Tribute

Sometimes in life we are reminded about how short life is. I have been blessed to constantly learn from many incredible women (and I continue to meet them, I think I must have a lot to learn). Last week, my aunt died. I related a lot to her as she joined the family. She was only 8 years older than me, a teacher, loved kids, a mom, liked to throw parties and have people over to her house, and had an incredible heart (I am still trying for this). With the taste of death I am again reminded that we must not put off tomorrow what we want/need to do today. Her sister Elyse read this poem at the funeral.

That Woman is a Success...
(Barbara J. Burrows)

Who loves life
and live it to the fullest;
who has discovered and shared
the strengths and talents
that are uniquely her own;
who puts her best into each task
and leaves each situation
better than she found it;
who seeks and finds
that which is beautiful in all people...
and all things;
whose heart is full of love
and warm with compassion;
who has found joy in living
and peace within herself.

20 Years & Disneyland

Brian had his 20-year High School Reunion last week, and we decided why not make a vacation out of it if we are going to Southern California anyway. Disneyland is much more fun than Brawley!! So we checked my kids out of school (AGGGHHHH!) and headed to California. Meagan did not love the fact that they took her apples when we got to the border. She was sure on our way home when we stopped for the border patrol that they would give her her apples back.

We met up with my brother Rob and his family. We left Disneyland early on Wednesday so we could go to the beach for an hour or so on Wednesday night. Brian and I got caught by a wave that was bigger than we thought it was going to be (we weren't going to get wet) and Brian lost his flip flop. We could see if being taken out to sea. The girls rushed to get it, while we were telling them not to worry, we didn't care if he didn't get it back. Ashley being the noble daughter, bent down to get just as the waves came crashing in on both sides and over her back. But when she came up she had the shoe. She drank a bit too much of the salt water and was drenched, but she had the shoe.

On Friday, my Aunt Janet and Uncle Tom came down for a few hours to hang out with us at the park. This was fun, to have them with us and they are good sports for many of our favorite rides. We stayed at the park until 11:30 and were exhausted when we got back to the hotel. Unfortunately, we wanted to get up early to get to Brawley.

Once in Brawley, we needed to hang out at Brian's old spots. Johnny's for lunch (yum!! cheese fries) and a drive around town. We took the girls to see their Aunt Laurie's grave, which they cleaned off nicely. Brawley has grown a new hotel and a Wal-mart. We had a nice visit with his friends parents and then went to the reunion. It was a nice evening, and Brian was able to catch up with lots of people from high school.

The road out of Brawley is full of curves and dips (there is a metaphor there), if you have ever driven it, you don't forget it. It is a tummy twisting ride--not for the faint of heart. We warned the kids, but our car sick Meagan didn't quite make it. Oh it just adds to the trip. We have now done the wash, slept (a little), and are back at school--it makes last week look really good and it was.

Sew What!

Every year around Halloween I think I can be the good mom and sew someone a costume. Some years it happens, most of the time it does not. This year, after looking at the crappy costumes in the stores I asked the girls who would like me to make their costume. So, Ashley was the winner and wanted a poodle skirt. For many on you this would not be a big deal, you wouldn't need a pattern, you would just whip it up, after you have made the material on your loom. But for me, this is a HUGE deal. I trekked to the material store (clear on the other side of town), and then spent more than I wanted to on material, pattern, and a cute poodle. When I got home I realized that the pattern had a pattern to make a poodle. I forgot to get elastic and pink thread, but I can at least cut it out. I had big ideas about doing this over conference weekend, but that came and went as did last weekend. So, if it doesn't get done this weekend it is over, she won't have it to wear for Halloween, since we are going mouse hunting next weekend. Luckily, Emily decided to help me and we got a good jump on it. So here is a picture of me sewing and one of Emily too. Hopefully you will see a picture of Ashley in a cute skirt on Halloween. If you hear swear words coming from our house you may need to come save me!

Vote for me.

I tried to run once, but after listening to the debate last Friday night (yes, I really did), I thought I better try once more. Click on the Vote for me at the top!!