The Rook Family

Gift of Love

2009-08-05T16:02:00.000-07:00

I started this quilt 2 1/2 years ago. My intensions were to get it done for my sisters birthday. Then life happened. I got busy, I stopped going to quilting class and never finished it. I started school only to find out that school isn't where I needed to be. So about 3 months ago, I pulled out the quilt blocks, went back to class and finally finished something that I started. It was a lot of fun, and I'm looking forward to starting another one!

Incidentally, this quilt is for my sisters birthday this year! Hearts are a sign of love, and I love her so much!

Sons

2009-04-20T06:25:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that these boys have grown up so fast! Garrett will be graduating this year from high school, and will be going on his mission in 14 months. He has become very talented in his music. The bishop told him and us, that if he didn't go into music as a profession that it would be a shame. He told us that Garrett was given a gift not a talent. He is very amazing on the piano, and has composed many songs. Hopefully he will be recorded after he graduates. We are very proud of him.

Gavin also has a talent, and that is physical activity. He is very athletic, and loves the competition . He also has a very strong testimony of which I'm so thankful for. He is very close to the Lord and loves people. He is very kind to everyone and shows his manners quite frequently. I'm very proud of my sons, and pray that the Lord will continue to bless them.

Senior Prom

2009-04-19T12:35:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe that this is Garrett's last year of high school, and his last prom. The girl he took was a doll. The only problem is she was hit in the head with a golf club the day before, and was suffering from a concussion. She felt fine through dinner, and as they got to the dance she became sick, and was taken to the hospital. Garrett was left at the dance to watch others enjoying themselves with their dates. As you can see the other kids that he went with are all good kids, and they did have a great time. We have not heard how Garrett's date is, but hopefully she is recovering well.

Track and Field

2009-04-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

Gavin tried his hand at a new sport this season. Normally Gavin is in soccer, but this season he decided to try track. (Due to the fact his mom didn't get him signed up for soccer in time) He seems to really enjoy it, and has done remarkably well. His talent is the high jump. He jumped 4'10". I can't even jump 6 "! There were 4 schools that were in the finals, and Gavin was the finalist for his school.

Gavin is our miracle child as well. At the beginning of track season, he had to have a physical and permission to play in sports. The chiropractor took his blood pressure and found it to be elevated. He thought that perhaps it was because Gavin was nervous. When I took him home, the next day I took it again, and again it was high. I called the regular Dr. and took him in to be checked out. His EKG was abnormal, and the pressure again was high. They suggested that we have an ultrasound performed. The cardiologist thought that perhaps it was a coarctation or kink in his aorta, but they couldn't see the aorta very well. Then he suggested an MRI. Last Wednesday his Dad gave him a blessing, and we fasted for him. On the day of his test, they took his pressure and it was totally normal. The MRI was normal as well, and there was no abnormality with his aorta. I truly believe that the Lord blessed Gavin, and will continue to bless him. I'm grateful for the priesthood. I honestly don't know what I would do without it. It was a testimony for Gavin as well!

Lucy

2009-03-15T16:55:00.000-07:00

After our last dog passed away, Ron said absolutely no more animals besides the birds will come into this house. My old saying is never say never!

I recently decided that school right now in my life was a bit much with trying to raise and family and keep a house clean. I prayed about dropping out, and my answer came that I needed to take care of my family right now. Garrett will be on his mission in a little over a year, and I didn't want to miss any of their lives. So I found myself alone at home.

We (Paige and I) have been begging Ron to allow us to get a dog. He finally gave in, but the way he did was because a lady in our ward had a female dog that had 10 puppies! We went to look at them on Thursday night, and Ron knew then he was had. Both Paige and I fell head over heals for the runt of the litter. She is only 5 weeks old, and the mom had stopped nursing them so we picked her out and brought her home. She is Australian Shepherd mix. She doesn't even weigh 2 lbs, but since we have had her she has gotten a belly, and is so much fun! At night is a different story. She hates her kennel, and we have to lock her up in a room away from everyone so that we can sleep. Life isn't going to be at all boring in the next couple of weeks as we will be training her to mind and be good, plus I'll have good company!

Paige's Sweet 16 Party

2009-01-25T20:49:00.000-08:00

This is Paige's sweet 16 party. There were 30 kids here! Luckily our house is big enough to hold all of them without any problems. We went through 3- 24 inch pizzas, 8 bottles of soda and snacks. It was the blow out party of the year! Almost everyone that she invited came. They played all kinds of games including hide and seek in the dark. The person that is it carries a flashlight, and tries to find everyone. It is a bit hard when you have kids hiding in the dryer. You read this right the dryer. I wish I had known she was in there I would have taken her picture. Apparently she was texting her sister that she was stuck and couldn't get out of the dryer. Paige had a wonderful day. We had gone shopping previously that day for her birthday presents and had lunch so it was a great day. I so enjoy being with my sweet 16 year old daughter. There is nothing in the world like have great kids to spend time with.

Happy Birthday Paige!

Cassie

2009-01-18T16:21:00.000-08:00

My friend in Math needed to take her other Great Dane to the vet in Seattle. She needed to leave her dog with someone and I volunteered. She is a real sweet dog, but it is kind of funny that she is on Prozac to keep her calm.

My Paige is such a dog person. I feel for the man that marries her because she will have a farm at her house. I guess she sort of takes after her mom. :0)

At any rate it is so nice to have a dog in the house again even though she is as big as some of the dear outside. I only wish that I could talk my husband into getting another pet. He wants to rest for a while from dogs, so I will be patient.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T12:43:00.000-08:00

It is so amazing how we prepare, and prepare for this wonderful day, and the kids are so anxious to see what they get and it is over within 30 minutes. I love this time of year, when we can all be together. Last night we didn't make it to Doug and Sally's because of the weather. It is just awful here, but we did go to some members home in our ward. It was a lot closer and it still took as an hour to get home, however we had so much fun at their home. This lady is German and she fixed us German food for Christmas Eve. She made really yummy noodles and a individual little meat rolls. The meat wrapped a pickle and bacon wrapped the meat. It was pretty interesting, but really good! Then we sat in their living room with the Elders and played games.

Our kids get money every year and next week will be our big shopping day. We make a day of it, and always go when everything is on sale, that way our kids get what they want. We just put a few things under the tree so they can unwrap something. We always get new movies.

We all need to reflect on the true meaning of the season. Our Savior did a lot for us. We need to be thoughtful to others that need our help. We have been blessed with thoughtful members of the church. Living out where we do has it's challenges. We have had members come out and dig us out and call to make sure that we are fine. There is always an opportunity to serve others. In this coming year, I'm going find opportunities to serve others. We get so busy with our lives and families that I think we forget about others around us that may need our help.

