Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone, don't eat too much food and have a great day!

Love the West household

Think about this one

"Laugh, and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you weep alone, For the sad old earth must borrow its mirth, But has trouble enough of its own."

Hello from Gold Bar

Wow, time has gone by so fast! We are enjoying a wonderful fall season in Gold Bar. It has been warmer and drier than normal so Joe and I have only missed a few days playing outdoors. We do a lot of biking and playing in the yard.

Little Luke has been here for 50 days already-and he already eats more than Joey did at 8 months of age. We didn't realize how difficult we had it with Joey until we had Luke...he actually eats and sleeps...Joey never did either of these. Luke and Tia are doing great; Joey too.

I often check the blog and always want to comment, but I am such a slow typer so I set up a blog for my family. It is http://goldbarbarians.blogspot.com be sure to check out the weekly videos and pictures.

I would like to see more day to day pictures of your kids, yards, and homes. I love getting a little glimpse of your lives.

Hope to talk to you all soon!

Love, Ron, Tia, Joey, and Luke

Brandi's E-mail

Hey Guys,

Her eis my e-mail adderss... B_Midkiff@hotmail.com

Brandi

Tylers Infantry Division

One thousand members of the Minnesota Army National Guard are heading back to Iraq in 2009 with a big mission: they'll be in complete military command in eight of Iraq's 18 provinces.
The 34th Red Bull Infantry Division will begin a year long deployment February of 2009.
The eight provinces are in southern Iraq, roughly one third of the entire country. The 1,037 soldiers leave for training on February 13. The units will deploy from four communities: Rosemount, Inver Grove Heights, Stillwater, and Faribault. The Red Bull division has sent one thousand or more soldiers to duty before; once in Iraq and once in the Balkans. But this mission is different. The division will command all Coalition military operations in eight provinces, an area roughly the size of Minnesota with twice as many people. The division will provide leadership, command and control in those provinces, plus deal directly with the Iraqi Army, and police. According to the Army National Guard, 57 of the soldiers are from St. Paul, making that city the largest contributor of volunteers. Minneapolis is second with 35. National Guard officials say this is the first deployment for 693 (67%) of the soldiers; the second for 281 (27%); the third for 41 (4%); and the fourth deployment for 22 (2%).


Tyler cannot be sent now but may be sent in one year which I highly doubt considering his Unit will only be there until Feb. 2010, yeah right who I am kidding? Tyler is friends with some of the guys going over and will be pissy cuz he can't be there.
http://www.kstp.com/?articleID=184681

Happy Birthday

Hey David Happy B-day hope ya have nice day!
Love Jodi, Jamie & Tyler

US

Have you ever been so bored that you cannot function, sleep, read, watch t.v. etc...? I have and I am right now, business is way slow but it is giving me a chance to finally catch-up on projects that my boss has given me nice of him huh? Anyway, not much going on, Jamie has Pneumonia and is coughing up this really gross chunky colorful stuff I just may put a picture of it on here, just kidding wouldn't want anyone barfing or gagging. I have bronchitis/walking pneumonia but I am not coughing up nearly as bad as Jamie. Tyler was sick for a day and a half (little #*$&!!@)
Tyler also has burnt his clutch out of the 4-runner, we have not heard yet how that happened, it could be that it just needs an adjustment or it went bad on it's own, we told him last-night that it would be around $1,000.00 to get it fixed and since we already owe our mechanic $1,200.00 and the doctors $5,500.00 and the dentist $1,200.00 that we did not have any extra money to help him out, so it looks like Ty won't be driving for awhile again. I will now be driving him to and from work which I guess is fine since it is only a couple of miles away but still kinda sucks.
Tyler also got a speeding ticket a couple of weeks ago and yes I reamed his ass out then said... well have you learned yet? he's says to me why can't I ever do anything wrong without getting caught? I was kinda shocked and was laughing that I didn't even know what to say at that time.
I told him later on that he is way too honest, and such a great kid and that the nice guys always finish last so quit trying to rebel it will get you nowhere in a hurry and your prior rebelling should have given you an indicator not to speed, he had no comment! Tyler also has been debating on whether he wants to go to Officers school, drill training sargeant school, or Jumping out of planes school ( sorry I forget what it's called) after he gets out of AIT, if he goes to officers school which is actually the R.O.T.C. program he can choose which college he goes to which I am assuming he would go to the U of M. the other programs he doesn't have a choice he just gets shipped out somewhere.

I am already looking forward to summer I do not like the winter except for when I am inside where it is warm and dry. I am hoping, wishing, dreaming that somehow Jamie will be offered a job in Arizona for the Company he works at we will have to wait and see come Feb. then all you can come see me in the hot, sunny weather, just think I would see Dad & Myrna, Margie & George, Uncle John, Mom when she is there... and then I think what will I do in the summer?
hhhmm decisions, decisions, decisions.
Jamie's mom is doing great after the stroke she is up to her normal activies and walking two miles a day. Jamie found out a couple of weeks ago that he has some cycsts on his kidneys (which at first the docs thought it was tumors) he will have to go in to the docs. again I don't know when to make sure they are not growing or turning into something else and it will be decided on then what will be done about them.

Well that is it for now, I think.

Love ya all
take care

Jodi, Jamie, Tyler

Turkey Day

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone.

We did not make our normal phone calls to the out of state family!

Brandi

Isn't he cute

The Rainbow Bridge

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are YOUNG again. Those who were maimed are made WHOLE again. They play all day with one another.

There is only one person missing. They are not with their special person (people) who loved them on Earth. So, they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks up!! And this one eagerly runs from the group!

You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take them in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again. Once more you look into the adoring eyes of your trusting pet.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated....

Ant Lynne sent that to me after Sofie died. I miss my Sweet Wilma and my Sweet Sofie. Thank God they are together now.

Jeanie

Al Franken!!!??! Al Freaking Franken

C'MON MINNESOTA!! What the hell? Am I really reading that Al Franken just might beat Norm Coleman for Senator?? If Al Franken wins I vow to never step in the state of Minnesota again! ('cept for funerals). MAN! C'mon.

Dave

Who you voting for

I hate Cars

I hate my cars. i have crappy cars and they don't run. I have spent 2 month and $500.00 in an attempt to fix Jessy's '02 Hyundai. I stripped it to the core, replaces parts, smashed my thumb, (I'd post a pic but it looks much worse than Brandi's wrist) put the thing back together again only to have it run like crap, oh and I bought a $1500.00 car to get us through the rough time of not having the car only to have that car break down. That car has sat in front of my house longer than it ran. I am calling the good will and asking them to haul both of them away. Anyway, after reading Jodi's story of her travels to Ft. Jackson with Mom and Don I still feel pretty fortunate.

Dave

My wrist with no Splint

I went to the doctor the other day and got my splint taken off and my stitches taken out. Below is a picture of my wrist with the stitches in. You can see a white bandage type of thing, that is covering the 2 pins that are in my wrist. I got a blue cast on, it will come off and the pins will come out Dec 4Th, that is if the healing goes well.

*Brandi

Woo-Hoo

Tyler got a job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! at Taco Bell as a cashier. Yea! cuz he only has like $10.00 to his name.
He has been procrastinating (typical male thing) since he got home from basic to get a job, he is going to have to work week-ends ( I will now know where he is) probably from open to close. I gotta hand it to him cuz he is getting A's & B's in school he must get that from me :) well maybe not the grades but the smart thing, He is spending more time at home then he use to I don't ask why I just appreciate it. Time has gone too fast and I keep thinking in less than a year he will not be here :( so what am I to do? anyone want to borrow me their kid(s)?
okay bye now

Jodi

My pic

I said I was going to post a pic.... well this is the best one I have. It was taken at Pat's parents place.

Brandi

Luke Allen Johnston

Hey Family!

Our son was born on Wednesday night, at 10:04 pm, he weighs 7 lubs and 14 ozs and was 20 in long. He is a tiny, cute little guy! Tia did a wonderful job and feels great. Joey has taken it all in stride and he said "well...he can share my room but he's not sharin' my guns!"

Luke gave me a good reason to get my computer up and running, which is what I did today, so I have a lot of blogs to read. We'll be sure to keep you updated as I could type for hours just about what Joey has said in the past 2 weeks...I gotta start writing some of his ruminations down!

Love you all!

Ron, Tia, Joey, and Luke!

It went well..

So my surgery went well this past Thursday. Grandpa took me and I stayed with him until my mom got off of work.

