Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Grandma Patty

Grandma Patty is failing rapidly. We often marvel at the vast changes in a newborn within the first months of life - but it seems that the elderly are on the same accelerated schedule - just in reverse. In a few short weeks, she has turned into an old lady, still sweet as ever - but an old old lady.

I picture a long road (90 + years worth), and I can see her in the distance. As she nears the destination, she is barely shuffling, and is carrying a small bag. Behind her on the path, you can see her footsteps (she leaves long narrow footprints).  You can see where she has gone out of her way to help another, and you can see the treasures that she has set aside along her journey. Her parents, sister, and dear husband have passed away, the big house has been sold, she's said her final goodbyes to many friends and her beloved California. Her driver's license has expired, the small house has been emptied, the well used mixing bowls and measuring spoons are in someone else's cupboard, and her mind is oftimes fuzzy.

She hears a voice - very faint at first. It is a familiar tone and it seems to be whispering "come home". She continues, taking one feeble step at a time, and the welcoming voice grows a bit stronger. She sees familiar faces gathered round. Although it is too much to talk, she can feel their love. The calling grows gently louder and she understands that what she is leaving behind, although precious to her, is insignificant. She recognizes the insistent voice as an old friend, one whom she can't wait to meet. Her body takes a last labored breath. She releases the small bag, letting it slip to the side of the road and with joy steps into eternity.

I love you Grandma Patty. I'm thankful that our paths crossed 23 years ago.

Grandma Patty passed away peacefully on September 20, 2012. 

Cousin Time

The crew of kids. Exhausted after a full day at Evergreen Wings & Waves. They had to kick us out at 8:00 and our kids were busting up the stairs for one last ride.

Love this pic! Liam loves pickups - a big bonus if it has huge tires and a loud engine.

Milah & Alinya

What good are photos without a few faces? No, their faces did not freeze like this

Once upon a time, I encouraged my only sibling to head to Switzerland for a great adventure. Oh by the way, I said - I think that Ralph guy is worth getting to know. What? She listened? I certainly don't regret her decisions because I adore Ralph and know that she is happy with her life. BUT . . . why does it have to be so far? Boo Hoo.

Mom's Day

Mom & I (leavin on a jet plane)

This is my mommy.  She is amazing.  She is one of the most unselfish people I know.  I've hardly ever heard her complain and she is rarely in a bad mood.  She sees the best in people and will spend an abundance of time making sure those she loves feel special.  Her capacity to care for people sometimes goes beyond her physical strength, but she continues - with a cheerful attitude. As a grandma, she is kind - a little goofy, and a cheerleader for each of her grandkids.    

I do have an issue with this picture.  Why did you make me wear such a short dress?  You look stunning by the way - groovin' on the hair do. 

Swimming, Swiss Style

Aaaah, bliss. Dad & Mom are enjoying a few days in Leukerbad Switzerland. This hot springs is nestled high in the alps - once you survive the death defying bus ride up the mountain, you never want to leave. You feel like you are "in" a postcard. There is a large pool indoors, connected to the outside lower one - you just swim thru a vinyl strip curtain and you are outside! We were in the upper pool one evening, the silhouetted snow covered Alps surrounding us, and a group of men began yodeling under the fountain. Goosebumps I tell you - it was incredible. One of those moments that are seared in the memory.

Another unique experience . . . one portion of a route to/from this area is only accessible by train. So, you drive your car onto the train and sit in darkness as it takes you through a gigantic tunnel (think it takes about 15 minutes). Underneath the Alps? No way? Yeah Yeah, Oiu Oiu, Ja! Ja!

Dad's Sweet Ride

Dad & Mom have a "little thing" for vintage travel trailers. It's way uncool to pull one with a modern truck, so they have been searching, for a retro tow rig. Voila! This 1960 Ford will definitely work, complete with stylin' canopy (the windows on the other side are not broken). Of course, the boys at this house have some grand plans for it as well - I think it may include swapping the engine out with a powerhouse that will leave people scratching their heads wondering what old contraption just blew past 'em.

Sentimental Treasures

During this "transition" period, we are spending an exorbitant amount of time in our small home office.

