Desirae Duncan Johnson, Me, Robyn Loertscher Moody, & Darci Simmons Branich
Darci, Desirae, Me, & Robyn
Love, Love, Love these girls!!!
December 24, 2009
UPDATE....
Pictures from our fabulous dinner last night!!!! I laughed and cried and made a wonderful new memory to add to "our story".
December 22, 2009
Old Friends (Not to say they're old)
I have this dinner coming up with three long lost friends; I'm so excited about I just have to share. And so the story begins.......
Once upon a time there was a girl named Brandy. When Brandy was a wee one around the age of 5 she would often visit her Grandparents; but while there would become bored and whiney, driving her Grandparents absolutely crazy. Her Grandma decided to find her a friend, luckily a few house down lived another wee one named Robyn. So when Brandy would visit she now had a wonderful friend to keep her busy. The two rambunctious children soon became great friends. A couple of years went by when Brandy was enrolled in Robyn’s school and the two were now reunited in 2nd grade. What fun they had with their days learning, playing at recess, walking home from school together, but tragically, after that magical year together the two were split apart!
They both continued on their journey through 3rd and 4th grade when as fate would have it, Robyn was enrolled at the school Brandy was now attending. It was such a reunion! During that year, they brought several other girls into their friendship, most fell away, but they found a special bond with Desirae, and the two became three, three girls who shared the next two years doing what most “tweens” do; learning, laughing, fighting, making up, sharing, finding boys, and such. They made great memories during those years.
Just when the world seemed right, the three girls were headed for impending doom. They were, despite their best efforts to fight it, being sent to Middle School. It was a scary time, very scary indeed. How would they navigate through that huge school? What if they got lost? What if they got bullied? But worst of all, what if they got separated? It was a horrible thought! But there was no way out of it; they had to face this journey, hopefully together.
For the most part the three were split into different classes and lunches, but luckily they found a way to manage to remain together, the three of them, walking to and from school together, sharing what had transpired during their days apart. During this time they learned to lean on each other and were so lucky to have their special friendship to hold them up during that difficult transition. But what they didn't realize was that something was still missing from this group of three, or was it someone.
During that first year of middle school they made several new friends, but one fit perfectly, her name was Darci. Darci was a perfect addition to this friendship. With her bubbly personality and her optimistic outlook, she helped these three navigate through all these changes and taught them to let others in.And so it was, the three became four; Brandy, Robyn, Desirae and Darci, conquering middle school, awkward preteen years, sleepovers, toilet papering, and oh yes...boys, together. 
Those are some of my fondest memories growing up, the four of us, with our trips on the bus to the mall, riding the sky coaster at Lagoon looking for cute boys, scaring ourselves so bad with scary movies sleepovers ended up having little to do with sleep and more to do with keeping each other awake; but most important learning who we were and who we weren't.
After we started high school I went to a different school, and sort of lost touch, I can only blame myself for the loss of such great friendships. I hope they remember our friendship as fondly as I do.
Robyn, Darci and I have managed to get together about a year ago with our kids to catch up, but we were missing Desirae.
Those are some of my fondest memories growing up, the four of us, with our trips on the bus to the mall, riding the sky coaster at Lagoon looking for cute boys, scaring ourselves so bad with scary movies sleepovers ended up having little to do with sleep and more to do with keeping each other awake; but most important learning who we were and who we weren't.After we started high school I went to a different school, and sort of lost touch, I can only blame myself for the loss of such great friendships. I hope they remember our friendship as fondly as I do.
Robyn, Darci and I have managed to get together about a year ago with our kids to catch up, but we were missing Desirae.
She had moved away and we weren't able to find her at the time. But that darn Facebook has a way of helping pull people out of the woodwork. Desirae has been found, and lucky for us, although she is living over 2,000 miles away, she is here visiting family for the holidays. We are planning to get together tomorrow night to catch up, look at pictures, and most importantly to rekindle our friendship.
November 23, 2009
This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving has always been a great holiday for me. Family, food, friends, and fun, not to mention a day to reflect on everything we have to be thankful for. No matter who I’ve spent this day with in the past it’s always left me with a good feeling and warm memories.
I have memories of Thanksgiving shared with the Lugo family, eating rice and beans, with family filtering through my Grandparents house, almost as if we were scheduled in shifts. I have memories of Thanksgivings with the Casper family, with the whole family sitting at the table to eat a turkey and all the trimming together, all while the guys continued screaming at the football players in the TV, as if they could hear. And most recently, Thanksgivings at the Chatwin home, where the visiting and games after dinner were really what everyone was looking forward to.
I have memories of Thanksgiving shared with the Lugo family, eating rice and beans, with family filtering through my Grandparents house, almost as if we were scheduled in shifts. I have memories of Thanksgivings with the Casper family, with the whole family sitting at the table to eat a turkey and all the trimming together, all while the guys continued screaming at the football players in the TV, as if they could hear. And most recently, Thanksgivings at the Chatwin home, where the visiting and games after dinner were really what everyone was looking forward to.
Last year Thanksgiving was about being thankful that Curtis survived his accident and was finally able to come home. In fact he was so healthy; he actually boarded a plane to visit his Dad. So, without him, we all came together to give thanks for that. The day ended not so well for me, leaving the ER early the next day. But look, it’s a year later, and I’m still here, planning Thanksgiving Dinner for this year. I’m going to try to not let the anxiety of those memories or my uncoming test results haunt me, I’m going to give Thanks for my family, my friends, my health (yes, my health), my families health, for my ability to work and help provide for my family, and equally if not more so that Ronnie is able to do so, I’m going to give Thanks for all the wonderful people who have stood by me from day one, those who have come out of the woodwork to show how much love they have to share, and those who have shown they don’t, so I can get on with those who do.