I got 2 pins in my right wrist. I am in a splint until Thursday, than I get my cast which I'll have on for weeks..... I get my cast off at the beg. of Dec... that is also when the pins will be pulled out.

I'll have my mom take pictures and post them.

I have to get use to being left handed.

*Brandi*

username

What is the user name for the photo bucket thing?

Thanks

Jodi

Hi everybody, I've missed you......??

Lookey here, it's already towards the end of October. Hopefully everybody wished Jim a happy birthday. Jim?? Long time since I've posted. Let me quickly (yeah right) update you. Ok, since I have been off work I have been out of town 3 times!! Total of 9 nights in 2 months.... or maybe 10 nights... did we have girls night at Mom's after I got fired??? I think so. Annnyway... Bruce is in Boston this week, left yesterday - coming back Wednesday night. Went for work. Said it is beautiful. (the outskirts anyway) Yeah last week I rode with Ant Lynne to Leavenworth, Kansas to Sr. Andrea... (grandpa's sister, I barely know her) but Any Lynne needed somebody to ride with. We stayed at one of the halls on the campus, wow, NICE rooms. No TV though. Which was fine because we left at 6am on Sunday morning and were asleep by 8pm that night, and we had our own rooms. The only thing Lynne did not like about the hall we stayed in, we had to change the sheets the next morning and get them ready for the next guest. Well, she was NOT INTO changing her own sheets, so she came up with a great idea... We took the clean sheets out of our closets and laid them on the bed before we went to sleep so the next morning we would just have to throw them on the floor; we never actually made the beds.... hahahha. And oh yeah, the food was not good. Not good at all. We only actually ate breakfast there... but wow. Eeww. I suppose they are used to cooking for older people there, I don't think I saw one Sister under 50 yrs old. Anyway, gotta go, the dogs are barking at something, pretty sure they don't even know what. Dave, I tried to watch that video you linked us to, but my computer plays it for like 4 seconds and then stops for 10 and so on and so on... I hate that!
By the way, ya know what is really tasty?? Butterscotch Schnapps and Chocolate Milk... thanks Brandi for leaving that for us. And no, it does not curdle.

K, see ya!
Jeanie

"Challenger" The Eagle

Beautiful video and music!! Gave me goose bumps. Well worth watching!!

Click here: YouTube - Amazing Free-Flying Bald Eagle "Challenger" (AEF)

Deb

Thank You

I wanted to Thank everyone for coming over yesterday. It meant a lot to Pat and I being able to tell everyone at the same time. Granted, it was not the nicest day out, it still worked out well!!

We do not have a date picked yet, but we are thinking Sept of 2010. Of course when we pick a date, we will let everyone know!

*Brandi & Patrick*

Before we told them
while telling them

After telling them, with my mom this time.

First Surgery....

I am having my first surgery on OCt 23rd at 7:30 am. It is going to be orthoscopically. I will thn have to have a pin in my wrist and a cast on. I am not looking forward to the cast part. I believe the doctor said the cast will be on 4-6 weeks.

Brandi

Others

The past few weeks have been stressful I have ran the office I work at alone for two weeks while my boss was in Europe. I am a little jealous because I feel that because he is never their and I pretty much do everything I should have gone also he called twice and complained that things were not the way he wanted them: concerning that they had no T.V. when they were in Portugal and could not make dinner reservations until 8:00 P.M. I would give anything to go anywhere no matter weather, country etc... to be with Jamie alone so we could explore and have the opportunity to learn of another's culture. ( by the way it was paid for by one of our Insurance Companies.) I know wah, wah, wah. I am over it now, have accepted it and have moved on. I feel great that I do not hold any resentment or grudge, yeah!!!!

On the other hand Jamie and I found out that a very dear close friend actually one of our best friends has Leukemia it is in the bones, as of right now we do not know
the extent of it and we just sit and wait for answers. His name is Pete Butler he's 51 and is one of the best people I know, he was adopted while an infant so he has no
family background of health history, I do know that if he does need bone marrow I will be one of the first to see if I am a match. Pete is one of those worthy opponents that Jamie has wrote about.

I got a phone call tonight from Jamie's brother telling me that Jamie's mom more than likely had a mini-stroke, is in the hospital getting test run. If you knew her like me you would think , what? Kathy, Jamie's mom, walks every-day eats pretty healthy works at night, and would do anything for her family, she is loving, forgiving, honest, fun. by the way she is only 57. Jamie and I have a pretty good idea why she is stressed to the max . Her daughter who is my age (for those who don't know I am 38 but look 28 hee- hee) has moved back home again with her two daughters, one who is 17 and the other is 2. Her daughter Barb has put Jamie's mom through the wringer worse than me to mom and dad and for those who think Katie has put Debbie through the wringer. 100's time worse!!!!!!!!!! Kathy does not deserve this, she now needs people to do things for her, the unfortunate part of this is that only Jamie and I see it and are the only one's to tell her too bad were doing this for ya whether you want us to or not. That is so fun when you can tell a stubborn parent : to back off man!!! She is a awesome lady!!

Uncle George has to start dialysis, his one and only U shaped kidney is not working very well, he cannot be put on a kidney transplant until he starts it.
I gotta hand it to Margie, I saw her the other day and is holding up very well, at least on the outside. George is okay but gets uncomfortable when he is in one position too long. He still says smart-assy things so that says something.

Debbie is sick had a tooth pulled that was infected and still is infected, she sounds like @@*#&. sorry Debbie!

Jamie is forever working way too many hours he is way beyond stressed and I fear that he will have a heart attack. He cannot sleep and is starting to get the "tick in his eyes" not good people. The last 2 days he has calmed down maybe cuz I expressed my concern of his health and that I would kick his ass if he got sick.

Tyler, well what do I say, he has been so respectful, grown-up, more caring and more attentive since he has gotten home, but he still stresses me out.
ya know the teen-age thing, where are going blah blah blah. who is that girl, where are the raincoats? Maybe it is me because I always have in the back of my mind that he will be leaving again in less than a year and it only makes it closer for him to go to Afghanistan, or Iraq or something to that nature. I am okay with it because that is what Tyler wants, but it is still freaky.

So after the stressful couple of weeks and news I have gotten, I feel pretty level-headed, I don't quite know if it is because I have finally learned to deal or if I am sub-consciously not dealing with it. I will have to talk to dad he seems to always be able to calm me down. that's weird huh?

David if you could, please mention Pete, Kathy, Uncle George, Jamie and yeah Debbie's tooth in your next sermon. I would greatly appreciate it.
and to whoever else, throw some positive thoughts their way. For they deserve it.


Thanks for listening or rather reading

Lots Of Love

Jodi

What makes a family

"Dad, what is meant by 'a family'?
Is it you and Mom, the others and me?"
"No son, it's more, much more than that.
It's little Sue's curls, and Mother 's new hat; Jackie's face when she learns she is able To help your mother in setting the table.
Your first little drawings that we store away To cherish and gaze at some future day; Your mother's lost look on your first day of school; Learning to live by the 'Golden Rule.'
It's fireside stories on many a night, The feeling we have that everything's right; The trials and errors, the laughter and tears That touch on us all, down through the years.
It's all of these things, it seems to me, Which, my son, make a family."

Red State Update

Check out the new site under "our other places".

I laughed until I cried.

Dave

*The Train Of Life

Some folks ride the train of life
Looking out the rear,
Watching miles of life roll by,
And marking every year.

They sit in sad remembrance,
Of wasted days gone by,
And curse their life for what it was,
And hang their head and cry.

But I don't concern myself with that,
I took a different vent,
I look forward to what life holds,
And not what has been spent.

So strap me to the engine,
As securely as I can be,
I want to be out in the front,
To see what I can see.

I want to feel the winds of change,
Blowing in my face,
I want to see what life unfolds,
As I move from place to place.

I want to see what's coming up,
Not looking at the past,
Life's too short for yesterdays,
It moves along too fast.

So if the ride gets bumpy,
While you are looking back,
Go up front, and you may find,
Your life has jumped the track.

It's all right to remember,
That's part of history,
But up front's where it's happening,
There's so much mystery.

The enjoyment of living,
Is not where we have been,
It's looking ever forward,
To another year and ten.

It's searching all the byways,
Never should you refrain,
For if you want to live your life,
You've gotta drive the train.

