Timelines

I hear facebook has this new "timeline" feature coming. I'm not sure what it will be like but it got me thinking of my time line from the last week. I hope to never have 6 days like this again.
Thursday: Caden comes home from daycare whiney and crabby. A few hours later, Caden throws up all over his bed. He is up half the night with Kevin sick as a dog. Friday: Its Nea's birthday. But I get to celebrate MY birthday at work. Aunt Gloria even brought treats. Yeah for that. At lunch I find out I get a call from Chloe and Grandma Priscilla has passed away. Make it through the day but feeling very sad. Get home from a long day (Fridays are the long days at work) and find out dad needs help at the shop, so I go put 3 hours in there. Come home and am in bed an hour later. Saturday: ITS MY BIRTHDAY. But Caden is STILL sick. So we have to cancel our plans. No party at the Roughtons for us. Also with Priscilla passing, dad is at his wits end and needs help at work. Kevin spends the morning working while I take care of a whiney boy and his sister. I do get graced with a lovely facial. Mom offered to take us to dinner but Caden is still crying with an upset tummy. I'm sad that I can't celebrate, but mom shows up around 7 with a DQ treat for me. Super nice. However, I'm tired. By 8pm I'm in bed and I HAVE CADENS FLU. Happy Birthday to me :-( Sunday: I wake up and I'm sick ALL day. I'm weak and feel like dying. But its football day. Vikings start off 20pts ahead at half time, then for the 3rd week in a row, they give the game away. At least I won 50$ off the final score. I sleep some more and hope tomorrow I feel better. I get a call from Gregg and Bridgette had surgery today. She is okay but we won't know more till tomorrow. DO NOT LIKE THIS.Monday: Wake up and take Izze to school, and Caden to daycare. I come home and I'm STILL sick when I eat, though I feel better and less achey. The baby is starving but if I eat I get sick. No food for me. Nap and get ready for the wake at 3pm. Spend the evening there; heavy heavy hearts.Tuesday: Wake up to moaning. Kevs not feeling well. Time to get ready for funeral, apparently its just me and the kids. 15 minutes later Izze's not feeling well. Then she gets sick. REALLY sick. She stays home with dad and Caden and I go to the funeral. He yells about being hungry for the first hour and half. When its time for lunch he doesnt eat. We come home and nap. He wakes up and had an accident in his unders. PLEASE don't let his flu be back. Clean up is usually Kevs department but he's dying on the couch so I get it. I cook the sickies some food and go to the store. It took THREE stores to find everything we needed. I come home; put groceries away, give the kids baths and put them to bed. I told Kev god forbid something happens to him; our kids will start bathing on a weekly basis in stead of every other day. LOL
I'm TIRED. My feet are swollen. I don't think I could handle this past few days when I WASN'T pregnant more or less when I am.
Dear Lord, I thank you for the few positives in this crazy weekend as they helped me from falling completely into the poor me pitty song. I thank you for helping a wonderful woman end her suffering and bring her joy of being home, though she will be greatly missed. I thank you for he fact that the end of this is all in sight. But most of all I thank you for helping me keep my hormones in check and not lose my mind. Amen.

A NEW Decade!

When I think ahead to 10 years from now it seems like forever away!

When I think back 10 years ago, it seems like just yesterday.

That always baffels me. Thinking on the "decades" of my life is interesting, because being born in a "new decade" I count the decades of my life with the decades of time.

My first decade of childhood, is a blurred memory.

My second decade, the 90s. Most people hate that 1o year span of teen years but I really loved it. My classmates in high school had for the most part been together since we were 6. We were a family, and as family goes, we were NOT always a happy one, but we had fun. I remember those days as if they were yesterday. My first kiss, my first love, so many firsts. I'm not as close to all of those friends as I once was, but when we do see each other, its as if nothing changed. High school graduation, a bitter sweet milestone. Exactly a decade later, my baby girl Bridge had hers. Crazy. I sat at her graduation, feeling like it was just yesterday I walked those same halls and crowned Mary as she did. College started at the very end of that decade. I'd have to say that first semester, I would have rather been back in high school....wishing the decade wasn't closing. I rung in 2000 with my high school sweetheart babysitting for the naked family, a quiet evening for 20 year olds, but it summed up who I was then......No computers crashed, no crazy business, the world didn't end.......Y2K was nothing.....

