Funeral Potatoes

My Mother-in-law passed away last week. Even tho’ she’d been extremely ill for months it seems like the end was so sudden. I know it was a blessing - she’s in a better place now. She’s pain-free, warm, and with her family. I guess we’re never prepared for the end. It’s been a whirlwind week of arrangements, decisions, tears, regret, coulda-shoulda-woulda...

It’s because of my own experience with my MIL that I promised my kids spouses that I would be the best mother-in-law that they’d ever have - I hope that I was and will be able to live up to that promise to the best of my ability. It was a relationship that I was desperate to have be a great one - it was not. I’ve shed many a tear this past week because I’ve been angry at her for so long for not putting her kids and their families ahead of her own needs. Now, it’s over and I must put that behind me. She gave me my Biker Dude and I am so very grateful for that. He’s a decent, wonderful, gentle, thoughtful, loving and kind man. She gave me, my children, and my grandchildren the greatest gift of all. For that, I am in her debt.

The most tender experience of all was that our daughter was willing to fix her grandmother’s hair one last time. Her three daughters couldn’t be there, so I went along. Our Trisha is so brave, so professional, and she was happy to give that final gift to her grandmother. I had the opportunity to be the “assistant”, which amounted to holding the curling iron on occasion. Trisha did a beautiful job with her hair, she would have been delighted. Then I had the chance to put her jewelry on her. My daughter and I had the opportunity to spend a very intimate time with a woman who could have been a huge part of our lives, but chose not to be. She missed out on so much, but maybe we can fix that on the other side.

I need to add that my selfless girl also cut my Dad’s hair in his signature “flat-top” after he had passed. Those last moments are something that will forever be precious to me because I got to share them with my daughter.

I pray that time will heal my sweet Biker Dude. This has been so hard for him and losing a parent is so difficult. He’s dedicated to making sure that his Dad and sisters get through this alright - what a transition for everyone.

Sleep well, Joyce.

Welcome to Kaylen Rose!

Kaylen Rose was born on Friday, October 17th at 1:43pm weighing in at 7.1 pounds and 18.25 inches long. She's a keeper with tons of dark brown hair and a precious mellow little disposition. I've said she smells like angel wings and is so sweet that we could eat her with a spoon (figuratively). She eats, sleeps, and poops like a pro and we love her dearly! She's our fifth grandchild and second grand-daughter. Oh, life is good.

It's really a strange dynamic to watch your children become parents. To have sons become fathers and see a daughter to become a mother is so wonderful. It's equally interesting to see my baby with his baby - man do I feel old! Trevor the father of a daughter, Trisha the mother of two sons, Trent the father of "one of each" -- my deepest wish is that I did no more harm to any of you other than to scar you for life when it came to meatloaf. These precious grandchildren are the dearest gift of all. Thank you for sharing them with Dad and I - our hearts are full.

Phone Phreak...

These two incidents really happened where I work as an Administrative Secretary. Unfortunately it was the same guy each time. I'm so glad I work at an institution of higher learning...

Him: "Can I use your phone?"
Me: "No problem." (I hand him the phone)
Him: "Aren't you going to dial for me?"
Me: "Sure, do you want to talk to my Mom?"


Him: "Could you give me the phone number for John Brown?'
Me: "Sure. Don't you have the new phone directory in your office?"
Him: "Yes, but can you look his number up for me?"

Gray Matter isn't Gray...

So last week I had an episode of "my head is going to explode" and I ended up at the Dr. and then in the ER with blood pressure issues which pretty much sucked. Anyway, I got to wondering what it would look like if my head really did explode, and I had a vision!

Gray matter can't really be gray. I think it must look like lemon jello that has been thrown against the wall only it isn't sticky - maybe more snot-like in consistency. You know when you get those pre-approved credit card offers with the pretend credit card attached to the application? If you peel it off there's a dab of this goobery stuff that kind of looks like a big booger, but it's clear, right? Well, gray matter is kind of like that, but more yellow with air bubbles in it and less like mucus. Oh wait, like flubber, but light yellow. Can you imagine it?

Just wanted to share my revelation. Maybe I was just going toward the light.

No, I'm not on drugs either. I lied, yes I am...

For my Family...

"Hello, my name is Jeanne and I take Ambien."

"Hello, Jeanne."

You're kidding, right?

