Happy New Year!!

2009 needs a theme...

Here are some from the last few years:

Don't be a bore in 2004
Get alive in 2005
It is gonna be great in 2008

Any brilliant suggestions for 2009?

Snow in photos...

Before Arctic Blast 2008:



After 3 days of Arctic Blast 2008:

My car sat in this spot for another two days before we started digging. My lovely friend Robyn brought over a metal shovel and her husband to help out. I provided a plastic dustpan and a spatula that doubled as an ice scraper. (Thanks Max and Gina for gifting me a real ice scraper!)


The snowman my neighbor built in my backyard. (It was the first one she built ever! So cute.)


The hole left by my car...





I spent all day in my car yesterday running errands. It is fantastic to return to mobile freedom!

Anakin's Star Fighter

Here are a couple of pictures of Taylor and his new Lego Star Wars Anakin Star Fighter. These pictures were taken with Taylor's very own digital camera.




Taylor says, "This is my new space ship. I want you to see it. Max, Gina, Max, Morgan, and Isabel gave it to me. I took these pictures with my new camera."

Super fun christmas!!!

As always I had a super fun time up in Portland, playing games and having fun. When we went to play basketball, Morgan wasn't pleased with having to play defense against me, I was so sweaty. I said "You should see me after the gym!" Here are a couple of pictures of my shirt after I got home from the gym yesterday.

Quality Christmas Time!

Jason on a break from touring with the Insane Clown Posse




Cam at the Eiffel Tower













Jen as Ladi Di

Kristy ... playing the snowbunny on the beach

Just wanted everyone to see I had fun this weekend. Thanks Isabel for the use of your Stylin' Studio!

New Word

edacious; adj, of eating, gluttonous..........

frangible........ what do you think????????

Is it Just Me?

or is anybody else absolutely enthralled by the FreeCreditReport.com commercials? That lead singer, who is actually french canadian and speaks little or no english and is actually lip synching the song, is adorable. I get the biggest kick out of those commercials. Actually have them all memorized and find myself humming them ("Oh I married my dream girl, I married my dream girl") while at work. Sick, eh?

More from Gold Beach

No, that's not snow. It's sea foam. We've had a wonderful day. Not a bad way to spend an anniversary. (Number 15 BTW) We've watched squalls come through. Yesterday we had thunder. This morning: hail. We have a spa tub on the deck. We've been reading and browsing the local used bookstore. Taking naps, and tonight we're going out for a seafood dinner. Mmmm-mmm I can hardly wait. Anybody interested in some crab this weekend? xoxo

Ho Ho Humbug

So --- Thursday nite I go to Bend with a couple of lady friends for dinner and a play at 2nd St Theatre. We went to Typhoon and had an incredible meal .... winter curry with rice, crispy chicken with fried Thai basil and tofu pad thai. The play was fun and we got back late, about 11:00.

Walked into my living room and my freakin' 8 foot Noble Fir had fallen over. It must have bounced off the piano, broke some beautiful depression glass candleabra that Rob had given me, knocked pictures off the wall and then crashed down onto the floor, breaking about 1/2 of my ornaments in the process.

It was awful. It literally took me all day friday to clean up the mess, reseat and re-decorate the tree. Talk about a downer. You have no idea how close that tree came to ending up in the front yard. Ho Ho Humbug

sorry about the color

OOPPPSSSS got the wrong color on this one

No New Word today

Hello all from Gold Beach. Since the weather put a gitch in plans to go to Spokane, we decided to come to the coast, the weather here is windy and rainy, but not frightful as in the Portland area. My brother reports 3 feet of snow in his yard, so it is a good thing we are where we are. We hope you are all well, and survive the forced hibernation. Snow is fun for the first day or so,but after that is becomes a pain, in the neck or where ever.

This is what it looks like from my floor at the hosp... Dorothy, I dont think we are in Oregon anymore...

Snowed In Part II

Well, it snowed about 8 to 10 inches yesterday.  Virtually all day yesterday.  It was truly amazing and not something I've seen like this since we've lived in Portland.  By end the end of the day travel became much more difficult.  Then during the night we got some freezing rain to cover the the snow - so this morning there was about an 1/8th of an inch of ice covering all the snow.  So everywhere you walk is crunchy and slick - and really pretty cool if you don't have to drive anywhere.  I've added some pictures that I thought might demonstrate the effect.