We all need to strive harder to help others. For some reason I feel especially strong about this, maybe it's because we have been recipients so many times because of all the snow. Anyway, hope this finds you all well and happy!

May the Lord continue to bless us all! Merry Christmas!

Winter Wonderland

2008-12-19T09:46:00.000-08:00

Well we have blue skies peaking through the clouds today, and it has stopped snowing. Today we went out to see if we could shovel a bit, and Garrett took this picture of our beautiful mountain. As I was reading Cari's blog yesterday she was so positive about this weather. It taught me a lesson to take comfort in the beauty of this earth. Thank you so much Cari! It was so quiet outside and so peaceful! My family is safe, (Ron is still at work, but expected to come home today) my children are well, we are warm, and so what more could I want right!

Have a Merry Christmas everyone! Love to all!

SNOW!

2008-12-18T10:13:00.000-08:00

I haven't seen this much snow since I was a little girl! It all began yesterday morning, and by 24 hours later Spokane was covered in 17" of snow. I guess they have exceeded their records. I went to finals with someone in my class because my snow tires are a little less desirable, and which incidentally I did great on finals! I passed all my classes with flying colors! Anyway, it took us an hour to get home from Coeur D Alene! It is only 15 minutes away! Ron called from work, and was not able to get home last night. He is not expected to come home tonight either because we are basically stuck here without plows. We used to have a neighbor that plowed us out last year, but I haven't seen him yet today.

Spokane is shut down, the schools are shut down and the hospitals are under their disaster plans. Ron said just kick back and enjoy staying home. I do enjoy doing nothing, but on the flip side I don't like to be separated from him. I have always thought what would we do if we did get separated during a disaster. I guess this is giving me a little taste. I'm thankful that we have food storage! If we listen to the prophets and do as we are told, we will be blessed. I'm also grateful that Ron is safe. We miss him, but all will be well soon.

Hope you all are warm and safe this holiday season!

love to all!

Our Dog Rosie

2008-12-08T17:57:00.000-08:00

It is amazing how an animal warms your heart, and they become part of the family. Rosie came into our family when she was about 6 months old. She was full of energy, and would chase anything that was running. Anything from remote control cars to laser lights. She jumped out of a moving car when Ron took her for a ride in the car, and because she saw a cat she jumped out took a tumble was a bit scraped up, but recovered. She also was poisoned twice and recovered. We always said that she was like a cat with 9 lives.

This last week she got very ill, and today I took her to the vet. There wasn't any hope so we had to have her put down. Garrett and I sobbed because she had become so much a part of the family. I don't think my heart will heal enough to get another one for a long time.

I think she is in heaven playing with our other dog Poky. She was a great dog! She was a great companion, and we will miss her terribly!

Scriptures and Thanksgiving

2008-11-23T08:57:00.000-08:00

It is amazing what a person can learn from a child. My kids went to EFY a couple of weekends ago in Coeur "D" Alene. It was only for a day, but they learned some valuable lessons. One lesson in particular that I think would help me. One of the instructors taught the kids that if they read their scriptures before they study, the Lord would open their minds and help them achieve good grades. So when they get home from school they read their scriptures 10 min before they do their homework. Paige has been struggling, and has found that her grades are coming up after this habit that she has formed.

For quite some time I have been complaining to the kids that I just don't seem to be getting this math. Gavin said Mom read your scriptures. In the last couple of days, I have put this challenge to the test. Last night I was working, and my client had gone to bed. I sat on her couch, and read the scriptures for 15 min. before picking up the dreaded math. I prayed that the Lord would bless me and help me understand those things necessary for this math class. Low and behold things started to click, FINALLY! I work and work for great grades, and then when I do a simple thing as read the scriptures the Lord blesses my life! What a testimony! His promises are sure, that if we do as he says he has no other choice than to bless us.

At this Thanksgiving time, I'm so thankful for the gospel. I'm thankful that I have such good kids that are relying on the Lord in these hard times. I'm thankful for Joseph Smith for translating the Book of Mormon so that we can learn more of the Savior. I'm also very grateful to the Savior for the sacrifices that he made in my behalf. How blessed we are to live in this day and age. It is scary, but if we are prepared we shall not fear, and if we do all that he has asked us to do he will bless us our lives!

Kidney Stones! YIKES!

2008-10-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had the deer in the head like looks when someone has told you that your kidneys are covered in stones! (No wonder I have been in so much pain for months!)

I had a CT scan last Wednesday, and the Doctor told me that the stones were caught in my ureters, and too big to pass. PAIN! I have been in incredibly amounts of pain for months! I have just been taking lots of narcotics and Ibuprofen to get me through going to school, and homework. No I'm not a druggie!

Friday I had surgery, and things went really well. I can never figure out though how one minute you are in the operating room breathing through their mask, and the next minute you are in the recovery room wondering if you are going to throw up or not. It is such a weird feeling!

In the time that I have gone through this procedure it has allowed me to be able to talk to all kinds of medical people. I have worried about nursing school because as I was trained as a CNA I discovered that nurses generally sit and chart, turn off alarms fix IVs, but they in general don't interact with the patient. Sure they get the big bucks, but I love patient care, and I love people and spending time with them. I have considered Radiology Tech but when I talked to the Rad Tech that took my x-ray he told me that they have to have Radiology Physics ! I think I will stick with College Algebra even though math is not my fort-ay! Physics scares the hell out of me! Nursing sounds better and better! I also took note of the recovery room nurses. There weren't any CNAs or LPNs just RNs. They did all the patient care and the charting. That sounds better to me.

At any rate I'm on the mend, filling a cup up with sand and thinking I'll be able to get up and go for a walk soon without pain. Now the Dr. just needs to find out why I'm making the stones that I am. I'm sure I will have to change my diet, but after this ordeal I'm very willing!

Five things about me

2008-10-15T18:59:00.000-07:00

You can all thank Cari for this. I got poked, and now I have poked some other lucky people. :) It is fun for once!

5 things I was doing 10 years ago...
1. Living in Salt Lake City Utah

2. Raising 3 kids

3. Homeschooling

4. Wondering if I will survive homeschooling

5 things on my to-do list today...
1. Study for a Biology Test

2. Do my Math

3. Eat dinner

4. Get the kids off to Mutual

5. Study for a Big Biology Test

5 snacks I enjoy...
1. Anything sweet

2. Trail Mix

3. Crackers and Cheese

4. Vegetables from a veg. tray. (I hate cutting all those vegies!)

5 things I'd do if I were a Millionaire...
1. Buy a house

2. Pay for my kids' education

3. Do things that will make memories with my kids

4. Buy a couple of new cars

5. Travel

5 places I've lived...
1. Salt Lake City Utah

2. Meridian Idaho

3. Boise Idaho

4. Middleton Idaho

5. Post Falls Idaho

5 jobs I've had...

