Peace

That is the great feeling I have in my heart.

At 3:20 AM this morning, Mom was released from her earthly cares. No more pain. No more sorrow. No more cancer. She is at peace. She is rejoicing with her Momma and Daddy, with Audrey, and with her sisters, Janice and Juanita. How grateful I am for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the plan of salvation, and the knowledge that this life is not just a speck of dust spinning and floating in space. That we have a purpose, and that we have something to look forward to.

Princess and I had a good visit with Dad, his sister Mary and her husband Ralph last night. Mom was peacefully breathing throughout our visit, but I had noticed a slight change in her, something wasn't the same. I remarked to Princess on our way out, that Mom had changed, and it would not be long before she left us. How grateful I am to have kissed her face, to have stroked her hair, and whispered "I Love You" before we left. The veil was thin, I know that is why she had changed, she was ready to go and they were waiting for us to leave.

My siblings and I gathered with my Father at her bedside this morning. We held her hands, and wet her face with our tears. There was great peace and serenity in her room. How thankful I am to a Loving Heavenly Father for such a Mother as I have had.

My Dad is doing well. We are keeping a close eye on him. He thinks we worry to much. This transition will be difficult, they were married for 47 years.

Thank you all so much for all the prayers that you have offered on our family's behalf. Thank you so much for your calls, e-mails, and comments.

Jim

VEGAS BABY!

Yeah, that's where we are.

We arrived into the valley about 7:30 local time on Sunday, clear, bright, beautiful. You could see the whole valley as we came in from Boulder City. We went straight to Princesses parents, dropped off the girls, and headed over to Hospice (it was93 degrees).

When we arrived, Dad and Bert left Princess and I alone for a while. We spoke to Mom, held her hand, kissed her forehead and cheeks, telling her of our love for her, and that when the veil parted and she could see her Momma, Daddy, Sisters, and her baby girl Audrey, she was to leave. I told her how proud I was of her as a Mother, her examples, her strength, her Christlike love to me, to our family, and to others she came into contact with. We wept. Princess moved to her side, and whispered in her ear. I couldn't hear (too old I guess), but she wet Mom's cheek with her tears.

We spent all day at the Hospice on Monday. Monday evening we went to Rich's house and visited a while, seeing their son Richie. Tuesday, we went to the mortuary. This was hard. Mom had planned her funeral program, but neither of them had planned for the process. As a family we selected the casket, the burial plots, and filled out pertinent information. Princess stayed with Mom during this whole time.

I came back while Dad ran some errands - sent Princess out on her own for a while to escape the Hospice room. I stayed with Mom, held her hand and sang Hymns and favorite Primary songs to her. I believe she liked it. It was a good day.

Today is Wednesday - we are at the in-law's, Mom is still holding on. Yesterday the Doctor said that some people can go for a week or longer without food and water. They are keeping her pain level down by monitoring her vitals and her facial expressions (really her forehead). Bert has been a trouper, staying every night with Dad. I think tonight, I will spell him, it's his 15th wedding anniversary.

Thanks dear friends for your wonderful thoughts and prayers. Both Princess and I greatly appreciate them and your friendship.
Jim

Transition

Odd title I know, but many of you Mormon readers will understand. All medical attention to prolong my Mother's life has ceased. Mom has been moved to a Hospice facility. From my mortal perspective, this is a transition from this life to the next.

Mom and her Doctors made the decision to end any and all therapy that would fight the infection and cancer in he body. This was done late Thursday night. Since then, I have had one small conversation with Mom, relaying my love for her, and thanking her for being my Mom, for teaching me right from wrong, for teaching me about the restored Gospel, and for encouraging me to go on a mission to proclaim the Gospel.

Today, she could hardly speak at all. Christy and Bert have relayed that Mom's oxygen content is falling, and that her time here in this physical shell is ending. Dad is doing good - "a rock" as Christy put it. I am so thankful for the knowledge that I have of the plan of salvation and that Mom will have peace and no more pain.

Here is a picture of Mom and Dad just before they were married, it gives me warmth just to know that I have these memories to give me "roses in December".

I love you Mom - Jimmy

Update

Mom made it through the night, and all day yesterday. Her GP said that she is not giving up on Mom. Her surgeon has said (through tears) that there is nothing more she can do for Mom and that it is in the Lord's hands (Yep, a Doctor who has faith, not just in medicine). I'm still waiting for an update from her Oncologist.

