Bob the Builder's got nothing on me!  As we received the aforementioned photo frame I had to find a place for it.  That meant that the photo frame I received from Amy, that matched the one I bought years ago, that I filled and hung up the night before had to be moved along with the one I bought years ago.  In order to do that the original had to be moved, the gift from Amy had to be moved, all complete with 1/4 holes in the wall to hang them.  We moved things around, including a painting that was a gift from a former client, spackled the walls, and got everything hung and cleaned up before 2:00 in the afternoon.  It was really a refreshing change!

Post Christmas

Saturday Jeff went to get his haircut and we had lunch at our favorite tea place...Lady Di's just up the road from the hairdressers. While we did not have a reservation per usual, they made room for us.  Jeff and I chatted about our future plans, had a nice tea, and a lovely lunch.  During another of my famous hot flashes, right during lunch, Jeff quarried "I guess you won't go on the top deck (topless) of the Alaskan cruise?" I said "You know, with more hot flashes like this I just might!"  Well one of the women who work there said "Oh, dear, I know just what you mean, and then she told me of Phyto-relief.  I will be dragging my happy self to the nearest health center and getting them in bulk!  I am disinclined to take hormones, but natural hormones might help.  She said that with the Phyto-relief it completely stopped the hot flashes during the day!

We then went to take in Four Christmases as Jeff hadn't seen it yet.  I still laughed at some of the parts the second time.  Best of all while waiting for  the movie we went to the bookstore.  Oh happy day!  I got Jeff the two books I wanted to get for him for Christmas, and Amy's birthday present, which isn't until October, but I like to shop early and pick up things as I see them.  I have learned that if I wait too long, until I need them, they are gone, and I find myself frustrated.  

We got home and downloaded photos to our "Oh so neat digital picture frame", a gift from Neil and Charissa.  We had so much fun looking at old photos and laughing at some of them.  Looking at the photos made me realize that we really do have fun together, and how fortunate I am to have such a loving family.

In the days since Christmas

Friday, Jeff and I went to the mall to return a few things.  Mercifully, Jeff bought me medium cotton shirts, which while they fit right now, it I so much as get rain on them they will shrink.  We returned the shirts and got credit back though they were even exchanged.  What a great surprise!  Then there was one shirt at another store which when exchanged gave us a $12.90 credit.  I moseyed over to the shoe department across from the register and found the boots I'd been looking for all season at 60% off!  Then the clerk game me an additional $10.00 off as a special I was unaware of, so after we applied the credit, I got my boots for UNDER $30.00!  How cool was that!?!

Christmas and the aftermath

Jeff and I awoke at 5:30 to be certain that we arrived as the children awakened, so they did not have to wait to start the Christmas. We ended up not getting over there until 7:00.  We figured that the boys would have been up at the very least a half an hour waiting for us.  When we got there Diz had not awakened...miracles really do happen.  We were greeting by a pajamed Bean wishing us Merry Christmas.  I let the dogs out, Jeff settled in and just a few minutes later Diz awoke.  We brought over several cups of coffee for Jeff as the kids haven't a coffee pot and Jeff is hardly human without a constant infusion of caffeine. Bean read name tags and Diz passed them out.  We then took turns opening gifts with everyone watching one another and taking time to really enjoy each gift.  Then about noon Neil and Charissa put on some breakfast rolls. We continued enjoying one an other's gifts, and eventually after breakfast Diz went down for his nap.  I was stunned.  Bean got to open the rest of his gifts as did Neil and Rissy.  It was just nice.  

After Diz awakened he opened the rest of his gifts and saved the biggest for last.  Odd for a three year old I thought.  When he did open it he declared "I asked Santa for him"! It was a mechanical Triceratops.  Charissa hoped that her second child would be in to something OTHER than dinosaurs, but with Beans influence he didn't stand a chance!  

Bean was so taken by these Cube World things we got him that we were pleasantly surprised.

I loved watching Rissy watch Neil open her favorite gift to him, a pair of Nike tennis shoes and shirt that he can design himself.  How cool is that!

I liked watching Rissy open her "Kalika" bracelet from Hawaii.  We just knew it would be a hit.  She is so gracious!

Neil was excited about the snowboarding package we gave them for Christmas.

Jeff was excited for his Nitrox class.  This will allow him to be under water for much longer.

As for me, I was delighted with all my gifts, but grateful that I felt better emotionally than yesterday.  Amazing what 6 hours sleep with only 3 night sweats will do for your psyche.  I loved watching the children...all four of them.

Charissa and Neil prepared a lovely Christmas Dinner with ham, potatoes, rolls, pasta for she and I, two kinds of Jell-o, one especially for her Dad.  Neil was too nauseous to eat anything, and while we felt bad for him it didn't stop the rest of us devouring dinner. 

Throughout the day we had phone visits with Amy, Vickie,and Dad.  We gave Amy her gift verbally.  She has wanted an Alaskan Cruise for years and years.  We are arranging that this year for her.

We went home that night and fell in to bed with the Christmas glow embedded in our thoughts.  I thought about how truly blessed we are, a nice way to fall asleep!

