I dont think he was impressed.

Family

Dear All

I just wish to let you know how special you all are, with all our personal problems and the life that each of us walk,...... the ups and downs, pains and joys, how special each of us mean to each one of us, all in different ways, but the love we all share, understanding the hurts and joys, and also the power to heal with unconditional love, as we walk and learn.

With not growing up as sisters and brothers, we do understand the back ground of our family members, so at times it does make it hard, as we have all shared the pain, of understanding, with what has been, let us pray that we grow more stronger in love, for we each, had an understanding of not have each of us in the life of our childhood.

What a joy it is to see the love within the family unites that we had, and have, also the added members of family, with the sisters and brothers added to this so special family.

Peter, Glenda,........
Bonnie, Dick/Lonnie, Gorden and Doug
Lisi, Lili, Suzanne/ Joyce, JoAnne, Richard, Jack
Ben/
Chuck, Jim/Jack, Susan

how special each of you are to me, and the joy of being there within the family, that is so special to my heart. As you have each spice in the life you live, that we all can understand.

The joy of your children and how special it is to be an aunty to each of you, also a sister to each and every sister and brother. how blessed I am in this, and the love that I have so deeply for you and yours, understanding the hardship that we have all shared in the seperation of childhood, blessing it, as it also has made us stronger, with understanding, that others would not understand.

It has made us strong in the duties we now live and carry on in our life for others, in our work, and outreach. We have a understanding of pain and hardship, that few have with in families, as they have not seen what each of us has in our youth. But, as we can work in the adult life, we have the choice of sharing to others and for others needs.

How special this group is, and the work that even your children share with others, opening their doors and hearts, growing and loving, to create the love and forgivness we wish to have them learn, not hanging onto the past, but growing and opening our hearts to others with understanding..........

God Bless you all

Sister Lili and Aunty

I love you dearly and as I don't have children to share, you have all blessed me with your children and your love............. thanks and hugs to all

What a time to say happy thanksgiving you have shared with me.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

DEAR ALL FAMILY AND FRIENDS

THANK YOU FOR BEING FAMILY AND I WISH ALL A WONDERFUL DAY TO ALL.

JESS, LILI AND LISI

Guess who's going back to schoo

A very good friend showed me some information that will make it possible for me to continue my education.

American Public University

Accredited, and eligible for financial aid. Rolling admission and course books provided. I'm enrolling for a Bachelor's in International Studies, concentrating on Asian Studies. What's really great is that most everything I can do from home. The classes that need a Proctor to watch me take my tests I can ask the local librarian to proctor for me, among others. This means that I don't need to worry about how I'm going to have the kids watched during classes.

Guessed yet? ;)

*happy mystery person that's waited a long time to get back to school*

50+ mile an hour winds

Well, as far as I can tell today I still have a roof on the house and porch. The winds came from the south and southwest. I faired pretty well. Others didn't. I thank God and my lucky stars that things held together. I would have been very disappointed if I had lost everything that I had done. Did find out though that I have to put more weight in the back of the pickup. I slid and slided into work yesterday but made it without going off the road. lucky that I only live 1.3 miles from work. We are fine here.

Love to all. Illa

Who's head is shrunken?

You can shrink your own head at this address: http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/admin/mt-search.cgi?tag=shrunken%20head&blog_id=82&IncludeBlogs=82

Prostate Journey. No, it ain't Cancun.

Nov. 18, 2009
A lot has happened since I posted an update on our prostate journey. I say ‘our’ because even though Sandi doesn’t have one, I share. We’ve just about eliminated surgery. No, let me rephrase that, we’ve eliminated surgery unless we receive news that all the proton and radiation facilities in the United States are no longer in service. It seems that surgery offers the most complete evisceration of one’s prostate problems complete with the most devastating side effects. I would like to choose to not wear a diaper. Gonzo may look good in a diaper, but I don't. Personally, I think I rather keep as much of my original plumbing and parts as possible.

The treatment that seems to be as effective as any of the other treatments and offers the least side-effects while leaving all of a person’s factory-installed parts and materials intact, with the added benefit of not installing radioactive material into a foreign body (such as mine) appears to be Proton Treatment.

At this point we’re pursuing Proton Treatment at Loma Linda University. It is one of only about five places in the country that offers this form of treatment. The downside is the fact that it means spending at least 8 weeks down there complete with being away from home, negotiating living arrangements, transportation, groceries, and just being there. Did I mention that I do not look forward to spending 8 weeks there?