Mom is in a lot of pain, on a morphine pump, and IVs to keep her hydrated. The GP said this was "just" a very bad intestinal blockage (about the umpteenth one she has had since they determined her small intestine was full of tumors and surgery is not an option) and caused the septicemia and fever along with other things.

I appreciate all of you who have kept Mom and Us in your prayers. Thank you so much. I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for all of us, and sometimes the "endure to the end" part is difficult to swallow. Mom is a strong woman, a fighter, and full of faith. Whatever the outcome, I know that her health, her life, are in the Lord's hands.

Again thanks - and I'll update when I know more.
Jim

Prayers

I just got off the telephone with my sister. Mom was admitted to the hospital today, she has taken a turn for the worst. With her cancer, she has been taking heavy doses of chemotherapy, and her CA125 numbers are still rising. This afternoon, Mom became ill, vomiting and very lethargic, so much so that Dad could not get her off the bed, and had to call the paramedics.

She has a fever of 103, and the Doctor's just told Dad and Christy that she is very septic. Please keep Mom and our family in your prayers.

More updates as I get them.

Jim

Ever had one of those...

So, I haven't abandoned my blog - our blog. We've both been so busy since Stake Conference that neither of us has had time to update the site.

Jim's Reader's Digest version: Mexico trips twice, Pennsylvania and Georgia once, and this past week, WACO - Yes dear friends not since June 2007 have I spent one entire week at home working from the office. Felt great - and I'm taking tomorrow off to spend quality time with Princess.

Princesses Reader's Digest Version: Bored, more Bored, - oh and movies, I get to watch all of the Netflix movies when Jim's not home, send them back and get more! Work has been busy, Church has been busy, and I can't believe that Summer is here already. It's too hot.

Now, some photos:

Front of house - Flowers and plants gearing up for blooms.

Princess arriving home after all the yard work is done!

Graham's Birthday cake - She's gotten so good!

Sydnee's Monkey Cake

And lastly - We painted the Living Room - Beige - no really, Nomadic Desert

Finally there is contrast between the walls, the trim, and the ceiling!

I'm Lovin IT!

Be Safe - Jim

Edified

That's how I'm feeling right now. We just got home from the Adult session of Stake Conference in Killeen. The Jacobsens and Blackhursts twisted our arms until we went. We drove down and met them at Outback in Killeen, had a great dinner, then went over to the stake building, where we were spiritually fed.

It was a great evening, good friends, good food, and edification for the soul. Glad I didn't buck the trend and not go. Now just so you don't think I'm such a heathen, Princess does not like to go on Sunday, as it is too early, and the Saturday night session is too late for me, so we've both had our differences in the past. Tonight, we just began a new tradition.

Jim

!Hola!

He estado en Mexico...Ooops! I've been travelling south of the border down Mexico way.

I spent this past week down in Mexico auditing suppliers. I absolutely love this country. The people are wonderful, humble, kind, and loving. They are proud of their country, their heritage, and their culture. I love their food too (it shows by the number of my chins)!

While travelling in Mexico, I am sure that I surprised many a person that I came into contact with during this trip. First, I saw missionaries on a street corner and shouted out the window "Hey Elders" and waved. The jumped, shouted back and gave me the "thumbs up" sign. Then in the airport in Mexico City (DF as it is called there), I ran into three Elders on their way to their assignments in the Veracruz mission. My travelling companions, a Catholic and a Jewish gentlemen were giving me grief for stopping to chat cause we were running from plane to plane. I just reminded them that we are all on the same rock, spinning wildly in space, breathing the same air, and if stopping for 3 minutes to chat with someone who holds the same beliefs as me was a bad thing, then have at it. Later we saw a Jewish man in the airport lounge (yes, Yamika intact), and I chided my co-worker for not greeting him and visiting. He stated to me, "well, my peeps are not like your peeps!" I replied "How sad, at least my peeps are happy to see another peep!" Anyway, it was a good trip filled all kinds of wonderful experiences.

For those of you who have asked, my mom is about the same, good days and bad days. She struggles every day of her life. We did have an enjoyable time with her in Vegas, something I can treasure the rest of my life.