The past decade....would have been my growing decade. I went from a spoiled teenager to a mature adult. Sure I'm still spoiled, but I'm now mature about it ;-) I found my place in college and can say they were some of the best years of my life! I am forever grateful to my bestest friend who helped me take big steps and let go of my past and find my way towards my future. We are not as close as we were then, as life obviously takes drastic turns, but he will forever have a place in my heart for that. In these last 10 years, I met and married my husband, I created friendships with awesome women who are some of the BEST people in the world, I had two children, I bought my first house, I started my first career (better late then never), and I learned a lot about myself and the world! I spent a lot of these 10 years looking forward to the next thing. It was a great 10 years. I rung in this new decade on another quiet family evening, playing games and having laughs with my dad's family and my husband....again, a calmer New Years Eve in comparison to the ones in the decade coming to a close, but nice all the same......

As I look forward to the upcoming 10 years and think of what I want, its something I've been working on for a year, but will continue with because its an important one. I have to turn 30 this year, and while I DONT love that idea, I've decided if I have to leave my 20s I will do so in the best shape of my life....both physically and emotionally. My daughter is in her formadable years, and if there is ANYTHING I can instill in her its to love herself, and I know the best way to do this is to lead by example. SO in this decade, I promise to love myself by taking care of me, and instead of hurring to the next thing, I am going to try to enjoy the little things. So far each decade has gotten better and better, and I hope to keep that up as time goes. In 10 years, when I look back, and my daughter has entered her teens (god help me), I hope to be able to say that once again.......the last decade is BY FAR my favorite :-)

The light of the Lord

Alright, so if you know me, you know that I DO believe in God. I was raised Catholic. I don't follow EVERY view of the church (I am not against gay marriage, I dont believe that you need to be at church on sunday for your faith to be strong, and a few others). But I believe, and 99% of the beliefs were given to me from the Catholic Church, which I call my "home"

Well, I have to share this........
Last night I went to mass for Chloe (my sister) with Theresa (my step mom), cause I'm her sponsor for confirmation.

Well last night, at the end of the mass, they gave the Canada and sponsors and parents a chance to come up and "fall into the light of God." Chloe said they did this earlier and it was amazing, and she was now "in love with Jesus".......for my sister thats huge!

So I went up to the alter with Chloe, and watched as numbers of HS students were blessed and moved to tears. Some would pass out, some would just cry, some were just enjoyed after receiving their blessings. I'm sure SOME of them were in it for God, but the pessimist in mefelt a lot were just into the drama of watching people fall to the ground while others pray over them. That said, my retreats growing up always moved me, and my sister was really into it, so my step mom and I decided to give it a go.

I stood at the alter praying as he worked down the line next to me........I had a serious conversation in my head with God.....telling him how I feel and that he knew my heart, and he knows my personal views and that I'm not willing to conform and I'm sorry if thats a sin, but its who I am....I told him that I would give myself to him THAT way and if he wanted to take me as I am and accept and love me as I am, then I'd be happy to have him in my life and give it to him.

So I'm doing this and the archbishop ends up next to my step mom and I can hear it, but I'm deep in concentration talking to God about my odd views and nonconformity, and I notice her feet as she falls. (She is probably more a pessimist then I and even MORE nonconforming). Next thing I know, the ArchBishop asks my name and what I'm there for....I answered "To give myself to Jesus as I am"....his hand goes to my head, and he starts praying and I'm praying in my head and can hardly understand him, and I hear people praying around me....I hear him say the name Jesus QUITE a few times, and my knees are weak, and I'm fighting it, cause I feel like I'm gonna fall, and I can feel myself rocking, and hands on shoulders and backs and such to help me stand and then he says something and lets go, and my body just FALLS......I never felt them lower me (though I know they did) and I'm laying on the floor and I can feel this huge ENERGY...but I cant open my eyes, I can see the light through my eyelids, but they flutter and won't open, and I'm totally aware (so different from the one time i fainted--that was a black out).....It feels like maybe 15 seconds of trying to open (though it was longer) and I'm able to open my eyes......I start to sit up but I can't stop the tears. And Chloe is there hugging me. I couldn't stop shaking as I left........

It was seriously the most amazing thing ever.......such a peace.

I'm just.....amazed.

Izze-isms

Daddy: Izze momma has a friend coming over.
Izze: Oh, well, is she NICE?
Daddy: Of course she is nice.
Izze: Good. (Pause) Is she PRETTY?!?!?!

