THE RICHTERS

Will Turns 9!!

2011-06-26T21:49:00.006-04:00

Since Will's birthday is on a Sunday this year we did not go all out on a party yet. We will do that later in the week. So after church we waited until after lunch and then Will got to open his gifts.

First gift was from Madi. A Cleveland Indians Blanket.
He loves it! We then told him that was it and he was looking quite sad!!
Well we grabbed more gifts to present to him. Next was a Harry Potter lego book, also from his sister.
Look I have proof they really do like eachother!!
More opening!!
Ah Pokemon cards
His BEAR book for scouts.
And to the favorites!!
BEY BLADES!!!
And then what we all have been waiting for!!!

Or Wii has been broken for I don't even know over a year. So finally we got a new one.

CFTV #8

2011-06-25T00:36:00.002-04:00

Today Madi and I ran down to Findlay. We had to get a gift for Will for his birthday! So on the way home Madi see a sign for Napoleon, Ohio.

Madi: Napoleon?

Madi: Like Napoleon Dynamite.

Me: Sure.

Madi: Wasn't he like some famous French guy?

Me: While trying to hold back the tears from laughter and saying on the road, No that is Napoleon Bonaparte.

Madi: With a big ol grin, Oh yea! So who is Napoleon Dynamite?

Me: It was a movie.

Madi: Oh yea! She starts laughing at herself.

It was great!!!!

Will wants to give a talk

2011-04-11T12:16:00.003-04:00

On our way home from Church on Sunday, Will informed me he wanted to give a talk in Primary next Sunday. No, not that he was asked to give a talk but he just wanted to.

He even came home and wrote it. All by himself. Got out the paper and pencil and wrote it. He didn't even want his normal chips and salsa after church meal. It was very unusual for him. I am really happy because this morning I did not want to even go to church. Actually had the perfect opportunity to stay home. We went to pick up someone for the missionaries and on the way Will informed me the pants he put on were the ones with a hole in them. So we got the lovely lady to church at 10:05 and then had to drive home to get Will some other pants (of course jeans) and get his shoes back on (always a chore!!) and then back to church. Really why not just stay home I didn't want to go so why go 25 min. late. Because of this:

My Talk on Jesus Christ

When I do something good, like cleaning my room, I look at the picture of Jesus and he smiles. When I do something bad, like not doing my chores when asked, I look at the picture of Jesus and He frowns. But you can always repent by praying for forgiveness on Sunday.

There really is something special in that kid. I love when he shines!!!

Madison's Birthday

2011-04-03T12:40:00.008-04:00

Madi wanted to go to Olive Garden for her Birthday. We met Grandma Richter at the restaurant. Madi loves her Grandma's. She gets a little spoiled from them.

Madison asked for chocolate covered strawberries for her birthday treat. The class loved them. They were double dipped with white and milk chocolate. Some in her class have allergies so I bring in just cut up berries and whip cream.

Playing Catch-up

2011-04-03T12:31:00.003-04:00

So I totally neglected this blog for far to long. A post here and there for the last year. Sp today I am going to try to update from photos I have taken, both on my camera and on my phone. Life has happened even if I don't write about it! Hopefully I can keep up and write down my thoughts and feelings a little better in the future.

After a while I will put them in the date they need to go but for now just getting them down for posterity!!!!

F.H.E. WORK

2011-02-21T22:45:00.002-05:00

So today was a good day. It took us until later in the day to start, but we got a lot of great work done today. The kids were great and worked really hard to get stuff done.

So, for Scouts/Faith in God, Will had to do a Family Home Evening. I have been really worried about him and his attitude lately. It seemed like any time I turned around he was throwing a fit and wanting something. So I helped him prepare a lesson on work. I found a great blog and they had a great lesson! Family Home Evenings to go!

It was a lot of fun. We talked about the chores we already had in place and talked about ways to help out and earn some extra money. I found a great way to keep track of their chores and how much to pay them with out having to give them money all the time. It also has a way to help them understand savings and tithing. I really am thinking this is going to be a good change!
Kids check book register

So here's to getting the house picked up and maybe someone others will help!!°Ü°

2011-02-07T22:05:00.001-05:00

Today is a good day!
~~Tiffany~~

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T22:34:00.002-04:00

Mike has a tradition on Memorial day to take the kids downtown to the courthouse. Today Madi was to tired so just Will and Mike road there bikes down. Little does Madi know that Mike took Will to Panera Bread to continue with the tradition.

So today a tv station aired a story about some family of mine. My step cousin (My grandma married her grandpa, but we have known each other since we were like 5 or something) is in the military. Her husband also is in the military. They are both deployed right now. Her aunt has taken in her kids and they did a great story on them.

There is an article from Military.com about her husband and some of the things he has been doing.

http://www.military.com/news/article/despite-doubts-troops-save-afghan-boy.html?wh=wh

Testimony of the Book of Mormon

2010-05-03T12:19:00.000-04:00

Madi at the Talent Show

2010-03-22T16:59:00.001-04:00

Madi tried out for the Talent Show and made it! She was so excited! Her Piano teacher came and they played together. She did a really good job.

A New Excercise Adventure

2010-03-01T22:30:00.004-05:00

So March is my birthday month. And this year I knew I was ready for a change. I want to improve my life and I know that it won't happen over night (no matter how much I would like for that to happen)! So I made a commitment to myself that March was the month to make the resolutions to take the time for ME and try to improve those things that I feel need improvement. So I was looking a book I bought a while back and realized that it has 31 chapters and at the end of each chapter is a exercise to work on.

I was like oh I can do that through the month of March!! Yea. So upon reading the introduction, sure enough that is exactly what she suggests!! And as some of you may know I love Emily Watts!! She is and has been such an inspiration to me.

So today I started my journey this month. You can read about it here if you would like. Now to be fair to the author I will only have the chapter title. I will work on the suggested exercise at the end of the chapter and writing my thoughts. I suggest you go and get this book! Or any of the many Emily Watts books! Really go get one they are that good!!

Look who is being all crafty!!

2010-02-14T13:33:00.006-05:00

So it is valentines day! Happy Valentines Day to you!! Over the last couple of days we have been in full valentines day mode. Madi had found these cute crafts to make at Michael's Crafts and Gifts. She was really excited about making them for her class mates. She also wanted to do regular valentines day cards as well. Good thing we had two days off of school so she could get them all done!!

For the kids teachers I found this idea from Martha Stewart. It was for Christmas cards so I just adapted it for Valentines Day. The Teachers loved them. There are 24 kids in each of their classes so I put 24 clothes pins on.

Two years ago we made Paint can Valentine holders and Madi loved hers. It was getting to be all beat up and she wanted a new one. So Here is Madi's!And Here is Will's
I was at Will's party so I walked down to see Madi and her teacher had already hung her wreath. I guess the kids were really excited to place there card on the wreath. Doesn't it look great!!

On Saturday the kids have basketball games. We were in charge of Will's treat. So I found this
project. We made them for Will's teammates and Madi's. I had so much fun making them we decided to make them for their Sunday primary classmates too. It was fun watching all the kids "rock" out to them!!
Breakfast was fun today. Mike made Pink milk! (can't rellay tell but it is pink and strawberry! YUM!)

I made Toast and eggs. It was fun! I thought it was a cute idea!
I even had fun with the sausage! At church today we had a speaker talk about love and how appropriate it was that the theme this week was love. He told the story of St. Valentine. I think I found the story that he read.

St. Valentine's Story

Let me introduce myself. My name is Valentine. I lived in Rome during the third century. That was long, long ago! At that time, Rome was ruled by an emperor named Claudius. I didn't like Emperor Claudius, and I wasn't the only one! A lot of people shared my feelings.

Claudius wanted to have a big army. He expected men to volunteer to join. Many men just did not want to fight in wars. They did not want to leave their wives and families. As you might have guessed, not many men signed up. This made Claudius furious. So what happened? He had a crazy idea. He thought that if men were not married, they would not mind joining the army. So Claudius decided not to allow any more marriages. Young people thought his new law was cruel. I thought it was preposterous! I certainly wasn't going to support that law!

Did I mention that I was a priest? One of my favourite activities was to marry couples. Even after Emperor Claudius passed his law, I kept on performing marriage ceremonies -- secretly, of course. It was really quite exciting. Imagine a small candlelit room with only the bride and groom and myself. We would whisper the words of the ceremony, listening all the while for the steps of soldiers.

One night, we did hear footsteps. It was scary! Thank goodness the couple I was marrying escaped in time. I was caught. (Not quite as light on my feet as I used to be, I guess.) I was thrown in jail and told that my punishment was death.

I tried to stay cheerful. And do you know what? Wonderful things happened. Many young people came to the jail to visit me. They threw flowers and notes up to my window. They wanted me to know that they, too, believed in love.

One of these young people was the daughter of the prison guard. Her father allowed her to visit me in the cell. Sometimes we would sit and talk for hours. She helped me to keep my spirits up. She agreed that I did the right thing by ignoring the Emperor and going ahead with the secret marriages. On the day I was to die, I left my friend a little note thanking her for her friendship and loyalty. I signed it, "Love from your Valentine."

I believe that note started the custom of exchanging love messages on Valentine's Day. It was written on the day I died, February 14, 269 A.D. Now, every year on this day, people remember. But most importantly, they think about love and friendship. And when they think of Emperor Claudius, they remember how he tried to stand in the way of love, and they laugh -- because they know that love can't be beaten!

Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!!

BEEP!

2010-01-26T22:26:00.002-05:00

Last night I went upstairs to go up to bed. I checked in Will's room but he was not there. So I went into my room and there he was in the middle of the bed. Well, I come over and rip off the sheets. Will sits up and looks around startled. Then looks right at me with the biggest cheesy grin and eyes squinting and says "BEEP" Looks around again eyes closed this time and says "BEEP". Then he lays down and pulls the cover over him. I was so shocked and then I started to laugh. Then I just decided to leave him there and go to sleep. Well after a few minutes Mike starts it. "Beep" Then for the next few minutes all we could do is laugh and Beep! So Beep!!!!

Conversations from the Van #7

2010-01-26T21:33:00.002-05:00

So we were on our way to dinner and the kids were talking to each other about their old principal, Mr. Keller and their new principal, Dr. Fether. Then Madi says, "Did you know Sister Keller is a Dr. now?" (in our church we call each other brother and sister. In our ward there is a wonderful lady, Sister Keller, and the kids love her!) I said: "Well she has been a Dr. for a long time now." And this is the following conversation!

Will: Is Dr. Keller married to Mr. Keller?
Me: No Dr. Keller is not married, she has never been married.
Will: Why has she never been married?
Me: She never found Mr. Right.
Will: Well that's Daddy!!!!
As we pull into a parking space and the laughter dies down.

Will: And in a few years, I will be Mr. Right!

