Where's Gonzo (he is in plain view)

If you fine him, don't say where he is on the blog; email me and I'll let you know if your right. You can click on the image to make larger. Have fun. Peter

Yeah, Suzie is Real Busy........

Just want to ask you to send a little prayer of protection Ricks way. He is driving through all that ice and snow on his way to Chicago. North of OK City they say alot of cars and truck on their sides and tops. They had to pull over for about 4 hrs last night because it got so bad. I wish I was with him. As much as we hate driving in that weather, I'd rather be together then wonder what he is going through.

Hope all is well with the rest of you. I'm keeping busy with some sewing projects. Right now our daughter in law is in remission and doing better. Amy and her husband are planning on moving back to Oregon by March.

Love Ya All

No, it's not a gas bubble!

Gonzo 1-24-09

Randy just sent us this pic about 5 minutes ago. Gonzo's getting cuter every day. I may be somewhat partial, but I don't think so. I'm generally very objective. Sandi is reminding, and reminding, and reminding me that this baby is cute. "I know, I know, I get it, he's cute," I tell her, but she doesn't hear me.

Wait a minute, is that the door slamming as she runs out the door to go see Gonzo?

Jim

Colonoscopy

I talked to Glenda after her colonoscopy, they did find some polyps, but she hadn't yet found out what the lab determined. She said it all went very well and it was no big deal. I told her that I had a colonoscopy a few months back and they had found three polyps and they were pre-cancerous. The doc said it wasn't a problem since I caught them soon enough. And this is the point of this post. Generally, pre-cancerous polyps take several years (5-7) to actually grow into cancer and become an issue. This is why it's important to have the tests and have them out. So, if you haven't done it yet, or your past due, do your honest best to have it done. Love you guys. Peter

Rain!!!!

I thought it was going to snow yesterday. I was supposed to haul some stuff home for BJ today but the wiring for the trailer is messed up. The person that I am borrowing the trailer from tried to help me but it was to cold yesterday to really do anything on it. So is put off till next week and hope I can get the wiring thing straight. We are going up there anyway as there is some stuff I need to take him and some boxes of stuff that needs to come back.

We are getting some rain now which is cool. We need it but really needed snow. I am just as glad it didn't as I don't like to drive in snow if I have to haul stuff. I had 2 cars hauled out this last week. Too bad I couldn't sell them for parts but oh, well. Needed to get rid of some things befor the county says I have a junk yard and makes me either get a license to have that or register all the vehicles that we have here that is not done. What is left is collectors vehicles and farm type equipment. So I think I am ok there. I ordered some parts to fix a couple of other vehicles so that they would hopefully run. Just waiting for them to come in. If that doesn't work then they will go on Craig's List and be sold for parts. One is a foreign job that I know is hard to find parts for so it should have a good chance of selling.

Well, anyway time to get ready and finish my coffee. Talk to you all later.

Love Illa

Hey!!!! Where is everyone??

Hi!! How is everyone? It has been rather quiet. I guess Jim is spending all his time playing with the little one and trying to read his mind. We are hanging in here. Still fighting with the bank over the house and several other bills. I started paying bills Friday. It has been really nice to be able to do that. It is a worry off my mind. Today I got some good news. I called bill, Member's First Credit Union, to check on what they found out about the insurance claim on the Spyder. They told me that the insurance paid off the bill on the 8th. So now the little car is free and clear. Yeah!!!! Now to get the rest of them to do the right thing. Got a couple of other small bills paid off. Still waiting for the insurance from the State but it should show up here in the next 30 days or so. Talking to the different companies it takes 45 to 60 days after a claim is file to complete. The credit union took care of it in 15 days. That is really cool.