1. Computer Corp. (Where I met Ron)

2. Salon

3. Primary Children's Hospital

4. Alzheimer's Facility

5. In home Care

I will now tag - 1. Deb, Laura, Emily, Katie, Mike

Rules: Each player answers the question themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment letting them know that they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person that tagged you know when you’ve answered the questions on your blog.

Piano Man

2008-10-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

Melissa took this picture while she was here. It is a great picture Melissa!

Garrett has an amazing talent, one that most of you have heard. Heavenly Father has blessed this child 2 fold. We had an audience with Marvin Goldstein a couple of years ago, and Marvin said that Garrett is amazing! Marvin couldn't even play some of the music that Garrett wrote! He wrote a song and dedicated it to his Grandma Grover entitled Memories. This song is going to be sung at the graduation ceremonies at the end of the school year.

My Mom would be so proud of Garrett, and I know she is watching him from above. She loved to hear him play, and sat with him every morning until the day she died, and helped him to improve his talent. I know it was her inspiration that helped Garrett to achieve this marvelous talent. I miss her terribly, but in listening to Garrett play the piano softens my missing her because she was so much a part of his life. So grateful for the gospel in knowing that I will be able to see her again someday. I'm also grateful for my kids and to be able to see them achieve greatness!

ELK!

2008-10-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

I don't have a picture, but this is an amazing story. Remember yesterday when I said that the Elk were bugling? Well this morning I said boy Ron the Elk sound really close! I looked out our back window, and there they were in our pond! There was one big buck, and about 9 females, and 1 baby. We watched them for about 5 mins, and then they were off. My camera isn't such that it takes pictures that are a ways off, and Elk are so skittish that they would have run off at the slightest sound. It was such a treat to have those big animals right in our backyard. Started my day off great!

Fall

2008-10-01T14:10:00.000-07:00

I came home today a bit early from school, and was just enjoying the quiet. I got on the computer, and looked out the window at this pretty tree. The picture doesn't do the tree any justice. It is gorgeous! I stepped out to take a picture to the sound of Elk bugling up the hill. (Rick don't get excited, you already have your Elk.) :) Even though today doesn't feel like fall, it is all around us. All the signs are here. This is my favorite time of year. It makes me think of kids in school, yellow, red, green apples, canning, and hot chocolate season!

We are all so busy with our lives, that we don't stop and check out the beauty of the earth. I'm guilty of just that, but today I stopped to look and listen, and was grateful of the things we have been blessed with.

Paige's Personal Progress Recognition

2008-09-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

Last night was Paige's Personal Progress Recognition. As most of you know Personal Progress is just as hard as earning an Eagle Scout Award. It is a really big deal! Paige worked hard to get this award. She did several (7 to be exact) projects 10 hours a piece. Just to name a few and the ones that I can remember; she memorized The Living Christ. I can't memorize a scripture let alone this. I actually tried to do it with her, and was unsuccessful. I guess it helps to have a young mind. :0) She learned how to make whole wheat bread. We took a plate of it with us to the recognition, and there wasn't any left when we were through. She exercised, helped me at the Alzheimer's facility and spent some precious time with the residents. She was also in a Shakespeare play, and had a blast.

When the presentations were through, we had a slide show that depicted her life up to now. Then the young women's president gave her 2 dozen roses. They are beautiful! We then had refreshments.

This project has really helped Paige. She has grown up so much over the last several months. She is a kind and loving girl. I am amazed at the inspiration that the prophet has in all aspects of the gospel, even down to the youth who are so important in these last days. Her testimony has grown so much and for that I am grateful! Her Dad and I are so proud of Paige, and congratulate her!

Happy Birthday Gavin!

2008-09-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

This last month has been kind of fun. We just got an Apple Computer with the left over money from my school grants, and we really needed a new computer so that I can do my school work. We got a great deal on an the computer and the Ipod because I'm a student. Garrett has one, I have one, and Gavin wanted one so bad. He has been saving his babysitting money, birthday money, and anything else he could get his hands on. All month long he kept saying I want an Ipod so bad! I can't wait until Christmas to get one with the money that I will get at Christmas. He even had made a list of songs that would go on his Ipod. When the computer came, I set aside the Ipod, and then when his birthday came I wrapped it in several boxes. He had no idea what was going on, since for tradition we give the kids money for their birthdays, and then take them shopping for what they want. (Saves time on taking things back) :0) This is what the result was!

I love it when a plan comes together! He was so surprised, and now has filled the Ipod up already. It is an 8 gig, and it is half full already!

Happy Birthday Gavin!

MAD!

2008-09-25T17:48:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt like this? I have! We just got this computer, and I'm having a real hard time getting used to it.

Paige loves our dog Rosie, and Rosie really is a great dog. When you hold her feet she gets really upset! It is so funny. She reminds us of an Alien.

Anyway, I think I have finally figured out how to get my pictures on here, so you will be hearing more from us!

SCHOOL!

2008-09-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

I never thought in a million years that this would happen. All three kids are starting school today! I have such emotions attached with this. It was hard to see them walk out the door to new adventures and new challenges, after all we have home schooled for 8 YEARS! Things started to change when I started school. My time was limited in helping them with their studies. So at the beginning of this summer I gave them the option of going to school or not. I told them to each pray about it. A couple of weeks went by, and finally Paige and Gavin came to me and said that they had made their decisions. The answer that they both received was that they needed to go to school. Garrett attended last year, so it was a no brainer for him. The summer went by with many preparations. Teaching them about the change that was coming. Garrett says in high school the culture is a bit challenging. We have prepped them the best we can, gave them each blessings, and now we as parents are praying for them.

Paige and Gavin both were very excited to get to it. They got new clothes, new stuff and they are on their way! I have to admit that the house is too quiet, and the dog can sense that there is a major change. I know through the spirit that this is the way it should be. Both will gain so much from the social aspect, and I can't teach Chemistry! lol.

I know that the Lord will bless them because of their faithfulness. They prayed and got the right answer! It is great to see your kids grow to the strong adults that the Lord wants them to be in relying on him.

Tribute to the Olympics

2008-08-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

LOL This is so funny! He is from Murray Utah!

What Happened to the Years

2008-08-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

The years have flown by! This last picture is Garrett's senior picture. I'm so grateful that he is a good kid. He is trying to get recorded so he can release his first CD. We will keep you all posted.

Are You Serious!

2008-08-21T15:10:00.000-07:00

My niece Melissa Seamons came to our house before our family reunion to take our family pictures. We had so much fun with her, and this is what we came up with.

Surfing behind the Boat?!

