Take a look at this story

I might have mentioned before, back in December 3 girls in our ward were in a terrible car crash, finally the last one was able to go home after 77 days in the children's hospital in denver. Well, our news station, 9 news, got a hold of a story highlighting a school paper this girl had written shortly before the crash, 'what courage means to me, by Brooke Gardner' After reading the paper, I was truely amazed that an 11 year old wrote it. You can check out the story and the paper on the 9 news website. http://www.9news.com/life/programming/storytellers/article.aspx?storyid=112081&catid=463#comments

The Young CO Millers update

Well, I realized that it's been awhile since I posted more than just a quick note on a few things, so I decided that I got a little bit of time at work tonight (I was called into do the over night with only a few hours to get some rest before coming in) so here is a little bit. Well, I just finished a week of midterms, all four midterms happened to be on Monday, so that was nice to get them out of the way, but I still had to go to class on Wednesday. So school is going well, I've got two fun classes, both flight simulator classes, and surprising to me, I'm doing better than most students who already have their private pilot license, or at least my pretty little patterns on the computer screen look a bit better. Maybe someday I can transfer that all over to real flying. My other two classes are pretty boring to me, economics, joy. Well, half way done with the semester!!
Christy is take a class up at Aims CC. She started off with a math class, but when the teacher expected the students to already know the material without him actually teaching it, she decided to switch to another class that fitted her schedule, so water color was it, and after she started 2 or 3 weeks late, she got caught up in like 1 class period, and she of course amazed her teacher with her painting ability. We do believe it was a good thing she switched, though math comes easy to some, and difficult to others, she might have stressed over the math class to much, especially since we later found out that she would be expecting. So Christy and I will become parents this year. The due date is Oct 14th, and so far everything is going well, and though Christy does get the morning sickness, it hasn't been like some of the horror stories that we've heard many women complain about. So we are very excited for these challenges and joys that a new baby will bring.
Christy is still working on her book. She is doing a re-edit on the first book, and should be finishing up soon, then she will start back at trying to promote it more than she has been able to recently. She does have a book signing and an art class coming up soon at the local Barnes and Noble, a two day event that should help get her name out there a bit more. And for you who are waiting for book two, don't worry, it'll be coming out soon, maybe, hopefully.
Well, that's really most of the news/updates that we have, it's been good to read what all you have written, since there was a big gap of very little being written by us. Hope that all goes well for every one, and we look forward to hopefully seeing everyone come the end of may(?). We love you all, and will talk to y'all later!

X-Country Solo--Complete!

Finally, after weeks of strong surface winds and even stronger at 3000 to 6000 feet--must be Oklahoma, the winds finally calmed down a little bit. So it was time to complete my last major requirement before being able to be tested for my Private Pilot Certificate (to be finished very soon)! The FAA requires a Cross Country Solo Flight of 150 nautical miles or greater with landings at 2 other airports besides your own. So I took off from KPWA (Wiley Post) flew west to KSCM (Clinton Sherman Moore) in Clinton OK, then Southeast to KADM (Ardmore Municipal) in Ardmore, then back over Oklahoma City to my home Airport, about 277 nautical miles as the crow flies. Obviously it all went well. What follows are pics and excerpts from my trip!

ME: "Wiley Post Ground 2099D(elta) @ Oklahoma Aviation with Tango, Request Taxi to 35 Right. Flight Following 262 at Flight Level Four-Thousand Five-Hundred."

KPWA Tower: "2099D(elta) Taxi to and hold short runway 35 Right, left turnout approved, Departure Frequency 124.6, SWAK 5120."

That's me on the Taxi way headed to the active runway at KPWA

ME: "Oke City (Oak City) Departure, Skyhawk 2099D off Wiley Post climbing through Two-thousand five-hundred."

Departure: "2099D climb on course and Ident."

That's me en route to KSCM

Me: "Sherman Tower, Skyhawk 2099D 10 miles to the east inbound to land with the ASOS (A-sauce--Not for steak BTW)."