I don't think it would matter either way to Izze, nice IS pretty in her eyes, but how silly of her to ask such a thing!!!! Deanna must have passed her test because she played with her all evening and even took her to show off her room. They didn't come back for quite some time. Kevin finally went down to break up the party, turns out Izze locked D in her room!!! (The lock is on the outside). She musta really liked her!!!!! Ha ha ha. Poor and patient D! Thats my angel Izze, the one others see.......



Fast forward to today, to OUR Izze. The one she saves for parents and grandparents. Izze is going on much too little sleep, I am tired after returning home from our run and am TRYING to pee in silence.

Izze: (barging into my bathroom) Momma. I'm staying overnight at Nana's.
Mom: NO, Izze you are not.
Izze: YES, momma, I AM!
Mom: No Izze, that is NOT an option.
Izze: (hands on hips, and head swaggering, and most sarcastic voice I've ever heard!!!!) Well what about a tubby momma, is THAT an option???!!!

Oh jeez. I about died. I did let her take her mermaid tubby at Nana's it seemed fair. Though I woulda rather wash her MOUTH with soap.

never enough time....

We usually spend a good chunk of our summer in Crosslake. I've been spending about 1/3 of my summers there for the past 24 years. Its my home.
Summer is not right until I spend a day on Vicky's boat (or in recent years Greggs pontoon) enjoying the sun and the lake.

This year, instead of our usual 3-4 weeks up north, we only got one!
Very sad. But we enjoyed it while we could....and are counting down until next year!

Mommy's girl

I am a mommys girl through and through. But if you met my mommy, well you'd understand. She's not just the best mom in the world, she's the best aunt, the best sister, the best friend, and hands down the best grandma in the entire world.

My mom is selfless. She puts everyone in front of herself. No matter how hard we try to get her to take care of herself first she wont. Seeing others happy is truly what makes her happiest. She loves children and is a 7 year old at heart.

My mom is also strong and independent. She swore never to marry. Somehow she gave in and did it, but she still is very independent about it. She works hard. She gives everything she does 200% (including nap time).

She used to have things she did for herself. I remember watching her play cribage while camping while drinking peach schnapps. Then thier was the skipbo days. She turned to the diet dew instead of the schnapps. She loved to read historical smut books. Nothing better then the couples tearing thier clothes off on the front of the book.

But life happend, my mom would have give up for her time for the rest of us in a heart beat (impromptu cousin overnights; snow ball dresses needing emergency alterations before the dance; halloween costumes for a whole family in two days; 20lbs of hot beef for tomorrows party; babysitter on call 24/7; the person you call at 3am when you need a ride home, or an ear to listen, or to drunk dial; an opinion on anything under the sun; the one who stayed up talking with my friends all night, while I went to bed--making them feel like the 9th grade boy issue REALLY was important enough to drop everything for). These things on top of raising cam, being a grandma, a full time employee, a farmer and now a full time student. And like I said, she gives it all 200%. She has no time for herself. And it makes me sad. She needs that.

But its hard, becasue WE need her.

Its selfish of us. I know this. We probably take advantage. But if you know her, you understand. You just can't get enough Gayle time.

Things to Remember....

When heading out to the mounains, be sure to take your rescue pack....JUST IN CASE!

Break down in tears for no apparent reason, when someone asks whats wrong just tell them
"Icecream would make me feel better"
Moms may roll their eyes, Grandma's however will make an immediate turn into the nearest icecream store.


"Fresh" Water never tastes just the same....
And really when it comes from Navajo, we shoulda known. After all, the Navajo we know is a "stud" and we tend to not drink anything he gives us!


No matter how many times you try it, the natural springs will still taste like arse, this one however was at least cold!


Really, when you see where a spring comes from, you understand just a little better why it tastes like arse.


At least a "Soda Spring" is carbonated by the carbonate acid and while still tasting arse-ish, is a step towards improvement.....


When headed up Pikes Peak, you may be thinking THIS should be your worst fear, but really you have NO IDEA.....


The reservoirs are beautiful pristine waters. I wanted to strip and go nakee for a swim. However, with a temperature of 50 the water was a TAD frigid! Still beautiful....


When negotiating with a terrorist, er I mean two year old, remember that candy is a good bribe to get them to look at the camera.....


On the way up, this made my knees weak, on the way down, I would have took the picture while hanging over the edge, and still had stronger knees then I did at the top!


By the time we reached the summit, I was sooo cold and weak, and worried over my mom lacking oxygen, that I couldnt bear to walk to the sign for a family picture. This nice family will do just fine!