2008-08-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

Do you see him holding on to ski ropes? He's not! This is just amazing new sport to do behind a boat. Cari told me that it wasn't a new sport, but it is new to us! See that bladder sitting on the boat? It is full of water to make the wake a bit bigger behind the boat. Then they hold the rope until they find a sweet spot and then let go and like magic they surf behind the boat! This is Nick Cari's son. He is totally amazing! Check out Melissa's blog to see what he can do on a wake board!

Water Sking, Wake Boarding

2008-08-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

The boys had a blast behind the boat. Our family reunion was great! It is held every 2 years at Deer Lake in Washington. We ski, eat, eat some more and just enjoy everyones company. Thanks to Cari who drove the boat from sun up to sun down.

Robin and Steven

2008-08-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

Ron's mom, sister and her kids came to visit us on July 17. They live in Boise. They were here for a weekend which went by so fast. It was great to have them here. Robin is 7 and Steven is almost 11. They are the cutest kids. We really enjoyed having them here.

Are you seeing Double?

2008-08-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

Nope you are not seeing double. Gavin inherited a bird. She is on the left. Paige's bird is on the right. Our friends had 2 birds, their favorite bird accidentally got out of their house, so they gave this bird to Gavin. It was really sad for that family, but it worked out for us. Her name is Peeca. She is a bit timid, but Gavin is in hog heaven and is trying to train her. She was a rescue bird so that is probably one of the reasons why she is timid.

Happy Birthday Garrett!

2008-08-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

As you can see we were camping with some friends of ours over the 4th of July. It was Garrett's birthday on the 3rd. He is 17 years old! Where has the time gone! He got some fun things including 60.00 dollars worth of Itunes from his girlfriends mom. Well X girlfriends mom. The next day she broke it off with him. It was the worst birthday and one that Garrett will never forget, but he now he can look back and realize that it was all for the best. She was a nice girl, but it was not the right timing. He still has a lot to accomplish before he gets serious. He also has told me that now he can be himself. He doesn't have to impress anyone. He has grown up a lot!
Happy birthday Garrett!

NEW JOB!!!!!!

2008-07-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

While I don't have a picture of this great event, we are so excited to announce the new job that Ron has landed! He is working for a company called Assisted Living Concepts. It is located in Spokane Washington. His job is Regional Sales Manager. The pay is wonderful, and they are grooming him for Regional VP! This is right up Ron's field of education and he is so excited! It is very interesting that I have been in the assisted living arena for almost 3 years, and now Ron as well is working in this field. Thanks to all for the prayers that were offered in our behalf! I could feel them from everyone!

Cool days of Summer

2008-06-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

This was really a cool day! Ron and Gavin went out to work on the car, and this little deer just walks up to them and enjoyed a good scratch. She spent the morning in our yard enjoying the grass and her new human parents. Paige and I as well were able to scratch her as well, but of course I didn't have the camera at that point. So glad we caught these pictures with Gavin. I will truly miss all the wildlife that we have enjoyed for 2 years. We found a place in town to move into, so hopefully by Aug. that's where we will be.

More Camping

2008-05-31T09:40:00.000-07:00

One of the girls that came with us has a love for horses, and in the camp the ranger had horses, so Paige was able to lead this horse around, and had a ball!
Tarp heaven!
All these little girls are 9 years old! Lots of fun!
All different ages for my kids to hang with.

More Camping

2008-05-31T09:31:00.000-07:00

We were always eating! We had a ton of food!

This is Matt Connery holding all the little kids. Some are cousins and some are just friends, but we consider all of us to be family. It really is kind of fun!

Camping over Memorial Day with our Other Family

2008-05-31T09:21:00.000-07:00

We went to a place close to Orofino Idaho. Close to Dworshak dam.
It was beautiful, and the company was wonderful as well.
We went with Karenna's family, and had a blast!

We sold our trailer, and got this tent. I thought I would never tent camp again.
Never say never!

Katie (Karenna's mom) made this bar cookie, and it got a bit hard.
These guys really know how to camp. There were trailers, but no one
slept in them, and the kitchen was set up under tarps to keep the rain off

Top Scholar

2008-05-31T08:51:00.000-07:00

Garrett was awarded Top Scholar for his Junior class.
He has really done well in the public school system.
He has almost straight A's and is planning on going
to medical school. Hooray finally a Dr.
in the family! He was also nominated to go to
Washington D.C. for a conference. And just got his letter and pins for participating in choir.
We are extremely proud him.
Some of you wouldn't recognize him. He is taller than I am!

Camping in our own backyard!

2008-05-31T08:38:00.000-07:00

The scouts had a camp out in our backyard, and it was great when they left, but when they woke up it was in a foot of snow. Ron was too panicked about getting the car out to take a picture. This was done in our backyard down by the river. Amazing!

CHEWY

2008-05-31T08:28:00.000-07:00

We got this bird from Karenna's Aunt. She didn't want him anymore because he is so loud! I'm understanding this now. We gave him to Paige, and this bird will only go to Paige. He wolf whistles, whistles the Imperial March from Star Wars, and Indiana Jones movie. He says pretty bird and screams like a little kid. He got that from the previous owners little boy. He tries to out do the T.V. and screams when the vacuum is on. Needless to say our home is not quiet anymore! Paige loves him though. He got his name from Chewbacha on Star Wars, but he chews on everything! He shares meals with us. Loves cheerios, and ice cream! Now Gavin wants one. Oh boy!

Soccer

2008-05-31T08:23:00.000-07:00

This is Gavin's favorite thing to do! He is really good at it as well, so he really enjoys it. He doesn't care for loosing a game though. He is extremely competitive and when he gets to high school he wants to join the soccer team. That is only a year away!

Scouting

2008-05-31T08:08:00.000-07:00

As much as I don't care for scouting, it is so good for the kids. Gavin received his Star! Almost to Eagle Gavin, keep up the great work!

Garrett received his Palm. I haven't a clue if he can keep going, but as busy as he is this will probably be it.

Prom

2008-05-31T07:53:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a long time since I have blogged. I hope you enjoy the pictures! We sure have cute kids! (and girlfriends)

Karenna is a doll! This dress was amazing, and she looked like a princess in it!
Careful don't stick each other!
I think Garrett was a nervous nelly!
There's the smile! Garrett was so sunburned from reffing soccer.

My Niece

2008-04-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

This is my niece Cari. She doesn't have cancer, but they needed a model without hair. She has Aropecha. I thought you might all want to take a look at her ad. I was shocked to see it the first time, and realize that it was her. Kind of fun! We think that she is a great, and very confident without hair!

Spring?

2008-03-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

Spring played a nasty trick on us this morning. We woke up to this on the first day of spring! We are having a big Easter Egg dinner and celebration on Sunday at our house so hopefully the kids won't have to stay inside.

Seussical Cont.

