What's Next?

Celebrate the day!

2010-11-27T13:14:00.000-08:00

It's Andrew's 14th Birthday!

Happy Birthday!!

I Love You

Have a great day!

Bullet Points

2010-04-01T17:13:00.000-07:00

One man's trash.....

2010-02-19T15:38:00.000-08:00

an old metal bed frame,

a broken mirror,

A stained glass window across the room,

TA-DA!

AWANA Grand Prix 2010

2010-02-06T19:18:00.000-08:00

On your mark, Get Set, GO!
I love the Grand Prix. A fun day filled with excited kids, pine blocks,plastic wheels and a few competitive adults.
This years car had 2 L.E.D. blinking head lights, engine noise and sparky! FUN FUN! If I knew how to post video I would, but I don't. A picture will have to do, unless you want to tutor me?

Dental pick and toothbrush for hire!

2010-01-31T11:42:00.000-08:00

Spent most of the day cleaning my transmission. The grime was over an inch thick in some areas.

Clean Frame

2010-01-19T09:43:00.000-08:00

After 50+ hours grime removal and some Sealant, My truck frame is now almost like new.

Keeping busy!

2010-01-04T23:02:00.000-08:00

Birthday Cod: A Picture Essay

2009-11-27T22:57:00.000-08:00

Big Hunks and Bondo

2009-09-18T22:25:00.000-07:00

I remember going to work with my father as a child. I would spend all day cleaning up his work area. Organizing his toolbox, sorting nuts and bolts and watching him work. He used to buy me a BIG HUNK from the vending machine. The smell of Bondo and nougat candy always bring me back to the body-shop. A couple years ago Dad cleaned out his garage and gave his old Auto body working tools to Joe.

Tonight when Joe got them out for me to use, He said, "You should call your Dad and invite him over, Tell him you have a project for him."

Well, Dad can come over any time but I don't think he'll want to work on my project. I'm going to take all that I learned by watching him and have at it myself. (I may be calling for advice)
Tonight I banged out my first ever dented fender! It was fun. It was sweet for me. It was really loud! Now I understand why I have to make eye contact with Dad when I speak! Anyways, Here's to you Dad. Thanks for the memories and the education!

Phantom Plane

2009-08-21T17:43:00.000-07:00

Looking out the window of the airplane I was on. The picture really does not do the shadow and light refraction ring justice, but it is cool! (You may have to tilt your screen to see it.)

(The best part of ) Mt. Rainier

2009-07-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

Any Guesses?

2009-07-06T23:23:00.000-07:00

Exactly what I said......

2009-06-27T16:13:00.000-07:00

"Andrew, please pile the wood scraps neatly next to the woodshed."
Exactly what I got: Wood scraps neatly piled next to the woodshed!

Traditions

2009-06-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

Last day of school mustache! (his own hair)
I love his humor.

It's True!

2009-06-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

There Really Is A Pacific Northwest Sock & Sandal Guy!

That's one way to keep him quiet!

2009-05-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

Very Funny

2009-04-13T13:09:00.000-07:00

My sister Gina and I were sitting at my kitchen table playing Phase 10. Gina's son Caleb opens the back door, sticks his grubby finger in my face and says: "I need a suggestion." (He meant opinion ) "Dog poop or not?"

My opinion: Gross!

My suggestion: Go wash your hands!

AWANA GRAND PRIX 09

2009-03-16T10:54:00.000-07:00

I love the AWANA Grand Prix. So much fun to be had with a little chunk of wood! Usually the dads go nutso for this type of thing! I like to give the dads some competition. To be honest, I don't really care if my car rolls. It just has to look good.

This one sounds good too! Tucked up into the underside, is a speaker and music chip from a Hallmark card. It plays "Girls just wanna have fun".