Thoughts to ponder

*The genius of Einstein leads to Hiroshima.
*Vincent Van Gogh never sold a painting while he was alive.
*Michelangelo painted 12,000 square feet of the chapel ceiling between
1508 and 1512. He resented the commission, and believed his work only served the Pope's need for grandeur.
*Mt. T was a MP and also tried out for the Green Bay Packers.
*Color blindess affects 1 person in 30.
* Galileo said: All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.
*Walt Disney said: I do not like to repeat successes, I like to go on to other things.
*John Cleese said: He who laughs most, learns best.
*Barack Obama said: "In case you missed it, this week, there was a tragedy in Kansas. Ten thousand people died -- an entire town destroyed." --on a Kansas tornado that killed 12 people. (dumb ass)
*John McCain said:Do not yield. Do not flinch. Stand up. Stand up with our President and fight. We're Americans. We're Americans, and we'll never surrender. They will.
*Paris Hilton said:It hurts that, you know, the media's made me into sort of this like punching bag or cartoon character--they think that I don't have any feelings, and, you know, it hurts like anyone else.
*Brett Favre is the best quarterback ever!!!!! (next to Dan Marino)
*The Detriot RedWings are the best hockey team ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*On average, a disposable diaper can hold up to 7 pounds of liquid.
*Author Dr. Seuss wrote the book "Green Eggs and Ham" because the editor made him a bet that he could not write a book, which contained less than fifty words.
*Ernest Vincent Wright wrote a fifty thousand-word novel, "Gadsby," without any word containing the letter "e."
*The headwater on twenty rivers begins in Colorado, with the Continental Divide directing each river's course.
*The state of Washington is the only state to be named after a United States president.
*Iowa is the only state name that starts with two vowels.

*Quotes are nothing but inspiration for the uninspired.

Third week into classes!

Like my mom said, where did summer go? Alls I remember is working, working, We Fest and more working. My goodness, summer flew by this summer!!

I am heading into my third week of classes already. I have tests coming up and assigments due! After this semester I learned that I have 18 credits left until I can graduate with my two year degree. Because of this, it will take me into next Fall semester, I should than be done at Anoka-Ramsey. From there I hope to transfer to SCSU or UWRF. I still want to go into Social work and work in a school.

Well recently I had an MRI on my right wrist... turns out that I have a torn ligament. Also a perforation though my central TFC and some increased joint fluid. In other words, I am having surgery on my right wrist. I am scheduled to see a specialist on Sept 25Th. From there, I will be making my appt for the surgery. I am hoping for MEA weekend...so I do not have to miss any classes!! Thankfully my mom will be able to be there when I have my surgery. I am very nervous about it. I have never had surgery, heck I have never been put under. I just want it to get done with!!

Brandi

*Where Oh Where Did Summer Go?

Right now, the tune "Where Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone..." should be running through your mind. hehehehe I wasn't done yet! I know the teachers in the family feel the same way and they had to be back a week before I did! I had to go to the "Kick Off" which was a total waste of time that I don't get paid for. Instead I have to inconvenience the teacher and my students and take 3 hours of comp time. Our district suffered some big budget cuts yet they waste a lot of resources! The paper waste is incredible!! How many letters and notes do they think they need to print out that all say the same damn thing?? They alerted us at the end of last school year, then several letters during the summer and then hand outs at the kick off that all basically said the same thing! It burns my buns that some of my teacher and para friends lost their jobs at my school due to budget stuff yet all the paper, ink and postage would've probably paid their wages. We were asked to fill out a survey (by way of email...go figure) about the kick off...well, I let our superintendent know exactly what I thought when I filled out my survey...luckily for me its all done anonymously.

Other then that I am glad to be back at work. I've already had some great laughs with my friends and we have a girls weekend planned for Sept 13th. We'll be heading up to a friends cabin in Hinckley. So far there are 6 girls attending...maybe more. Wow...2 girls weekends in a month! There won't be any golf carts involved with this one though. ;) Come to think of it there won't be many 'blue haired' people...snicker....don't tell mom I said that LMAO

Is the tune still running through your mind or are you actually singing it out loud now?

*Funky Chunk

Today I was able to see the latest fashion accessories that go along with drab grey prison suits. The model (prisoner) wore a wide, brown leather belt that buckled in the back and was attached to some silver chunky chains that in turn led to some silver chunky bracelets on the wrists. I also noticed a matching set of chunky chains and chunky ankle bracelets leading from the leather belt down to the ankles...Hey everyone..Chunky IS in and will be for the next 60+ days. After the 60 days are over, that fashion trend will end.
Signed,
Mom of the 'model'

Benjamin Franklin said........

Ben Franklin once said: "In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria".

In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 liter of water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli, (E. coli) - bacteria found in feces. In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of poop.However, we do NOT run that risk when drinking wine & beer (or tequila, rum, whiskey or other liquor) because alcohol has to go through a purification process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting.

Remember: Water = Poop, Wine = Health. Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid, than to drink water and be full of shit.

SORRY!!

Sorry if you cannot read that last blog because of the colors. Just do what I did: Take off your glasses (if you have them) and get real close and read it.

'Careful What You Wish For'

Hey everybody. Most of you know I "lost my job" last Friday. No, I did not misplace it or get lost on my way there. I was let go (I FEEL) because of a personality conflict. In fact, my papers say nothing at all about my job performance.. and I also know that. Anyway, in my last blog I mentioned that I wanted to be home, not working. Well- as much as I wanted to get out of the place I was working, I didn't expect it to be this way. At the same time, I will not miss spending every day being sick to my stomach because of the one person that works there... who (I FEEL) got me fired. She is the most cold, rude, bitchiest person I have ever met. So, seriously, anybody 'got' that million I need?
Rich and Ann Marie, looking forward to spending some time with the kids next week, I need to take advantage of my time off.

Love everybody.

Jeanie
xooxooxoxoxoxoxoxo

Winding Down

So my summer is coming to an end. I start classes on Aug 25th, I am not looking forward to it!! I am just excited to get done with my two year degree, which is taking me three years.

My right wrist has been bothering me. So I went to the doctor about it. I have to get an MRI done on it. That is happening the Aug 28Th. They have to inject dye into my wrist for the MRI. The doctor believes I could have a tear in my wrist... not good. Considering I bowl and at work I am on the computer all the time! I go back to the doctor Sept 2ND to see what my MRI says. I feel like I am really old, old like grandpa old (sorry g-pa). I have about 6 appointments. in two or three weeks.

This weekend, Pat and I are going sailing with g-pa and Myrna. I am excited. It has been four years since I was there. I think Pat is excited too. Granted, we only get to go for Friday and Saturday and have to come home Sunday, I am sure we will still have fun and a good time sailing!


Brandi

Tyler in dress uniform

The boy, he has lost weight and is down to 220 and he also lost 7 inches from his waist.

What stresses me?

Not much - but every August I have my hands full keeping Ann from stressing too much over going back to work. She too would like to win the lottery - not so much for the money - but for the security and comfort of staying home. I heard something about a 4 day work week recently - wouldn't that be great? I do get a bit stressed about keeping Ann from stressing so then we're both stressed. The kids pretty much go about their business and can't seem to tell that we're stressed which makes me wonder??? Maybe we're not that stressed------or maybe we're more stressed than we know all the time and August is nothing new for them.

We just came home from Bayfield. We spent a day sailing and a day sightseeing - okay so it was window shopping - and of course we had ice cream as an afternoon treat - okay so it was dinner, but we were on vacation. Do you ever wonder why I'm so quiet? It's because there's a lot to listen to - no - I'm talking about more than listening to Jeanie - there is nature of course, but even more than that. I really don't have a hard time making a decision - sometimes I just be quiet and listen and the right thing comes to me. Just recently it came to me that Ali is NOT going to date that 17 year old, Adam is NOT going to get Hannah Montana tattooed on his stomach, and Ava is NOT going to start her own "MySpace" page.

Kidding--------I can be funny though.

The girls and I are leaving tomorrow for our annual Dads and Daughters trip. We've been going for 5 years to a friends cabin in Grand Rapids. This year there will be 5 dads and 11 daughters. Maybe you've never noticed or known this, but I am easily drawn to nature. I loved John Denver's music because some of it brought me to some far off place where the world was easy and happy and peaceful. I can't wait to go up north again and "listen".

Psalms 46:10 "Be still - and know - that I Am God"

Try this sometime - I did this in Glacier National Park on a youth event years ago - Memorize that verse - go far away into nature and sit alone and repeat the verse to yourself. The first time emphasize the first word (BE)- the second time the second word (still)- and so on for seven times. Pause, though, after each reciting and really think about the word you emphasized and what it means. Pretty powerful.

