Having an extra day this year should stand for something, don't you think? Following a harrowing night, I awoke late and have been dragging ever since. The reason being I decided to save a whole bunch of $$$ by having a very back tooth pulled rather than a root canal and crown. I didn't know how traumatic that would be. Now I have one less precious tooth left in my mouth and an extra day in February to mourn the loss. Oh my aching mouth :-)
Sydney's life just rolls on, however, and so tonight we have the privilege of accompanying Syd and Jason to the DSAOC Red Carpet Ball. Since it is near Disneyland, just over the line in Costa Mesa, we'll just hang around there so as not to make two trips in one night. Remind me again how (I/we) have become an extension of Sydney's ofttimes compelling journey through life.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Laundry, tents & the bandit in the house ...
Since I am still thinking of the early 70's I thought I'd share the saga of the bandit in the house. We were living in the Aegean Hills tract and our back yard bordered on a greenbelt of sorts.
One day as I returned home I realized that none of our kids were home. I began working in the kitchen, probably ready to prepare another huge pot of spagetti or some such economical meal, when I heard someone behind the pantry doors.
I asked who was there and got no answer. My hair was standing on end ... it was probably an axe murderer rifling through my food. I softly picked the largest knife I could find, held it poised above my head and threw open the door!!
I don't know who was more scared - me - or the poor UNNAMED son, standing there with a cookie box to fend me off. I still laugh thinking about how HE must have felt to see this deranged mother, poised to kill or be killed.
One day as I returned home I realized that none of our kids were home. I began working in the kitchen, probably ready to prepare another huge pot of spagetti or some such economical meal, when I heard someone behind the pantry doors.
I asked who was there and got no answer. My hair was standing on end ... it was probably an axe murderer rifling through my food. I softly picked the largest knife I could find, held it poised above my head and threw open the door!!
I don't know who was more scared - me - or the poor UNNAMED son, standing there with a cookie box to fend me off. I still laugh thinking about how HE must have felt to see this deranged mother, poised to kill or be killed.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Happy Birthdays to Chris (Taylor) & Megan (Bingham)
Perhaps if I post early in the day I'll jog memories that more folks are having birthdays!!
Since Duncan and I are in our 36th year of marriage it occurs to me that Chris was about 10 when he and his brothers blended their names and their lives with the Baker 3, plus me.
Hopefully they've forgotten (or at least forgiven) those earliest years with me ... never have I seen such piles of laundry in my life!! Duncan (the dad) ran out of clean underwear often and found it best to learn the functions of the washer & dryer very quickly.
Dunc, Jr. had mono that first summer and by the following summer 5 of the boys had set up a tent in the back yard as they were "kicked" outside to play ~ out from under foot. This tent faced my kitchen window so I could see them moping around; bored out of their wits. Thus began our journey "together."
Since Duncan and I are in our 36th year of marriage it occurs to me that Chris was about 10 when he and his brothers blended their names and their lives with the Baker 3, plus me.
Hopefully they've forgotten (or at least forgiven) those earliest years with me ... never have I seen such piles of laundry in my life!! Duncan (the dad) ran out of clean underwear often and found it best to learn the functions of the washer & dryer very quickly.
Dunc, Jr. had mono that first summer and by the following summer 5 of the boys had set up a tent in the back yard as they were "kicked" outside to play ~ out from under foot. This tent faced my kitchen window so I could see them moping around; bored out of their wits. Thus began our journey "together."
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Today is "Tuesdays with Phil" day . . .
How this vital 87 year old 'he man' ever found himself sharing dinners on Tuesdays is probably more amazing to him than to us . . . Phil Remington, a fabricator for Dan Gurney (former race car driver) and the brains behind the Cobra race car, joins us each Tuesday (or Weds) for dinner and an occasionally challenging conversation. His latest project as the head of Dan's team is building parts for the "Raven" which has a 4 foot wing span and is used by the armed forces for unmanned surveillance missions.
While Duncan and I recap our most recent ailments, as well as those of our friends; Phil takes home knives to sharpen and brass on the handles to polish. Never one to sit around, Phil grows beautiful flowers and vegetables in his garden then shares them with us each week.
If something seems wrong with this picture - you're right! Phil IS twenty years older and a whole lot healthier and active than most folks our age!!