Well, it's off to the races, we have a few errands to run, then home to clean and get ready for stake conference adult session tonight, and then again tomorrow morning in Killeen - and yes, we are being dragged to it (the adult session) by our friends the Jacobsens and Blackhursts!

Jim

Disappear?

That's how I've felt for the past two weeks!

We returned from our visit with Mom.  She is a trooper.  We spent every day with her while we were in Vegas.  She had some pretty good days during this time.   We watched some movies, a lot, and I mean a lot of HGTV - even sick, Mom wants to see what's new with home improvement, my guess is she is making a list for Dad.

We had a good visit with Princesses parents - camped out at their house for the week, and got to see them every morning and every night.

The last two work weeks, I have been in Chicago/Minneapolis area - feels like home almost.   Next week it's off to Mexico for more auditing fun.

Princess and I spent today in Austin where I got this as my newest toy.  I didn't get the newest greatest version, but what I got, I am Capitol L, Loving IT!  We also went to Costco, Cheesecake Factory, Pottery Barn, and several furniture stores looking for a new sofa (Yes LP, I did think of you, but you were not feeling well, so I wanted you to rest).

Tomorrow is Mother's day, the 100th anniversary of this official celebration.  So, to all you Mothers out there, Princess, Mom, and Linda (and all you other Ladies who are special in our lives)  Happy Mother's Day!

Jim

HOME

We're home! Safe and sound - a little chilly here in Texas compared to Las Vegas, NV (yeah baby). It's late - more to come on the past week.

Jim

A bottle

I need a bottle to trap time in! I last blogged in March, now it is the past the middle of April (hope everyone sent in their taxes before the 15Th).

We had a wonderful Easter with our "Waco family" (this is defined as a any of the dear friends we have met here in Waco), enjoyed watching General Conference, especially Elder M. Russell Ballard's talk - his face in describing his wife's expression while he tended to his little children was priceless, and we have enjoyed some cool weather, some warm weather, and some stormy weather - without the tornadoes.

I have travelled so much, I feel like I have forgotten where I've been and what I've done. It is a sorry state to get old and lose your memory.

Today I have a special assignment. I have been asked to sing at Haylee Jacobsen's baptism. What an honor for me. I didn't think that Haylee even liked me, and she certainly surprised me with the request.

Afterwards, Princess and I and the girls will be gone for about ten days. This too is an honor. We are travelling home to spend time with my Mother. I fear that, I know that her time here on earth is limited and with my work/travel schedule, I desire to spend some time with her while I can. The cancer in her body is causing more and more problems with normal functions, and she has just returned from her ninth hospital stay since the end of January this year. It is truly a privilege to make the drive home to see and spend time with her. She has proven to all of her children that every single day is worth fighting for to live. Heck, she was only given 18 months to live when they diagnosed her, and that was in May 2003! This may sound a little selfish (rightly so I think), but with Princess and I having lived in Texas for almost seven years, we know that the call will come telling us that she has left this life, and I want to take advantage of each opportunity I can to express my love, my gratitude, my honor and privilege for having the wonderful, glorious duty to be her son and call her Mother.

I know - I'm too sappy and sentimental - can't help it for cyring out loud - she's my Mom! Our wonderful friends (family) will be taking care of the house - I even had offers from someone to mow the yard while we are gone - thanks, but I'm anal about the pattern I put in the grass with the mower.

I still need a bottle - to capture the memories and the time in - I guess that's why the Good Lord gave us memories instead.

Jim

Sunday...

EASTER SUNDAY THAT IS!




Happy Easter!!





Here is a little ditty that I did last night at a bar-b-cue







Can you tell what the little

shapes are? Take a wild

guess!





Keep Guessing!











They're PEEPS!! LOL - It was too much fun!

I did it all by myself and Princess was most

proud of me! The cookie was delicious too!

Nicole's Wedding

Just some pictures of that fun evening

Boring

That's how my life has become lately. Travel, home on weekend, travel, home on weekend, rinse, lather repeat, you get the picture.

So dear readers, not many of you commented on Princesses new car! I am disappointed in you. That thing is a major investment of time (and let's not forget money) for us both. It drives like a dream, and if you are considering a new car, I say, no shout it out, check out the Murano!