By the way - Ann and I were talking around a campfire one morning - about all the passwords we're required to have at work and how we can't remember some of them sometimes. I decided that I'm going to try using biblical references like psal-46:10 - Our passwords have to have combinations of letters, numbers and special characters like the punctuation characters. I should now have an endless supply to choose from.

Rich

We Fest Pics

I have a couple pics I thought I'd share.
*brandi*





Mom working
Mom, Dino and Me
Billy Ray

Kenny

more movies

Kris and I watched "August Rush" this weekend. Really, Really good movie. Any one watched it? What do you think? I am still waiting to see Batman and HellBoy. Totally loved Sex in the City...NOT!

Dave

Well, Well, Well... hello everybody!!

Hope everybody is doing well! I soooooo cannot believe it's already August. Time sure seems to go faster the older I get. Anybody agree? Things are well here. The kids-- Brent, Sofie, Lightning, Lexi and Jackson are just great too. We have Brent here a week at a time during the summer, he is here tonight and leaving tomorrow with Bruno and Jackson to go up to his Dads house in Osakis. (12 miles Southeast of Alexandria). They are bringing the boat and planning to get up at 4am to fish on Saturday and Sunday. Well, Bruno and Jackson are anyway, Brent said that if he gets up that early he will be cranky. Bruno told him he doesn't allow cranky in his boat.. yeah whatever... I've been there. And I've been cranky. And so has he. When he misses "the big one". I've only been cranky when he won't move the boat out of view of the other boats so I can take a pee.... in the plastic coffee can. (God forbid, he miss "the big one" while I am peeing!) Myrna gave me that idea. Bruno has a "pisser" that is made for a "MAN".... you just put it in there and go. Wow. Can't even imagine the convenience. Unless I wear Depends underwear... I'm almost there.
So.........enough about me.
How is everybody else? Joda, I am excited for you to go see Ty graduate, please have Mom take a picture of you when you cry. Because you will. So, I talked to Ann Marie tonight and she is going to sign up for Tap and Jazz dance through the Darryl's School of Dance that Ava goes to. It's a beginners class and I am thinking about signing up too. She is going with her neighbor Shelley. It's for people 29 and older.. I think it would be flippen hilarious and sooo very fun!! And pretty good exercise.. once a week. And yes, Jode, I am talking about exercise that takes place in front of other people. ha ha
So anyway, life is good. Well it could be better. If I could just win the lottery and quit working. I hate it. Absolutely hate working. I love home. I love my yard. I just want to be home.
Can somebody please loan me a million??

Love you all!

Random Things

July was not the greatest month for me. First Uncle Eddie passes away at the start of July. On July 23rd a kid that I went to middle school with and was friends with in middle school was killed in a car accident on HWY 10 and County Road 8 in Becker. His friend survived that was with him. It was also a year since a friend has passed away. He was killed July '07 on his motorcycle. I knew him since 1st grade. July I think is the most depressing month!

On the bright side, It is a LOT closer to We Fest. My first vaction this year! If all goes well, Pat and I are going to go sailing with grandpa for a second trip this year. Which would be awsome again... to get away!!

Classes start up on August 25th. I am taking 14 credits. 12 credits is a full load. I am hoping to graduate in the Spring of '09.

I have seen Katie a couple times. It was nice seeing her after a year and a half... but it also kind of hurt. It is not the best way to see her. But it makes me happy that I know she is okay and safe. She tells me she wants to get a job and get her life straightened out. She said she even wants to go to college. I do not know what to think or believe about that. I told her I'd bring her to the college for a meeting with someone and she could also talk to our job placement Lady. Freddie, our job placement lady, could help Katie with ideas for jobs and where to apply. She would give her information about getting bonded with the state and all.

Things have been good and I am excited for We Fest. We leave Monday morning. I know it will be a good time!

*Brandi*

*Feelin' Great in 08

One week from today we leave for Wefest. My living room looks like an unprepared campsite. I gather things together and pile them all in a corner and check em off the list. I still need to set the tent up in the backyard to air it out. The kitchen looks similar because some of the food stuff/utensils are in containers or sitting on the table. I think I can safely say that I have never forgotten a single thing that we needed. There may have been moments that I wished I had something but it wasn't because I forgot...it was an after thought. I've been in touch with some of the people we met last year and with my friend Bob that I met 3 years ago. Bob lives up there and works the 10,000 Lakes Festival and Wefest. He let Brandi and I use his shower several times last year and between him and I we cooked breakfast for the 3 of us. He told me we could stay with him while we are up there but I like camping way too much to do that. He has an awesome house up in the hills over looking Little Detroit Lake. Its a beautiful view. Bob and I had several escapades a few years ago and I still laugh about it. I proved to Brandi that those of us in our 50's can still have a great time! I am soooo looking forward to going especially since it will be my first and only get away this summer.
I have someone to collect the mail, check on the cat and water the garden. My neighbors always watch the house...Barb has the back covered and the guy in the other half of the twin home see's everything else. Yeppers..I am prepared. My gas tank is even full and with any luck it will still be that way next Monday.

Duh?

Someone's Living Will hmmmm

Last night my sister and I were sitting in the computer room and I said to her, "I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle to keep me alive.That would be no quality of life at all. If that ever happens, just pull the plug."
So she got up, unplugged the computer, and threw out my wine.
She's such a bitch.

ACCEPTANCE

to come to terms with something: to acknowledge a fact or truth and come to terms with it.
to tolerate something without protesting or attempting to change it.
believe something: to acknowledge that something is true.
take blame for something: to admit the blame or responsibility for something.
take on duty: to agree to take on a duty, responsibility, or position.
be welcoming to somebody: to treat somebody as a member of a group or social circle.
accept or except?
Do not confuse these two, even though they have similar pronunciations. Accept is a verb only; it means variously "to take something offered," "to believe something," and "to agree to something," as in We cannot accept [not except] such a lame excuse.Except can work as a preposition meaning "to the exclusion of," "excluding," as in All students except [not accept] the freshmen are eligible. It is also a conjunction meaning "if it were not for the fact that" and "otherwise than," as in I would have finished the course except [not accept] that I became ill at the end of the semester.The demonstrators did not quiet down except [not accept] to regroup and plan their next move. Finally, it is a verb used most often in the passive voice in the meaning "to leave out or exclude," as in Only children were excepted [not accepted] from attendance.

What's been going down

Nothing major some little stuff. About 2 years ago Jamie partially broke a tooth eating a
Pork Rind (gross) his tooth got infected and caused a hematoma (sp?) We went to the hospital and they gave him some drugs, nothing more they could do and the problem went away....
Last week Jamie was eating some super chunky peanut butter and bit into a nut, you could swear it was a small pebble it wouldn't even smush with your fingers or a knife... anyway the so called peanut he bit into was the broken tooth and to boot his nerve was exposed, the pain shot up one side of his and to the other side. He ended going to the U of M emergency dental and they had to pull it out and well yes cut it out of his jaw bone at that time he was told why he was in so much pain, it was the main nerve of the teeth and jaw bone that got exposed. The only thing he ever told me before the surgery was that it hurt. crazy huh? I would have been writhing on the floor crying in pain. Well he is now to the point that he is actually taking pain pills, him on pain pills is another story in itself, I have never laughed so hard in my life, he likes to give lectures and get all philosophical. Yes I know what you women are thinking about his pain and laying on the couch and it is true. Hope you caught on. okay enough about Jamie.