Andrew did a great job on his car. He did very well in speed against the other cars made by kids and won a 3rd place design trophy

Valentines

2009-02-14T08:53:00.000-08:00

When everyone went to bed last night I gathered a few things I needed to do a small project. I got out some parchment paper, red sharpie, and some candy that I had picked up for my men.
All settled on the couch with my green tea, Retro Television and gifts. My plan was to make a wrapper inside the wrapper of the candy. Just a little love note. Very simple. As soon a I started B comes out of his room and plops down on the couch. Having heard his bedroom door open I managed to hide things under a pillow I was leaning on.
I sat on the couch doodling & folding and refolding a piece of parchment paper for 2 hours! When he finally got up and made a nest to sleep in, in the hallway. That was at 1AM! By then I had to go to bed!
B had to leave the house at 5AM for wrestling. We are going to be FEELING the LOVE later today!

LIMA BEANS ARE GROSS!

2009-02-11T12:44:00.000-08:00

I made some really good 15 bean soup yesterday. Actually it was 13 bean cause I picked all the Lima beans out. Big and small. They can't trick me no matter the size they are still Lima Beans!

I can prove that they are gross. Our dog Topsy will eat anything! She tried the beans and spit them out!

Wild Boar for Thanksgiving?

2008-11-26T23:36:00.000-08:00

NO, It's Andrew's Birthday!

Happy Birthday Andrew!

Here is the cake you requested

I Love You!

Under the Sea 08.

2008-11-01T22:26:00.000-07:00

After many weeks of much work we had yet another successful Harvest Carnival.

Our Carnival is open to the public. We have decided that Satan really must hate our Halloween Alternative. We felt like we were under attack. #1 I broke my leg. #2 Theresa had some absessed teeth. Kelly's house was ransacked and robbed. Betty's son was attacked and injured at College. If just one person comes to Christ because of this outreach, it is worthwhile.

Under the sea 08. #5

2008-11-01T22:05:00.000-07:00

Theresa created this coral reef out of styofoam, and spray foam. It was incredible.

Under the Sea 08. #4

2008-11-01T21:56:00.000-07:00

I built the frames for this scene. 2 other ladies did the painting,

Under the sea. #3

2008-11-01T21:54:00.001-07:00

Teresa made this light house from cardboard, styrofoam and spray foam. The details are incredible!

Under the Sea 08. #2

2008-11-01T21:44:00.001-07:00

My favorite project by far. This little sub is made from 2 rain barrels and a lot of styrofoam. It has a panel of switches with lights and noise, made by a man in our church for one of our previous Harvest Carnivals. I connected a little red night light and a fan to turn on with the flip of a switch. I was so happy to see the really long line of little kids.

Under The Sea 08. #1

2008-11-01T21:33:00.000-07:00

This is what I was building when I broke my leg. With much help from many people, It was completed for our party.

As you walk through, you could hear "In the belly of the whale" by the Newsboys.

What are we afraid of?

2008-10-21T23:13:00.000-07:00

Mom's blog(yestheyarereallyallmine-mom.blogspot.com) got me thinking.
I would have to say, I am not who you think I am.

A mentally strong person? Strong like a padded cell. I have absorbed what has gone in and let nothing out. Insecurities, stuff'em. Feelings, stuff'em, opinions, stuff those too.

A physically strong person? I used to be a really strong person. Now, I'm learning to be weak. My body has betrayed me. Cancer and it's treatments have left me tired and fragile. Diabetes has turned my world upside down. Just recently, a broken leg, reminds me that I'm not living in my own strength.
A spiritually strong person? No, again I am weak. Who do I think of first thing in the morning? God? Me. What crosses my mind when something goes right? God? Me. Who do I ask for help from first? God? Me. Who have I held myself accountable to? God? Me. For all God has done for me; have I thanked him daily?
Fear and selfishness have been major players in my life. On the outside I have put up a good front. Always calm and cool. On the inside a whole nother story. Don't respond quickly, you'll say it wrong. Or you will sound stupid. Don't make friends with old people, they die. Don't make friends with young people, they change. Don't make friends, they are high maintenance. Don't let anyone see you cry. You will look like a blubbering idiot. Don't let anyone hear you pray, it's personal.
Fear and selfishness, what a waste.
All this to say:
Hi, my name is Kris and although we probably have already met or grew up together,(or you raised me) I do not believe we know each other. While I do not know how long I will live, I think it would be a shame for me to another 38 years on the same selfish & fearful path. So tell me who you are, what is important to you, what are your goals and ambitions. Feel free to ask questions. Let's be real.

