Andrea and her children were here for the weekend. It was so nice to see them and visit with them. My favorite part of the visit was the dinner table.
Popo came and we had Sunday dinner together. It was fun to talk to the kids about "going out" and "going with" and "being in love". To Matthew who is sixteen, going out was a group activity. To Luke, who is 12 it meant something altogether different. To Asheligh, who is six. going out meant kissing. That sent Andrea into a frenzy!
We talked about first crushes. It was fun to find out that Grandpa Wagner's first crush was Annie Romney, his first grade teacher.
I have always enjoyed family meals around the table. Those are times that we have shared thoughts and concerns. We have shown affection to each other by actively listening to our family members. In so doing, we have learned about each other. It seems that these media saturated times are taking some of that away from us.
Fun memories
March 30, 2008
March 23, 2008
Alamosa's in a bad way!
Hey... can you believe how scary it would be to not have any water to eve basically bath in? My gooness, I take many things for granted!
Andrea
Andrea
March 21, 2008
We're off to Longmont tomorrow
We are going to Longmont tomorrow for the wedding of Tonya Martinez and her beau. We'll be coming right back to be with Popo for Sunday. He really did not want to be alone on Easter Sunday.
This Martinez family are wonderful people that Betty and I met when we were working as missionaries in the Spanish branch in Longmont. They are from the part of Mexico where I served my mission almost 40 years ago. Seeing people from Torreon is as exciting as seeing people from Manassa.
We'll be staying the night with another Martinez family. They are from Honduras and have become really close friends. We always enjoy visiting with each other even though at times, we get lost somewhere in the language barrier. Sometimes understanding the words doesn't help understand the message that's being conveyed. The one thing that we do understand is the love that we feel for each other.
It's hard to accept the fact that we cannot turn the clock back, and we can never go home to the home of our childhoods. It's fun to reminisce and share memories, but we are where we are and we are when we are.
March 19, 2008
Beware of gifts
A small USB mouse seemed like a super gift. It was a bit small but was easy to pack into my brief case and take with my new notebook. I struggle with the touch pad on the bottom of the keyboard. I keep ending up in places I didn't intend to go.
I started using the little mouse pretty heavily because it was a good substitute for the touch pad. I started waking up in the morning with a horrible pain in my right thumb. Before long it started feeling weaker. I talked to a physical therapist and she told me that the pain, weakness and numbness are symptoms of corpal tunnel syndrome and that it could be caused by the small mouse.
I am back to using a full size mouse and the symptoms are abating. Hopefully I'll be back to posting more regularly on the blogs again.
March 17, 2008
BIRTHDAYS
I checked the mail on Thursday evening for the first time in a month. THAT ISN'T GOOD! Ashleigh had three cards in the mail for her birthday that was a month ago! So she didn't get her cards until Friday night when we got home from school and work. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPPPSSS.
She was very excited to have her birthday cards. The Hannah Montana card has been played 1,000 times. She purchased a hello kitty ring, earings and a glitter roll-on with her birthday money. We also purchased a book.
Matthew turned 16 ON FRIDAY!!! He spent the evening with an old friend. They went to a convention. He'll have to tell you about that. He was at his Dad's early in the evening and we picked him up in the morning.
She was very excited to have her birthday cards. The Hannah Montana card has been played 1,000 times. She purchased a hello kitty ring, earings and a glitter roll-on with her birthday money. We also purchased a book.
Matthew turned 16 ON FRIDAY!!! He spent the evening with an old friend. They went to a convention. He'll have to tell you about that. He was at his Dad's early in the evening and we picked him up in the morning.
We made a play date with Betty Ann when Ashleigh called to thank them for the birthday cards! We'll be headed to Colorado Springs on Saturday March 29. We are excited to see the new Vance family home! :D
March 08, 2008
The houses that we have called home
When I first got out of the service, Andrea and Robert's mother and I lived at 3 West Cheyene Road. We lived there when Andrea was born. The house at one time was a luxurious single family dwelling. It was converted by someone into six separate apartments. When we first lived there, it looked like a huge log house by the side of a babbling brook. When we lived in that house, Terry Golly and Dale Walters were our neighbors and close friends.
