"It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas..."

I don't know about you, but I cannot believe that Christmas is 2 weeks away from today! I am not ready as usual. Cherie and I have procrastinated even putting up our decorations, so here we are, 2 weeks before the big day and we're finally putting up our tree! It seems to get later and later each year. I think Christmas is a wonderful holiday but I can also see why it's the one where most suicides happen. While it can be fun and wonderful and full of lights and laughter, if you are not blessed with certain things in your life it can be a reminder that you are alone.

Cindy, Cherie's older sister and my dearest friend, passed away on December 16, 1993. (The picture above is of Cindy and Cherie when they were younger...Cherie is in the plaid dress and Cindy in the floral) This coming week will mark the 15th anniversary of her passing. It was one of those that is a complete and total shock. There was no terminal illness, no car crash or anything horrific of that nature. She simply went to bed and never woke up. I found her the next evening in bed. Cindy worked nights and was often in bed during the day so that didn't really alert anyone. I was living with her mom and dad at the time, too, so we were upstairs. I went into her room and there she was - looking like she always did when she was asleep. From that point forward my life and the life of Cherie's family was never the same.

Cindy was the reason I came to Indiana in the first place. We had met in college and become very close friends. We did everything together. Our favorite thing while we were in Provo was to go to the Wendy's across from campus and get our diet Coke's with lemon. We would sit at a corner table by the window and talk and talk and talk for hours. We loved that. It was wonderful. We shared everything - our hopes, our dreams, our mistakes, our successes. You name it and we shared it. There wasn't anything we didn't learn about one another as time went by. We had decided to leave Utah that Spring of 1993. To save time from this becoming a novel, we basically were staying in Indiana as a stop-over to our bigger asperations. It became permanent. Life has a funny way of making some decisions for you. This was a big one. I miss her. Cherie misses her. I know anyone who knew and loved her misses her. She was a good big sister to Cherie and Denise. She was a good daughter to Bill and Laura and she was a good, no great friend to me.

So, here's to you Cindy. Merry Christmas my friend. As you smile down on us for another Christmas just know that you have never been forgotten. We love and miss you. Give dad a hug for us. We miss you both.

Christmas is wonderful, but sometimes it reminds you of what you've lost, too. For anyone who has had this happen in their lives, they will understand. For those who haven't...you're lucky. Unfortunately, the day will come. I hate to be pessimistic, but it's the cycle of life. We just had it a bit earlier than expected. So, as we hustle and bustle around this holiday, I hope we'll look out for those who might be having a rough time and give them a smile or whatever bit of holiday cheer you can. It helps.

Early Thanksgiving

My family visited from Virginia and Michigan last week. We had a great time. It was good to see my mom, sister Shawna and her daughters. My brother Lonnie came from Michigan with his wife, Dawn and their kids JD and Kailey. We got to see Shawna's newest baby girl - Clara Jane, too. Our Grace and Martha have grown so much, too. They were adorable. The cousins - Kailey, Grace and Martha all got along, too and had fun playing in the bedroom. My 12 year-old nephew, JD was hilarious when he went into the room and scared them. We heard screams of terror and soon replaced with screams of laughter. Of course being 2, 3 and 6 they wanted him to do it again and again. It was fun. Cherie and I live in a small, 2 bedroom apartment so space was at a premium with eleven of us there. Our two babies - Marmie and Nelpe Ann went into hiding for the majority of the visit. We had our Thanksgiving together even though it was three weeks early. It's always fun to share time and memories with family. I don't get to see my family very often so it was a real treat. My mom is doing well and made her famous dressing patties. Growing up we never had stuffing in the turkey. It was just a tradition that my mom made them into patties. They were great on sandwiches later, too. I love Thanksigiving meals and the smells of the holidays. I had left our Halloween decorations up, too because Shawna and her girls love Halloween as much as I do. I wanted to share them with someone. Cherie and I were worried about seating and sleeping arrangements, but things worked out very well for us. I think everyone was comfortable - at least they said they were. It's just nice to spend time with those you love. I have to say, though, that I was sort of sore and not feeling great. I think it was mostly because Cherie and I had been cleaning and doing all sorts of errands for the week before. I'm in horrible shape. I push myself too hard, too. I have always had a bad habit of doing that. All in all, though, the time was wonderful and went by too quickly. It always does when you're having a good time. After everyone left I thought of all of these things I had wanted to do with them and didn't. Isn't that how it goes? I can't wait to see them all again. It had been over a year since I had seen my mom and sister. I love them so much. I do love and cherish my family. Cherie and I are very lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives. We also have some of the best neices and nephews anyone could hope for. JD is growing into such a find young man. I am so proud of him. They are all so smart and beautiful. Shawna has the most beautiful babies. I think Clara Jane was kissed more in the short time she was there then probably in here seven months of being here with us! Grace and Martha were so sweet as they jumped on their Aunt Cherie in bed the first morning they were there with us, too. Kailey Marie was a doll, too. She is a good girl and is so mature for a three year old! I can't get over her conversation skills. I guess you can tell I'm a proud Uncle. I do enjoy them all. Distance is a hard thing to deal with when you miss your loved ones. It was a good time for all. I can't wait to do it again.

Yes, We Did!

I can't believe it...wait, yes I can! Barrack Obama is our new President-elect for the United States of America! I cannot begin to tell you how excited and hopeful I am as we begin a season of change in our country. I have never been so nervous about an election as I was this one either. Aside from the enormous charisma that Obama has, I just feel that he will do what is best for our country. I also am so proud of America for embracing someone of color - a true African-American as our President. What a huge change. In my lifetime there has been such strife in our country over race and now we can see some movement towards color-blindness. I hope it continues. I know that there is much more to do. Cherie and I were to have adopted a black child several years ago. Last night I thought of him and his family watching this election. Of course the adoption fell through but I still hope that he watched last night with his family and felt pride in knowing that there was someone with a similar face smiling back at him from the television.