The weather has been beautiful here. Too bad that I had to work during it. I have a medical appt. tomorrow morning so that I can get more life insurance on me. I don't want the kids to have to go thru what I am. One lady told me you can never have too much insurance. If we die in any sort of accident we are really covered. So word to the wise, even if you think you have enough, get another policy even if it only enough to pay for funeral expenses. You can get some for fairly cheap costs. So anyway now I will be covered any which way as I plan to get several. The last one will have a higher premium as I am not going to do the physical thing again even tho the company pays for it. But then I might change my mind and do this again. I just hate the fasting part. I also have to go to Alturas for this. She was supposed to come to my house but she still is not cleared to drive long distance after knee surgery so I told her I would go to her. I don't eat enough as it is. According to the lady that took the application, I can weigh up to 216 pounds for my height before I would be considered over weight. Told her, no way was I going to put on that much. She was surprised that I only weighed 122# when I talked to her. Since then I have lost 4 pounds since Friday after the 2 hour debaucle with the bank.

So how is little Gonzo? I really want to see him. Joe and Lynn are supposed to come over here for a few days after the 3rd of Feb. Teresa is going to have to go back to Weed for about 2-3 weeks Sunday or Monday as Adam has to go to San Diego to help with his grandmother as she is down there and his mother has to go to Arkansas for a couple of weeks for some sort of emergency. So our trip to the coast is going to be March sometime. I am really looking forward to that. I might just take the Spyder now that it is paid for. Joe is supposedly buying Ben's Bike. They are going to make payments.

Man, this is getting long. One would think that either I am lonely, bored, or just like to talk. Could be all the above. So on that note. You all have a good day and I will write a book again later. I love you guys.

Dick, call and let me know how you are. If you would like to move to CA, Sierra Pacific is still looking for log truck drivers here in Burney. i can get you the number if you would be interested.

Love to ALL!!!!!

Illa

I NEED A DOCTOR!!!!

Yes, I NEED a doctor that can find something wrong with me. Not my wife, a doctor. I need a doctor that can prescribe full retirement as the only cure. Full retirement with the caveat that I can’t pick up anything heavier than a fishing pole or my grandson, Gonzo. Preferably though, both at the same time. Also, the doctor must be willing to prescribe that I need to be able to “putter.” Not with a golfing putter, but rather the verb, putter, as in walking seemingly aimlessly around the yard. Note: “seemingly aimlessly.” Actually, when I walk “seemingly aimlessly” around the yard I do accomplish a lot and I do have a purpose. I would think the doctor a god (if that would make him feel godlike) if he would prescribe kayaking as a once a week treatment that must be abided by.

Come now, is this really too much to ask for? If doctors can prescribe medical marijuana for bogus sicknesses why not something simple like this?

Jim

P.S. Do we have any doctors in the family?
P.S.S. Yes, I did see Gonzo today, and yes, I did go kayaking today, and yes, I did putter today.

Attack of the Killer Crabs

Tonight the Adin Fire Department was having their annual Crab Feed to raise funds. It was actually the second night, and so last night alone they did really well. I'm not sure how much they raised tonight in plate tickets, but the tickets for the 50/50 raffle pulled in over $800.

We had salad, bread, crab, and cake for dessert. It was Mom and my first intimate meeting with whole crab, a very nice gentleman and his wife sitting across from us had to teach us how to open the ornery buggers. Both of us had two servings of salad before we even got to see the crabs... so it was quite the epic battle.

Yes, we wore bibs. Crackers were not provided so I chucked my dignity and ripped in bare handed (quite the comic sight). I won my war, mom had to have reinforcements to help in her battle.

I was very pleased to see so many faces that I knew, and to see the EMS helping out, the local Sheriff (or was it one of the deputies?), the 4H-ers, and other students from the High School, not only the Fire Department people doing the cooking and passing out of food. Mom plans to tell Bieber Fire Department how Adin's feed went when she goes to their meeting.

I should have taken the camera and gotten a picture of the guy in the crab hat selling raffle tickets. Trust me, it just fit him, and definitely was an attention getter. >_> Ok, I admit I would have worn it too if I was selling raffle tickets. Where else would one wear such a cool hat?

Ok, the beach... I could think of pranks to pull...

Dinner was so good, we had to bring home extra. There is now a crab in the fridge, waiting to strike with it's deadly deliciousness. Oh... my belly... It hurts... Too much food... I hear it mocking me!