There really are Angels Among Us

2010-01-12T08:14:00.006-05:00

Yesterday on the way home from school Will was hit by a van. He stepped out onto Sandridge and the van hit him head on. He was thrown to the ground on a snow bank sitting up on his butt. His shoes were knocked off of him. Apparently the van had some damage, kind of looked like it hit a telephone poll. When I got to him he was surrounded by some kind people. The Grandmother of one of Madi's class mates was holding my and covered his legs with a blanket to keep him warm. Her son called 911 and waited at the scene as well. The police and ambulance showed up quickly and kept him calm and reassured. Madi was very shook up and crying. Kirsty Sayer my neighbor and friend took her for me and went to get my coat. I got into the ambulance with Will who was being so brave. When we got to the hospital he was taken care of by several nurses. They kept him on the board and in the neck brace as a precaution. Kirsty came by with my purse and Madi. She took Madi to the Lakes so she could have fun with some kids to try to keep her mind off of all that was going on. She was still upset and concerned for her brother. While we were alone he finally broke down and cried. His first question was, "Are they going to cut me open?" With a quivering lip he was trying hard to hold back tears. I said no you are going to be fine. A few minutes later again tears rolling done his cheeks he asked, "Am I going to die?" I lost it, I said no no no no you are fine they just want to take some pictures so they know that you are ok. He then asked if we could say a prayer. I said the prayer and reassured him that when daddy got there he could give him a blessing. The doctor came in and took him off the board but left the neck brace on. He then ordered a CT scan to make sure that his liver was ok. Mike then came in and gave Will a blessing. He seamed to be reassured and less scared. Kirsty and Aaron showed up to give me my phone and let me know that Madi was safe and doing well. The grandma that came to Will's rescue came to the hospital to find out how he was doing. Will was then taken back to the CT. He was really upset about the IV that they put in. It hurt his arm and he was really uncomfortable. He did an amazing job. They gave him the contrast and he was not liking that feeling. Once we got back to the room he was just plane tired and wanted to go home. He kept telling me he just wanted to go to his bed and snuggle in his blankets. Finally the test results came back and nothing was wrong!!! So they took the brace off of Will and instantly he was back to his old self. Telling jokes and being adorable. They told us we could go but Will's pants were soaked from being in the snow. Mike took his coat and rigged it as "pants" for Will. The nurses gave us some weird looks but hey it worked and kept him warm for the ride home. Will was excited to take a short ride in the wheel chair. He thought he would get to keep it for a while, silly boy. As we were waiting for Mike to pull the car around a brother from our Ward, Brother Kelly came to the ER to check on Will. He got to push Will out to the car. When we got home we got him set up on the couch and Mike went to go get Madi. Once we were all together I was getting dinner ready and madi came running in and needed a bowl. Apparently Will still did not like the contrast because that all came out! But luckily that was it. We were all able to have dinner and relax a little. Will is home today from school. He is really sore but we are so thankful that there is no other serious injuries.

Angels were watching over him. There is no other explanation on how he could go flying and have been hit hard enough to damage a van but no harm was done to him. The Angels that showed up to help him! The angels that helped me and took care of my needs. The angel that called and were concerned for Will. I am trully grateful for my son and for all those special angels that watch over him!

I have been doing some research for a project and came across this song a few days ago. I woke up at 4:00 this morning and remembered it!

It's Girl Scout Cookie Time

2010-01-08T22:37:00.004-05:00

Conversations from the Van #6

2009-12-24T23:09:00.002-05:00

I have to say we had a wonderful time tonight at Mike's families for Christmas Eve. We were on our way home from the festivities and listening to the radio. Paul McCartney's song 'Wonderful Christmas Time' come on. All of the sudden I realize that everyone in the van is singing. Even the kids. It was pure joy! I just love those feelings!!! Merry Christmas everyone!!

Christmas Spirit

2009-12-24T01:39:00.001-05:00

The Richter Family Holiday Newsletter 2009

2009-12-23T13:22:00.002-05:00

Conversations from the Van #5

2009-12-21T19:58:00.004-05:00

Today we took Sharon, my Mother-in-Law to some stores to do some Christmas Shopping and Grocery Shopping for our Christmas meal. This was the first day the kids had off of school so they were very excited. I was about at my wits end with the fighting and whining and such. I told Will that I was going to drop him off to stay with Grandma!

Mom: I am going to leave you at Grandmas.
Will: Yea!!!!! I can share cookies with Bailey. And I can protect Grandma with my Karate Skills.
All: A little chuckling at his cuteness.

a few seconds later....

Will: I can also do some work for her.
All: Rolling Laughter.
Grandma (under her breath) : That will last about 2 minutes!

International Answer the Phone Like Buddy the Elf Day!!

2009-12-18T11:44:00.003-05:00

I love this day!!! It is only second to Christmas!!

Here is Buddy’s crazy way of answering the phone when it rings: Buddy the Elf! What's your favorite color?

Another Buddy quote: The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear…it's just like talking, except longer and louder, and you move your voice up and down.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T01:06:00.001-05:00

Madison Turns 9

2009-11-03T23:14:00.000-05:00

(Our camera is broken so all pictures where taken with my phone and not of good quality)
Yes that is right Madison Turned 9 this year!! Where has the time gone. On Monday we went up to Toledo to have dinner with Grandma Richter at Olive Garden. Madi got American Girl Kristen Book and small doll also a little Penguin ornament.

Here they are looking over the gifts. Madison loves American Girl. Wonder what tomorrow will bring!!
So Tuesday November 3rd Madison woke up to balloons in her bedroom!! And she wanted pancakes for breakfast.

For school Madison wanted Chocolate covered Strawberries. So I double dipped them and they were a big hit. Even the teachers were drooling over them as I walked down the hall.
For dinner Madison chose her favorite soup. Cheesy Potato Soup and Carrot cake.
She was "Souper" Excited for dinner!!
Make a wish!
Will gave her a Deco Littlest Pet Shop Penguin. She was so surprised and excited!!
An American Girl Hair book.

Wish came true!! The Kristen Doll from Grandma and Grandpa Swift!

Since Kristen is retiring this year I broke down and got her some dresses for the doll. Call it OCD but I have this thing about having complete sets of things. (Don't worry Mike I only got 2 outfits there are many more that I left behind at the store, but it took a lot of will power to walk away!)

Do we really need an appendix?

2009-09-30T21:34:00.002-04:00

I say no. On Sunday after church I was not feeling too well. My stomach hurt and I really didn't know why. I had a sandwich and hoped that I would feel better. I then went up to bed at 2 in the afternoon and laid down. I was up there until about 8 and the pain was worse when I got up. I tried to eat again thinking it was something feminine so no big deal it would go away quickly. But to no avail. I was still in pain and eating made it much worse. I went back to bed and tried to get some sleep. The next morning I got up and was in pain still. I laid on the couch while the kids got ready for school. I called my friend Michelle who is the office manager at my Docs office. I told her I was thinking it was something feminine so I would go up to Toledo to my ob. She said no come in to her office at 10 and have someone here in town look at me. Boy am I glad I listened to her. I went in and she sent me to the hospital to get some tests. A blood test and a CT scan. The scan came back positive for an inflamed appendix. I left the hospital and drove my self home to wait for the call. Well by the time I got home there was an message on the machine to go into the ER right away. I tried to call a few people because I didn't feel like I could walk as far as I did in the morning to get to the ER. On the way out the door I lost all of the CT scan liquid. And I managed to get over to the ER and find a great space! They checked me in and then off to the operating room. I guess everything went well. When they were taking me to my room, Mike and Michelle (and her daughter Jessica) were there waiting to see me. I was a little sick from the meds but all in all I did pretty well. My Bishop stopped by too. He is alsoo my friend so it was cool he was there. My friend Kim came up to see me and take care of me, of course after she took care of my kids!! But I slept through that. Then she was back at it in the morning bringing me pop! Mike came up and checked on me before going into work (he got the kids off safely!) Then Bobbie and Rayna and Joan stopped by. Thank you ladies it was nice. My friend Jenn in Chicago called and asked if she could take care of my farmville and fish tanks on facebook! She is funny but she did and I am thankful. She was mad because she was the one I always leaned on when I have problems, but I am glad she was there for me even in this small way. I got other phone calls that I appriciated. So more rest and then Kim came and took me home. I am resting now and feeling better every day. I am super glad the swelling is going down. I think I can get my wedding rings back on now. Kind of feel naked with out them!

9-9-09

2009-09-09T09:09:00.004-04:00

Here is a list of 9 of some of the favorite things my family and I have done in 2009!

1) My grandmother turned 90 this year and we had a celebration in her honor in March. By the way I love my Grandma! She rocks!

2) This was the fourth year of Madi's dance classes. This coming year she will earn a special award. I love going to the final performance in May. They are a long night but to see all the hard work they do all year come together it is so worth it!

3) Being PTO President for my kids school. It was hard work and sometimes not the greatest job but I really enjoy helping at the school as much as I can. I really feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in my children and the school. I love that they enjoy having me around the school. I know this will change and at some point they will be to embarrassed or not want me around so much, I will take this time for as long as I can.

4) Our summer in Las Vegas! We went to 7 states this summer. Most of our time was spent with my parents in Las Vegas. We always enjoy our time out there and this year was no exception.

5) Train ride to the Grand Canyon. My parents are very generous. We get to do things that normally we would not be able to, because of them. We drove to Arizona and took a train into the Grand Canyon. It was so much fun. The ride was relaxing and not stressful. The time we had at the Canyon was short but we saw a lot and got some good walking in.

6) St. George, I love St. George. We went to the Temple and walked around. We went exploring the town and found an awesome park. It is in the middle of the town. A man made stream that the kids play in and a water fountain that sprays water from the ground. It was beautiful. Will needed new clothes but that was an excuse to go to the outlets. What could be more fun? Oh the Golden Corral! Yummy food!

7) LEGOLAND/SEA LIFE AQUARIUM I really think this is one of my favorite places ever. I love it there. It is in Carlsbad, California near San Diego. It was perfect weather, so much fun and just a great time. We went two years ago so we decieded at the last minute to go back this year and I am so glad we did. I kind of wish we lived closer so I could go more often.

8) Chicago/Jenn Well one sour note of 2009 is Jenn and her family moved to Chicago this summer. Jenn and I have been friends since we were 11. For the last 4 1/2 years they lived down the ally from us. I know that we will always keep in touch, we are like family but it will be hard. So the kids and I took a quick trip to see their new house and then went to Chicago on our way home. We ate at a two story McDonalds, went to the Lego Store and American Girl Store. It was a blast!!

9) Seeing old Friends! One thing that I have really enjoyed this year has been catching up with old friends. Facebook is a wonderful thing for that. I met up with my friend Deb who lives in California, she drove to Vegas to come see us ( her mom lives their). Always I go see my friend Carina who had a baby this year, first girl after 3 boys! That was fun buying cute girly clothes. Then after 21 years I saw my friend Sara from Wisconsin. We met in 1988 on a Swim Team that went to Italy and France. We found out that we would be in Chicago on the same day so we met for lunch. She has two great kids and we had fun catching up. I got an email from my exchange student brother in Germany! My other exchange student brother got in contact with me! Lots and Lots of old friends on Facebook. It has been a great year so far. I am looking forward to the rest of 2009!

Traffic Trifecta- by Michael

2009-09-07T21:22:00.001-04:00

My wife kindly agreed to let me voice my concerns/complaints/ramblings on her blog.

This entry revolves around the general theme of traffic laws. The office where I work is an hour away from where I live, so I deal with my fair share of traffic on most days. Although I don’t get headaches (my wife tends to get enough of those for the both of us!), if I did, I’m sure that they would be induced at least partly by traffic-related issues.

Without further adieu (du Laq), I introduce this Traffic Trifecta, comprised of the following topics:

When to stop for a school bus
Yielding right of way on a left turn (with a special guest appearance by “left on red”)
Watch for the kiddies (but don’t break the rules)!

1. Stopping for a school bus:

The background on this is that a lot of people apparently do not know what the rule is, regarding stopping for a school bus. Although I’ve usually done with my commute before the busses start rolling, sometimes I get caught behind those who aren’t aware of the correct procedures to follow.

Generally speaking, here are the guidelines that should be followed when following/approaching a school bus that is stopped, or is preparing to stop:

· All traffic going in the same direction as school bus always stops when the bus stops, but traffic going in the opposite direction only stops if there are fewer than 4 total lanes of traffic (counting both directions).

· Vehicles only need to stop when the red flashing lights on the bus are on – it’s ok to pass when the yellow flashing lights are on.

2. Yielding to oncoming traffic (with one driver going straight and one turning left):

Here’s the setup – you are arriving at a stop sign, and someone travelling in the opposite direction is also approaching the same intersection, and their corresponding stop sign. So who goes first? As is often the case with tax law, the answer is “It depends”.

I’ve seen a variety of approaches – some based on “first in line always wins”, some based on “straight always wins” (like in California?). As a shortcut around this approach, I’ve created/utilized several “workarounds”:

- Purposely arriving at an intersection after the oncoming vehicle has reached their stop sign (premature deceleration).

- Turning off my lights (which I always have on when I drive – Bessie’s been very, very good to me, I certainly don’t intend to repay her by allowing her to get hit!)