Together

Sitting side by side

For hours

For days

Although small, it is perfect and I love the hand-me-down vintage treasures that we are surrounded by- especially their connection to the past. It's impossible to look at these things and not remember the loved ones they belonged to. To most people, they would mean nothing and have very little value - but they are special because we remember the hands that used them - they are big in our hearts.
We start by clocking in first thing in the morning (not really). This time clock was a bit of a splurge a few years back as a Father's Day present. I spied it at an antique mall and tried to shove it out of my mind. When I ventured back a few weeks later, it was still there - I could hear it calling me from the parking lot. It actually works and I love the authentic wear and greasiness from years of use.
Old ledgers and time books are way cool. The stapler was used by Scott's grandma and the asphalt calculator was my grandpa's.

A small collection of vintage toy typewriters - from great aunt, Ebay (Wow - she's your aunt too?)

Scott's grandpa's real estate sign.
From my grandparents - was at the bottom of their road. Big deal -it's just a wooden sign with letters routed on it. No, that combination of letters is meaningful. As a girl, I would have uncontrollable butterflies in my stomach when I saw this sign, because it meant that we would soon be at their doorstep.

I guess someday our grandchildren will be heaped with loads of stuff that they will likely take to the trash cuz it's just a bunch of junk to them. Charles and Vivian or Dick Schuller will have no meaning. Sad but true.

It's NOT MINE!

We have 3 children in this home. Why is it when they are asked to pick up an item, take something to their room, or clean up an area - they suddenly claim no ownership or responsibility? It is ALWAYS the other kid's problem/stuff. Maren's latest trick is to say that she has "outgrown" the item in question - could've got it just last week, but it doesn't fit now!

All kids have brain damage, isn't that how it goes? Maybe it's me?

Can u spot the Differences?

I wanted to use this picture, but that light pole in Abraham Lincoln's face irked me. We had picked up this camper in Dix Nebaska in the early afternoon (June 2007) and were thrilled with our teeny RV. As the day came to a close, we were at Mt. Rushmore for their evening ceremony which I highly recommend. I have to say from the parking lot, I was slightly disappointed. But when you sit at the base of the massive granite structure and they gradually illuminate those faces, in tandem with "America the Beautiful", it is impressive and gives you goosebumps (and a lump in your throat).

For the record. Settled at our campsite, later that evening the kids were first class ROTTEN, and we questioned our logic in buying a unit for such cozy (did I mean miserable?) family togetherness.

Enter Susie. Photoshop wizard. She removed 5 things. Can you find them?

Spreading the News . . .

FYI to relatives of mine on the maternal side - head on over here for some late breaking news on one of our own. Scott is Tom and Brenda's oldest child. I believe the wedding is scheduled for June 24th in Medford. Congratulations to Scott and Angie!

Alinya was quite smitten with Sten. I love the look on her face as she is looking up at him and I love the swift and firm hand reaching to grab the disruptive munchkin popping into the screen. They were mocking Alinya a bit - she likes to suck her thumb and twist her "pomies" (ponytails) at the same time.

Swiss Crew Arrives

Who's sporting the biggest smile?

Heidi, Ralph and crew arrived on Monday for a few weeks. Their battle with jet lag is nearly over, and we have been soaking up every second of "together" time. We used to have to break up horrendous fights between the cousins, (with hair pulling and screaming) but there's a lot of love these days - they are having a grand ole time.

Liam and Maren - not sure if she was trying to give him a cow kiss or what?

Hannes and Milah

Milah, Dylan and Alinya

Baby Alinya (or Nina as she calls herself). We had never met Alinya, so we are enjoying a baby in the house. Our girls are a little envious of that curly hair.


Off on a journey. They ran the wheels off the four wheelers and the legs off the horse.

Orphan Mare - hadn't done her hair - doesn't have a mother - and doesn't really care -

Child Abuse!

May we call this meeting to order . . .

We found it necessary to hold a "family meeting" the other night to redirect, reinforce, and (even) congratulate. Don't let these 2 smiling faces fool you. Each child reluctantly sat and all took turns groaning, snickering, and the girls each shed some tears. Sten yawned through the monologue and Maren hollered out from her shirt several times that, "she hates work."

We have determined that the girls need to help a bit more around the house. And there is no reason to have to remind these children to pick up after themselves, put their clothes away, and put their dishes in the dishwasher all the time. Do your kids ever put their dirty clothes back in their drawers or throw the freshly cleaned clothes in the clothes hamper (still folded)? Have you ever watched your child walk by the same stray shoe or sock belonging to them? (Please tell me that we are not alone) The only explanation for this behavior is "brain damage" as explained by Bill Cosby, and as he says, "our children are all struck with it."