It's Time!

2008-09-16T19:19:00.000-07:00

Harvest Carnival Time!
Instead of Halloween our church has a carnival. I have been involved with it for the past couple of years. I thought I'd share some pictures of some of the things we have built. (We = Myself and a friend, Theresa.) We work well together and have had a blast being creative. This Train was built for 2006. It was a huge success. We even got our picture in the paper!

2008-09-16T19:14:00.000-07:00

..............My sister's guest room..................

2008-09-15T20:50:00.000-07:00

Crisp clean fall air.

Big enough for us to share.

Ben, Cooper, Me -n- Trish.

Count the stars and make a wish.

Bounce and Giggle, giggle some more.

Snuggle together, start to snore.

In the morning all covered with dew,

I'd do it again cause:

I Love You!

..............................Remission................................

2008-08-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

My 5 year marker is today. Yea! I'm counting from my last Rad of radiation.

There are a few things that cancer has taught me that I'd like to share.

#1 I am nothing. I am everything.

All my accomplishments, my talents and my self confidence, mental, emotional and physical strength mean nothing. Take all that away(plus the hair).

Weak and sick. Begging to die, feeling so alone in my pain. At the end of myself, I am everything! A child of God. When I am weak He is strong.

#2 A mother's work is never done. And never properly acknowledged.

Thank you Mom for all the time and effort you put into taking care of my family. (Although, I think that the boys still don't change thier underwear regularly!)

#3 Good friends will muddle in the muck with you. And kick your rear when you need it.

#4 Hair is highly over rated.

******

2008-08-25T18:32:00.000-07:00

You called to say you're moving away.

"God's been preparing me for this day.

A new place, new friends, a new beginning."

Long silence, I know.................... my head is spinning.

"I'm excited for you!" I heard me say.

"Fun adventures, new places to play."

I said the right words, I know I did.

My real reaction very well hid.

Natural consequence I do believe,

Is what will come when you leave.

All your efforts to dress me in style.

Will only last a very short while!

The Best Smoothie

2008-08-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup unsweetend frozen mixed berries
1 tsp. coconut oil
1T. raw honey

Blend and enjoy!

Politically Correct & Stuffed Animal Lovers, Beware!

2008-05-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

Memorial weekend is a great weekend for us. We usually go camping with a large group of friends. On Saturday evening we have a potluck party. This year our theme was Trailer Trash. I think that it is a great opportunity to embarrass our children! I was crowned Queen. I'm so proud! For dinner I brought "Roadkill".

Spider

2008-05-20T11:48:00.000-07:00

Iv'e been layed up for almost a week and the boredom has set in. Here is my first accomplishment post surgery. I got the directions off the internet. As I was finishing it I got the "willies" really bad. I Hate spiders! I thought I would put this in the collection plate!

Say Cheese!

2008-04-07T11:53:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite family photos. We told Grandma that we wanted a picture together so we put our best smiles on. She had and still has no idea what we had done. What is funny is that we have shown her the picture!

Testing Testing

2008-04-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

This is test of my blogging abillities. I have been having a really tough time getting pictures to upload. Usually I send them to my sister Trish and she posts them for me. What a pain!

Commander Bob and his little Me

2008-02-20T13:16:00.000-08:00

I love the Awana Grand Prix! It is alot of fun to see what can be created from a little block of pine. This is Our AWANA Commander, He is a really neat guy and I just wanted to pay tribute to him and his Service in our AWANA Club. The American and AWANA flags which Bob is attached to are on a hinge. When He and the flags are stood up you can hear the Theme music from the Olympics. I tried to find Our National Anthem but Olympics was the best I could find. Usually I don't care if my car even rolls, Bob had other ideas. He placed 2nd for speed. Surprised me! I think maybe having the real Commander rooting for him helped!

Keith Green

2008-01-30T13:26:00.000-08:00

Does any one remember Keith Green? He was a Christian singer who died in 1982. I found a CD of him at Goodwill. I remember hearing him. I love his music.