I just received, on Nov. 17, my latest Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) results back from the doctor of the blood draw I had last week. My first elevated PSA number, and the reason that this journey started, was about May 22, 2009. It was 4.8, which is an indication of prostate cancer, but without a biopsy it is only an indicator. I had a biopsy done last July where two of twelve biopsies came back positive for cancer. Today the doctor called and told me that the blood-work results came back with a PSA number of 8.5. So, it has risen 3.7 points in about 6 months. From what I read the PSA number is a controversial indicator and there are a number of factors that have an impact on the number, mainly any kind of strenuous physical activity. Hopefully that includes paddling a kayak and thus would mean that’s where the increased number came from instead of a growth of the cancer.

Today I made contact with Loma Linda and was told that the Blue Cross had OK’ed the consultation and they were submitting paperwork for the procedure. They have tentatively scheduled me for a consultation the week of January 25 with the 8 week treatment to start the following week. At this point we are figuring on me going down there then.

So, I guess the message here is, if you know a man, or a man that knows a man, or a woman that knows a man, or a man that knows a woman that knows a man tell them to get their bloodwork done and ask for a PSA test.

Jim

I have a new student in my class. Somewhat small but definitely the best looking one there. Yes, I'll have to break him from putting his fingers in his mouth.

Boy am I pooped!!

I just got back about an hour ago from a house fire. The first full fledged one since our house. Was paged out 8 am and got released at 4:42 pm. What a mess. Was fully involved by the time I got there which was 5 min. after the page. Every fire department around responded again except CDF as they were closed for the winter again. They rotate staffing between here and Alturas and they were there today. I was supposed to go to work today and called in and they got it covered for me. Fell down once and had to be helped up. Hurt my left hip, will really feel it tomorrow. Had a low blood sugar episode. Teresa, Mt. Dew really works for that. We didn't have orange juice or candy but there was one of those in a cooler outside so I drank it. You sip it slowly!! The people got out but not the pets. They all perished. The Inmate crew came to help mop up and they found them. The fire started from a propane heater. It was Watkins old house across from the Catholic Church.

Anyway, I am now clean and have to dry the turnouts. I can still smell wet ashes. Bad thing is I didn't get to take my meds before leaving so it is going to take a while for them to go to work. So I am just going to sit here and rest.

You all have a good day and button down the hatches as it should be hitting the Northwest area today or tonight, here by tomorrow night. 2-8 inches of snow in the mountains.

love to all, Illa

Rick and Bonnie

It's great having Bonnie and Rick with us, they are staying with Lis, and she is so happy to have them with her. They have a lot on their plate right now, but we wish to be able to be there for them and supportive of the move and what they would like.

They would really like to stay on the west coast, so please all pray that God, guides us, in finding a place and what to do, for this next step of what to do. They are so great, and it's been a joy having them here, and also looking to have sister time.

Jess loves having Rick to hang out with and go to coffee in the morning, also they will help us in the house in St. Helens, but it's best for the needs of health here in Vancouver, for all concerned.

Pray that God guides us, and we can work as a unit for the work that Bonnie wishes to do, and for the work that Rick would like to be able to move forward into, with us all........

Front done for now

Well, the gutters are up and this is as much as I am going to get done.  Still have stairs and a ramp and a door to build yet.  The door is the next most important one so it is next and hope it is done in the next few days.  I think it is going to start storming more than I have time so I can make it thru the winter with the stairs that I have.  If i can get to them then I will but it is not a problem in the weather changes.

Newest Member to Garcia/ Ross side of family

Joe and Lynn's daughter, Heather, just had her little one today.  Born 2:05 pm, wt. 7# 6 oz, Head 13 1/4 in,  Chest 12 3/4 in., Length 20 1/4 in.  He has Blonde hair, Blue eyes, lots of dimples.  His name is Honor Wayne Ross.  Heather is in Rm 204 OB, Sutter Coast Hosp.  Mother, Son, and Grandma are doing great.  I will post pics when I get them.  No word from Joe yet so don't know if he knows yet as he was most likely working.  Waiting for a call from him.