~Teresa, who is about to explode as the Killer Crab gets its evil revenge...

peter .. can you call me

if you are near the blog. We're driving to the coast today, would love to come by and see you if you are available this after noon or evening. Lost my cell , don't have your number .. but you can reach me this afternoon after I stop by the mall to get another cell or at my home ... 746-4385.

Is winter over yet?

Well I'm heading for the sun soon. My G. Son Andre turns 13 Feb 8th and I'm taking Brooklyn & Brianna to visit. Talk about the love of grandkids; Jim couldn't have stated it better. I really loved my kids and even liked them, still do; but how my grands make me feel is unfathonable unless you've been there. Even my oldest Bianca, can do no wrong .. she is my baby still. When she and her mom disagree, she comes and lays her head on my shoulder and I cave. I really try to use my logical judgment and help her, but she is my baby...still that innocent little thing that turned me into a G>MA!! How could she ever be wrong? All my little ones , will forever be that little baby we held so long ago.

I have enjoyed the journey you have taken us through with the birth of this little one, Grandpa Jim. We needed that after the journey we shared with Ben's passing. It really is great to be able to share these experiences as a family, even spread apart and estranged as we are.

Love to all

Gonzo

Wow, I still a goner. I can't believe what an impact he's made on me. I'm just a mass of jello whenever I see him. My legs are wobbly and my knees are knocking.

We’re ready to take Gonzo for a ride at a moments notice. Sandi bought the Alpha and the Omega of all car seats. In fact it’s called the Alpha Omega. Any religious person knows that this is about as good as it gets. It’s good from 5-100 lbs. That means according to the size of the kids in my room he'll be able to ride in this car seat through the 5th grade. That may be somewhat embarrassing, but at least he'll be safe. I hope that he does use it for awhile though as it took Sandi and I about an hour to figure out how to install it.

Grandpa Jim

Tech savvy

Hey, believe it or not, but Gonzo is tech savvy! We've already received an email from him. This is what he wrote us:

Hey everyone, this is Gonzo (a.k.a. Lil Hoops). Just checking in with everyone. Life sure is tough! All I do is sleep and eat and poop (and cry sometimes, but don't tell anyone, I don't want to catch a bad rap).

Love you guys and please come visit when you get a chance and need somebody cute to look at! Mami and Papi are starting to get boring!!!

He even has his own email address!

We saw him tonight and his eyes were open wide and he was very alert. I think he was trying to tell me what kind of treefort he wanted.

Gonzo's birth announcement

January 8, 2009

Re: Birth Announcement

The Daily Triplicate

Gonzalo Hooper-Ramirez was born Jan. 5, 2009 at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka. He weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 20 inches long. His parents are Randy and Claudia Hooper of Crescent City. His grandparents are Jim and Sandi Hooper of Crescent City, Aurea de Leon Alvarado of Crescent City, and Rafael Ramirez Barajas of Santa Ana, California. His great-grandparents are Edna and David Slavin of Clearlake, California and Lorenza Alvarado de Leon of Cuyutlan, Jalisco, Mexico.

the kids

thanks Jim, it way give all the kids, the right idea, laugh and all you brother's and sister's, to see your kid's and there children on the blog., as we also would like to see the ones they love in their life. Also let's the kid's know those that are connected to them through our connection as sister's and brother's. Great to see the kids on the blog., so please it would seem great to see you all on this.... We know that you all have busy lived, but also know you all have aunty and uncles that love ya all huggggggggly, hugs sent

Our six day old Gonzo

To see more pics click on the title. A thousand words is not worth single picture.
Grandpa Jim

Jim. heres a little help

click on the title



heres another
http://www.danielswoodland.com/media/Manual_Scallywag_Sloop.pdf

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh..............

We do feel very fortunate and blessed, but we don't want to hog up the whole blog. I'm probably taking up too much bandwidth on the internet now. Now only if Ed McMahan would quit losing our address for the million dollar prize we'd be set for life. We could quit working and babysit everyday......that Randy and Claudia would let us. Excuse me, maybe that's him, there's a knock at the door.