Tower: "2099D, plan Right Base runway 35 right. Wind 320 @ 8, dew point is minus 2, Altimeter is Two Niner, Niner, Niner, no traffic observed between you and the airport, report on right base at 2 miles out."

That's me standing next to 2099D on the ground @ KSCM

Ft Worth Center: "2099D, Altimeter is Three zero, zero, zero, frequency change approved, contact Fort Sill Approach on 118.00."

Me: "Three zero, zero, zero, frequency change approved, Contacting Ft Sill on 118.0, good day."

Me: "Ft Sill Approach, 20099D with you Five-thousand Five-hundred"

Ft Sill: "Radar Contact, continue on course"

That's me somewhere over Oklahoma (of course I know where I am) Cruising at 5,400, 108 knots Indicated Air Speed, 120 knots ground speed, headed to KADM (Ardmore).

Me: "Ardmore Tower, 2099D 12 miles to the West inbound to land with Echo"

Ardmore Tower: "2009D make left base for runway 35 clear to land."

Me: "Clear to land, runway 35, 2099D."

Me: "Ardmore tower, 2099D going around"

KADM Tower: "go around, make right downwind for 35"

KADM: "2009D, left on Alpha-one Right on Alpha, Taxi to parking"

Me: "Alpha-one, Alpha, to Parking 2099D"

That's a CAP Plane and some Jet, the only others I saw at Ardmore. The on-field Restaurant was closed--frown--but the Tower was open!

Me: "Oke City approach, 2099D is over Oklahoma University, request transition to Class Charlie Airspace, inbound to land at Wiley Post."

Approach: "2099D, maintain course, stay north-east of the Downtown building and continue onto Wiley Post."

Me: "Oke City approach 2099D, would like to cancel with you and transition to Class Delta Airspace, inbound to land Wiley Post."

Approach: "Frequency change approved, radar service terminated, contact Wiley Post Tower on One two six Niner."

Me: "Frequency Change Approved, going to 126.9"

Me: "Wiley Post Tower, 2099D, about 4 miles north east inbound to land with Tango"

Tower: "2099D clear to land runway 17 left, wind 150 @ 10, altimeter 30.03"

Me: "Clear to land 17 left, 2099D"

That's me with 2099D after a successful flight.

Too proud for words

Hello, my lovelies! I wish you could know what is in my heart: It is over-flowing with love and joy! I see you all moving forward and doing such wonderful things. I am so proud - the good pride, not the bad!

Congrats to Carrie for a little one to love and take care of. Mia is a cutie and I am glad she makes you happy - and even more responsible! ;) You do have the support and acceptance of one of your parents, but I probably wouldn't make a good dog-sitter. :(

Yea for Matt and Christy. Waiting for that first baby is one of the most exciting life-changing moments (okay, months to you, but it really is only a moment if you could see it from my perspective!) of your life. It will never be the same again, and that's okay too. Great, in fact. I am holding my breath for the ATC paperwork to come in, JUST IN TIME, to make all the other deadlines work. But in any case, we are here to help mama Christy anyway we can, even though she has many other helpers close by too.

Cameron, all you do for your girls is totally incredible to me. So much, with such a little reward of time. Of course, it's extra nice for us because we get to see you more often this way, but we would give that up in a minute if it could be better for you. Good luck with all the challenges you face in the near future.

Nathan, you inspire me and I wish there were other ways we could enjoy you and your family more often. The kids are growing up so fast, even faster than you all did, so it seems, and that was just a blink of an eye. Keep up the good thoughts, work - the home work kind - and give those sweet kids and beautiful wife an extra hug now and again for me. Wishing I could do it more often myself.

