Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Happy Anniversary Baby!


Husband,

Looks like a woman in love right? I thought so too, but - the lovie dovies keep growing! I love you more today than I ever thought possible, because of you my life is full, you are an amazing man (and the best husband in the world), I am so lucky to have found you. 2008 has taught me alot, alot about myself, my strengths and weaknesses - I missed my best friend, but I know that the time apart has only strengthened us. The year has flown by... I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such caring individuals but long for the day when you are safe in my arms. I can't wait to talk to you and hear about the adventures you've been on. Come home soon,

Wife

Happy 1st

Ford:
Happy 1st year!!! Not absolutely sure of what I should or shouldn't post/say so I figure you will know what I'm trying to convey.

Love,
Aunt Carla

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Ford:
Happy 2009 to you and your team. Thank you all for what you do and know it does not go unnoticed.

I'm so happy your mom got to spend Christmas in Washington. Worried she wouldn't be able to get in because of the snow there but her guardian angel was with her and it happened. As I get older I reflect more on family and spending quality time with family. I'm thinking there should be no more Christmas' without the family together. Most of all I think of Gramma (mom, GG) and how wonderful it would be for her to have her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with her at the holidays. She's always put 'us' first so I'm thinking it's time for her to be first. She won't fly anymore so we'll just have to put her in a car and drive her. My BIGGEST hope is for you to be with the family at the holidays.

I haven't had the opportunity to speak with Miss Kate. Left some messages and your mom says she is doing amazingly well. That's a rough surgery. Takes a strong person to do it. You absolutely have a winner in Katie girl. We love her Ford.

I'm spending New Year's Eve here at the main detention facility. Hopefully things won't get too busy until after midnight. I'll leave (hopefully) at 2330 (we have pea soup fog so I'll be driving it that) and make it home before all of the drunks hit the road.

Again, Happy New Year to you, the team, family and all those reading the blog. Stay safe Ford and come home soon.

Love,

Aunt Carla

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Christmas in Washington

Fordo.. Your dad is awesome! He not only got me a sparkly ring and beading desk..He also surprised me with a plane ticket to spend christmas with Blayne, Shanna, Tehya, Beau, Jill,Paul and of course the amazing Kate. It would have been perfect if you, pops, GG, Aunt Carla, Uncle Stosh, and Aunt Sharon were there. One of these days we need to make that happen..Also need Gramma Treva. I enjoyed the trip very much. I got to see Beau wrestle and watch princess Tehya get sooo excited about Santa! She came in to wake me up yelling "Mauggie, Santa came, he brought me a beautiful dress and toys..come see." She woke Shanna up at 3:00AM because she was sure she heard Santa wiggling his sack. She is amazing! We missed you every minute. Your brother toasted you and your team at dinner. I hadn't spent any time with Lexie and grew to love her. She is a precious little dog. I enjoyed Baylor too. He slept with me and is a snuggler! I like how he just kind of falls on you. Kate was doing really well. I had no idea how invasive her surgery was. WOW! she will set off all the alarms in the airport!! She was such a trooper, sucking on Gatorade while we ate steak and prawns! I offered to put some through the food processor,but she politely declined! I doubt that pureed prawns would be very appetizing so she was probably wise! I also got to visit with and enjoy ME. I am thankful that she could be there for Kate. She's a neat lady..but you already knew that. I enjoy all the blogs and the photo's you post.I have a difficult time with the handle bar mustache though. You look a bit sinister! I can not wait to see you sweet boy. I love you very much but you knew that too! Mom

Monday, December 29, 2008

Hey Brother

I got off work at 5:00, snatched Beau up, and headed to your house.

I cooked dinner for our mom, Katie's mom, and BeauBeau. Your kitchen is SICK. I'm a little jealous, but it gave me some good ideas. It's a very warm/open space, perfect for get-togethers. Katie did an awesome job, I'm pretty sure you are going to like it.

We all shared funny stories, mostly about you. Its much easier to make fun of you when you aren't here.

I'm looking forward to having you around Forder. I appreciate you and love you very much.

I'm very blessed to have you in my life.

Peace

blayner

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas!

Ford: The picture you sent is super. Just so you know, I picked you out right away. Wish you were home but I do understand the important job you and the team are doing. Thank you all again for keeping folks like me SAFE!!!

Katie: Hope you are doing well and your Christmas was good. Really glad your mom is with you. Merry Christmas M.E. Uncle Stosh is going to hook up the web cam for me this weekend. I'm working today (joy of being a nurse) and tomorrow so can't do it until then. Thank you so much for this wonderful gift.

To all of my family, near and far: Merry Christmas and I love you all.

Aunt Carla

Excellent Pic

Thanks Fordo,

Good to know you guys are in good spirits! We miss you and wish that you were here but know that isn't "the way things work". Thank all your men for me... for the sacrifices they make to make this nation what it is. I love you Nephew!

Happy Holidays,
Uncle Stosh

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM IRAQ


Here's wishing everyone a Happy Holiday season! Love to all!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Mele Kalikimaka!

Forder.

Hope you have a peaceful Christmas. Zimmy and Uncle Greg...Happy Hannukah!....Dad...Happpy Kwanszaa!!

.....I'm looking forward to seeing you soon

blayner

Mele Kalikimaka!

Oh No!!!

Tell me it's not so! Everyone I know who drives a Subie is a SERIOUS hippie!!! Next thing I know Ford will have earings, tats, be singing Kumbaya and well... look like Uncle Stosh (except not as fat of course). Seriously, nice ride! Glad it's keeping you safe up there Katie! NASTY STORMS you guys are having. Glad I'm not still stationed up there - sorry, but it's true.

Katie, glad to hear your surgery went... as well as could be expected. Hope you are pleased with the results. I know that it hasn't been easy and I hope that in the end you feel that it was worth all the pain. We love you and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

I'm going in to get my other shoulder fixed on the 15th of January. It isn't nearly as bad as the right one was but after what happened to Tom I'm not taking any chances. Doc says that after it's repaired, even if I injure it again, probably the most it will do would be tear again. Not looking forward to the recovery and rehab but if it keeps me from needing shoulder replacement sometime in the future, it's worth it.

Fordo, you and the troops stay safe. I can't even express how much I am looking forward to your return and to getting together in San Diego. I've decided that you and Blayner and Beau can teach your old ass Uncle how to surf... "oh joy, oh joy" I'm sure you're saying.

I'm hoping it won't be too tough. I've been skiing for 43 years and can't see how getting up on a surfboard can be much tougher than that. We'll see. I'll try to get in shape before we go down so that stamina isn't an issue - just ordered P90-X so I'll be "ripped" when you see me next... yea right - one armed pull-ups will be a challenge. Well, bottom line is that I'll be in better shape
than I am now.

I'm convinced that I can learn this thing, plus, I need to have more hobbies than just golf. Lots of good surfing around here - you need a wetsuit because of the water temp but the waves are incredible. Anyway, looking forward to it.

You and the men stay safe and enjoy the holidays! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you who read and contribute to this blog also. Here's hoping that 2009 is an awesome year for you all.