Our friends who lost their daughter earlier in the year decided to take the rest of their family to Florida - Disney World - so they wouldn't endure a Christmas at home - and have now been stuck in a hotel by the airport - for a second day waiting for their flight that may or may not come tomorrow.  We are sad for them ....and praying they can get where they want to be.

We hunkered down on our second Sunday in row without church - bummer - and watched the Nativity movie - and it was really pleasant.  We've got our beach-weekend friends (Sackleys, Holts, Kidmans and Potts) coming over for dinner tonight - assuming everyone can bust out of their driveways and make it happen.

Hope you are all ready for Christmas.

snow yesterday

I haven't posted pictures on this blog yet, we'll see how this works, but when I went outside yesterday morning, I was struck by how the snow had piled up on tree branches. It is as if the snow fell straight down, and there must not have been any wind to blow it off the branches, because even the smaller branches had a thick layer, couple of inches or so. Try clicking on the picture twice to see it bigger, it may show up better in the bigger picture.

After slightly being held hostage by the stinking snow... I decided to be a warrior and drive my new car to work today. The roads were a little dodgy but I just drove slow. If I dont learn how to drive in the snow now... when will I?

I need to buy an ice scraper!

If anyone is keeping track... I am halfway through the 3rd season of Six Feet Under... And guess who I found? Dwight. He plays the funeral director apprentice that comes to live in the Fisher house. Funny to see him as anything other than a beet loving Schrute.

Work is quiet and they are sending me home early! Hooray! I think I will run out and make snow angels!

Word for the Day

Yesterdays word,, DIURNAL; of the daytime;having a daily cycle.

Cam your definition was the best, (diurnal or dicaskl )
New Word: EDACIOUS (E-DA-SHUS)

Snow Day!!

So here in Southern Oregon, we finally got a snow day. We had a couple of delayed starts early in the week. We have a phone tree, when the principal calls me, I call 6 other people. I talked to many of my coworker's spouses at 5:45 am. I didn't feel bad at all waking people up with such joyous news. Due to the unpredictable weather I did all my holiday stuff yesterday. The only misgivings I have about missing school today is that it was Pajama Day! My favorite day of the year. We all wear our jammies and snuggle in with good books and blankets. On the upside...it's 7:30 and I'm still in my jammies...sitting in the chair with Leno replaying on the DVR. I'm happy to have a day to get ready for our holiday travels.

We leave tomorrow and will be somewhat out of communication as the internet connection is not as easy to get to in Spokane. Ben may still be able to do a word of the day, but be prepared for a break from that.

Enjoy your holiday preparations and we'll see you all next weekend! xoxo

Daily Word

Congrats to Cam, he was the one who nearly nailed it.Definition: a description of the world; the science of the constitution of the universe.

New Word: DIURNAL

JENN maybe you could put your artistic skills to work and design a crown to be awarded to the one who collectively, is the one who has the most correct usage of the words say over the next week.

Thanksgiving Weekend Pictures

For anyone who would like to see the pictures from our Thanksgiving weekend trip, you can check them out on my blog. Just click on my name in the "other blogs" section on the side of this page.

Williams Chistmas Card II

I opened your card today, and it was great like always. However, in the list of faces Isabel wore this year, it didn't explain her foot high hairdo from the picture. Was that a funny story? Super cute pictures! Was that Max in the Jayhawk uniform with Morgan?

End of Term

Well, I made it through another term. It is such a relief to be on winter break and to be done with finals. I was kind of sweating passing my math class, but I got my grades the other day and I passed. Only two more terms to go!!! Wish me luck.

Alright... So I was a little whiney in my last post.

To keep the balance, I will now post positive things about today...

I got all my insurance paperwork figured out for my car. Now, weather permitting I will be cruising about, blaring my iPod and seeing the world.

My free will astrology for this week:
At Salon.com's forum "Table Talk," participants were urged to come up with a six-word sentence that captured the essence of their lives. One person wrote, "Broke. Payday. Broke. Payday. Broke. Payday." Another said, "Oh, no, not again. Again. Again." But the testimony I really wanted to call your attention to is this: "I never learned how to swashbuckle." Why is this pertinent for you? Because I believe that if you have a similar regret -- that you've never mastered the art of swashbuckling -- you will have an excellent chance to fix that problem in the coming months. In fact, I'm tempted to name 2009 as the Year of the Swashbuckle for you Libras. If I could give you a symbolic holiday gift to get you started, it might be a superhero's costume created by a top fashion designer. Happy Holy Daze!

