I just got home from a trip to Fred Meyer (for those not from around here, it's a large grocery/department store) where I picked up a few items and headed to the check out. There was a young guy behind the counter--probably early 20's--who did the normal "Hi, how are you today? Did you find everything okay?" conversation.
After paying for my things I smiled and said, "Thanks--don't work too hard this weekend!"
To which he replied, "No chance of that! They don't pay me enough to work hard."
Oh no. You did not just say that to me. Not the person to say that to. I have too many family members and friends who are either currently out of work or headed that direction.
I quietly set my things down on his counter, smiled and said, "Look here, Skippy (yes...I did REALLY call him that even though his name tag read "James") at least they're paying you. At least you're employed. Not everyone around you can say the same thing. ENJOY your job. ENJOY your paycheck. Be grateful for it. Have a nice weekend."
And I took my things and left. He was speechless.
If you're working, remember to enjoy the busy-ness of your job and the paycheck you receive. If you're not working, know that we are praying for you and know that God has a plan for you.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
25 for Friday!
I put this on my Facebook but it was kind of fun, so I thought I would put it on here, too!
RULE: Once you've been tagged you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits or goals about you. At the end, choose some friends tag! You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you it's because I want to know more about you.
1. Mark and I have been married for five years and have moved 6 times. In less than a month, we will move for the 7th time.
2. I have really big feet for my height (or lack there-of).
3. I'm very organized everywhere but in my own home.
4. Since I've been married, I've cleaned a bathroom MAYBE three times. Mark is good to me.
5. I find that, despite what might be considered "appropriate", most of my friends are guys. I don't deal well with other women and the "drama" that comes with them.
6. I hate the color pink but am learning to like it and use it thanks to my daughter.
7. When I was in high school I changed my nail polish every morning to match my outfit.
8. I love manicures but not pedicures. I don't like people touching my feet.
9. I've been a runner since I was 7.
10. I LOVE pictures and am borderline obsessed with photography.
11. I bought my wedding dress at a consigment shop for $200 but was told, by a bridal shop owner, it was worth more than $1200. Also, I chose my wedding ring and, when we went to pay for it, discovered it was on sale. It cost us $28.
12. I'm having a really hard time coming up with 25 things about me. I'm just not that interesting.
13. I love music but I can't sing at all--I'm almost totally tone deaf.
14. I was on a jump-rope team for, like, 5 years. I can still do some of the crazy tricks we used to do in our competitions.
15. I fractured my ankle during a cross country race in high school but it was taped for tendonitits, so I ran on it for another half mile before my coach pulled me out of the race. The doctor cast it a day later and I was out for the season. It was our first race of the year. I was devastated.
16. I hate paying full price for clothes, shoes, household stuff, but will fork over $3.80 for a mocha on an ALMOST daily basis. Yeah, figure that one out.
17. I hate math but I love to quilt--which is basically math with fabric and a sewing machine.
18. When I was younger, I wanted to be a lawyer or a journalist. Now I'm a mom and a receptionist at a chiropractic clinic which I think is WAY better than being a lawyer or a journalist!
19. I hate politics because I am very conservative but most of my friends are extremely liberal--makes it tough to have discussions about political stuff and remain friends.
20. I don't like diamonds or pearls.
21. When I found out I was preggers with Tori, I wanted a second boy. I wasn't excited about having a girl until about 7-8 months into my pregnancy with her.
22. My belly button has been pierced twice but the piercing got infected during both of my pregnancies and had to be taken out. I've considered getting it done a third time, but the last time I pierced it, I got pregnant with Tori. I'm not saying that was the reason, but hey...you can never be too careful. :) Plus, I would rather get a tattoo.
23. I've had fermented mare's milk (think: REALLY sour milk mixed with REALLY strong Vodka) for a "snack" in Outer Mongolia. It was one of those, "its rude not to" kind of things and a BIG deal to the host of the family. My husband's sister-in-law, my brother, and my mom have had the same experience. So have several of my friends.
24. I'm 28 and have been recently mistaken for my daughter's teenage sister--the nurse who questioned it told me she thought I was 13 or 14. She was SHOCKED when I showed her my ID and gave her the go ahead on Tori's flu shot.