Happy Holidays,
Uncle Stosh and Aunt Sharon

Friday, December 19, 2008

An interesting couple of days!

First of all Katie, I'm glad to hear the Outback made it to the hospital on time, and has gotten you through the snow and ice. I heard from mom that you look smokin hot right now! You should post some pics of your new grille on this blog! I for one want to see what you look like right now. Is that wrong?

Anyway Forder I got my Civic more stuck than I ever got one of mom and dad's cars stuck. Last night, because i'm an Alaskan and I can drive in snow wicked good, decide to go up a hill of ice. I even did a quick risk analysis, not realizing what was snow was now an ice rink. I took a run at it, got about 3/4 of the way up, started sliding, my nose came around to the right as i was sliding backward...overcorrected on the way down the hill, and ended up BURIED at about a 45% angle in a ditch on the right hand side. The guy whose yard I ended up in was cool. He and his kid even tried to push it out once, and buried it further...but it was a good effort anyway. He offered me Rimplemintz, cause he knew that I was stressin. I declined, because I would have had 10, and then It would be worse today!

I heard this is the worst storm since 90. I know it has affected my business as well as others who are struggling to hang on. Sometimes it feels like things have to get worse before they get better. Next time I won't let my tires get that bald. I wish I had a tow truck right now. I'd be making a killing.

Do you remember drinking beer at Volkmans...I think you were back from West Point...and we were pulling each other down the street at the memory lake house. You remember how stuck we were. Mine was like triple that. The cold part is I was complely sober this time. Last time Mom was still awake at like 4 in the morning...and we got in trouble. Sorry mom.

Anyway bro...I'm looking forward to you getting back, to me either making it in this game or moving on to the next thing. I think Iknow what I may be doing, but God has been throwin me some curves lately. Time will tell

I love you and I hope I made you laugh a little. Kate just kidding..don't post those that would be grosss. I will be able to point and laugh when I see you evening of the 23rd with mamma.

Peace

blayner

An interesting couple of days!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Christmas

First: the car is beautiful Kate. Blayne does do a good job doesn't he!

Second: Sis called me this morning to tell me about going to Washington for Christmas. That is so awesome. Told her that they broke the mold when Tom was made. I'm so fortunate to have him for a brother-in-law. Just so you know Thomas - you are well loved by the in-laws.

Kate - wish Ford could be home with you for Christmas. I know you miss him. You and Ford are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.

Love to all,

Auntie Carla

Mom and Pop's 38th

So dad calls me 3-4 days ago, asking me what we are doing for Christmas...

His idea was to send mom down here for Christmas.

Mom opened up her 38th wedding anniversary card from dad today and she was pretty surprized to find out she was flying to Seattle on the eve of the 23rd and flying out on the morn of the 29th.

Great present dad, wish you were coming too.

Mom...we are all looking forward to seeing you. We will figure out a way to juggle you between here, JB and Paul's, and kate and Ford's.

I'm stoked to get to have you down here ma.

Thanks for your selflessness Papa.

love

blayner

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Thank you Blayner!

After about a million emails and calls, Blayne found us our new car! It's perfect, exactly what we wanted and I am thrilled! The timing is perfect, I'll have time to get it insured, registered, etc. so that when Ford gets home, its waiting on him. We are so grateful Blayne, thank you for all your help. So far, it has snowed everyday that I have owned the car - pretty nice to be driving a nice car with AWD...
Anyway - here is our new Seattle-ak, we call her Subie ....what a beaut!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

BeauBeau wrestling

Forder. I just wanted to let you know that Beau won his third varsity wresting match and took 8th of 16 at a tournament in Seattle today.

He has gotten his ass handed to him a few times, but he is really driven by the competition and challenge.

The kid amazes me every day

I think the season is over in late February so you can come yell across the gym, like dad used to do during our matches .

I hope all is well

love

blayner

Thursday, December 11, 2008

The Last Box!!!

Kate and Ford's new ride!!!

Hey Fordo. As of about 5:30 PM, you are partial owner of one black on black Subaru Outback.

Katie came down and finished up all the paperwork.

Tell Katie to tell you about the rubber floor mats that I found for the car in our detail department.

Excellent choice by the way. Not to stereotype Subaru Buyers, however now Kate needs to start growing leg and armpit hair, post an Evergreen State College sticker in the back window, and you both need to become vegetarians.

Anyhoo...

I think you will like it, and they go anywhere....usually better than a 4x4 truck.

I love you bro!!!!

Can't wait to see you!!!

Cheers!!!

blayner

Ford's Band of Brothers, Alpha Co. Afghanistan

Top 5 reasons why old people don't need the survival bracelet shown below

5. Old people only wear carpal tunnel devices
4. It would clash with our medical id bracelets
3. Survival is a reality show on a desert island
2. We watch McGiver and know you always need a paperclip
1. Fordo is the only one that would know what to do with it....
But He's Not here!!! :( ................................yet

Survival Bracelet


Is this cool?

Each of these "Survival Bracelets" has 15 to 20 feet of 550-pound test paracord inside. If you ever need to use the cord for something, just unravel the binding. When you're done, you can send it back to manufacturer Survival Straps and they'll rewind it for you free of charge.

They're available in a variety of colors with either steel or plastic clasps for around $20-$25.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Thanksgiving Pictures

Thanks for the pics bro.

Beau said you look like Mario from The Mario Brothers (Nintendo.)

And he said you look kind of like a chimo.

We are really looking forward to having you back bro

Peace

blayner

Thanksgiving Pictures

Monday, December 8, 2008

Thanksgiving pics.

Fordo,

Thanks for the pics! It looks like you guys had a pretty good meal. I know how much you can miss the "little things" when you're away from home so I hope this brought a little "home" to you.

You and the guys stay safe and we'll see soon!

Love ya,
Uncle Stosh

Pretty funny!

Working people frequently ask retired people what they do to make their days interesting.

Well, for example, the other day I went downtown and into a shop. I was only there for about 5 minutes, and when I came out, there was a cop writing out a parking ticket.

I said to him, 'Come on, man, how about giving a retired person a break'? He ignored me and continued writing the ticket. I called him a 'Nazi.'He glared at me and wrote another ticket for having worn tires. So I called him a 'doughnut eating Gestapo.' He finished the second ticket and put it on the windshield with the first. Then he wrote a third ticket.

This went on for about 20 minutes. The more I abused him the more tickets he wrote. Personally, I didn't care. I came downtown on the bus, and the car that he was putting the tickets on had a bumper sticker that said, 'Obama in '08.' I try to have a little fun each day now that I'm retired. It's important to my health.

Thanksgiving pics

The fellas out by the fire enjoying the dinner. The dessert and snacks table

Me and one of the fellas making the chow


Before we started cooking


Here is our local cook...as you can see he likes his food!

Hope you enjoy the pics....again thank you all for everything. Lots of love this holiday season. Cheers,
Fordo




Sunday, December 7, 2008

Turkey

Ford:
Can't tell you how happy I am that you and your team liked the turkey! I looked and looked for turkey that could be sent. Thought about a smoked turkey but that didn't work out so o o o o o . . . . found a site that did canned things. The people that own it are awesome. They are true patriots. They put in the 2 extra butters to make sure you and the team had enough. Anyway, hope you have a few leftovers. If there is anything else I can send please let me know.