Notes regarding the summit: Don't assume that at 21 degrees there will be snow or ice to walk on. Nope, be prepared to step in a giant FREEZING cold puddle of water. And to walk through mud? I've never seen such cold mud.

Don't assume you'll be able to look out over the edge. You may be sooo weak from the drives on the roads that are lacking gaurdrails and room for double lanes that you can't even leave the car.

If your with someone who is deathly afraid of heights, on the way up they may start to look green stop in the middle of the road and ask you to drive. They may be soooo freaken scared they wont get out of the car for your "chinese firedrill" but instead, make you do so while they crawl over the counsel. Then lay thier seat back and hide under the blanket until they are safely at ground level again. Or at least not alpine level!

Do be sure to breathe before you get there, because once your there, the oxygen is gone.

The ride down was pretty enjoyable even if you do get pulled over after the brake check. In case you didnt know "hot breaks fail", use low gears.

No matter how scary something was on the way up, its MUCH better on the way down.

And just because WE happend to see two rescue vehicles and accidents, does not mean its a daily occurance (or so they say). Turns out the woman working the gate has only seen one other trip this year, lucky us for witnessing two!

We were very happy to leave! Very very happy!


Mom didnt get the point of the picture was to show the ginormous rock.


Remember, zoom out is good too!

Three

Three is involved in many important people:

The Holy Trinity has three. Father, Son and the Holy Spirit

There were three stooges.

In time three is a lot of things as well:

Three represents the past, the present and the future.

It takes you three years to for from the ability to buy a lotto ticket to buy a beer.

But MOST importantly, today, three is MY BABY GIRL!

Three years ago today, the most stubborn, strong willed, intelligent, funny, beautiful little girl showed up in our lives and every moment since has been an experience we couldnt be with out!

Happy Birthday
We love you Izze girl!

Thankful List

For my family







For old friends*.....








and new......









And for BFFs

For people who make a difference

For camping...and crosslake.....

For Beaches....and cruises...and family vacations.....





For cocktails.....





Chipotle

Tim McGraw

Boneless Buffalo Wings

Tickles (the blankies)

Sunshine

Halloween

and much much more




*please note, you know even if your not pictured you mean the world to me....and if your pictures not up here its cause I dont see you enough you phucin ho!!! LOL

The last 10 days

What a vacation! WOW. I got there to find out Kevs grandma had passed away, I did not have a vehicle so that threw a little hitch in our plans. I caught a ride home and left my girl up with her grandma. After a sad two days of mourning we drove back up to spend the weekend. Kev came home and Izze and I stayed for 2 more days! It was lots of fun....

Here are some highlights:

Shishin' by the dam

My family

Cheese!

My girls! Geeg, Nea, Me and LoLo

Me and my Bug

My girl fishin

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My silly girl, much braver then momma

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Bubbles! What a talker!

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Oh and the best highlight....

Sett scense..... A group of beautiful children and thier parents are up at the ranger station making bird feeders. They are filling pine cones full of shortening and bird feed. My darling little girl is workign on hers with her Ma'Ma' (Grandma) when Ma'Ma' accidently drops Izze's feeder onto Izze's head, resulting in bird seed and shortening in her hair and down her face. Izze looks up at Ma'Ma' and exclaims "OH SHIT!". THATS my girl! *sighs and bows head*

Glowing Acres

Oh what fun we had camping. The kids held a 4th of july parade for us with the go carts and the ATV and it was very amusing! We got to swim and eat and have camp fires and eat and slip and slide and eat and go for four wheeler rides and.....oh yeah eat! Here are some pictures from our trip!

My people....



My very own fireworks....


My brother with his sparklers...


Me and my girl Giget....


The kids watching the fireworks....

A Day at the Zoo

Izze, Kev and I spent the day at the zoo. We saw the monkeys. Which she loved. I got a hug for it. As if to say, thank you mom for sharing this special and interesting animal with me. She said "ooooh mon" which I assume meant OOH look at the monkeys!

She learned to say "camo" (camel). I did my best not to follow up with the word toe and lots of giggles. She also learned to say "buffo" (buffalo), she practiced up on the word "shish" and the snake sounds "ssssssssssssssss." She saw lots of "kiee kiee's" (Meercats, fishing cats, tigers all qualified).

I think her favorite, like her mom, was the monkeys. But she did enjoy ohing and ahing over raisins and birds at the bird show. I think it was more about the raisins though. It was a VERY fun day and now mom and Izze are ready for naps!

Pictures

Popping in to share some picts quick. These are the family pictures we had taken at the beginning of the month!