated, I was angry that someone would do this to my country. And did he think we wouldn't play the defense? A few songs were written and recorded describing the feelings many of us were experiencing. As they were played on the radio and my patriotic feelings swelled. I don't personally know anyone that lost their life that day. I prayed that the families of those who did would feel wrapped in the comfort that only the Holy Ghost can give.

Today, seven years later, much of the news footage has been replayed. Seeing the planes deliberately fly into the towers, pentagon and a Pennsylvania field bring some of those feelings to life again. Over time I have grown to love this country more, and possess a gratitude for my freedoms that come at so great a cost.

Grocery Cart Wrangler

Upon moving to our current location I was on the hunt for a good hairdresser and a good grocery store. I found the grocery store long before the good hairdresser.

UKROP'S

I resisted this local mom and pop grocery chain. With its funny name and fresh breads, pasta salads, soups and prepared dishes for tonight's dinner; I quickly labeled it as "probably expensive" and tried every other grocery store first. I grew bored with Giant, Wal-Mart and Food Lion and the lack of choices in those stores. Can you believe they do not carry Boar's Head deli meats? So, in search of Boar's Head meats and cheeses I ventured into Ukrop's and was pleasantly suprised. Nice and clean, laid out well and they carry Boar's Head.

Imagine my surprise when the very polite, chubby, pimple-faced teenage boy wheeled my groceries out to my and loaded them neatly into the trunk of the car. I pulled some money out of my wallet for the tip and he refused it saying we don't take tips.

I replied "really, you can't accept this?"

He smiled and said "That's right mam, this is all part of your Ukrop's experience."

Welcome to the south where gentility and friendliness are everywhere. I love it!

8th Grade Here I Come!

Look out world; I'm in 8th grade now and I'm gonna take you down. I have my class schedule and I no longer view the Middle School as a huge maze where I can get lost. My locker is next to my BFF, and Gym class is before lunch this year, not right after. I have Mrs. Kennedy for math, she is so cool! Everything would be perfect if Adam wasn't in my homeroom class. He is such a jerk.

My four favorite things about 8th grade.

1. All the new people at the school, especially the new guys. They seem to be really nice.

2. I don't have Mr. Dunn for science.

3. I know most of the kids in my classes, they seem nicer this year.

4. I get to sit in the back of the bus, a position of "coolness" reserved for eighth graders.


Watch out Falcons here I come.

Sweet Nothings

Things heard coming from my husband's sweet lips:

"You're hair is getting thin right here".

"You are getting your grandmother's neck".

"Lanie, you have your mother's hands...., yea you do, look you have short stubby fingers just like her".

In response to a comment made by me stating that I DO NOT like speaking in church, quit volunteering me to do so; "Oh, just get up there and babble on like you usually do."

"What's wrong with having a dog? Everytime I come home Rusty runs down the driveway to greet me wagging his tail ready to go, how come you don't to that?"

"Okay, I brushed by teeth, come on".

Twenty-five years and going strong. Murray might be mortified when he reads this blog entry, but these are the things that make me love him. With no thought of malice, he makes me laugh on a daily basis. Despite thinning hair, Mim-Mim's neck, short stubby fingers and a habit of babbling from the podium, he loves me too.

Blog 911... Hello can you help me?

I'm looking for a tutorial on designing and updating my blog. Can you please give me the name and phone number of a reputable instructor? Any suggestions you can provide will get you a shout out on my blog. Come on, you know it's worth it.

Thank you,

It's Too Expensive to Even Shower

The infamous powers that be in Spotsylvania (aka Sptotsyltucky) county voted once again to raise the water rates. That's three years in a row they have raised the rates. So, what was once a $75.00/month water bill is now about $365.00/month. The high price per gallon is in place to discourage over useage and prevent the forementioned county from building a new water tower.

I should mention that the bill only goes over $30.00 a month during the spring, summer and autumn when we need to water the lawn. But the real clincher is your sewer bill is directly affected by your water useage. So regardless if the water goes into your precious expensive sodded lawn or down the drain after you bathe or do dishes, you pay the sewage fee for that gallon that you just used.