I grew up in the South and although prejudice still exists, I had many friends who were black. I used to talk openly with them about their struggles. As a white person in this country we have no idea what someone of color goes through just to live in this country. I hope that those obstacles continue to be torn down. I have such hope for our nation. I want so much for the things that President Obama promised to be made realities in our country. I hope that healthcare and the economy can be helped. I also hope that these wars in the Middle East can stop taking our men and women away from their families. I hope we can heal a lot of wounds around the world, too. We are a great country and last night I was reminded of that. I was proud to vote yesterday. Even though I live in a predominately Republican area of Indiana another desire of mine was met last night, too - Indiana went BLUE for the first time since 1964! Way to go Hoosiers! I had three wishes for last night, one, that Barrack Obama would win, two, that Indiana would go blue and three, that our incumbent governor, Mitch Daniels (yes, a Republican), would retain his office. All three came true!

So, here's to you America! We did it...Yes, We Did!!!

Halloween

I LOVE Halloween! This is the week of Halloween so I'm getting ready. I have no real plans, but I love the weather, the leaves, the colors, the early evenings, the chill in the air and of course...the GREAT PUMPKIN! You cannot enjoy Halloween without watching Charlie Brown and the gang. Once more, Linus messes up Sally's Halloween by telling her of the Great Pumpkin. He really doesn't exist, but the idea is a good one. I remember being a kid and my mom creating some of the most unusual and creative costumes for us that I've ever seen. We never bought costumes, but rather made them from things around the house. Luckily we had a mom who was an artist and could make just about anything. She has such an imagination. For some reason, and don't ask me why, I remember one particular Halloween that was a really good one. My mom painted her fingernails blood red (she almost never had her fingernails painted) and made sloppy joes for dinner that night. I still associate sloppy joes with Halloween. Strange, huh?...the things you remember from childhood. I was a jack-in-the-box that year. I had a clown costume that my mom had made us a few years before and she took a cardboard box, painted it and put cut out Halloween things like cats with spiral tails and jack-o-lanterns on it. She made straps for it to rest on my shoulders while I wore it and of course the lid went up and down. I think it may have been the last Halloween I actually did trick or treating. I was the oldest of five children with the youngest three being significantly younger than me. We always had fun. One year my younger brother, Justin, was dressed as a hobo. He wore our dad's yard work clothes and we stuffed him with rags. We smugged his face with soot and put a bandana tied to a stick from the yard for him to carry. He was ADORABLE!!! It didn't hurt that he was as cute as a button to begin with. He ended up winning the grand prize at our town's Halloween costume contest! He won a silver dollar! He was so cute. It just goes to show that you don't need a lot of money or fancy costumes to do something wonderful. I also just love the colors of Fall and of Halloween - the reds, oranges, golds, blacks and browns. They are so rich and warm to me. my family is coming next week for a pre-Holiday get-together. I'm excited to see my mom, my sister Shawna and her girls as well as my brother Lonnie and his family. I want us to have a great time together. Living in our apartment is going to be a bit tight, but we'll have a nice time regardless. So, Happy Halloween everyone! Watch out for the Great Pumpkin, too. Maybe he does really exist? Whoooooooooo knows?

Resourseful and idea magnet!!

Ok, I have always considered myself pretty resourseful. I have thought I had pretty good ideas about doing things and making life a bit easier to get through. I just have one thing to say!!!!!!!
WHERE DID THAT PERSON GO?????????????? I am part brain dead!!!!!!!!!
Really tho...I have to fit 11 or 12 people in our apartment to eat, sleep and have fun together. It is a nice size apartment for 3 or 4. We have a nice living room and dining area. We have two bedroom and two baths. It is possible. I know it is...however, my brain is trying to figure out how to get all the food in the kitchen, refrigerator and freezer!!!!!!! I have the sleeping, eating and fun arrangements taken care of...How do I fit enough food for 12 people--including an 18 lb. turkey in the freezer and refrigerator! hahahaha. You know...I thought I was handling things...lol. I am so excited to have everyone come and then in my dreams I try and do shopping and I come home and can't get everything put away? The other night I dreamed we had the whole Thanksgiving dinner cooked and about ready to put on the table and I had forgotten to cook the turkey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If any of the family is reading this...DON'T LET ME DO THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Well, just thought I would let everyone know I have lost it! I am just a few months away from a half a century! I am not sure I will make it there...or if I want to make it there. Luckily!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have a husband who is as crazy and goofy as I am. We will get it all done and be having fun most of the time.
Can't wait to see all the family! Love ya!
By the way...I have got to believe life begins at 50!!! It is what I have lived for...anyone want to let me know if it's true?
Smile awhile ok?

EXCITEMENT!!!!!!!!!

We are having our family come in November for a get together for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We are SOOOO excited. We can't wait for them all to be here. We get to see our wonderful nieces and nephews!!! They are all sooooo great! We are excited to meet them all again. It seems like it has been forever since we have seen them all...we do have one we have never met.
YEA!!!!!!!!! It is going to wonderful. Tons of people in a two bedroom apartment is going to be fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vote according to the dictates of your own conscience?