Darcey, I've waited a long time to see you so happy, it thrills my heart just to hear it in your voice and see it in your face, even if it is only in pictures. Rob is beyond words. Just the thought of him coming to our house was exciting enough, but he exceeded any and all of the high expectations we had and demanded for our "lung yady." And just so you all know, we did ask if he was an Eagle Scout: Obviously so, since he passed the acid test and your dad was more than pleased with what he saw and heard, though he didn't appear to show it! He wants you to be happy, but it's still hard to give up his little girl-which other dad's of this family will learn some day, too. I can't wait to have everyone else meet him. He fits so well in our growing-little group. Darcey, one question: Did you and your grma A. get together and decide you'd teach me a lesson? It parallels your dad and my "courtship" and marriage plans so awfully close, and as more details come out, others may marvel at the commonalities too. Just cause it worked didn't mean you had to follow it. ;) Poor Carrie: How is she going to follow in your footsteps now?! Are there any other real men out there? (It's okay, Carrie; I've got faith in you! No worries!)

Your dad left this morning for Nepal. I'm not sure what you all know, but this isn't for hiking, though there will be some of that. It's for the work that is being done to make the medical center and school for the remote village that Jagat came from, where it takes 9 hours of walking just to get to medical help. Now there is going to be a medical center for the people who live there thanks to the efforts of Randy, Bob and to a little lesser degree, your dad. Randy really got it going with the corporate backing of Intrada, the company he works for. There is a rather large contingent going, so it will be quite different. I do know that he flew into Newark today and then onto Delhi, India. That flight is about 14 hours long. Then they have a 15 hour lay-over before flying on to Kathmandu, Nepal, arriving on Sunday afternoon, the 8th. He will basically be out of touch until he returns to the states, which will be on Monday, 23 March. What kind of surprises could we come up with while he's gone? Hmm-m-m-m...

I am fine. I've got lots of projects lined up for myself (what would mom be without her projects?) and I am busy at school. Still in second grade. (Dallin, there is another kid in my new class that reminds me of you, again. Blonde, blue-eyed and smart, alot like you! I guess I just want to have you in my class, so these other boys show up so I think of you.) I tend to live it (school) almost 24/7, but am hoping I can let some of it go a little since we are on the down-hill side of the year. (Any bets?) I've done both parent-teacher conferences for this school year, and just finished doing report cards, yet some people still call me, "Just a sub!" Them's fightin' words!!!! I only get sub pay, but I do all the work. Not complaining, -too much. I was glad I could help my friend, Mary, during this very difficult time for her. So it's worth it.

Family Vacation (I hate the word "reunion") thoughts:
Nathan's family is looking at going to Disneyland this fall and has "invited" others to join. You all know that I've wanted to get something going, but I have the bad habit of procrastination, thinking that now won't be a good time because.... or because.... But if we don't start somewhere, it will never happen. SO, thanks Nathan, for getting the ball rolling. Keep us all posted (here is a good place for that) on the plans - when it may be, and we'll see what else others can do. I'm guessing Matt and Christy won't be available, nor Darcey and Rob, but who knows? Stranger things have happened. (Remember our trip to DisneyWorld? That was a true-blue miracle, right down to Cameron's knee surgery, so even he could go - sorry Cam. ) Anyway, other ideas I've had are: Renting a condo at a ski resort, during ski season, of course; Renting a house-boat on Lake Powell so we can skip along the water in the jet-skiis; Meeting/camping in Yellowstone [Darcey, it might be more fun with Rob around ;) ]; a cruise (now, that's a REAL dream!). Other ideas out there????? Post it. Let's talk.

Well, enough of my epistle. I guess that's why I don't do this too often: I talk way too much.

But most of all, please remember I am so very proud of you all and love you more than you know. Some of you THINK you know, but you have to have done it as long as I have to REALLY KNOW! so....

I win!!

I've got the best kids in the world!

Love you lots and lots and lots.....

Hug, hug!! Kiss, kiss!!!!! SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,

ME!

Just a quick note

Well, I had my ATC interview this past Tuesday, after a quick 45 min interview, my interviewer, Sharon, told me that that she would send her recommendation for me to have the job to OK city, and then they would get a hold of me for more paper work, mainly my medical and background checks. She told me it could be up to 6 months down the road, hmm more waiting, it's only been a year since I took the test, what more is 6 months? Well, if that is the case, the good news is I can finish this semester of school. The bad news is that (for those direct family members this should not be news anymore but for the rest of you it just might be) the timing would be right around the time Christy will be due to deliver, I would hate to miss that because of 3-4 months of training in OK City but, I guess I'll have to do what my family needs me to do (I may take one day of training off, but I'm advised that that would be a very unwise thing to do). So I'm just waiting and continuing with what I'm doing so far, and hope that it all goes well.