When Andrea was just a few months old, we purchased the house on Montrose Ave in Stratton meadows. When we moved in, the house was a bit run down and had no grass. Over the years, we added a lawn and garden and planted grass. We lived there for a lot of years.
We went through a divorce after being married for 13 years. When I was looking for an apartment, The best option I could find was 3 West Cheyenne Road. The house had been given a face lift and was no longer a Log building, but the inside was largely unchanged. I got a job managing the apartments to pay for the rent. I actually lived in the same apartment where we lived when Andrea was born. When the opportunity presented itself, I moved into a different apartment in the same building. Mom came and lived there with me for a year. I lived there when I met and married Betty.
Betty and I soon moved to a home on 31st Street. It was cute little 2 bedroom home with a nice large yard. We lived there when Larry and Jeanette moved back to Colorado from Texas. They stayed with us for a short while as they got settled with a new employer and found a home of their own. I think at that time, the three oldest were with them.
One day, while out walking, we saw a home 1 block north of where we lived that was for rent. It had 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, a two car garage, a covered patio and a small yard. We lived there when IBM closed the plant in Colorado Springs and we were transferred to Longmont, CO.
Our first home in Longmont was a duplex with 2 bedrooms and a very small living room and a kitchen. This little place on Collyer was just too small.
We found another duplex on Martinez Street. We liked it a lot better, but it had electric heating. It was really expensive to keep. While we lived there, Andi came to live with us. The yard was so small that I could mow it in about ten minutes. If we barbequed in the back yard, it was almost impossible to talk over the roar of passing trains.
We eventually bought a brick home on Fairbanks st. It had four bedrooms and an attached garage. It was here that we lived when Robert came to live with us. It was here that we lived when Matthew was born and when Andre got married.
Not long after Robert left home, we bought a house one block north of the Fairbanks house. Does that sound familiar?
We came to Colorado Springs to be closer to Betty's Dad. We lived on Mesa Road in the house of our dreams, but it was too large and to expensive to maintain.
We just recently moved to our current home on 30th Street. It's about a mile from the other house. It is considerably smaller, but it's adequate for our needs and we are learning to love it.
When Andrea was just a few months old, we purchased the house on Montrose Ave in Stratton meadows. When we moved in, the house was a bit run down and had no grass. Over the years, we added a lawn and garden and planted grass. We lived there for a lot of years.
We went through a divorce after being married for 13 years. When I was looking for an apartment, The best option I could find was 3 West Cheyenne Road. The house had been given a face lift and was no longer a Log building, but the inside was largely unchanged. I got a job managing the apartments to pay for the rent. I actually lived in the same apartment where we lived when Andrea was born. When the opportunity presented itself, I moved into a different apartment in the same building. Mom came and lived there with me for a year. I lived there when I met and married Betty.
Betty and I soon moved to a home on 31st Street. It was cute little 2 bedroom home with a nice large yard. We lived there when Larry and Jeanette moved back to Colorado from Texas. They stayed with us for a short while as they got settled with a new employer and found a home of their own. I think at that time, the three oldest were with them.
One day, while out walking, we saw a home 1 block north of where we lived that was for rent. It had 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, a two car garage, a covered patio and a small yard. We lived there when IBM closed the plant in Colorado Springs and we were transferred to Longmont, CO.
Our first home in Longmont was a duplex with 2 bedrooms and a very small living room and a kitchen. This little place on Collyer was just too small.
We found another duplex on Martinez Street. We liked it a lot better, but it had electric heating. It was really expensive to keep. While we lived there, Andi came to live with us. The yard was so small that I could mow it in about ten minutes. If we barbequed in the back yard, it was almost impossible to talk over the roar of passing trains.
We eventually bought a brick home on Fairbanks st. It had four bedrooms and an attached garage. It was here that we lived when Robert came to live with us. It was here that we lived when Matthew was born and when Andre got married.
Not long after Robert left home, we bought a house one block north of the Fairbanks house. Does that sound familiar?
We came to Colorado Springs to be closer to Betty's Dad. We lived on Mesa Road in the house of our dreams, but it was too large and to expensive to maintain.
We just recently moved to our current home on 30th Street. It's about a mile from the other house. It is considerably smaller, but it's adequate for our needs and we are learning to love it.