So... Last week Biker Dude and I went to see a Dermatologist 'cause we're getting old and wanted to get naked in front of someone we never met before. He went first and came out of the office with a spot on his earlobe that was pre-cancer and the Dr. had frozen it. He's had it done before on several spots and it was no biggie to him - he's such a stud.



Then it was my turn. The Dr. found several spots on my left cheek (yes, on my face -- no butt jokes). She gave me the option of using some potion that would leave me looking like a burn victim after three weeks, or doing the freeze thing. I told her to just zap me and get it over with. She said she saw 5 spots and would be done in a flash. This wasn't really too bad a procedure, but felt like I was being sandblasted by a zillion freezing little needles -- sorta stung, but I've been through worse. Here's was it looked like (sorry for those of you with a low gag reflex).

Mind you, this is on my left cheekbone and about an inch in diameter. It never blistered, but got darker each day as it scabbed over and looked pretty weird. The strangest part is the reaction I got from people around me. Some that I don't even know. I'd almost forget that it was there and then...

**

"Oh my dear, did you burn yourself with a curling iron?"

"Yes, FIVE times in a row!"

**

"Have your grandkids been face painting on you?"

"No, this is just a little splatter from the chocolate pudding I had for lunch, oops!"

**

"Wow, that looks just like a Panther Paw." (the Panther is our High School Mascot)

"Yup, big game this weekend!"

**

"What happened to you?"

"Oh, my son introduced me to the new fad of branding. Much cooler than a tattoo, don't you think?"

**

"What the heck is that?"

"Oh, I was down at McDonald's waiting very impatiently for my McFlurry and they had to Taser me!"

Why is it that people are so anxious to point out our obvious flaws?

I am a Slacker, therfore I AM....

In the world of Slakerdom I have risen thru the ranks to become High Priestess of Slack. Who knew I had such a talent? I have fulfilled a great dream -- to become more of a slacker than even I knew I had in me. If you dream it, it will come.

Do not mistake this for having unfulfilled good intentions for that is another level all together -- to have good intentions you must actually have thought up a plan of action.

Slackers don't do ANYTHING - I am fulfilled.

Kylander girls do lunch...

It's become a weekly tradition for my two sisters and I to go to lunch with our Mother. Every Monday our Mom (who just turned 89) and our baby sister deliver "Meals on Wheels" to local senior citizens and they come by and pick up my older sister and I - we work at the same place - and off we go! We have such a pathetic choice of places to dine around here that now we choose our eatery by the criteria of wherever there's a close parking space. Some lunches are enlightening, some are gripe sessions, and sometimes we just eat! It's a chance for us to catch up and touch base with one another and talk about our thyroids. Would I lie about something that important? Never...

The Karate Kid vs Wii Man...

Okay, so I'm well aware of the fact that since my "Gramma-cation" I have been a total slacker as far as the whole blogger experience goes. Nothing new there. Since spending that whole week in Pinehell I've done nothing but try to put out fires at work and be all things to all people - I can only be nice for short periods of time as of today. Whatcha' gonna do?

I loved spending so many days with my Trisha and her little fellas. It was heaven to me. I always learn so much from those boys. For example...

Karate Kid taught me that there are many rules in the sport of Karate. Did you realize that there is no yawning or farting allowed? Do you know that you need to practice every day and eat healthy and keep hydrated? (Which sounds quite profound coming out of the mouth of a 4-year-old). He also showed us that it's mind over matter for someone of his size and age to break a 1/2" board in half with his hand! Awesome. He also swims like a little fish.

Wii Man taught me more about Mario Smash Brothers than I ever wanted to know! He's an obsessed little machine when it comes to his Wii games, but did show me the art of graciousness when I accidentally beat him when he let me play the first time out! Trust me that I didn't know what I was doing because I can't even play Pac Man - I actually felt like he was a little bit proud of me. We also had some excellent late night chats. He asked me if I knew why he loved me so much. I asked if it was because of my sparkling personality - no. My beautiful eyes - no. My grey hair - no. It's because I'm so SHORT and he'll be taller than me soon! I told him when he can look me straight in the eyes, I'll give him $20. Gramma bribes are so great! He swims like a bigger fish.

Being with my girl is always a treat even tho' I'm not so sure we ever finished an entire conversation. I did get to take her out for dinner on her 9th anniversary since Jamison was out of town and we reminisced about her wedding day and all the preparations. Brought a tear to my eye...

I also got to fold clothes, read a book, sleep in, eat out often, and be a major slug. My kind of time away from home. Think I'll do it again next year and call it an annual event! Go Momma!!!