I decided to look up swashbuckling... so I knew what to plan for. Here is what Wikipedia had to say...

Swashbuckler, a person or character:
The word "swashbuckler", in the modern sense, generally describes a fearless romantic archetype, a fictitious, adventurous, sword-wielding, male character who seeks to win the heart of a beautiful lady while rescuing society from the clutches of a dastardly villain. A classic swashbuckler exhibits exceptional courage and swordfighting skill, a strong sense of honor and justice, a chivalric romantic sense, and the capacity for wit, style, and resourcefulness under pressure. Such characters include The Three Musketeers, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Robin Hood, Zorro. There have also been a few female swashbucklers, such as Maureen O'Hara in the film Against All Flags and Tessie Santiago in the short-lived Queen of Swords television series.


So it looks like I am going to learn how to sword fight and it will help me win the heart of a handsome man.

WORD OF THE DAY

I like the idea of giving the word without the meaning. So here is the word for today.

COSMOGRAPHY

I will post the answer tomorrow.......

NO FAIR!

So you may have noticed my previous post about purchasing a new vehicle.

I anticipated this would be a life changing event. I was excited about the fact that I could zoom all over Portland without a care in the world about other peoples time frames or schedules. I also looked forward to the idea that if there was a smelly person sitting next to me, it was because I invited them to.

STINKY STUPID SNOW!!!! (Sorry Max 3, I am sure you take that as blasphemy.) My brand new shiney ya-ya Yaris is sitting in the exact spot I left it Sunday night. Of all the (arctic)blasted luck.

I have taken Tri-Met around all week and for the most part it has been about as pleasant as usual. Today, however, I wanted to scream. I almost gave up and drove in to work anyway. I am nervous about what the roads will be like at 9pm and am still working on insurance paper work, so I waited it out. And by waited it out... I mean I waited, IN A SKIRT, for almost an hour for my bus. THREE of them should have passed by in that time. I was an hour late to work. And smelly people, who were not invited by me sat next to me.

Needless to say I am very excited for the future and wishing for a thaw!!!

(Not to spoil anyones three week winter break plans, I am sure my wish will not be answered anyway. Meanwhile I will just enjoy tomorrow, trapped in my apt, making Christmas Goodies and watching more Six Feet Under)

Word of the Day

In case nobody read Kristy's comment on the last word of the day, I wanted to post it because I think she had a pretty good idea for Ben's word of the day.

She said, "I have an idea for the word of the day. Ben posts the word without the definition and then we use it in a sentence. NO Cheating. You can't look the word up, and the next day Ben posts the definition. Let me know what you think."

This sounds like it would make for some really good laughs.

A family of cheaters

Maybe you remember my mom getting upset about us kids kicking her bum at the word scramble in Sunriver and of course we were cheating.

Well last night Taylor set up his Star Wars battle game (which is actually pretty fun) and wanted me to play. You start off with 5 cards and when you land on a battle you throw down a card and the person with the higher card wins. Well Taylor had set the game up and had even laid out 5 cards for me to use. I looked at my five cards and imagine that, I had ones and twos. Hmm... In his had he had all high cards. Being as competitive as I am I mixed up my cards and grabbed 5 new ones, after having a good laugh.

I ended up winning the game. The moral of the story it doesn't pay to cheat, unless of course it really is upsetting to your mother because she can't seem to score as high as you and your cousins on Text Twist.

Merry Christmas...Ho Ho Ho

Channeling my father's spirit I played the role as Santa's Helper at two different Christmas parties this last weekend. Gina's mom made me the suit - and Gina has a Mrs. Claus outfit - and it is very nice. Much better than the cheap rental. Anyway, these were my first official gigs - and one was Gina's work party - where the night before she informed me that several of the kids were Jewish - and 3 of the kids had a father dying of a brain tumor! Wow! Talk about a tough assignment for my first at-bat. Anyway - it all went okay - with the little Jewish kids reminding me that they were Jewish as they took the present and I wished them Happy Hanukkah all the same. Walking to and from the party I passed several restaurants - and my favorite reaction was from the 20 something waiter at the Chinese place - who almost dropped his tray - and jumped up and down pointing and yelling so the whole place had to stand up and see what the commotion was. Santa is such a celebrity.