And above all, to give Thanks to God, who has given me this wonderful life, who gave me the people I need in my life, who instilled in me the strengths I’ll need to endure and the faults I’ll need to help me learn. Who brought my wonderful husband into my life, and blessed us both with the two most wonderful children we could ask for.
Yes, the trials are not over for the Hess Family, but that does not mean the sun is shining any less bright on our faces. And for that, we’ll give Thanks.
And above all, to give Thanks to God, who has given me this wonderful life, who gave me the people I need in my life, who instilled in me the strengths I’ll need to endure and the faults I’ll need to help me learn. Who brought my wonderful husband into my life, and blessed us both with the two most wonderful children we could ask for.
Yes, the trials are not over for the Hess Family, but that does not mean the sun is shining any less bright on our faces. And for that, we’ll give Thanks.
November 21, 2009
Sophia's Birthday in Pictures
Sophia's Birthday Breakfast Set-Up
Isnt' it fancy??? Thanks to Nana
Friends Party
Sophia and her pink polka dot cake
The girls making their "Friends are the Flowers in the Garden of Life" shirts
All the girls....Leah, Kaylee, Allie, Olivia, Sophia, Analisa, Lexi, & Kalena
Family Dinner Birthday Party (@ The Pie)
Me and my darling daughter opening presents
Grandma Sheila and Nana watching Sophia open her presents...
Sophia blowing out candles...again
I hope she had a wonderful 6th birthday. My baby is growing up too fast!
November 11, 2009
Veterans Day
"This Veterans Day, I believe we should do more than sing the praises of the bravery and patriotism that our veterans have embodied in the past. We should take this opportunity to re-evaluate how we are treating our veterans in the present."
~Nick Lampson
My grandparents live in a small town outside of Tucson, every year a local 4th grade teacher has his students write letters/poems to the local veterans expressing their gratitude and has them read them aloud. A few years ago we were visiting during Veterans Day and had the pleasure of accompanying them to this event. It was such an honor to be there and to watch as these children got up and expressed what we all feel, and to see the pride in my Grandfather was indescribable. I am so thankful to all the veterans, those who are living and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, for all they have done, and all they continue to do. And if I could, I'd thank that teacher for making this day so special for those Vets and so important to his students, for reminding them how important our Vets are and how we should treat them with all with respect, dignity, and appreciation.
Here is a picture of my Grandfather receiving a letter from a student at the event last year...
I am so proud of him!
November 9, 2009
Sophia's birthday
It sure doesn't feel like it's been six years since our precious spitfire of a daughter came into this world, but it's been that long. Last week she turned six and I've never seen her so excited for anything. For days all she could talk about was her birthday, and turning six, her party, and having her friends come over.
I'll never forget the day she was born. She was so beautiful with that curly red hair and that big round face.
Although the curly hair went straight as it grew, its still a beautiful red color.
Although the curly hair went straight as it grew, its still a beautiful red color.
And although she's as beautiful as ever, and her hair is still the most awesome color of auburn, I'm more proud of the little lady she's becoming then anything else. She's so independent and sure of herself, she doesn't question her opinions or look to others for the path to take. She is a leader and a social butterfly. She loves to learn, and has actually been teaching a hispanic girl in her kindergarten class English. She hates the days she's out of school and can't wait to get back to the classroom. She's fearless, not afraid of anything, the only girl in a kung fu class and the the little girl who doesn't want to get off the 50 she inherited from her big brother. She has her own sense of fashion and loves the sparkly stuff, but also loves wearing her dirtbike riding pants and playing in the mud, she's a tomboy in a dress one day and wearing pearls with jeans the next. 
I don't put anything past her, no one can tell her she can't when she knows she can. She told me this morning she wants to visit Mars, and knowing our daughter, she just might.She is a Daddy's Girl and will always be my baby.
Happy 6th Birthday to our Sophia Maria Tortilla, FeeFee, Sofers, Sofeefee, aka Miss Sassy Pants!
***I forgot a couple nicknames.... Lil Red and the one I only call her; Sweet Pea.***
October 28, 2009
October 21, 2009
Recap
Wow…what a summer this has been. I don’t know how it went by so fast, but it’s already over. So before I move on to the next season I must take a few minutes to reflect on the last.
For our family we started our summer a little earlier then usual, with a trip to California at the end of April. No, we didn’t make it to Disneyland, but we did lots of other fun stuff. We took the kids to Legoland, Seaworld, and spent a few days at the beach. With Ronnie working in California it was the perfect time to take the kids there, and they thought Dad having his own apartment was the coolest thing ever (I’m not so sure about that). I enjoyed my time with Ronnie and the kids’ and hope they will remember this vacation fondly.
It seemed to rain all of June, so planting of gardens and flowerbeds didn’t happen until way to late in the season, but I still enjoyed the digging and pruning while I could. If anyone has suggestions on raspberry bushes, let me know. I planted ours a few years ago, and still nothing.
Again, with Ronnie out of town, Ethan racing was a bit difficult. It was hard for Ronnie to not be there with him, hard for him to not have his Dad there, and hard for me to know what the heck I was suppose to be doing. I think I finally got into the groove, even pulled the bike on the trailer out to the last couple races. Ethan said “You’re the greatest mom ever! Not many moms would leave work early and pull a trailer with a bike on it just so their son could race.” It makes me so happy to know he gets it and really appreciates me. He’s becoming such a great little man.
And of course there was the great vacation my husband took me on in August…still can’t get over how much I loved it there in Maui, but who wouldn’t right.