March 04, 2008
Ashleigh,
"Ashleigh,"
the document starts out saying. Ashleigh is requesting that I play her in her little homework game. She plays Ms. Danzl. She plays her well! She's a good little teacher!
the document starts out saying. Ashleigh is requesting that I play her in her little homework game. She plays Ms. Danzl. She plays her well! She's a good little teacher!
Miss Ashleigh, aka Ms. Danzl, said that I received a 10 out of 10 possible. But I had to retake the test because it had to be in her format. I was playing around too much waiting for her to speed up! ;-) She did VERY WELL! Now myself, not so much!
The red marks are where I should have had more space and the sentence is upside down because she demaned that I filp the page over and write my sentence on the back. I demanded that we use one whole side before flipping over! This is our compromise, I flipped and folded, so that we'd use the entire front of the paper.
Ashleigh being cute while playing in the lavatory. I've always loved this picture of her!! She's so sweet, and her blue eyes are mesmorizing to me! The flower was a cute little excesory!
The picture above is when we were visiting Nebraska for Jeff's Grandfathers services. Their family home was relocated onto a farm, and looks like it belongs there! It's so cool that their home was recycled like that! I were allowed to visit! That was a fun family history adventure I was allowed to share with them! Ashleigh wouldn't leave this poor dog alone!
Being silly one evening!
The squeezing of poor little Mika! Mika is tolerant of Ashleigh's loving!
February 29, 2008
OFFICE MOVE!
It's been a long week, but MOST EVERYTHING has gone as scheduled!
What a change!
Sthrn Lgmt to Dwntwn Lgmt.
Sometimes you see yourself from the outside looking in, and I see that I'm seriously in need for an attitude check. You know when you walk by a glass, and you see your own reflection, but you don't notice the person looking back to be yourself? That's me looking in!
I've been glad that I work for the people that I do! In my mind anyway! They've helped me a lot along the way and for that I am very grateful!
I always hear the stereotype of working for lawyers! I work for some good men. They all have their nitches and quircks, just as I'm nitched and quircked!
ONE believes himself to be the Wizard of OZ! All mighty and Powerful! LOL, so funny! AND CUTE AT THE SAME TIME! White, black, and grey in-between!
What a change!
Sthrn Lgmt to Dwntwn Lgmt.
Sometimes you see yourself from the outside looking in, and I see that I'm seriously in need for an attitude check. You know when you walk by a glass, and you see your own reflection, but you don't notice the person looking back to be yourself? That's me looking in!
I've been glad that I work for the people that I do! In my mind anyway! They've helped me a lot along the way and for that I am very grateful!
I always hear the stereotype of working for lawyers! I work for some good men. They all have their nitches and quircks, just as I'm nitched and quircked!
ONE believes himself to be the Wizard of OZ! All mighty and Powerful! LOL, so funny! AND CUTE AT THE SAME TIME! White, black, and grey in-between!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SOUTH DAKOTA DWELLERS!
I'm very glad that your long, long beginning is now the the beginning of the rest of your lives as a unit, a family... something you've been THE ENTIRE TIME! I'm so proud of you and how long you've stood to fight in your battle!
I can ONLY IMAGINE the hard, bumpy road. IT'S MORE THAN WORTH IT!
Again, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Again, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
February 25, 2008
Electronics can be a blessing
I visited with Robert the other night on the cell phone. I'll sleep more at ease because I know he is well.I hadn't seen anything from Andi for a few days, so while we were at a restaurant, I texted her and within a few seconds she responded. She promised to post more when her office move is complete.
Betty talked to Brenda tonight, and they have some good news on the horizon. She's going to send us a picture on her cell phone. I'll let Brenda tell us all about that.
Aubrey has finished her science project, and when she can, we'll let her tell us all about that.
I spend the day on the computer earning a living for my family. I am tired of bits and bytes by the end of the day, but I am compelled to spend just a bit of time and visit the blogs for news of my family. I love communicating with this media.
February 20, 2008
February 16, 2008
Lessons from the move...
Life sometimes provides me with learning experiences that I am not prepared for. When we were preparing to pack, I knew that I would have to reassemble my computers as quickly as we got into the new house. I carefully packed a box with all of the cables and accessories. I marked the box clearly so that we could find it when we got to the new house. The move was Saturday, a week ago today.