Darcey's Visit To Oklahoma

Darcey was here, got to spend some time with her, saw her smile a lot, met Rob (again), made a video, thought I'd share!

Wonderful Challenges

I came home late tonight thanks to a wonderful work schedule that will never allow me to do anything the first few days of any given month. Nothing. No matter how sick or how hurt (even Tiffany having a baby did not stop me from working during these nights as we close our monthly books). Death might give me some allowance, but even then, I wonder how things will get done without me. Not that I am that important but nobody knows my bookkeeping strategies or understand the intricacies of my division. So I work and it gives me satisfaction that I will probably have a job well into the future. As soon as the boss has somebody else learn my areas of responsibility, then I will fear. Well, I do digress and I did not get on to talk about work.

Instead... let us talk about politics!! Just kidding. Tiffany was awake as I returned home, watching a movie. Normally, when I get home late on some of these nights I usually expect to find her either in bed or downstairs on the computer doing finances. I guess we both like late night bookkeeping. But no, this time she was up with Porter watching a movie. As I came into the room he perked up his head to see what was the commotion. Then, with a straight face that only Porter can do, he just stared at me. Finally, he came to me and we enjoyed some time together playing around as Tiffany finished the movie. It reminded me of the good ol' days back in Logan when I would come home late at night (every night) and play with the kids (Tiff kept Dallin and Emma up so they could see daddy as they did not see me due to morning classes and working late). It reminded me of a time that we had little but enjoyed life. I am sure that in the daily chores of taking care of kids and having no husband around to help, Tiffany may not see it like that. Of course, taking 7:30 classes and leaving school to go straight to work until 10:00 at night wasn't that fun for me either. But as I look back, I think of what a wonderful time it was in our life. Obviously it wasn't wonderful in the fact that I didn't spend a ton of time with my family (sufficient, but not a ton), or in that we were busy going to school, or that we had to worry about how to pay to fix the car if it broke down or a myriad of other possible issues that abounded. But I still look back and think, what a wonderful time. Why? - Because we were working together for a cause that was just and a challenge to meet.

May I suggest, family, that if you ever think your life is not going somewhere, pick a challenge and go for it. I see Dad heading off to Nepal again. The challenge is not the next climb up a mountain, as fun as I know that is for dad. But it would seem the challenge is finding ways to help a people he has fallen in love with. A people who are half way around the world.

It really doesn't matter the challenge. I see Carrie getting her beautiful puppy, Mia. The challenge isn't buying the food or the vet bills, it is the challenge of taking care of something that depends on you. When somebody (or something) is dependent upon you and you sense the responsibility, we may raise to the challenge.

Sometimes we go looking for challenges. Look at Matt and his FAA dream. He has worked so hard for this opportunity. Why somebody would want to take on that kind of stress and responsibility, I don't know? Two planes on a collision course separated by five miles of thin air will rely on Matt to guide them safely to their destination. Way to go Matt in going after a dream. Challenges often are brought upon by our own aspirations and as we accomplish them, a sense of purpose and fulfillment fills our bosoms. Matt, just don't let me crash the next time I am in your airspace. ;)

Sometimes challenges come as we develop talents and hobbies. Darcey and her budding business interests: Cupcakes and other tasty treats. Now there is a challenge. Who would ever have thought that cup cakes would be the main ingredient in a business plan? Now, I don't know Darcey if you are even considering such an establishment, but as you play with tastes, sizes, and possible sales, there is a challenge that you rise to meet. A better recipe, a better flavor, a new idea. It moves us forward to better and greater opportunities.