While Duncan and I recap our most recent ailments, as well as those of our friends; Phil takes home knives to sharpen and brass on the handles to polish. Never one to sit around, Phil grows beautiful flowers and vegetables in his garden then shares them with us each week.
If something seems wrong with this picture - you're right! Phil IS twenty years older and a whole lot healthier and active than most folks our age!!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Why was I so exhausted this morning?!?!
Everything ached this morning ~ do you think it's because I didn't take the time to change out of my boots after church yesterday? Despite the fact I still look "45" I can assure anyone viewing my blog, that my body feels every bit of its 66 years...
Okay, so I don't quite look 45 anymore and I may be fudging on the birth year, but what's a grandmother to do? I feel as if I'm about 5 months pregnant . . . and I only ate ONE of Theresa's chocolate chip cookies. Why I even fibbed to a granddaughter and told her all of the cookies were gone when there were still TWO left. I repented and gave the two girls the last two cookies . . . saving myself from approximately 300 more calories!!!
These family events are not non-caloric, that's for sure. Which brings me to the Martha Stewart cookbook. If I just look at the pictures I gain extra weight. I love to know that two families are cooking with their girls; it doesn't come any better than that!
Okay, so I don't quite look 45 anymore and I may be fudging on the birth year, but what's a grandmother to do? I feel as if I'm about 5 months pregnant . . . and I only ate ONE of Theresa's chocolate chip cookies. Why I even fibbed to a granddaughter and told her all of the cookies were gone when there were still TWO left. I repented and gave the two girls the last two cookies . . . saving myself from approximately 300 more calories!!!
These family events are not non-caloric, that's for sure. Which brings me to the Martha Stewart cookbook. If I just look at the pictures I gain extra weight. I love to know that two families are cooking with their girls; it doesn't come any better than that!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Everyone had fun at the "BIRTHDAYS" family get together!
Actually there are 5 birthdays in the space of one week. We've added Megan (Riley) Bingham to the extended & blended family, as well. Sydney was very excited because her brother Seth was able to buy the last WII available at his Target store today!! She is looking forward to 'bowling' with Jason on Tuesday. Thank you SETH for keeping your "ear to the ground" and finding the perfect gift for our 25 year old!!
Ben received a HUGE fire truck from Seth's family. It is bigger than he is . . . with all the bells and lights! I think everyone had fun together and Jason - no longer overwhelmed by the masses - thinks our family is very "cool!" It was nice to have Nicole (Ronsone) & the Ruffners join us and Louise & Ashley, too! Thanks to all the locals for making it a very energetic and enjoyable day!!
Actually there are 5 birthdays in the space of one week. We've added Megan (Riley) Bingham to the extended & blended family, as well. Sydney was very excited because her brother Seth was able to buy the last WII available at his Target store today!! She is looking forward to 'bowling' with Jason on Tuesday. Thank you SETH for keeping your "ear to the ground" and finding the perfect gift for our 25 year old!!
Ben received a HUGE fire truck from Seth's family. It is bigger than he is . . . with all the bells and lights! I think everyone had fun together and Jason - no longer overwhelmed by the masses - thinks our family is very "cool!" It was nice to have Nicole (Ronsone) & the Ruffners join us and Louise & Ashley, too! Thanks to all the locals for making it a very energetic and enjoyable day!!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Today is Ben's birthday - happy 5th, BEN
Ben is the most traveled five year old I know!! Ben has lived in more countries than any member of the rest of the Taylor/Baker/Bingham clan can claim with the exception perhaps of his parents! He has visited a number more as well!
Perhaps he will enjoy a local family get-together tomorrow to celebrate his 5th birthday the old fashion way. An ice cream cake with an off key rendition of "Happy Birthday to YOU!" Sydney will be joining Ben as the grand finale of her quarter century of life...
Birthdays are a huge event in our lives. We sure are grateful for every one of them!
Today is also our evening to work in the Newport Beach Temple. Duncan, Sydney and I leave the house promptly at 3pm and return a little before 11pm. We are there to serve the patrons who take time away from more frivolous Saturday night activities to be spiritual nourished in the temple of the Lord. It is our favorite part of the week and time well spent.
Perhaps he will enjoy a local family get-together tomorrow to celebrate his 5th birthday the old fashion way. An ice cream cake with an off key rendition of "Happy Birthday to YOU!" Sydney will be joining Ben as the grand finale of her quarter century of life...