- Changing my mind last minute, from turning left, to go straight – and then turning left at a later intersection).

Due to confusion on my part about this specific issue (and not generally being a big fan of “blissful ignorance”), I turned to the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle laws that the Ohio Department of Public Safety publishes (http://publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/hsy7607.pdf). The information contained therein, while generally helpful, was not as explicit in this circumstance. Under the topic of “Yielding”, it is indicated:

“A driver must yield the right of way:

… To oncoming traffic when making a left turn. …”

Not to sound like former President Clinton, but that passage from the manual left me with the basic question “what does oncoming mean?” More specifically, the question that arose in my mind is “If a car that is oriented in the opposite direction that you are is stopped at a stop sign, is it considered to be oncoming?”. Or, would the meaning of oncoming be limited to vehicles that were in the act of travelling through the intersection, excluding those that were not moving?

My search for the answer lead me to another area in the manual under Turns, entitled “Left Turn” (a very invigorating read, right up there with “Right Turn”, and “Right-Hand Turn on Red”).

I read:

“The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left:

…Is required to yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. Prior to engaging a left-hand turn, the driver must wait for oncoming traffic to clear the intersection. One may advance into the intersection as a prelude to turning, provided that no other traffic control devices prohibit this action.”.

Ok, so it sounds like “oncoming” is a reference to the less-passive act of travelling through the intersection. However, to be sure, I contacted the State Highway Patrol with my question.

Here’s the definitive answer – if 2 vehicles approach the same intersection from opposite directions, and each is faced with a stop sign, with one of the vehicles intending to turn left, and the other intending to go straight, the vehicles that gets there first has the right of way. If they arrive at the stop sign at the same time, the one that is going straight is the one which has the right of way. However, if the cars have to wait for cross-traffic (or, presumably, any emergency vehicles travelling in the same or the opposite direction) before proceeding, then everything is “reset”, and the car going straight then has the right of way, even if the car that is intending to turn left arrived at the intersection first.

To summarize:

- The first one to the stop sign has right of way, with any ties going to the vehicle intending to go straight.

- Despite the above rule, if the vehicles at the intersection have to wait before proceeding (due to cross traffic, emergency vehicles, etc), the vehicle intending to go straight has the right of way.

To reiterate it from a slightly different point of view -- The only time a vehicle turning left has right of way over a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction, when both have to stop, is when the vehicle intending to turn left arrives at the intersection first, and does not have to wait for oncoming traffic to make that turn. The vehicle intending to travel straight has right of way in all other instances.

On the topic of turns, and only slightly off-topic, one of the most curious possibilities that drivers could encounter deals with turning on a red light. Many are aware that right turns on a red light (after coming to a complete stop) are legal. But how about a left-hand turn? It’s possible, but certainly not in all situations. Specifically, although I’m not the world’s most well-travelled man, I have actually had the opportunity, on multiple occasions, to visit a town where turning left on red is perfectly safe (and, better than that, it’s legal, too!). In downtown Toledo, one can happen across the situational logistics required to permit a left hand turn on red – from a one-way street to another one-way street. It’s such a peculiarity, in fact, that, even though I was aware of permissibility of “left on red” turns, I actually felt a little naughty the first time I tried it (I think that’s the year that I did not get the pony I asked for, for Christmas).

3. Watch for the kiddies (but don’t break the rules)!

Rounding out the Traffic Trifecta is one of my pet peeves. Frequently, in parking lots, as well as on streets, drivers, being cognizant of young ones on their way to school, or exiting/entering stores, will stop their cars, and wave children (and parents, also) on, so they can safely be on their way without interruption.

While good-intentioned, I dislike this, for a couple of reasons:

- It promotes improper and unsafe behavior by children. Children should never have to rely on the kindness of drivers to be able to get to school safely. That’s why there are crossing guards, and designated crosswalks. If children make a habit of crossing streets without the added benefit of safety measures like crossing guards and crosswalks, they could be putting themselves that drivers in awkward situations, if only by obstructing the vision of the young pedestrians.

- It is illegal. You can’t just stop you car in the middle of the road, even if it is to let the kid-os get across the street. Unless you’re at a crosswalk, vehicles have the right of way on a street, not pedestrians (young, or not).

- It works against the training that I’ve taught my children. I have taught them to always wait for cars to pass before crossing the street. I know people are just trying to be nice, when they stop their cars in the middle of the road, wave us on, and give me a puzzling “What on Earth are you waiting for, don’t you realize what a huge favor I’m doing for you – why don’t you just go, already!” look, when I just stand there, shaking my head no, while talking to the children, to tell them to always wait for the car to pass, even if they stop and wave you on”. All in all, it is a good opportunity to reinforce/test them on what I’ve taught them previously.

What about when I’m in the driver’s seat? Do I purposely patrol the neighborhood when school’s about to begin, and try to run the little tikes over? Certainly not. However, I do not simply do away with the rules of the road just so that a child can safely cross the street just this one time, in this one place. The less children need to rely on others for their safety, the better.

Don’t get me wrong, I go out of my way to try to promote safety. As a CPA, I tend to double check certain things quite often, and I try to anticipate things whenever possible. Keeping in mind that school’s out, I’m frequently on the lookout this time of the year for escaped playground balls and runaway scooters. If I see something roll out into the street, I slow down or stop. However, I only do that to make sure that I won’t hit:

1 -- whatever it is that entered my path of travel, or (usually more importantly)

2 -- whatever it is that is following #1 (usually a little boy or girl). Once the ball is safely out of my way, and making sure that there are no little feet scurrying into the road, I proceed. If there are any children approaching the roadside, I make sure that they do not enter the roadway. I don’t keep the car there while the ball is retrieved, because that could promote within the children the sense or understanding that all motorists will always watch for children, and will always stop until you get the ball, and make it back to your yard before they resume driving – because they won’t! I don’t know that anybody intentionally caused harm to children in this manner, but there are a lot of people who probably aren’t as concerned or aware of young ones as I think they ought to be (think of the pizza guy, very young drivers, or even elderly drivers).

That about rounds out the Traffic Trifecta. At the very least, I hope it’s been entertaining. Maybe I’ll make some more guest appearances in the future. If you have any related traffic tips, or pet peeves about driving, feel free to let me know.

Appreciatively,

Tiffany’s Michael

Back to school

2009-08-27T10:25:00.001-04:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Happy Anniversary

2009-08-16T22:24:00.004-04:00

Happy Anniversary to My Mike and I! August 15, 1997 we were married in the Chicago, Ill. Temple.
You can not laugh, I know we look like babies! Especially Mike. It has been a great 12 years. I have been truly blessed with a husband who loves me and our children. He is a wonderful father and a great friend. I made a joke today, 12 down and eternity to go! But I am looking forward to eternity with Michael. Thank you for 12 wonderful years!

Also, Madison gave a talk in Primary today so I thought I would add that to this post.

My family can be together forever through the

Ordinances of the temple

12 years ago yesterday, my parents were sealed together for time and all eternity in the Chicago, Illinois Temple. Because they choose to follow the commandments of God and marry in the temple, our family can be together forever. There are some things we must do to have happy, successful families:

1. Have family prayer every night and morning

2. Have Family Home Evening every week.

3. Do things together as a family, such as work projects, outings, and decision making.

4. Parents should kneel together as husband and wife each night in prayer.

5. Learn to be kind, patient, long-suffering, and charitable

6. Attend church meetings regularly.

7. Follow the counsel of the Lord in Doctrine & Covenants 88:119: “Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.”

8. Keep a family history and gather family genealogy.

The family is the most important unit in the Lord’s church. And if we remember the 13^th Article of Faith: “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”, it will help us prepare to go to the temple.

If we obey the commandments of the Lord, our families will be together forever.

Day 19/ CARNIVAL

2009-06-19T22:00:00.010-04:00

So the kids went to this Vacation Bible School all week at my mom's church. She goes to the United Methodist Church right around the corner from her house. I was a little worried at first how the children would be treated. But it turned out really well. Madi was so so with it. Will had a blast. He came home everyday telling me about it. Will has this sweet spirit you wouldn't really know is there. He says the best prayers and reminds us when we are doing something wrong. He keeps me in check some days, but then he goes and hits his sister or does something crazy. Not sure what is going on with him but I look forward to those situations that he can show his spiritual side. He already talks about when he turns 8 and can be baptized. Anyhow, he loved the songs from the camp. he was really into it at the Carnival. They had a short program where they told us what they did for the week and sang the songs they learned. It was fun.

Will was really into the songs!

Then there was a carnival for the kids. They had hot dogs and chips. Bouncy house, all kinds of games, snow cones, water balloons, and animal petting. It was a fun time.

My Husband is a funny funny Man

2009-06-19T02:20:00.002-04:00

Wolverine vs. Nightcrawler‏

After months of careful planning, numerous hot-headed deliberations, and countless hours of pulling this thing together (not really), Joseph H. and I finally managed to definitively set the record straight, and put our adamantium (sp?) where our mouths are. Joseph had a game for the Gamecube, which allowed Marvel super heroes (and villains) to fight against each other, so that we could settle the Wolverine vs. Nightcrawler debate once and for all. Of course, Joseph, adept not only with the Gamecube came in general, but also with this specific game, as well as very practiced in his dexterity with the controller, sided with Wolverine. Never having played a Gamecube game before, and never having played any game with Marvel characters, and never having used a GameCube controller, I became one with Nightcrawler. Now, I know what you're thinking. Right off the bat, you're probably thinking (and probably should be thinking), "who on Earth would side with Nightcrawler - he doesn't stand a chance - certainly not against an adamantium-filled super wonder that is Wolverine, and especially not when animated by the likes of a guy who's never even played the GameCube before". So, here we were in this "first blood" match. Joseph loads the game, picks his guy, does some fancy prestidigitation with the buttons, mutters some stuff about handicaps, and then tells me something about 2 or 3 of the approximately 59 buttons on this controller that I've seen for the first time ever. What happened, you ask? I've got 2 words for you:Air Bamf, baby! That's right - even this poor simpleton of a man, inexperienced at all but Super Mario Brothers for the DS, was able to grind out an overwhelming defeat of the pride of Joseph's Marvel-heavy idols. In a stunning but well-deserved and appropriate battle of the ages, Nightcrawler had defeated the mighty Wolverine. It wasn't easy, but it was fun. As with all good debates, I'm sure my well-experienced counterpart will offer some snippets of our interaction, to try to dress up his glorious defeat. But, when it's all said and done, he will not be able to claim that Nightcrawler did not defeat Wolverine. Not only did he do so, but he did so in a style that was all his own.Thank you Brother Hodgkins for your much-appreciated and long-offered support of my now-proven position of Nightcrawler's superiority (Was it me, or did I just use too many hyphenated words in that last sentence?).Bishop Lake - pfffft! Wolverine's definitely good, but he ain't Nightcrawler. As Joseph and I parted ways, with sadness in his downward-cast eyes, I couldn't help but think that I could detect a faint hint of the odor of brimstone in the air, as I victoriously departed. With much appreciation to Joseph, Jeff and Parker L. (for the second Gamecube controller), Brother Hodgkins, and Stan Lee, and with my tongue inserted firmly into my cheek, I wish each of you a marvellous day! My next challenge? Proving that tapping the top of pop cans does NOT reduce the likelihood/amount of "foaming" - any takers on the counterpoint?

Michael Richter

Day 18/ The Greatest Show on Earth!

2009-06-18T23:00:00.003-04:00

So today was t-shirt day at kids camp. Not much different during the day! Swimming!!!!

That night we went to the Circus!! ZING ZANG ZOOM!! The pictures are not great, my camara is still broken and only works half the time. But it was awesome!

Shelf Reliance Giveaway!

2009-06-18T01:41:00.003-04:00

Go to Shelf Reliance for your chance to win one of these !!!!

The Harvest 72″ is one of the favorite products over at Shelf Reliance.

Day 17/ Food and a Great Find

2009-06-17T22:00:00.007-04:00

To day was crazy tourist day and Water day at kids camp! They really didn't dress up just wanted to get wet. They had fun. After it was over I picked it up the kids and headed to Port of Subs. I love Port of Subs! Beats Subway hands down!!!!!!!! And I like Subway.