Some challenges come when we wish they wouldn't. But as they come, we still push forward and make the best lemonade smoothie invented (Darcey, you should get into this as well - especially in Phoenix - yum!). As I have watched Cameron and the challenges of being a father yet being far away from his children has been a heart wrenching experience for me. But the time, expense, and love that he expends on his girls to spend time with them shows how we might rise to the challenge no matter the circumstances. No doubt this is not how he wants it, but he works as best he can to be with them often. His rise to meet this challenge has been an inspiration to me indeed!

I want to thank you all for being inspirations to me. Life is full of fun and amusement, but it is the challenge of life that leaves us fulfilled. Mom, you are truly the most inspiring. Staying home to raise five wonderful children may have been fun, it may have been a sacrifice, it may have been a blessing, or quite possibly a curse. Yet, through the challenge of being our mother, we have all surfaced with resilience and fortitude that will get us through much of what life has to offer. Thank you. (However, your organizational skills did not rub off on me. I wonder how life would be different if my home were full of quotes and sticky notes.) :)

Cheers to you all and sorry, this may not have been a 'fun' piece to read, maybe even a 'challenge' to get through, but to me, it made me appreciate my family and the challenges we all go through. It is these experiences that build our character and strengthen us for future challenges which we will look back and wonder with amazement why we enjoyed those times soo much.

It is now too late to stay up any longer and I must get to bed with the challenge of getting up early to go and run. Now there is a challenge!

Good luck to you all on your next challenge.

Nathan

Happy Happy Birthday!!!

Here's wishing Nathan a Happy Happy Birthday!!!

The first addition to MY family...

As you all know by now, I finally got what I've been waiting years and years to have. I've been planning on getting a puppy for a long time, and while I was planning to find that special little companion later in the year, it happened sooner than I thought. It was something that I even prayed about, that I would find the right companion, because while some of you may not see it the way I do, it was something important to me.

After just a few days with 6 week old Mia (pronounced Mee-ya) she's perfect. She has the sweetest little temperament and tender heart, but will also act as though she is fierce and fiesty (after she's had a nice long nap). :)

She goes everywhere with me except for work, in which I come to see her and play with her and make sure she's eating enough and clean up whatever messes she ends up making. She's teeny tiny, I just found out at the vet today that she weighs just a few ounces over two pounds. Her mom and dad are no more than 5 lbs each, so she'll stay pretty little. I call her a Chidoxie - Chihuahua/Dachsund mix. Ironically enough, I've liked certain characteristics in both breeds, but haven't found one that I felt drawn to like I did with little Mia: she's got the best of both worlds!

She follows me everywhere. If I am getting ready for work in the bathroom, she's playing near my feet. If I walk down the hall to the kitchen, she scurries on her tiny paws, skidding across the floor, until she catches up to me. She knew her name within a few hours of me deciding what to call her. Even now, as I'm writing this, she made her way into my lap, curled up with her head resting on my arm. She's my wittle baby! She loves to sleep, run under the couch and ottoman and jump out from underneath as if to surprise me, play with her toys, and above all, she's a snuggler!

And yes...I've lost sleep getting up in the night to take her out, she's had accident after accident in the house...but she's learning fast, and doing better day by day. And yes, she's work. But I love every minute of it.

I brought her up to Nathan's today to visit the kids, and she didn't have one accident in the house. I was so proud! :) Emma loved her lots, and Logan wasn't as afraid of her as he is with most dogs (as I've heard). Even Porter cracked a smile when Mia was near enough for him to pet. A baby and a puppy? What's cuter than THAT?? :)

New Job :)

Well, I did it. Just gave my two weeks notice here at Fink & McGregor. It went better than I thought (thanks for prayers!)

I will be working as a loan processor and assisting with the marketing. In addition, I will FINALLY be able to use my license and originate my own loans on the side!! SO...for those of you who live in Utah or know people here who do, refer me so I can start doing some business and making some money! The sooner you do that, the sooner I can take everyone on a family trip to Disneyland. I'm only thinking of you guys. :)

Love you all, hope all is well where you may be.

Prayers

If any of you see this tonight, will you please say a little prayer for me? I have a decision to make that will potentially change my life and I want to make sure it's the right decision.