Christmas week

So, ever the dedicated teacher, I headed for the Neil and Charissa's house one last time before the Christmas break to tie up loose ends. On my way to their house, I encountered a few people walking in the direction I was headed from our neighborhood.  One declined a ride and the other accepted.  So, as she piled in she told me that she was going to get her car and it had been snowed in for three days at Albertsons.  Off we go and I ask her where she needs to go.  She told me that she was going in to work at the Estee Lauder counter at Macy's.  I thought really...they had declared a winter storm warning, everything is shut down...who do you think is going to be shopping at Macy's today.  For those of you not from around here, you need to understand that when Portland gets snow they shut everything down, especially 18"!  Anyway I figured at least she was dedicated.  She tells me that she called Less Schwab to see about getting her chains put on, but they were too busy.  I told her that I would be happy to help her with her chains.  She looked at me incredulously and asked "YOU put the chains on your car!?!" "Yes!" equally incredulously.  She says "Oh no, that's okay I am sure the guys from Albertson's will help me." in this sleazy suggestive tone.  I thought, sure lady, you are as old as me and I am sure the "guys" are just jumping at the chance to come out in this bitter cold and help you put on your chains.  Personally, I would prefer to know how to do things myself, so I don't need to depend on the kindness of others, while I am happy to accept it, I would prefer not to be dependent. Furthermore, unless you know what you are doing, you have to trust that the pimple faced teenage boys helping you out knows what he is doing.  I thin k safety when I think tire chains, not potential date/cradle robbing  That's just me.  I was thinking, what if you decided you needed chains in the middle of nowhere and there were no stores full of guys awaiting the opportunity to be chivalrous.  Creepy.  Anyway I pulled up beside her car, offered to help her clean it off so that she could get to her trunk where the chains resided.  "No thank you, I am sure the guys will happily come out and clean it off for me."  I want to know what color the sky is in her world!

Upon finally arriving with chains, I opted to park in their garage as Neil had the big car as Charissa wasn't going anywhere.  As I arrived I saw Neil trying to back out.  He pulled right back in the garage saying with a sheepish grin..."I was trying to avoid putting the chains on the car."  I helped him put his chains and then stole his parking place.  It was nice not to have to clean off the car before heading home!

Tuesday morning, I received a call from my Dad knew exactly the reason for the call. He asked if I got the No Time 4 Colds sent off.  I said "Yes, I went out in a snow storm to get to to you." Of course it did not get there in time before his next cold!  In all likelihood it stayed at the Postal Annex, never getting collected because of the storm.  I felt horrible and said that I should have shipped it overnight.  Who knew.  I felt horrible!  Turns out, it wouldn't have helped in all likelihood all the same as he was diagnosed with pneumonia.  I suggested he go to the doctor Tuesday and get something like a Z-Pack BEFORE Christmas but he wasn't hearing any of.  He was too sick to feel like going to the doctor.  I really hoped, that while he did not want my advice, he would take it and at least get in to an emergency clinic for those antibiotics as it sounded like more than a cold.  He went Friday and was diagnosed.  

Shortly thereafter Charissa dropped off both boys. They were going to get their carpets cleaned but they cancelled as it was too icy.  Still I had planned on  having the boys and dogs so that it would go smoothly.  I still minded the boys, but not the dogs as they had things to finish up before Christmas and were going to clean their carpets themselves etc.  The snow storms the week before Christmas really put a lot of people behind.  Fortunately Jeff and I are early shoppers. Brandon and I were watching Robin Hood as a finale to reading the book.  So she dropped the boys at the house around 11:00.  We fed them lunch, then I took them out sledding, and put Diz down for his nap and watched the movie for the final day of school.  All in all it was a pleasant day.  I put Diz down for bed at nearly 9:00 as he'd slept a bit later than normal for his nap.  Assuming he'd be exhausted I told him Bean would be in shortly.  Much to my amazement and displeasure I found him sitting ON the bed rather than in bed playing a piano book I had gotten for Bean years ago that had this tinny horrible sound, but kids love it.  I told him to go to sleep and assumed that would be the last I saw of him until morning.  I went to bed early knowing that Diz is an early riser.  Jeff saw the light on in the living room about 11:45 that night.  Again we found Dizzy playing that piano book.  He probably went in the living room so as not to awaken Bean who is dead to the world once he is asleep. Then throughout the night about every hour and a half to two hours he was in our room.  In between putting him back to bed I would wake up on the odd hours with night sweats.  It was a pleasant night!  Wednesday morning I finally came in a laid down with him at 6:30  I HAD to sleep.  Jeff of course was undisturbed, which was good as he was working from home.  I usually LOVE having my grandkids spend the night but OMG I was fed up by breakfast!  Still we went out and built a snowman until about 12:45.  We came in ate lunch and had baths as they were cold and dirty and the evening promised no time for baths, and again put Diz down for his nap which he took without issue, only a shortened version.  Dinner was to be at 5:00 so they could get the kids home on time for bed and finish up their last minute things.  They ended up not being able to get here until 6:00 because FedEx forgot something in their truck.  The guy hand delivered it to their home as he'd forgotten it.  Once they were here, they ate dinner, and then had to rush out to Toys R Us for a last, last minute item!  SO that left Charissa and I here with two tired, but excited boys to decorate the gingerbread sleigh and reindeer.  Upon tier return we opened one gift and sent them home.  Of course their coats were in the dryer, or hanging on the curtain rods to dry etc.  Jeff apparently called up from the stair wanting Diz's coat which I had and apparently told him I had, then after calling for it the second time I apparently shouted "I have it!"  Neil asked Jeff if he'd like his head back.  Jeff replied "I'll get my head back when Taffy gets hormones."  This was NOT a favorite thing.  I felt so bad that night that I went out for a run...on Christmas eve, just to get rid of pent up energy and found that I couldn't even do that for all the ice.  I went to bed sad because I let Charissa see my upset and she is so sensitive.  I didn't want to ruin Christmas.  She assured me that my mood would not ruin Christmas.  