Nope, that wasn't him. Darn. Wait a minute, would you believe it? There's a commercial for Publisher's Clearinghouse on TV.....and it's live.....and they're walking up to someones door............AND IT LOOKS LIKE OUR FRONT DOOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...................... Nope.

Does anyone remember the web site of that place where it says that you can work from home and make a million dollars? It seemed really easy. As I remember it the "Success Kit" was only $29.99 plus shipping and handling. What could be simpler?

Anyway, if it's left to us we'd post Gonzo pictures every day. You'll need to click on the title to see more today.

Grandpa Jim

P.S. I've been looking at pictures of treehouses on the internet.

Being sick has its perks!!!

This was the best sick day I've ever been sick. I took a half day off work today. This gizzard ailment isn't all bad. I was able to watch Gonzo at their house this morning while Claudia caught 20 more winks. While we had a mild mind meld going on I think he told me that he wants to build a house with me. Our connection was pretty strong but I still thought that was a pretty odd thing for a newborn to convey. What do you think?
Tomorrow I have a big day ahead of me. I must go around the neighborhood and show everyone his pictures.

They brought him over this evening and we got our evening fix.

Grandpa Jim

Touchdown!!!!!

No, I think we just won the game. No, we won the Superbowl. Sandi is crazy in love with our little Gonzo. In fact, she took a day off, a "sick day" to help "watch" Gonzo today. The nerve of that woman!! I may call in sick tomorrow.

Claudia is amazing!!! She is a very natural, calm mother. Randy is everything we wanted in a son. He loves his wife and the gift that she gave him. Gonzo is going to be loved.

Randy, Claudia, and Gonzo came over tonight. Sandi's mom and Dave, her husband, also arrived from Cloverdale tonight. So, we had a nice little family gathering, everyone ogling over the star of the show. I don't think my feet have touched the ground since he was born. Everyone I run into I ask, "Do you want to see some really cute baby pictures, MY grandson?" Some of them are imperfect strangers, but I don't care. It's their loss if they walk away from me. Even though they think I'm crazy, I'm really not. Sorry, I was just having an endorphin rush.

Grandpa Jim

More Gonzo pictures

We stopped by after work today and got our "Gonzo" fix. It's funny, Rachael and Andrew happened to stop by too. Hmmmm........maybe this will give them some ideas.
We can only hope!
These are pics I took with my cell phone.

P.S. If you yearn to see more pictures click on the title above.

Grandpa Jim

BABY, BABY BABY, Gonzo is really cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think I may need to get a larger hard drive for the computer. I have an idea that there will be many more pictures to come.

Gonzo, Claudia, and Randy came through with flying colors. Sandi and I aged about 10 years. Claudia was admitted Sunday evening. Sandi should really be writing this. She could give you a better centimeter by centimeter report than me. Just look at the clock in the background of the pictures and you can probably put together how long things took.

Through a lot of waiting Gonzo was born at about 3:05 p.m., Jan. 5 (he and Randy share the same birthday). He is really, really, really, really, really handsome. I think he weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz. and was 21 in. long. Claudia did great. If it were up to men to give birth I think that there may be a world-wide population decline. In fact, mankind and womankind would probably go extinct. I was with Sandi when Andrew was born and I forgot how awesome the whole experience really is.

I went to see him after work today and he's even cuter than yesterday. We had a moment while I was holding him and I think he conveyed the thought that he wanted a fishing pole, so I'll soon be shopping for newborn fishing poles.

I took some more pictures with my cell phone and I'll be posting them as soon as I can figure out how to download them.

I was present for his first diaper changing. I understand a little more about the La Brea tar pits and how they're formed.

Did I mention that he's really cute?

Grandpa Jim

grandpa Jim and grama Sandi

congrats on the gonzo arrival. a new generation of Hoopers.

Baby watch, Mon., June , 10:15 a.m.

No baby yet. About 8:00 this morning the nurse said Claudia was 1/2 through the labor process. The doctor broke her water about 9:00. They may give her something to induce labor this morning.

:) :) :) :) :)

its snowing again in portland

its snowing again in portland. Crazy.........I/2 in at my house and seen cars going too fast and almost not making the curve. lol. Rich drives great in this. hugs and happy new year.