25. When I was in high school, one of my best friends was 6'09" and I was chewed out by a tall girl at a coffee shop for "stealing" him from other tall girls. We never dated but have been mistaken for a married couple more than once when we traveled together. People who knew us in high school are SHOCKED we are not married. We laugh--we love eachother but would drive eachother CRAZY if we were married.
I tag Jessica (Beaver Bunch Momma!), Carrie, Stacy, Nikki, Lisa "Little Miss Sunshine" Newton and whoever else wants to do it!
RULE: Once you've been tagged you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits or goals about you. At the end, choose some friends tag! You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you it's because I want to know more about you.
1. Mark and I have been married for five years and have moved 6 times. In less than a month, we will move for the 7th time.
2. I have really big feet for my height (or lack there-of).
3. I'm very organized everywhere but in my own home.
4. Since I've been married, I've cleaned a bathroom MAYBE three times. Mark is good to me.
5. I find that, despite what might be considered "appropriate", most of my friends are guys. I don't deal well with other women and the "drama" that comes with them.
6. I hate the color pink but am learning to like it and use it thanks to my daughter.
7. When I was in high school I changed my nail polish every morning to match my outfit.
8. I love manicures but not pedicures. I don't like people touching my feet.
9. I've been a runner since I was 7.
10. I LOVE pictures and am borderline obsessed with photography.
11. I bought my wedding dress at a consigment shop for $200 but was told, by a bridal shop owner, it was worth more than $1200. Also, I chose my wedding ring and, when we went to pay for it, discovered it was on sale. It cost us $28.
12. I'm having a really hard time coming up with 25 things about me. I'm just not that interesting.
13. I love music but I can't sing at all--I'm almost totally tone deaf.
14. I was on a jump-rope team for, like, 5 years. I can still do some of the crazy tricks we used to do in our competitions.
15. I fractured my ankle during a cross country race in high school but it was taped for tendonitits, so I ran on it for another half mile before my coach pulled me out of the race. The doctor cast it a day later and I was out for the season. It was our first race of the year. I was devastated.
16. I hate paying full price for clothes, shoes, household stuff, but will fork over $3.80 for a mocha on an ALMOST daily basis. Yeah, figure that one out.
17. I hate math but I love to quilt--which is basically math with fabric and a sewing machine.
18. When I was younger, I wanted to be a lawyer or a journalist. Now I'm a mom and a receptionist at a chiropractic clinic which I think is WAY better than being a lawyer or a journalist!
19. I hate politics because I am very conservative but most of my friends are extremely liberal--makes it tough to have discussions about political stuff and remain friends.
20. I don't like diamonds or pearls.
21. When I found out I was preggers with Tori, I wanted a second boy. I wasn't excited about having a girl until about 7-8 months into my pregnancy with her.
22. My belly button has been pierced twice but the piercing got infected during both of my pregnancies and had to be taken out. I've considered getting it done a third time, but the last time I pierced it, I got pregnant with Tori. I'm not saying that was the reason, but hey...you can never be too careful. :) Plus, I would rather get a tattoo.
23. I've had fermented mare's milk (think: REALLY sour milk mixed with REALLY strong Vodka) for a "snack" in Outer Mongolia. It was one of those, "its rude not to" kind of things and a BIG deal to the host of the family. My husband's sister-in-law, my brother, and my mom have had the same experience. So have several of my friends.
24. I'm 28 and have been recently mistaken for my daughter's teenage sister--the nurse who questioned it told me she thought I was 13 or 14. She was SHOCKED when I showed her my ID and gave her the go ahead on Tori's flu shot.
25. When I was in high school, one of my best friends was 6'09" and I was chewed out by a tall girl at a coffee shop for "stealing" him from other tall girls. We never dated but have been mistaken for a married couple more than once when we traveled together. People who knew us in high school are SHOCKED we are not married. We laugh--we love eachother but would drive eachother CRAZY if we were married.
I tag Jessica (Beaver Bunch Momma!), Carrie, Stacy, Nikki, Lisa "Little Miss Sunshine" Newton and whoever else wants to do it!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Picture Time!
Playing a bit of catch-up! Here are a few from our trip to the coast and a few new ones of the kiddos.
Some things are worth jumping up and down about!