Illa

Happy thanksgiving from Lueria

Remarks from CBS Sunday Morning - Ben Stein   I Only hope we find GOD again before it is too late !    The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary. My confession:  I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish.  And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.  I don't feel threatened.  I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are, Christmas trees.  It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me.  I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto.  In fact, I kind of like it.  It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in   Malibu .  If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.  I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians.  I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period.  I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country.  I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.  Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God, as we understand Him?  I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too.  But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.  In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.  Billy Graham 's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (Regarding Hurricane Katrina ). Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response.  She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives.  And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out.  How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'  In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc.  I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK.  Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school.  The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself.  And we said OK. Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem ( Dr. Spock 's son committed suicide).  We said an expert should know what he's talking about.  And we said okay. Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out.  I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'  Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell.  Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.  Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.  Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.  Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.  Pass it on if you think it has merit.  If not, then just discard it... no one will know you did,, only God!  But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.   My Best Regards, Honestly and Respectfully,  Ben Stein

 

“ Kids say the darndest things,”

....at least that’s what Art Linkletter said, and our kids are no exceptions. Andrew and Rachael wanted to try out a new eatery in town and being the inquisitive and supportive parents that we are we said we’d like to try it out too. It was especially nice of them to give us cards of congratulations for us being grandparents again since Randy and Claudia announced that they are expecting around May 24. That’s what I call being a supportive little brother, congratulating us for being grandparents twice and it’s not even them that are having the baby!

Then I read the card again and it was asking if we are ready to be grandparents a third time. Being the teacher I am I got out my abacus and started adding up babies and parents and any numbers I could think of and realized one of two things; either Randy and Claudia were having twins or Andrew and Rachael were PG too. It was the latter, and they are due around May 19. They showed us a sonagram and Rachael thinks the baby looks like a kidney bean with legs. I think it looks more like a lima bean with legs. Art was right.



Here's a salmon I caught last Sunday. It's the first one I've ever caught from my kayak. It was like catching a salmon but a salmon on steroids. It took about 25 minutes to land. Have you every tried to paddle and reel at the same time? I highly recommend it.

Jim

Hey Jim!!!

if i had photoshop. this could be and interesting label.

Jess 70th

We had a grate day with Jess and his birthday, and at 4:30 we went to Red Robin, with Lisi, Bonnie and Rick, they sang happy birthday, then home to Lis, to visit and just hang out, Jess had his birthday cake, and brownies, that Bonnie made, as, then this weekend we are going to do some more of what Jess would like, and see 2012, so it's been a great time for Jess, and all.

UPDATE

GRANDMAS MEMORIAL WILL BE ON THE 21ST AT 3:00 AT HOOD VIEW SDA CHURCH

GRANDMA AGGIE DIED

Our Dear Grandma Aggie has gone to be with The Lord, she died peacefully in her sleep about 4:00 this morning. She was 94 years old. It was a blessing we will never forget to be with her at this time. She loved The Lord and was at peace about dying. Her service will probably be this Saturday.

Nov 12 Happy Birthday Uncle Dick and Uncle Jess

I want to tell you both love you!! Have a great day!! hugs

from lueria 

Jess and Lili

Last week we went out to the house in St. Helens, have the bedroom done, and bathroom, also moved someout of the trailor in the back to the shed, and that is empty.... putting the boxes in there to sort and then remove all from that, papers from stuff, boxing it all up, then will move all the paper into the house to go through and burn in the barral and fireplace what we don't wish to save......... we will be going back Tuesday to finish off the room off the kitchen, and the front room and kitchen, it's going great, and fast, as a lot in the front room was already packed, ready to go. half of it's been removed already, so not much more to do. We are looking at finishing the inside off this week, Next will be the garage, that we plan on doing the week after this coming week, then everything will be moved off the place, and it will just be setting there, until we look at the next step.

Then we will look at if we will talk and see, all the car's and bikes will be removed, then clean the outside and set for the winter, so that it looks good,......... we will have the water still turned off as a pipe broke under the house,........ I wish to power wash the house down outside and, do the windows, maybe dress is out for Christmas though no one will be there other then to work with the inside of what we plan on doing,..... Jess is liking working around it, and he is taking it easy.

We have friends and neighbor's helping, out with us, they would love to see us come back.

We have had so much fun with Rick and Bonnie when we can get together, we miss not being with each other, all of us, we have a hoot, with Lisi, and the rest of us, when we can spend time, seems like the good old day's, just relaxing working together, and playing.......... work, fun and laughter, also looking forwards to doing stained glass, and music.... God is Good.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLAUDIA
HOPE YOU HAD A WONDERFUL DAY!!!
Uncle Rick and Aunt Bonnie love you

too funny. please share with co workers: from lueria

The Pacific Northwest according to Jeff Foxworthy

October 13, 2008 in Fun | Tags: Fun, jeff foxworthy, joke, pacific northwest

The Pacific Northwest According to Jeff Foxworthy

You live in the Northwest if:

1. You know the state flower (Mildew).
2. You feel guilty throwing aluminum cans or paper in the trash.
3. Use the statement ’sun break’, and know what it means.
4. You know more than 10 ways to order coffee.
5. You know more people who own boats than air conditioners.
6. You feel overdressed wearing a suit to a nice restaurant or to church.
7. You stand on a deserted corner in the rain waiting for the ‘WALK’ signal.
8. You consider that if it has no snow or has not recently erupted, it’s not a real mountain.
9. You can taste the difference between Starbucks, Seattle’s Best, and Veneto ’s.
10. You know the difference between Chinook, Coho, and Sockeye salmon.
11. You know how to pronounce Sequim, Puyallup, Heceta, Yaquina, Yachats, Issaquah, Oregon, Spokane, Yakima, and Willamette .
12. You consider swimming an indoor sport.
13. You can tell the difference between Japanese, Chinese, and Thai food.
14. In winter, you go to work in the dark and come home in the dark while only working eight-hour days.
15. You never go camping without waterproof matches and a poncho.
16. You are not fazed by ‘Today’s forecast: Showers followed by rain,’ and ‘Tomorrow’s forecast: Rain followed by showers.’
17. You have no concept of humidity without precipitation.
18. You know that Boring is a town in Oregon and not just a state of mind.
19. You can point to at least two volcanoes, even if you cannot see them through the cloud cover.
20. You use the phrase ‘The mountain is out’ when it is a pretty day and you can actually see it.
21. You put on your shorts when the temperature gets above 50, but still wear your hiking boots and parka.
22. You switch to your sandals when it gets about 60, but keep the socks on.
23. You have actually used your mountain bike on a mountain.
24. You think people who use umbrellas are either wimps or tourists.
25. You buy new sunglasses every year, because you cannot find the old ones after such a long time.
26. You measure distance in hours.
27. You often switch from ‘heat’ to ‘a/c’ in the same day.
28. You design your kid’s Halloween costume to fit under a raincoat.
29. You know all the important seasons: Almost Winter, Winter, Still Raining, Road Construction, and Deer & Elk season.
30. You understood these jokes and will tell your friends.

Kids Halloween and Athena's Health

Hello all.

Athena and Merlin had a great Halloween. We dressed up. The kids went around town with their dad, and over to the High School for the carnival. I stayed home expecting that I'd have kids from the apartments coming to my door. Didn't have anyone all night other than my own.

Merlin went to several houses and didn't get scared. He came home early because he was getting tired and Athena wanted to go to the haunted house. She's thinking of helping out with that next year. Here's some pictures.

Athena's recently had some bloodwork done, and that confirmed that she's mildly hypoglycemic like mom and I are. She's also got a growth on her jaw that we aren't sure what it is. She's going between doctor and dentist, and hopefully between the two they'll figure out exactly what it is and get it fixed. Right now it's being treated as an abscess, but doc isn't too sure it really is. If antibiotics don't work, more exams will be needed. Just where it is (on the underside of the jaw and unattached to anything) and how firm it is, is very strange.

We hope everyone is doing well, and as comfortable as can be.

~Teresa, Athena, Merlin, and cats

Hi Family

We are still staying at Grandma Aggies, she is in bed and sleeping 95% of the time. We expect her to go any day. We will probably stay and take care of the house until it sells. This experience has been so eye opening and such a blessing. We have become so much more aware of what is really important in life and the affect of our life on others. The way we talk to eachother and the differences we have are so crazy. We are studing about being overcomers in Gods eyes. That is not an easy thing to do but it is a nessary thing if we want all that God has to offer.
Saying we forgive one another is one thing and actually doing it is another. There are to many times we hold onto the past and react to things in ways that proves we refuse to let go and let God that keeps putting walls between us, and if we keep allowing walls to come between us then we are allowing walls to come between us and God.
I see this in Aggies life now that she id setting herself straight with the Lord by forgiving others she has wronged and asking to be forgiven for even wrong attitudes she has help against others. That is a true overcomer.

We are still thinking of getting certified but will see.
It has been so great spending time with Lili and Lisi and Jess when we can. We have such a good time with them just being ourselves and joking and having a good time. There is no stress with them and they have hearts of gold. Jess is a kick in the pants. He and Rick get to talking and they are more gabbing then a bunch of women. We send our love to all

I just got hooked up to internet yesterday so caught up on everyone on the blog. You are missed and loved.

Gonz and the pumpkin

"This is the one, Grandpa! How big do you think it will be next year?"