U.S. Citizen

Well, leave it to the Federal Government to generally mess things up and make life complicated. In applying for my passport (since you need one now to renew your driver license and do everything but sneeze) I learned that I was not a legal citizen of the U.S. And due to the luck of all things that are Heather, I was neither one of Canada where I was born. Mercy! In all the law changes, rule changes, form changes; my changes (birth that is) were misplaced. And since 9/11 I now had to go through Homeland Security and prove why I deserved such an honor.

Needless to say, it has taken time, money and a sense of humor. I must say that it was easier then I imagined; there was only one form to complete and only 10 pieces of "authorized, notarized copies". It took less time then expected; only 6 months, not the 18 months I was told. It was not free.

I was given the privilege of being sworn in as a Citizen of the U.S.A. on Monday, August 31st at 8am. I was a very excited girl. I am still giggly about it really. I know, ask anyone else it was rather silly- I had to promise to bare arms if required by law and all, but I enjoyed the moment. Waiting an hour and a half to raise my hand for five was less then thrilling for the boys but how often do you get to experience something like this.

I was the only Caucasian. They mispronounced my name twice, in two different ways. I was the only one who spoke only one language. I had the largest cheering section and I DID NOT nod off like the teen at the end of the line;)

Here are the photos!

"I Swear"

Boys killin' time

Signing my name on EVERYTHING

Happy Girl

Me and my Certificate

Multnomah Falls

We took a trip today and spent the morning at Multnomah Falls. We then toodled on over to Bonneville Damn and went to the Fish Hatchery.

The falls were beautiful! It was cold on the way to the bridge and was icy around one of the bends. We soldiered on though and had some of the best laughs going over the ice. There was Jack's favorite part when Phillip was carrying him and the stroller and started sliding backwards when Mama caught them both. Never hurts to wear a smile. RJ took a friend with him and it made the whole day much more enjoyable for all.

We saw a 10ft Sturgeon at the hatchery, he ways over 450lbs and is ugly as sin. We fed the trout and saw where they grow the eggs and had a great time watching them swim. How easy it is to entertain boys, all you need are sticks, fish and enough shade to keep them cool and enough sun to keep them warm.

check me out

follow my journey on my other blog http://www.mamaephotos.blogspot.com/

Grauer Back-to-School

It is January and I am off to my first meeting for Grauer. I am on a board that holds a back-to-school readiness program. We distribute school supplies, back packs, coats, shoes and socks/underwear to get children ready for the first day of school. It is an amazing thing on distribution day. We give away to 700 children in August. This is the 8th year! I of course started just by writing grants. Last year though I was a co-captain for distribution day and helped with the set up weeks. Can you believe there are 250 people that volunteer every year to help get the items to the kids? We already have people buying coats and shoes. I can't wait! It becomes infectious, this thing that we do...well that or addictive;) You should see the smiles and the excitement of the kids. It is amazing what a small group of people can do when they put their heads together and follow their hearts.

Running

So to motivate myself this year I did it again, I signed up to do the Hood 2 Coast. I thought for sure I would be running by now. Nope, not even close. I just got my e-mail notification that my team captain wants me to register my info and I just stared at it. I want to do this, don't get me wrong. I am actually looking forward to the weekend of running with a great group of people. It was nice taking a year off and getting some perspective, for all the anguish it was invigorating...but I'm not with it yet. I've set up a training program even, to start in February. I have hit the gym hard the last couple of weeks and the soreness has been surprisingly welcome. A clear indicator that I am getting warmed-up to be motivated...maybe. But I have yet to hit the pavement. Maybe tomorrow?

High Tea

Katie and I started a new tradition this year...there are some amazing things you can do with a girl! We went to High Tea at the Heathman...such fun eating small sandwiches and five different desserts while drinking tea and playing with the tea service. Lexi wore her "party shoes" and took her "party purse" and went to a party with Auntie Heather.

Pickling

Because I have nothing else to do...I thought I would pickle.

It is an indulgence for Phillip.

They are so bold in color before I pour the brine. I love to see them clean and in the jars. There is a small pleasure I get when I am done and have something I made that others enjoy. Must be why I started making jam too. That or I have found my stride as a domestic. So long as no one wants clean socks!

Army of Women

If you are a woman and are reading my site, please click on Army of Women. This is an effort by Avon and Dr. Love to recruit as many women as possible to be available for research studies for Breast Cancer. Regardless of your "demographic" they are looking for you. This program will link researchers with women who are able to participate in studies on breast cancer. They need survivors, they need those that are cancer free. They need every age, geographic location and ethic group to participate. We are being called to join the ranks of those finding a cure, a vaccine and a treatment. Help me.

It is with a greater passion that I am asking this from you. This year has seen breast cancer take the life of my Aunt Connie.

This year, I found a lump. This year, at 32, I had my first mammogram. The lump they found required another mammogram. I then needed an ultrasound. I then needed an MRI.

My lump is benign.