I've been offered a job at another mortgage company, and it will give me the potential to learn and grow within the industry...which is what I've been wanting for a long time.

I just want to make sure it's the right fit, and the right place for this time in my life.

Thanks mucho! Love you all!

Abigail's 1st Birthday

Savannah is bringing sexy back.....

Headed to the store, Guess who wants to drive?

Just kicking it in the Diaper isle!

Not sure who was more tired.

Little Miss Cutie!

Breakfast time!

Hmmm, to play with toys or to watch the Backyardagains,

that is the question.

Moments before this picture was taken it went something

like this.... "Daddy, my puter, yap. Daddy puter, yap"

Do you think she got what she was asking for??

Taking a little rest after hard play and lots of giggles!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY to ABIGAIL!!!

A little behind schedule, but good wishes nonetheless...Happy Birthday to sweet little Abigail! We love you!!

I Suppose...

....I ought to post as well, seeing as how I was the one that got after everyone else for not keeping up to date. :)

My trip to Arizona a few weeks ago was fantastic! Even though I wasn't really trained and ready for just the 13.1 miles, I did manage to cross the finish line (definitely NOT in record time, but I appreciated Dallin's comment on Darcey's post of the 1/2 Marathon...tee hee!) Darcey and I had all kinds of fun, eating out, taking silly pics, exploring Arizona, and chillaxin' at her place. The weather made me jealous - we laid out by the pool in the warm sun the day I had to fly back to polluted air and snow covered ground. *sigh* I considered selling my place and moving down there. Darn recession! :)

This weekend I was lucky enough to see Abigail and Savannah. Happy 1st Birthday to Miss Abigail on Saturday! They are both as sweet and fun as ever! Cameron flew in Saturday morning and we made our way up to Logan, and met the girls at Grandma's. I had to come back last night (through a blizzard in Sardine and foggy, rainy roads most of the rest of the way...I am ready for Spring!!) because I was out of work for three days last week from being sick, so I couldn't take another day off so soon. Cameron will be coming back down tonight and hanging out with me so I can take him back to the airport first thing Tuesday morning. These visits are very short, but it's nice in some ways because at least I get to see him and the girls often.

Other than being sick and Cameron's visit, not too much else is going on. I did get my new phone in the mail today, so I am excited about that. A sleek pink Samsung Instinct. Learning how to use it will help the day go by faster at work today! :)

Anyway, I love you all and have been glad to read up on what's going on in your lives.

Hug, hug, kiss, kiss, SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE!!! ;)

Syracuse Slackers -No More

I'll be the first to admit that I am most to blame for the blog slackage. I appreciate all of you who have kept it up and even though I haven't written for a long long time, whenever I get the chance I love to check it to see how everyone is doing.

Everybody here is doing good. Nathan is busy with work and church and planning commission. I keep busy with the kids. The kids keep busy just being busy cuz that's what kids do. :0) The kids have been off track from school for the last 3 weeks and go back today. yea! We are all excited. It was kind of a long 3 weeks with the a couple of weeks of inversion haze, so the kids had to hang out inside a lot of the time. It is snowing right this moment with about 2-3 inches on the ground - a reminder that it's still winter - but I'll take the snow rather than the haze any day.

Dallin has been playing Jr. Jazz basketball and is getting better with every game. He loves scouts. He is still taking piano lessons. Nathan has his cell phone alarm set to "The Entertainer" and after Dallin heard it he wanted to learn it, so for a while he would play it by ear. I found him some sheet music, so he is working on a page every week with his piano teacher and soon I know he'll have it down. He has picked up the Narnia series and is blowing through book every 2 days or so. His main interest of Star Wars has kind of fizzled for now and has been replaced by anything wii. We love how he comes to us everyday and says,"What is my work for the day?" "Look I'm dressed and ready." "I practiced piano without anyone asking me!" "Now can I play the Wii?" Happy to give him a little wii time everyday if this keeps up. :0)



Emma is a social bug. She always has a friend over, or is over at a friend's house, or is asking to to play with a friend. I think she needs a sister. (Don't worry Nathan. I don't mean right away.) :0) She loves kindergarten and has really gotten confident in her art work. She loves her baby brother and thinks he's hilarious. She's going to be a great babysitter some day. (She already is.)