This is a statement which in some way or another is sent out in a press release to each branch or ward throughout the world near elections. This year the First Presidency has sent out a new letter. We should all hear it in the near future from the pulpet in Sacrament meeting. If you don't you can read it at the lds.org website search First Presidency Issues Letter on Political Participation...under the gospel library...date 22 Sep 2008. What part of the statement do many people not understand? Is someone lesser or wrong if they believe one person is better than another just because they are from one political party or another? I am just mixed up sometimes about the thoughts of people. Just to let you know we have many members in the LDS church who are registered democrats...we have probably more who are registered republicans. I am going to follow the prophet and vote according to my own conscience (voting for the person I believe will do the best for our country and people.) We need to vote and give others the right to vote and not feel judged if those votes differ. Sometimes I may vote republican and sometimes it may be democrat. So no more judging jokes according to what I or anyone else votes please. I believe we need to be grateful for those who will do their duty and vote...whatever the vote is... I remember many a time when my parents went to vote...they never missed...they would say they had to go cancel each others vote out. One would usually vote once way and the other the opposite. They were a good example of the importance of voting tho. They didn't hate each other or make mean jokes about the other because of their votes either. Thank you very much mom and dad for the great example.

Sadness...

You know in this life there are things people need and things people want. I don't know if I need a child...however, I want one of my very own. I want to be able to have a say as to how they are raised and I know they would be loved and not taken advantage of in any way. I would say I am sorry if I messed up...because I would mess up. Cause, I am not perfect. If I could choose qualities in a child of mine...I would choose a child like Timi Grant. She isn't perfect either. She is a kid...dang is she a kid. I love her so much. She has taught me so much in this life about love, gratitude, patience and strength. I want the best for her. I want so badly for her to be happy. She is going through a hard time right now and I am suffering with her. I want it all to turn out so well. How do you make life the way you want it to be for those you love. Isn't it horrible to see those you love suffer?

I am grateful if I couldn't have a child I was blessed with Denise as my sister to have Timi as my niece. Thanks for everything Timi. You are loved so much and forever.

Meine Seester

Denise is my very favorite little sister. She is a sweetie. She works VERY hard and tries to do her best at everything. She is VERY talented. She can crochet up a storm and has made numerous beautiful things...table linens, afghans, pillows, clothes and a VERY beautiful tablecloth she gave to us. I am so proud to have her as a sister. She is SOO funny. I laugh really hard when I talk to her. I can not believe it has been so many years since this picture was taken. She was and is a beautiful person. Thanks, Denise, for being a HUGE part of my life. You are appreciated. Moochies kiddo! To all of you who are reading about Denise for the first time...if you have the chance...this is a person who can enrich your life. Take a chance.

Cracked Claus

Yesterday I received a late birthday present from my sister Shawna and her three beautiful little girls - Grace (5), Martha (2) and Clara (5 months). As I opened the box and carefully unwrapped the tissue paper, there was the beautiful Santa ornament with a heart. I collect Santas of all sorts. As I looked at the ornament I noticed a small open crack at the top of the heart. As I read the card that she had attached, I discovered that our little Martha had to hold it when they bought it and of course being 2 she dropped it. So, I have a cracked santa! I love him. That crack is special to me. Grace picked out the Santa with the heart because they love me and Martha added her own special touch. That cracked my heart!

Our Friends, Liza and Randy Hunt

Ok, so I follow our friends, Liza and Randy's blog. Today is Chile's Independence Day. I know how much I value our independence here so I wanted to give a bit of a shout out to Liza for her country's independence day. She is such a sweet person. Chile is a BEAUTIFUL!!!! country. If you want to see pictures please notice their blog on ours (I've found a way to make you smile)...it is full of pictures of the different regions in her country. IT IS SO WONDERFUL! We are blessed as well to have such a great person here in our country. I LOVE learning about different cultures. Liza has really opened my eyes to new things. I appreciate her and Randy for that. Cudos!!!! Friends!!

She's something

That wife of mine...I'm telling you she is something. I love Cherie. She even takes up for me in our blog! LOL I am long-winded sometimes. I just have to say what I feel..."in Miami you can get a great seafood meal!" That's from an episode of the "Golden Girls" (an 80's tv show for those too young to know). Cherie and I tend to do little things like that when we're talking to one another. We'll start a sentence and realize that somehow it fits with another comment from a movie or tv show and we break into dialog. We're goofy that way. I love that about us. I love a lot of things about us. We have fun together. We laugh a lot and most of the time at one another - in a good way. Cherie has a wonderful sense of humor and laughs easily. That's another great quality she has. She loves "hard" too. By hard, I mean passionately and loyally. You couldn't ask for a better friend. As I've mentioned before you have to be careful sometimes when you're her friend because she'll do anything to please. It's hard to not take advantage of that. She'll do what you ask and listen closely to things you love and then try her best to give that to you. I'm lucky and I know it. Sadly, I do not have a picture of her on my list here so I won't be able to put anything there. Sad. I do have a picture of her here at work on my desk. It was taken several years ago but she still looks the same - that smile, those brown eyes, those nostrils! LOL I know she's going to kill me for that one! I had to say that because... well, it's a long story and I promised myself I'd keep it shorter today. She'll know what I mean, though. Even though these blogs are a diary of sorts, it's nice to occasionally boast about something you have in your life that you wouldn't change for anything. With all the things in life that sometimes don't go our way, we've got each other and that is really SOMETHING!

It is long...but from the heart.

Ok, so the last blog by my wonderful husband is long. It is from the heart. You don't have to agree with everything on a blog do you? I am kinda new at this. Jeff is very intense...of course, I am to in many ways. I don't say a whole lot about my political views...however, he has good ideas even if everyone doesn't agree with them all...so he thinks the last blog is to long and wants to know if he should delete it. Can you take the time to read it and comment on the things you can? You can read it in sections if it is to much to read at once..ha. I told him to leave it on here. I mean, it is our blog afterall and he feels like he feels.
I am doing better. We were supposed to go to Kendallville Branch to church last sunday for a baptism. I just wasn't feeling good. You know old lady stuff...mixed up and all. I hope Jesse Jacobs had a great and wonderful baptism. We are so proud of him.
We are celebrating Jeff's birthday today...going to Jeff's favorite restaurant and to see a movie. Hopefully, mom is feeling ok today...when it is time to go...and will be fine being home alone for that long...maybe we will just be able to go to eat? We shall see.