I love you,

Auntie Carla

Saturday, December 6, 2008

THANKSGIVING PIC

As you can see...we had some good eats. The first pic is our cook. The rest of the pics are of me and the team helping prepare the food and then the last one is of us eating it out by the fire. Okay...disregard the last two messages...i am just sending the pics to Kate and she can post them...sorry again for not getting to this sooner...again the team really appreciates everything you all did.

Fordo

THANKS AFTER THANKSGIVING

I'm sorry all it took me so long to post these....busy as usual. The team and I thank you so very much for all of the good food. Much love to all of you. Pics to follow.

P.S.- I would post more pics but it took about 10 minutes per pic to load....crappy internet over here

Thursday, December 4, 2008

WALKING THE DOG

I received this e-mail from a co-worker. Thought you all would enjoy it.

A woman was flying from Seattle to San Francisco. Unexpectedly, the plane was diverted to Sacramento along the way. The flight attendant explained that there would be a delay, and if the passengers wanted to get off the aircraft the plane would re-board in 50 minutes.

Everybody got off the plane except the one lady who was blind. The man had noticed her as he walked by and could tell the lady was blind because her Seeing Eye dog lay quietly underneath the seats in front of her throughout the entire flight.

He could also tell she had flown this very flight before because the pilot approached her, and calling her by name, said, 'Kathy, we are in Sacramento for almost an hour. Would you like to get off and stretch your legs?' The blind lady replied, 'No thanks, but maybe Buddy would like to stretch his legs.'

PICTURE THIS:
All the people in the gate area came to a complete standstill when they looked up and saw the pilot walk off the plane with a Seeing Eye dog! The pilot was even wearing sunglasses. People scattered. They not only tried to change planes, but they were trying to change airlines!

HAVE A GREAT DAY AND REMEMBER . . . . . THINGS AREN'T ALWAYS AS THEY APPEAR.

* This is not a true story. This tale was told in the mid 1990's by a blind jazz pianist George Shearling who pretended to be the pilot on a flight from LA to SF. People should have faith. If a blind pilot really got them safely from LA to SAC, why quibble about SAC to SF?


Auntie Carla

3 WEEKS TO CHRISTMAS!!!

I am so not ready. Guess I will finish up tomorrow (day off) and try to get everything mailed Sat. a.m.

Most of all I think about my family and wish we could all be together during the holidays. Would be way cool to all spend another Christmas with Mom/Gramma/GG. Stosh and I have the privilege of being with her because she lives here. Maybe we can all gather in Washington for the holidays next year. Just a thought.

Ford - I love you to pieces and think about you all of the time. Be safe, come home soon.

Love to all,

Auntie Carla

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Happy After Thanksgiving

Ford:
Hope you and the team had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner! Christmas presents are on their way. Wish you were going to be home, however, we will make up for the missed Christmas when you return.

We (Gramma, Uncle Stosh, Aunt Sheri and I) spent the day in Castro Valley with Ruthie and Michael. Todd was under the weather so he stayed in the city and Bill, Ruthie's husband, is back east at school so we had a quiet day. The food was awesome and we took the dogs to a dogie park that is all up hill. Thought the family might have to resuscitate me at the top of one hill but I made it and am better for it.

To all the folks out there in blog land, hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and not to many problems with 'food coma'.

Auntie Carla

Snopes says this is a hoax but it's still funny, hope you all get a chuckle.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving

Tehya's been trying all week to figure out this Thanksgiving thing. We've been talking about it every morning, saying what we're thankful for, what part of the turkey she's going to eat, etc. Anyways, the day before Thanksgiving she wakes up and says, "so, what ...........we get presents?? She's been talking about Thanksgiving, then Christmas, then her birthday, so why should it be any different? I love the way a three year old thinks. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Our day was beautiful and I feel very blessed.

Love,
Shanna

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Thanksgiving Funny...

Mamawegs says....................

Katie-girl. I'm glad you still got it.
Ford will be expecting it :)

Monday, November 24, 2008

Dad...don't worry.

I took the meat you bought an pre-packaged for me...

and made a beautiful meal!

I'm still cooking. I still got it.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Thanksgiving

Ford:
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your team. Hope you find the turkey as tasty as Gramma, Uncle Stosh, Aunt Sheri and I did.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our family and friends.

The 'Olsen' Clan

Parenting for the Holidays.................

A man in Jacksonville calls his son in San Diego the day before Thanksgiving and says, 'I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough.'

Pop, what are you talking about?' the son replies.'We can't stand the sight of each other any longer,' the father says. 'We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Denver and tell her.'

Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. 'Like heck they're getting divorced,' she shouts, 'I'll take care of this.'

She calls Jacksonville immediately, and tells her father, 'You are NOT getting divorced. Do not do a single thing until I get there. I am calling my brother back, and we will both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing, 'DO YOU HEAR ME?' and hangs up.

The man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. 'Okay,' he says, 'they're coming for Thanksgiving and paying their own way.'





To all the Lannans, Ford and his 1SFG and
to my Katie girl. Love you all.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Ford and his team featured on crossfit...


Check out the link below for the full story: http://www.crossfitoneworld.com/

Thoughts on 750 for me

Fordo - et all.
What are the thoughts on a 6-1 190 on a 750 Virgao?


Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Care Packages....

Hey lovlies.

Ford is almost home!!!! Just wanted to let everyone know that all care packages need to be sent before December 1st (especially if you want it to get to him by Christmas).

Packages around this time of year will take 3 weeks to get to Iraq...and as soon as January hits - they will switch gears and begin the long process of packing up to come home to us. So if you have something you've been meaning to send - now is the time!

Pretty exciting to know, as I pack up this next box...that it will be the last one I send - the guys are in the final stretch - whoooo hoooo!

Awesome Blog's

They are all so different and I enjoy reading each and every one. Thank You Guys! I know that Ford enjoys them as well! Hoping he will blog one day soon! Keep them coming! Mom Mom2 and Corliss(for my bro..Co-Co)

Food for thought, and funny too!

Everyone concentrates on the problems we're having in this country lately: illegal immigration, hurricane recovery, alligators attacking people in Florida

Not me. I concentrate on solutions for the problems. And mine are a win-win situation.

A. Dig a moat the length of the Mexican border.
B. Send the dirt to New Orleans to raise the level of the levies.
C. Put the Florida alligators in the moat along the Mexican border.

Any other problems you would like for me to solve today ?

T hink about this one:
1. Cows
2. The Constitution
3. The Ten Commandments

C O W S
Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that during the mad cow epidemic our government could track a single cow, born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she slept in the state of Washington? And, they tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give each of them a cow.

T H E C O N S T I T U T I O N
They keep talking about drafting a Constitution for Iraq . Why don't wejust give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it has worked for over 200 years, and since we're not using it anymore, why not let them have it.

T H E 1 0 C O M M A N D M E N T S
The real reason that we can't have the Ten Commandments posted in a courthouse is this: You cannot post 'Thou Shalt Not Steal,' 'Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery,' and 'Thou Shall Not Lie' in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians...It create s a hostile work environment.