We didn’t do as much boating this year as last, mostly because of Ronnie being out of town so much, but when he was in town; we tried to get to the lake as often as we could. The kids started jumping in the water on their own instead of being pushed in or coerced, they are truly becoming fish. We did manage to get a good boating trip in during Labor Day weekend. We went south and visited two lakes we hadn’t been to yet, Sand Hollow, which was beautiful, but far too small and too packed to really enjoy “boating”, it was more like “floating” and Quail Creek, wow, what a hidden gem. Quail Creek seemed about the same size as Sand Hollow, but was far less packed, I kid you not, probably at the most 10 boats on the lake at the same time the whole day. It was so warm and peaceful and we even managed to get my much beloved Uncle Pete to go with us. It was a great time.
And now summer is ending, we’ve already winterized the boat, I’ve pulled the flowers out of the gardens and tilled the dirt, I’ve hung autumn decorations in the house and have begun planning for what’s to come.
For our family we started our summer a little earlier then usual, with a trip to California at the end of April. No, we didn’t make it to Disneyland, but we did lots of other fun stuff. We took the kids to Legoland, Seaworld, and spent a few days at the beach. With Ronnie working in California it was the perfect time to take the kids there, and they thought Dad having his own apartment was the coolest thing ever (I’m not so sure about that). I enjoyed my time with Ronnie and the kids’ and hope they will remember this vacation fondly.
It seemed to rain all of June, so planting of gardens and flowerbeds didn’t happen until way to late in the season, but I still enjoyed the digging and pruning while I could. If anyone has suggestions on raspberry bushes, let me know. I planted ours a few years ago, and still nothing.
Again, with Ronnie out of town, Ethan racing was a bit difficult. It was hard for Ronnie to not be there with him, hard for him to not have his Dad there, and hard for me to know what the heck I was suppose to be doing. I think I finally got into the groove, even pulled the bike on the trailer out to the last couple races. Ethan said “You’re the greatest mom ever! Not many moms would leave work early and pull a trailer with a bike on it just so their son could race.” It makes me so happy to know he gets it and really appreciates me. He’s becoming such a great little man.
And of course there was the great vacation my husband took me on in August…still can’t get over how much I loved it there in Maui, but who wouldn’t right.
We didn’t do as much boating this year as last, mostly because of Ronnie being out of town so much, but when he was in town; we tried to get to the lake as often as we could. The kids started jumping in the water on their own instead of being pushed in or coerced, they are truly becoming fish. We did manage to get a good boating trip in during Labor Day weekend. We went south and visited two lakes we hadn’t been to yet, Sand Hollow, which was beautiful, but far too small and too packed to really enjoy “boating”, it was more like “floating” and Quail Creek, wow, what a hidden gem. Quail Creek seemed about the same size as Sand Hollow, but was far less packed, I kid you not, probably at the most 10 boats on the lake at the same time the whole day. It was so warm and peaceful and we even managed to get my much beloved Uncle Pete to go with us. It was a great time.
And now summer is ending, we’ve already winterized the boat, I’ve pulled the flowers out of the gardens and tilled the dirt, I’ve hung autumn decorations in the house and have begun planning for what’s to come.
October 15, 2009
What a difference a Year makes!
I don't even know where to start...that's how I felt a year ago and it took me weeks to actually sit down and type out the story and my feelings. I won't do that today, I'll take the time to write, I'll make the words come.
Last year, at this time, I was sitting in the hospital with so many family members, waiting, for some spark of hope, for one of the nurses to actually smile or wink or give us some sign that everything would be ok. But it wasn't happening. Last year at this time no one gave any of us much hope that my cousin Curtis would still be with us today. Everything changed that day, life changed, the world changed, our family changed, and nothing is the same. The hospital staff just knew from that first day, there was no controlling this family, the ICU rules just could not apply to us. Two visitors at a time, no...we piled em in 4 deep 6 wide, visiting hours...what hours, no touching the patient..ARE YOU KIDDING! That was the most ridiculous, I understand the overstimulating the patient, but when you have someone in a coma, who is so used to a loving touchy feely family...like ours, he needs to feel us, to know we're all there, he needs to hear us, he needs to know how much we need him and want him back. That night, they gave up.
You see, for those of you that don't know..Curtis was in a horrible accident. They had given up on him before he was even in the hospital. They didn't call in a plastic surgeon to even look at him for two hours, they were just waiting for him to pretty much...die. When my brother called me, he told me I should come see him before they took him to surgery "just in case".
Over the next few weeks we all got to know that ICU better then anyone should. I would work all day, sometimes visit at lunch, and then either go straight there and then get home right before the kids went to sleep, or hurry home from work, spend a few hours with the kids, and then go to the hospital and drag myself out of there sometime before midnight.
Every movement, every twitch, every sound gave us some hope, and finally he slowly started to wake up!
He's still with us, life if different for him. He doesn't see himself when he looks in the mirror, it's a different face, and most of the time he's very positive about it, of course there are those moments when I'm sure it sucks pretty bad for him.
But for us, we're thrilled he's with us. We still want to beat him for putting us through that, but it actually has brought us all much closer, even after a year, we still make sure to say "I love you" before we end a call, we try to get together even for the little things, and yes, I do try to take more time off work for no reason at all.
I've always been waiting, working towards something, but now I realize...my life is happening NOW, it's not what happens some day in the future, its all these small moments woven together.
Appreciate every minute you have with each other, don't worry about the dishes in the sink (yes, I'm still working on that one) or the weeds growing in the garden, read a book to your kids, snuggle with your significant other, take time to appreciate what you accomplished today don't worry about what you didn't..it'll still be there tomorrow. But you never know WHO won't, love them while you can.