A Mish-mash

I just thought I'd write today a little bit of everything. Cherie is so sweet to me. She has a very self-deprecating sense of humor sometimes. She makes me out to be better than I am most of the time, too. I love her for that, though. I had a wonderful birthday, and thanks to you all who commented. I ended up taking the day off - it really wasn't planned but I figured, what the heck, it's my birthday! We obviously didn't have any plans due to my impromptu vacation but it was nice to just have a quiet day at home and to take a ride with the one I love most. She bought me a birthday cake from the lady who did our wedding cake. I had been watching some show the other day and they were eating wedding cake and I commented on how wedding cake sounded really good. Don't you just love wedding cake? There's something soft and moist about most wedding cakes that you don't get with other ones. Anyway, she ordered me a birthday/wedding cake! It was great. I have to be careful of the things I mention around her when it comes close to birthday time or Christmas because she listens intently and will try her best to accommodate any wish I have. She is wonderful that way, too. What a great woman I have in my life. She forgets how wonderful I thought she was when we were out at school, too.

I remember one year I wanted my hair frosted - remember this was the 80's! LOL She put this little cap on my head and pulled my hair through the little holes in it. My hair turned out more platinum blonde than frosted, but I loved it! It was very Billy Idol, very "White Wedding"! The bad part was that I was trying out for a part in the musical "Oklahoma" and my blonde hair stuck out too much. I didn't get the part. That was the Fall of 1987. My how time flies. I can't believe I'm 43 either.

What is 43 supposed to feel like? I remember my mom at 43 - I was 24 then. WOW! Weird, huh? I guess most people my age have children at home or in college or both. I have neither. Most have been working for years at their careers. I haven't been. Most people probably have a house, mortgage, and take family vacations. I have none of those either. Oh well, I'm an anamoly for someone my age. I guess the "norm" was never to be me. Hence the title of our blog..."Life is a Roller Coaster". I remember telling Cherie before we were married that she better hold on because my life was not a Merry-go-round. I tended to have the kind of life that was a roller-coaster, filled with ups and downs and scary turns and flips. Needless to say, that's exactly how our lives have been these last 13 years together. I'm glad I have someone on the ride with me, though. It would even be more scary and lonely without that extra passenger. I have always loved roller-coasters, so I guess that's what you get when you are a thrill-seeker such as I. However, sometimes, in retrospect, it's hard to feel a part of regular everyday life when you don't exactly fit in. It's hard to find those commenalities with others because you don't have the same reference points. It does make things difficult sometimes and it does take a great deal of conviction to live a life such as ours. Although it may not be ideal for most, it's mine and it's all I know. Good or bad, that's how it has been for me.

Even though the idea of comparing life to carnival rides is exciting, living it can be a challenge. I was thinking the other day of the few posts I've made on this blog. I was thinking of the one specifically of the Obama's. My sister-in-law told Cherie that she thought I was only voting for Obama because his wife had a good sense of style! LOL I was at first a bit put off by that, but then figured I should have mentioned other things that have drawn me to him as a potential president. Remember, I said this was going to be a mish-mash of thoughts today so bear with me...I just really feel very strongly that we need change in this country. I love being an American. I love our country. I wanted to say that at first because I also want to say that I get really upset with our country and sometimes I am not so proud to be an American. I feel that our leaders over the last eight years have ruined our reputation as a nation globally. I feel that attitudes even among everyday Americans have become twisted and complacent. We need change. We need better health care for our citizens. There should never be someone in this country who is in need of health care. I don't care what the disease or the cost, we are living in the one of the wealthiest and most progressive countries in the world and the idea that people have to sacrifice everything just to be made well is very sad to me. I believe that the McCain campaign is of the attitude that many are - that we should just take care of our own lives without government help. I think that's fine to a degree, but there are many who do not have that ability. I have seen and been witness to many people who suffer unnecessarily in this country. It's interesting that they want government out of some things yet want it in others, i.e. a women's right to choose...I'll say no more.

Also, our middle-class is suffering horribly. My neice has to take out massive amounts of student loans and be stradled with debt because her parents make too much money to qualify for student aid, they cannot afford to pay for the high cost of her education. She is a smart, witty and talented young woman. She does not deserve to start her life post-college being indebted.
When I was in college I remember working with a young woman who was from Korea.
She was an international exchange student and our country, yes the good 'ol US of A, was literally paying her to go to school in our country. She was not given as much as others and I remember her telling us of students from Japan who were at BYU who were able to buy fancy cars with the extra money they were being given by our country. Even she was appalled. We have to educate our own people. This was also in the late 1980's when this was happening, guess who was President then? You got it...George the 1st. We should be educating our own children. One of the things that makes a civilization progress and exist is the value it places on education. Not just on learning to read and write but to be productive, trained and skilled individuals with strong communication and cognitive skills. These things are intrinsically important.