2008-03-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

I'm known now as the mother of the boyfriend.! :) I don't mind a bit!

I'm not very good at this blog thing, but enjoy the pictures! Karenna is the cutest girl! We just love her!

This is Matt. He is one of Garrett's friends, and is in the same ward as Karenna, so they are all great friends!

Katie is Karenna's mom. Her and her family are awesome people! When Ron lost his job the family all fasted with us. They have just all become such good friends. We have been blessed to hook up with them. Thanks to Garrett for hooking up with Karenna!

Seussical Cont.

2008-03-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

All these pictures are of Garrett and the group. It was kind of funny, but during the play Garrett (Horton) was sitting on an egg for a bird. Karenna Garrett's girlfriend was a bird that was trying to get Horton to notice her, but he was too focused on trying to locate his speck of dust because of the Hoos. Anyway, what makes it funny, at the end, this egg hatches and there is a baby inside. Garrett and Karenna hadn't started dating until the play, and Garrett wasn't originally cast as Horton. They hook up at the end, when Horton finally notices Gertrude (Karenna) and they live happily ever after with this elephant bird! It was a wonderful play! This picture is of Horton and all the birds.

Seussical

2008-03-15T14:09:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to go to the play Seussical. Garrett tried out, and at first was the Mayor or Hoo Ville. There were some problems with the boy that played Horton, so they recast Horton with Garrett. He did an awesome job! He can sing of which we had no clue of before! He also has landed a girl friend. Her name is Karenna Jones. She is the blue bird leaning over Garrett! She is a wonderful girl, and her mom and I really hope they make it through the next 4 years as he goes on a mission. There will be more pictures to come so stay tuned!

Personnel Progress Award

2008-03-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

Paige is working hard for her personnel progress. We figure she will be done in the next couple of years. She is working hard, and we are finding that it is equivalent to an Eagle Scout Award! Keep going Paige!

Lew Grover Family

2008-02-14T15:57:00.000-08:00

The last picture I have of this family is when Cari was in high school. That was a few years ago! This was after the wedding when we all went to Doug's house to unwind.

More Wedding Pictures

2008-02-14T15:54:00.000-08:00

Have we all gotten older? Nope just better. Scott is shown here with his new wife Julie, and she is a real sweetie!
Again enjoy!

Wedding!

2008-02-14T15:47:00.000-08:00

Well Chris and Jessica are married, and the wedding was wonderful. Enjoy the pictures!

He's Always Been a Bit Odd

2008-02-14T15:39:00.000-08:00

Ron has always had hot feet. He sleeps with his feet out of the covers at night, and has stood on the ice outside and made footprints in the ice that last forever when we lived in Utah. Well now he is proving it again that he can stand outside in his bare feet and hardly feel a thing. Does this mean that his brain is a bit off? No brain no pain? You will have to ask him. :)

School for the Old Mother

2008-02-14T15:36:00.001-08:00

Well folks it is true this old women is going to school! It is harder than I remember! I'm taking English, Math, and Psychology. I do enjoy my classes, but they are hard! It takes me a while to get all my studying done since it takes a bit longer for my brain to process it all, but I do enjoy it. My goal in all this is to finish nursing school. I have wanted it forever, and now I have the chance. Wish me luck!

Can you Believe He Would Wear This?

2008-02-14T15:28:00.000-08:00

Garrett is in a ton of things with school. He is in Trobidors (Choir) and they put on this dinner complete with all the 1400 costumers. The room was decorated with places for the common people to sit (which was us) and Royalty which were Garrett and friends. We forgot to take the camera with us, but clicked it when we got home. This was a fund raiser for Garrett. He is trying to earn money to go to Seattle in April. The entertainment was wonderful as the kids sang, but the dinner was a little left to be desired.

Winter is Cruel

2008-01-21T16:29:00.000-08:00

It has been so cold here this last couple of days, and when it gets really cold the deer start to come down into the yard. They eat everything that they can get a hold of, mostly the green around the house ie plants and they also dig for the grass under the snow. The nice thing about this house is they can get really close without knowing that we are watching them. These pictures are of some babies who have been visiting our house since they were born. They have the cutest faces.

News Years Eve

2008-01-01T09:50:00.000-08:00

The evening started off pretty calm. We arrived at Cari and Rick's around 5:30 p.m. Paul and Sheri, Emma and her friend Vanessa joined us an hour later. Paul is just waiting for the festivities to begin.

Here we have some of the men, not knowing what is going on just that they need to put on necklaces. Ron is a party pooper.

Cari and Sheri started getting ready for the big bang. We had so much food and pop that it is a wonder that we even drank anything at midnight. Everyone brought their own snacks and their own pop and then shared. It was a gorge before our new years resolutions.

Finally it was time to make a bit of noise. Ron and Rick loaded the guns, and Gavin and Garrett were able to shot them off. It was like they had died and gone to heaven! Paige had the giggles all night, and when they shot the guns she was right there to get in on the fun.

All in all we had a great holiday season. This event is one of my kids' favorites since we have moved to the Inland Northwest. They would rather go to Cari's than go to their youth dance. We just eat, play a ton of games and enjoy each others company!

Happy New Year To All!

Newest Members of the Family

2007-12-31T08:20:00.000-08:00

This is Jessica! Her and Chris are getting married on February 9! We are so excited for Chris. Both Chris and Jessica have babies, and these two have really had their trials, but they have found each other and are being married in the Spokane Temple. Their babies are dolls! The lightly colored one is Chris's baby. His name is Kaisen. He is such a dolly, and looks just like Chris. The other baby is Jessica's and his name is Treven. He is also a dolly! I think they are 2 months apart, and Doug calls them peas and carrots since they don't look a like at all. We are just so happy for this little family! The Lord has really blessed their lives!

This picture is of Kaisen and Emma during our Christmas dinner. What sweet kids!

Christmas Dinner

2007-12-31T08:05:00.000-08:00

This baby is so cute! She is 18 months now, and we went to Doug's for dinner. Ron likes going there because he doesn't have to cook. It was nice getting to know the babies in the family.

Here Cari is reading to Johanna, and she will sit on everyones lap if they are reading or playing with her. She is a sweet one! She ate dinner sitting on my lap, and I so enjoyed that!

William Tell Mom

2007-11-18T14:27:00.000-08:00

When I saw this video on an email about 2 months ago, I had to get it on my blog because I think it is so incredibly funny, and I so can relate to it all. That's what makes it so funny! I also just figured out how to get it on my blog. Sigh

Halloween

2007-11-08T14:37:00.000-08:00

It is so much fun when your kids get older and you don't have to worry about Halloween! Not! My kids had parties, and Paige and Gavin went trick or treating with some friends. Garrett was phantom a the high school choir party, and he made the mask himself. Gavin wanted to be the ghost from Charlie Brown, but he didn't think it turned out like he wanted, so another girl wore it, and he went without. Paige never knows what she wants to be so Dad picked for her.