No baby yet.......

Andrew and Rachael brought their telescope over tonight and we looked at the stars and moon. It was really clear and cool, maybe even a little on the cold side. As you can see there are only 6 Hoopers present, the 7th is still hidden. Maybe this will inspire Claudia! As it stands they are going down to Eureka tomorrow afternoon and the doctor will induce labor. I'm not really sure how long it takes after that, but I know it will be soon. We're all taking the day off work on Monday. Can you tell I'm excited?
(almost grandpa) Jim

2009

Hopefully this year will bring new blessings to all. My g. sons will be heading back to AZ tomorrow. It's been quite the week. Lots of fun. Reminds me of the many happy times while my own kids were growing up; lots of happy energy, messes to over see clean up, activites to find, and just hanging out. I'll try to get a picture posted.

My son and his wife celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary. WOW !!! What an accomplishment. And guess what; I feel so proud of my son, I'm taking part of the credit for the years they have served. It hasn't been easy, but they had lots of support. My son bought his wife 10 dozen roses to be delivered to her work on that day! Every woman we know is envoius already of what he does for her, but 10 dozen roses! He is the best husband and father ... thank you very much! He has hius rough spots for sure with fighting his own battles; but he is a victor just for hanging in there and doing the right thing. And when he falls he gets right back up and does the right thing. It's hard to live a good man's life in a world where so many choose to serve evil.

What really makes me proud is how so many criticized me while I was a young mother. Yet I raised such great kids !!! God heard every prayer and ever cry. And the best is yet to come ... He saved my son through prison and Chardo is the best christian man and most loving son a mother could pray for.

My life is full of blessings.

Happy New Year from Bianca and Jordan

Happy new year everyone. was just sitting at nanas and decided to say hey. Hope everyones doing well. See you at the family reunion

Happy New Year from Suzanne !

At the onset of every new year I strive to make sure the new year comes in better then the last one was. I set goals and make promises to myself. I know many people don't reach their reselutions and often give up on making reselutions. I feel the new year gives us a chance to make a fresh start, and if we fall again or fail; try try again!

But for me, I have to set my mind on a thing to move forward in my own way and time, to be able to succeed. So it takes that committment in my heart and soul to even allow myself to move forwards. So here I am to put the past to rest and move into the new year with a clean slate.

Bear with me; I do have things to say to my family who has been wondering where I have been for so long.

Do you ever feel like you have such a sucessful life, yet your own life is such a mess? I solve other people's problems for a living. I take chronic needs and turn those clients into loving, managable people through problem solving and carefully planned goal setting and by daily helping those clients follow through to reach their goals. I take the angry dying person and sit by their side, plan their medication management to releive their pain and help them die surrounded by love; help them be unafraid to face their reality. I don't do this alone. I know God has blessed me with a gift. God gives me the energy to be up every night as needed, to help others. He has given me the gift of empathy. I anticipate need before it is asked of me. I am not boasting. But I do feel so blessed to be able to turn a person's life around. I do not take credit. I know it is God workng through me. And I often feel I do not do enough. But at this time this is what God has allowed me. In doing what I do I have also had the opportunity to take the lives of a couple women who work for me and help them learn the real skills of giving ' care '.

But my own life has been filled with personal pain and chaos. From betrayal, to the loss of my dear brother, my grandsons being taken from me, death of clients, to fighting for the rights of other providers with the state. My life has definant purpose and I strive to understand the hardships that do come my way. But that doesn't mean at times I do not have to just sit back and take some time to withdraw from anyone who could hurt me; my family! I have built of fortress around my heart. It isn't all that easy to get through to it. Most of you know just what I mean. So when I do let others in, allow myself to care, need or share; it is really easy for that person to hurt me. A porcipine is hard to get close to. But once you get close and if you are able to turn one over, their belly is fragile, they are vulnerable to be hurt. Their quills are their only protection. So I often sit back and throw quills at others who attempt to get close, not allowing anyone to get to my vulnerablities. This year I let a few others close. Close enough to hurt me. In the last few months I have had to sit back and take an inventory of what I have gone through.