We have had a VERY blessed week...
It started with a wonderful weekend away to the coast for Mark's birthday. We walked on the beach, we shopped, we ate at nice restaurants and enjoyed time together while our kiddos enjoyed time with Nana & Papa. I gave Mark a guitar for his birthday because he showed an interest in taking lessons and learning to play. Its beautiful and he loves it!
Then we came home and I got a call at work Monday from the landlord of an adorable little house with a HUGE backyard that we had looked into. They want us to rent it!! YAY! We move on March 1st. Its less square footage than we're in right now, but has more of what we're looking for when it comes to the kiddos. First: its a house and not an apartment--the benefits there are pretty obvious. Second: it has a 1/2 acre fenced backyard with a covered patio and huge tree and space for a garden. I'm going to become the mom that says, "Put your coats & shoes on! You're going outside to play!" Third: they recently remodeled several things (including the bathroom!) and put in a kickin' new fridge. Yes, I'm a dork, but I'm *REALLY* excited about this fridge. Fourth: the family that owns this house is really nice and they were so willing to work with us on the money side of things. Now its time to get packin'!! I can't wait!
And then last night, we started up with another round of swimming lessons for Andrew and he swam on his own! YAY! He was like a little froggy in the water! I was so proud!
It started with a wonderful weekend away to the coast for Mark's birthday. We walked on the beach, we shopped, we ate at nice restaurants and enjoyed time together while our kiddos enjoyed time with Nana & Papa. I gave Mark a guitar for his birthday because he showed an interest in taking lessons and learning to play. Its beautiful and he loves it!
Then we came home and I got a call at work Monday from the landlord of an adorable little house with a HUGE backyard that we had looked into. They want us to rent it!! YAY! We move on March 1st. Its less square footage than we're in right now, but has more of what we're looking for when it comes to the kiddos. First: its a house and not an apartment--the benefits there are pretty obvious. Second: it has a 1/2 acre fenced backyard with a covered patio and huge tree and space for a garden. I'm going to become the mom that says, "Put your coats & shoes on! You're going outside to play!" Third: they recently remodeled several things (including the bathroom!) and put in a kickin' new fridge. Yes, I'm a dork, but I'm *REALLY* excited about this fridge. Fourth: the family that owns this house is really nice and they were so willing to work with us on the money side of things. Now its time to get packin'!! I can't wait!
And then last night, we started up with another round of swimming lessons for Andrew and he swam on his own! YAY! He was like a little froggy in the water! I was so proud!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Five for Friday!
Five things I'm excited about this weekend:
1. We are going to the coast for the night without the kiddos!
2. Mark's birthday present is VERY cool.
3. We find out when we're moving on Saturday!
4. I get to see the ocean! I love the ocean!
5. Packing for the kids and NOT having to pack diapers. WAHOO! NO DIAPERS!
1. We are going to the coast for the night without the kiddos!
2. Mark's birthday present is VERY cool.
3. We find out when we're moving on Saturday!
4. I get to see the ocean! I love the ocean!
5. Packing for the kids and NOT having to pack diapers. WAHOO! NO DIAPERS!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Thursday 13!
In honor of Mr. Hanson's birthday (on Monday):
13 things I love about my hunnah:
1. He prays.
2. He's a GREAT dad. There's something very comforting about knowing your husband would move heaven & earth to protect you and your kids.
3. He's supportive about whatever I want to do: stay home full time, work part time, work full time...he's always told me to do what I want to do or what I need to do.
4. He tells me I'm beautiful.
5. He's not the jealous type. I have plenty of guy friends and he's never had an issue with that.
6. He LOVES football but he doesn't HAVE to watch it--even when his Patriots are on.
7. He loves music.
8. He's just as addicted to 'NCIS' and 'Friends' as I am!
9. He's a math & science teacher which means when our kiddos are in school, I won't have to help them with THAT homework.
10. He cleans bathrooms.
11. He does laundry.
12. He does dishes.
13. He puts up with my temper tantrums and loves me anyway.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HUNNAH! I LOVE YOU!
13 things I love about my hunnah:
1. He prays.
2. He's a GREAT dad. There's something very comforting about knowing your husband would move heaven & earth to protect you and your kids.