Along with change, healthcare and middle class rejuvenation, I also agree with Barack Obama on his stance for change in the economy and also with the war in Iraq. I feel like we really have our work cut out for us as a nation in patching up our alliances throughout the world. It's important that we remain a member of our world community and not be lost. I don't mean we should compromise our beliefs, but there are ways of diplomacy that have been ignored during this last administration. We are all human beings on this planet and we have a responsibility to one another. When one country has more than another, they should share. I know that's idealistic and rather utopian in thought, but it's a good idea in theory. I'm not sure the Obama campaign has taken that stance, but I do feel that there is a chance for better foreign relations if he were elected President. This mess of a war that is going on Iraq, too, needs and deserves attention. We need to get our people out of there. We are beginning to turn this war into another Vietnam where we are fighting other countries' wars for them. This is not right and it costs everyone. We cannot just pull out now - I realize that, but I think the whole thing was started on false pretenses and most of the United States went along with it because of 9/11. We were all hurt and confused about those tragedies on that day seven years ago so we were vulnerable. I feel that the Bush administration took advantage of that to begin it's attack on Saddam Hussein and his regime. Was Saddam Hussein a monster? Yes. There's no question of that, but the pretense that there were weapons of mass destruction was proven to be false. I know that he was a tricky person with no morals, but are we the world police department? We have to be wise in these decisions and we have a current president who can't even say "nuclear" correctly!

One more thing before I abandon my political viewpoint, is about Sarah Palin. I have to comment on all the hoop-la about her. I think she's fine, ok. Fine. I, however, do not want her as our Second-in-command. It is not because she is female. I believe there will be a female president one day. However, I feel she is unqualified and I am not impressed with her family relations. Why is this woman running for VP when she has a newborn child with Downs Syndrome and now has a 17 year old daughter who is pregnant? Would you, as a mother or father, subject your 17 year old to the eyes of our prying world when she is in this state? I mean she knew before she accepted the nomination that her daughter was pregnant. Is Alaska so far-removed from the rest of the United States that she didn't think the media would have a hey-day with this? I mean honestly, come on! There were many other more qualified individuals who John McCain could have chosen. Let's just say I feel the whole thing is very seedy. I feel like his motivation was nothing more than an attempt to get the "Hillary" voters. Sarah Palin in my honest opinion, was a fool to fall for this request. Being Governor of a state would have been enough for anyone with her family responsibilities, but to go on such a national stage is ridiculous. What about the boy who is the father of this child and his family? Did they consult with him or his parents before she made this decision? They will be drug through the mud along with her daughter as well. Just one more thing I have to say in this regard, too, is that I am absolutely shocked at the blatant hypocrisy of those in the Republican party for acting like everyone should be supportive of her. I have known many people who are Republican and lived in Utah (Republican-ville USA) and you can't make me think that they are all so holier-than-thou that they are thinking this teenage pregnancy isn't appalling. They are, and to ask us to believe them is ridiculous. They were "stuck" with this situation and now they are trying to be more "liberal" in their own show of acceptance. Believe me people, this is all a big show and I feel sorry for those who are falling for it.

OK, I've gone from birthday to politics. I guess I've said more than enough, but I am definitely passionate about some things in this life. I do not believe that one way of thinking is better than an another, but I believe that honesty and compassion go a long way. Even though I may be for Barack Obama, I do not vote a straight ticket. I vote my conscience and vote for who I believe is the best candidate. For example, and I will put this plug in, too, I really like Mitch Daniels, the Governor of Indiana. Even though he is a good friend of W, who I won't comment on, I still think he has done a good job here in the last four years and unless something changes, he will probably have my vote in November. So, you see, I feel that we should all examine the issues and be careful in our choices. I just happen to believe one way.

We are all citizens of this planet. We have to think before we act. It's hard and I'm not perfect either, but we have to be thoughtful and careful with who we choose to lead our countries. We, who have a right to vote, should do so. I love being an American today. How exciting a time we live in to have history being made as we live! I'm glad to be 43, too. I wouldn't want to be a teenager again - been there, done that one! LOL I love my wife. She's my world. I guess no matter what happens we have our two kitties and each other. I'm glad for that. I can at least lay down at night with the knowledge that I'm with those I love. I just want a better world for us all to wake up to the next morning.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!

Today is my wonderful husband's birthday. He is such a sweet heart. It seems like just yesterday I met him. I saw him the first time when I was just home from my mission. He had come out to BYU after his mission. I was out there seeing my sisters who were there. He was SOOOO handsome. His hair was GORGEOUS!!!!! He had a wonderful haircut and his hair was very light blond from the sun in California...He dressed really great as well. I saw him and remember thinking he was really cute...beautiful teeth as well. Then I went out to BYU to school in the winter of 1987 and saw him many times. He still had the blond hair and dressed in suits because he had an office job on campus. He had a long wool coat that was really nice. He certainly didn't look like someone I would ever marry. I never thought he was even a choice for me. Heavenly Father must really love me!!!
Well, I met Jeff that winter but didn't get to know him until a few months later. We have known each other for 21 years now? Can you believe it? He is 43 years old today...he was born about 8:10am on the 10th of September! So...I have been blessed for him to be in my life for so long. I can not believe I have been with him for 12 years, actually 13 years in October. We will have been married for that long, I mean.
I am so very grateful for my husband. I know he is such a good man. I know I am blessed and I try very hard to not take him for granted. I sure love him and I know Heavenly Father has had a HUGE influence in what has happened in our lives. We struggle with some things...however, we are able to talk about EVERYTHING and anything...alot of tears and trials. I am just SOOOOOOO blessed.
I have to say...I love ALL of my family. I have to say, as well, I have been given through marriage the most wonderful in-laws...who are just like my family...as a matter of fact they are my family. I am soooooooooooo excited for each of them and their families in our lives.
Birthdays are so awesome! I am so excited for Jeff's birthday today. He is a wonderful and great man. He gives men a good name. I adore him!!! Moochies, my Jeffrey!!! Thanks so much for you!

Go Mountaineers!