Catch-up

So, it is no surprise that I do not keep up with my blog by now, but I am going to at least try and catch up!  Let's see, since last I wrote the snow started, and kept up, and kept up, and kept up:-P When we were in Tahoe we thought at this time of the year it would be snowing outside and the boys could play in the snow yada, yada, yada.  NO snow until the morning we left to return to Portland.  Then on the way home to Portland we hit snow and plenty of it, but were still safe and sound with little snow by the time we hit Salem.  Then Sunday morning we got hit with a vengeance!  Still on Monday I went to Neil and Charissa's as we had school.  It was icy but tolerable for someone who had driven in the snow before.  Many people were staying home because of fear, so that cleared the streets a bit.  Mind you Portland was billed as never getting snow, a plus when we moved out here 9 years ago, and twice we have had ice and now snow. Still I persevered as school is important to Neil and Charissa and a passion of mine. Plus Bean had skipped lessons the week we were in Tahoe and we had stuff to finish before Christmas vacation.

Tuesday the snow was a little worse. I had the boys all day.  We decorated those pine cones that we'd collected in Tahoe for art class.  There was glitter in the kitchen that rivaled Hollywood!  

Wednesday we got more snow dumped on us and I still had things to send for Christmas.  Dad had asked the day before for more No Time 4 Colds (that stuff is amazing!) which is proprietary for Rite Aid.  So I went through the snow storm to get it on the way back home.  I left early from school in order to get home before the worst of the storm hit.  I couldn't make it to the post office so had to use that miserable Postal Annex and they charge such premium it's ridiculous, but I was grateful for the option all the same.  So, there was little chance that I was going to get to store etc.  I opted to go to a local Walgreens and got baking stuff as well as a last minute gift for Stef which jumped out at me.  Mercifully, Jeff worked from home, so I hustled to the Postal Annex to ship the No Time 4 Colds so that Dad could get it BEFORE he had his next cold.  I went home and grabbed Amy's gift and shipped it off too.  Then I set out to baking out Christmas cookies and such.  It was COLD in between my hot flashes.  Still, once work was finished Jeff chipped in.

Thursday I assumed I was not going to make it over to Neil and Charissa's but wanted to try.  I did school and headed back home for more baking.  Jeff joined in after he finished working and we went around to distribute the cookie boxes.  We stepped out into a foot of snow!  We were shocked!  Jeff had the blinds drawn in an attempt to keep the heat in so we were totally unaware.  We FROZE but got at least half of the cookies delivered.

Friday we were at Mark's bar shooting the breeze with neighbors, a welcome change from the struggle of the past week.

Saturday we attempted to deliver the remainder of the cookies, got Christmas dinner, and finally got the post office.  Thank you to all who sent us Christmas cards!

Sunday we finished up Christmas preparations and slogged around in the snow.  NOT a terribly exciting week, just exhausting.

Gentle strength

Today was the first time I saw Bean exhibit such gentle strength with his brother, while generally kind, I have never seen this quality.  Today, Diz was taking stickers out of a book with stickers at the front and back.  He was quietly playing and putting them on a clean sheet of paper making a picture out of them.  Bean was doing is math homework.  I was sat betwixt the two.  I heard 'rrrriiiippp'  I look over to see Diz tearing the back cover of the book.  I shouted "STOP", and then inquired as to why he was doing that.  Turns out, much as I thought he was unable to get the back stickers off and in an attempt to do so ripped the back cover.  So I told him I would help him, mended the book etc., but he was still clearly upset.  This, for obvious reasons was not my favorite part of the day, BUT when Diz went to bean for a cuddle, and Bean draped his left arm around Diz while continuing his math, and stroked his hair saying "It's okay, Grandma has done that to me too if she needs me to stop doing something in a hurry" and inadvertently flexing his bicep while being so gentle was just so touching.  I hope he keeps that quality.  He just looked so strong and capable and gentle all at the same time.

Perfect afternoon

A favorite for me today happened as we set out to finish up our Christmas wrapping. The snow blanketed the pine trees just outside our window. We put on out Christmas music, heated some tea and started wrapping when unexpectedly our doorbell rang.  We opened it to find Marie and Andy with a tray full of Christmas cookies.  How cool was that!?!

12.12.08

Tahoe Queen was the adventure du jour.  We took a hike with the boys in the morning.  They had so much fun crawling around the woods, playing pine cone baseball, pine cone golf, and pine cone soccer.  Jeff had fun crossing the stream on a branch, and Bean had just as much fun testing his limits jumping across the stream at wider and wider parts.  My favorite part of the morning was waiting until AFTER the hike to share with Jeff his nightmare sign. 

We left for the Tahoe Queen about 10:30 and boarded the boat an hour later.  We had lunch, and walked around the boat for about two hours, enjoying the scenery.  There is some beautiful scenery around Lake Tahoe. 

12.11.08

We headed back for sledding again on Thursday as we had such fun Monday.  Diz fell asleep in the car on the way there.  I decided I would stay in the car with him this time too, but just as he awoke I saw the other four headed back to the car. We got kicked off our private snow hill, as they were preparing for the weekend with more packed powder and were afraid of running someone over with their big tractor:-(  We went back home and played video games, cooked dinner and generally relaxed.  

Neil and Charissa went out that evening.  We had so much fun with the boys!  I had made brownies earlier that day, so we had brownie sundaes after dinner.  We then played Hide and Seek, a game that generally terrifies me in public places, BUT we were able to hide on three floors, and run around at will.  It was great fun to hear the shrieks and giggles.  