Hope you're well Fordo,

Love ya,
Uncle Stosh

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Tehya and the Ducks

Hearing about Jeremy Zimmerman reminded me about how precious each moment is, and how we should cherish our friends and family, and not sweat all the BS that is just a part of the human experience.

My daughter will turn four on January 13th 2009. Sometimes she seems much more “grown-up” than she actually is. She uses vocabulary that a ten year old uses. She is witty, and she puts puzzles together in no time. Then there are moments when I am reminded of her innocence, and a child’s view of the world.

I have been struggling with guilt, over not being able to spend the time with my children and family that I would like too.

When I am not living with “presence” I am angry and resentful for not having what I think I deserve right now.

It comes and goes, because I know in my heart I am right where God intends me to be at this moment.

If I live in this “present moment,” I am constantly reminded why I am here.

To that end, let me tell you about Tehya and the Duck.

Today I picked Tehya up from Shanna’s acupuncturist/cranio-sacral therapist’s office. I gave Tehya the choice to go take a walk around Tumwater Fall’s Park, or go play on the toys next to the falls.

I really wanted to go for a walk around the falls because it is a very peaceful place. It is a very good place to meditate. It just happens that for the past three days, every time I have attempted to take some time and meditate, something has happened to disrupt that process. Yesterday it was a call from work on my day off. Last night it was Tehya kicking me in the back in bed. Tehya really wanted to go to play on the toys So I let Tehya lead me, and off we went.

We did the usual things. She made me watch her go back and forth across the monkey bars. She is an amazing climber and athlete. Her lack of fear reminds me of myself and Ford, and Beau Beau.

She suggested we go down to the Deschutes River to see the ducks. We walked down to the rivers edge and saw four male ducks hanging out together. They swam toward us in anticipation of food I think. The river is a pretty amazing site as it sits at the base of the old Olympia Brewery.

We sat there for awhile talking to them. Tehya had all four named within two minutes. Intuition told me to go get them food. I knew I didn't have anything to eat in the car. My first thought was how I didn’t want to drive anywhere because I thought it would disrupt my time with her. I listened to my intuition instead.

We ran back to the car and headed up to Safeway to get some bagels and rolls for the ducks.

By the time we got back, all but one female were gone. I tore a piece off my bagel and tossed it toward her. She grabbed it and shook it underwater to soften it up. Then lifted up her head and beak, swallowed the biggest piece. Tehya started giggling loudly, kind of like an adult “belly laugh.”

Within two minutes there were twenty or more ducks hanging out with us. The look on her face, and the brightness in her eyes amazed me. One duck in particular, stayed within one foot of her left side during the entire time we fed them

I held a piece of roll by the tip of my finger so a duck could grab it. One fearless male reached out and grabbed it. Tehya’s laughter over seeing this was a laughter I have never heard from her. I sensed wonder and bliss within her. Tehya was experiencing pure joy over something she had never experienced before, and it was magical too her.

She asked me if she could do it. I spent a minute explaining how to hold the bread. She held a piece out and the same male snatched it and the ducks beak grabbed onto the tip of her finger. She giggled at that too, but decided she didn’t want to feed them by hand anymore. Each time I did it, she giggled, and I felt more in spirit than I have in days.

We spent the better part of 20 minutes feeding the ducks. That 20 minute "blip" in time is one of the more beautiful in recent memory.

I was reminded that although that moment with my daughter was small in time, it was huge in content. It's not quantity, its quality in the end that makes for meaningful results.

The coolest part of it all is I was led by her. I got out of the way and put her interest first, over what I thought I needed and was amazed at the results.


Forder. She chatted with me about you today as she does most days.

We all miss you and can't wait till your back.

Love

Blayner and Tehya

Mamawegs says.................................

I know Ford says we would be more likely to be hit by a bus than he would be to get injured, but as I go to bed tonite, I'm not worried either about a bus smashing into my bedroom or an enemy ambush. I am not worried about waking up to gunfire. Or whether I will ever see my baby again as Jeremy did.

So Ford, when you are in your quiet moments, and have thoughts of how crazy our world has become, and wonder where you fit in, call any one of us. We will tell you. And thank you for the privilege of going to bed tonite and wondering whether it will rain, hoping we don't sleep through the alarm, and waking peacefully up to a new dawn.

Maraming salamat. Bitte schon. Merci Beaucoup. Muchos gratias. Many, Many thanks.
Come home soon.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Auntie Carla Says - - -

Hear, hear to Kate's message to the Zimmerman's. Your son and brother is one of our many Hero's coming out of Iraq!

Bless you all.

Godspeed Jeremy...

Our thoughts and prayers are with Jeremy and the whole Zimmerman family as he travels home from Iraq this week. Thank you for your service, good luck and best wishes for a speedy recovery - get well soon!!!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Limo ride and food

Ford: We will definitely take you to this winery for a meal. The food is awesome! Had lots of fun getting there in the limo. Drank champagne (we finished a bottle) and had fun!

Stosh, the pictures are great. I love the ones of Kuska, Sega and Bogie. Did they have mushroom soup too?

We miss you Ford and can't wait for your return. Be safe.

Love You,

Auntie Carla

You're in for a treat!

Fordo,

By now you should be getting big boxes from all of us. We wanted you and the guys to have a great Thanksgiving because we can't be there to make it great for you! Jeanie, Grandma, Sharon and I had some of your Turkey last night and it was AWESOME!!! It's moist, it's chunky, IT'S GOOD. We were so worried that it would taste like crap.

Hope 42 pounds is enough for you all ~ LOL. You'll be SOOOO sick of Turkey by the time you finish it all. I can't wait for the pictures of you guys all stuffed and wanting to puke!

WE WANT PICTURES (lots of pictures) of you and the guys having your "feast" posted on the blog. No kidding!

The people who we ordered it from are real patriots and "hooked us up" on shipping and even threw in a few extra cans of butter. I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving! I don't think I'm giving anything away here... if I am... sue me!

Thanks for the B-Day wish back at Sharon and for mine earlier. Sharon's B-Day was actually in August. I just saw an opportunity for her to go out and have some fun with her friends, so I took it! Can't take the $$$ with you and at the end of the day it's "all about the memories".

Love you Fordo,
See you soon,
Uncle Stosh

Sharon's 55th celebration - wish Katie and CoCo could have been here!

A Limo to take you, sis, sis-in-law and 5 friends to dinner at a world class resturant and winery... cool!
Having an "over the top" meal, some good wine and lots of fun with your best "buds" - doesn't get much better than that!



Uncle Stosh sits at home feeding dogs and eating Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup for dinner.... but still picks up the tab...




Priceless!
Only wish Katie and your mom could have been here too!
Love ya Fordo,
See you soon.
Uncle Stosh

A few funnies for you.

Seen your cat lately?



















New ~ Less Expensive version of Garmin GPS

Redneck Houseboat!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Thank you 1SFG!

A Veteran's Day Tribute

With special rememberences for both my grandfathers, Uncle Stosh & all the men and women who fought to secure our freedom...Thank you.