The smallest resident felt the biggest pinch and was THRILLED to wash the toe kick area of the cupboards today. The word, "disgusting" was muttered a few times as she wrung out the rag.

The Birthday Kids - Dad's birthday is the day after Milah's and he's been miffed at me for 11 years that I couldn't wait just a few more hours so they could share the same day - boo hoo.

Sten is getting ready to tackle a "frame off" restoration. This means that he will completely strip his truck from the frame and then begin rebuilding piece by piece. He hopes to swap the engine with a Dodge Cummins, so charitable donations to this project - large or small, would be certainly welcomed. He hopes to drive it to school next year - so he has about 12 months to complete this task. Good thing I'm not in charge of this project - otherwise there would be a heap of left over parts and when you pressed the brake, the horn would honk and the wipers would squirt the passengers.

Maren recounting a story of "old" to Grandpa. Once upon a time, we left adorable baby Maren napping while we ran to town, assuring Grandpa (the babysitter) that she would sleep for hours. Apparently, within minutes of our departure, she alerted her babysitter with a statement that horrified and panicked him (as he had never changed a diaper). She said, "Grandpa, I poopy." Well, he folded up his sleeves, and got the job done with a little guidance from 5 year old Milah. Maren finished her nap in a clean diaper and we've had many laughs since.

We had unexpected but welcome visitors from Hotchkiss Colorado yesterday. Rich and Elaine D (she is Dad's cousin), arrived and they were quickly hussled about by the resident tour guide, Maren. Maren said she hadn't had such fun since her 6th birthday - what a nut!

What's happen'n around here

First day of School - there's definitely a chill (and precipitation) in the air.

Milah - 5th Grade

Maren - 2nd Grade

No that is not a pigment issue. No that is not a tan. Yes that is dirt. Yes he did shower.

Within minutes of Dad and Mom arriving for the night - Dad was grabbing apples to make applesauce. We had a large garbage can full and this little bucket.

Thank you Miss Maren

Give them a bath, and core them (we used one of those pampered chef gadgets that cores and cuts them in several wedges at once).

Put a little water in the bottom of a stock pot and cook, occasionally mashing down into the liquid.


Side note: When we were married 20 years ago, the one thing Scott requested were these Magnalite pans. I have loved them and I'm sure they will last until "death do us part". The one piece I didn't have was a large stock pot. At a garage sale recently, I spotted 3 magnalite pans and lids, with one being a stock pot. They were not marked, so I asked the lady what she was asking - how 'bout 5$ for all 3? Sounds reasonable (snicker, snicker) - and no, Dad, I did not bargain! I shoved them in the car and we were off . . .

Add salt and sugar to taste, cinammon if you wish. Cook until it looks soupy.

Pour into a colander and mash.

Side note: Dad is looking especially lovely as the girls always "style" his hair with clips/headbands/rubberbands. This particular "do" was compliments of Maren and she even accessorized him with Hello Kitty lip gloss. Sten was finding it very difficult to look at him without breaking into fits of laughter.

Cousin Crashed Us

We had a relative show up from Guam - she looked tired and hungry, so we took her in for a few days. As is always the case when she arrives, we enjoy non-stop chatter - fits of laughter, mixed with doses of reminiscing. This time we engaged in an activity we'd never done before - comparing density of gray hair (not a highlight of the visit).

We were hoping she would accidentally leave something important, so she would have to come back - 'til next year, Pam - We love you!

Take a close look . . .

A little photoshop magic - Susie is the wizard, not me

Memorial Day

We had a chance to see Wilemina as she is up North visiting relatives for a bit. She looks just the same and it was great to give her a squeeze. We've decided that she'll definitely make her century mark as she has just under 2 years to go . . . all that hard work and clean liv'n

The girls saw 3 of 4 great grandmas on Monday - with Wilemina and Grandma Patty.

They saw Great Grandma in Salem too.

Mom and Dad had their old exposed aggregate sidewalks replaced with these pavers - it looks amazing and really adds "curb appeal"

There are strange creatures lurking in their trees . . .

Maren was wearing this prairie girl dress which I adore and she despises. Since this may be the only time I get her to wear it, I thought I'd snap some pictures.