Some of you already know a lot of this about Tyler some of you don't so here is goes:
I have talked to Tyler about 6 times since he has left, He was really sad and depressed for the first couple of weeks, he is doing great now and sounds happy. He has made good friends with some guys who are from Maple Grove and Brooklyn Center. One of the guys in his platoon is 42 and a retired Marine and decided to re-up in the Army. another guy there defected from Iraq and has joined the U.S. Military.
Tyler called the other night another short conversation, he is doing great and does his BRM competition today, David what is BRM? He also said he loves shooting and he is at a Marksman to expert shooter right now, he must have gotten that from me cause well I can shoot like no other. (brag, brag, brag.) The barracks he is in has gotten infested not only with black widow and brown recluse spiders also with fire ants, he said they hurt really bad, they finally bought a can of raid phewww! The weather there is hot humid and like living in Africa as Tyler so says.
It rain every morning and they have to do PT in the wet sand. whiner! I want to say to him suck it up boy but I don't want to in a letter or over the phone, I will have to wait until he gets home. maybe, depending, he can do 75 sit-ups in a minute and runs forever in a day, so yeah
probably won't give him hell cause he can also endless push-ups. He says his PT Sarge is a....
well you know what and they have at least 2 hours of PT at night and the morning just cause the Sarge wants to. hahahhaha. Tyler decided to get himself a Chemical burn from the MRE stove.
Knowing him he was probably jacking around.
I cannot wait until I get to see him, he has made me more proud and happy for him than ever.
The graduation ceremony will be cool, he is one of the Platoon Banner holder guys. Awesome.
He has ordered copies of the pics holding it I don't know how many so if anyone wants one let me know, yes Debbie and Jeannie you I already know will. Just so you know Tyler is seriously thinking on going full time active after he graduates high school. and will do college later, he says I will follow in the foot steps of Uncle David. Jamie and I fully 100% support whatever decision he makes regardless of anything else. Other than that he is doing what he is suppose to do and getting his ass kicked... blisters, cuts etc... crawling in broken glass, ya know that type of thing, he did say that he did not puke after the gas chamber exercise and that it stunk like really strong ammonia.
I have been working, tending to my tomoato plants and flowers, cleaning, reading and walking around the house aimlessly.
Life is great at the West household.
oh yeah and the cat is crabby, she is lost without Tyler and pukes on his bed at least once a week.
Bye for now
Lots of Love
Jodi & Jamie and the cat

Da BoyZ

MORE NEW PICS IN PHOTOBUCKET
ALBUM: Ron n Tia visit

*What I Miss About My Childhood

Seeing the Goodyear Blimp, walking to the "Little Store" and buying a bag of 'SweetTarts' for a nickle, riding my bike to visit Grandma Johnston, playing 'Captain, May I', 'Red Light, Green Light', 'Red Rover,Red Rover', 'Hopscotch', '4-Square', 'Ghost in the Graveyard', back in the day we called it Starlight, Moonlight. Watching the fireflies, playing Barbie's on the front steps of our house in Brooklyn Center, going to the lake, making sand castles, watching the cows, going up in the hay loft with Debbie Kunkle and finding new kittens, helping her collect eggs from the hen house. Swinging on tire swings, walking to town from the cabin, catching frogs at the creek.
Playing 'Jacks', collecting marbles and steelies, watching Casey Jones, Dave Lee, Axel & Carmen, Clancy & Willie, Kukla, Fran & Ollie, Sherry Lewis & Lambchop.
Candy dots/buttons, tiny wax bottles filled with juice, flavored wax lips that you could chew like gum, wax whistles...flavored of course. Bazooka bubble gum with comics, Cracker Jacks, prizes in cereal, Red Ball Sneakers, pedal-pushers (Capris), a card, a clothespin and bike spokes...hehehe,
Riding my bike to the old Camden Library, the smell of the books, the old, warped floors, swimming at the Camden Pool, walking to Brookdale, jumping rope, Chinese jump rope, the cool white sand in the sandbox, the big oak tree in Ramsey.
Ahhhh, what memories,
Deb

Mid-Summer

This Wed. will literally be the middle of our summer. Six and a half weeks off and six and a half to go. Sadly, we haven't left town yet. We are planning on going somewhere the last week of July though. Ann wants to go to Temperance River State Park up the north shore. Ali is at Bible camp this week - her 5th year - she loves it. I think she'd like to be a counselor some year. Adam will go next week for the first time. He is going with a boy from school, Garrett, whom we know pretty well. Hi sister has gone to the camp in the past as well. It is called Camp Lebanon, in Upsula Minnesota. You can Google it and sometimes they post pictures of camp weeks. I'm not sure what Adam will eat - he wants me to pack him some pop-tarts for back-up in case he doesn't like the food.

For you out of towners, we had a golden birthday open house for Adam on the 12th. (He turned 12 of course) It was fun and he had a good time. Thanks for helping make it a special day for him if you were able to be here. Ava plays - everyday - just plays. Plays with anyone who will play with her - plays games, sports, house, whatever........she's a player. What a life.....remember playing? I played with matchbox cars a lot......and tonka trucks before the roads were tarred (sp?) Anyway, we have fun watching her play. Ann and I are well......working on the house.....walking when we can......life is good.....God Bless!

Rich

Bruno finally made it into the pictures!!

Wow, Bruno finally made the blog. If you go into the photobucket, there is a real cute picture of Samuel at Rich & Ann Marie's this last weekend.. Click on it to make it bigger, and there behind Samuel you will see Mom's car. Behind Mom's car is our Durango and LO AND BEHOLD--THOSE ARE BRUNO'S FEET STICKING OUT!! WHOO HOO!!
Nice big feet, huh?


Love Jeanie

*Catching up

I was going to play catch-up last night and when I signed in I saw Jeanie's blog. By the time I got done reading it I was too tired to add an entry. ~snicker~ I know I am going to be a called a name for that lol.
Katie is back in MN. She was in Hennepin Co. Jail at first. She appeared in court there...I don't know what happened. She was transferred to Lino Lakes and went to court in Anoka yesterday (July 10). I went also. It was the first time I have seen her in a year and a half. From what I could see, she looked good, her face was clear and she had gained weight. She has another court date on Aug 27th in Anoka at 8:30 AM. She does have a bail set and to get her out it would be 140.00. She once again begged me to bail her out. I told her I don't have the $$. I probably could afford it but its not happening. Oh, I thought about doing it but not for her....it would be for me. ...I wouldn't be alone so much, there would be someone here when I am gone for that week of Wefest. Those were only fleeting thoughts and Dad told me to "let them fleet" .... they 'fleeted' and have left the building.
She gave me the song and dance about having some time to get her head outta her azz, get a job etc. etc. Well, if she is going to end up serving time anyway it makes no sense for her to get a job now. I think she may have been saying things she thought I wanted to hear. And, maybe I do want to hear those things but it comes down to....do I believe those things? I want to believe them but I cannot trust her. She kept telling me she had no place to go but here with me. NOT MY FAULT!!
I've only talked to her on the phone and I don't know that I am ready to talk to her in person.
Anyway...if anything new comes up with her, I will post it here. I still prefer not to discuss her and her troubles unless I bring it up first. This whole thing with Katie has tried to take a 'front seat' in my life and I cannot let it.
On another note.....I hadn't heard from Ray in 2 weeks and then he called the evening after the funeral. He said he'd been busy..yadda, yadda, yadda....I know I am NEVER too busy to make a simple phone call. I think cloud 9 dissipated right out from under me. In dad's words.."Such is life". This Sunday I am going with Lynne, Fran and Harvey to see Sister Andy in Kansas...the cloister is sounding better everyday. ; )
Deb

So.....did ya miss me??!!!!!

Well hello family, it's me. It's been a while since I've been on.. I guess I just have this crazy busy life or something. Or this lazy life... maybe a little of both. Anyway, I did respond to the last couple blogs, I think from Joda and Ber. So READ IT! Anyway, first off, Ron and Tia and Joey, it was sooo great to see you. What an awesome little kid he is. Wow. I will never forget how when Kale was sitting by himself at Debbie's (I think he was sad about something) and there's Joey, sitting right next to him with one little arm Kales leg and one around his neck, just trying to comfort him. It was-- well-- a tear jerker. I know I know, it doesn't take much for me.. but still, it was simply great to see that. And those eyes. And the way he rolls them -- and whatever other little looks he give: Ron Jr. All the way. And yet when you look at him he has so much of both Ron and Tia in him. And, its very exciting to know there is another little one on the way. It was a great time you guys. Ron, I'm glad for you that you were able to see Uncle Eddie before you left, I know how you are and I know you would've wished you had, if you hadn't.
Ok, on to the rest of you slugs. Oh, all of a sudden I have nothing to say. Imagine that. Bet you can't can you? Well me either. So Dave and Kris, hope you are adjusting to your first baby moving out.... or is she like alot of other kids that move out.. comes over all the time?? Just kidding Jess, even if you do I bet your Mom and Dad dig that. Hope Zach and Mandy are well too. So Dave.... did ya let Mandy go to the cabin or whatever it was with her friends???
So Brent was in a play/musical the other day in Grantsburg, Cinderella. Yep, thats what I said. And he absolutely loved it. Bruno and his Dad drove up there Tuesday night, I would've but it was Uncle Eddies reviewal that night. Brent was one of the mice. Ok, so he's been in 2 plays now, once as a monkey and now as a mouse. Hhmmm... he hopes to get a speaking part sometime. HEE HEE But (as he puts it) "well at least I got to be monkey number one". How proud he was of that. And seriously you guys, it was the most lame play I have ever seen. But it was fun. For him and for us. I guess the one he was just in was put together way better than the one he was in here in Minnesota!! Imagine that. Starting next Sunday, we will have him for a week at a time, every other week. So... if anybody wants to spend any time with him during the day while we are at work... have at it. Deb. Rich. Jim. The rest of us work during the days -- during the summer. (Jimbo, don't take that wrong because I know that being home with two boys is a full time job). But Brent sure likes your boys.. so if you ever feel like taking on a 3rd one.. give Bruno a call!!! heee heeee
Jode, thanks for driving yesterday during that crazy procession to Fort Snelling! I can't believe somebody didn't die on the way there. But I knew it wouldn't be either one of us cuz you told me (as I am grabbing the OH SHIT handle) that you were not going to crash us. I am soooo glad that Debbie came up with that great idea, cuz wow, I would've freaked. Thanks Deb, it obviously did make more sense for Jodi since she was much closer to home. And oh yeah, thanks for bringing me back to my truck. My nice hot steamy truck. Ok, well if I have forgotten anything - tough shit . Doesn't that sound like MOTHER??!!
Ok guys, I love you all. I need to go make some BLT and C's for supper. Dollar to the first person who can tell me what the C stands for.