September 18, 2009
Better Together
Every couple has that one song that they choose when they get married, I've always thought of it as a "theme song" to your life together. Our song was and is Amazed by Lonestar, it's a wonderful song about being so in love and wanting it to last forever. I can't remember exactly how it became our song, but I'm thinking it had something to do with Ronnie singing it to me.
"Every time our eyes meet
This feeling inside me
Is almost more than I can take
Baby when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away...
...Baby I'm amazed by you"
While we were on in Maui, on our dinner cruise, there was a singer who was taking requests and such. Well, Ronnie snuck away on the pretense of finding the restroom. A few minutes after he returned, there was a birthday wish from Ronnie to Brandy (not really my birthday, we have no idea where that came from), he proceeded to say how Ronnie wanted to let his beautiful wife know how much he loved her and was enjoying this time with her. He proceeded to dedicate the song "Better Together" by Jack Johnson to us. Apparently Ronnie had asked for another song, but he didn't know it, but this song was perfect, and has now become our song also.
"...Love is the answer at least for most of the questions in my heart
'Why are we here?' and, 'Where do we go?' and, 'How come we're so hard?'
It's not always easy and sometimes life can be deceiving
I'll tell you one thing it's always better when we're together...
...But I will still tell you one thing, we're better together"
"Every time our eyes meet
This feeling inside me
Is almost more than I can take
Baby when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away...
...Baby I'm amazed by you"
While we were on in Maui, on our dinner cruise, there was a singer who was taking requests and such. Well, Ronnie snuck away on the pretense of finding the restroom. A few minutes after he returned, there was a birthday wish from Ronnie to Brandy (not really my birthday, we have no idea where that came from), he proceeded to say how Ronnie wanted to let his beautiful wife know how much he loved her and was enjoying this time with her. He proceeded to dedicate the song "Better Together" by Jack Johnson to us. Apparently Ronnie had asked for another song, but he didn't know it, but this song was perfect, and has now become our song also.
"...Love is the answer at least for most of the questions in my heart
'Why are we here?' and, 'Where do we go?' and, 'How come we're so hard?'
It's not always easy and sometimes life can be deceiving
I'll tell you one thing it's always better when we're together...
...But I will still tell you one thing, we're better together"
September 13, 2009
Hawaii 2009
Here it goes…the story of my wonderful trip with my amazing husband. All of you jealous people should stop reading now, because I will be gloating and rubbing it in as much as I possibly can in this post.
If you’re still reading prepare yourself, I’m about to take you on a journey I never expected to have, too rich for my blood, too perfect to be real…ok so there was the minor detail of a hurricane, but really the trip was so amazing Hurricane Felicia was long forgotten before the trip was even over. Last month, after having my husband working out of town for what seemed like eternity, he whisked me away on the most beautiful memorable vacation. He went all out on this one, taking me to the Ritz-Carlton in beautiful Kapalua, Hawaii.
I’ll admit it almost didn’t happen. Earlier in the year we talked about taking a vacation and he really wanted to go somewhere in the Caribbean, but I was adamant, I was not traveling to a hurricane zone in the middle of hurricane season, did he think I was crazy!?!? We finally agreed Maui was going to be the perfect vacation for us to reconnect. I had finally come to terms with leaving the kids, leaving work, and spending way too much money to relax, and I was just getting anxious to get on that plane and head to paradise, what happens…. Yes, a hurricane heads straight for Maui. Are you kidding me!!! When was the last time you heard of a hurricane hitting Maui, really? Ok, so I did a little research, a Category 4 hurricane (Iniki) hit Kaua’i in 1992, but from what I could find that was the most recent, and before that it was in the 1800’s. Anyway, I was instantly deflated, telling coworkers I could possibly be into work the next week, instead of on vacation.
Needless to say, thanks to nonrefundable tickets, we took our chances and boarded that plane. And what does the pilot proceed to say “We have a date with Felicia today”, nice! Although we flew through what was left of Hurricane Felicia, at the time downgraded to a Tropical Storm, the flight was uneventful, which was perfect for me.
As soon as we deboarded the plane, you could feel the storm, the wind was howling and the air was humid (although it’s always like that in Hawaii). We made our way to the rental car and took the hour drive to the hotel. As soon as we pulled into the hotel I knew it was going to take some acting on our part to fit in with this class of people.
The hotel was gorgeous and everywhere you looked was something amazing to look at. Because of the storm we stayed close to the hotel the first two days we were on the island.
We really wanted to relax, so we didn’t plan too much to do. We did go snorkeling to Molokini and Turtle Town. I was nervous because I’ve never snorkeled before, the water was cold, but we went right in. At Molokini the fish were beautiful and I was doing ok until I saw a snake looking creature…I made my way directly to the boat. On the way to Turtle Town we passed a couple turtles that were actually swimming around, with their heads out of the water. I was too excited not to be one of the first right in the water. Ronnie and I headed out, even though the water was much colder there, to find some turtles. It took a while, but we finally found one on the bottom, just sitting there. We decided to find some others, so we went out towards where we had seen the ones swimming and sure enough, about 10 ft away from us, there was one swimming. It was amazing! That is until we looked up and realized we were swimming in a current and we were the only two still in the water. I really thought we wouldn’t make it back to the boat, luckily they knew we were still out there and a couple of the crew was happily cheering us on to beat that current. Oh, and if any of you have seen School of Rock, you’ll know “Ned Schneebly”, Jack Black’s roommate in the movie…he was on the snorkel cruise with us.