I've been tagged...

How to play this game of tag: Post these rules on your blog. List: 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 random surprising facts about yourself. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names.

Just as a disclaimer -- Trisha thinks I'm a freak because I've thought about this too long and hard and now everyone I was going to tag has already been tagged except for one. Anyway, here goes...

JOYS:
1) My Grandkids. A true gift without measure. I've always laughed when I've heard that "Grandkids are Gods' gift for not killing your own children" -- but it's true! My favorite part though is when their parents say something that I'd said to them before, and they swore they'd never say it to their own kids, "don't make me stop this car". What a hoot!

2) Biker Dude. My best friend, my love, my partner in life. Even tho' somedays he bugs the snot out of me, he loves me in spite of myself.

3) My Parents. There is no doubt that I was blessed in this department. They taught me the true meaning of unconditional love. The importance of working hard to make your marriage work under any circumstance. The true meaning of in sickness and in heath. And most of all, they taught me that love is to be shared.

FEARS:
1) There is nothing worse than knowing that someone you love is in harm's way or hurting and there is nothing you can do to "fix" it.

2) Drowning. Stupid I know since I don't go near the water and I live in a pretty land-locked state, but that claustrophobic feeling of being unable to catch my breath gets me.

3) Living the rest of my life in pain. After 5 surgeries in 3 1/2 years, trying to figure out my pain threshold has been an extremely difficult thing for me. It's a daily part of my life and I'm sick to death of it. I wish it would just be gone.

GOALS:
1) To be skinny.
2) To be pain-free.
3) To do something wonderful that will always be remembered long after I'm gone.

OBSESSION/COLLECTION:
1) I became a collector of pigs, not my fault, thanks Mom. She gave me a pencil sketch my cousin did of a little girl herding pigs in the rain that I just loved and it snowballed from there. What should I begin to think when people see pig 'stuff' and think of me?

2) I have lots of good intentions - cross-stitch, crochet, sewing, scherenschnitte, and I'd love to start scrapbooking. I've rediscovered my love of reading (yes, I'm turning into a "Twilight" freak too).

3) I've collected lots of sarcastic magnets for my workplace -- love 'em.

RANDOM FACTS:
1) Each of my three children was born on Tuesday.
2) Each of my three children have the same initials.
3) I still have a few baby teeth (yes, in my mouth)!

Okay, so now I'm going to tag Kristin and any one else who feels the need to think this hard!

A Deck Worthy of Greatness...

Biker Dude has spent the last 3 evenings staining his deck. Big job, but he's always up to the task. It's not a huge deck, but big enough for him to handle. He always says it's really important to keep your deck in tip-top shape. You take care of your wood, protect it and it will give you great pleasure for years to come. He's gotten lots of compliments on his deck over the years and takes a lot of pride in it. Can't blame the guy, it's his DECK I'm talking about!

Positively pessimistic...

I saw a lady I work with at the store the other day and asked her how she was doing. "I can't complain", she said. What the hell I thought - I can ALWAYS complain (and quite often do)!

She said, He said...

She said, "I need a new bra."
He said, "Can you get one that lifts and separates?"

She said, "Does this make me look fat?"
He said, "Define fat."

She said, "What sounds good for dinner?"
He groans.

She said, "Man, the results of your hearing test are terrific!"
He said, "What?"

She said, "Oh, it hurts my back to do this."
He said, "Then don't do that."

She said, "Do you know that I love you more than life?"
He said, "Yes, I know."

by me for Biker Dude on our last anniversary (36 years and counting).

Down in front!

Are there people in your universe that bug the holy crap out of you due to the fact that they just exist? Please don't let me be the only one!

There is a gal in town that is one of those people. Her Daddy was a 'somebody' with money once upon a time and she's leached off of that her entire life (just my opinion). Because she's a 'somebody' and anyone else is a 'nobody', her nose is perpetually in the air. One thing that she's done which I find unforgiveable and showed her true colors is when my Dad died she showed up on my Mother's front doorstep to see if Mom wanted to consider selling their home. Crude, huh?

Anyway, last night we went to the county fair to a Sawyer Brown concert and there she was -- two rows down acting like she was it-on-a-stick. She's not. The music was great and the concert was lots of fun. As it began she was standing up doing the 'wave' and I yelled 'down in front'. As the concert progressed and she downed a couple of beers she was doing the American Bandstand 60's clap your hands/flip your wrist thing. So funny. More beer and then she began to shake her groove thing and I thought I was going to have a seizure. Then came the cell phone - open it up and wave it around like it was a cigarette lighter at the big stadium concert. It was annoying and funny at the same time. If I didn't dislike the woman so much I would have probably been embarrassed for her!