It went smoothly at first. The furniture was assembled and the perishable boxes were carried into the kitchen. I asked the movers to put all of the other boxes into the garage which they did.
The time came to assemble the computers, and I could not find that specially marked box. Frantically, I moved box after box. Betty's Dad was supportive, but was I was getting really frustrated. He went home and after being gone for just a few minutes, the phone rang. It was Betty's Dad. He told me he was impressed to tell me to look in the kitchen. I didn't want to be bothered because I was busy going through boxes in the garage. Just about then, Betty squealed that she had found the missing box.
I got the computers together just after the internet service provider came to hook up the cables. It would have been much easier to accept my Father-in-law's advice than to continue trying to do what I had been doing.
It went smoothly at first. The furniture was assembled and the perishable boxes were carried into the kitchen. I asked the movers to put all of the other boxes into the garage which they did.
The time came to assemble the computers, and I could not find that specially marked box. Frantically, I moved box after box. Betty's Dad was supportive, but was I was getting really frustrated. He went home and after being gone for just a few minutes, the phone rang. It was Betty's Dad. He told me he was impressed to tell me to look in the kitchen. I didn't want to be bothered because I was busy going through boxes in the garage. Just about then, Betty squealed that she had found the missing box.
I got the computers together just after the internet service provider came to hook up the cables. It would have been much easier to accept my Father-in-law's advice than to continue trying to do what I had been doing.
February 14, 2008
My Kids....
My Kids,
HATED having to have this picture taken. Can you tell?
If they would have been smiling, it would have been an awesome picture! What am I talking about? I still think it is an awesome picture. I am glad they were refusing to "pose" for me!
When they loosen up... they smile. When they stop to listen to the silence, you can see their light.
They all have their own personalities, and qualities. They have their strengths and weaknesses. They are pure in their nature and heart and they are MY ROCK!
They make me feel whole and I'm glad that they are my life!
I LOVE MY BABIES!
February 11, 2008
Hannah's a Courtin!
Last year, Betty and I went up to visit Rob and Hannah. We went out to eat and Hannah was so well behaved. I jokingly asked Hannah if she had a boyfriend. She is just six years old, but she quickly responded that she did. Rob quickly told her that she did not. Hannah proceed to tell her daddy, "I do too have a boyfriend, he told me hey you pretty."
Hanna is a pretty little thing and she is going to be the cause of her daddy losing what little hair he has left.
February 09, 2008
Happy Birthday, Ashleigh
Happy Birthday, a day late, Ashleigh. We have your card, but didn't get it mailed in time. We love you.
Papa
February 07, 2008
A time when...
I remember a time while visiting Dad, and the Cousins were there!
I was so excited to see Cory, Marcy and Danette. ;-) They were always so much fun to "hang out" with!
Well, during that visit, we all decided to walk to Safeway! It was a family outing! Robert was always a head shorter than me. I was busy gabbing about something to the girls, and wasn't paying attention. I turned around and Robert had stopped just to the right of me. I knocked my beautiful little face, HAHAHAHA, into his noggin!
Ended up with a knot on my eye and later a black eye!
Mom allowed me to wear makeup to cover it! Went a little rampant with the clown's paint! lol
I'm thankful to have had Betty Ann in my life! She's really been there for us as a Mother and I'm grateful for her support in MY LIFE!
Oh, and I remember the excitement to see the adult, parental figures in their lives! Hope you two are doing well, Uncle Donny and Aunt Gloria!
I was so excited to see Cory, Marcy and Danette. ;-) They were always so much fun to "hang out" with!
Well, during that visit, we all decided to walk to Safeway! It was a family outing! Robert was always a head shorter than me. I was busy gabbing about something to the girls, and wasn't paying attention. I turned around and Robert had stopped just to the right of me. I knocked my beautiful little face, HAHAHAHA, into his noggin!
Ended up with a knot on my eye and later a black eye!
Mom allowed me to wear makeup to cover it! Went a little rampant with the clown's paint! lol
I'm thankful to have had Betty Ann in my life! She's really been there for us as a Mother and I'm grateful for her support in MY LIFE!
Oh, and I remember the excitement to see the adult, parental figures in their lives! Hope you two are doing well, Uncle Donny and Aunt Gloria!