This past week has kind of been a downer (uhoh, it's Debbie Downer wah huh). I hurt my back last Saturday and have been working from home to recover and recuperate. I don't mind the getting old part of life, it's the getting fat part that just bites the big one! I know, I know, exercise, moderation in diet, exercise, will all help those old body parts feel better. Thanks for the lecture.

So, I thought I would post some more random pictures - no not the car - you jealous people, but of our trip home for the wedding.

This is the bride and MOTB (her mom- figure it out!) dancing - it was cute and they had a great time.

Colder Than..

So, Sunday the temperature was 76 F for the high! In MARCH! Then Monday, the temperature was a cool 41 F for the high! Oops, did I say cool? I meant to say Freezing with the wind chill driving the temperature down into the mid 20's.


Now most sane people are at home, with heaters on, or with fires in the fireplace, but no, not us! Princess used my only scheduled day at home to go out and get her new vehicle. See, the car she has been driving was a lease, or as I like to call them a "fleece". The lease was up, and we had batted around keeping the car and paying it off. Well, mathematics took over my brain and after adding up 3 years of "fleece" payments, and then 3 years to pay off the car - I about fainted!


We were smart this time, we got pre-approved for a loan, researched the car we wanted, price, options, taxes, etc. We even tried to do an online deal through our insurance company, but they didn't have that feature here in Waco. We walked in to the dealership, got our salesman, looked at the car, then we said, here's the deal. He accepted, and in under two hours, we left with the new car, saying adios to the 2005 Murano.


AND HELLO

TO THE NEW

2009

NISSAN MURANO!!!!

Here's the exterior - this is about the color we purchased, called tinted bronze.








Here's a picture of the interior, it's black with some dark gray and it has leather seats, with the front ones heated (which came in handy yesterday)! She's happy, I'm happy, and my budget is happy too. In my book, a win win. One other thing, she better get used to this car - she'll be driving it quite a while!
Jim

Wedding Photos

Princess and I outside the wedding/banquet hall - aren't we dapper!

My Brother Rich gives Nicole a last kiss before "giving her away" to Steve. This was a fluke as my camera is not an SLR kind and the lens closed right as he kissed her.

I know, I know - my Mom had changed out of her dress shoes to sandals, and her sandal got caught on the floor! I was mesmerized and couldn't stop filming. The whole time, Princess is yelling at me "Jim, Jim...go help your Dad!" And I still couldn't move. The posterior of the person at the end of the video is my brother Bert. Then I stopped filming, ran with all the others to help, and Mom was just fine - no major bruises or sores.

We had a good time and I will post more pictures soon - Enjoy!

Busy - It's no Excuse

So, I am finally taking a minute to blog.

We drove to Vegas with our girls and the new boys (puppies) for Bill and Linda. Linda was not surprised or happy! She shook her finger at all of us, but by the time we were ready to leave the following Saturday, she had bonded with little Duke and Elvis.

My niece's wedding was a smash. Not your typical Mormon wedding, no Temple ceremony, no cultural hall reception, instead, they were married by a non-denominational minister outside in a beautiful gazebo, on a warm February night. We danced, did the money dance, danced some more ate good food, had cake, and Princess broke her phone doing the African Ant Eater dance - picture the movie, Can't Buy Me Love with a very young Patrick Dempsey (not to worry, we came home, got her switched over to Verizon with me and she got a cute pink razor.

Princesses nephews wedding was on Valentine's Day in the Boise Temple, with the reception to be held this Friday in Idaho (no we are not attending). Reports from the family said it was a beautiful ceremony and the spirit was felt by all.

I have been travelling like a madman - so much so that I ended up with my famous sinus infection/upper respiratory infection - feeling just a little better today, after seeing the doctor and getting the antibiotics along with about 90 catnaps in between my work phone ringing off the hook.

I have pictures to post, I just have to figure out how to do the whole slide show thing again.

Exscuses

Been Busy! Haven't Blogged or thought of blogging in a while - too darn busy! Arrived home yesterday from East Coast - late - Princess was up with the new puppies. NEW PUPPIES! Yikes! Whew, they are not for us but for Bill and Linda. Two little male dachshund puppies, one red, one dapple silver.