I'm sure that I totally mortified my youngest adult son. I figured that out when he looked me in the eye and mouthed, "Stop it, Mom" as I was yelling "down in front" for the 10th time. Oh well, I'm old and I can do and say whatever I want now because I've earned that right. Forgive my mouth and intolerance, but it was MY very own "you suck lady" moment and belonged to no one else.

BTW, Biker Dude was right next to me and never batted an eye. He loves me anyway.

Harley, you've given me a headache dude.

So... Biker Dude has a great buddy - I call him "the girl-friend". (Honey, your girl-friend is on the phone.) If you're a country music fan you're aware of Brooks & Dunn -- well, he's a Ronnie Dunn clone, except with a shaved head and no southern accent. They just went on a 5-day, 1500 mile road trip with six others. Had a great time, and all that good biker stuff. But, I swear if we see him in the grocery store one more time, I'm going to hurt someone.

They speak in the language of "Harley Davidish" -- it's hard for me to understand, but it's understandable enough to know that I really don't give a shit. They meet in one aisle and talk for 20 minutes then go on their merry way... meet in the next aisle and gab as though they haven't seen one another for an eon. This goes on for aisle, after aisle, after aisle. And, we only went in the store for milk and toilet paper. Come on guys, my head is going to explode!

Forever and ever, Amen...

Today I went shopping. Anyone who knows me at all knows that I'm a "get in, get it, pay, get-the-hell-out" kind of shopper. I went into the store and quickly found what I was looking for. Went to the checkout where a lovely older man was working. He scanned my items and I grabbed my handy-dandy little card out of my purse, swiped it through the machine and went through all the crap that follows -- debit or credit -- pin number -- do you want money back -- waiting to approve -- when suddenly it pops up with the words "card denied". I was mortified. I asked if I could try again because I probably put in the wrong pin number and it happened AGAIN! What the heck??? So I got out my cell phone to check on my little cheat "contact" pin # checker because Biker Dude and I have such similar pin numbers on our debit cards and I always get all dyslexic with them. Then I realized that I was using a credit card instead of my debit card. What a major spaz! I was so embarrassed. Anyway, this cute old gent said, "No problem. You were in the right church, but just sitting in the wrong pew!" How cute was that? The lady that was so impatiently waiting behind me to get through the line I was holding up suddenly got a big smile on her face and we all had a great chuckle. I love sweet older gentlemen with a sense of humor!

I, Biker Dude, do solemnly swear...

Since April 29th, these are the new Harley accessories that I actually know about. Biker Dude is pretty slippery, so I know he's sneaked a lot by me as well. Besides the 1,000 mile service check, he's gotten a new windshield, backrest, hand grips, dipstick/oil temperature checker thingy, new rearview mirrors, LED tail light, and who knows what the hell else. These were all purchased under the guise of "safety" which I guess make them all legit. Can you say, "cha-ch$$$$ng"? I decided that was enough for the first three months, so I decided to make him swear to knock it off.

I made him raise his right hand. He tried to fake me out by raising the left one - but being the smart girl that I am, I figured that one out pretty quick! Anyway, his right hand was raised and I let him put his left hand on my boob. Seriously. It was the only sacred and holy thing I had nearby. Then he repeated after me, "I, Biker Dude, do solemnly swear that I will not buy any more accessories for my bike until the year 2009." We had to do bare boob (inside the bra) to actually get the swearing done, but he finally did.

You heard it here first and I'm sorry if the visual is way too much for you to handle, but this is my world and I have to live in it! (Then he went out and bought a new Harley shirt and hat that were calling his name... go figure.) Just goes to show you that copping a feel isn't what it used to be -- what's a bare boob worth these days anyway?

Happy Birthing Day, Son!

On July 4th, 1972 my first child was born. His daddy was in the military and so it was just my Mom and I at the hospital waiting for him to arrive. It was an awesome experience to bring a new life into the world - he was my everything. Grampa Ky called him "Cracker" for a while -- it didn't stick! So many years have come and gone, so many ups and downs, so much to learn, so much love to give. That love continues to grow and what my Mother told me all those years ago is still very true, "you never stop worrying about your kids", how very wise she is. I love you son. Be sweet, be smart about your decisions, be honest in all you do, be kind to others, and always know that you are one of the first best things I ever did.