When America had an urgent need,
These brave ones raised a hand;
No hesitation held them back;
They were proud to take a stand.


They left their friends and family;
They gave up normal life;
To serve their country and their God,
They plowed into the strife.


They fought for freedom and for peace
On strange and foreign shores;
Some lost new friends; some lost their lives
In long and brutal wars.


Other veterans answered a call
To support the ones who fought;
Their country had requirements for
The essential skills they brought.


We salute each and every one of them,
The noble and the brave,
The ones still with us here today,
And those who rest in a grave.


So here’s to our country’s heroes;
They’re a cut above the rest;
Let’s give the honor that is due
To our country’s very best.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Some of Baylor's buds???

Some "right on" thoughts from Aunt Carla!

Like a lot of folks in this state, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit.

In order to get that paycheck, I am required to pass a random urine test with which I have no problem. What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test.

Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them? Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their rearend, doing drugs, while I work. . . . Can you imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check?

Kind of makes you wonder???

Love ya all,
Stosh

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Well...it's officially holiday season.

Walmart is running Christmas ads and Starbucks is using the red cups...you know what that means!!! I feel like it gets earlier every year?

Beau's jersey

Fordo.. I have been trying to download a photo of your nephew..wearing #40 on his football jersey. (in your honor of course!) I will get it done eventually. Pop says he's an amazing player,offense and defense. He sat out for a total of 2 plays the entire game. I didn't realize that he had requested #40 so when I saw the photo I got teary! I know you are shocked at that! What a kid! Hope you are ok! I finally got some $$ sent to Corey for his wedding..Only a couple of months late! Please call when you can. I have a couple of things I need your thoughts on.. Love you son. Mom

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Remember,



Ford - As we vote today,
we will remember you and your men.
And be humbled by your commitment on our behalf. Stay safe. We miss you.





Monday, November 3, 2008

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Thanks

Thanks for all the birthday love from everyone.

Beau Beau went out with his buddies.

Tehya, Shanna, and I went to some friends for a get together.

I was in bed with Tehya by 10.

All in all a great birthday.

Forder, it was especially cool being able to speak with you. Keep on keepin on my friend.

blayner

Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLAYNE!!!!!!!!!

Blayne: Hope you had a wonderful day today and I know the next year will be awesome for you. I love you very much.

Auntie Carla

Happy Birthday Blayne

I love you son!! Hope you have a truly wonderful day, then an even more wonderful year!!I love you too FM!! I am so thankful that I was not aware of 1/2 the stuff you guys did with guns and rocks, etc; etc;!! As I read the stories, my first reaction is laughter, then I think, OMG... my kids did that?? Thanks for not sharing everything with me!! MOM PS: Are you liking my knowledge of the "new age" abbreviations:)

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Happy Birthday Blayne!

Thanks Uncle stosh

I remember that day well. I believe it was Uncle Joe.

I also remember you putting grandpa's double barrell 12 gauge shotgun in my arms when I could barely lift it.

The goal was to shoot a clay pidgeon behind Matt Lohse's parents garage.

I remember pulling the trigger one moment, and being forced backward onto my ass from the recoil.

Beau-Beau fired an SKS from a prone position when he was 4.

Thank you for the B-day shout out.

About 14 months ago, I listed as one of my goals to be a published author. Yesterday I was informed one of my pieces had been published on the movie, "The Secret's" website.

All in all, it's shaping up to be a pretty good birthday.

Forder, I would love to be at a haloween party with you tomorrow night, making spotie with dry ice.

Next year my friend.

Peace and Love

blayner

Happy Birthday Blayner!

Blayner,



It's a day early but wanted to make sure I got a "shout out" to you for your birthday since tomorrow is Mission Day and I'm not sure what kind of time I'll have. Do you remember playing "army" way back then? I actually think it was Joe you busted in the head, but I can't remember.



The following cartoon should be entitled "you're good Master Chief". No golf, no running, no lifting has made Uncle a "fat ass". Wish you and Fordo were around to "push" me. Since this shoulder really started bugging me I've been pretty reluctant to work out. Oh well, now it's fixed and as soon as it's healed up I'll have no excuse.



Take care,

Love you both,

Uncle Stosh

Got to thinking, for the people who've never been in the service... you're probably scratching your heads. Here's some background: in the military we are required to take a physical screening test 2x/year. We have to run X miles (differs between services), do a minimum amount of push-ups and sit-ups in 2 minutes. We also have to either make it under the max weight for our height or they measure us to determine body fat. The larger your neck and the smaller your waist, the lower your bodyfat and visa versa - hence the cartoon.


Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Hey Forder

Watch out for the box of cranberries. There are a few other items in there for you. I hope you enjoy the read.

I will keep my phone on and near on the 31st, if you get a chance. I will be at work from 0800-

I love you lots.

blayner

and dont forget to publish a picture of you with your chi-mo stash.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Monday, October 27, 2008

April's a Lt. Col.

Went to D.C. on the 23rd for April's pinning on the 24th. Had a great party after, danced with a 2 star, sang with his wife and generally had a great time. I do not believe I have seen that much brass in one place at the same time ever. There were several generals, multiple Col's, etc. I don't think I sat for more than 2 minutes all night. Saw the White House for the first time and went to the Navy Memorial where Uncle Stosh's picture is posted. That was pretty awesome. I ate oyster's on the half shell for the first time and have decided I like them quite a lot. I loved seeing all of the old buildings in old town Alexandria and just feeling the history of D.C. and the surrounding area. I will go to the Viet Nam memorial the next time I'm there for Uncle Chuck and to the WWII memorial for Dad/Grampa.

I really enjoyed seeing April and Kurt again. Robert flew in from Colorado so I got to spend time with him also. They are super and I don't see them often enough.

Ford, I am so pleased to hear you have less than 100 days left. Can't wait to see you again. I read and hear things about Iraq and wonder if it is you and your unit that is being referred to.

Anyway, take care of you and be safe.

Love,

Auntie Carla

Happy Halloween!

That story made me laugh, Uncle Stosh! Happy belated birthday! Grandpa Tom kept us busy while he was here :-)...We had a great visit! Tehya and I hit the pumpkin patch with him and went to Beau's football practice. Oh ya, and Grandpa's first visit to a nail salon. Tehya got her fingers & toes painted green & yellow (pretty) and Grandpa got 2 orange thumbnails with a spider & a pumpkin on them. Tehya told him his were ugly 'cause boys were not suppossed to have them painted. She even sat through a movie with Grandpa (HS Musical 3). Her first time making it all the way through a movie in the theater. Tehya enjoyed staying at Auntie Kate's with Grandpa and then 1 night with just her and Auntie Kate. I almost didn't know what to do with myself with 1 week inbetween school terms and 3 nights with no children, but I figured it out. Tehya told me about getting to talk to you, Uncle Ford. I'm glad she got to.


We're getting ready to finally send you a package this week, now that our household has settled down a little (don't know if you know all Danielle's kids are back to her & we are back to just our family now, after 8 months). I finished my last full term of my Master's, now the last 2 classes I need are spread out between the next 2 terms and I of course saved 1 of my least favorite classes for last. It begins on Halloween and runs every Fri night from 5-10pm. Who puts a class at that time?! It's Blayne's day off so we are going to decorate for Halloween today (Grandpa got us a huge pumpkin and cornstalks). Then Blayne's taking Tehya to Beau's football game tonight while I work. He only has 2 games left and they've only lost 1. His team is doing great.