New Puppies

I hope you enjoy this. They are soooo cute and cuddly! Here is a still photo of each of them

2007

Well, here I am again, in the den, the house is ice cold (anything higher than 63F and Princess starts having hot flashes), in my sweats typing. And where pray tell is Princess?? She is fast asleep in bed, with about 4 blankets on top of her!

I have always been a creature of habit, up at the same time, and to bed at the same time. I can't even sleep in on the weekends (my brain goes a million miles an hour and I think of all the things I could/should be doing), even as a kid, I was always first one up, unless I was sick, then stay away from Oscar the grouch!

As this year fast closes, I wish to express my thoughts and thanks.

First - I am grateful for a loving wife. Princess is so talented and so Christ like in her love for myself, our little doggies, and for everyone she meets. She has a heart bigger than the state of Texas.

Second - I am grateful for having such a wonderful job that I love. I have a great group of people that I work with, both at our plant and at our corporate office. I am grateful for a boss who is patient, directing, and motivational. His execution of meetings, of getting things done is exemplary for me. I am also grateful for the team of associates that I work closely with (all my VA bud's).

Third - I am grateful for friends! Texas friends, Nevada friends, Utah friends, no matter where you are, I am grateful for you. When I meet someone, I feel my spirit connect with theirs. This may not always happen at first for the other person, but it does for me. We become instantly kindred spirits! And for all of my/our friends out there, to both Princess and I, you are family (heck aren't we all children of Heavenly Father) to us, and we appreciate your Love and support.

Fourth - I am grateful that I woke up six feet above ground today - it means there is hope for me yet, and that God is not done molding my clay!

Happy New Year's Eve! Be Safe everyone! By the way, I hear Princess blow drying her hair - She's up! Gotta run!
Jim

The day after

I'm sitting here in the den as Princess is sound a sleep. We had a wonderful Christmas day. With only about 5 hours sleep, we stumbled out of bed to start the day. We put on the Christmas music, lit the tree, and began the contest of opening presents. Suffice it to say, we are very happy with or without the gifts (okay, who am I kidding, we got a Wii, and I was thrilled)!

We had a friend over for brunch, two different breakfast casseroles, pannetone (sweet bread with walnuts and cranberries), and then just vegged out!

The Elders and Lynn, and the Lackmeyer's all came over for dinner. Princess prepared a prime rib roast, scalloped potatoes, jell-o and cream corn. Lynn did bread and Shannon did green bean casserole. Lynn and Shannon also did dessert, a spice cake and famous apple pie (respectively).

We spoke to family, all except my older brother (I lost his phone number and forgot to get it from a family member in Vegas, so I'll be calling him today).
Jim

Merry Christmas

To our Dear Family and Friends, From our home to yours, We wish you the Merriest Christmas and desire that you receive not only material items, but spiritual feasting at this sacred time of the year.

Preparing

I'm sitting here in the den preparing my Sunday School lesson. It's going to be a tough one today. It is on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I have so far wept through the whole lesson preparation.

I know that at this time of the year, we are to celebrate the birth of the Savior, but this is the lesson assigned me. I know that I am not often very preachy here on the blog, but today I my heart is so full for the love I have for my Savior, for his birth, his life, his mission and especially for his gift of the Atonement. When I think of what he did for me, for us, I am especially grateful for his birth. I am thankful for his earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, and what they must of felt that night some 2,000 years ago when that precious child was cradled in a humble manager.

I am so grateful for my family, for my parents teaching me correct principles, for showing unconditional love even when I made mistakes. I am thankful for a wonderful wife who practices this gift of unconditional love. I am nothing without her, not one good thing would I have accomplished in these past 20 years, let alone this year without her Love, her encouragement, her faith in me to develop and grow and take on more responsibility in my professional life, my spiritual life, and my physical life.

Please forgive the weeping, please forgive me if I'm too preachy today. My heart is overflowing with the love the Savior has poured out upon me, upon us. My heart is full for the love of my older brother who celebrated his Birthday yesterday without a card from his forgetful younger brother. Happy Birthday Rich!

Continue to be good, do righteous works, follow the Savior, that is what this life is about, preparation.

Travel and BRRR

That was my day today. But before I get started on that, let me recap the weekend at Texaspricetags!