We then went to the grocery store and got these awesome chips. I will go through withdrawal when I come home because these are amazing.

Later, after we have been home for a while Mom wanted to go to the store. We needed to return some thing she got for Madi that didn't fit so we went out to dinner at one of my most favorite places. Sweet Tomatoes, it is a salad buffet and more. They had an amazing Chinese salad (almost like yours Kim) They have like 7 soups and Pastas and potatoes with toppings and fruit, and amazing breads. They walk around with chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven. Oh it is awesome and we need one in Ohio.

Then we went to K-Mart and went looking around for some things. I ran into these shoes and fell in Love! I put them on and have not taken them off. They are regularly $20 but they were on sale for $10 I got the basic black.

But look at all these fabulous shoes! I think I need the gold or silver ones, What do you think?

Day 16/ challenges

2009-06-16T22:00:00.006-04:00

So yesterday the kids started Kids Camp. A vacation bible school through my mom's church. They had a great time yesterday. Today was crazy Hair day!

Not sure what to do with Will's hair. I took some Gel and some koolaid powder and mixed it.

Can't really tell to well because his hair is so dark but it was a little red.

So, I got them all ready to go and we went out to the car and Will says the tire is flat. NOOOO, my dad is out of town, my mom is at work and it's a mile to the church. (ok .8 miles) So we started walking. I walked them to the church and then walked home. So that I didn't have to walk back in the noon heat I decided to try to change the tire. I called Mike and talked with him while I did it. I am proud of myself for being so handy. So for being here my mom's battery died and needed to be replaced, then it stopped working, but she just tightened the connections and got it working again, the tire went flat on my dads car, the spark plugs on my mom's car fell out. So my dad got three new tires and I think my mom needs a new car. I hope we can go shopping for it later this week!!!!

Day 15/ FHE Freezer Jam

2009-06-15T22:00:00.002-04:00

So while we were out here in Vegas Madi was missing a few things back home. Her Faith in God girls group were going to be making Freezer Jam together. So tonight she made Freezer Jam.

First she smashed the strawberries.

While Will stole some to eat!
She pored in the sugar.

4 cups of sugar to 2 cups strawberries.

She stirred it all together.

I boiled the pectin. (safety first!)

Madi dried the plastic containers.

After stirring the pectin in for 3 minutes she pored it into the plastic containers.

Cover them and let them sit for 24 hours! Then we will Freeze them. After a few days we will be giving them to a neighbor with a missionary message. We have a person all picked out and are just waiting for the Jam to set!

Well, will wanted to do a batch too. So since I bought way to many strawberries to said sure why not! He had a blast!

Drying the plastic

Stirring in the pectin

Stirring ninja style!!!

Filling the plastic

Now for the sweet rewards!

YUMMMMMM!!!!!

Day 14/ Craftiness

2009-06-14T22:30:00.000-04:00

When I was at my friend Carina's house she showed me something that I just had to do. Someone had made an awesome place to put hair accessories. So i made one for Madison! And I am making this for two of my people from my Pay if Forward. Not sure what to do yet for one of them but I am working on that!

Chizmo

2009-06-14T16:26:00.007-04:00

I thought since last Sunday was about Mantras I would do my Chizmo today on cute little quotes. These blinkies are from ONE CUTE BLOG! You should check her out.

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Day 13/ Lazy Day

2009-06-13T22:00:00.002-04:00

We didn't do much today. Really just stayed around the house. The kids were in the pool for over three hours. So this is what happens when they have so much fun in the water outside. This was around 4:00 in the afternoon. It was soooooo quite, it was nice.
My Dad left for Ohio (I know really) And my mom had a dinner appointment so she gave us some money to go to dinner and a movie. So we went back to the Fiesta for dinner at Amigos.Then we saw Imagine That! Cute movie. The kids really loved it!

Day 12/ Riding Bikes

2009-06-12T22:00:00.006-04:00

This morning the kids got out the bikes my parents got for them. Will has a very interesting way to ride his bike.

Can you tell which one he uses for his breaks? BTW these were brand new.

We went shopping with grandpa to Wal-Mart and K-Mart. Then to Jack in the Box for Lunch. We were hopeing to get an antena topper but this one was out as well. Good thing we will be in town a few more weeks. I WANT A TOPPER!

Day 11

2009-06-11T22:00:00.004-04:00

So today we went to our friends the Barnums house. We met up with them on Monday but had to cut it short when Madi hurt herself. They have an 8 year old who goes to a year round school so he was not home. Their 5 year old is in Pre-school so he left at noon. So that left us with the baby and the three year old. Madi was in heaven!!!!!! She help me change the baby and pick out an outfit. She loves babies. And she is so good with them.

Will had a great time with Nathan. He is too cute!

Later that night Will was in a loving mood. He was giving love to Grandma!!! Maybe that's because she took us to Red Robin for Dinner!

Then we went on a walk. Not far from my parents house is a walking path. It was a cool night so we were having fun. These pictures are not good. Next time I will take the real camera.

Then he was giving love to Grandpa. OK now I know that both grandpas are to blame for Will's silliness!!!!

This could happen to you

2009-06-10T18:22:00.003-04:00

THIS COULD HAPPEN TO YOU...... IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOUR MOTHER YOUR SISTER OR YOUR DAUGHTER... The strangest thing happened to me this weekend. I was sitting at a local outdoor cafe having lunch by myself and two men came and sat down at my table.... I gave them the death look, but they just casually stayed at my table and wouldn't leave me alone. I shined up my ring on my married finger, then placed my hand on the table and I hinted to them that I was married and that I was not interested in them. Luckily for me they got the hint and left, but thankfully the whole thing was captured on the Cafe's camera. I'm sending you this picture as a warning... just in case they try and pick you up too.. Honestly, some men think they are God's gift to women. * * * * * *

Then I fell out of bed and woke up!!! So how did your day start?

Day 9/ New hair and Mike goes home

2009-06-09T22:00:00.005-04:00

This morning my dad took Will and Mike to get their hair cut. This photo is not the greatest but I love Will's new hair!!!!!!

We then got all of Mike's things together for him to take home. Will let him take home one of his webkinz to take care of. We then went to the library to get a new library card. Since we were her last the library near my parents house changed from Clark County to Henderson Library system. So we were unable to get a new card but my dad did. He got the kids a bunch of books to read. They quickly got started. By the time we got to Olive Garden for lunch Will was on Chapter 5 of James and the Giant Peach. I'm not to sure he was really reading it or not. He could tell some of the story but they just finished it in class so he might just be remembering it from school. He does have a great memory. I hope he becomes a doctor or lawyer because he has a great memory. Speaking of being a doctor he found my dad's stethoscope in the back and tried to listen to every ones heart beats.

Bye Daddy we will miss you!!!

Day 8/ Family and FHE at the Temple

2009-06-08T22:00:00.000-04:00

So we had dinner with Mikes dad and wife at Sams Town. I used to go there all the time after dances. It was fun. They totally redid the buffet, it was good.

Mike and Will having a good time.

Guess we now know where Will's sillyness comes from.

We kept trying!

The whole crew.

Then we went to the Temple to meet our friends the Barnums for FHE. We walked around the grounds and had some fun.

They wanted to roll down the hill!

I thought is was funny how peacefull and still their boys were compared to Will. Then Madi got up on this wall and fell and hurt herself. She is fine but her foot still hurts a little.

Day 7/ MANTRA

2009-06-07T22:00:00.010-04:00

We drove back to Vegas today. Being Sunday we ate some donuts and muffins from the Hotel. The ride was just as exciting as on the way to Arizona. Crazy driver, crazy kids, and Mike getting sick from not eating and the jolting of the car!

The cool thing about being in Vegas right now is that church starts at 1. So we were home in plenty of time for Sacrament meeting. It was great. I really enjoyed Relief Society. The lesson was from two different sources.

First:
By Charles W. Dahlquist II Young Men General President

Choose righteousness and happiness, no matter what your circumstances. Take responsibility for the choices you make. Develop your abilities and talents, and use them for good. Avoid idleness and be willing to work hard.

Charles W. Dahlquist II, “Agency and Accountability: Above the Clouds,” New Era, Oct. 2008, 18

Not long ago I had the opportunity to fly in a small plane. As we were preparing to board, one of the passengers asked the pilot at what altitude we would be flying. He indicated that we would be flying at 9,500 feet (2,900 m). He said, “That will get us just above the clouds.” Then he explained, “If we fly below the clouds, the ride will be fairly rocky. However, if we can get through the clouds and up on top, we will have a much smoother ride.”

It was a concept that proved prophetic. For us in that airplane, it took a little bit more effort, a little bit more fuel, and a little turbulence to get through the clouds. However, once we were above the turbulence, the ride was, for the most part, smooth sailing. Although there was some brief turbulence and the need for the pilot to always be mindful of the flight conditions, the flight was much more comfortable.

Later I thought about the pilot’s words: “If we can get through the clouds and up on top, we will have a much smoother ride.” I thought about how much that applies to life itself. As we live in a mortal existence, there is much of the ugly and the base and the evil that we have to move above if we are to live the life of a Latter-day Saint. Then we can have the Spirit with us and feel the peace that is there for us to enjoy. It takes effort, it takes willpower, it takes courage, and it takes making correct choices for us to get above the turbulence around us. That turbulence includes the filth that surrounds us in the media. It includes discouragement, despair, and all the challenges of the “natural man” (Mosiah 3:19).

However, if we exercise our agency appropriately, if we live the standards given to us by the First Presidency in For the Strength of Youth, and if we make conscious efforts day by day to rise above the things of the world, our ride in this life will be much more pleasant. We will be able to feel peace along the way, and we will be able to arrive safely at our journey’s end.

It is not that the ride will be uneventful and completely peaceful. That was never promised, for there will be challenges along the way, and there will be a need for continued vigilance and alertness all along the way. However, by choosing to be on the Lord’s side, we can rise above the temptations of our mortal existence, and that will guarantee us peace and happiness in this life as well as in the life to come.

Second we talked about MANTRAS

I could not find the talk she was teaching from, but the conversation was good. We talked about words to live by. Even if they don't come from the church there are things said and actions taken that remind us of our divinity. Someone talked about a quote that was on her fridge while growing up and she was back home visiting and it was still there. It was a quote by Thomas S. Monson when he was a new member of the 12. Some were talking about words of encouragement that their grandparents or parents have given them. Others talked about Music and words to songs. It was quite inspiring. So here is my mantra. I have had this one most of my life.

"What you are is GOD'S gift you you..... What you become is your gift to GOD."

So what is your Mantra?

Day 6/ Grand Canyon

2009-06-06T23:00:00.013-04:00

Today was the big day! We got up and headed over to the train station. They have a nice buffet there. About 30 minute before the train you go to an area that has some bleachers. They had a fun card game gun fight. I took a bunch of pictures but they really don't tell the story. It was fun.

Then we boarded the train. We had good seats and a great conductor that told great stories. On the way out we had an entertainer that played guitar and sung for us. He was great.

These are some shots from the Grand Canyon!

On the way back we had a different Entertainer. He was funny. He played the accordion and harmonica. Made us really laugh. We also got to look at some great Mountain ranges. One was called Sleeping Indian but I can't find anything about it.

The best part was the robbery. It was so fun and the kids were into it. Madi put money in her glasses for them to take. It was great. Then the sherrif came and almost took Will in with him. We told him he had nothing to do with the trouble and he let him go!
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Day 5/ Hoover Dam

2009-06-05T22:00:00.001-04:00

Today started off with me baking! I know don't fall over in shock! But since I have my mom's obsession with cooking and baking items I knew she would have everything I needed plus the room to cook in. I had seen a recipe I was interested in on a friends blog, Sour Cream Coffee Cake. I didn't have the right kind of pan so mine was upside down but it was still YUMMY, thanks Carol!