3. He's supportive about whatever I want to do: stay home full time, work part time, work full time...he's always told me to do what I want to do or what I need to do.
4. He tells me I'm beautiful.
5. He's not the jealous type. I have plenty of guy friends and he's never had an issue with that.
6. He LOVES football but he doesn't HAVE to watch it--even when his Patriots are on.
7. He loves music.
8. He's just as addicted to 'NCIS' and 'Friends' as I am!
9. He's a math & science teacher which means when our kiddos are in school, I won't have to help them with THAT homework.
10. He cleans bathrooms.
11. He does laundry.
12. He does dishes.
13. He puts up with my temper tantrums and loves me anyway.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HUNNAH! I LOVE YOU!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Sometimes they just don't quite make it...
Tori doesn't always want to stay in her bed at bedtime. And sometimes she gets out, plays with all the clothes in her dresser and, eventually falls asleep. Sometimes she just doesn't QUITE make it to the bed:
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Sometimes Brother knows best!
I was doing some laundry a while back when Tori discovered some of Andrew's unders. She wanted to wear them over her diaper and thought it was the best fashion statement ever!
When we started potty training this week, she wanted to wear her Elmo underwear (she calls them "Mo-mos) or her Curious George underwear. But last night...
It was all about the baseball underwear she found in the clean laundry I was folding.
When we started potty training this week, she wanted to wear her Elmo underwear (she calls them "Mo-mos) or her Curious George underwear. But last night...
It was all about the baseball underwear she found in the clean laundry I was folding.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
I would call that success!
Yesterday afternoon we had a lunch thing with a group of friends (see previous post titled "Mongolia!") and Tori REFUSED to wear a pull up or a diaper. She wanted to wear her big girl undies and that was that. So I shrugged my shoulders and rolled with it. Well, that, and a purse equipped with a spare outfit and plastic bag *just in case*.
We were gone for over two hours and I asked her, twice, if she needed to go potty. Once, she said yes and we headed to the bathrooms. But she immediately changed her mind after seeing the public restroom toilet. I was disappointed, but understood and just braced myself for the inevitable accident.
On top of the length of time we were gone, was the fact that it was the middle of nap time and I was dragging her into a restaurant and asking her to be social with complete strangers!
After we said our goodbyes, she melted down as we were getting in the car and started yelling, "Poo-Poo!!! I need to poo-poo!" Greeeeeaaat.
I tried to talk her through it knowing we lived only two minutes away. We pulled into our parking space, I undid the carseat straps on both kids and we ran, full speed ahead, up the stairs and into the apartment. Both kiddos thought it was hilarious! I got her in the house and she was still dry! Ran to the bathroom, set her on the potty and she went....and went......and went some more! All three of us did the victory dance, clapped our hands and had our M&M's as a reward. I even rewarded Andrew and I for running so fast to get her upstairs.
Yay for dry unders, fast running and M&M's!
We were gone for over two hours and I asked her, twice, if she needed to go potty. Once, she said yes and we headed to the bathrooms. But she immediately changed her mind after seeing the public restroom toilet. I was disappointed, but understood and just braced myself for the inevitable accident.
On top of the length of time we were gone, was the fact that it was the middle of nap time and I was dragging her into a restaurant and asking her to be social with complete strangers!
After we said our goodbyes, she melted down as we were getting in the car and started yelling, "Poo-Poo!!! I need to poo-poo!" Greeeeeaaat.
I tried to talk her through it knowing we lived only two minutes away. We pulled into our parking space, I undid the carseat straps on both kids and we ran, full speed ahead, up the stairs and into the apartment. Both kiddos thought it was hilarious! I got her in the house and she was still dry! Ran to the bathroom, set her on the potty and she went....and went......and went some more! All three of us did the victory dance, clapped our hands and had our M&M's as a reward. I even rewarded Andrew and I for running so fast to get her upstairs.
Yay for dry unders, fast running and M&M's!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Mongolia!
Many moons ago--okay, more like, 10 years ago, I went to Mongolia for a couple of months on a missions trip. Completely changed my life! But there's not enough room here to really elaborate on that.
So...moving right along.