It's another beautiful sunny day here in WA. It was sunny most everyday Grandpa was here, so maybe Mauggie & he will want to move here afterall.....I hope you are doing well and we are getting excited to see you! It was nice to spend time with your wife this week! Tehya sure adores her! My Dad came to visit while your Dad was here and my Dad wanted a piece of Tehya's gum-she said there were only 2 pieces left and she was saving them for her & Auntie Kate.

Love you & god bless you and the troops!

Shanna

Saturday, October 25, 2008

LOL - Malk's post reminded me of a story.

We were young and STUPID! Some of the Lannans were out visiting (can't remember - think Joe and Zack were in on this stunt and Blayne - all of about 8 or 9 at the time). We decided to play "army" and were squared off against my buddy and next door neighbor, Matt and his team. I think it was Joe and Matt and some of our other friends on 1 team and me, Zack, a couple others and Blayne (cause we didn't know what else to do with him - tag along 9 year old wanting to play with a bunch of "grown men") on my team.

Well, to make a long story short - we played Army rough! ROCKS were hand grenades, I had my 22 pistol with blanks in it, think we used air rifles (only 1 pump allowed)... yep, as I started this story with - we were stupid!!! I remember Blayne throwing a "hand grenade" and bustin' someone's head open, I shot my buddy Matt at point blank range in the leg (he was wearing shorts) with my 22 (who knew it would burn his leg like that) and I got hit in the neck with a pellet - kind of embedded there until the guys got it out.

It's amazing that any of us have survived to tell these tales!

Take care Fordo,
Love ya,
Uncle Stosh

Thursday, October 23, 2008

just saying hi...

Hey Fordo. It's been a while since I dropped you a note so just wanted to say I was thinking about you and I hope things are going well. Can't wait for you to get home and get your butt to Atlanta so we can do some "man stuff" with Eric.

I'm sorry to report that the climbing gym we used to go to in Atlanta closed down...guess they couldn't get enough traffic through there. No worries though, I've got a line on some natural outdoor top-rope climbing about 45 minutes outside the city so I'll go scout it out in the next few weeks and see what's up.

So what else...oh yeah...you'll like this one. About a month ago Eric was over helping me build some shelves in my attic and after we were finished, we grabbed a couple of chairs and a few beers and sat in the back yard chatting. It just so happens that we had my BB gun out and were taking shots at some cans to pass the time (I know...very redneck) and we found ourselves talking about you. After a few minutes of talking about you we went quite, looked at each other and had the exact same thought. LETS SHOOT EACH OTHER IN THE ASS LIKE WE DID WITH FORD IN TN! I can tell you, it was everything I remembered it to be and more. No broken skin this time but man did it still sting.

Zimmy - I know you'd be in if you were sitting there.

Tom and Corliss - Not sure if Ford ever told you that story but as loving parents I'm sure behavior like that might concern you so please rest assured we took all the appropriate safety measures...we were wearing socks and hats since it was pretty cold out and we didn't want to catch a cold.

Anyways, it brought back some good memories of you, Eric and I playing doc on Zimmy after we thought he had a BB lodged in his ass. I don't care what anybody says, Jack Daniels is still a perfectly acceptable antiseptic in a time of need.

Hope you are well my man. Be safe and see you soon!

Your little buddy,

Malk

HAPPY BIRTH DAY UNCLE STOSH!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Uncle Stosh.

Fordo, see you soon!

Love you both

blayner

100 Days!!

Woo!!
Ford-O.

Can't wait to see you.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

100 Days Left!!!!!

Taking into consideration the latest information from Rear D....today marks the calendar, we are headed into "double digit days" - whoooo hooo!

Had to share this! The Lone Ranger and Tonto

Lone Ranger and Tonto

The Lone Ranger and Tonto went camping in the desert.
After they got their tent all set up, both men fell sound asleep.
Some hours later, Tonto wakes the Lone Ranger and says, 'Kemo Sabe,
look towards sky, what you see?'

The Lone Ranger replies, 'I see millions of stars.'

'What that tell you?' asked Tonto.

The Lone Ranger ponders for a minute then says, 'Astronomically
speaking, it tells me there are millions of galaxies and potentially
billions of planets! Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in
Leo. Time wise, it appears to be approximately quarter past three in
the morning. Theologically, theLord is all-powerful and we are small
and insignificant. Meteorologically, it seems we will have a
beautiful day tomorrow. What's it tell you, Tonto?'

'It tells me you're dumber than buffalo shit. It means someone stole our tent.'

Hope you laughed Fordo. Stay safe and see you soon.

Love,
Uncle Stosh

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Happy Birthday Stosh and Blayne!

Stosh 10/22/???? Blayne 10/31/???? Hope you both have great ones!! I missed seeing all you guys on this trip! Tom says he's taking pictures, but I much prefer the real thing. I love you Fordo. I am sooooo counting down! Love Mom

Getting to know my dad

My dad, affectionately known as "pappa" or "papi" flew in yesterday. He spent last night with Kate, at her and Forder's house.

They stopped by Jill's to pick Beau up and hang out.

At the same time, Shanna's dad called out of the blue, saying he was coming down.It was the first time our dads have met. A bit synchronistic I think.

I think they hit it off. Al is a builder, and my dad was a builder at one point in his life.

Somewhere during the course of the evening my dad and I got into a deep conversation about the current state of affairs, and the direction of our country. We talked about the core issues we face being 100% non-partisan. The truth is we are all in this together. When in comes right down to physics and quantum physics, we, and everything are made of the same "stuff" and we are all interrconnected. If you are a religous person, we are all children of God.

I learned my dad and I hold many of the same beliefs, and are both very passionate to see and be the catalyst for change in our country.

We spoke about grassroots activism. we spoke about self sustainability. We spoke about the need for radical change in our country. We spoke about the way to peace, and about those who understood the way to peace.

He mentioned his injury and surgery have forced him to slow down, and since doing so he has been learning and researching and reading.

I believe my dads fall from my brothers truck may have been thee catalyst for his own peronal awakening. He even mentioned the correlation.

Each and every day I am amazed at what happens in my life.

Today I got to know my dad at a more personal level than I ever have before.

I get to spend the next few days with him and I am excited.

Four years ago, being around me probably stressed my dad out. Not because he was any different, but because I went through a four year period of self-destruction that manifested itself in a variety of ways.

I am so greatful to be present, and in spirit so I can enjoy the time with the guy who selflessly took a spoiled four year old under his wing when he was 18, and turned him into what I am today.

I look forward to what the next few years will look like with my dad and I. We share alot of the same ideas and passions. I'm certain it will be an adventure, as well as a learning/growing opportunity.

Forder, God Bless You. Thank you for trying to create a more peaceful place for the Iraqi people to live and hopefully someday experience liberty.

Peace.

blayne

Kate & Teyha

On a similar note

and somewhat "coincidental" I think.