I had to write in response to my sister Shawna's comments about the bands. Shawna graduated from West Virginia University and is proud of her Mountaineers. She should be. Growing up in West Virgina as we did, everyone was proud of the state school. Not only did they do well athletically but their marching band was one of the finest in the country. When I first started marching in 7th grade, our high school band took a trip to West Virginia band day at WVU. We were able to see a live college football game and we were out on the field with the "Pride of West Virginia" for halftime. I was beyond thrilled. I thought they were the greatest thing I had ever seen in my life. WVU's marching band is known for it's excellence in music, sound and size as well as their ability to form intricate shapes very quickly. As shown in the photo, their one major claim to fame is forming the shape of the state of West Virginia, which as any 8th grader who takes WV history knows, has the most uneven borders of any state in the Union! This has been a historical part of their shows since anyone can remember. I just read while doing this entry that they are celebrating the largest marching band in the school's history this year - over 400 members strong! That's a lot of sound! I would love to see them in person. Another quick fact about WVU's marching band is that at the end of my junior year in high school I was chosen as the drum major for our high school marching band. I had worked hard towards this goal for many years and was absolutely thrilled to have won the position. Being the first young man to hold this coveted position in many years, there was no uniform for me to wear. Consequently, I chose to copy the uniform from WVU's drum majors. I had seen them perform while we were attending the Forest Festival parade in Elkins, WV the year before. So, seeing that there was no pattern, I enlisted the help of my grandmother and mom who were both great seamstresses. I drew out what I wanted for the jacket for my grandmother and she created the pattern out of newspaper. She was truly amazing. Everything turned out just as I had hoped. It was great. So, in a strange way, WVU's marching band became a part of my own history even though I did not attend school there. So, along with my post to the Cougars of BYU and the Hoosiers of IU...here's to the blue and gold of the Mountaineers of WVU! Have a great season everyone! Oh, and Shawna, this one's for you..."LET'S GO MOUNTAINEERS!"

"O" Say Can You See...

I really like the Obama's. Last night I was flipping channels once again because there was nothing on television and CBS had an hour of the Democratic National Convention showing. I watched as Michelle Obama addressed the delegates. First, the woman knows how to dress and present herself. She is a class act. She is very articulate and smart. I liked her immediately. I felt like we could sit down and chat. It's strange for me to realize that she is my age. Barack is only a few years older than me, too. Strange to have someone from my generation running for the White House. It really makes me take a look at myself and where I am. I'm nowhere near the Obama's. It would have to be hard to decide to run for the Presidency. You would have to realize that everything you've ever done, said or think would be analyzed a million times over. Your family would be ravaged by the media and nothing would be sacred. One misstep and it's all over the news. One misspoken word or phrase and everyone is trying to guess your hidden meanings and what your beliefs must be. I wouldn't last a day.

Back to the Obama's, though. Besides being well-groomed and articulate, though, I find that their message does inspire some hope in our nation. I am proud that we are finally, as a people in this country, beginning to embrace our diverse nation. An African-American family living in the White House? How wonderful! We almost had the first female presidential candidate as well. Another first. I always wondered what her husband would be called? First Husband? First Man? First Gentleman? Who knows. Someday I'm sure we'll have to cross that bridge. I like Barack Obama's message and I really want to believe that he will do what he says. One thing I would like to say, however, is that regardless of who wins, a president can only do so much. We have three levels of government for a reason and so many people forget this. Without the support of the other two, a President is only as good as his hopes.

So, with that said, here's to the Obama's! Good luck and godspeed. Hopefully we'll have a new Commander-in-Chief this November whose last name starts with "O"!

It's a Band!

I love band. I always have. I'm not sure what it is either? I love the uniforms, the colors, the songs, the sound, the drums, the flags, the flash bam boom! I just love a good marching band. I'm a pretty good judge of one, too. This week our neice Timi heads back to Indiana University (Bloomington, or B-town as she calls it) to begin her second year in the Marching Hundred. She's a certified band geek, too. While I attended BYU and was a member of the Cougar Marching Band, we still share our war stories of band week - or sweat week as we called it, back in the day. I know that BYU is beginning their sweat week this week so I had to write something in memory of those good 'ole days. I love a great football game. I've mentioned my euphoria that gets me in trouble when I'm at a good game, but I also love the whole experience. Going to a great football school like BYU was the best. My freshman year was Steve Young's senior year and the year before the 1984 National Championship. My last year was the year Ty Detmer won the Heismann Trophy. Two great quaterbacks during my time in college. The gap is due to a 2 year break for an LDS Mission to California (Fresno, Spanish). Yes, I missed the National Championship year, but I still considered myself true-blue.

Anyway, I know a lot of high school and college marching bands are getting started this month. Here's to you all! Get out there and sweat your hearts out! There are still those of us who love a great show. I appreciate all the band kids and their parents who work so hard to give their kids a great experience. I also love the college kids who dedicate their busy schedules to sharing their talents with a few crazed fans like me. Band is great. It's fun and you make the best friends. There's nothing quite like it. You get to act crazy and wear a hot, often wool uniform in 90 degree heat with a plastic hat on your head, with a lovely feather blowing in the breeze. Now, you tell me, where else is that possible? LOL I love band geeks. They truly are geeks, too. I'm proud to be an alumnus of the geekiest. So...GO Cougars, Hoosiers, or whoever you are!!! Have a great year and make some great sounds, play some great tunes and cheer, cheer, cheer.

Wet and Wild!!!