We also went to a luau. We met a nice family who we sat with and enjoyed the night of wonderful food, good company, and beautiful entertainment. We also did a dinner cruise one night. I’ve never seen such beautiful sunsets! The only thing I wished was different about that night was the couple we got seated with. Not that I don’t like to meet new people, but we put at a table with an older couple, both professors at a university. Not really much for the four of us to talk about. We tried, but it just didn’t flow well. There was an incident, and an ambulance had to meet us at the dock to remove a passenger that had fallen, but that was about the only excitement.
We went to the beach a couple of days, of course we went to the pool, some days we did both. We even took a nap in a hammock.
The flight back was amazing. If you’ve never upgraded to first class before, you should try it. It’s not expensive. We actually bought the cheapest tickets we could find instead of spending a fortune. When you get to your gate, go to the desk and ask the agent if there is a possibility of upgrading. On the way there the fee was too much, we decided against it, but on the way home it was cheap, so we upgraded to first class and enjoyed the ride.
I know I’ve blabbed for way too long, but let me say this…I have NEVER been on such a relaxing vacation in my life! Even before I had kids and could do whatever I wanted, I was never so relaxed. If you can afford to stay at a Ritz-Carlton hotel, do it! They treat you like royalty, we didn’t even have to keep the acting up, we fit in, and they were great. I thought I would regret not doing all the tourist things while I was there, but if you’re vacations are to get away and relax, you just can’t possibly do both. I’m ok that we missed the Road to Hana and a few other things, mostly I wish we would have been able to make it to Pearl Harbor, but that is a different island, so really I only have one regret about this trip…that it wasn’t long enough!
If you’re still reading prepare yourself, I’m about to take you on a journey I never expected to have, too rich for my blood, too perfect to be real…ok so there was the minor detail of a hurricane, but really the trip was so amazing Hurricane Felicia was long forgotten before the trip was even over. Last month, after having my husband working out of town for what seemed like eternity, he whisked me away on the most beautiful memorable vacation. He went all out on this one, taking me to the Ritz-Carlton in beautiful Kapalua, Hawaii.
I’ll admit it almost didn’t happen. Earlier in the year we talked about taking a vacation and he really wanted to go somewhere in the Caribbean, but I was adamant, I was not traveling to a hurricane zone in the middle of hurricane season, did he think I was crazy!?!? We finally agreed Maui was going to be the perfect vacation for us to reconnect. I had finally come to terms with leaving the kids, leaving work, and spending way too much money to relax, and I was just getting anxious to get on that plane and head to paradise, what happens…. Yes, a hurricane heads straight for Maui. Are you kidding me!!! When was the last time you heard of a hurricane hitting Maui, really? Ok, so I did a little research, a Category 4 hurricane (Iniki) hit Kaua’i in 1992, but from what I could find that was the most recent, and before that it was in the 1800’s. Anyway, I was instantly deflated, telling coworkers I could possibly be into work the next week, instead of on vacation.
Needless to say, thanks to nonrefundable tickets, we took our chances and boarded that plane. And what does the pilot proceed to say “We have a date with Felicia today”, nice! Although we flew through what was left of Hurricane Felicia, at the time downgraded to a Tropical Storm, the flight was uneventful, which was perfect for me.
As soon as we deboarded the plane, you could feel the storm, the wind was howling and the air was humid (although it’s always like that in Hawaii). We made our way to the rental car and took the hour drive to the hotel. As soon as we pulled into the hotel I knew it was going to take some acting on our part to fit in with this class of people.
The hotel was gorgeous and everywhere you looked was something amazing to look at. Because of the storm we stayed close to the hotel the first two days we were on the island.
We really wanted to relax, so we didn’t plan too much to do. We did go snorkeling to Molokini and Turtle Town. I was nervous because I’ve never snorkeled before, the water was cold, but we went right in. At Molokini the fish were beautiful and I was doing ok until I saw a snake looking creature…I made my way directly to the boat. On the way to Turtle Town we passed a couple turtles that were actually swimming around, with their heads out of the water. I was too excited not to be one of the first right in the water. Ronnie and I headed out, even though the water was much colder there, to find some turtles. It took a while, but we finally found one on the bottom, just sitting there. We decided to find some others, so we went out towards where we had seen the ones swimming and sure enough, about 10 ft away from us, there was one swimming. It was amazing! That is until we looked up and realized we were swimming in a current and we were the only two still in the water. I really thought we wouldn’t make it back to the boat, luckily they knew we were still out there and a couple of the crew was happily cheering us on to beat that current. Oh, and if any of you have seen School of Rock, you’ll know “Ned Schneebly”, Jack Black’s roommate in the movie…he was on the snorkel cruise with us.
We also went to a luau. We met a nice family who we sat with and enjoyed the night of wonderful food, good company, and beautiful entertainment. We also did a dinner cruise one night. I’ve never seen such beautiful sunsets! The only thing I wished was different about that night was the couple we got seated with. Not that I don’t like to meet new people, but we put at a table with an older couple, both professors at a university. Not really much for the four of us to talk about. We tried, but it just didn’t flow well. There was an incident, and an ambulance had to meet us at the dock to remove a passenger that had fallen, but that was about the only excitement.
We went to the beach a couple of days, of course we went to the pool, some days we did both. We even took a nap in a hammock.
The flight back was amazing. If you’ve never upgraded to first class before, you should try it. It’s not expensive. We actually bought the cheapest tickets we could find instead of spending a fortune. When you get to your gate, go to the desk and ask the agent if there is a possibility of upgrading. On the way there the fee was too much, we decided against it, but on the way home it was cheap, so we upgraded to first class and enjoyed the ride.