We then headed to the Fiesta Casino for UP! It was a great time. We thought we were going to be late but got an awesome parking spot right by the elevator and the theater was right by the elevator. After spending a little to much money but kind of worth it, we got to our seats. The kids were expecting popcorn but after paying to get in we decided that we would forgo the snack. The movie was cute but I did get a little teary eyed near the beginning. I'm not sure why they would start a movie with infertility issues but I know it was necessary for the story line I kind of like warnings to subjects like that.

So after the movie we packed and got ready for our weekend trip to the Grand Canyon. This was from the car on the way to Williams, Arizona. These pictures may be a little blurry because my Dad can not drive. Really it was an experience being in the back seat while he drove. It has been a very long time since that has happened and I really don't want to relive that experience for a long long time.

Lake Mead

The new bridge goin over the Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam

We are in Arizona!!! First time the kids have ever been in Arizona.

Some Beautiful mountains.

So we stopped half way for dinner at Cracker Barrel. Then the hotel for the night. It was a fun trip. My mom and I texted eachother in the car about Dad's driving.

Trip Day 4/ Springs Preserve

2009-06-04T22:00:00.013-04:00

Today we went to the Springs Preserve. It is a great place to learn about life in the Desert. It was a great day! Mike really liked learning about everything in this area. And the kids had a great time too.

A moving rock!

Kids learning things about the desert. That ball has water running all over it and you can't tell were the water is coming from. Oh and check out the glowing scorpion.

This was a cool exhibit on Flash Floods!!

I guess these Lizards prove that we should paint our roofs white!

Various pictures from the preserves.

Then we went to the best Hamburger joint in all the world! In-N-Out Burger. Really truly the best !

Then of course the rest of the day was swimming and playing!!!!!!!

Trip Day 3/Excalibur

2009-06-03T22:00:00.001-04:00

Day 3

So today started in the pool. We had a little visitor join us. Mike and Will were thrilled with the lizard. As you can see Mike got to hold him for a minute. The kids are so excited about the pool. Every day as soon as they wake up they want to jump in!

We went the the church book store and ran a few errands around town. While we were out we went to Del Taco for lunch. We like this Del Taco because it has a small play Place and we have been going there on every trip we take to Las Vegas. The only thing is I think they are getting a little to big for this play place! Oh well, they had fun!
Tonight we went to the Excalibur for some fun entertainment! We had a few minutes so mom took us all to Sponge Bob 4D movie. It was fun. We got sprayed with bubbles and wind and it smelled like pickles.
Then we went the The Tournament of Kings. It's a dinner show! They serve Dragon Blood Soup, Cornish Game Hen, Potato Wedges, rolls, broccoli and apple pie tart. The best part is you eat it with your hands. Will was sooooooooo excited. He was on the edge of his seat the whole time. We couldn't take pictures during the show, but the Dragon Night (the section we sat in) was riding after the show for pictures.

I took some pictures from the car on the way home. The coolest thing is the Transformers sign on the Luxor.

Trip Day 1 and 2

2009-06-02T22:29:00.000-04:00

DAY 1
Getting Ready

It was the first day that the kids were off from school. We just had the Water Heater replaced so I called the building inspector. He said he would be there shortly after 9 so I ran to pick up Lizzie to help me with the kids while I cleaned and packed. Inspection went well and Lizzie helped Madi in her room. Well, I got some laundry going and dishes washed then needed to drop some stuff off at the school. We went to see the kids teachers one last time. We gave them a gift and a goodbye hug. Madi's teacher Mrs. St. Meyers retired this year. Madi was sad to see her go. Will's teacher Mrs. Babcock was a saint! She really made a difference in Will this year. She said he hugged her more than once on the last day. He was sad when he got home. But we will see her next year. I am a little sorry I didn't take pictures of their last day with their teachers.

So a quick lunch then off to Grand Rapids for their dentist appointments. I really don't know what I was thinking scheduling appointments the day we were leaving. It is weird that even though the kids eat the same things and brush at the same times and really take care of their teeth the same, Madi keeps getting cavities on her baby teeth. Will's are strong and healthy. Back home Lizzie helped me fold laundry and I started to feel like I was getting something done. When Mike came home he took the kids on some errands and then up to Toledo to have dinner with his mom. That gave me time to pack and clean a little. With some help of my neighbor Kirsty she got the kitchen cleaned up since I made cookies and brownies before we left. Then Aaron came over to take my luggage to the van. Awesome neighbors! So after saying goodbye one last time to my best friend Jen (who is moving her whole family to Chicago) I got Mike and the kids and headed up to the hotel!

On our way we got a little lost. We kept saying we were trying to find the HoJo. After awhile Will kept saying HO J. Mike and I were cracking up. Then Will suggested we stop for a prayer. So he said a wonderful prayer that we would find the hotel and have a great trip. We made it to the hotel kind of late but we got a few hours of sleep.

DAY 2

We got up at 5 am to make the shuttle by 5:30. This was at the front of the hotel. It is a pretty water fall and sitting bench. I was too dark but I tried to get a photo.

This is the kids on the shuttle. It was an exciting ride!

Us on the plane. 7 am flight. only a few minutes of sitting while they checked things out.

Not bad for no sleep and no showers! Good thing we mostly sat together.

First thing the kids did is get in the pool. It was cold. If you could call 76degrees for the water cold. They played for a while and the ended up like this!

For quite of few hours. It was nice! Then of course back to the pool for some more fun in the sun!

It was a great first day in VEGAS BABY!

I'm so excited!!! We made the paper!

2009-05-13T08:03:00.001-04:00

'Weird' works to get kids to read books

Written by By DEBBIE ROGERS Sentinel Staff Writer

Tuesday, 12 May 2009

Kenwood Elementary fifth-grader Rosa Flores knows her favorite story in the book "Weird Ohio."
The 11-year-old's just not sure that she can discuss it.
Dropping her voice to a whisper, she said, "It's about H-E-double toothpicks. The town."
That would be the unusual story of Hell Town, one of hundreds of strange tales that make up "Weird Ohio," which was co-written by James Willis, who also founded The Ghosts of Ohio, a paranormal research organization.
With "Weird Ohio" and his fascination with spirits, Willis is charged with proving - or disproving - the real story behind the lore. Take Hell Town. Legend has it that this northern part of Summit County is haunted.
In the late 1960s, concern over disappearing forests led to legislation allowing the government to take homes, demolish them and use the land for parks. Almost overnight, Hell Town turned into a ghost town. The area is still filled with vacant houses, roads that go nowhere and overgrown brush - but no ghosts, Willis said.
One weird story from Wood County made the book. (All you readers out there who share a "weird eye" with Willis will know exactly where this is heading.)

"The pickled fingers," Willis said immediately, when asked about this area. "It's probably the only museum in Ohio, maybe in the United States, that you can say you want to see the fingers and they know what you're talking about."
Now, for readers staring blankly at the newspaper, an explanation: In the 1880s, a man, apparently upset with his wife's cleaning skills, hacked her to death. He saved her fingers and turned himself into the sheriff the next day. The fingers and the rope used to hang him are on display at the Wood County Historical Center and Museum.
Willis said he often uses the "Three Fingers of Formaldehyde for Mary Bach" story when talking to groups across Ohio.
"It's one of those things that brings the house down," he said.
Willis was at the Bowling Green elementary school on Monday, speaking to all the grades and eating lunch with a group of 12 students who had turned off the television for a week. They were among 50 students, out of the 480 at Kenwood, who participated in National Turn Off the TV Week from April 20-26, said Tiffany Richter, PTO president. Their names were drawn randomly to eat pizza with Willis and his wife, Stephanie, who live in Columbus with a parrot and three cats.
The lunch conversation revolved around the critters, Cedar Point and what the children were reading.
Rosa said she loved to read books by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor and Meg Cabot.
Third-grader Gabe Sayer said he enjoyed spending more time with his parents, two brothers and sister the week the TV went dark.
"I got to play outside a lot. Sometimes I want to play board games with my siblings and they watch TV, but we played more," said Gabe, who is 9.
Willis said "Weird Ohio's" popularity among children shows that sometimes it's not important what they're reading, just that they are picking up a book.
"It's kind of a clichÃ©, but it's incredibly touching to me to see something I've written have an impact on a child," he said.
History doesn't have to be boring. For example, Willis said a teacher's lesson about President Abraham Lincoln may draw some groans from the class.
"But if you start throwing it around that he was on a funeral train and people tried to steal his body É That's the kind of thing that will get kids and adults running to the Lincoln section of the library."
Books like his and others about world records and strange things get kids' attention.
"They're short stores and they're weird enough where it will get them to read," Willis said. "There's a whole weird world out there. You just have to look out around the corner."

Author James Willis with Kenwood Elementary students. 5/11/09 (Photos: J.D. Pooley/Sentinel-Tribune)

Pride Awards

2009-05-11T23:19:00.004-04:00

As some of you may know Will can be a handful at times. He started off this school year somewhat poorly. He had the first detention of the school year and he was the only one in the detention. Although I disagreed that he should have every had said detention (as well as his teacher) I still made him go to show respect for the staff at the school. His teacher is a wonderful woman. We have worked all year on his behavior. She has been patient with both Will and I. We tried several approaches to rein him in but what seam to work the best was the old red, yellow, and green light system. I made cute little shapes and laminated them and he was to leave them in his desk and bring home the appropriate one every day. This worked for the longest time until the shapes kept getting lost. Now he just tells me what color he is. For the most part he has been on green with the occasional yellows. I have been very proud of his accomplishments!

Last week he came home on Tuesday just beaming! He had been on Green two days in a row. He received two caught being kind awards from his music teacher(who he has many problems with) and a pencil for being good in music class, and ...... drum roll please!....... A PRIDE AWARD!

On Friday he got to go to his first Pride Award Party! They get a button at the beginning of the day to show other students that they have won the pride award. Then at 2:30 they meet in the cafeteria for a Pizza with the Principal Pride Party!
First they line up and get pizza and juice.
He kept letting everyone go so he would be the last to get Pizza. Seamed only fitting!

He then got called to get his bookmark and

shake the principals hand.

Spring School Pictures

2009-04-30T10:31:00.006-04:00

Salad and more Salad

2009-04-07T22:20:00.005-04:00

For Conference Weekend we always get together on Sunday for Brunch and then Dinner after. Brunch was good. I made an egg casserole dish and there was French Toast, Sausage links, bacon, monkey bread And I am sure I am missing something. It was good. Conference was good too! So after conference we had Ham and Cheesy potatoes. I made this Ramen Salad and it was yummy! It still is yummy!

Ramen Salad:

1 head of cabbage
3 cups of chopped chicken
1 cup of slivered almonds
¼ c. walnuts or favorite nut for taste
2 packages of ramen noodles
6-8 chopped green onions
mix together

Dressing:

2 tbsp vinegar
2 ramen noodle seasoning packets
4 tbsp sugar
½ tsp pepper
1 cup light oil (olive, canola)
Mix together well. Pour over salad when ready to serve…mix and enjoy

Potato Salad

5 lbs. Red Skin Potatoes

Boil until slightly tender. Cut into small cubes.

Mix together
1 cup Mayo
1 cup Miricle Whip

1 small jar of Dill pickle relish
1 small jar of green olives (reserve juice for later)
Salt and pepper and paprika to taste

mix together with potatoes. Chill until ready to serve. This is best the next day!

Baptism Video

2009-04-07T02:02:00.013-04:00

April Fools!

2009-04-01T13:35:00.000-04:00

Mini Hamburgers April Fool Style!

For Madison and Wills classes I made these cute treats for them to share with their class mates. They were a big hit!

They are vanilla wafers with apple jelly spread on top with sesame seeds. A peppermint patty held down with a dollop of frosting. Red and yellow frosting and green colored coconut. They were easy to make and fun to eat. Thanks to Kirsty for running to the store for me to get me some more wafers. She owed me anyway from the April Fools joke she tried to pull on me.

Merry

2009-03-25T02:03:00.005-04:00

No one's hangin' stockin's up,
No one's bakin' pie,
No one's lookin up to see
A new star in the sky.
No one's talkin' brotherhood,
No one's givin' gifts,
And no one loves a Christmas tree

On March the twenty-fifth.

by Shel Silverstein

Happy Birthday to me!