Isabel came home from the party and said "I've got a couple of pointers for you." One of the them was - and I quote - "Don't make everyone sit on your lap - it makes some kids uncomfortable and you come off kind of creepy!" Only your own daughter could deliver that kind of honest message.

The second night was our Ward Christmas Party. It went well - lots more kids - and it was fun to see the excitement and wonder in the little children. I was struck by how often the kids from the most humble circumstances seemed to want the most humble gifts - a jump rope - a girl doll - etc. As opposed to the more well off kids who wanted - laptops, Wii, cell-phones, Ipods, etc. Just an interesting observation.

In the end - it's hard not feel a little of the Christmas Spirit - when you are getting the chance to play the physical embodiment of the second banana. (Since playing the first banana would be inappropriately sacrilegious). Hope that you all can find some Christmas Spirit out there and give even a little of it to someone else.

WORD FOR THE DAY

CASUISTRY [ kas-u-is-tri ] n. a method of solving conflicts of obligation by applying general principles of ethics and moral theology to particular case of human conduct; subtle but false reasoning, esp about moral issues.

Williams Christmass Card

We got the awaited Williams Christmas Card today. Every year we are impressed with the their Christmas Card. This year was the many faces of each. Cam was reading it while we were cleaning up dinner. My favorite was Gina's face trying to figure out what to have for dinner. I must have just related to that because I had just spent the last 20 minutes trying to decide what to make for dinner and the looking in a mirror. I may still be in my 20's but man I feel old and I look in the mirror and think what happened to that face, you know the one that looked so young, vibrant and awake.

Thanks for the Christmas Card we love it.

WORD FOR THE DAY

BOURGEOIS [boorh' wa] n one of the bourgeoisie [boorzh' waze or -ze], the social class between the very wealthy and the middle class.

What to Get the Grandparents

Figured it was safe to discuss it here as they haven't blogged on yet.

Any ideas? Suggestions? What are y'all getting them?

I was wondering if they had the HBO miniseries John Adams. Think they'd like that?

WORD FOR THE DAY

AXIOM: A self evident truth; an estsblished principle in an art or science.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Hey Family - I don't know what it is doing where you are, but we've got lots of snow. Which as you can imagine makes everyone very excited - especially our junior meteorologist who has been actively forecasting the event for almost a week! The snow struck this morning just in time for the powers at be to cancel church - a double bonus! So people have played - been lazy - taken naps - drank hot chocolate - and felt like Christmas. If it stays as cold as they say - and the snow stays around - and things become motionless (including Max 3 being unable to drive his car.....) - I suspect people will get a little cabin fever. But for now - we are enjoying the rare joy of a Portland snow day!

Hope you are all bundled up and warm. Love, Max.

spent weekend with grandparents at the coast

Grandpa and Grandma came over here to eat lunch with Kristy and I Thursday (Kristy couldn't make it) and suggested I come visit them this weekend. I didn't have anything else going on so I woke up early and drove over Friday morning. Friday had a very high tide (10.5 ft) so we went out to watch that then had a late lunch at a really good place in old town (Bridgewater). Then while Grandma went grocery shopping Grandpa and I went minature golfing (outside in the rain, Grandpa beat me). Then we played pool at the RV park rec hall (I won this one, but a close game). Then when Grandma got back, they taught me how to play pinocle, which I really liked and learned enough that I won at least my fair share of games. We also watched several movies. Saturday we went to the Florence ward's brunch Christmas party which was Who themed and very cute (the doctor seuss characters, not the seventies rock band). Then some more pinocle and some dominos, and it was time for me to come home. I had a good time with them and will probably go see them again in a couple weeks after they have moved up to Newport.

I have an official very important announcement.

I bought a brand new car today!!! It is a 2009 Toyota Yaris. Be prepared, I will now come visit you.

HELLLLLLOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Is there anyone out there???????????? Lots of posts to begin with, but not so many now. Whats up?????? Life too busy? School work? Work? Social calendars to full? What?????????
Anyway, looking forward to seeing you all in a couple of weeks, hope all is well. I'm thinking that we could maybe play charades again like we did in Florence that veterans day weekend. Or not, but some type of game where everyone participates. Just a thought. Susan,if you read this, would you please consider joining us?? You all have a good weekend.