Jeff and I watched Elf that evening and howled at some of the scenes.  We decided to turn in fairly early as we asked Diz to awaken us in the morning assuming Neil and Charissa would be out late.  They had fun at the casino doing the same thing Jeff and I did.  Rissy won, Neil lost, but both had a great time!

12.10.08

Rock climbing!  SO we went back to the spot when there are these GIANT boulders positioned just so, for climbing on!  They were awesome.  We thought we would spend an hour or so there. We spent the entire day there until sunset.  We climbed on top of rocks, under rocks, and in caves.  I could have climbed for days, but  next time with gloves.  I now see the wisdom of climbing gloves. Jeff got his beloved sunset shots!

Rissy says she looks like her Mama Llama here.  What do you think?

Jeff and I went to the casino this evening.  Dad had given Jeff and I money for our anniversary.  He suggested we put it in the dollar slots, but Jeff and I were unable to find any we wanted to play so we combined our funds.  We had never bet the maximum which we did this time for giggles and grins.  We took turns spinning the reels.  Jeff won 8,000 credits twice.  We quadrupled our funds...then we lost out funds and had the BEST time doing so!  Great fun.  Not only was the time at the casinos great fun, but the trip there was breathtaking.  There was just a dusting of snow on the sides of Mt. Rose and the lights of Reno shone below, the roads were dry...PERFECT!

12.09.08

SNOWBOARDNG!  Jeff and I opted out of snowboarding having already put ourselves through that torture 6 years ago, BUT we enjoyed watching Neil, Charissa and Bean learn to snowboard and have success at doing so.  Neil's last run resulted in at least a sprain, but likely a fracture.  I am pleased that he did so having fun and experiencing new things. Bean fared even better than we thought.  I have a great photo of him headed down the hill, unfortunately it is on Neil's camera, so I can only hope to see it, and share pictures of the fun on my Facebook. Diz spent the day rolling down a hill, throwing snowballs at Grandpa and generally playing in the snow.  Jeff and I were going to try skiing but they did not have a sitter for Jordan at the ski place, he was a year too young for that, so we opted out and decided to play photographer this time.

Jeff and Neil went out tonight and took in Transporter 3, then headed for the casinos.  They had fun, but came home without a fortune.

12.08.08

Monday, we decided we would head for the higher elevation to see if we might find some place to sled.  We spent a fair amount of time at the Squaw Valley Village shopping for new coats for Rissy, the zipper broke in hers, Beans, because while warm it was not waterproof and Diz's because it was a 2T. It was so nice to see Rissy get the jacket she has wanted for years, but never wanted to pay for as it is quite expensive.  Charissa is so genuine and so gracious that it makes it easy and fun to do nice things for her. Once properly geared we found a hill just for ourselves.  We made the most of the sleds that Neil and Rissy brought with them!  We found an icy hill full of man made snow with a ramp so we didn't go over the edge into the parking lot.  It was great fun!  Jeff took Dizzy down the hill the first time. I went down on my stomach, raced Neil (he won both times) and Neil found the guts to try going down the hill face first, a first for him.  Charissa later joined the ranks of the stomach sledders. I remember this fondly as we stood at the top of the hill after giving her my watch life or experience life speech, and we were laughing so hard because she was really scared to go down face first that as I started to help get her going she shrieked "NO! If I am going down you are too!"  I laughed so hard as I thought I was doing her a favor waiting for her to go down first so she didn't worry about crashing together on the way down the hill.  She was so pleased that she did it once she got the the bottom that I don't think she ever sat up on the sled again:-)

Rissy and I had a girls night out that night.  We stopped and watched 4 Christmases and laughed until we could hardly breath!  Then we headed in to a very quiet Tahoe city.  The first thing we came across while heading for the slot machines was a man being arrested for public intoxication and apparently some unacceptable behavior.  He was asked to leave quietly but resisted so they "helped" him out in handcuffs.  Rissy was watching ever so intently and I was watching her.  Then I watched her at the slot machine which she had such great luck and fun playing.  She is so much like me in that the BONUS games is what she really plays for and she gets so excited when she wins or gets to play extra.  It was a lovely evening which I will treasure less for the events and more the closeness we shared.

12.07.08

6:30!  I heard the pitter patter, no, THUD THUD, of Dizzy feet!  I thought, surely I was dreaming!  I had just went to be 5 hours ago... right!?!  I was in fact NOT dreaming, he came down to wake me up, though the thud thud, was a dead giveaway before he came crashing through the door.  I looked through gritty, sandy sleep deprived eyes to see a smiling face and hear HI Grandma!"  I encouraged him to crawl into bed next to me and warm up thinking surely he must have gotten cold.  He laid there quietly, but never went back to sleep.  Eventually at the late hour of 7:15 we got up, got a bath, and prepared for our day.  Bean got up when Diz was in the bath, was unable to find us so woke up Grandpa who growled "Go upstairs".  Bean did so dutifully but with his feelings hurt. One must make certain the Jeff is at least half awake before venturing to speak with him. So I arrived upstairs to find Bean sitting quietly on the couch waiting for someone to acknowledge his presence. Grandpa made nice with Bean once his first cup on coffee was coursing through his equally sleep deprived veins.  Bean held no grudges and the whole thing was forgotten soon after.  We had breakfast and waited for their Mom and Dad to awaken and make an appearance.  They both plodded upstairs about an hour later.  We decided to do the grocery store thing as we brought no fresh food.  The boys stayed with Daddy and Grandpa.  Rissy and I actually had fun grocery shopping together without the kid distraction.  We met a VERY helpful, almost scarily helpful butcher at the store.  We had asked where the turkey breasts were as I was used to buying one brand and was totally unaware of the other options, so both being vegetarian and Rissy getting the same brand for Neil and kids we had to ask.  We were shown a variety of options buy this butcher, but found none to our satisfaction.  We decided on another dinner.  Then a consumer suggested something else, and still we decided we would have enough without the turkey breast.  SO, we had gone on our merry way several isles through the store and along comes the happy butcher holding a turkey breast high in the air jogging toward us.  We accepted the turkey and again started on out way to hear the man addressing Rissy and gesturing toward me..."So, it this your sister?"  Rissy and I were both dumbstuck at the gratuitous use of this cheesy line.  She answered "No" and then answered a few more questions from the inquisition, and eventually we were allowed to go.  We both giggled heartily once out of sight.