SOCCER IS FINALLY OVER!

2007-11-08T14:25:00.000-08:00

This last Saturday was so nice because we didn't have to get up to go to soccer games.
All three kids were is Soccer this fall, but Garrett dropped out since at the High School it was too expensive. As you can see Ron was the coach, and even though he would grummble before a practice and before a game he still went and enjoyed the kids. Paige played up until 2 weeks before the seasons end because she sprained her ankle. It was well worth the frustration of driving all over the place, but we are certainly glad that it is over.

Trees

2007-10-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

There are so many trees where we live, and especially down by the river. It is so peaceful down there. So quiet until you hear construction right across the river. The freeway isn't far from the river but you would never know it being down there. It feels like we are in the wilderness.

Fall Continues

2007-10-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

Okay,
So Gavin and I went down to the river again thinking that I could get some other pictures, and guess what, all the leaves have fallen off the tree. I took these picutres 3 days after I took the pictures of the walnut tree! Now our tree is barren!

FALL

2007-10-14T14:12:00.000-07:00

This season always makes me reflect on days gone by. I love this time of year, and we have really enjoyed the beautiful colors of the season. The kids and I walked down to the river the other day, and of course I forgot the camera, so I took a picture of the big walnut tree that is outside our kitchen window. I stood under it to take the picture. It is beautiful! The squirrels have pretty much picked it clean as they get ready for winter.
While we were down by the river a deer jumped out just behind us (50 feet away from Paige) Good thing we didn't have a gun. It was a pretty amazying sight. Sometimes we hate living this far away from everything, but when things like that happen it makes us appreciate where we are.

School has also started, and we are all doing well. Garrett is taking Honors Checmistry, and Algebra 2 and choir at the Hight School. He is enjoying going to 3 classes, and even though the classes are hard, he is pulling A's. Paige and I are struggling through Alegebra! It has been a long time! Gavin is loving his subjects, and seems to be doing well.

As many of you know, Ron graduated from University of Phoenix, and I just barely found the picture on the computer. He has found a new job! HOORAY! He will be working for a man in our ward that does internet marketing. It is a step up for Ron, and the money is great. I will be quitting my job within 30-60 days. I can hardly wait! He will also be doing some business consulting with this company as well. The Lord has come through for us again. In all of this, I think the Lord was trying to teach me paitence. I need to be more trusting in the Lord, and learn that his time is not my time. He knows when things are right, and when they are to happen.

I have also reflected on my Mom's death. I miss her so much! It has been 7 years ago that she was buried. It doesn't seem possible that the time has gone so quickly.

Well I hope all is well with everyone! It seems that everyone is getting the blogging bug! It sure is a great way to stay in touch!

Kellogg Idaho

2007-08-07T09:58:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago, we were tired of being in the house, so we decided to go for a drive to Montana. We just got in the car and drove. The kids were getting restless and tired of being in the car, so we stopped in Kellogg Idaho and found a Gondola. It is the longest in the world! After you reach the top, you take 2 more sky lifts up to the top of the mountain. It is almost 7000 feet high! It was so beautiful! It was a great way to see the beautiful country side. We as a family have so much fun together. We have also gone to Silverwood which is an amusement park in Sandpoint Idaho. We do so much together as a family. I'm so grateful that I have such good kids, and that they like to be together. Sooner than we think Garrett will be on his mission! Time goes by so fast! Anyway, enjoy the pictures!

2007-08-05T19:22:00.000-07:00

Garrett had a birthday party on July 3rd with another girl in the ward. They are both wearing blue Ts. The kids seemed to have a great time. The kids were so worried that they wouldn't make good friends here, and that is not a problem now. Garrett is driving now! EEEK! Makes his Mother extremly nervous, but it has to be done. In the picture where they are holding hands, they are a human knot, and it was above Garrett to play it, but it looks like they were having a great time! Happy Birthday Garrett!

Marvin Goldstein

2007-06-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

As most of you know Garrett plays the piano very well! Last week I sent an email to a friend in Utah to ask how we could get this kid recorded or published. He told me to email Marvin Goldstein. So I emailed him, and also sent him a piece of Garrett's sheet music. He emailed me back, and said that Garrett was definitely talented and gifted, that he had learned his music and that he wanted to see him in person! For those of you that don't know Marvin Goldstein he is a pianist. Very talented and travels the world over. He is also a music producer! We will be traveling to Utah to meet with him in August. Garrett is so excited he can hardly stand it!

It's funny what happens to your kids as they get older. This is a dream for Garrett, and Marvin said that he has plans for Garrett. We will let everyone know what happens to Garrett! HOORAY!

Goshawk

2007-06-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know what a Goshawk is? I didn't either until today when we heard a big thup on our window. I was working on the computer and the boys were watching T.V. The bird hit the window hard, and I said what in the world was that! Gavin said look Mom there is a Goshawk sitting on the porch railing! Sure enough this hawk was sitting there looking at us. We were probably 6 feet from him. Gavin noticed a small bird on the floor of the porch, and said that was what the hawk was after. He sat there looking at us for a bit, and when he felt he was safe to get dinner, he swooped down and picked up the bird in his talons and flew up on our roof. He sat there for some time, and it upset the robins because they were dive booming him. He then flew away with dinner in hand.

It was an amazing and sad site all in one. I knew we couldn't save the little bird that it was after, so we had to let nature take it's course. This is an amazing place to live with so much in nature to watch. Are we sure we want to move? Nope!

Bike Ride

2007-05-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

It has been too long since I have written in this blog. I have been so busy with working and getting things done for the kids' schooling.

This morning we went for a 4 mile bike ride! The weather is beautiful here, and it was very enjoyable until we started coming back which was all up hill! I just about died. I'm so out of shape! We have decided as a family that we are going to get in shape. It is about time! We have all this space out here to ride, and it is a shame not to use it. It is also a great activity to do together.

I was going to also write just after the 5th of May because Ron graduated from University of Phoenix! I had pictures on the camera, but some how they they got deleted. It made me sick because I can't get them back. We were honored to have Ron's Mom Ronna come and stay with us for the ceremony, and we really enjoyed her stay. We are so proud of Ron! It has been a long 3 years of schooling with the breaks that he took, but he is done now and looking for a real job! WAY TO GO!

Ron is applying all over the place including Boise, and Salt Lake City. I wonder where the Lord will take us this time!