Jeff is wet and wild...with Timi. Our niece, Timi is here with us. She and Jeff went swimming at the pool. Mom and I went down and watched. IT IS HOT!!! It is over 90 degrees here. I can't believe the people who sit in that weather and bake. Not me...I was out there for just a few and thought I would die. I went into the Clubhouse and got on the computer. Mom had to go to the bathroom. She said she knew where it was. So I am waiting in the computer room for her and the next thing I know I hear someone banging on the door to outside...from the outside. She had made a wrong turn and gone outside and couldn't get back in from outside in the heat. Rather than stay there and wait for anyone to come she runs around the building..so I am running around after her. I am just going to stay at home with her. She just can not be left alone!!!! ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... Anyway...Timi and Jeff had a good time. Jeff is a good swimmer. He LOVES the water. We need to go down to the pool more often.
I love it here!

15 years

It's been 15 years since I moved to Indiana permanently. WOW! By the way, this is Jeff. Cherie writes a lot more than I do so I figured I should introduce myself. Anywho...I've lived here for 15 years now! I cannot believe it. Time has certainly gone by quickly. So much has happened in my life since living here, too. Many huge events in my life have happened here in the Hoosier state. I do like living here.
I moved here from Pottstown, PA where I was staying with my Aunt during the summer of 1993. Before that, I had moved from Provo, UT with my best friend Cindy (Cherie's sister, and yes, there's a story there, too!). I dropped Cindy off in Indiana with her family and visited for a week or so and then visited with my dad and stepmom in Michigan for a week and then headed East to Pennsylvania. The original goal was to find work in the Philadelphia area and then Cindy would join me there. We would find an apartment and live the 'city' life. Obviously, that never happened. What did happen was a long arduous summer of promises unfulfilled and heartache. Eventually Cindy and her sister Denise came and rescued me from PA. I was not only sad but downtrodden because I felt like I had failed at my goal. However, I ended up finding a job here. It wasn't the sort of job I was expecting but it provided some much needed income and new friends, which I needed. I had left a very socially conservative area in Utah for a much more diverse and realistic world in Indiana.
Cindy, my friend, ended up passing away suddenly about four months after I moved here and that is where the story of Cherie and I begins. We had been friends, obviously because she was Cindy's sister and lived in Utah near us. We also did a lot of things together - she had the car! LOL Cherie used to come over to my apartment in the evenings and study while watching, or should I say listening, to the movie "Pretty Woman". We both love that movie and can still quote most of it verbatim.
So, my life in Indiana changed and eventually Cherie and I married. Things transpired from there, but here we are 15 years later. A lot has changed. I bought my first car here, got married here, loved and lost here, grown and matured, too. Life has a way of doing that to you. This year will also mark my 25th high school reunion. I have never been to one and don't expect to this year - if they even have one. The high school I attended no longer stands and the new one bears a different name, colors and mascot. Things change. Even, BYU, my college alma mater changed the school colors - not once but twice since I've graduated. They say there is nothing more contant than change. I'm not sure who said it or even made that up, but they certainly got it right. My family has grown by leaps and bounds, too. I have neices and nephews who we adore and even our wonderful kitties have added much to our family. We bought a house, sold it and now live in an apartment. It's not so bad, though. We like it a lot (read Cherie's post prior to this one).
I've had religious growth and challenges. I served as a Branch President in our church for four years and enjoyed most of it. There were a lot of things that I will not miss. Even learning more of other things has challenged me on a religious and spiritual level. I find myself more accepting of all the diversity in our world. I actually cherish it. I find that conformity is annoying and frightening. So, before I start rambling on about something else I will just say that sharing these last 15 years of my life with those I love has been more than I could have ever expected - good, bad, fun, sad, scary, depressing and joyful. I'm sure time will bring much more of the same. We'll see...

The most recent book...

The Host by Stephenie Meyer
I love to read...so does Jeff. I read The Host over the weekend and finished it last night. I cried and cried. Of course, that isn't a surprise to anyone who knows me. I cry if I am sad, happy, mad, etc etc. It is a good book and a different read for me. I like Stephenie Meyer. She is a good author...she pulls me into the lives of her characters.
I went a long time without reading anything. I love it so much. I am so excited to be reading again. I hope it doesn't make my house look to bad. Something has to give when you read a book in a day or two. Jeff is reading The Host now. He is enjoying it as well. I doubt that he will cry. He is tough...I got all the softee spots..haha.
I don't know if you really care about this, however, I will tell you. We have a patio at the apartment we are living in here in Fort Wayne. Last year we barely used it. This year we got a cute little bistro like set on sale and we have been outside alot. It is amazing the nice times I have had with Jeff out there just talking. He is fun...isn't that great! I married a fun guy! Ha. He is wonderful. I also sit out there with mom. She loves watching the cars and the people. She enjoys living here for the most part. Occasionally, she will come up with a surprise about something she doesn't like...of course the good thing about that is the next day she is fine again.
We love it here.

Excitement in the family...

Today was, or niece, Grace Lambert's first day in kindergarten. I don't remember my very first day of kindergarten but I do remember being in kindergarten. It was fun and I felt like I had a lot of friends and learned so much. I hope Grace can feel the same way. She is as big and as old as she has ever been so this is the highlight of her life. Just wait Gracie, you get to go to first grade next year...it is even more fun and exciting, if that is possible.
WE ARE SO EXCITED for her and her family.

WE ARE BLESSED WITH WONDERFUL FAMILY!

Well, there you have it. My first set of blogs. I have introduced the youngest of our family. The nieces and nephews. We love them so much. Having a blog would not be worth anything if they weren't mentioned. We are so grateful for ALL our family. We hope you enjoy getting to know them as well.

Gage and Eden Sugg

Gage and Eden are Amy and Mike Suggs children. Amy is Margaret Mullins' daughter. She is Jeff's first dad's wife. Gage is in first grade this year. Amy is so wonderful to share photos of them with us. Gage had a party a few years ago with the theme of Pirates of Caribbean. He dressed up as a pirate and was a very realistic pirate! Gage loves the water. He is often shown in pictures in the pool. He is a very sweet boy.
Eden has grown so much. We met Eden for the first time in Michigan for Christmas get together. She dressed up like a pumpkin for Halloween one year. Her picture was adorable. We would love to get to know Gage and Eden better. They are adorable kids and we really appreciate Amy and Mike keeping us in pictures. It helps us to feel closer to them. It helps us to know some of the things they like.