We returned and put the groceries away, had lunch, and decided to go for a drive to see what was of interest around as there was no snow for skiing, and all the summer stuff was over of course.  While we waited for Neil and Rissy to be ready to go we took the boys outside to collect pine cones.  These pine cones were so huge compared to the pine cones which we see here in Oregon.  Bean said "WOW some of these are as big as my BRAIN!"  While there is really no reference point in this photo you can hopefully get the idea of the size of these pine cones all the same.  We were able to get 4 in a grocery bag to give you some indication of their size.

  We found a couple of wonderful parks around the lake.  They boys had the best time just throwing rocks, climbing on rocks.  They could have stayed out all day, on video games, cartoons, or other popular mind numbing alternatives for kids out there these days.  The boys got along famously, save one little misunderstanding.  They threw rocks in the water, skipped a few rocks and threw big rocks into a little puddle to break the ice.  Not sure who had more fun the little boys or the big boys!  Jeff tried several times to capture the corona when a stone in thrown into the water.  Diz climbed on the rock bar back and forth several times. He has proven himself a little mountain goat.  I believe he must had been born under the wrong sun sign and should have shared mine if his behavior is an indicator. Jeff thought this reflection photo was cool which he shot while I was deep in thought.

Then we headed out to another park but Dizzy finally wore himself out with the climbing and fresh air, so I stayed in the car with him and caught a few winks myself.  When the rest of the gang returned to the car they had stories of giant climbing rocks etc.  We returned there another day so that we could all enjoy it together.

Here are some of the best photos of the day, not including those which feature the children. For those of you who have the info, those will be on my Facebook, please feel free to peruse them there.

12.06.08

Today all six of us went for a vacation that Jeff and I bid on at an auction last February and won.  When we won the item it read "room for six".  Jeff and I thought..."How handy there are six of us!"  We have not vacationed together since Bean was three.  So around noon we left in the Neil and Rissy's Armada, which seats 7 comfortably, has a DVD player for the kiddies etc.  Very nice and nicer than flying down, as it takes longer, but there is less hassle.  Neil was the only driver this trip so I got to sit and watch the scenery which made for a nice change.  I got to finish a needlepoint I started some time ago, and start on our tablecloth embroidery while we drove down.  The kids were awesome!  They weren't fussy for fidgety as I'd predicted, and Diz and Bean were good too:-) 

We got in about 1:15 after a short detour using Neil's auto GPS.  The route it would have taken us was about as backwoods as it gets.  Rissy admitted later to being more than just a little apprehensive about staying in the deep woods, where it appeared initially that we would be lodging.  Still she seemed amazingly confident in her husband's ability to handle the situation.  Eventually we ended up using my GPS as an alternate and found our way there.  The kids had stayed awake, save a nap for Diz about 11 hours earlier.  We assumed we would get a late start on Sunday...HA  not a chance! Upon our arrival we got the kids and Rissy into the condo, then Jeff, Neil and I unloaded the substantial luggage, groceries, etc.  By the time we finished unloading the boys had found all the nooks and crannies, and Rissy had been unloading the groceries.  All in all it was nice teamwork and we were nestled snug in our beds by 1:30 a.m.

Zoo lights

Jeff and I went to the Zoo lights as it was 58 degrees and not raining.  We usually have a child with us, so this was a different experience. We decided now that Neil and Charissa have a zoo membership they would likely be the ones to take the kids.  The zoo added some different displays than they had in the previous years so that kept things interesting.  THAT must be what they did with the zoo levy! Anyway, it was nice to spend an evening holding hands and walking along with Jeff.  My favorite thing...whipped cream off the top of hot chocolate on the tip of my nose.  I highly recommend it!  Another favorite was this interesting photo of Jeff.  It's blurry but I think it's cool.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

A favorite pic that didn't really fit anywhere but happened as we were decorating the tree:-)!!

Allow me to state that I decided this year, that I was inspired to try a 7 course meal instead of the usual overstuffed pig-a-thon.  I knew that it might be challenging for Diz to sit through all seven courses, but one must have experience to succeed at any given task in life.  So, despite that we were pleasantly surprised with a visit from Dad and Stephanie, I stayed with my original plan.  I was hoping that the day and the meal would still be pleasant for all.  I was stressed, with the change, and the "change" coupled with knowing Dizzy would be out of sorts having gone to bed late, and dinner was going to be served during his necessary nap time, BUT I tried for once, NOT controlling the situation and watching as it unfolded.  Interesting, and probably created many more happy memories for all in attendance, myself included, than me trying to create a pleasant memory by controlling everything and everyone in the moment so that it would be pleasant for all when I realized that my stress and control efforts probably made everyone else remember it with more negativity than the memories I was trying to create in the first place.  