I'm finally done!

I finally completed the afghan I decided to crochet for my niece's first baby. Since we don't know what they're getting yet, I had to go all "pastel" on them, but I hope they like it. It was so much fun to make. Who knew I could actually complete a baby project before the baby arrives? Best wishes to you Kari & Brodie. I love you and wish you all the happiness that life has to offer. I can't think of anything that smells better than a brand new baby -- boy or girl!!! Congratulations in advance. I'll send it up with Grandma Gail who is sooOOOoooOOOO excited for this blessed event.

Grampa Gary, Krampa, Gapa Geewe, Poppa

It just makes sense to me that in order to be a wonderful Grandpa you must also meet the high standard of being an extraordinary Dad. He did, he does, he has, he always will.

He became a father himself at the ripe old age of 19. He has never stopped working to make a wonderful life for all three of his children and for me too. This man is a gift to us. He has given his children so much more than he ever got himself. Not material things, altho' there is nothing they needed that they went without - it's the real life "stuff" that every child needs that they got. A loving home, the security of always knowing they were always loved, the gift of a strong work ethic, an example of what it is to be an honorable parent. All those good things that every child should have a sense of. He gives his grandkids all that and more. Whatever he didn't get from his own parents, he has made damn sure that our own kids received and he'll go to the ends of the earth to make sure that his grandkids know the very exact place that true and unconditional love comes from.

He loves his children and grandchildren more than life itself. His goal is to know each one of these kids individually and their unique personalities, their quirks, likes and dislikes and to make sure that everything they do together is always FUN!

Since he is by nature, a fretter, imagine all the years that have gone by with him worrying about the success or failure of everything affecting the lives of our family. He has broad shoulders that bare the weight of this hard old world. He worries, comes up with solutions and coping mechanisms, but most of all with just plain hard work and determination he helps get us through whatever we're facing.

His gift to his grandchildren is going to be the wonderful portraits that Miss TJ has taken of them together. He's said, "When I'm dead and gone at least they'll have those photos and all of the memories that go with them." In my humble opinion, it's going to be those wonderful memories that will last the longest! The photos reflect some of his many interests: motorcycles, fishing, football and Nascar to name a few. It cracks me up that his first thought when he found out that a fifth grandchild was on the way way, "I wonder what we'll do for our picture?" What a hoot.

If every child had a Grampa like you, Biker Dude, the world would indeed be a better place for us all. Happy Father's Day today and always with LOVE!!!

We're Getting a PINK One!

I was honored today to be invited to attend a "Gramma's" ultrasound session. Gramma Nort and I sat there looking at Mommy getting her belly all jellied up and looking at our new Grand-daughter. So how cool is that? She gave us a wave with her tiny little hand and at one point we thought she flashed the "peace" sign at us -- maybe she's gonna be a bohemian-type girl? Who knows. Anyway, what a kick to know that her Daddy's going to get to step up to the plate and put up with all those boys sniffing around his little girl! Paybacks are such a bummer! Ha. Maybe your brother can teach you how to braid -- hey, your sister can too -- looks like you're in it to win it! Since we were calling this little one 'Baby Boo' because of the due date -- looks like now she can be 'Baby Boolicious'. We are so excited that we can buy more than cammo pants now for your growing family -- hey wait... cammo comes is pink now too!

So, I opened up my can of Whoop Ass....

I decided to go to the big city today all my very own self -- such a big girl. Got all loaded up in my shiny red Mustang and headed out of town. I turned on my iPod and I had no tunes -- that should have been my first indication that this wasn't going to be the best trip ever, but I had the CD's in and turned the volume up to blare - and Jason Aldean can always do it for me anyway. I had a fairly fruitful shopping spree -- at least for me since I'm the hurry-in, pay-for-it, and get-the-hell-out kind of shopper. Made lots of stops and decided to call it a day before the Friday rush hour hit. I was about 30 minutes out of town and no one was in front of me when I saw a car behind me coming up quickly. I had the cruise control set at 78 mph ('cause the speed limit was 70 and I only go 8 mph over as a rule because I refuse to get a speeding ticket). I had the feeling that this old broad just HAD to pass me because she could -- and low and behold she did -- and guess what? NINER!!!! She passes, cuts me off and then proceeds to slow down to 60 mph. So... realizing that she was the idiot that I had anticipated that she would be, I really did open up my can of Whoop Ass and romped my trusty pony around her boney little butt and never did see her again! Ruin my cruise will ya? NOT. As you can see, road rage is still pulsing through my veins. Yee Haw...