I know I’ve blabbed for way too long, but let me say this…I have NEVER been on such a relaxing vacation in my life! Even before I had kids and could do whatever I wanted, I was never so relaxed. If you can afford to stay at a Ritz-Carlton hotel, do it! They treat you like royalty, we didn’t even have to keep the acting up, we fit in, and they were great. I thought I would regret not doing all the tourist things while I was there, but if you’re vacations are to get away and relax, you just can’t possibly do both. I’m ok that we missed the Road to Hana and a few other things, mostly I wish we would have been able to make it to Pearl Harbor, but that is a different island, so really I only have one regret about this trip…that it wasn’t long enough!
September 10, 2009
I PROMISE!
I'm awful. I promise I meant to update our blog with our trip...I'm just waiting for some pictures to be emailed to me.... I will get it updated with or without those pictures this weekend I promise....
For now I'll leave you with this quote that I found while I was trying to find something to tell some of the complainers I work with...
For now I'll leave you with this quote that I found while I was trying to find something to tell some of the complainers I work with...
"Instead of complaining that the rosebush is full of thorns,
be happy that the thorn bush has roses."
~German Proverb
August 24, 2009
Update Coming Soon
Some of you have asked me to get out of my slump and get this blog updated! I know, I'm a slacker! But with Ronnie working out of town and the kids going to school and everything else, it's just been way too hard. Hopefully this will do for now....
I promise I will get this updated soon!
July 16, 2009
Saying Goodbye to Logan
I know it's been a while since I've actually posted my thoughts or shared one of our many adventures and it's not that I don't have anything to talk about, believe me, it's just that every time I start typing, my thought all flow together, until one story comes to the forefront. I've tried not to share this with the blog world, not because it's not important, but just because I feel this story is personal, emotional, and somewhat intense. But I feel like I'm going to have writers block until I let it flow out of me, so here it goes...
Before the world was saying goodbye to Farrah or mourning Michael, we were trying to come to terms with the sudden loss of Logan. On June 20th, Logan a precious 8 year old racing phenom lost his life in a tragic accident.
Ethan had raced with Logan for a few years. When we started going to the track we really didn't know too many people, but Logan's family was great. They really had that "Everyone's more then welcome" attitude. There was no "front", if you will, from any of them; it was "you get what you see." Ronnie and Logan's Dad, Rocky, would talk about bikes and the boys riding, while Ethan and Logan played. Even though Logan was younger then Ethan, he progressed faster, he was an awesome rider, born to ride, race, and fly, it was hard to believe he was only 8. From what I've witnessed myself, and the stories I've heard, he was destined for greatness. But on the night of June 20th his life was cut short, doing what he loved, racing.
The racing community has been devastated by this sudden loss of not just a natural rider, but a fabulous kid. He was polite and generous, humble: I never witnessed him being boastful or bragging. He would take 1st in a race, and when the other kids, not knowing Logan had won, would come and tell him they came in 3rd or 4th, he wouldn't say he won, he'd tell them how awesome they did.
When Logan died and the news shared the story, I was shocked at the ignorance of the comments from so many. I couldn't believe without knowing him or his family they could spew so much hatred and nonsense. It literally made me sick. I won't waste my time repeating any of their idiocy, but since this is my blog, i will take this time to defend my opinion. Logan loved racing, he was always eager to get out there on the track. Even when he was playing between moto's the talk always turned to racing, jumping, berms, and tricks. They'd build little hills to jump the peddle bikes, or little race tracks to play with their toy dirt bikes on. Yes, this was a hobby he seemed to inherit from his father, but not because it was pushed on him, but because it's only natural for children to become interested in the hobbies their parents are involved in and activities they are raised around. His parents, from what I observed over the years, were supporters of the greatest kind. When Logan raced, you knew where each of his family members were; Rocky would be on the track with him, just in case there was a wreck, BeLinda, his Mom, would be somewhere in the stands, with a great view and her camcorder, and his Sister Tosha, would be standing, usually on the west end of the track, with her camera, taking amazing still shots of her little brother in all his glory.
For those of you who think this sport is too dangerous for kids, I understand, it is a scary, for those who aren't involved. We as parents take every precaution possible to keep them safe, we spend a lot of money on safety equipment: helmet, chest protector, neck guard, glasses, shin guards, riding boots, gloves, you name it, we buy something to protect it. These are our kids out there for heavens sake! We don't push them to race when they are tired or hurt, in fact most of us won't let our kids on the track when they are tired or hurt.
Yes, accidents happen. And things sometimes go horribly wrong. But we can't put our kids in bubbles, we can't be overprotective, we can't let them live life without really living, what's the point in that? We could let them play a "safe" sport and be miserable, and then they could get hit by a car in the parking lot. And all your memories will be of them moping around, playing a sport they hated, never being happy. Or we can let them experience it all, choose for themselves, and keep them as protected as we can.
Ethan has tried a lot of sports, but he loves riding and racing. I could take that away from him because of this accident, but I'm not going to. I'm going to take a deep breathe, be the grown up, make sure all his safety gear is on properly every time he rides, I'm going to watch his eyes light up as he gets his bike started, and I'm going to have plenty of memories of his happy face, enjoying his life. And yes, if Sophia chooses to ride one day, we'll let her.
Even though Logan died while racing, his parents don't blame the sport, they know it was an accident. They did a very brave thing when Logan passed away, they choose to donate his organs to save others, that's a very wonderful thing, giving others life, and I truly admire and thank them for that. I hope the Emerson's know that they will forever be in our hearts, as will Logan.
This is a picture of probably one of the first races Ethan and Logan were in together, Ethan is on the red bike, #8, Logan is on the yellow bike, #81.