So the day unfolded with happy memories instead of those fraught with frustration in trying to control an uncontrollable situation.  Darned humans with their own free will anyway!

I started off the morning with a chat to Amy which was really nice as I was setting about preparing our meal.  No one had called yet or come over, so it was nice and quiet and I was able to listen to Amy without interruption, and I didn't feel like a bad hostess abandoning my guests.  Then before anyone arrived I turned the Macy's parade and watched two bits of while preparing the meal.

Everyone arrived within minutes of each other.  Jeff had been busily cubing brick cheese, ham rolls and salami rolls for appetizers.  I was grateful for his assistance.  I put the sweet rolls on for people to munch while watching the parade.  I saw a few things take place that normally I would have intervened on but resisted the urge.  Amazingly these things worked themselves out nicely.  Bean had been groomed on the proper way to behave around his elders whereas Diz was just Diz.  Ideally, I would like to have a happy medium of behaviors, but enjoyed the dynamics all the same.

SO, the rolls burned on the bottom, but still everyone ate one.  I guess they tasted okay.  I also had hard boiled eggs for balance.  It was nice to see everyone eating, watching the parade, and laughing and interacting during commercial breaks.  While I was finishing up the rolls and making sure everyone had something to tide them over, I noticed the cubed cheese on the counter with the rolls and eggs, I said to Jeff "Oh no, that was the 7th course!"  Everyone thought that was hysterical and became the joke of the day.  We had the 7th course 1st as part of the snacks.  Then it progressed to which course is this the 1st of the 2nd as we already had the 7th etc.

After the parade Bean got to play Cribbage with Grandpa Vergara, a game he has waited to play with him for 2 years!  Dad said "No" the first year that Brandon requested a game with him, and was too sick to play last Thanksgiving.  This year he got his wish while I made final preparations.  He was so tickled even though he lost by 6 or 7 points.  I am realizing that often times the fondest memories are those with which I have little to do.  I know that sounds really self involved, but I always thought everyone being at their best behavior was the best way to ensure a happy memory, and I am pretty good at getting people to behave a certain way, a trait I am not sure is wisest.

At 1:30 I served the first course, and by 2:30 the fourth course was finished.  The 5th course...not ready for 1/2 hour, so everyone took a walk except Neil and Diz and Rissy to was of great assistance in the kitchen.  I tried something new with the turkey.  I surrounded it with bacon, put it in a bag and let it cook.  I took it out of the oven and it looked gross!  SO I had to put it BACK in the oven with the bag open.  I am told that the bacon added moisture rather than flavor.  After the pumpkin pie disaster of many years ago, I hoped the opposite would be true that a yucky looking food could taste wonderful.  I heard no complaints so it must have been palatable, if not presentable. The remained of the meal progressed without incident.  

I decided, after hearing a great tradition idea on the radio, that I would start my own and asked everyone to write a message on a tablecloth, which I will embroider over the coming months and add to it each year.  Even Diz got to write on the tablecloth.

So, while I was treated to many helpers in the kitchen, and everything was cleaned up really quickly, I had the boys play with Play-dough and the big boys go down and get the Christmas tree, as is our tradition.  Dad had a rest in our room and felt better for doing so.  It turned out that the "adults" had as much fun as the children did with the Play-dough!

Stef got a nose job and did Jeff! 

We cleaned up the Play-dough and set up the Christmas tree.  Stephanie was amazed at how quickly our pre-lighted tree went up.  Each kid decorated their own part, and soon we all basked in the glow of the Christmas tree and of family together.  Soon after Dad and Stephanie retreated to their hotel.  Jeff sat unassumingly in his chair when he was attacked by both Grandkids at once.

 After just a few minutes Neil took on the boys in a wrestling match that would have dropped a lesser man.  It was such fun listening to the squealing, shrieking, and laughter...and the kids had fun too:-)  Before I knew it, the day had come to an end, and I had great memories, a lot of laughs at the very least 8 reasons to be thankful! Of course I know I have many more, but for those 8 closest to me in my life I am grateful!

The calm before the storm

Today was the first full day of Dad and Stef's stay.  Jeff got up early and went to work as usual.  I came home and did a few chores while awaiting a call from Dad and Stef that they were awake and awaiting ideas.  It turns out that despited my efforts not to control things, I was still the organizer, a distinction I didn't make until it was pointed out to me.  Once it was pointed out, then I felt better about taking on the responsibility of trying to make everyone happy and keep everyone involved at a pleasant and tolerable level each could manage.  So, we went to Me Too a restaurant that has a play area with sitter for kids, decent food, and fun food for kids, as well and unique dishes for adults.  Everyone seemed to enjoy it, and the kids playing offered the adults time to talk uninterrupted.  

I had a nice dessert of bubble tea and introduced Dad to them.  While Stef doesn't care for Bubble Tea, she did indulge in a frozen Mocha, which she seemed to like.  I ran out for he afternoon.  Jeff was waiting for Dad and Stef upon our return to my house, having left work early to maximize the time with them.  Upon my return I found that they had gone back to the hotel to rest.  I was pleased they had this option.  