I can only share with you the terror of looking at my children and thinking of them spending one day without me. I can only hope that the fear that I felt for the last month be something that skips you and those you hold dear. I can only express gratitude for those that walked with me during this time of my life. I am desperate to find a cure. We all need a life that is full of our loved ones and our children.

Please, I implore you, help me.

Eskimos

Pop used to tell a story about 2 grizzled hunters who met in a bar in the arctic. After a few drinks theconversation turned to the existence of God. They started to argue. One man insisted that there was a God while the other was just as sure there was not.
“Yes there is!”
“No, there isn’t!”
“God exists!”
“No, He doesn’t, and I can prove it.” The non-believer said, “I was out hunting when a snow storm caught me. The snow came down hard and obliterated the trail. I was lost. I didn’t know what to do, so I got down on my knees and prayed.”
“That proves that God exists,” said the believer.
“No it doesn’t,” said his opponent. . . . “Some darn Eskimo came along and showed me the way back to town.”

We all have Eskimos who come into our lives and show us the way. A quick word, a chance meeting.
I have met with one of mine recently and wanted to help prepare your heart to meet one of yours.

A moments respit

So I cleaned the kitchen and even swept the floor so I am taking a moment to upload (or is it download) some new tunes to my ipod.

When the mind has a moment it is amazing where it wanders...

Why is the perfect apron so elusive? When did it become an desire? I have one that I love the color and it has pockets but doesn't cover the girls. The other one I just got covers, is great color and yet, has no pockets.

I need to get a Brita and stop the water bottle madness. I realized this point when I drank three half bottles out of the fridge while rearranging and putting things in their place. Yes I have a labeled fridge...I have three boys...they know where the mustard is because it has a spot and I never get asked.

I recylce and try to buy local (organic is out of the budget of a single income family most of the time) but am I green enough? I like the idea of a garden but can't keep a simple African violet alive w/out Phillips help. I love the recycling bin- one big one and I now have a half full garbage can each week and overflowing recycling bin. I lament though what I do toss.

My blog is green right? No wasted trees for paper for letters. Or is something lost by not having the personal touch of a letter. That I believe is another issue all together.

It really sucks that Avatar is over!

Well, time to get back at the mess...ipod is now synced up.

The summer blahs

there are dishes clean but still in the sink, going on a week I think.
There is laundry in the dryer and wash, not moving themselves. Clothes to iron piling up.
Half the house is prepped for painting, furniture is in no mans land, pictures are down.
The beds are not made, the bathrooms need cleaned, and there is more clutter then even I can handle.
Yet, here I am sitting in front of this computer, putting it all off.
Not sure if it is the summer blah, a slump or just really not motivated. God I hope I stay the path and finish something.

Maybe if I list the things I have finished?
-Grauer back to school is done and was a huge success! Yes I was the lady in charge, but only for the day. 663 kids this year were served! I am so thrilled! It has been something I have been working on as a board member all year.
-The last big grant went out yesterday, I have been working on this one for about a month. Yeah!
-Uh, my calendar is full.
-I have made it to the gym this week.
-Vet apts, dr apts, summer camps, getting Phillip ready to head out of town, dog sitting, painting.

Okay, I feel a little better, but not much.

I will finish something today, that will not be undone by the time the kids wake up from a rest...that means the bathrooms will wait!

Techno-Phobe

I am seriously technologically delayed. I am finally mastering the basic blog and still learning my text shorthand. I am trying out my space and facebook and not having much luck. Then I see on Jess's site and in the Oregonian even, this new feature of twitter. Are you serious! I still don't have dvr or hd. Can I manage another media? I am one of those dolts that needs a class or tutoring...any takers?

Book Club Ladies

So we always debate what we really should be called, drunk club, wine club, hen club, but every now and then we throw in a book or two so after five years we are still drinking, eating and sharing each others lives. Here are some of the ladies!

Pictures of the Breast Cancer Walk

Finally got my hands on my sisters camera where all the photos I did and some I didn't take were hiding...so hold on tight, many posts to follow!

Catching up...

I find it very therapudic to blog when I am feeling overwhelmed. It helps me to focus sometimes. Other times it is a distraction from those things I like to ignore, like ironing.

It is gearing up to be a busy spring, well really summer. Phillip's mom just had sinus surgery and it went well. We are relieved by that, never pleasent from what I hear. His brother Ken is scheduled to have surgery in Salt Lake, UT April 25th. We will be taking an extended vacation to Bruneau and then into UT for about 10 days. We will be driving w/ the boys...yeah! Ken will be in UT for a month after surgery so we are going to go hang w/ him for a while and visit our friends. Phillip has only been to UT for the layover when going to DC so we are planning on seeing the sites and getting to know the valley when it is not under a mountian of snow.

RJ is in the process of being evaluated for school. We all know that he is supper bright (like his father) but he is having a hard time. For awhile we thought it was his sensory disorder but it would appear he has a learning hic-up. Quite the trouper, really. As far as he is concerned we are the ones w/ a problem beacause we don't know how to teach well. Go w/ your victories I say. Better to be a little cocky vs. defeated.