Jamie's new toy

The Hot-dog roller

Jamie was like a kid in the candy store when we got this, we ate hot-dogs for like 5 days in a row and for snacks, I never want to eat a hot-dog again.

Directions?

So I need help... I am going to the Tatse of MN on Saturday and I need directions! I have ideas, but I am unsure of the easiest way to get there... someone help.. please!

I am going with Pat and my sister Carissa and her boyfriend Justin. It should be fun!

Brandi

Yeah okay now...

okay now, David blogged, Debbie and Richard Commented. Where are the rest of you? Did ya hear that Brett Farve might come back? some say it's a rumor, some say not... but with the Packers highering Daunte Culpeppper(Jamie and I call him Dainty Culpecker) I wouldn't blame him, he is way COOL!!!!!!!!!!! No I am not a Vikings fan, more of a Packers, Colts, and yes David a Broncos fan.

bye- bye for now.

Lots of Love
Jodi

Running Sucks

AS I am re-entering the workout lifestyle I am now remembering some things about running. I cannot run anymore, my knees really hurt and that is sad cuz I liked running. I am now relegated to the stationary bicycle, recumbent cycle at that.
I remember my senior year in high school track. Bryan had done a drawing of a guy running who had a thought bubble that said "Running Sucks". I thought it was so funny I convinced the track team to each buy a silkscreen of it on some nice bright yellow shirts. We decided to wear them to school on meet days. This went well until the administration, i.e. J. Craig Rounds got wind of it and made it his personal mission to find every track team member and make us take it off or turn it inside out. (They kinda had problems with the word "sucks" back in the '80's).
J. Craig, of course told the Beef about it and I got a nice lecture about being a leader and blah, blah, blah...
The sad part was that the admin and coaches (Beef and Fischer) actually thought we were serious and hated running. The sadder part is that they missed the irony! Every runner loves to run until about ten miles into the marathon, they then question everything, only to finish and continue on to race another day. Since I can no longer run, I am on a quest to find something new that sucks. I need some new kinda kick...Who sings that song? A buck for the first right answer.
Anyway, right now, lifting weights sucks.

WHERE OH WHERE

Hello, Hello, Hello, is there anybody out there? Just nod if you can hear me is there anyone home?
Okay seriassly now, so because you people are lame I am going to babble.
Got another letter from Ty mania, he is doing way better and sounds like he is having a great time, whew! He says his barracks are infested with Brown Recluse and Black Widows, great huh? He is also the Platoon banner flag holder guy. not sure if its the banner or the flag.
but either way it is cool! There is a guy in his platoon who is 42 and an ex-marine, who decided to re-up, also a Iraqi who emmigrated to the us and is joining the U.S. army.
Apparently 80% of the guys there are 17 and Ty says they suck because they don't listen
and they goof off, I can see him now just steaming and probably wants to kick some ass.
Jamie has been off work for a whole 3 days, he is still trying to catch up on his sleep and such.
He goes back tomorrow and were hoping that he does not get over-loaded again (wishful thinking). I have a bunch of Tomatoes growing 24 to be exact, and my Day-Lily has 32 buds
on it some have bloomed there yellow there pretty , little, yellow, different. haa haaa
yeah ya know the line for Austin Powers. Anyway I did not get much sleep lastnight
so forgive my weirdness. and no comments on that please.
So I guess that is about all for now, looking forward to Friday Mom called me lastnight
to tell me that we have to do patrol at 12:00am to 2:00am to make sure nobody is doing
anything wrong, could be interesting!

bye bye
Lots of Love Jodi

Regret

A feeling often accompanied by sadness, shame, and guilt; regret is when you wish you had done things differently in your past.

My Great Uncle Eddie

I finally got to go down and see Uncle Eddie. I rode down with Jean and Bruce. Uncle Rich was there when we got there. We all went in the room together. I had no idea what to expect. I was told that he was on all these machines and it was hard to see him unless you went around to the side of the bed where you could look at him.

Well, I did go look at him. It was weird because he did not have his teeth in, it made me giggle. His hand was cold to the touch. He had his eyes open. We were all talking to him... well me, not so much. It was hard for me to take in. His eyes closed slighty more. Aunt Jean and I were standing by his bedside and it looked as though he was crying, Jeanie thought so too.

I am happy I got to see him and see the rest of the family members that was there. I was going to go back up today with Patrick, but I read his updates and he needs his rest. I hope everyone else gets to see him as well.

Brandi

Letter from Ty

I got a letter from Ty today I will write it word for word:
Hey it is the 22nd of June, I think,(the day I called you) and I miss being
home, some stuff here is fun, but most is just boring classroom crap and getting smoked( I assume he means yelled at etc) I need stamps.
Only a few people here are cool but the rest suck, (not really) maybe I am getting weird vibes in the showers, only joking mom as you know I have two gay friends.
I miss everyone already and this place is gay and humid, and freezing cold in the morning, I want to have a cigarette, but no I can't.
The mail takes about a week to get here so don't mail anything after August 3rd. I need stamps and for letters to be sent to me.
I miss you guys alot.
Love Tyler

He is probably thinking that, hey my mom and Jamie aren't that bad.

See ya next Friday
Lots of Love Jodi

Teeth

I was as surprised as Deb when I saw Uncle Eddie the other day with all the tubes and fluids. But what really surprised me was when Mary Kay said just before we went in....he doesn't have his teeth in right now. Of course I immediately remembered when Grandpa and Grandma would make their teeth come out upon request. Or they would leave their teeth out over night, at least Grandma did when she slept at our house. I wonder if Eddie pops his teeth out for his grand kids.....I miss that...

Mom and I and Grandma used to play allot of cards.....we'd play until one in the morning sometimes.....anyone remember what we played?? Shanghi was the name of the game. I even remember we were playing the night Elvis died. I think we were playing the night HHH died also...

I guess I remember all the same things you all do about Eddie - but nothing special between him and myself. But what I admire about mom's family is how loyal and dedicated they seem to be to each other. I remember them collectively as a family that worked hard at getting together and making sure us cousins got to know each other. I told Mary Kay that I'd like to keep better in touch with the Waights.......after all we are half Waight.....right??

Rich

PS...Ann is recovering well....Adam's baseball post season continues into the next round after 3 wins in district play......the girls are simply enjoying summer.

Whose idea was this?

Zach mentioned earlier that he loved working out at the gym. He, Mandy and I have been going lately. Mandy does cardio and we get pumped with the iron....riiiiiggghhhttt. I am in pain!!! The boy is as strong as a horse...a not yet broken horse... anyway, I think I will recover and loose weight and bulk up...won't I? Please? I am sitting @ 195lbs but still run a decent mile, kinda, I would rather not Say my time, except to say that it takes me twice as long as it did in high school. Any of you know any Olsteads, Ohlsteads, Olsteds? Many goes to school with a girl with that last name whose father graduated from Anoka High in the '80's. Gotta go, talk to you soon.

Dave

Broder's excitement

WHOOOAAAAAAA!!!!!! What a great way to start dont ya think? Anyways, the Mesa Rdige drumline is going to knock over then step on the necks of any competion this year.

Secondly, i finished half of my summer reading fro honors english.

Thirdly, i love working out at the gym.

Fourly, i just had coffe.

*What A Way To Start The Day!