Happy Birthday

2009-03-04T22:38:00.003-05:00

Today is my Grandma Alice's 90th Birthday!! Happy Birthday Grandma. We will be having a grand celebration for her in a few weeks. I am so excited. I am going down this Saturday to scan in all her photos. It will be fun!

Today is also my Mother In Law Sharon's Birthday. She is now 66. Happy Birthday to you too! I will be taking her out on Friday for a full day of fun!

Mommy Questions

2009-03-04T21:54:00.008-05:00

I saw this on a friends blog but then I was tagged with it on FB so I thought I would ask my own children what they thought.

1. What is something mom always says to you?

Will: NO!
Madi: Clean your room

2. What makes mom happy?
Will: a kiss
Madi: Will getting greens

3. What makes mom sad?
Will: not listening
Madi: Will getting reds

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Will: Tickling Me
Madi: Saying something funny

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Will: Oh Girl Cooties
Madi: Just like me

6. How old is your mom?
Will: 36
Madi: 36

7. How tall is mom?
Will: 54 inches
Madi: 30 inches

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Will: Clean up the house
Madi: Go out with her friends

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Will: Miss me
Madi: Clean the house

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Will: Anything that will bring me some money!
Madi: Helping the poor or PTO President

11. What is your mom really good at?
Will: Cakes
Madi: Cakes

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Will: Spanking me
Madi: Tennis

13. What does your mom do for her job?
Will: Cleaning up the house, throwing out the stinky trash, Will
Madi: Clean house, yell at people (Madi and Will), Work at school

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Will: Broccoli
Madi: Steak

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
Will: PTO President
Madi: That she is my mom

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?

Will: Aniken
Madi: Dory

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Will: Sleep
Madi: Shop

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Will: Same Smile
Madi: We look alike

19. How are you and your mom different?
Will: Our eyes are different colors
Madi: she wears rings on her fingers

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Will: Kisses me
Madi: Hugs and kisses me

21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Will: Anywhere to spend time with me
Madi: El Zarape

Pay It Forward

2009-02-25T22:30:00.003-05:00

I got this off of my friend Meg's blog. And beleive me I can't wait for her item! Who ever posts here sorry I'm not that crafty but I want to try. Here's how it works. Be one of the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post and I will send you a handmade gift sometime in the next 6 months.
You get to pay it forward as well by doing the same thing for 3 people on your blog. Once you leave a comment telling me that you want to participate, you need to make a pay it forward post on your blog, then come back and let me know that you've posted. Make sense?
Fun, right? And I'm pretty crafty! So join in!

World Thinking Day

2009-02-25T17:38:00.011-05:00

So on Sunday was World Thinking Day for Girl Scouts. Our troupe was working for the last several months on Bolivia and South Africa. We had two wonderful speakers come in to talk to the girls about life in these countries and they collected money to buy mosquito nets for fight malaria. They created boards to show what they have learned about the countries. On Sunday all the troupes gathered to display what they have learned. It was kind of fun. Madi borrowed an outfit from South Africa from our neighbor Kirsty. She was all decked out so the girls choose her to give the opening ceremony talk on South Africa. There is video but it's not very clear. (it's at the end)

Some shots of Madi in the outfit.

Talking about South Africa

Some of the girls talking about Bolivia.

Conversations from the Van #4

2009-02-23T08:46:00.005-05:00

Ok back story on this one. Friday night I went to a friends house for a ladies game night! There were 8 of us, playing Loaded Questions. So I was the reader and my friend Kirsty was the one that needed to quess who wrote what answers. The questions was something like What was you best or favorite purchase. So I decided to make it really obvious to those who know me. I could not think of anything that I actually purchased myself the compares so I put down Clomed. I read the list of items to Kirsty. Then I started to read them again slowly so that she could then decide which of us made what statement. As I read Clomed again she leaned over to the person sitting next to her Leisa (mother of 8) and said well that is not you. I lost it. I started laughing so hard then everyone else started laughing as well. Then I could not stop laughing, I started turning bright red. Then someone while laughing said, "She's going to exploded" I laughed and laughed some more. We finally calmed down and finished the round.

So on Saturday night while in the car with the family I started to tell Mike this story. We had another good laugh. Then from the back came a little voice,

Will: "Mommy did you explode?"
Me: "No I was just really red and laughing a lot"
Will: "Oh, I whish you and Madison would explode. Then me and Daddy can play videos games all day and be stinky!"

Just for Fun

2009-02-05T10:51:00.001-05:00

Mike sent me an email to go to this website

http://obamiconme.pastemagazine.com/

And this is what I created:

25 Random Things about Me

2009-02-03T17:31:00.002-05:00

This is a tag thing but do it if you want to or just leave me a comment on mine!

1. I am an only child
2. I married an only child
3. I love listening to good music
4. I like listening to books on cd
5. on June 30, 1979 while learning to ride a bike I hit the back tire rim of a Cadillac and broke my nose and had three stitches under my lip
6. on June 30, 1980 I cut my finger while cutting an apple and had 7 stitches
7. on June 30, 1981 I ran my bike into a van and shattered my skull needing brain surgery, a dura mater transplant, and 29 stitches
8. on June 30, 1982 my parents sent me to my grandmothers and told her to keep me in the house all day, I went swimming and rode a bike!
9. When I was 15 I ran my bike into a small truck and sprained my arm. The cops came and said if I was in any more bike accidents they would not let me get my drivers license until I was 18.
10. I waited until I was 17 to get my license.
11. I learned to drive in a MG midget, until the transmission fell out (not my fault)
12. My daughter has the same name as my elementary school
13. I use to collect Koala Bears (I gave away 20 this past year)
14. I just realized I have never lived in a house longer than 6 years until now (I think that has something to do with me not liking my house anymore)
15. My husband grew up in the same house his whole life until I stole him from his mother (her words)
16. I lied when I was 15 and got a job at Cleveland Stadium working Indians games
17. I went to Italy and France in 88 on a swim team made up of 10 strangers from around the country (We flew out on June 30th)
18. I would Rap for fun on that trip, I don’t Rap anymore, I should start again.
19. I would do just about anything for my friends.
20. I went to my first concert with my parents Monkey’s Reunion Tour
21. I have been enrolled at 6 different colleges
22. I have had 4 different majors
23. My parents moved to Las Vegas in the beginning of my senior year and left me behind to graduate from my High School.
24. We had 3 exchange students that came to live with us in High School
25. I still want more kids

My 5 quirks

2009-02-01T01:56:00.005-05:00

Okay, I've been tagged by Leisa. I am supposed to list 5 of my funny quirks.
Here goes...

1. I love to listen to Books on CD in the car. I love music but listening to a book just makes me happy.
2. I have to shower every day. If I don't have to leave the house until 7 PM I will take a shower at 6:30. I am always going places with wet hair. Really that's the only way to go!
3. I don't like doing laundry so I wash and dry all day and then spend some time by myself watching tv and folding. But I put off socks to the very end when I am all caught up so my kids never have socks. Until I force them to match the socks themselves.
4. I like be organized but I never am.
5. I love to talk on the phone. Seriously call anytime!

How'd I do? Leave a comment with your funny quirks!

CHIZMO

2009-01-14T01:02:00.005-05:00

14 of the Koala Bears I gave away this last year. I have been collecting Koala's since I was a child. I gave these koalas to someone who also loves them. I am missing one picture. I did not take a picture of the tie. I gave her dad a tie and he surprised her by wearing it one sunday!

I love Upwards Basketball!!!

2009-01-10T22:48:00.007-05:00

Will had the best time at the first Practice.

At first I thought Will would hate it and complain and want to quit, but he was so excited! I think his favorite part was the basketball. They give you your very own green basketball! He also got a jersey, shorts, t-shirt, scripture cards and holder, key carabiner, a CD, car magnet, and other things too. I like it because they have equal play.

Will had the best time at the first Practice.

not really sure why Will and the other boy were just standing there. I think at first they were told to stand there to set up the play and they took it literally to just stand there!

For anyone not fimilar with Upward Basketball, it is
"Upward is a fun, reliable, passionate and encouraging sports experience for boys and girls, in K5 through sixth grade. Upward provides first class, organized and detailed sports programming in basketball, soccer, flag football and cheerleading. Unique aspects of Upward include an evaluation system that promotes equal and competitive teams as well as a substitution system which allows for equal playing time for all participants.Through Upward, children are exposed to quality coaching and sport development. Upward emphasizes character and integrity instead of a “win at all costs” mentality associated with today’s sports world."

TAGGED

2009-01-09T16:40:00.003-05:00

5 things I was doing 10 years ago:

Quiting my job in the smokey dungeon
Taking lots of Pills and shots to get Pregnant
Having Surgery to try to get Pregnant
Working at Kinko's (again)
Getting an awesome job with a great friend at a law office

5 things on my To-Do list today:

Prepare a lesson for Sunday
Prepare a meal for a family of 9 now (yep that's right she just had her 7th)
Laundry, Laundry, Laundry, Laundry, Laundry, did I mention Laundry?
Clean
Spending some alone time, folding laundry and catching up on my shows!

5 snacks that I LOVE:

Popcorn!
Peanut M&Ms
Ferrero Rocher
Chips (Sour Cream and Onion or BBQ)
Carrots (Raw baby)

5 Things I would do if I were a Billionaire:

Go to Australia and pet a Koala
Take my kids anywhere they would want Madi wants Hawaii
Donate some money to my church
Build a house with a lot of acreage and give my friends land and money to build their dream houses, so we could all live close together
Make sure my kids didn't have to pay loans to go to college (esp. for 30 years) (the loans not college)

I TAG:

Kirsty, Maria, Kim, Megan and Melissa (all of them!)

It's Cookie Time

2009-01-09T00:12:00.001-05:00

Madison in her Brownies outfit! Cookies are $3.00 a box. Let us know if you would like any Cookies!

Happy Birthday Mike

2009-01-04T21:45:00.004-05:00

Today is Mike's Birthday. We went to church then the kids and I left him there for meetings. I was surprised when he didn't return home until about 3 pm. We then gave him his gift. Then headed up to Toledo. Thanks to Maria and Jonathan for hosting family dinner. I thought it would be easier for Mikes Mom to come if it was up in Toledo due to weather and stuff. We were sorry when Jeff and Denise could not come due to illness (darn flu blug!) Some random photos from the night.

Mike and Jon maxin and relaxin!

Kids enjoying Family Dinner!

I forgot about the cake! Sharon picked this up at Kroger and it is awesome!!!

David Bowman Artwork

2009-01-04T21:36:00.003-05:00

David Bowman: has had a passion for art ever since he could pick up a pencil. He loves creating images of the Savior that inspire and uplift. Along with his Christian fine art, David has also written and illustrated a series of scripture storybooks for children titled "Who's Your Hero". Check out his website at www.bowman-art.com to see more of his precious art.

"Innocence"
The Savior tells us we need to become as little children to inherit the kingdom of God. I've often wondered what it is about little children Jesus loves most, and I think its their innocence. They are clean slates, seeing the world and others through untarnished eyes. Their hearts are pure, without the baggage of cynicism and self-doubt. In this piece, I've tried to imagine how a child would act upon meeting the Master for the first time. Without reservation or inhibition, I think he would simply want to play with Him. He would be at complete ease, allowing his pure little heart to soak in the love and laughter of His pure, infinite heart. Its no wonder Christ delights in these little ones and sets them up to be our examples.

"Security"
One of the greatest human needs is a sense of security. In all aspects of life, we naturally gravitate towards anything that makes us feel safe. In this piece, I wanted to convey a sense of complete peace and calm like only the Savior can provide. It's a security that allows us to rest assured, without fear or worry, when we put ourselves trustingly in His arms. Little children have that inherent kind of trust in their parents, so it's fitting that the man and girl who modeled for "Security" are actually father and daughter. They generated
the exact feel I was looking for.