I've Been Phone Pranked

I was driving home from work tonight and my phone rang. I know all the ads say, "Let it ring" but I answered it anyway. The call was from Kristy. I answered the phone to hear a falsetto four year old say, "Hello! It's Me...Mommy". If the falsetto didn't give it away, then the 'Mommy' would have. I could barely keep from laughing, but I had a conversation with 'Mommy' and then he finally fessed up and giggling said he was just teasing me. It was a heartwarming way to end a very long day!

Where's the family poll?

I just was wondering where the family poll was? Did the last family poll hit to close to people's heart? The ducks vs beavers is just like politics don't bring it up because your most likely going to offend someone.

If the administrator doesn't have any good ideas for a family poll maybe we can help him?
What chocolate do you prefer? Milk, Dark, Both, Neither, Whatever is closest.
Favorite Hamburger Joint?
Taco Bell vs Dell Taco vs Taco Time?

Just so you know the new adminstrator got his title by a hostile tack over. J/k

MARLEY AND ME

Max 2. Read the book, it is for sure going to be better than the movie.

well, mom, you almost had me crying last night

I finished Marley and Me. I had to put the book down and control myself to stop the flow. What really got me was the kids contributions to the funeral.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!

Just an update...we got the final word that Ricky's job is SAFE! Wahoo!!! ( although that means longer here in AZ) This is NOT the time to be out a really good job! Love you all and thank you for your prayers!

em

Bathroom Funny

If you don't want to read this I understand but be forewarned it is bathroom humor. At my own embarrassment I share this story because I find it that funny.

Yesterday I was going to the bathroom, I had been in there a while when I hear my phone ring. Taylor picks up. And this is the side of the conversation I hear, or at least what I thought I heard.

My mom is pooping.

(Pause Pause)

It's really smelly, I can smell it out here.

(Pause)

Can you smell it over there?

Then Taylor comes into the bathroom with a clothes pin on his nose. Luckily it was just Aunt Jenn and she can correct me if I told the story wrong but yeah it was pretty funny from my end. Luckily everyone poohs and luckily every one's pooh is smelly sometimes.'

Blech! Foggy Weather

We've had so much fog lately...some days not clearing until afternoon and then for only an hour. Today was wonderfully clear...but I could see the fog hovering, ready to sweep in on us at any moment. It makes me happy to see the blue sky and the hint of the sun on the horizon as I drive to work. This morning the jet trails were a beautiful apricot against the pale blue sky.

The forecast is for more air stagnation--which also means freezing weather and fog--for the rest of the week. Then we should have a storm and get some snow in the mountains for the winter sports enthusiasts. We are currently 3 inches under in our precipitation for the weather year.

Tune in at 5:00 pm for the next weather forecast. teehee xoxox

Cameron

As he refuses to blog, and I have no life (highlight of my weekend? bleaching my mustache), thought I'd update you on his.

Williams' CPA's were correct. There is no benefit, taxably, by reinvesting his back Social Security. However his accountant says that the statement they send will be itemized by year. Therefore, he'll go back and file back tax returns for those specific years for Cameron. He doubts that Cameron, ages 8-18, made enuf money to be taxed on. He says that Cam won't have to pay taxes on that money. Cameron said it was the best $27.50 he ever spent.

Secondly, he did make an offer on a house on Friday. It's a short sale, meaning the bank has 90 days to decide if they want to accept his offer. He did put escrow money down on it tho so if they get a better offer, he'll be able to counter it if he wants. He isn't expecting to get it but I think its exciting that he's even thinking along those lines.

Need Pictures

Susan, I am anxiously awaiting an opportunity to make you an elf. I need a picture. Kind of a close up. The ones I have pixelate (is that a word) and I can't use them. Please email me one! xoxo

Some elf movies I made

first one:
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/JmLiHCmXHIjJR9VO/Pa4OHY1Ka44gnbP8ZSe1a4ol

the only person who will understand this next one and think it's funny is probably Taylor:
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/FpaMZaWq8Xf7ChTR/Pa4OHY1Ka44gnbP8ZSe1a4ol

Who's Gone Disco?

