Revelation

I realize that I don't finish anything I start. I have so many ideas and they never get to the point of fruition! I found a blog today that did make me feel better about "my problem" though.




Just a bit of the blog that struck me:




Part of the time it's just due to having good intentions and lacking the resources or talent necessary to finish. Rather than do a poor job and admit defeat, I'd rather just allow the project to collect dust. Rather than admit I will never have the money, I prefer to keep hoping.




I do believe this. I do believe I have several assets, I am creative and I have many ideas (too many), I just lack the funds and possibly time to make it all happen. For instance; being a clown, making balloon animals, creating greeting cards, cake decorating, party planning, painting the shed like the seven dwarfs house, painting rolling waves on my bathroom wall, making a redwood arbor to cover our BBQ and then planting wysteria to grow over it, painting my patio floor, hanging curtains on the patio to create a gazebo spa effect, tearing down the small fence in the front yard and then using that wood to create a fence for the garden, Oh, and plant a garden, create and build a studio in the garage.... Now, these are all fun things to do, right?. Well, I think so!




I do finish things sometimes, like.......uh oh!..........planting flowers in the front yard, cleaning out the junk drawer, going through my closet and getting the fat clothes out for Goodwill, sorting socks, looking for a new cowgirl shirt (too expensive to buy), buying a "love glove" (not what you think) to take the cat and dog hair off the animals!!! Oh geez, these are so boring but it is my life.




Today, I set my sites on writing a book. Can you believe that? Well, I Googled "How to write a Book" and it was all over after that. I chose the topic of "How to Write a Book in 60 days" , clicked on the site it said; "Oops, the link appears to be broken!".



There you have it and me in a nut shell!

The Boulders trip

The practices for the annual Boulders trip for the Rose's Annual Family Reunion started late this year. We had many additions to the band, including two new singers and a new guitar player; Craig, Sonnie and Marty respectively. The first meeting went well with establishing our new songs and thanks to Ron, creating a spreadsheet to follow along.

The first practice was not so good....It's difficult to get so many personalities together, especially musicians. Trust me, I live with one and when the guitar goes on the shoulder they turn into a different person.

Well, me, Mike and the kids arrived at the campsite on Thursday. It was exciting to get "Dori" (the trailer) hooked up and loaded with goodies. That night we BBQ'd some Oysters for Steve and Donna. Sam and Spencer enjoyed the river to themselves and seemed to be having a good time. It was peaceful and we looked forward to the festivities ahead.

Friday the rest of our band members arrived and it was blazing hot. We did our best to keep cool by swimming in the river and drinking plenty of water, and whatever else we could get our hands on! That night the band got together for a trial run! Well, it was awesome. The band was having fun and so were the guests that had arrived that day. Donna and Steve were excited and so were we.

Saturday came and after the breakfast was done, we were ready to start the party! Mike and I went to the river with all the other family members and friends. We had Mojitos, Margaritas and lots of laughs...until I heard Mike say "Oh, that's broken!" "Yah, that's broken!". I turned to find him holding up his arm, it was contorted in a way that let you know what was happening without saying a word. Within minutes we were out of the water and looking for something. Thinking back now, I remember looking around but for the life of me I can't remember what I was looking for, it could have been shoes, a towel, or our stuff. Anyway, just at that moment Craig flew out of the water and was at Mike's side. He instructed us that Mike would be going into shock and not to panic. We don't remember walking up the hill to the car, we don't remember Craig putting on the sling (we think it was made from the lining of his swimsuit) and packing Mike in ice. The only thing Mike did remember was the Vicodin that Sonnie handed him. I had retrieved dry clean clothes for myself, but somehow forgot Mike's. I also took off my sandals.

My Mom drove (in her bathing suit) and we arrived at the Sutter Hospital emergency room, after passing it and making a U-turn. From that moment on you would never have imagined that an experience like this would be a God send, but it was. The hospital emergency room was practically empty. We were in a room within a half hour. I sent my Mom back to camp to watch after the kids, I also didn't want her to have to hang out in her bathing suit. All was quiet and calm. The nurse gave Mike some dry clothes; a t-shirt which I believe may have been left over from the Sutter Hospital employee BBQ and cut off sweat shorts. Mike was warm and comfortable. Oh, I didn't have any shoes and my feet and pretty red toenails were disgusting! You see what us girls worry!

The report came in after the x-ray....Well, let's keep in mind that I kept telling myself that it's just dislocated. It's not going to be that bad and we can go back to camp with a cast and enjoy the night and the music together. Me and my big ears and knack for being nosey led me to listen in on the conversations of the Nurse and Nurse Practitioner. I still didn't want to believe what they were saying but I finally realized that we weren't going back to camp! For some reason, I still felt a sense of peace. It's weird! So within a few hours of arriving at the hospital, the decision was made to have surgery the next morning. Mike was given a room upstairs and within ten minutes, he had a hot meal delivered to his bedside. I need to also mention that his nurses name was Sandi Miller!!!!! Mom came to pick me up and I was faced with packing up the camp, the kids and heading down to the hospital the next morning. It was tough but I did it. Oh, let's not even mention the drama going on within the camp! It was a tearful, stressful time at the camp and I couldn't wait to get the surgery over with, get my kids and Mike home safe and sound.