"My Child"
This piece conveys an intimate, up-close-and-personal feeling of the Savior's love. Notice how all the lines draw your attention and point towards Jesus' face in the center. I chose the name "My Child" because the only thing that could compare (even remotely) to Christ's compassion for us is the love of a parent for his/her child. This image is also intended to put things in perspective. Above all, we are God's children first. He allows us the privelege of experiencing parenthood for ourselves and we are entrusted to be the mothers and fathers of His children here on earth.

40 Tips for Better Life

2009-01-04T00:06:00.001-05:00

I found this while cleaning out my inbox and thought it was worth the post!

1. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
3. Sleep for 7 hours a day.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5. Play more games.
6. Read more books than you did in 2008.
7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
11. Drink plenty of water.
12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
14. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
15. Don't have negative thoughts on things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
16. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
17. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
18. Smile and laugh more.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about. Don't compare your partner with others.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
25. Forgive everyone for everything.
26. What other people think of you is none of your business.
27. GOD heals everything.
28. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
29. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
30. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
31. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
32. The best is yet to come.
33. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
34. Enjoy life each moment , try new things, don¢t make your life busy saving money for tomorrow when you are not certain about tomorrow, if you'll be still alive or not.
35. Call your family often.
36. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.
37. Each day give something good to others.
38. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
39. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
40. Forward this to everyone you care about

2008

2009-01-01T14:02:00.010-05:00

This year has gone really quickly. I can't beleive it is 2009 already. There was so much I wanted to do and I look back and I am a little sad that somethings were not accomplished but I look at how much my children have grown and would not want to change that for anything. So here is a small look into the happenings of 2008!

We started off the year with some fun dancing! Madison as Hannah Montana!
Will trying his best to be cute! And working it I might say!

Will and his 100 day celebrations at school.
Madison Just having fun.
Will having a blast with all the boys at Aunt Alexis's house.
Madison walking the egg, during Easter Celebrations.
Friends and Crafts were a big part of 2008.
The discovery of the Rock Wall!
I love you!
Just spending time together.
They really do like each other.
Always curious!
Almost always posing for the picture.
Lots of Swimming.
And more Swimming.
Some new fun by the Lake.
That's my boy!
How pretty is she!
Climbing Trees.
And again.
Loving the weather!
Time together doing things to make lasting memories.
Lot's of Ice Cream.
What can I say!
WWF and Star Wars

And a lot of fun was had by all.

Hannah's Socks

2008-12-29T22:39:00.005-05:00

Madison has been collecting socks for Hannah's Socks for a few weeks now. I am so proud of her. She got up in front of all the adults and church to announce that she was doing this as a service project for Faith in God! and then again to all the Primary kids. So far she has collected 220 pairs of socks and 21 pair of underware (we didn't even tell anyone to bring them, they just did) Anyhow her goal is 250 pair and we are collecting for at least one more week. So if you want to donate just let me know! Thanks to all those who have helped already!

Christmas

2008-12-25T21:30:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Conversations from the Van #3 (inside edition, because it is really way to cold)

2008-12-23T08:54:00.004-05:00

I was in the kitchen cleaning and I heard Mike talking to the kids. Madi was on the computer pounding away at the keyboard.

Mike: Hey, you can't do that.

Madison: Why not?

Mike: You need to have a red wand to do that!

Does this happen in other households, talking about red wands (Harry Potter), What light saber to use, how to throw the perfect whip, What spells work the best?

Getting into the Christmas Spirit

2008-12-18T21:59:00.004-05:00

So on Monday Mike got his third cast put on. We choose to go with Red for Christmas because they did not have any green. Today was his work party and he wanted to be fun so this morning we decorated his cast!

Then after school the kids and I mailed some packages. They were great helpers at the post office. When we got home they helped by putting stickers in the cards or putting labels on the envelopes.

Stay tuned for more christmas cheer. Hopefully they won't have school tomorrow so we can do more crafts and cookies!

International Answer the Phone Like Buddy the Elf Day

2008-12-18T08:12:00.002-05:00

I'm ready, just waiting for the phone to ring!

My Lesson on Sunday

2008-12-16T00:14:00.002-05:00

This Sunday I taught the lesson in Relief Society. It turned out pretty good. When talking about finding Eternal Truths in things outside of the church or religion I showed part of a Movie Madi and I watched a few weeks ago. I thought I would Post it here. A Little Princess, is an awesome movie for young girls to see. The part I showed in the lesson starts around 5 minutes in.

One of the sisters was sad that I did not go any further with the movie. Her favorite part is in this clip when the girls wake up. Watch to see the surprise that is waiting for them!

Chizmo Christmas Addition

2008-12-14T08:58:00.014-05:00

These are the 14 of my favorite Christmas songs:

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Some Sunday Night Fun!

2008-12-08T23:44:00.004-05:00

Last night as I was trying to get dinner ready I hear a loud crash from the front of the house. I heard a call out "Everyone is all right!" Will was standing in the middle of the room laughing. I started to go about my business when Will calls out"Mom come here and look at this." Of course my mind goes to what have you broken of mine now. I wall over the the desk where Will is standing looking at his father lying on the floor, pointing and laughing. I told Mike to hold on while I got the canera. And then I got this awesome shot!

Conversations from the Van #2

2008-12-04T22:05:00.005-05:00

Today was a weird day. Mike got picked up for work. The kids walked to school and I was able to stay home and get some cleaning done. And I rearranged the living room to make room for the Christmas tree. So I did not shower or change into clean clothes. So when we had to drive to Findlay to pick up Mike from work he ask if we could come in the front to pick up some things. So ranting with the children in the car I said; "Great, one day I don't shower or change my clothes we have to go into the office!"

Will from the back of the van says: "You kind of look pretty!"

Madi then replys: "Kind of?" All snotty like.

Will: "No, she is really pretty. I want to marry her. But I can't because I am not old enough to be married. And you are already married, urg, to my father."

Isn't that just the best. Sometimes he calles me Love, its so funny. He really is a great kid!

My Turn on Earth

2008-12-03T22:25:00.003-05:00

I emailed Carol Lynn Pearson back on Novembe 9th this is what I wrote:
Our family recently bought the DVD My Turn on Earth. I thought it would be a good video for my daughter, who loves music and acting and who was planning on being baptized soon. We watched it together as a family one night. The next morning my 6 year old son was up early and was watching the video again. When he returned home from school he played it again. This evening I was taking my mother to the airport (she came into town for my daughters baptism.) My husband called to let me know how things were at home and informed me that he was watching the dvd again. He is just thrilled to watch it again and again.

We have also read some of your parables and enjoy them as well. Thank you!

Today she wrote back to me:

Thanks much for this, Tiffany. So glad your family is enjoying the DVD. And please tell them all I hope they all have a Terrific Turn on Earth!

Love,

Carol Lynn

I just think this is so awesome!

For those of you who don't know who Carol Lynn Pearson is, she is a poet, author, play write, and Philosopher. She is Mormon and was married to a gay Mormon man. She writes about that experience and others facing that challenge as well. She has written many books, poem and fables. This is a song from My Turn on Earth:

Madisons Baptism

2008-11-16T22:31:00.002-05:00

Although I have been planning this baptism for about a year in a half now, since Mike and I missed our friend Luke's Baptism due to scheduling conflicts (we had something planed for several weeks and it was sprung on us about the baptism) and since I missed our friend Kyle's baptism (due to me being extremely and untimely sick) I told our friend Maria that the baptism would be on 11/8/08 back in May of 07. Everything was planned. Perfect dress bought. Most amazing photos were taken. Email invitations sent (although some say they did not get it). Perfect invitations made and sent. Songs were picked, people were asked to play music, speak, lead music. Special thanks to Nathan Richardson, Maria Simons, Peggy McClanahan, and a very special thank you to Denise Lake (she did the awesome talk, I gave the other one and not as good!) So as most of you know, I have done some pretty amazing baptism videos. I really like them, I take pride in such work. I struggled with Madison's, I had no vision. It was easy to ask someone what songs they wanted, get me there favorite photos and the creative juices just started flowing. But with Madison's I could not even pick one song I really loved. And I had spent weeks and hours and money getting every photo onto CD to be prepared for this spectacular video event. So for weeks I worked on it here and there. The day of the baptism I still was not satisfied. I was late to my own daughters baptism because I was still burning the CD of a very imperfect video. I was not there to take photos before hand of her with her Uncle Jeff in there baptism clothing. Or to properly dress her. When I got there her outfit was on backwards had to have her change that. Oh yea, and I forgot an extra pair of underwear! Good Mom moment! So the actual baptism was great everything went smoothly. Madi was so giddy it was very funny and touching to see her so excited. When Jeff was telling her how to go down in the water before the doors were open she was so excited, her face was like yea, right, whatever, OK let me in! It was cool.

After the baptism was wonderful. My mom had come and helped. We made hot chicken for sandwiches, had apple trays, cheese trays, crackers and yummy desserts. Again special thanks to My friends, Denise, Kim H. and Melissa D. for your help and yummy desserts! Oh and an awesome punch. It was really great and so, so easy. Take White Grape Peach juice and a 2 litter of Sprite Mix and that is it! It tastes oh so good! So everything was great and everyone seemed to be having a great time. Then it was over and what do I notice in the kitchen, my camera (I know what some of you are thinking! and no) I did not get one photo of people who came to the event! Can you believe it. I missed the decorations, the food spread, Oh and the cake, which I did not make Sharon bought at Kroger but it still looked awesome! So i hurried and found a few people still lingering around. And got these shots:

Madi and her Grandma Richter

Madison and her second cousin Katie. They had a lot of fun together.
This is my cousin Neil and his family. Wife Leesa, sons Logan and Trevor and daughter Katie. They were leaving to go back to my house when I caught them to get this shot!

Madi with Brother Richardson. He played the piano for us.

Madi and Grandma Richter and Her dad. He is trying to hide his crutches.

This was taken the next day. Madi with Grandma Swift. This was the goofy picture (love it)

So these are some of the fake photos we got a week later of the people who attended the baptism. And if you are not hear we need to get together and get the shot:
Madi with the McClanahan's. He is the Bishop and she is a really great friend! They are moving to Utah and we will miss them dearly.

Deanna and two of her girls. She is a great friend and Emily the one in the middle is one of Madi's dearest friends.

Kayla and Kristen. Two of the youth in our ward.

Laura and Brittan. Brit was Baptised a week before Madi. They are only 6 days apart!

Madi and Sister Mathis. She is the Primary Pres. in our ward.

This is the Sayer family. They are awesome. Great Neighbors and due to Kirsty's blog, I'm a little famous!
This is Rachel and her newest baby. She was young women when I served and was Pregnant with Madi. Now she just had her fourth! Rach is a great friend and an awesome mom.

This is Mary Shurts and her Daughter Renee. Mary and I worked together in Primary a few years back. Renee is one of my good friends!

This is the Cady Family. Their daughter Linda next to Madi is great she always is saying hi in the hall and asking wheres Madi! They also have another daughter Laura who was pictured earlier. They are a great Family.

Chizmo Happy Birthday Dad

2008-11-14T08:57:00.004-05:00

Since I missed my Dad's Birthday and I missed November Chizmo so I am combining them. I was going to do the 61 things I love about my dad but I thought 14 things would be better!

1. He married my mom.
2. He left the hospital before I was born to change his shoes.
3. He puts up with me.
4. He tolerates my husband.
5. He loves Madi.
6. I am pretty sure he loves Will.
7. He used to be a clown
8. He used to eat fire. Really fire!
9. He let me use his car. and He didn't get to mad at me for leaving the car in drive when I got out of the car before swim practice one morning.
10. He tolerates my friends, namely Jenn.
11. He gives me Christmas Eve gifts every year. They are very special to me.
12. He gives the Christmas Eve gifts to the kids now too.
13. He used to read Twas the Night Before Christmas to me.
14. He told me I could not pierce my ears before I was 16 and when my mom took me to have it done at 11 he did not get mad. And later when I was 19 when he told me in front of my boyfriend at the time if I came home with another hole in my ear he was going to kick me out of the house. So after piercing my ears two more times while living across county he did not get mad. (See he puts up with me!)