2008-01-25T23:27:00.000-08:00

Ann

She sat across from me.

I tried not to make eye contact.

I was not there to make friends.

I was afraid.

Anywhere else would be better.

I sat with tears in my eyes.

Each time I looked up

she would smile.

Most Thursdays

24 weeks

Same time, same place

in spite of me,

she is my friend.

Birthday

2007-12-02T15:34:00.000-08:00

Andrew is 11 now. It was not official till Birthday week was over. We had his 'Friend' party on Saturday. It was the perfect day for Andrew. He always wants snow for his birthday. He got it! 2 inches. There were 8 boys going in and out of my house for 4 hours. They played flag football till they were cold. Inside to warm up playing monopoly. A game of Cross County Croquet till they were cold. Inside to warm up playing video games and Legos. Hide and Seek till they were cold. Inside to warm up eating a hot bowl of chili with cheese and french fries.

Andrew wanted a bear cake. I procrastinated till the very last minute of coarse. I started baking cake and making the mouth at 10pm the night before. I made the mouth out of a piece of cardboard tubing, plastic teeth and alot of hot glue. In the morning I put it all together. it was so easy and fun.

Thanksgiving

2007-11-26T19:49:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for my quiet life.

For my husband who takes very good care of me.

That my kids do not whine.

For my Manny who does my job better than I.

I am thankful that my car runs every time I need it.

My insurance pays very well.

For my friends who "get me".

I am thankful for the roof over my head.

For clothes to keep me warm.

For Sisters who say I'm "OK" just the way I am.

My Blog Hates me.

2007-11-15T09:15:00.000-08:00

I keep trying, I can't post the things I want to. I keep losing them!

Hamster Love

2007-11-13T08:54:00.000-08:00

Last winter my boys really wanted to get a rodent. Joe and I really did not want one in our house. On our way home from a ski trip they wanted to stop at a pet store. Knowing that they did not have any money with them we stopped. Silly us! Knowing that the only way they would be able to leave the store with a critter is to let mom have alot of say in which critter. Smart Them! We decided on a blonde teddy bear hamster. We had the discussion of who's responsibility it was and who was going to buy the supplies and how much each of them owed me for the purchase. It was all on them. On the way home They named him Louie. The boys loved Louie. They played with him, fed him, carried him around and cleaned up after him. For about three weeks!

Louie was an escape artist. One night while Joe was out of town the dog went nutso. I put her outside, let her back in and again she went nutso. As I was following her to the spare room I saw something out of the corner of my eye! It was Louie running into the bathroom. I left the dog and went after the hamster. I tried to catch it behind the toilet, I missed. I missed again in the living room. I was on my way to the kitchen to catch it when it came from under the couch. I was to late. There was the dog with the hamster in her mouth. I grabbed the fly swatter and started whacking the dog on the head to make her drop Louie. She let go of Louie and I took her outside so she would not be a pain while I disposed of Louie. When I returned to the kitchen, Louie was gone! I looked under every appliance, in every nook and cranny, I laid on the kitchen floor for about a half hour listening for something to move. Nothing. I wrote a note for the boys to look for Louie.(I just knew that he had crawled up something to die.). At that point it was 2:30 AM and I went to bed.

In the morning, Within 10 minutes of looking, Louie was found alive and well. Louie escaped a couple more times before I built him an escape free home.

The boys have pretty much lost interest in Louie. Funny thing is that it does not bother me at all! I have really grown to love the little fella. I don't have any problem cleaning his home every week. Or buying the bedding & food or taking him out to play with him. In fact, I love taking care of Louie. Almost every week when I clean his home I also bathe him. I put him in the bathroom sink, lather him with coconut shampoo,and rinse with warm water. His favorite part is when I wrap him in a washcloth and hold him till he is dry. He usually falls asleep for about a half hour. When his fur gets unruly I even cut it. Louie is the sweetest (and cleanest) hamster I have ever seen. I Love Louie.

Tricia made me do it!

2007-11-07T10:30:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my first ever blog! I'm doing this because: Tricia made me do it. Although, she didn't set it up for me like she did for Gina!?