Today, I got to see one of my translator-friends for lunch! Oyunnaa (Oh-yoo-nah) is in the states with two kids, Hurley & Jack, who were having some medical stuff done in Portland that they can't have done in Mongolia. While they're here, we decided to get together!
Another funny thing: three other people who went to Mongolia the same time I did live in my home-town. Here are a few pics from our lunch today. SO FUN! And we are SO blessed!
This is Jack & Andrew ready to race their trucks. These two are the perfect example of being able to communicate without speaking the same language. Jack speaks a tiny bit of English. Andrew doesn't speak a lick of Mongolian. But these two love to play together!
This is Hurley! She's one of the sweetest people you could ever meet. I wish she lived in the area--she loves my kids and would make an awesome babysitter!
Here we all are! Oyunna, Steve, Donna, Sue, Bonnie holding Andrew, my mom, me holding Tori, Hurley and Jack! So much fun!
Please pray for safe travels for these people--they head home soon and we will miss them!
So...moving right along.
Today, I got to see one of my translator-friends for lunch! Oyunnaa (Oh-yoo-nah) is in the states with two kids, Hurley & Jack, who were having some medical stuff done in Portland that they can't have done in Mongolia. While they're here, we decided to get together!
Another funny thing: three other people who went to Mongolia the same time I did live in my home-town. Here are a few pics from our lunch today. SO FUN! And we are SO blessed!
This is Jack & Andrew ready to race their trucks. These two are the perfect example of being able to communicate without speaking the same language. Jack speaks a tiny bit of English. Andrew doesn't speak a lick of Mongolian. But these two love to play together!
This is Hurley! She's one of the sweetest people you could ever meet. I wish she lived in the area--she loves my kids and would make an awesome babysitter!
Here we all are! Oyunna, Steve, Donna, Sue, Bonnie holding Andrew, my mom, me holding Tori, Hurley and Jack! So much fun!
Please pray for safe travels for these people--they head home soon and we will miss them!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Victory Dancing at the Hanson House!
You may remember a while ago I posted that Tori had started asking to use the potty (thanks to the Elmo's Potty Time DVD she received for her birthday). We let her use it when she asked but didn't feel the need to really pressure her. I told Mark I thought she might be ready a few days ago and she is doing awesome! Today, I took her potty after breakfast, got the kiddos dressed and we headed out the door to run some errands. We were out for over an hour and she came home dry, used the potty and ran out to the living room to play.
I'M SO EXCITED I CAN HARDLY STAND IT! WAHOOOOOOO!!!!
I'M SO EXCITED I CAN HARDLY STAND IT! WAHOOOOOOO!!!!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Its like hearing myself...
Today Andrew and Tori were having a little disagreement over whether or not to play in his room. I could hear the argument escalating when Tori yells, "NO, BRUDDER! AN-ROO MICHAEL STOP!" And then Andrew responds with, "DON'T YELL AT ME, SISTER! VICTORIA JOY!"
When the kids are in trouble, I have a habit of "middle naming them". I guess I might do it a little TOO often.
When the kids are in trouble, I have a habit of "middle naming them". I guess I might do it a little TOO often.
Moving right along...
Okay, this is taking way too long and probably not really THAT interesting to other people!
After the family time at the restaurant, we headed back to Grandpa's house and did some more sorting, packing, donating and dealing with all that comes with a death in the family.
Saturday night Dad, Tori & I said goodbye to Joanie, Chad, Jonathan, Kristen and William. Then we headed to dinner, came back for a good night's sleep and got up early Sunday morning to drive the four hours from Tulare to the Sacramento Airport. All was going well until about 7:30 AM when my cell phone rang and it was Mark. A raging snow & ice storm had gone through the northwest and all flights into Seattle & Portland were cancelled. As in, I wasn't going to get home Sunday afterall!
I started out by calling one of my best friends, Miriam. She and her family recently moved from Las Vegas to Sacramento (how convenient!!) and I knew she would have mercy on Tori & I. Sure enough, she was more than happy to pick us up and take us home. BUT...we had to get a new flight booked before we could leave the airport.