We have a little retro disco going on to celebrate the holidays! Get your hustle ready!


http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/TqmpJY42RjAyp0S1GMbT

The Williams Family Dancers

The Williams Family are surely in the Christmas Spirit. I love the nostalgia of their dance number. It reminds me of the 40's musicals mom loved so much! Enjoy!


http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/LqwIdU8RmHy7mIhE#/owner/LqwIdU8RmHy7mIhE

An Office Epiphany.

I am thinking that I might look into Dwight's method of matrimony... just need to find a boy who doesnt speak german. Oh, and maybe I should buy a beet farm.

Check out the Dancing Eugenies

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/7IJa5OxFTfbKYlG6

Be Patient. I'll get you all dancing before the day is through!

The Alarm Clock

We have a new alarm clock. It projects the time onto the ceiling so Ben no longer has to sit up during the night to see over me to check the time. However it has brought us a new nighttime activity. Do you remember as a kid punching the numbers 07734 into a calculator and turning it upside down to read the word 'hello'? Well we keep trying to read the alarm clock in the same way. We mentally do the flip and then read the word. Did you know that 8:08 is Bob? 5:05 is SOS There are many words we've found. But our favorite, that we only see on the weekends. 11:34. I'll let you do the flip.
xoxo

Family Christmas Celebration

Okay - I think that most of the family members are available the weekend after Christmas for the celebration. We will plan on the official celebration being a brunch on Sunday, December 28th at 10:30 am. Whoever would like is welcome to come on Saturday (or whenever). I'll do a casual dinner on Saturday night and we can do games or movies. I am looking forward to it. It is always so much fun. Susan, I hope that you and Cameron and Brandi if she wants to come can make it.

Working Woman

Well I am back at work. What does that mean well it means that I get up at 4:00 in the morning (yes, I am my mothers child). I hit the gym around 4:30 and exercise for roughly an hour and 15 minutes before heading home to get ready for work. I try to be at work by 7. Here is the crazy part of the day. Haley comes with me until around 11, when I either pick up Taylor at preschool, take Haley to Kelly's and Taylor to my house to play with Uncle Jason. Then I head back to work until 3, when I get off. I am looking forward to January and school being full time for Taylor. I feel a little crazy right now running around. I worry I will forget Taylor at school. The nice thing is I really don't have to work much more when I get home which has been pretty impossible anyways.

This last week has been completely busy. Cam was gone on Monday night. Tuesday night Jason, Taylor and I decorated our tree. When Cam got home he had homework. Wednesday night Taylor had swim lessons and Cam went to an information session for the Eugene Police Department. The EPD would be a really great job for him, I guess the EPD takes excellent care of their officers. The application process is super long, it could take up to a year before actually getting hired. Well to say the least with me getting up at the crack of dawn I have to get ready for bed right after Taylor gets to bed. It's pretty silly once we get in to a rountine I think it will be okay. Right now I feel a little frazzled. I hadn't even turned my computer on the last couple days.

I know I said I would post regarding the Saturday after Christmas. It looks good for us. Let us know a date and time. I am sure if it is okay with the Williams the Langworthy's and the Jason Proett's would like to spend Saturday night and hang out. What do you guys have going on that Monday. Let us know.

LOVE YOU!!!!

Where is Everybody???

Things have gone quiet here for a couple of days and I'm missing everybody. Have been disappointed that the Head Rutabaga has yet to sign on and post. Renee -- ya got them set up didn't you? I'm also waiting for Isabel to sign on and tell us what the burrito said to the taco.

Not much going on here. Cameron has an appt with a realtor tomorrow to look at some houses. He got prequalified last week and is also meeting with an accountant to determine if some back pay social security he rec'd earlier this year can be waived from taxes if he reinvests it. Whaddaya think, CPA Ladies? The telling thing I find with this is that the girlfriend is ALSO going to the realtor with him. Hmmmmm .... do you think that's a sign?

Talk about STRESS.......