The surgery day arrived and I was up all night and finally got up at around 5:00am and began to pack. Mom got up and helped and then around 7:00am, I had the kids get up and eat. We had to leave "Dori" (the trailer) and Mike's truck along with the camping gear, whaaa! We arrived at the hospital just in time for Mike to be wheeled into surgery, the kids, my Mom and I kissed him and told him we loved him. Thank the Lord for my Mom who drove the kids home while I waited for Mike. Now, let's talk about this hospital, the doctor and the waiting room...... I was sent to wait in a room that resembled a hotel lobby. The lights were dimly lit, soft music was playing, the chairs were leather and I was alone. It was quiet and soothing. I decided to make the necessary phone calls; my best friend, Mike's family and Mike's work, in that order. As I was on the phone, Mike's surgeon appeared from one the doors marked "authorized personnel" to let me know to set my internal clock at an hour and a half from now, he was starting the surgery. Okay, he could have sent a nurse, or an underling to let me know this but he came to tell me himself.. Wow, I was impressed and I felt special. The surgery went as scheduled, I was escorted to the recovery room by the doctor HIMSELF, where Mike was alone with his recovery room nurse. Special treatment I'd say! The recovery room nurse was awesome and very interesting. We talked about her upcoming trip to Alaska on a Caravan. The Caravan has a leader and schedules and side trips you sign up for like; Salmon fishing and stuff. She told me about the time she was faced with a Grizzly Bear! Now all the while we were talking I kept looking at Mike, he wasn't breathing!! Crap! So I would go over and say "Mike, breathe!! Finally, he woke up enough to know where he was and to go the bathroom. But, little did he know he had already gone in his drawers! They didn't give him a catheter during surgery and he was still wearing his Sutter Hospital T-shirt and shorts!!! Funny!

We are home now and faced with eight weeks off of work. Mike doesn't know what to do with himself. He can't play the guitar to write music, he doesn't want to drink and he can't use his right arm! For now, he will have to learn that there are other things in life that are fun. Hey, like weeding and watering, like laundry and cleaning the toilet. All these things you can do with one hand, right? I have hope for him!

Please give him a call and let him know you are thinking of him!

Christmas Time is Here

The Holidays are only a few days away now. The last minute shopping will happen this weekend. The schedules, post-its and shopping advertisements cover the counter tops! The chocolate chips and sugar cookie decorations are ready and waiting. This year we have had many blessings!

The biggest is of course our new home. A place to hang our hats! Most of you have been to our house and know that it is perfect for us. It's warm and cozy and just the right size for our little family. Well, the pets are another thing! We realize though how fortunate we are to have this place, to have each other. I'll have to admit that the holidays have come really fast this year. We all say that every year, but it feels like it now.

The great delight is that I have the week of Christmas and the week after as a work holiday. I only had to take two days vacation and that is SWEET! Mike will also have the two weeks off but it is because he get laid off work during that time. Not to worry though, we will be okay because of his vacation and holiday pay. Our Family Christmas will be at UJ's this year. I like that idea because now Mike and I and the others who have helped over the years, don't have to work! Mom won't have to bring her Nutcrackers, Garland and table cloths either. We can now walk in, take our seat, eat and order a glass of wine and play games. Sam is looking forward to showing off her new Christmas outfit and Jennifer Aniston hair! It's all about the dress and hair!! I learned this after Pig Skin. Well, of course Mom (Sandy) hasn't bought anything for herself to wear this year. It may be that I am too fat now. Which sucks because I can't ever remember being fat, only when I had Sam but that doesn't count.Mike, Randy, Ron and I will be performing Christmas carols at Emanuel Lutheran on Christmas Eve.

It felt really good to be back at Church but we still miss Pastor Bill. Our practice went really well, after a few outbursts from Mike but not too bad. I thought my voice held up pretty good after a year of not using the singing vocals chords!! If you want to come and share the moment on this joyous occasions, please feel free.

Well, we are looking forward to a peaceful new year! We pray for our children and families. We pray we always keep God close to our hearts! We pray for our troops and our President that our future may be brighter, One Nation, Under God.Peace to all and many blessings,Our love to you at Christmas, Mike, Sandy, Samantha and Jaden

Winter is Here

Time sure flys by during the holiday season and comes to a screeching halt in the Winter. Oh, the cold and the wet. Don't get me started on daylight savings time, when you go to work in the dark and go home in the dark. I guess that is why God gave us Spring, to make us forget the cold, the rain and the snow. Springs just happens to be my favorite season. The smells, the bugs, the colors that are all the glorious testiment to God's creations.

Well, back to the winter festivities.The big news is that Samantha turned 16 in January. Now, she loves the cold and the snow. Infact, I took her and three of her friends to a cabin in Arnold, California. They partied on and played in the snow for hours. It was a really fun weekend. To top it off for me, my bestest buddy, Trisha, came to help and enjoy the beautiful sites. The weekend was too short but filled with many memories for Sam.The sledding was so fun to watch and they had a blast...The party continued at the cabin with Sam's favorite meal of Polska Kelbasa, Mashed Potatoes and Corn. The girls made the cake and everyone signed it.

Back at Home - Mike and I are loving the new house and enjoying the weekend projects. However, I'm still training my musician husband on how to use a drill (my Christmas gift this year). He'll get there but we'll have to see how many stripped screws and chewed up walls it will take before we can feel safe with him and a power tool in the house.

Update on my Dad - He is recovering so well! I'm sure it has to do with the loving hands of his beautiful nurse and my Mother!!! Life seems to be getting back to normal for them and it feels so comforting to know that. I'll have to tell you that my Dad asked me to give him a haircut! Can you believe it? I was so scared because if you know my Dad, his hair has been the same style since he was born. To top it off, he wanted a mirror to look in while I was working. Whew! I made it through and he didn't look to bad but to tell you the truth I didn't want to cut off much. My Mom kept telling me, just cut it! It will be fine! Eghads!!

Time to get back to life..I will write again soon and let you know how the projects are going. Next up, making a platform bed and vanity for Samantha's room. Wish us luck. Until then, God Bless!!