We stood in line for four hours and spent another two and a half hours at the front counter working with the ticketing agents. Tori played with her carseat, ate her snacks, read her books, stripped all her clothes off (TWICE!) and informed me, while I was standing at the front counter with no place to go, that her diaper was yucky. So, I did what any good airline passenger would do: I put her blankey down on the checked luggage scale and changed her diaper. No way was I giving up my place in line and leaving my luggage to go change her diaper in the bathroom!
After lots of negotiating with other airlines, Alaska Airlines got me a guaranteed flight the next day from Sacramento to Los Angeles to stay with my brother until Portland thawed out. The best they could do was to get me into Portland Christmas Day at 4:30 PM (weather permitting). My other option was to fly to Reno to stay with my dad and stepmom until New Years Eve. Or I could stay in Sacramento at the airport and fly standy-by until December 28th.
We took the LA flight and headed to Miriam's for the night.
Miriam's two year old daughter shared her toys with Tori and they had a ball. Miriam and I took advantage of our unexpected time together and caught up on our girl-talk. We got the kiddos to sleep, ate snacks, drank rum & cokes and stayed up late.
The next morning, she took us BACK to the Sacramento airport and we hitched our ride to LA. Jonathan picked us up at the airport and took us to his and Kristen's apartment where Tori and Will looked a little confused. They had just seen eachother and said goodbye two days ago. And here they were again. Hmmm...
We stayed all week with them. I checked the stand-by list every day to see what our wait would be like to try and get home. Tuesday all flights were still cancelled. Wednesday I called at 8:30 in the morning and I was number 86 on the stand-by list. Wednesday I was number 97. Thursday, we opened Christmas presents with my brother, sister in law, nephew, cousin and auntie and then headed to the airport. I overheard a couple get on the stand-by list as passengers 107 and 108. They were told they would be better off going home and booking new flights for about three days out. I was thanking God for taking such good care of us all that week. I was blessed with people to stay with, a warm shower every day, clean clothes and good company the entire time I had been "stranded" in California.
We went through security and headed to our gate.
Our flight was delayed.
We went and got lunch.
It was delayed again.
And then we boarded. And then we were off!
We made it home that night. And did Christmas as a family Saturday morning. Yay for unexpected family time and a Christmas we won't forget!
After the family time at the restaurant, we headed back to Grandpa's house and did some more sorting, packing, donating and dealing with all that comes with a death in the family.
Saturday night Dad, Tori & I said goodbye to Joanie, Chad, Jonathan, Kristen and William. Then we headed to dinner, came back for a good night's sleep and got up early Sunday morning to drive the four hours from Tulare to the Sacramento Airport. All was going well until about 7:30 AM when my cell phone rang and it was Mark. A raging snow & ice storm had gone through the northwest and all flights into Seattle & Portland were cancelled. As in, I wasn't going to get home Sunday afterall!
I started out by calling one of my best friends, Miriam. She and her family recently moved from Las Vegas to Sacramento (how convenient!!) and I knew she would have mercy on Tori & I. Sure enough, she was more than happy to pick us up and take us home. BUT...we had to get a new flight booked before we could leave the airport.
We stood in line for four hours and spent another two and a half hours at the front counter working with the ticketing agents. Tori played with her carseat, ate her snacks, read her books, stripped all her clothes off (TWICE!) and informed me, while I was standing at the front counter with no place to go, that her diaper was yucky. So, I did what any good airline passenger would do: I put her blankey down on the checked luggage scale and changed her diaper. No way was I giving up my place in line and leaving my luggage to go change her diaper in the bathroom!
After lots of negotiating with other airlines, Alaska Airlines got me a guaranteed flight the next day from Sacramento to Los Angeles to stay with my brother until Portland thawed out. The best they could do was to get me into Portland Christmas Day at 4:30 PM (weather permitting). My other option was to fly to Reno to stay with my dad and stepmom until New Years Eve. Or I could stay in Sacramento at the airport and fly standy-by until December 28th.
We took the LA flight and headed to Miriam's for the night.
Miriam's two year old daughter shared her toys with Tori and they had a ball. Miriam and I took advantage of our unexpected time together and caught up on our girl-talk. We got the kiddos to sleep, ate snacks, drank rum & cokes and stayed up late.
The next morning, she took us BACK to the Sacramento airport and we hitched our ride to LA. Jonathan picked us up at the airport and took us to his and Kristen's apartment where Tori and Will looked a little confused. They had just seen eachother and said goodbye two days ago. And here they were again. Hmmm...