One of my co-workers showed me some work by a woman named Naomi Wolf. She is a 1984 Harvard grad. Followed by a Rhode's Scholarship to Oxford. She was the Editor of George Magazine, and is now a very well respected political activist, feminist, and author.

She has a 47 minute you tube video that spells out what has "happened" to us in recent history.

Her most recent book is titled, "Give Me Liberty, a Guide For the New Revolutionary..." I picked it up yesterday and I think it's going to be my next read.

She is very outspoken and has HUGE Ovaries. She has many very compelling arguments for open minded Americans.

What I didn't know, is there is current legislation in the works that if passed, could potentially label her and others who are calling BS on the current "system of things" as "terrorists."

Forder, I will see you soon my friend. We are almost in double digits!!!

blayner

All's well. Thanks for the birthday rememberance!

As I write this I think I'm about 72 hours post op. They opened me up and cleaned out the calcium around my rotator. I actually haven't felt this "little" amount of pain in @ 5 to 10 years. No pain meds, no motrin, no nothin' - this is WAY cool.

Thanks Blayner, for the letter. I'm in your corner. We'll talk. And, right on with the post! I read that from Aunt Carla this morning - couldn't agree more.

Not completely sure but I think Tom found out that "my California" isn't quite what he was expecting. I think he was expecting LA when in reality I pretty much live out in the country. Whatever they decide about moving, it's going to be good seeing him and Coco more.

Fordo, hope all is well with you and the team. Stay safe out there.

Love you,
Uncle Stosh

A narrative to follow up on dads blog.

Dad. Thank you for what you wrote. You are right on. Radical change, to give back some of the decision making process to the common person is much needed.

Sometimes is takes courage to call bullshit.

I read an e-mail this morning that fits very well with what you said.

I will cut and paste it in it's entirety.


It doesn't matter what "party line" you follow. Please keep this in mind before you cast your vote on 4 November 2008.



545 PEOPLE...By Charlie Reese

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.

Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?

Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.

You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.

You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.

You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.

You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress.

In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault.

They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall.

No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people.

When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.

If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.

If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.

If the Army & Marines are in IRAQ , it's because they want them in IRAQ .

If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way .

There are no insoluble government problems.Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like 'the economy,' 'inflation,' or 'politics' that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.They, and they alone, have the power.They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bossesprovided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!


Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.What you do with this article now that you have read it is up to you, though you appear to have several choices.

1. You can send this to everyone in your address book, and hope they do something about it.

2. You can agree to vote against everyone that is currently in office, knowing that the process will take several years.

3. You can decide to run for office yourself and agree to do the job properly.

4. Lastly, you can sit back and do nothing, or re-elect the current bunch.YOU DECIDE, BUT AT LEAST SEND IT TO EVERYONE IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK, MAYBE THEY WILL ALL DO THE 4 THINGS!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

October

As Blayne said, October is a big birthday month for our family and we certainly include Miss Zoe in that equation. Happy Belated B-day Zoe. Looks like you and Kate celebrated just fine.

Your dad and Uncle Stosh have now had there shoulder's operated on. Tom's was very extensive but he is doing well and claims he is going back to work the 29th. Not sure his surgeon agrees but I'm thinking Tom will do as he pleases. Uncle Stosh had his surgery the 16th, has taken a total of 3 pain meds and you wouldn't know he had gone for surgery. He is doing exceptionally well. Say's the pain post-op is mild compared to what it has been for many years. I'm just glad they both had the surgery and can start feeling better.

I'm going to Washington DC for April's Lt. Col. promotion party. Can't wait to see her. Really hope you and Kate and the rest of our family can see April again sometime soon. She is an awesome young woman.

I love you Ford and think of you every day. Be safe and come home soon.

Love to all,

Auntie Carla

Which way to turn, right or left?

Omg...Tom Lannan is going to post something.
How do you get from Alaska to California, Washington or Oregon?
Drive south and when you get to the state lines, make an immediate left. Most people in these states, get lost turning right.....except of course for the Lannan/Olsen clan. Seriously, or should I say or garshdarnit, g-willikers, golly-g, after all, I'm Wasilla valley trash, just like Sarah....all of the Lannan clan, and of course I include the Wegman's and all readers of the Kate& Ford Blog, I know Janelle...that you do get lost turning right, but....it's ok, I love you. And big brother John...I know you get lost turning left, but you know how much I love you.

America is not broken; McCain and Obama are about a millimeter apart; Warshington (that's how I say Washington, garshdarnit)is broken. You might say, "how do we fix it?"....term limits of two terms and a twelve year wait before coming back as congressman, senator, or lobbyest. And also....eliiminate thier lifetime healthcare and pension, give them year for year pension and healthcare for time served, and that's it. Right now, the people in Washington are "career" and it shouldn't be that way, when Washington, Jefferson and Adams started it wasn't meant to be a career. Politicians would say that term limits happen with elections, but we know that isn't true, this could happen at grassroot level, none of Washington would vote on it, so there would be some lynching involved too.

Not serious about the lynching....but serious about the rest.
Ford, as always... every minute of every day - you are in my prayers. I love you.
Kate picked me up at the airport and the house looks AWESOME. She rocks as a general contractor and I am going to steal Baylor to Alaska, I see why you love him.

Friday, October 17, 2008

2nd Annual 1000 Island Fishing Trip

The mouth of the St. Lawrence river.
The United States on the left and Canada on the right.
Us in the middle.
A haven for Northern Pike.
This is our story.

It was Early.

Butt, we were off to a bad start.

Fishing was slow.
At both ends of the boat.

We were losing hope.

But there.
There on the horizon...

Bourbon. Appeared.


And the elders rejoiced.


The End.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Good to hear your voice Forder

I was driving up Steamboat Island Road when I saw a number I didn't recognize right as I lost service.

Once I hit HWY 101 I saw I had a voicemail. I had this funny intuition it might be you.

It's funny. 5 minutes earlier of later and I would have been talking to you. I started to get sad and pissed off and then it hit me like it does all the time.

There is a higher purpose in everything.

I listened to the message a couple of times. Hearing a sense of peace and calm in your voice gave me some peace in my heart Fordo. Thank you.

I will tell Beau what you said about his grades.

Thanks for making my day kid.

I love you

I'm proud of you everyday

Peace and Love

Blayner

Monday, October 13, 2008

Happy Birthday Zoe!! Way to go Beau!!

I am thinking that you had some influence on your nephew! I know his plan was to get good grades to make you proud! Hopefully next year you will be able to watch some of his games. Your Dad will be there next week so I think everyone will be on the sidelines cheering him on..except for you and I:( Next year!! Sounds like Kate and Zoe had fun. I am happy for both of them! I love you and can't wait to see your handsome face! Mom

Football and School Update

North Thurston Rams - 35
Timberline Blazers- 12

Beau sat out the first quarter because he missed part of a practice earlier this week.

He played defense for the rest of the game, and had several good tackles. He's super agressive and reads plays well.

He carried the ball four times, averaging 5-6 yards per carry, and provided a few key blocks that resulted in touchdowns.