I saw God today...

in the form of many answered prayers on behalf of this precious little girl. Congrats to Trevor and Lauryn on the "1st day of the rest of your lives together" - words aren't enough to express the thankfulness and love in our hearts.

Why A Daughter Needs Her Daddy...

These are parts of a letter I wrote on October 19, 2003 to Trevor. Three days before his daughter was born . I thought it appropriate to share just now...

"To my dear Son,
I'm so excited for you as you begin this new adventure into parenthood. You're going to be a Daddy and this little girl is going to be a treasured gift that will bring you more love and joy than you ever thought you could experience. You will be her first hero - her first "boyfriend" - and the most important man in her life.

She's going to learn so much from you and you will always be perfect in her eyes. On that same note, you are going to learn so much from her. She will expect the impossible and more than likely you'll come through for her every single time! You will get to be the one she comes to when times are tough and she will know that you will do all you can to make her world safe from harm. Be sure to make the time to build wonderful memories with her - those are the things that will belong to just the two of you.

As I look back on sweet memories of my Daddy, I know without a doubt how much he cared for me. It's incredible to realize how much he loved me even when I messed up - my finest example of unconditional love. As I recall, he was always bigger than the other girls' daddies, much smarter, more handsome, a harder worker, the most fun to laugh and dance with, and the best story teller there ever was. I don't remember a time that he ever said "No" to me that wasn't for my own good.

You're going to be a wonderful Father, Trevor. I promise you that all the time and love that you invest in this precious little girl will come back to you a thousand fold -- the time you spend with her will be well spent. May you experience the same joy and love that my children have brought to me. I love you, Son!"

Trevor, I hope you will always know how much your entire family loves you and Lauryn. We're proud of all you do and all you've sacrificed to make this precious girl first in your life. She is truly blessed to have you as her Father. We are all blessed that you are part of our lives as well!
Forever, Mom

Fried Brain with a side of Ranch!

Have you ever had one of those days where you couldn't think about anything for one more second - even if someone paid you to do it? We'll I've had two of those of days in a row. Today I'm going to just do my work and not think at all. Hummmmmm.... that might just be the most creative thing I've ever done! Why didn't I think of that before. Oh, that would have involved using my brain again. Nevermind.

Oops, He Did It Again!

Well, here we go again -- fourth bike is a charm??? My sweet Gary finally got his dream bike - a Harley Davidson (a guy thing). He's so excited that the grin is permanently pasted on that face! It's a huge bike with all sorts of bells and whistles - the Ultra - it's black pearl - it's got a kick ass radio/CD player and that's about all the detail I know (it's a girl thing). He's sworn to me that this is the last bike (new or used) that he will ever own. We're going to make a little blood pact to that effect.

H is for the Harley you are riding.

A is for the Asphalt you will burn.

R is for the Road Trips you'll be taking.

L is for the Laughs you're going to have

E is for the fact that you have Earned this.

Y is for the You I'll always love!

Happy "Harley Day", Honey -- you've worked long and hard for this -- hope you'll enjoy the hell out of it!

Sweet Ernie Ky

April 24, 1919 - March 6, 2003

Today my Dad would have turned 89. Happy Birthday Ernst! Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. It's so hard to believe that you've been gone for 5 years. You may be gone from this world but you are definitely not forgotten. Mom misses you so much -- she said she's been dreaming of you a lot lately. What a sweet way for you to keep in touch with your precious Rose. You and Mom have always been heros to me. You have been examples of how to work hard, how to endure to the end, how to live life with dignity and grace, the definition of 'through sickness and in heath' and how to love unconditionally. If I ever grow up, I pray that many of the qualities you carried with you each day of your live have rubbed off onto me in some small way. I miss you Dad and love you more than words can EVER say.

I know I'm no Einstein - but...

If he and I traded hair -- his would be better! (ignore the mustache) I'm having a major hair crisis and don't even know where to go from here. Once again it sucks to be me...

Springtime in Wyoming!

This is nuts! Friday it was over 70 degrees and now we have over three inches of snow. Bugger! But as they say, wait 15 minutes and the weather will change -- only in Wonderful Wyoming.

Givin' it a try...

I have been wanting to give this a try for some time now. So I'm jumping off here! YeeeeEEEEeee HawwwwwWWW!