Logan Emerson
8/3/2000~6/20/2009
July 2, 2009
“May today be peace within. May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be... May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you... May you be content knowing you are a child of God... Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love. It is there for each and every one of you.”
~Mother Theresa
June 23, 2009
June 8, 2009
I haven't been able to make it back to sewing night, I've been too busy. But my Mom has made it to every class and has finished a few projects. Including this cute little outfit for Sophia. 
She loves this outfit! I know my Mom is proud of herself for finishing this, as she should be, I'm so proud of her too!
I really need to make it back to class!
June 4, 2009
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio "To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written." My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
June 2, 2009
Worn Out
Last weekend, while I suffered near death, with a head cold like no other, my kids were enjoying life with their Grandparents. Ok, so maybe I'm exaggerating with the whole "near death" thing, but truly, it was a rough weekend for me. I had been feeling sick for a few weeks, but mostly just blamed it on spring; pollen, grass, you know...allergies. But about a week ago, it hit me, head congestion. I started to feel like it was more, but if you know me you know I'll suffer through it until I just can't take it anymore. Friday night was it, my head felt like it weighed more then my body. I finally caved and ended up in the insta-care. Yes, I was officially sick, walking out with my three prescriptions, I headed straight to my bed to spend the next two days waiting for relief.
Of course I couldn't possibly take care of my two little ones being that sick, so lucky for me I live about a mile away from my amazing Mom and her awesome husband. They picked up the kids and had them all weekend. They took them to the movies Friday night. Saturday, Grandpa Jess took Ethan riding and then both the kids went to Aunt Diann's house to play with Derian and Christian, then they were back at Grandpa & Nana's watching movies. Sunday Grandpa took Ethan golfing while my Mom took Sophia to breakfast and then took them both swimming at her friends house. They had a blast and came home completely wired and worn out.
Apparently last night they were still exhausted. They were watching a movie in Ethan's room, when I went in to tell them it was time to get ready for bed this is what I found:
It was only 7:30 and they were out!
It wasn't an easy task waking them up, getting them into their own beds, but we managed. And the best part...they slept all night!
Thank you Mom! Thank you Jess! You've been GREAT! I appreciate you both more then you know!
May 28, 2009
Thursday Thought~
May 21, 2009
May 19, 2009
Our Anniversary
Today is our wedding anniversary, I could tell you the same story I did last year about how Ronnie and I met, and why I think our marriage is wonderful, and why it will last, but I won't. If you want to be reminded, look back to last years post.
Instead, let me pose this to you...have you ever looked over the Traditional/Modern Anniversary Gift lists? I was trying to find something original to buy Ronnie for a gift and I thought, why not look through those lists to maybe spark some ideas. But really who came up with these lists. Lets see for our anniversary this year it would be Pottery or Willow, for the traditional, or Leather, for the Modern. What would I possibly buy him to conjore up warm loving feelings for me that would fall into those categories? Any ideas? I guess for leather, there would be several, but that seems more like Valentines Day, not a romantic anniversary. If you have any ideas let me know, no I have not waited for the last minute to buy a gift (but I'm not sharing what it is just yet), I just want to hear your cleverly romantic ideas.
Instead, let me pose this to you...have you ever looked over the Traditional/Modern Anniversary Gift lists? I was trying to find something original to buy Ronnie for a gift and I thought, why not look through those lists to maybe spark some ideas. But really who came up with these lists. Lets see for our anniversary this year it would be Pottery or Willow, for the traditional, or Leather, for the Modern. What would I possibly buy him to conjore up warm loving feelings for me that would fall into those categories? Any ideas? I guess for leather, there would be several, but that seems more like Valentines Day, not a romantic anniversary. If you have any ideas let me know, no I have not waited for the last minute to buy a gift (but I'm not sharing what it is just yet), I just want to hear your cleverly romantic ideas.
May 14, 2009
Thursdays Thought~
The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.
~Jimmy Johnson
May 7, 2009
Thursdays Thought~
In honor of the upcoming Mother's Day:
"Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body."
~Elizabeth Stone
April 25, 2009
April 23, 2009
Thursday Thought ~
My 100th post, and I'd like to leave it simple with a quote from a very inspiring person....
“When one's expectations are reduced to zero, one really appreciates everything one does have”
~Stephen Hawking
April 16, 2009
Better Late then Never...
Here are some pictures from Easter....better late then never right.
Coloring eggs, so much fun for the kids, but for a ocd mom like myself, a little nerve racking. But I have to admit, I do enjoy watching them have fun, it's even a better memory when the clean up proves to leave no stains.
Would you look at the concentration...
and the happy little faces...
Boy did they make a haul..
The kids all dressed for Easter brunch
Coloring eggs, so much fun for the kids, but for a ocd mom like myself, a little nerve racking. But I have to admit, I do enjoy watching them have fun, it's even a better memory when the clean up proves to leave no stains.
Would you look at the concentration...
and the happy little faces...
Boy did they make a haul..The kids all dressed for Easter brunch
April 14, 2009
Spring Vacation Last Year
Last year we took the kids south for a vacation. It was so much fun. Anytime we get to get away with the kids to relax is awesome, but not only was it us, but two of my Aunts and two of my cousins were there, we met them for lunch on the last day there and it was so much fun.
My Cousin Allie, Cousin Bree, Aunt Diann, Aunt Denise Ronnie, Ethan, me, and Sophia. What a great memory!
I can't wait for our vacation this year....Bring it On!
My Cousin Allie, Cousin Bree, Aunt Diann, Aunt Denise Ronnie, Ethan, me, and Sophia. What a great memory!