I turned on my coffeemaker this morning and waited impatiently for the first few inches to dribble into the pot. I then poured that into a cup and drank it in one swallow...ewww..spit, gag, choke!! I cleaned the coffemaker last night with white vinegar and I guess I didn't run enough water through it to rinse it. I still can't get the taste outta my mouth and throat. I suppose maybe if I had let the whole pot brew I would've been OK but that would've been out of character for me and my coffee. I got out my french coffee press and made some while waiting for Mr. Coffee to rinse himself out. Its on its 3rd pot of pure water now. I might try it again.....lol


Deb

*Uncle Eddie

Rich and I went to the hospital this morning to see Uncle Eddie and the family members that were there.
I don't know about Rich but I wasn't quite prepared to see all the machines, I.V. bottles, wires and tubes. Mom said he was hooked up to a lot of things but I never imagined so many. He didn't look like the uncle I know and love. It was hard for me to see him that way so I can just imagine how hard it is for Marie and his kids and his siblings. He was always so full of life and smart azz comments and I am hoping and praying he will be his old self again.
I think that we 7 kids are pretty lucky considering we still have our parents and each other. We may not see each other very much, but when we do it really makes me think of how short life really is.
I hope each and every one of you goes to the Caring Bridge to read about Eddie and what is happening with him. MaryKay has been updating the site when she isn't falling asleep at the computer. Marie is doing well and was happy to see us. Uncle John and I discussed how much we miss the holiday get togethers with the whole family and all the fun and games. Granted, there may have been a few rough spots between different relatives having gripes with one another but I guess that is all a part of family and life. Uncle Eddie will be 75 in July and if all goes well, there will be a party for him.
Love ya's
Deb

*Update on Uncle Eddie

I just sent all of you an email and as soon as I sent it, Mom called. Uncle Eddie made it through the surgery today. 5 stints (sp?) were placed in his heart. His heart will be good for now and they are hoping that his kidneys and everything else will keep working. I don't know exactly all that is wrong...some of you have already talked to mom and you can check this site for more updates...
www.caringbridge.org/visit/eddiewaight

Ron was able to see him last night and he told me Eddie did not look good at all. He is not concious at this time.
Love,
Deb

Jessie is moved

Jess is now out on her own. She has bought a dog and named it Hugo. Hugo is a Blue Healer/ Aussie Cattle dog mix. He is squat and strong. Zach and I had to move the rest of her heavy stuff out when we got home from camping and we continue to find little reminders of Jess that we put into a box for her. She is doing good and really is taking to being on her own.
Mandy is just about all moved into Jessie's old room and Zach is helping her move because he knows that the sooner Mandy is moved he gets to move into her old room.
So goes the moving.

Ty's address re-done

So I guess the address that the Fort gave me when I called is different
than the one Ty gave me today when he called, It is the same address
just written different, he said that anything will get to him but for now
on to address it this way. Hopefully this will be the last time it changes.
He was in a hurry and I could not hear him very well.

PFC Weston Tyler K.
Echo Company 3-34
Inf. Reg. 2nd Platoon
Fort Jackson SC 29207

mighyt mighty bosstones

I found the coolest Ska/jazz/reggae/punk band ever, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones.


Zach

brain food

laughter is but the language of children

*Saturday after OCB

I'm looking forward to Saturday after OCB!! I wish Dave and Kris and the kids could be here too!! We'll just have to plan it again for when they do come to visit!
I was going to make a ladder ball game but with the instructions I had from the net, it was more expensive to make it. I went to Menards and bought one for 15.00. The balls are softer than golfballs which is a good thing since small kids will be around. I think there will also be Bocce Ball. I wanted to get a badminton set but I didn't...waaaa
Here is the list of people coming for sure:

Me and my best friend, Donny (my fishing buddy)

Ron, Tia and Joey

Brandi and Pat

Jodi

Kale

Jeanie and Bruce

Keith, Danielle, Gage & Jayden

I bought a watermelon, chips and dips, pepsi and sierra mist. I'll make a big ole jug of kool-aid for the kidlets. If you would like something on the alcohol line, please B.Y.O.B. There are some toys here as well as bottles of bubbles and big chalk for the kids....and the BIG kids...lol.

I'm really excited about Ron, Tia and Joey being able to meet my grand kids and my future daughter in-law, Danielle!! Hopefully the weather will be as nice as it has been the past few days!

Love ya's

Deb

*Friday Funny

An Amish farmer, walking through his field, notices a man kneeling down drinking from his farm pond. The Amish farmer shouts, "Trink das wasser nicht. Die kuhen haben dahin gesheissen." (Which means, "Don't drink the water, the cows have crapped in it.")
The kneeling man shouts back, "I'm Muslim, I don't understand you. I speak Arabic and English. If you can't speak in the sacred tongue of Islam, infidel, speak in English."

The Amish farmer replies, "Use two hands, you'll get more."

Deb

What do you know?

At work my boss quizzed me on ten questions on men's health. I did really well, I think I only got two wrong. Lets see how you can do... I will post the answers after everyone has a chance to answer or see this blog.

*Brandi Lyn*

There are ten question. They are either True or False.

1. A man's exposure to substances in the workplace can affect his ability to have healthy children.

2. Adults should get at least 15 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most days of the week.

3. Males are more likely than women to die from injury in the workplace.

4. People do not need to get vaccinations after age 21.

5. Men are more likely than women to attempt suicide.

6. Male high school students are more likely than female students to never wear seat belts.

7. More men die from prostate cancer than from any other type of cancer.

8. Having gonorrhea can increase your risk for getting HIV.

9. Cancer is the leading cause of death in men.

10. Males are more likely than females to sustain a traumatic brain injury.

Ty's address

here is the address and how you must address it:

Pvt Tyler Weston
E Company 3rd Battalion
3/34 Infantry Regiment
Ft. Jackson S.C. 29207

The web address for basic is: http://www.jackson.army.mil/
if you go on you can click on the 165th Infantry Brigade then scroll down
to the 3rd BN, 34th Inf. reg. that is him.

For those who didn't know , which I think is everyone, Tyler is an E-3,
Private first class which means he went into basic with a higher pay, alot of
kids usually just go in as Private E-1 or E-2.
What is funny is that some of his higher ups here in MN have the same rank as Tyler
I don't know about S.C., I doubt it though.

I better get back to work now

Love Jodi

*The Birds~ 'Revisited'

I was pretty vigilant when it came to making sure the robins didn't build a nest under my deck again.....well....I guess they were fast and sneaky because I found the nest in the usual spot with 3 eggs in it. The eggs are now hatched...3 babies. A few days ago I heard loud chirping and it sounded rather panicked. I went to see what the commotion was and there on the ground was one of the babies. They aren't fledglings yet so I knew it had fallen out. I got some gloves, picked it up which caused it to squawk even louder. The parents were on super alert now! I tried to put it back in the nest only to have it push off with its feet and hit the ground again...squawking is much louder now and the parents are coming under the deck trying to get me! I made a quick retreat into the house and called Keith. I needed someone to scare off the parents while I put baby back...he was busy playing poker. I went back onto my deck and the parents freaked at me!! They even called in back-ups! There now was a total of 5 adult robins. Every time I got near my deck door or my window they went wild. It was really noisy lol. By this time the baby managed to work its way farther away from where it had fallen and the parents were hopping from spot to spot yelling at me. I was too afraid to go back out coz I kept thinking about Alfred Hitchcock's movie 'The Birds'. Five robins was a bit more than I was willing to take on. They didn't get quiet until dark. I was having a hard time sleeping and woke at 1:30 AM....I got my flashlight and went outside but I couldn't find the baby. I thought a cat had gotten it. The next morn I looked out the window and there was the baby...about 10 yards from where it had started. Still in my pj's I once again put my gloves on and went to rescue the run away. The first thing it did was open its mouth to eat lol. My mission was accomplished, mostly coz I took em by surprise...I guess mom and dad hadn't had their coffee yet coz they never made a sound from their watch towers when I returned the baby. All is well..baby is fine, mom and dad are happy and I was able to go back into my yard without being dived at! For a while I thought I was going to have to play mom to the baby robin. Ewww...i don't think I could eat worms and then regurgitate them! Thinking about it does make me gag though....hehehehe
Deb

I wish for boring

Life is far from boring.....but yes very busy. It's easy to figure out who still has young kids at home just by seeing who blogs and how much. Is there a faster way to log in?