Timi Grant and her Grandma Frey

This is our oldest niece. She is the one we know the most and the longest. We love her so much. She is a sophmore at Indiana University in Bloomington. She is a music major. Timi loves band, music and marching. She is a music fiend!!! She loves to read and chooses some great books. She has shared some of them with us and we enjoy them as well. Timi enjoys church and right now is teaching a primary class. She will be going back to IU on the 26th of August. I feel about Timi the way Jeff feels about JD. She is the closest thing I will have to a child of my own...biologically, I mean. She reminds me of me in many ways. She has picked up certain things from, of course, her mom, Aunt Cindy and me. It has been so wonderful having her in my life these last 20 years. Timi is the only grandchild for my mom and dad. She is loved so deeply and spoiled as much as we can spoil her. She is a wonderful girl. Timi is good to her grandma who nearly worships her. We hope Timi will have success in all she does. We are sincerely blessed with her in our lives.

Kailey and JD Mullins

JD and Kailey are our niece and nephew...son and daughter of Lonnie and Dawn. We love them so much. We met JD when he was just a month or so old. He had red hair and resembled his Uncle Jeff. It is a different feeling when you see yourself in a child. JD is WONDERFUL! He loves football, hockey, and has played all kinds of sports. He talks to us on the phone and loves to have us visit. We love to visit them as well. He enjoys video games and keeps his Uncle Jeff up to date on the ones he likes. We feel very blessed to have the chance know him. He is changing so much as he is growing. He is awesome as a big brother. We are SOOO proud of him.
Kailey is a little sweetie. She has from the beginning had a very good vocabulary. Her voice is little but her words are quite grown up. She is very smart and witty. We were able to play Polly Pockets with her the last time we visited. She was intent on them for alot of the time we were there. We are able to keep up with her, as well, by talking to her on the phone. She is very outgoing and talks to us like she remembers us each time. We can't believe how quickly she is growing. We love her.

Heavener and Ours nieces and nephews

The top left picture is Cary Ours. She is sixteen and we hear she is driving. Ahhhhh....hopefully she will be careful and we will be able to be away from West Virginia until she gets ALOT of practice. She has always been really sweet to us. We are blessed to have her in our family. It has been nice to get to know her. We hope to continue to learn more about her.
The top right picture is our Lily Belle Heavener. We went to West Virginia to meet her when she was born and now she is 11 years old...she will be 12 in October...we can't believe the young lady she has grown into. We love her and appreciate her personality. We were so excited to know she was enjoying reading. She told me the other day she reads slow. We hope she will continue her love of reading. It is amazing what reading can do to uplift your life. We were able to get to know her as a toddler and have enjoyed all the good memories we have of her. We are looking forward to getting to know her more.
The bottom left picture if Hunter Heavener. He is going to 9 this year. This picture if older...taken in 2006. This is the newest picture we have of him. We enjoy seeing his enthusiasm with computers (and frustration). We have noticed he is very smart...and pretty quiet around a lot of people. He has a great imagination. We are excited to see how it will take it throughout his life. He is a cute and loving boy. We hope as he grows we will have an opportunity to learn more about his personality.
The bottom middle picture if Katie Ours. She is bubbly. She is a very girly girl...she loves pink. She knows what she likes and isn't usually afraid to tell anyone. She has a mind of her own and gets along quite well with everyone. She loves playing with her cousin Grace. We enjoy watching the cousins get along so well. Cousins are important to learning to get along with people. We hope they can be close and happy. We would love to know Katie better.
The bottom right picture is Thomas. To speak of Thomas...you have to talk fast!!! He is a mover! We watch him and lose weight trying to keep up with him in our minds. He is VERY energetic. He is fun and has the cutest smile...Look at that face? Isn't he adorable. He hasn't really stopped long enough for us to get to know him. We love him and look forward to having that opportunity.

The Lambert Nieces

Look at these three little ones. We love them so much. Grace is in Kindergarten this year. She is such a great girl. She is really smart and independent. Her mom says she is a great helper with her sisters. I know sometimes it is hard to be a big sister. I love being a big sister. It will always be a great feeling for her as she gets older.

Martha is just two years old. She looks like her daddy. She talks and her voice is so cute. We love hearing her talk when her mom calls on the phone. She is learning new things everyday. She has grown up so fast. She is helping with her little sister, too. I was the middle sister in my family. It was nice to have sisters around me. I hope she will be as happy with her sisters as I am with mine.

Clara is the baby. I can not believe how fast she has grown. We were sooooo excited to have her in our family. We thought she was never going to be born...I am sure Shawna thought that as well :). She is cooing and trying to make noises now. We love her so much. We haven't been able to meet her in person yet. We hope to see her soon.

We love our Lambert nieces. We REALLY appreciate their mom and dad for keeping in touch with us in pictures and over the phone. It helps us feel closer to them. They live 10 hours away from us. Thanks Shawna and Pat! You both are awesome! We love you!

Beginners gitters!

Well, here I am trying a blog! We have been encouraged to put our experiences and happenings in a blog. So here goes... BUT WHAT TO WRITE? We don't have children...we aren't really boring, however, when I think of the things going on they seem really boring to share? We do love our family and will write about them and other ideas that come to mind. If it gets to depressing, please forgive us. We will use this as an outlet of sorts, as well.
Here goes! Your comments and suggestions are welcome! Enter at your own risk! ha