Garrett is all set to go back to school, but we have run into a bit of a snag. He is all up to par with his classes, but when he was in 9th grade we transferred to a different school, and he didn't get the credit that he needed so I think we are going to have to do summer school. The schools are so concerned about the credits even though he is up to par and right where he should be in grades. (Just love public school) :)

ELK

2007-04-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

Paige and I decided to go for a bike ride today, and we didn't go very far since I'm so out of shape. There are a ton of areas to ride though in our neighborhood, so we went down this road to a barn, and found this lone elk. She has been alone for quite some time. I see the rest of the herd early in the mornings, but this one is always alone. Paige my dare devil wanted to get really close to her, but I wouldn't let her. We got maybe 100 feet from her, and she didn't move. Strange! I wonder if maybe she once lived on a farm, because she was not afraid of us at all. Perhaps she is sick. As we were walking away, Paige asked if she could put her ear to a ground hog hole to see if she could hear them. She is so funny!

Pokey

2007-04-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

Well we had a sad thing happen on Saturday. Our sweet little dog Pokey passed away. We got him when Gavin was 2 from Grandma and Grandpa. He was just a puppy when we got him. He brought a lot of joy into our home. When we got him he really became my dog. He would follow me every where. We used to play a game where every time we would go somewhere, we would come home and I would go and hide. The kids would let him in, and he would frantically look for me, sometimes barking when he couldn't find me. At night he would get the night crazies! It was so funny to watch him tear all over the house and sometimes pick up a sock or small item and run like the wind.

He had some major teeth problems that couldn't be fixed, and so he died from an infection. He will be greatly missed. I miss him not greeting me at the door when I come home from anywhere!

Our other dog Rosie isn't sure whats up, but she isn't acting right either.

We are all very sad.

Garrett

2007-04-12T17:56:00.000-07:00

Okay, so Ron takes the day off, and we have all these errands to run. We decide to take Garrett with us on the first end of the day. We went to Spokane in the morning to go to a job fair. Ron wanted to get his resume in to some employers to see about getting a new job that pays higher. Garrett went with us, and he talked to every military personnel that was there! YIKES! They all told him that he needs more leadership training to get into West Point.

We had talked about Garrett going to a tech school for medical next year, but after we talked to a school counsler at the High School he told him that he needs 2 years of foreign language so that xed out the tech school. He will be attending Post Falls High school next year. I have such mixed feelings about school. He can move so much faster at home, but he can't get the leadership training at home.

He is growing up so fast! Makes me sad to see my little boy growing into a man! Right now he is sitting in our living room (at the piano) with a young lady from our ward. Garrett is writing music and words to his music. She will be singing it a a festival for the stake. It is weird that Garrett's friends are girls! GOOD GRIEF! I never thought that he would every get to this point!

Two years from now he will hopefully be going to West Point for a year, and then come home for his mission, and then back to West Point. 2 years! WIERD!

More of Our House

2007-04-08T08:49:00.000-07:00

This is a picture looking out of our back door. The deck is pretty shabby looking, and they aren't fixing it up because this house is being torn down in a couple of years to make way for 5 acre lots with million dollar homes on them. We are thinking of putting some square foot gardens up there so the deer can't get to it. Anyway, this house is so secluded from the world! We really love it here. I didn't go to church today because I'm not feeling well, but I'm listening to all the birds singing. Maybe they know that it's Easter :0) See that pond down there?

Here is a better picture of it. It is our small lake! The owners put some fist in it, and they have a pump out in the middle to give the fish oxygen, but we had a pretty hard winter and we have not seen any of the fish so I'm not sure they are still alive. This picture was taken from the back road. We have a road that is right of the pond, so we can ride bikes all over the place. We have 74 acres all to ourselves! When this picture was taken it was a beautiful day! Not a cloud in the sky!

Now I will give you a glimpse of the inside of the house. This is just the entry way, and see that good looking kid in the middle? That is Garrett the night he got his Eagle Scout award! Isn't he a good looking kid? I'm not prejudice either.

Well there you have it! We love it here even though the kids don't have anyone except each other to play with. We are getting our bikes up and going and as soon as the weather clears we will be riding a lot! I got my new job as a in home caregiver, and it will give me more time to be with the family.

This is Where We Live

2007-04-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

This is our house! The house itself is 4000 square feet! We don't use the whole thing though; it costs enough to heat the little bit that we do use. We have 2 fire places of which are so inefficient, but makes it nice to have a fire in the fire place. On the far right side of the house the people before us inclosed the garage and it is totally carpeted. We couldn't get the heat to work out there, but it was nice to play ball and jump rope in an enclosed area. As you can barely see we still have 2 dogs.

The birds that come into our yard are wonderful! We had a western blue bird sitting on our railing a few days ago. Some Canada geese were on the lawn this morning. See those window on the left? There is a computer room right there and windows on the other side. The birds fly all over and around that room. It is so much fun! I have a feeling that we will have swallow nests all over. We won't be able to go outside without getting dive boomed.

This picture is looking out over our front lawn. We have a ton of grass! The kids are not looking forward to lawn mowing season! This lawn is one of 3 and they are all this size. One lawn for each kid! How convenient!

Well I'm off to work. Check back for some more pictures of the backyard!

SNOW?

2007-04-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, so here we are having a wonderful spring when all of a sudden yesterday it snowed! I'm talking blizzard! We now have an inch or two on our lawn. The birds are probably wondering what in the world happened! Now on Friday it will be 70 degrees, and I'm wondering what is happening.

FIRE!

2007-04-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

It was a wonderful weekend! Conference is always a great time to relax and listen. I also was able to get some counted cross stitching done. I started this picture for Paige when she was a baby, and I'm just now getting it finished. Who has time for that!

Saturday, we watched the morning session, and then had some errands to run. We thought that we could get back so we could watch the afternoon session, but we didn't make it. Garrett cashed his check from Subway, and took us all out to eat. It is so nice having one of your kids that is earning money! Then we went over to Walmart to see about getting a couple of bikes so that we can do some biking this summer. When we got back it was time for the boys to get ready for the Priesthood session. Paige wasn't feeling well, so we just watched some T.V. and relaxed! It was nice not having to go to work.

Sunday was more of the same. I made my traditional sweet rolls. They are anticipated for 6 months. We have them every conference Sunday morning. Then we settled in for the first session which was wonderful! The boys and Paige walked down to the river after the session, and shot their bee bee guns, and fed some geese. I sat home still sewing. It was peaceful without anyone here!

Ron had a pork roast in the crock pot for dinner, and it was beginning to smell wonderful! We watched the second session, had a great dinner and then started to watch Planet Earth. Ron went into the office to get on his website for school. It was dark, and the kids were downstairs. I saw some flashing on the wall, but thought that the T.V. was reflecting on the wall, so didn't pay much attention to it. I did think it was odd though. Next thing I knew I smelled pork, and then I saw smoke! I yelled at Ron, and he came running. He had put a pan on the stove to melt some grease down so we could throw it away, and it was burning! The fire had gone out, but the smoke was thick and black! We opened all the windows and then left the room. We have a sliding glass door into the kitchen so we closed that off. When the smoke had cleared we had soot to clean up.

