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
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Mamawegs says....................
Katie-girl. I'm glad you still got it.
Ford will be expecting 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.
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
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.
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/
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!
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
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
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.
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.
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
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 $$$ with you and at the end of the day it's "all about the memories".
Love you Fordo,
See you soon,
Uncle Stosh
By now you should be getting big boxes from all of us. We wanted you and the guys to have a great Thanksgiving because we can't be there to make it great for you! Jeanie, Grandma, Sharon and I had some of your Turkey last night and it was AWESOME!!! It's moist, it's chunky, IT'S GOOD. We were so worried that it would taste like crap.
Hope 42 pounds is enough for you all ~ LOL. You'll be SOOOO sick of Turkey by the time you finish it all. I can't wait for the pictures of you guys all stuffed and wanting to puke!
WE WANT PICTURES (lots of pictures) of you and the guys having your "feast" posted on the blog. No kidding!
The people who we ordered it from are real patriots and "hooked us up" on shipping and even threw in a few extra cans of butter. I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving! I don't think I'm giving anything away here... if I am... sue me!
Thanks for the B-Day wish back at Sharon and for mine earlier. Sharon's B-Day was actually in August. I just saw an opportunity for her to go out and have some fun with her friends, so I took it! Can't take the $$$ 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?
Redneck Houseboat!
New ~ Less Expensive version of Garmin GPS
Redneck Houseboat!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
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.
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 "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
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
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
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