In an effort to cut back on our water use and save money we have resorted to Rusty baths. You simply lay down on the floor and Rusty steps up and licks every inch of your body. Waaalaaaa, you are fresh and clean and ready for a new day. Doesn't every expert tell you that a dogs tongue is cleaner than your own?

Isn't She Lovely

I was just running to JoAnn's Fabrics to pick up one thing. With Emma following behind, I walked directly to the item I was looking for. After picking up a spool of thread I found Emma at the pattern books asking me to "come look at this". She wants a new dress and found a cute pattern. I told her "no, I'm not going to make a dress for you. I haven't sewn a garment in many years. I don't know if I can put a zipper in anymore. "


She pleaded, begged and promised her undying love for me, her mother. Finally....we left the store with all the necessary fabric , notions and my growing feelings of my inadequacy. Me cursing myself for giving in to her pleading.


I looked at the fabric for 2-3 weeks, afraid to start the project because I was afraid to fail. After feeling guilty about spend the money on the supplies and feeling ashamed that I am such a sissy; I began her dress. A few days later she modeled the finished project.

Now I'm feeling pretty proud of myself. I have a new found sense of my capabilities and I love Emma for asking me to take the challenge. She has no idea the boost my confidence has received in my service to her. Thank you sweetie, I love you. Thanks for teaching me to try again.

Lessons from Daddy

Emma is such a Daddy's girl, she idolizes him. Today proves that she will do anything he asks her to do, as long as he works beside her. We have found the key for Emma is Daddy's companionship.

So today, it's over 95 degrees and the yard was looking shabby so the two of them head outside for the weekly "yard work" chores. Emma works with Daddy in the yard because she has been asked to do so; it's not her kind of thing. Until today:

Her first driving lesson and she loved it. The smile on her face said it all.

We don't have sons to help with the yard work, but Emma is learning from Daddy how to take care of the lawn. Most weekends when it's time to tackle the yard we hear, "I wish I had some sons". Then he figured Emma is ready to learn to care for the lawn. I think he even has a checklist like this:

1. Cut grass with riding mower.

2. Use push mower for areas riding mower can't cut.

3. Weed eat everywhere else.

4. Edge around the patio, driveway and sidewalk.

5. Use blower to blow all trimmings across the street to the empty lot.

6. Pull any weeds in landscaping beds.

7. Spray for Japanese Beetles in flowering trees.

I thank God everyday for Murray, he has the knack for knowing just what Emma needs and how to work with her and teach her all she needs to know. They make a great pair. So what do you think, will she be as eager to learn from me when I tell her she is now in charge of her doing her own laundry?

You Can't Afford Her

On our way to the big city up north we stopped for gas and something to drink. Emma and I went inside the quick mart and made a beeline for the candy aisle. We both looked up and down each and every shelf for something chocolate.

This takes time as there are so many choices. Right next to us were some scary biker dudes perusing the candy selection at the same time. I was keeping an eye on them while sending them vibes with the message, quit glancing at my 13 year old daughter! I made a move to position myself between Emma and the dudes saying "Um, excuse me please" in my kindest voice.

As they politely said "no problem, mam" they alowed me to stake out my position of dominance. One then looked at me, smiled and nodded toward Emma and asked "How much for the little girl"?

I laughed and said "Oh, you can't afford her". Snorting out a little laugh, he smiled and said "you're probably right".

Emma and I moved to the register to pay and he was in line right behind us. Clearing his throat he then said, "Mam, I was just joking back there".

I turned, smiled and wished him a good day. Leaving the mart I saw the back of his leather jacket with a large logo that read, BIKERS FOR JESUS. Now I'm really confused, maybe he's not a scary biker dude, just a friendly grandpa-aged man. I don't know what to make of my first impression. Was I too quick to judge by his appearance?

Cruising In Memory Of....

Remember my blog on Vanity Plates?

I discovered another strange thing that folks do in this part of the state. There are many cars on the road advertising why they are driving. The window decals state they are cruising in memory of someone they knew or loved. You know, like their pawpaw, their son, their loving wife or Dale Earnhardt. The funniest decal I have seen stated: Cruising in memory of Lisa and my money.