One lady, who's mother died the day my brother died, in my home; told me to not feel pain and sorrow at death, is to not be human. I feel no pain. Does that mean my heart is not human? I didnot go to my brother's side before he died after Redding, because I feared feeling pain and loss; something I was unwilling to feel. I do not feel loss or pain at the passing of anyone. I feel releif; for them, for their families...is that wrong? It is the living who greive, I feel for.

When Bonnie left after reconnecting after many years of seperation emotionally and phyically; I felt deep loss. I felt she would never come out to be a real part of this family. And Bonnie, in your attempt to be a part of it, I know I hurt you. I apoligize for striking out when you critizied me regarding our sisters and neice. I don't take criticizm well, since I am already my own worst critic. You and Dick's words bit me, as Betty's used to. My personality type is one who thinks through things and honestly beleive what I do and say; even if it is wrong to others. So to reproach me is saying; you are wrong! In order to tell another person they are wrong, one needs to know all issues surrounding a situation.

I may do something in the wrong way, but to stand up for what someone thinks is right, is never wrong!

When a person feels loss and feels down, weak and defenseless ... they are dangerous. I have been dangerous all my life. Few people try me a second time. I am not proud to be a bearcat; but God knew what my life would be like. As my life goes, the rougher edges have softened. But what has become of me is that I now know how to help others stand up and fight for the right things in their lives. My life has purpose. But God also is continuing to teach me lessons through the hardships I bear.

Marriage; OMG !!!!

God sent me an imperfect man. I ask him for the right man, PERFECT of course! God sent me a man who appeared perfect for me in every way and then gave me a lesson in life. Funny how life's lessons are. I've tried to run him off, chase him away, ignore him till he gives up ... and he is still my husband who gets me coffee every day. At this new year, I figured after he has put up with my grandkids and their friends ( 12 kids in my home daily ) for a week, did fire works with us last night, sat up till 1 am, cooked us breakfast ; all of them .... and is now out making a fire so they can roast marshmellows ( for lunch ) ... maybe I'll keep him and try to be nicer to him.

Hey family; I treat the ones I love the same. Hurt me; you pay ! Course that is all but my grandkids. Going back to the procipine; when I allow anyone close, that is the ones who can hurt me. Others can't! That is my strength and my weakness. I hate weakness. So when I can be hurt, then I must turn my back on the person who has gotten close enough to hurt me. I shut down, shut off and retreat to lick my wounds and put together a new tactic to not get hurt. Usually I leave people behind. But it's hard to leave family ( or a husband, well this one anyway ) ... specially those who refuse to just go away. So I have figured this is a new lesson to learn. How to forgive & love those who hurt you. How to not push everyone away. And how to allow people close even when you know by allowing people close, there will be pain.

Forgive me family .. but I am still evolving into whoever I am supposed to be, to serve some unforseen destiny. The lessons are hard. It takes me time to absorb and put life into perspective. I wish I had been born simple and accepting; I wasn't. I was born with a purpose and I'm still trying to figure it out, to take life apart and redo it ... It's my VIRGO nature.

So Happy New Year! I vow to be a better sister, aunt, nurse and friend ! I'm already a great mama and g.ma !

Love you all ...

PS ... Labor Day is great ! Thanks for stepping up Jimmy & Sandy !

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERONE

Just want you all to know I am thinking of you
Glenda, I am so happy for you that you found Julie. I know what it means to reconnect with a daughter. At least I knew where Amy was and that she was well. I can't imagine what you have been going through not even knowing where Julie was. Let us know your progress. You know I will be praying for you.

Jim and Sandi, do you know if you are having a grandson or granddaughter?
Jim, husbands that help around the house are a real blessing but I would be more afraid the cat would claw your eyes out when you are asleep then Sandi, if that was its yarn ball.

Love ya all
B&R

Happy New Year

Dear All.... To all, this next year blessings to all, may good life and good beginnigs for all. What a hard past year, as we all shared, creating family struggles, goods and bad times. My we create good memories this coming year.