Logan keeps us rolling all the time. He is such a little monkey. He is going to Joy School twice a week and every day asks, "Do I have school today?" He is so funny. Last night I said something at the dinner table and Nathan turned to Logan and said, in chinese, something to the effect of "Your Mama is crazy" without a beat, Logan responded, "Chung." He loves to follow his big brother and sister around and loves any wii time he can get.

Porter is growing like crazy. It seems that since we were in Colorado for Thanksgiving, he just has matured and has realized what life is all about. He was pretty laid back for a good while, but suddenly he has turned into a boy with a temper and a 'tude. He's going through the,"I want my Mama, now!" stage and screams until he gets his way. I've tried for a long time to get him to crawl, but every time I put him on his belly, he struggles for a sec, and then puts his head down in defeat and cries. He finally is at least is trying to move. The kids like to place a trail of cheerios on the floor in front of him , and he kind of pulls himself along on his belly. His walker is his favorite mode of transportation, (which is probably why he has little patience for trying to crawl), and Logan loves to take rides on the back. He likes to entertain us at the dinner table by pulling all sorts of silly faces.

cute and happy

"I brought my angry eyes, just in case."

silly "Ohhhh" face

His babblings include ,"Mama!" especially when he's mad, "Yes" which we think means, "light" and "Na na na na," - also when he is mad.

Anyways, that's what's going on here. Hope all is well for you all!

Just me

Hey all. I'm not very good at this, but we all need to do our part to keep this baby alive.
I guess I assume everyone knows what is happening with mom & dad, (since not much happens) but then again, we need to be a part of this too.

You all probably know this stuff, but just for the record, I'm teaching again, full time, second grade. Hey Dallin, we are doing it together again! Seems I've got a lot more to learn in second grade. Also, it looks like I'll be doing it to the end of the year. Not what I'd really like to do, but one does what one can, and I do what I do. Mary Swafford, mother of Michael & Alisha Moderhak for those of you who may know them, was diagnosed with cancer and will be undergoing treatments through May. So that's what's up. I'm almost done with parent-teacher conferences, then it's report-card time. I fell into the middle of it all and am just trying to keep up.

So I will hope you may forgive me being a bit out of it - at least I've got a little excuse this time! ;-)

Dad just returned from a snow-shoeing hut trip. Had a good time. Maybe he will post pics?! And next month, he is off to Nepal, again, for about 2 1/2 weeks.

I'm Here!!!

Yes I am still here, though I really didn't have much to say. Well, I do have a bit of news, I think most of you already read it but for those who didn't here it is. This past monday I got an e-mail from the FAA with a tenative job offer to work at the Denver ARTCC (Air Route Traffic Control Center) in Longmont as an Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS). I'm in the process of turning in paper work and waiting for them to call me. i beleive that if I pass the interview, then they'll give me the forms for the medical and security check then I'll begin my road to OK City for extensive training. Thanks for all your support!!!!

Herro? Is anybody out there?

I say "herro" like a chineesee, and "Is anybody out there?" like Pink Floyd sings it. Just for clarification.

So I know I can't talk, cause I've neglected the familia blog myself. But we are slacking! So, I will try to do better and post more stuff on here more regularly and you all should too!

That's it for now. Maybe I will have more news come Monday. I'll let you know.

Love you all, hope all is well wherever you may be!

She did it!

Carrie made it through 13.1 miles of desert terrain! And I saw her take about two steps of it (I blame it on the crowds)...
According to azcentral.com, her official time was 2:45:42

After picking up her racing bib in downtown Phoenix

There she is... just past the finish line!

Some of the crowd waiting for the runners to finish!

All done and lookin' good!

I am adding pictures of the fun we had during the rest of her visit to my blog.

Fun times with Savannahs

Savannah really gets around!!!!