Dad and Stephanie graciously offered dinner at Applebee's (YUM)for the whole gang.  They were able to wait for Neil and Charissa to arrive this evening as they were more on local time.  Jeff and I arrived at their hotel earlier and spent some time privately with them.  Jeff and Dad engaged in a war, commonly referred to as cribbage.  This is one of my favorite pictures, as it is a quintessential capture of a moment for which they always find time.  While Jeff and Dad played Cribbage, this gentleman walked through the room and said "He's cheating", then walked out to his car, and returned with something.  He had a fresh baked cookie in his hand when he walked through the first time as well as his return pass.  Someone said something to the gentleman, and a few minutes later he walked in with a tray of hot fresh baked cookies and napkins.  He was so thoughtful and grinned as he said "compliments of the hotel!"  What a fun and charismatic guy!  Dad, Jeff and Stef all said they were tasty.  So dessert was eaten BEFORE our meal...a prelude of things to come for Thanksgiving.

When we were at Applebee's they food was delicious, the kids well behaved, and a great time was had by all.  It was however quite late when we left, which meant that Diz and Bean were going to be sleep deprived for tomorrow...Thanksgiving.  Apparently, Diz wakes Bean before 7:00 a.m. 365 regardless of what time he goes to bed.  

 As I planned on being up early the next day we left them that evening fairly early in order to be well rested for the Thanksgiving storm:-)  

Bean/Neil/Neil Bean??

Yesterday Bean was leaning forward in the mirror trying to control his unruly hair before he put his shirt on.  It was literally a flash back as he was the spitting image of his Dad getting ready for homecoming.  He seems to resemble his Dad's looks more as the years progress.  I am curious to see what he looks like at 18, when I met Neil.  It will be interesting to compare, as he looks like him now, but may take on more of Charissa's traits as he matures.  That memory of seeing Bean is going to be a favorite for some time I think.  It just goes to prove, that sometimes it IS the small stuff that matters!

Thanksgiving visitors!

Dad and Stef flew in from St. Louis yesterday.  This is the first time, I haven't met arriving guests at the airport.  While it was weird, it was kind of nice in that once they got in, we were able to meet them at the hotel once they had settled in, and had a chance to rest a bit.  I am beginning to see that in some cases this might be wise indeed.  We went to Buster's BBQ grill as we figured everyone could find some kind of nourishment.  Stef looked radiant as always, and Dad looked dapper, well and fit as a fiddle.

Neil and Charissa were unable to meet us until later so the boys had eaten as we had them, and we'd eaten.  We were going treat them to dinner as well, but as they were later they declined as we'd all eaten and they didn't want to hold anyone up.  Diz, with a new audience was acting out a bit, so gave me a run for my money and we shared a lot of time in the time out area.  Still I was able to listen to the conversation, rather than lead it...kind of nice.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I am a little stressed, hoping it will be a nice day, and that all will enjoy the food (which I am taking shortcuts with) and the company.  This is the first time I have tried a 7 course meal for Thanksgiving.

Lastly, Dizzy got me laughing yesterday as he was sat in Beans bathroom combing, combing, combing his hair with water.  I left him to it for a while, and finally I mentioned that his shoulder was soaked, did he want to stop?  He replied "No, it's still curly!"  Anyone who knows Diz, knows, nothing short of a razor and straightening perms, will take that curl out!

11.12.08

Today Jeff and I started out by relaxing on the beach, by the pool, shopping.  It was good.  Then early in the afternoon I went up to our room to start getting ready, ironing our outfits.  Jeff remained by the pool for another 45 minutes reading his book and drinking green turtles.  I took mine to the room with my and munched on my flower garnish for a snack.  After getting ready well ahead of time, we drove to Waikiki again.  We of course hit traffic, but still managed to make it to the hotel to collect Barbara and Mark (the grooms brother-in-law).  I didn't have the exact address for the chapel, only an intersection which we blew past and had to turn around.  We still got there before the bride!  We arrived to find Edward in the parking lot, looking nervous but oh so handsome!  The flower girls waited patiently for things to begin, looking darling in their white dresses with gold sashes.  Once we were seated Amanda and Derek began walking the isle.  Amanda looked stunning!  

The ceremony was beautiful and rather than the candle lighting ceremony, they did the san ceremony which was a very nice change.  It was symbolic of their individuality expressed by two goblets of colored sand, one each, combined and creating this lovely mixture, never to be as one again, but together as one.  

Following the wedding and photos the reception was in an adjacent garden with a beautiful view of Diamondhead.  The sun was setting, and the weather perfect.  The wedding fare was unique and so tasty.  Mike gave advice to the groom rather than tales of his childhood.  Derek, gave a lovely, well thought out toast.  It was difficult to bid them farewell after such a wonderful week!  I feel so fortunate to have been a part of such a special time in their lives.