Hmm, other then that there are lots of loads of laundry, dog baths and apointments. Still trying to get my health in check after my surgery last year and as ever, balance is w/in reach and I do something stupid, like the Shamrock run and we start over. Gotta love being human w/ limits. I have never been very accepting of that though so I will be better and I will do the things I want, there must be a way. A quick catch up I guess is in order, I had to have a total hystorectomy last January for a multitude of reasons, not the least of which is PCOS, which wreaks havoc on your hormone balance including insulin. It is now a constant battle to lead the life I want and stay out of menopause. Because the insulin problem caused the PCOS I will forever be on the high risk side of diabetes and yet, the exercise that will keep it at bay, causes my other hormones to fluctuate in a rather radical way. Hot flashes and night sweats aside, the mood swings are a b**ch. You can guess how much fun Phillip's life is. God love him, I know I do.

Cheers!

The quiet march towards the end...

There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief. ~Aeschlus

I am grateful for the moments I was given. Honored that I was there. Comforted now by their steady presence. May his passing be peaceful and tender. All my love and hugs Pop.

Okay, Uncle!

Never thought I would get sound advice from the boy scout catalogue; but what the heck. I am constantly suprised...Check out the quotes, you too may feel a giant gorilla jump off your back.

End of a year...thank God!

I can only say it was a total bust...most of it at least.

From surgery in January to my complete failure at having Pop in our home in December, I think I have tanked on most of the things I wanted to do well. I can chalk up the H2C, kitchen and loving the boys desperately; however it has been an awful struggle to gain any ground on my health (both physical and mental) or much else really. It was a year full of one step forward, three steps back. Aggghhh.

Here is to rallying next year and getting it together. May you enjoy the last few days of the year, and know that I am going to spend them in a complete stupor w/ fermented beverages...all our love and hugs. Peace out!

Growing Family

Hey everyone...I will hopefully be more diligent about posting as some of y'all will be using this as a life line for the family.

My grandfather, Pop, will be moving in w/ us this week. He has been struggling w/ a knee replacement and has been in the hospital for the second time w/ it. After very little consideration Phillip and I invited him into our home. Really we wouldn't have it any other way. It amazes me that it takes the two of us 6mo to a year to buy a car but the bigger things in life are a no brainer and really don't require much discussion.

The goal is to see how much improvement can be made in the next two months. We are however in the process of evaluating him for other causes for his complications. The joys of medicine are that it really is a game of elimination and as our buddy Dave says, "...it's called a practice for a reason, they are just practicing medicine on you..."; we'll see!

So for all our great support systems out there...thank you! Because of how much everyone has done for us this year we are now in a place where we can do something like this. I remind everyone that says this is "noble" work or that we are really going to be overwhelmed, we have it easy. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law are the ones who are the hero's out there for care. I am in a constant state of awe over what they accomplish w/ only each other to rely upon. We are getting up to 12 hours of home care a day to help me with what he needs...all the fun stuff like getting him showered and dressed and ready for the day. It will free me up to take care of the things that are more enjoyable like appointments, meals and just hanging out w/ him and the kiddos.

Boys are looking forward to it. RJ said this morning, "I like it when you take care of me when I'm not feeling well, he will like it too!" Jack is just going to love having an extra lap for reading books!

All our love and prayers. We will be forgetful in the upcoming months but please just poke me from time to time as I want to avoid becoming myopic...

Pop

Hey, hope everyone is well. I have spent the week w/ my grandfather (Pop) at a recovery center. He had knee replacement last week and ran into some problems w/ recovery after leaving the hospital. For being 82 he is doing better then I thought he would but not as well as he thought it would be. A combination of heavy drugs, lots of PT and feeling rather overwhelmed and anxious got to him Monday. He had spent the day alone and was not really tracking very well when I got there Monday night. He was really out of it and slurring his speech so it was time for the family to regroup and spend time with him during the day. That and my Aunt B was taking all the fun for herself by being with him the week before at the hospital when he had a drug reaction. I have spent the last two days with him, just hanging out and getting the straight poop from the staff. Everyone is doing much better today. He is less grumpy and more himself today especially. He was even flirting with the staff:) It was nice to see him transform from a grumpy old man to a dirty old man! I will be there in the morning for PT again and be handing the bat ton to my mum; well more like passing the whip... gotta get her in the groove with the staff and Pop's room-mate situation. George is a dear, once you butter him up and that makes for a much quieter day for both boys. It is so hard being elderly and losing the Independence you so desperately need. I just hope that I am helping in the way he needs. I started to think so when I got back from a longer lunch w/ my sister Kate and the kids (she has the more difficult task of watching the kiddo's while I am at Pop's beck and call). He looked at me and said, "Oh there you are, what took so long?" Must be doing something right. Kate brought the little ones by in their costumes to trick-or-treat and spread some smiles. They were all covered in chocolate and had more in their hands by the time we got to lunch. I think Kate and I were the only ones hungry and were wearing all the candy that wasn't in their bellies. I will post pictures when I get the camera from Kate. They are precious!
Have a happy Halloween! Wow, it is already November!!!!!!!!!