Hey everyone,

There have been some new developments here in Arizona. As most of you know, for the past 3 years, Ricky has been working for a company called Cox Communications. Well they just announced that they will be doing a 2% cut back before the end of the year. Which means that they are going to be laying off a LOT of people. Ricky found out, that his department is next. They are planning on asking the people who are close to retirement to go first, but with the economy the way it is, they have not had much luck with that. So its time for manditory layoffs. please keep your fingers crossed, and say a little prayer for us. love you and miss you all.
Em

Thanksgiving and Fishing

I don't know how you're Thanksgiving weekend went, but mine was the best I have had in my first 30 years of life. We spent Thanksgiving Day at Grandma Judy's house and had a wonderful dinner. Turkey, Honey Baked ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, Grandma Alta's gravy, homemade rolls, yummy jello salad, homemade pie, egg nog and Dad's root beer. My favorites were the ham and Grandma Alta's chess pie (walnut and raisins with meringue on top). We had people from both sides of the family there: Grandma Judy, Grandma Alta, Aunt Leslie, Grandpa Dan, Tina, and Aunt Jennifer. After dinner we played games. Me and Kristy won at Pictionary, Grandma Judy won at Scattergories, I won 2 games of Mexican Train, and then me and Kristy won 2 games of Cribbage against Grandma Judy and Aunt Leslie. The next day we headed out to the Oregon Coast with Grandpa Dan, Tina, and Aunt Jennifer. We had planned a weekend long fishing trip at Siltcoos Lake, just south of Florence on the Oregon Coast. When we got there, the weather was perfect and it stayed that way all weekend long. About 50-55 degrees and sunny with little to no wind. We stayed at the Fishmill Lodges, right next to the lake with a nice view and a handily accessible dock for the boat. We fished, played video games, watched movies and TV, and ate lots of yummy food. The fishing was pretty successful too. On Friday, Jennifer caught a small trout, which she ate and shared for dinner that night. On Saturday morning, Tina caught a jack. That evening, we went to the Casino for the dinner buffet. Shortly after that, we found out the Ducks had won the Civil War. On Sunday, I hooked into a pretty good fish, but my line got wrapped around the end of my pole and the fish broke my line. He jumped up out of the water while I was fighting him and we could tell that it was a pretty good sized fish. A little while later, Jennifer caught a 14 lb. salmon. A little while after that, I hooked into a 12 lb. salmon and landed it! This is the biggest fish I have ever caught, so I was pretty excited. After that, I caught a nice sized jack to end our fishing for the day. We then went to the Family Fun Center and raced go-carts. Taylor thought this was a lot of fun. After go-carts we went to see if we could catch a ride on some sand rails because I thought Taylor would really enjoy it, not to mention me too! I remember riding them when I was a little kid and it seemed like the thrill of a lifetime. The guide did not disappoint, as me, Aunt Jen, and Taylor went for the ride of a lifetime on the Oregon Dunes. Other than sand getting in every part of our bodies, and the occasional scream of terror, we all had an amazing time on the ride. Taylor said it was his favorite part of the trip, which I don't doubt due to the hysterical laughter and screaming that came from him as we zipped up and down the dunes. After that, we walked around Old Town Florence before having a nice dinner at Mo's and ice cream at BJ's. That evening, I drove Kristy and the kids home so that she could go to work on Monday and I could write a short paper that was due at noon on Monday. I wrote it Sunday night after getting home and on Monday morning I headed back to the coast to fish for one more day with Grandpa Dan, Tina, and Jennifer. On Monday, I caught an 8 lb. salmon, hooked into another good sized salmon and lost it, and Jennifer ended our haul of fish by catching a nice small jack. The weather was not as cooperative on Monday, as the wind pushed and spun us all over the place. Finally it began to pour down rain and we had to call it a day. So all in all, I fought and caught the 2 biggest fish of my life, rode in the boat all over the lake, spent time in the beautiful wilderness, ate lots of delicious food, spent time with wonderful family, rode the sand rails on the dunes, and raced some go-carts. It was a wonderful weekend and I look forward to doing it again next year! I will post some pictures when I get a chance.

No Stress for Wal-Mart Worker

That's cuz he died. At work. Hmmm .... maybe they do have stress in their 9 to 5 jobs.

Back Home

Well, we are back home after a nice trip to Utah to visit Gina's family.  We had a good time hanging out with family and doing various Thanksgiving-like activities.  We enjoyed seeing everyone - especially the little cousins that change so much with each visit.  I've thrown a few recent family photos on this post - from Isabel and I doing the "Daddy-Daughter Dinner Date" - to our family Christmas Tree Hunting Trip - to our shooting adventure with the cousins - and the family Christmas Pageant.  But even with all the fun - we are glad to be home.