11.11.08

We started the day with surfing lessons!  My one desire for this vacation.  Pictures coming when they are developed.  So for many years I have seen people surf and thought, well that looks fun!  One major thing I had to overcome.  One must surf amongst the water residents, the very reason I don't scuba dive.  Still, I decided that if I was going to enjoy this long desire, I was going to have to overcome my fear...temporarily.  So Conner our surf instructor started out by showing us how to carry our long, wide, soft boards.  Once down on the beach, he shook his head and said it wasn't his call to make, but that he would have taken us to a "SAFER" place to learn to surf!  WHAT! Safer in what regard!?!   He said the waves were really high to be learning on, but it wasn't his call.  In my mind I compared this experience to my 1st time mothers, there my be excitement, fear, trepidation, and in the end one has to trust, their body, the medical staff, me etc.  I was in a similar situation.  I listened to the advice Conner shared, tried to watch each and every nuance for getting upright on the board.  So there I was in the sand trying to learn to go from a prone position and "jump" to a standing position with my left foot at an awkward angle and my right foot pointing toward the shore.  Weird!  Before I knew it we were headed for the water and I was told to paddle out.  I was thinking that being a  strong swimmer this part ought to be a piece of cake... WRONG!  It was like trying to constantly bring your arms to your side while lying prone on a door!  WHOLE different set of muscles folks!  So I felt as though I was going nowhere, but I was positively happy to be ON the board vs. IN the water with the fish!  Eventually Conner tells me get up!  WHAT!  and I did, and it was an amazing rush!!! I highly recommend it to anyone!  Then I fell off the board.  I do believe I was the single fastest person to rebound from the water back to the board...safety from the fish not physical prowess:-)  I do believe I might have just walked on water to avoid the fish, eels and sea yuk.  Then I did it a second time and rode a bit further I think, then I was done!  I felt so ecstatic for pursuing a dream, and living to tell the tale.  I sat upon the beach while my gallant husband and instructor pulled the boards ashore and a wave hit me...board and all.  I relearned what it felt like to do the splits thanks to the forceful wave and board coming at me full force.  Yug.  I now have a new respect for surfers and sand in your shorts, and I have experienced both 1st hand!  Still I fared better than Jeff as he was stung by a jellyfish.  He did now know it until he jumped in the shower with fresh water.  He took a quick shower and quickly returned to the beach and salt water to remove the sting.  THAT is just one of the reasons I don't dive and that it took great gumption to go in the water in the 1st place.  He is still suffering from the sting.

That evening we were treated to the rehearsal dinner by Edward Sr. and Barbara.  She did not want us to miss it as we were the only ones in attendance not in the wedding, or indirectly needed for the rehearsal save our gracious hosts, so we benefited from the rehearsal dinner, without the the work!  Dinner was at the Hale Koa hotel, and we were to meet at 6:30 sharp as Edward Sr. had made reservations.  We got there early not wanting to risk being tardy for such an important event.  We were the first to arrive, giving us the opportunity to chat with out hosts.  They lead such interesting lives!  Once we were all in attendance, everyone enjoyed a great meal that was  superseded only by the company with whom we dined.

11.10.08

Monday was just delightful!  We were due in Waikiki at 4:30 for a Luau, but we got up, and got out early.  We moseyed our way up the east coast as suggested by Jeff's dive master.  

We found a beautiful park Kualoa Park.  We were impressed with the trees which seemed to grow in a fashion suggesting their harmony with the winds coming off the water.  Once we took the short walk to the beach Jeff found a coconut and grabbed it.

We continued along the east coast of Oahu and found an anomaly, red water.  The locals looked at us confused then gave us a variety of explanations for iron in the water to algae.  Now we wished we would have pulled off the road and got pictures of it.  It looked really weird!

We continued up the coast and turned to head toward Wakiki with the intention of hanging out there for the day prior to the luau.  We went for brunch at the very hotel we gifted to Charissa and Neil for college graduation.  They had a three story aquarium!  You were able to sit int he dining room which was one wall of the restaurant.  Jeff of course was chomping at the bit to gear up and dive in.  We settled for brunch and a look at the fish:-)  As we pulled up to the restaurant/hotel, we found ourselves a block and a half from where Nicky and Michael were staying.  We hoped that we were in time to have them join us for brunch, which they had just finished, but they joined us all the same.  We just had a delightful chat and a massive brunch.  Soooo much fresh fruit!  Yum!  After brunch we headed for their hotel room to have a gander at Amanda's exquisite wedding gown, the pictures Michael had shot etc.  Then we parted ways for the afternoon as they had things to do and Jeff and I had sightseeing...okay Dave and Buster's to see!  Jeff and I had a ball at Dave and Busters.  For those of you unfortunate readers unfamiliar with D&B's it is a HUGE video arcade with proprietary games that Jeff and I can dump $$$$ into, just to hear the clink:-)  We miss the D&B's in Ohio, so when we are on vacation in a city which has one, we make every attempt to visit.  We still had money on our power card so we returned after the luau and had great fun spending our winnings!

The luau was a bit wet, but our spirits were not dampened by the light rain and eventually it moved off.  They pulled a pig our of the ground, that had been marinating for heaven only knows how long to serve amongst the guests.

Everyone looked so festive,and seemed to enjoy the luau. 

Everyone had a laugh at my expense which started days before.  Jeff and I had dinner on the beach.  The ambience was lovely the food not to my particular liking that particular moment, so I ate the edible flowers.  Jeff laughed so hard as he said "Here, I take you out to a nice restaurant and you eat the flowers!" Once shared with that group, it quickly became the joke of the vacation.  Comment's like when Amanda throws the bouquet, make sure you just catch with your teeth!  I digress, so there were were at the luau and STILL everyone thinks it is great to pass down their flowers for me to eat and Nicky and Amanda also tried one and discovered they actually tasted a bit like pineapple and weren't bad at all!  I stepped away from the table for a short time, during which, Derek, not knowing my degree of vegetarianism put a flower on my plate that had previous been sitting atop his gravy or something smothered in animal!  I popped the flower in my mouth and though I was going to redecorate the tablecloth in my own unique way!  Gross!  He later laughed when speaking with me about my vegetarian choice and the bouquet I eventually ate over time.  I told him that I said nothing at the time but KNEW that flower had previously resided in gravy.  He had the most memorable grin, but said nary a word.  The dancing was good of course, and Jeff and I had a dance to the Hawaiian Wedding Song, as did all married couples in attendance.  Such fun!