Anyway, Deb was over because Ann had to be at the hospital by 7 the other day. She had breast reduction surgery. She has had back/neck muscle problems since her "girls" grew during pregnancies. She went down to a "C cup." She is home and doing well. There is pain but she has meds. I have to do all the driving, lifting, reaching, carrying, washing, serving, etc....I'm trying to think of a surgical procedure for myself just to get a rest this summer....kidding!

Insurance covered her reduction because she really did have health and quality of life issues by being as large as she was....G cup I think.

I'd love to say more, but it is midnight and I can't keep my eyes open - Sorry Dave....busy wins over boring, but I'll try harder.

Rich

Colorado Camping

Hey fam!

We have been camping in the Colorado wilderness for the last week. It was awesome! I posted some pic's at photo bucket. We had a great time. Only Kris, Zach and I were able to go. Jessie was in the middle of moving out and Mandy has such the social schedule that she was unable to make it. Actually Mandy is the captain of color guard and was at practice and fundraisers.

We hiked, camped, hiked some more, ate and slept. We hiked near Collegiate Peaks (Princeton, Yale and Columbia), and visited Cottonwood Pass. We were still climbing snowbanks to get to our destination, a mountain lake. We also visited Poplar Gulch Trail head and were near St. Elmo. All of this was just a few miles from Buena Vista.

I also gave some first time bikers a ride over Cottonwood Pass. We passed their fellow bikers on the way. Fellow bikers were less than happy. Rich did some biking in Colorado like 30 yrs ago. I would NOT bike Colorado. Imagine a fully laden bike in first gear, peddling so fast that your legs look like a blur and you are moving so slow that you almost fall over. I watched a woman do this! When I picked her and boyfriend up I found out it was her first trip...ever. She was dying but enjoying it all the same...sick.

Why is only half the family posting? Are your lives that boring or that busy?
Anyway, check out the photos. Look for Colorado Camping on the left hand side of site, they are in a separate album.
Later,
Dave

just somethings

Danielle called me today, Keith's fiance, she called me to tell me that Jayden, my adorable niece threw away her nuks last night. I guess Keith had cut them and Jayden did not like that, so she threw them away. That is cute. I got her to sleep without her nuk months ago. She will be 3 in September. I am happy she got rid of her nuks!!

I hope everyone is doing well. I have been busy working at my two jobs and bowling on my two leagues. I bowl Wednesdays at Classic bowl on this PBA league. The oil pattern changed every two weeks. Sundays I bowl with Pat (my boyfriend) Matt (his brother) and Bob (their dad). It is a fun league. We get a free pizza and afree pitcher of pop or beer.

Brandi

*Just some stuff

My day started way different than normal....I was at Rich and Ann's house a little before 6 this morn. I told Rich it was the first time in years that I hadn't had my coffee before driving in the morning. I drank the pot he left for me :)
Adam was the first one out of bed, then a bit later along came Ava, and finally (Ava's word) Ali got up. Ava wanted to have breakfast with her sister especially since Ali made waffles.
Ali said Rich has eating his waffles down to a science! Into each little hole goes a chocolate chip, then some syrup and then another waffle on top. I guess he eats them 'square by square' ~snicker~ I did watch as the girls did the same thing with the choc chips but they cut and tore into their waffles...lol.
Adam stuck with cereal and juice. They were folding laundry when I left. It was fun to spend that time with them, watching how they are together etc. I had a few chuckles.
Jayden and I played in some mud for a bit yesterday, planted seeds, blew bubbles and colored on the sidewalk with big chalk. She drew on my clothes and on her face, my car, the big rocks...oh it was a colorful sight to see. She tasted the chalk with her tongue and caught bubbles in her mouth. Sometimes when she missed it in the air she'd get down to the ground and eat it....funnny kid! Between dirt, bubble solution and colored chalk I am sure she left a ring around the bathroom!
Deb

Nobody is posting

So yeah, what is up with all of you? Do you not have anything to say? Well I do.
Tyler has called me and gets shipped to his Basic training unit today (I will not have the address until this weekend ) he is glad the reception part of the camp is over, he said he got shots, went to the dentist, seen the foot doctor etc...etc... He will not be able to call home for 21 days :( Which for me it helps because everytime I have talked to him it makes me sad due to the fact that he is a little sad cuz he misses me and Jamie. Hopefully his days will be filled so he doesn't have time to think about it, I ecspecially hope he doesn't when he has to throw the live grenade cuz well that could be bad. My house is way quiet with Tyler gone and with Jamie working his 12 hour days. I am starting to think I have too much time to think (did that make sense) and then I call everyone almost on a daily basis (are you sick of me yet) I would be. I get bored but see that as a good thing cuz usually I am doing this or that and do not ever really relax, lastnight I went to bed at 9:30 weird!!! got up at 7:00, I have not had that much sleep for years.

Okay I think I am done for now

bye- bye

Jodi

Who The

Okay who took of Debbie's blog? Cuz it ain't on my computer anymore.
That was not nice.
Jodi

I'm Baa-aackk.....

Hi,
It's me, you know.. Jeanie. So--- I have been reading these blogs and these responses and I am ... well.... responding.
Dave, I cracked up when you said you should put a GPS on Mandy's car; I soooo cannot imagine her driving, much less needing a GPS. Welcome to Dad's world when I had a crush on every fricken guy on the cross country team. Oh my gosh, I remember at your graduation party when Dad just showed up and was pissed because Joda and I were in the garage with you and your buddies. Of course back then, I was in LOVE with Dana Gibson. And all the rest of them.
(this was the party Mom had just for your friends... you were the only one in the family who had TWO graduation parties!!) AAAnnywayyyy.. I'm sure Jess will do just fine on her own... funny that she is getting a puppy though... evidently she has NO CLUE how much work they are. Oh my gosh, I used to call Bruno at work --- crying because Jackson was just a pain in the ass. He was always pissing off our older dog Lexi. (we got her from Pre-Beef, or Little Beef, whatever it was you guys called Craig Johnson) When he died, I went over to their house and lonnnnng story short, we have adopted Lexi. Best thing (animal) that ever happened to me. Oh yeah, besides Bruno. Seriously you guys, sometimes he is an animal. Too much information?? Oh well, must of you know that's how I am. HEE HEE Anyway, she will be fine.

Which brings me to Ty. Joda, you have done a WONDERFUL job with him. Of course, I take some credit, c'monnnn.... I am your older sissy!! KIDDIN. Tyler is going to do so well. He is such a friendly young man, he will meet people and make friends and get through this, time flies. In no time, he will be home and you will think: what the heck??!!! Where did the summer go? I am so clueless to what goes on in bootcamp, but if he gets any computer time (I know, stop laughing everybody!) you should have him go on here and blog for us. I know, know, he probably can't.. and that'w why I said to stop laughing at me.

Ok, so to the rest of you bums "whom" (or is it "who") I did not mention: LOVE YOU ALL.

If anybody ever wants to come watch some GOOD, COMPETITIVE MENS CLASS D SOFTBALL give me a call. Bruno's team missed going to the Worlds Tournament by ONE FLIPPEN GAME. But they still have plenty of chances; they made it two years ago. If you want to see my hubby passionate about something else beside me... come watch his team. :)
He is a GREAT manager. Just ask Mom and Don.

Ok, I really need to go to bed. Some of us have to work tomorrow. Holy crap, Joda, Rich, Ann Marie, Ron, Tia, Debbie and who knows who else don't have to work tomorrow. I need a job at a school. Does anybody need a Lunch Lady?

Love Nie
(if you remember, that's what Katie used to call me.. about the same time David was teaching her to bash her doll on Mom's cupboard... the one she kept all the baking shit in.)


Ok ba bye now.

Guess who.

Thanks

We all wanted to thank-you for coming on Sat. It meant a great deal to
Tyler as well and Jamie and I. Tyler I can tell is a little sad cuz he keeps talking about missing certain friends. He hasn't said anything about missing me or Jamie what is his problem?? JK! So now the night before he leaves I am at home Tyler is at his dad's and Jamie is still working and pretty much probably not liking life too much. I wish I could have talked more than I did to all of you (except Debbie) she gets why I say that so just never mind, but ya know the hostess thing, and Jamie rocked being the food server guy. I will be doing this again next year after he graduates so don't make any plans. Yes I know I am a smart-ass.
somebody's gotta be. And yes I take back calling Richard and Jimmy butt-heads cuz they didn't reply right away, sorry!!! I am pretty much free this summer from doing the Tyler thing and I was busy, so I now truly understand what it is like to have more than one kid, that is why some of you have gray hair.
gotta go now (quit calling me names)
Lots of Love from all of us.