Ron felt bad, but we were so lucky that it wasn't any worse than what it was. Heavenly Father was watching over our house. It could have been so much worse. As it was it ruined my sauce pan and made the cabinets black. It all washed off except for a little burn on the hood over the stove. That will help us to remember to be just a little more careful and focused on what we are doing.

Cold

2007-03-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

We got up early for seminary this morning, and it was really foggy! When we left seminary it was beautiful and sunny, until we got back to the mountain and again it was foggy. Things are starting to warm a little, and the daffodils are coming into bloom. I only hope that the deer won't eat them. I know they eat tulips because my mother in law had them when they lived in the mountains, and the stupid deer wouldn't leave them alone.

Ron called me the other day, and told me that his parents have their recommends to go to the temple! We are so excited! We only wish that we could get down there to go through with them. We have prayed for this day for quite some time. We know that we had a reason why we moved to Boise, and I think the reason was for them. SO EXCITED!

I also passed my test on HIV, and now I'm just waiting to get my license so that I can be a NAR in the state of Washington. That is a nurse assistant registered. Can't wait to start my new job! Can't wait to quit my old one! :)

Spring

2007-03-22T09:15:00.000-07:00

Today Paige and I went for a walk down the country road. The air was crisp, and felt chilly. We took Rosie our wire fox terrier with us, and she scared off several quail. We saw and heard a lot of different kinds of birds. It is so nice to have them coming back into the area. We heard a red winged black bird, and pheasant. We also saw a beautiful blue bird. Paige thought it was a blue jay, but it wasn't. We decided that next time we go for a walk we wouldn't take the dog with us. She scares off too many birds. During our walk Paige talked about taking a couple of classes at the high school. She wants to take a math class, and maybe history. She will be a freshman, and I think it would be great for her to go get some social and friends. Her brothers aren't quite what she needs to grow.

Ron on the way to seminary saw his first elk. Since he only takes Garrett to seminary once a week he isn't able to see the elk. I see them quite frequently.

I just finished my HIV training to get a NAR so I can get a better job. I will be sending it in at the beginning of next week, so hopefully I can get out of where I currently work in the next couple of weeks. I have also been considering going back to school, and getting my LPN. I will be checking into all that in the weeks to come.

HAPPY SPRING

Frogs

2007-03-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

It has been a very long week. The more I work at the rest home the harder it is on my body. I have a job interview to work for a company called Family Home Care tomorrow. It will be a much better situation, and my body will be glad that I did it.

Last night after work, we were all laying in bed listening to the frogs cherp in our front yard. It sounds like there are quite a few. Gavin is sick today, but says he can't wait until he can go outside and look for them. We then woke up to the sound of Canada geese flying over our house to get to the pond. It is very nice to be able to hear the sounds of nature in our neighborhood instead of cars and sirens. It is going to be hard to move from this place of quiet.

Spring Days

2007-03-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

Well Garrett returned from Boise this last Saturday. I was so excited to see him at the rest home that night. Ron stopped in with Garrett to say hi after leaving the airport. When they walked into the rest home, I was busy with a resident and didn't see them come in. Elenor, one of our Alzheimer's residents told them they were at the Mitchell residence. They all had a great laugh.

Garrett had a great time in Boise, but he came home sick. He has pink eye. It must be spring. We haven't had that in our house since the kids were little. I guess it can happen whenever!

I went to the eye doctor as well because I have been having a hard time reading. I don't have macular yet. That is a relief! The doctor said that I could get glasses, but I think I will just use the ones from the dollar store! They work fine!

We drove into the Post Falls to go to the park after the Dr. and there were a ton of Canada Geese all over. We fed them by hand, and really enjoyed the time out of the house. Gavin and Paige went to swing, and Garrett and I just sat on a bench and watched the birds. Very relaxing, and since my eyes were dialated it was nice just to sit there with my sunglasses on.

The Rook Family

2007-03-10T10:05:00.000-08:00

This is an amazing thing to be able to journal online. This is a great tool, and hopefully I will continue to add things to it often. As soon as I can have Garrett help me get pictures loaded I will do that as well. I'm not real great with the computer, so he will be helping me a lot.

We have moved to Post Falls Idaho, and we aren't quite sure that we are liking it. We live in a beautiful area. The kids go out in the woods when the weather is good, and this whole winter the weather has been bitter cold, so going outside hasn't been a great activity.

The kids have had a hard time making friends here. Since living out in the middle of nowhere, and with Ron and I working all the time it makes it hard to get the kids into town for activities. Ron has assured the kids that it won't last for long, and is looking for new employment even as we speak. He is at a job fair this morning, and I can hardly wait until he gets home so I can hear all about it.

I'm working at an assisted living home, although it's more of a nursing home because all of the residents are a full assist. It is a very hard job both emotionally, and physically. I come home at nights exhausted! I do love the fact that I can serve these people with Alzheimer's and make their lives a little more happy. It is such a sad disease.

Ron is working for the University of Phoenix. It is an entry level position so that's why I have to work. The upside is he gets his education for free. He will be graduating on May 5th, and then he will be able to get a better job. The kids are hoping and praying that we go back to Boise. I just want to be able to quit my job, and pay the bills.

Garrett has made great strides in his piano. He is currently writing music, and hoping to get published soon. Grandma would be so proud of him! He has earned his Eagle scout this last year. He also won an award when we lived in Boise during his constitution class and is currently in Boise now. He had the opportunity to meet and visit with Senator Butch Otter. He is having a great time with his friends in Boise, and will be coming home tonight. I think he is a bit homesick. The great thing is he is paying for everything now days as he is teaching piano lessons, and is working at Subway 2 days a week. It is so amazing to me that they grow so fast! I remember when he was sleeping on Ron's chest, now he is 15 and taller than mom!

Paige is turning out to be a wonderful young women. She just turned 14 in January. She had her ears pierced and loves high heels. She didn't get any height at all. She is even shorter than Gaving who is 12. Her piano is getting better and better. She loves to play the same song over and over just to get a rise out of her brothers. She is working on personal progress daily as part of her schooling, and is memorizing The Living Christ. It is a hard thing to do, and Mom would know about that because I'm doing it with her.

Gaving loves the outdoors. He is working on his Eagle award and loves scouting. He loves soccer, and plays the piano as well. He is also showing talent in piano, but has a bit more hard time wanting to practice. He is very polite to his sister as he opens car doors for her, and is very loving towards the family. He is a special spirit that one.

Well that will start our family blog, and get everyone caught up with the family. I will continue to write things so visit often.