We stayed all week with them. I checked the stand-by list every day to see what our wait would be like to try and get home. Tuesday all flights were still cancelled. Wednesday I called at 8:30 in the morning and I was number 86 on the stand-by list. Wednesday I was number 97. Thursday, we opened Christmas presents with my brother, sister in law, nephew, cousin and auntie and then headed to the airport. I overheard a couple get on the stand-by list as passengers 107 and 108. They were told they would be better off going home and booking new flights for about three days out. I was thanking God for taking such good care of us all that week. I was blessed with people to stay with, a warm shower every day, clean clothes and good company the entire time I had been "stranded" in California.
We went through security and headed to our gate.
Our flight was delayed.
We went and got lunch.
It was delayed again.
And then we boarded. And then we were off!
We made it home that night. And did Christmas as a family Saturday morning. Yay for unexpected family time and a Christmas we won't forget!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Family Time!
After the funeral and the graveside service, we headed to Grandpa's favorite restaurant and had lunch. It was a nice time to remember things and spend some time with family we don't normally get to see.
This is my dad with his sister, Joanie.
Here's a proud grandpa with two of his four grandkids. Well, five if you count the one in the womb (NO NOT MINE!!!):
This is my big brother, Jonathan with his wife, Kristen and their son, William. Their second is on the way! Yay for babies!
Dad & Tori hanging out. She still asks for him and asks to call him. She misses him!
By the end of the day, Tori was losin' it. And this is what I was seeing:
This is my dad with his sister, Joanie.
Here's a proud grandpa with two of his four grandkids. Well, five if you count the one in the womb (NO NOT MINE!!!):
This is my big brother, Jonathan with his wife, Kristen and their son, William. Their second is on the way! Yay for babies!
Dad & Tori hanging out. She still asks for him and asks to call him. She misses him!
By the end of the day, Tori was losin' it. And this is what I was seeing:
Thursday, January 1, 2009
We spent two days sorting and packing...
And then we had the funeral. It was overwhelming because the city employees (police and fired departments) ASKED to do a Color Guard at the service. He was honored in a way we didn't expect but greatly appreciated. They had never done anything like this before and spent many hours planning, arranging and rehearsing. By the time the service started, our family was swelling with pride. I'm thrilled to be his granddaughter and a part of his heritage.
We showed up at the church in Tulare and we were greeted by these finely dressed gentleman in the parking lot.
And these gentleman carried Grandpa's casket into the church.
My Uncle Mark (married to my dad's sister, Joanie) officiated the service.
There was singing by Charla--a member of Grandpa's church for...as long as I can remember. She used to sing in his church all the time and he loved her voice.
And then Joanie read a poem she wrote for Grandpa--she did the same when Grandma died three years ago.
And then it was time to head out to the cemetery for the graveside service. The kiddos did well during the service but were ready to get out the door.
Here they are headed to the gravesite:
And then there was the whole flag ceremony and presentation:
The current Mayor giving the flag to my dad and my auntie. They are sending it to my uncle, the oldest child, in Canada. Jan was not able to make it to the service.
During prayer, Dad & Joanie held the flag:
After all that, we headed out for some family time at Grandpa's favorite resaurant.
More pictures to come!
We showed up at the church in Tulare and we were greeted by these finely dressed gentleman in the parking lot.
And these gentleman carried Grandpa's casket into the church.
My Uncle Mark (married to my dad's sister, Joanie) officiated the service.
There was singing by Charla--a member of Grandpa's church for...as long as I can remember. She used to sing in his church all the time and he loved her voice.
And then Joanie read a poem she wrote for Grandpa--she did the same when Grandma died three years ago.
And then it was time to head out to the cemetery for the graveside service. The kiddos did well during the service but were ready to get out the door.
Here they are headed to the gravesite:
And then there was the whole flag ceremony and presentation:
The current Mayor giving the flag to my dad and my auntie. They are sending it to my uncle, the oldest child, in Canada. Jan was not able to make it to the service.
During prayer, Dad & Joanie held the flag:
After all that, we headed out for some family time at Grandpa's favorite resaurant.
More pictures to come!
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