It's like a peek inside their private business. I'm sure Lisa spent all that guy's money and then left. I'm also sure he's not the first one to experience that. Likewise, the folks who advertise on their rear car window they know someone who has died aren't the only ones on the road who have experienced the death of a loved one.

So what's the difference between us and them? I wouldn't presume anyone else cares about my loss and I'd feel uncomfortable putting my private affairs out there. Very different from blogging where I'm writing to my interpeeps.

Maybe it's a badge of honor for those who haven't moved on after their loss. Whatever the reason, it can provide moments of laughter. By the way, thanks Lisa. You should have seen him, big, mud-spattered pick-up truck, wife-beater shirt, mutton sideburns and what hair he had was down past his shoulders. I don't blame you girl.

Happy Birtrhday Brian!

My younger brother, Brian Frank turns 43 today.

He is the 5th child in a brood of 6. He came following on older brother and 3 older sisters. With his curly hair and blue eyes Mom thought he was an angel. Then she gave him a t-shirt that read "I'm a little blue-eyed devil."

There are many memories in my mind of Brian getting in trouble. Dad would call out his name in an effort to draw Brian out of hiding (it's always better to hide than face the music). Brian would scurry around the house and sneak into each hiding place our house held. Dad, always 20 steps behind Brain, would storm by us and ask "have you kids seen your brother?"

We enjoyed this "game", always relieved we weren't in the hot spot. Eventually Brian was found and the discipline began. Sometimes it ended in Brian going outside to cut a switch for Dad to use on him. That was not funny, each of the 6 children in my family had to cut their own switch at least once. Except maybe Julie, see item #2.

Brain was disciplined by Mom one evening when she was getting dinner ready. I found him in the hallway by the living room crying. I picked him up and carried him to the old green rocking chair and dried his tears. You remember that don't you BFB?

I am only 4 years older than Brian, but when I became a teenager, that 4 years felt like a whole decade. He was always my "little brother". Soon he grew taller than the rest of the family and was always skinnier than his sisters. He worked as a landscaper during high school, tinkered with cars and gave Mom & Dad heck on a daily basis.

He came to Murray's rescue on our wedding day. While at the temple, Murray discovered he left the marriage license at his house. A quick call to Brian solved that problem. Brian, always happy to drive, drove over to Murray's house, broke in the basement window, retrieved the license and raced to the temple.

Brian is still thinner and taller than me and I still weigh more than he does, but he will always be my little brother.

Happy Birthday Brian, 43 was a good year for me. Make it a good one for yourself!

Love, Ree

Normal, Everyday Things

My blog has been empty lately because I ran into a brick wall mentally. When I sit down to record my thoughts, I am totally blank. I feel that something very exciting must happen in order be blog worthy. Maybe I don't recognize the very exciting things in my life. I'm sure that's it. Sometimes I don't see what is right in front of my eyes.


Murray took two days PTO and we planned to spend the two days going to museums. Day #1 we stopped for breakfast at IHOP, Murray's favorite. Next we went to the new Smithsonian Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum. We spent 5 hours reading plaques and looking at airplanes, space ships and helicopters. It was much more interesting for Murray than Emma and I.


We were tired so we headed home to our comfortable, air conditioned house. I emphasize the air conditioning because it was hot and humid and nothing sucks the life out of me like heat and humidity. I'm a real sissy.


Day #2 we went to the Wash, DC temple. Emma was feeling ok about not visiting any more museums and stayed home and lounged all day long. The temple is only two hours away and we always let things get in the way of making the trip. There are forces that conspire against us when we make plans to go to the temple but we didn't let anything stop us today. We were the only two in the session. It was a beautiful way to spend our day.


I will say that while Murray devoted time to Emma and I and we did things together away from his office, he still took phone calls and checked email from his blackberry. PTO means paid time off, Cisco Systems can't get along without him. I know how they feel, neither can I.

So while these things happened in an unexciting everyday way, it's good to remember and keep close to my heart. I was reminded that I have a wonderful, bright daughter and she sometimes enjoys being around me. I also have a husband that is mine forever. We reminisced about our own wedding as we entered the temple where 25 years ago we began our life together. I felt the quiet whisperings of the spirit telling me that taking time to be in the temple will result in blessings untold. Everyday should be this good.