Shanna worked tonight, so I was trying to handle Tehya "solo" at the game. She started to get out of control by mid second half, so Auntie Jill stepped in to the rescue.

She was passed out before we got halfway home.

On a more studious note, and something that will resonate with Uncle Ford, the kid has four A's and two B's at the semester break....im amazed

He's finally starting to understand he is smart and just needs to apply himself.

I love you brother.

Peace and Love

blayner

Happy Birthday

October is a month chock full of cool peoples birthdays. ZoeZoe of course (who has the exact same tattoo in the middle of her back as me...wierd!!) My oldest son Scott turns 25 today. Uncle Stosh turns very old in less than a couple of weeks, and then I turn slightly old on Halloween.
It's pretty safe to say October is the best month EVER.

On a different note

Green Bay Packers- 27
Seattle Seahawks -17


Fordo....I love you and am very proud of you. Every morning when I wake up to go to work at a job i'm not really to keen on anymore, I am inspired by thoughts of you, selflessly doing the work you do.

Thanks for inspiring me to keep on keepin on!!

I miss you and am really looking forward to seeing you.

cheers

blayner

Zoe's BIrthday in Seattle




We did the piano bar, spaceneedle, the duck tour, pikes market, bainbridge island, Columia & St. Michelle Vinyard Tours- there's not much we didn't do, see, buy or...drink. We shopped, we danced, we laughed...it was the time of my life. Baylor and I are so sad that she has to go....he especially, as he thinks he and Zoe are BFF. Happy Birthday Zoe!!!! I love you and am soooooo grateful for the gift of, well - you.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Friday, October 10, 2008

401-Keg

If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Delta Airlines one year ago, you will have $49.00 today. If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in AIG one year ago, you will have $33.00 today. If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Lehman Brothers one year ago, you will have $0.00 today. But, if you had purchased $1,000 worth of beer one year ago, drank all the beer, then turned in the aluminum cans for recycling refund, you will have received $214.00. Based on the above, the best current investment plan is to drink heavily & recycle. It is called the 401-Keg. A recent study found that the average American walks about 900 miles a year. Another study found that Americans drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year. That means that, on average, Americans get about 41 miles to the gallon! Makes you proud to be an American!

This was taken at Half Moon Bay out side the Ritz Carlton! You know, where AIG was going for their executive retreat to the tune of $400,000,00.

The $100.00/lb fishy that tasted ishy!!:)

Thursday, October 9, 2008

At what point did I whine???

I simply stated - if you've got "the choice" of where you get to "plant" yourself, why would you live where it rains "all the time", where you make less money for doing the same job, where it costs you more to buy a house - and the upside potential of that house isn't nearly as high, etc... You made a good point m.e. - go wherever they are "when they need you". The rest of the time live where it's NICE and you can do the things you like to do!

The only reason I can think of that you would want to live where it rains constantly is that you want to be as close to your kids/grand kids as possible, or you needed to because of a job, commitments, etc. That's perfectly ok as long as you are aware of the "downside". You gotta do what you gotta do. But, if you've got choices then you need to look at the situation from all aspects.

This will be my last blog on this subject. Y'all know where I stand! I think you all should move to Cali!!! It doesn't get much better than this. 77F today with clear skys and about 10% humidity. Anyway, as I said - I've said my piece and now I'll shut up about it.

Fordo, I'm hoping you're doing well. I just went in this morning for my pre-op blood work and EKG. Can't wait to get to get this shoulder fixed so the "son of a gun" doesn't "bug" me all the time.

Hope you and your team are doing well!

Stay safe and we'll see you soon!

Love ya,
Uncle Stosh

The Vette asked me to pass along this message to you.

Ford (echo), bring Kate and come drive me!!! I feel the need for "speed". I'm soooo lonely. Your Uncle hasn't driven me for months!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

WA, CA, GA, AK, MEXICO

Hey M.E., I can relate to the snow, snow gear under school cloths, frost bite on your knees (couldn't wear pants to school) etc. I certainly don't want to live in that type climate again. Guess its all about choices and what makes you happy. I would dearly love having Corliss and Tom across the street from me so I could see them everyday. For that matter they could just move into my house and not worry about anything else. However, I know they want to be where Blayne and Ford are so I think they have some tough decisions to make. I think they will land where it best suites them.

Kate, you are an amazing young woman and I'm so glad my nephew found you. He is awesome isn't he? I think I just might be the luckiest Auntie in the whole world because I have two nephews that are so-o-o-o special and a great nephew and niece that are pretty awesome too.

I love you all,

Auntie Carla

WAOW.

WHAT abunch OF WHINERS:) At the University of Rochester Medical Center,where a psychologist/sociologist invented SADS - Seasonal Affective Disorder Syndrome where I was born and going back to grad school at the time of invention .

You're all talking about sunshine and rain. Throw in gray, cold, damp, snowy mush, and my easter corsage on my new spring coat dying before I got to church. Or wearing my snowsuit under my princess Halloween costume so it was very difficult to carry my wand and crown with any dignity. Yes. I did walk 17 miles to get to school :)

Now. here's the really sad news. When Nick and I went to Germany, the birthplace of our wonderful Katie-girl, we realized that our SADS Rochester was a SUNBELT compared to Germany. It never rained. Just constantly drizzled. And drizzled.

So, when we moved back to Rochester, with our brand new, first grandchild, perfect - yes, Ford, this is where I will attest to my Katie girl being more perfect than the Fordchild...............but I digress. We moved back and realized we really were in the sunbelt. Interestingly enough, our next location was CALIFORNIA.

Kate was at a very impressionable age, actually she was just very smart, and realized CALIFORNIA is the place to be. (granted she had only seen Germany and Rochester)

ok. so I'm digressing again. but this is just the best story....

Having read 17,000 articles on child psychology, I convinced Nick that it was important to give perfect-child-Kate input into the decision-making process of our move. So,we had her visit 3 preschools - she was 5 at the time.

She chose the Orange Co. elementary school. I beamed that I had raised such a precocious child. Until I asked why? and she said, "because I think I will look good in the school colors for cheerleaders uniforms".

My inflated ego sank. (don't you just love how children do that?) I then spent the next 2 years in CA negotiating what-to-wear conversations with a 5 year old Kate.

To this day, I don't know where she got this - look at Nick and my attire - but we are both very glad she has more style and panache than either of us.

So - my point?

Home is where you're planted. Or where you plant yourself - or life plants you. No matter where Mauggie and Tom-Tom decide to plant, it needs to be where they thrive, because we all want what's best for them

Nick is in MA and I'm in GA. Nick and I will go wherever they are, whenever they need us. As I know Corliss and Tom will do the same. We all took a vow at the West Point chapel to do that, wherever they are and whenever they need us.

We are so blessed to have the Lannan clan as in-laws.

I am in my 19th home. Not by design. but by happen-chance.
What I am responsible for is my happiness. My ability to contribute. My availability to my children. That includes you Fordman.

I love you. I am so proud of your decision to represent our country.
And represent the values of Tom/Corliss and Nick/M.E. and all of our families.

And , oh, did I mention your wonderful wife??????????????

lOVE YOU ALL. m.e.