Really Dad, I love you. I know no matter what I do you will be there for me. You always have great words of advice and you always know when I need to hear them! Thanks for being my dad!

Four Generations

2008-11-09T21:23:00.005-05:00

This is a four generation photo taken the day of Madison's blessing.

This is a Four generation photo taken the day after Madison's Baptism about 8 years later!

More of Madisons Birthday

2008-11-03T23:04:00.005-05:00

First we had Sunday dinner with the Lakes and Simons families. This was her Birthday cake.
These were posters her friends Sammy and Carly made for her. We had soups that night. Madison's favorite soup is Cheesy Potato and her Aunt Denise made that and Aunt Maria made French Onion. They were both very good. I forgot candles for the cake and all that Denise had were these cool candles from the 60's that changed colors as they melted. Can't wait to see them again to find out how many colors they have in them. Then on Monday we went to RED ROBIN for birthday dinner with Grandma Richter.Things she got for her birthday: Samantha American Girl doll, book set and brush;

i-dog and i-dog carrier purse in pink;

Two littlest pet shop pets from her very loving brother;

a guitar, because she really does want to be a rock star!

Then we headed home for the night because Mommy for got one bag at home. A how to play guitar box and dvd, girly guitar pics, an all about me book and I think that is about it!

Happy Birthday Madison

2008-11-03T21:12:00.003-05:00

We tried for a long time to have a child. I had two miscarriages and a surgery to correct problems before conceiving Madison. We were so excited to learn we were pregnant again. Shortly after finding out we were pregnant we got news that I was miscarrying again. I was devastated. We opted not to undergo surgery do to the recent procedure I had. This was such a blessing. Within a week I was feeling horrible. Sick all the time and soooo tired. I called the doctor to let them know how I was feeling and let them know that I had not started to miscarry yet. They sent me to the lab again and to their surprise my numbers were up and healthy. Apparently someone at the lab had miscalculated the numbers and that is why they thought I was going to miscarry. So happy news all was well.

During my pregnancy everything was fine. Although my mother in law tried to poison me with her meatloaf. (I got a mysterious rash after eating at her house one night). I had my worst day ever. (Mikes car broke down, hamster stitches, friend tell me he was gay, visit friend in psych ward, find out I had a girl cousin older than me, all in one day) Although the girl cousin thing was cool! Shout out to Christy, she is awesome!

At the end things were still good. The baby was very big so they decided to induce. I wanted her on November 1 because that was my grandmothers birthday but they could do it on the 3rd. So early that Friday morning we headed up to St. V's hospital and got all settled. I was given pitosen around 8 things were looking good around 12:30. The Dr. came in and broke my water. I started to really contract around 3. But at this time the Dr. had three emergencies so I missed my window for an epidural. So she was born at 5:33 Weighed 9 lbs. and 21 inches. We had a great couple of days in the hospital. We headed home and I just remember how scared I was. The whole way home I was worried that she would stop breathing in the car. I thought we were going to get into an accident. By the time we got home I was so exhausted from the worrying.

I nursed her for two weeks but she was always hungry. I started supplementing with Soy formula. At first she did not spit that up. But then she did. She spit up any time she ate. I found out later that due to my PCOS I can not nurse. I just don't have the milk production. I tried with her for four months. Feeding for hours sometimes but then having to supplement on top of that.

She was a fussy baby but not to bad. She smiled and giggled a lot. She was afraid of our house. Any time I would leave the living room she would crawl to the arch way and cry. She could see me through the whole house but she would not pass the living room. It was funny, but once she was about two that stopped.

I love Madison very much. She is such a sweet spirit. She gets along with anybody she meets. She is kind and caring. Sometimes her feelings are a bit tender but that just makes her who she is. She is bright and willing to learn. She loves school and her teachers. She has many, many friends. I can't wait to see what the future has for her.

Madison Smilebox

2008-11-03T09:36:00.002-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

I am saddened

2008-10-30T22:00:00.002-04:00

So for the past two years or so, our family has been planning Madi's baptism. Not every day, I am not that psycho about it, but it has been in the works for a long time. Last month we went and got these really great shots for the invitations. I made Madi a necklace and bracelet to reminder her of this special day. Scriptures engraved, people asked to give talks everything is in place. Well, last night Mike was injured playing basketball. He tore his Achilles tendon. He came home limping and kind of checking things out to see if it was swelling. Well, he called me from work this morning asking me what Dr. he should go see. So I got him an appointment for later in the day. He came home with a imoblising splint on and crutchs. Not what I was expecting. I have to take him to the hospital in the morning for an MRI. His surgery is scheduled for Tuesday. So, unless he does not get a cast, but I think that he will, he will not be able to preform the Baptism. But luckly we have a back up plan. It just breaks my heart a little knowing that Mike won't be able to do this for Madison. I know he was looking forward to it. At least he can give her the blessing! Hopefully he does well through the surgery and I can make it through a week with him home!!!

Baked Potato Wednesdays

2008-10-29T09:09:00.008-04:00

So Wednesdays are really busy in our family. Sometimes there is PTO meetings after school, on those days the kids go to bowling. Then Madi has Dance class. My husband has church meetings and then basketball. And starting soon Madi will have Wednesday night activities twice a month. So dinner gets to be hard since There really is not much time to prepare or sit and eat. So therefore Baked potato Wednesdays!

I don't know if any of you have ever heard of One Potato Two. When I worked at Hagen Dazs at a mall in Las Vegas, thy had a One Potato Two and I would always get my lunch from there. I loved the pizza potato. They had much more but I did not venture to the seafood potato or the tuna potato. So I made some pizza potatoes for my kids one day and they loved it too. Once we were out of pizza sauce so I made some with chili on top and they ate that as well. So now we will have potato night.

I can bake some potatos earlier in the day leave them in the oven to stay warm and when we are home we can put the toppings on and have a quick hearty meal in a matter of minutes! Also, the best thing to put on the potatoes for some extra flavor is this French Fry seasoning. I get it at Big Lots! Awesome! I always eat the skins this way.

Some Topping ideas

Pizza- Pizza sauce, Mozzerella cheese, and Pepperonies (about 4) I use turkey pepperonies, they are a little healthier and have a great strong taste.

Mexican- Cheese and Salsa

Chili- Chilie and cheese, we add a little dollup of sour cream

Ground Beef- Brown beef in oil, crumblign beef with a fork. Add onion soup. Remove from heat and stir in paprika and sour cream.

Veggie- Broccoli and cheese

And any thing you can think of these are just some of the ones my family enjoys.

Update on Life Missing

2008-10-28T08:47:00.002-04:00

I found them! Well Mike found them. What a good husband. 25 rolls of film hidden away in the garage. And now another two rolls have been located. So all in all I have 44 Rolls of film from 1999 to about 2005. That's when we got the really good digital camera. But now my big dilemma is the video. I have created three baptism videos for others plus a few others on my own. It was easier to see other peoples lives and make the videos and be excepting of the work that was done. In fact I really liked them. But now with this one, I don't know if its because I'm too emotionally involved that the inspiration is just not coming. I can't even pick out a decent song! aAAHHHH and its less than two weeks away.

Madison's Invitation

2008-10-26T18:18:00.002-04:00

Conversations from the Van

2008-10-23T07:39:00.004-04:00

I have found the best place for my kids to talk to me is in the Van. The funniest stories and comments are made when we are having conversations in the Van.

Madi: Why can't the school have lip synch anymore.
Me: They do, it's at the end of the year.
Madi: Oh it's not that talent is it?
Me: No, the talent show is different.
Madi: When can you do the lip synch?
Me: I think you have to be in 4, 5, or 6th grade to be in lip synch.
Madi: Can't you change that? You know you are the PTO president!

I had to laugh, mostly from the way she said it. I guess it's never to earlier to learn it's all about who you know!

Warning there is something lost in this photo!

2008-10-22T16:07:00.005-04:00

We are certain it should be there but for some reason it is gone. Not sure what we are going to do with this unfortunate loss. It only took over 6 years to finally happen. The kids not excited at all! Can't ya tell.

Life Missing

2008-10-22T09:02:00.002-04:00

So I have been trying to start Madison's baptism video. But for some reason I am missing 2 years of photos. Could it be that I did not take pictures for a whole 2 years? 2003 and 2004 I can't find. Why is this. I know I was not that bad of a mom that I would not document any thing during that time. I know I was depressed and dealing with much loss during this time, but no pictures? Where could they be, I know not. I am sad!

Sickies

2008-10-20T21:47:00.004-04:00

I have sickies at my house. Saturday morning at 2 am. Mike came down stairs sick. It lasted for a few hours, then he spent most of Saturday lying on the couch resting. By Sunday morning he was better and able to function. He took a nap in the afternoon and then we went to family dinner in Toledo. Everything was fine until 1:45 am when Will came into the room and started crying that his bed was wet. No problem.
Me:Did you change your pull up?
W: Yes
Dad: Ok climb in here and lay down.
W: Ok, but my tummy hurts.
Dad: Goes downstairs for something
W: While losing it all over our new carpet. My tummy really hurts.
Me: Standing watching this all happen without going into a historical rant. It will be ok.
W: No my tummy really hurts.
Dad: comes up to clean mess.

W: Can we mumble mumble mumble.
Me: what was that?
W: Can we have a prayer?

My heart just melted. As most of you know, Will can cause some trouble. In fact he causes a lot of trouble sometimes. Sometimes I look at him and ask myself what I am doing wrong. Then there are moments like these. While in the depths of his despair he cries out for help. And who does he turn to? He prays to Heavenly Father. He knows how to choose the right, he just sometimes chooses to turn the other way.

Ok after several hours of sleep for a 45 min until Will wakes up does his thing then falls back asleep. Repeat until about 7:00am. It was pretty clear that the hopes of a perfect attendance by Will at school was going to be shattered. Yep around 8:15 one last dose of stomach spasms! Ok get Madi off to school and Will starts to perk up. about 8:55 I am starting to second guess myself. I try to justify the decision that it would benefit the teacher and other students if He stayed home. For the next few hours things were fine. He stayed rather into a movie which was later determined not to appropriate for his age. But to justify this I was sleep deprived and trying to fight off a migraine so my poor choice in movies should not be questioned.

Anyhow around noon he decided to get himself dressed and ready for school. I suggested that he just have some lunch and see if that stayed down. He went outside for a bit but when he returned he was looking ashen again and I suggested he go lay down. He sat in front of his lunch for about 20 minutes and then laid down. I told him to lay on the couch and get a nap. I had to lay down too for that to happen. Well I got another 45 minutes in. So then the others came home for the day. Hurt feelings aside things were looking up until about 7:55. Mike had gone to bed. We were watching "My Turn on Earth" This deserves another post at a later time. Then Madi went down with it. Immediately Will goes again. AAAHHH. I try as hard as I can not to lose it myself while helping both clean up. I called down Mike and He got Will ready for bed and took him upstairs. Two hours of whining and puking Madi is finally asleep. Here is hoping for a few hours of sleep tonight! I can only hope that tomorrow I will be able to catch up with the housework and get some germs out of my house.

Facebook Song

2008-10-20T10:18:00.002-04:00

My new addiction and why this is funny!

Chizmo

2008-10-14T23:17:00.008-04:00

So I decided this Chizmo is 14 of my favorite songs (in no particular order) in Wordle form. I am not going to be naming them if you want you can try to figure them out! (Although when you click on them you will get the answers) At least leave a Comment

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Check it out at wordle.net

If only his love could fix the national deficit

2008-10-13T12:18:00.003-04:00

I was really sick over the weekend and before this little guy went up to bed he told me he loved me billions and billions and billions and billions and billions. I asked about how may billions he loved me. He said 58 982 billions. Wow that's lots of billions I said. Then he said he really loved me googly. Google: 10,000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000 - or just 1 followed by 100 zeroes...

Wow that is a lot of love!

Free handbag

2008-10-10T14:42:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Brittany for this I just entered to win a free handbag!

handbagplanet.com

Have fun!