Birthdays are a huge event in our lives. We sure are grateful for every one of them!
Today is also our evening to work in the Newport Beach Temple. Duncan, Sydney and I leave the house promptly at 3pm and return a little before 11pm. We are there to serve the patrons who take time away from more frivolous Saturday night activities to be spiritual nourished in the temple of the Lord. It is our favorite part of the week and time well spent.
Friday, February 22, 2008
It's Jonathan Andrew's 7th birthday!!
Today is Jonathan's birthday!! Happy Birthday, JON!! I told Denise tonight I keep forgetting to do things every single day and this day is no exception ~ I waited to call Jon, thinking 3pm CA time would be about perfect and guess what; it is 11pm VA times and guess who forgot to make that call?!! I sure hope his gift arrived at least...
Friday's are Fuddrucker's nights. On most Fridays Denise, Seth and their four usually join Heather, Sydney, Jason, Duncan (and me) for "kid's" meals, dollar $$ bills and an occasional ice cream sundae. We are holding informal FHE's in this way.
This is a busy month birthday-wise!! Sydney kicked off the birthday cycle on the 20th, with Jonathan on the 22nd, Ben Taylor on the 23rd and Megan (BINGHAM) and Chris' birthday on the 27th. Talk about breaking the bank!!!
And WHAT has happened to February? Duncan/poppy/dad is convinced time goes faster as one ages, I suppose he is right . . . but then again, when isn't he? You have to love the guy; even though he really isn't perfect.
Thanks for all of the comments!! If I comment on the comments I'll be here permanently I fear!!
Friday's are Fuddrucker's nights. On most Fridays Denise, Seth and their four usually join Heather, Sydney, Jason, Duncan (and me) for "kid's" meals, dollar $$ bills and an occasional ice cream sundae. We are holding informal FHE's in this way.
This is a busy month birthday-wise!! Sydney kicked off the birthday cycle on the 20th, with Jonathan on the 22nd, Ben Taylor on the 23rd and Megan (BINGHAM) and Chris' birthday on the 27th. Talk about breaking the bank!!!
And WHAT has happened to February? Duncan/poppy/dad is convinced time goes faster as one ages, I suppose he is right . . . but then again, when isn't he? You have to love the guy; even though he really isn't perfect.
Thanks for all of the comments!! If I comment on the comments I'll be here permanently I fear!!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
The day after Sydney's 25th birthday
I'm not sure how Sydney's birthday has turned into a weeklong event. Could it be because her birthday falls during President's Day week and she always was away from school during that week, skiing at the NAC in Park City, Utah? Whatever the reason, this year is no different. We will be partying right up through this Sunday - gaining extra ounces and pounds from all the ice cream and treats we are eating!
I have been eagerly looking forward to Theresa's blogs each night before I head off to bed. The photos are fun and the messages, great! Now that the Baker family members are also contributing their blogs I'll have to get an earlier start on my nightly routine. I have found that Tory and her dad, Greg, seem to have a knack for meandering along that may trace its way back into the Ronzone family genealogy...
It is a gift I'd say I share -this Ronzone trait - so it will be suffcient for you all to know that I will hold off on comments to others and just stick to my own form of blogging for awhile.
I am so enjoying all of your comments and I only wish I could have a piece of pizza and drink with Cathleen; or is that a hot dog with Greg at Costco! My trips there are now few and far between!
I have been eagerly looking forward to Theresa's blogs each night before I head off to bed. The photos are fun and the messages, great! Now that the Baker family members are also contributing their blogs I'll have to get an earlier start on my nightly routine. I have found that Tory and her dad, Greg, seem to have a knack for meandering along that may trace its way back into the Ronzone family genealogy...
It is a gift I'd say I share -this Ronzone trait - so it will be suffcient for you all to know that I will hold off on comments to others and just stick to my own form of blogging for awhile.
I am so enjoying all of your comments and I only wish I could have a piece of pizza and drink with Cathleen; or is that a hot dog with Greg at Costco! My trips there are now few and far between!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Happy Birthday Sydney
Sydney went to Dave and Buster's with Jason for her 25th birthday.
Happy Birthday Sydney!
Greg set this blog up for me so the pictures, template and everything are just temporary.
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