February 05, 2008
From Ashleigh
Grandma and Grandpa,
I am student of the week. I get to show some things that are special to me on Friday, February 8, 2008, on my BIRTHDAY!
Yesterday was the 100th day of school!
I miss you!
I am bringing a picture of me and my cousins, oh and my brothers. :-)
From left to right in the picture I am taking is: Matthew, Me("Ash"), Griffin, Eleanor("Ellie"), Luke, Grayson("Gray") and Miles in my Grandma Gwen's backyard, "The woods, on the rocks". I love that picture!
I love you!
I am student of the week. I get to show some things that are special to me on Friday, February 8, 2008, on my BIRTHDAY!
Yesterday was the 100th day of school!
I miss you!
I am bringing a picture of me and my cousins, oh and my brothers. :-)
From left to right in the picture I am taking is: Matthew, Me("Ash"), Griffin, Eleanor("Ellie"), Luke, Grayson("Gray") and Miles in my Grandma Gwen's backyard, "The woods, on the rocks". I love that picture!
I love you!
February 04, 2008
MONDAY!
I wake up every morning with the thought! THIS BED IS SO WARM, I WANT TO STAY IN IT ALL DAY LONG!
However, I must get up and get ready for work, so I can make the cheese to support my babies!
I try to get ready but it doesn't always work out on time. I seem to drag my feet!
It's snowing today and I'm not looking forward to the commute back home! Our office is also making a change and I feel like dragging my feet on that one as well, but know that I cannot!
I wish you all a good day!
However, I must get up and get ready for work, so I can make the cheese to support my babies!
I try to get ready but it doesn't always work out on time. I seem to drag my feet!
It's snowing today and I'm not looking forward to the commute back home! Our office is also making a change and I feel like dragging my feet on that one as well, but know that I cannot!
I wish you all a good day!
January 28, 2008
Chef Matthew
Andrea, Matthew, Luke and Ashleigh came to visit us on the 19th Jan, and we sure had fun.
Sunday morning, Matthew cooked breakfast and he always makes the best bacon. It was a nice golden brown and crisp and he put it in an omlete and oh my! He is a good cook.
We went to the movies together while they were here and saw "The National Treasure" and that was enjoyable too.
Kent got Luke and Matthew to put something on the blog and they seemed to have fun doing that.
Ashleigh and grandma did some stamping together. Luke spent a lot of time on the computer. I'm going to have to corner him next time and do something with him. He is such a sweet boy with a tender spot for other people's feelings.
It was fun to see Andrea. We don't get to see her as much any more since we moved to the Springs and once and awhile we have to have an Andrea fix. She is one special gal! She sure loves her family.
Sunday morning, Matthew cooked breakfast and he always makes the best bacon. It was a nice golden brown and crisp and he put it in an omlete and oh my! He is a good cook.
We went to the movies together while they were here and saw "The National Treasure" and that was enjoyable too.
Kent got Luke and Matthew to put something on the blog and they seemed to have fun doing that.
Ashleigh and grandma did some stamping together. Luke spent a lot of time on the computer. I'm going to have to corner him next time and do something with him. He is such a sweet boy with a tender spot for other people's feelings.
It was fun to see Andrea. We don't get to see her as much any more since we moved to the Springs and once and awhile we have to have an Andrea fix. She is one special gal! She sure loves her family.
January 23, 2008
We're being downsized!
In my industry, being downsized us usually a bad thing. It means that jobs are going away or that an unwelcome move is about to take place.
On the first of February, Betty and I will have a new address. We found a nice little two bedroom home not too far from where we live now. We are cleaning out closets and drawers frantically trying to determine where we can pitch or sell belongings so that we will fit in our new environment.
We have really enjoyed living in our current home and we have enjoyed the beautiful view. We decided though, that a smaller house and smaller bills would meet our needs better. We'll keep you posted.
On the first of February, Betty and I will have a new address. We found a nice little two bedroom home not too far from where we live now. We are cleaning out closets and drawers frantically trying to determine where we can pitch or sell belongings so that we will fit in our new environment.
We have really enjoyed living in our current home and we have enjoyed the beautiful view. We decided though, that a smaller house and smaller bills would meet our needs better. We'll keep you posted.
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