I can't wait for our vacation this year....Bring it On!
April 8, 2009
My Artist
I'm sure I've mentioned several times my sons art skills. I don't know where he gets it from, but he's amazing. Sophia has started to love to draw also, but Ethan is a natural. Here are just a couple of his drawings from over the years....
The characters from the movie Robots. He drew this about 3 years ago, so he was about 6 or 7
This is a plane landing, he drew this right after a trip we took in November of 2006
This is a picture of a wolf he brought home from school last week
I hope he knows how proud I am of him!
This is a plane landing, he drew this right after a trip we took in November of 2006This is a picture of a wolf he brought home from school last week
I hope he knows how proud I am of him!
April 2, 2009
March 31, 2009
So Proud
As many of you know, Ronnie has been busy building a hospital with his crew (including my brother JD). He sent me some pictures, and of course I don't know all the technical terms or what qualifications make doing his job so intense, but what I do know is that when I really look at these pictures I get this imense feeling of pride in what Ronnie and JD do for a living.
I mean look at the size of that beam compared to the trucks on the ground next to it.
Could you imagine feeling the sun on your face from this far off the ground (ok, so this day wasn't so sunny). 
The knowledge you must posses to know precisely where every beam must be set.
The trust you must have in your coworkers when you're stories off the ground and have beams flying overhead.
Imagine watching this go from an empty field to what you see here, knowing without someone doing what you were doing, this place wouldn't one day become a hospital to serve and save lives and you were helping make it happen. 
Seriously, look how small they look...can you see the two people at the bottom of the building and two at the top?
And of course, one picture of my brother, who we love dearly!
Ronnie didn't send any pictures of himself this time. But I hope to get some of him on this job soon. March 28, 2009
Benefit Dinner
I just wanted to remind everyone about the Benefit dinner tonight for my cousin Curtis. There will be food, family, friends, entertainment, a raffle, and lots of fun. We also are selling tshirts with the following graphic on it (which includes the first xray of Curtis after the accident). Adults $15, kids $12.
Please join us to help raise money to help Curtis with his medical bills.
Please join us to help raise money to help Curtis with his medical bills.
March 26, 2009
Thursdays Thought~~~
We're always so busy thinking about and planning for the future. But what's the point when you waste the here and now? Don't focus on tomorrow; rejoice in what you have and make the most of today!
500 Ways to Throw Away Stress by Donna Smallin
March 19, 2009
Thursday's Thought~~~
"Focus on what you have, rather than what you have not. Always, there will be people who have more wealth, charm, and abilities than you, just as there will always be people who have far less than you. Be content with what you have today."
500 Ways to Throw Away Stress by Donna Smallin
March 17, 2009
Families that play together....
I think Mother Nature must have received my complaint, because the weather has been so nice and warm lately. Let’s just hope it stays this way.
This past weekend Ronnie and I were going to take the kids bowling, just to have a little family fun, but we just couldn’t bring ourselves to take the kids to a dark stuffy stinky bowling alley when it was so sunny and nice outside. We made the decision (against little Red’s pleading) to go miniature golfing and it was wonderful. Even Sophia decided it was better then bowling. We had such a good time golfing in the sun, playing games, winning prizes, and making family memories. With everything that has been going on, it seems like it has been way too long since we’ve shared such a perfect day together. And even though I forgot the camera (URG! bad Mom…I know), I hope we all remember this day for a long time.
This past weekend Ronnie and I were going to take the kids bowling, just to have a little family fun, but we just couldn’t bring ourselves to take the kids to a dark stuffy stinky bowling alley when it was so sunny and nice outside. We made the decision (against little Red’s pleading) to go miniature golfing and it was wonderful. Even Sophia decided it was better then bowling. We had such a good time golfing in the sun, playing games, winning prizes, and making family memories. With everything that has been going on, it seems like it has been way too long since we’ve shared such a perfect day together. And even though I forgot the camera (URG! bad Mom…I know), I hope we all remember this day for a long time.
March 9, 2009
In never fails...
Winter comes, the snow falls, followed by the shoveling of driveways and sidewalks and fishtailing cars on the streets, sore tushes from slipping and falling, and dozens of numb fingers and noses, and then just when we think we can’t take the winter anymore, spring arrives.
The sun starts shining, the blue sky emerges from behind the grey clouds and the tulips and daffodils start peaking up through the frozen soil. The excitement of the impending summer with all its joy overwhelms me to the point of spring fever, or possibly even spring madness. It’s been so nice for the past week or so, I’ve watched bulbs started to sprout; I’ve washed my car, swept out the garage and even took some time to sit on the porch to bask in the sun and read a book.
But just as fast as the excitement arrived, the disappointment follows. It never fails; Mother Nature must remind us who’s in charge. Today as I look out the window, watching the snow fall to the ground, I’m reminded that the weather is a jokester, taunting us, but ultimately bringing us back to reality from our premature daydreams of fun in the sun.
The sun starts shining, the blue sky emerges from behind the grey clouds and the tulips and daffodils start peaking up through the frozen soil. The excitement of the impending summer with all its joy overwhelms me to the point of spring fever, or possibly even spring madness. It’s been so nice for the past week or so, I’ve watched bulbs started to sprout; I’ve washed my car, swept out the garage and even took some time to sit on the porch to bask in the sun and read a book.
But just as fast as the excitement arrived, the disappointment follows. It never fails; Mother Nature must remind us who’s in charge. Today as I look out the window, watching the snow fall to the ground, I’m reminded that the weather is a jokester, taunting us, but ultimately bringing us back to reality from our premature daydreams of fun in the sun.
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