Friday I arrived home from Tucson - to very warm weather. I set up the laptop, checked e-mail, made some calls, did some work. Then I trimmed the "older" bushes and gave the "newer" bushes a bit of a haircut too.

Saturday, Princess and I put lights on many of the bushes and spent a good deal of time stringing lights on the big crepe myrtle in the front. We tested everything and all of the lights worked fine. I also had to replace the one extension cord that I cut through while trimming on Friday. We had Princesses work party and even though Princess stated "we're leaving at 9:30 sharp", we arrived home at 11:30 PM!!

Sunday, up at 5:30 AM left for Stake Conference at 7:15, had a harrowing ride to Jilleen with weird fog that would white out the exterior of the windows - I'm talking really freaked me out all three times it happened! Stake Conference went really well. We were spiritually feed and uplifted, which hopefully will last for the next six months.

Monday, I worked from the plant, then off to the Midway High School Christmas concert! Which totally rocked! The music really helped to bring me more into celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Deborah Vance, Kylie Jacobsen, and Alex Christensen did awesome jobs. We even saw Lane West (our neighbors son's friend) and he had an awesome duet. It was a great evening, with the exception that the Blackhurst's had to leave early cause the girls were getting antsy.

So I arrived in Detroit after getting up at 3:30AM, expecting to wait until 5:30 PM to travel to South Bend, Indiana, only to find an earlier flight, which I got on, which allowed me to get here before some of the freezing rain hits... about now! The temperature is right around 33F! It's cold, wet, and soaks right to the bones. I am grateful to have arrived safe and sound, and to know that I only have a short drive tomorrow to do my audit.

Be safe and WARM out there! Jim

Tuggs ON

Say it out loud - This is where I have been this week. TUGGS ON - you know, Tuggs On Arizona! ;-0. So really it is Tucson, Arizona, but after I got a call from Mexico and explained that I was in Tucson, my person on the other kept calling it Tuggs On - I laughed my butt off.

This week was scheduled to be at home, but late last week, I got a call from an associate within our company that this vendor Needed to be audited as quickly as possible. So after about a dozen e-mails, we got the date set and here I sit in the hotel room blogging. The mountains are beautiful, the weather is warm about 80F, and there are beautiful mountains!

I'm looking forward to tomorrow - traveling home, doing some laundry, and working on some reports. Then, no more putting up Christmas Decorations - just putting some empty boxes into the attic so we can park at least one car in the garage.

Sunday is Stake Conference in Killeen with our Ward singing right after the opening prayer and then the closing song! We practiced hard, the songs are beautiful, and more important, I'm looking forward to being rejuvenated spiritually.

Gotta go to sleep - early flight tomorrow!
Jim

Blogging...

Or lack thereof. This is what I was hit with yesterday at Church.

I had a really good lesson planned out. Reviewed it, studied it, planned it, printed it and then the Spirit and my emotions got to me and I boobed out again. I must say (without being too preachy), that I have a soft spot for my Savior, Jesus Christ and when I teach about is sacrifice for all mankind, It gets to me, in the throat, eye ducts, nose...well you get the picture.

We had a very long day at Church, early choir practice before Sacrament Meeting, then the three hour block, then another choir practice for 1.5 hours, that just really rocked! We got a lot accomplished and it sounded great.

Next week we sing in Stake Conference in Killeen, so if you are in the neighborhood, and want to hear a great choir, come here some inspiring speakers and some beautiful music sung by people who love to sing.

I got to see our friend Karsten last week in Chattanooga, TN. He looked great and seemed to be doing ok. We miss him and also Molina (his ex).

I'll try to be better at posting - it's hard with all the travel and then the laundry, then putting up Christmas lights, the tree, and about 4,000 boxes of Christmas Decoration!!! We have too much stuff (crap as I call it) and I'm thinking that E-bay looks good right about now! Anywho - I haven't died and Princess has posted anything either so you can tell we're busy!

Happy Safe Holidays!

Grattitude

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone. Both Princess and I wish all our friends and family a wonderful, safe holiday.

We are spending Thanksgiving at home. Princess has put the 25 LB Tom in the oven, basting him every half hour. Pies have been made, casserole dishes prepared and waiting to bake, and jell-o is in the fridge.

This year, Princesses Mom Linda is with us. Her dad is in San Jose, CA helping the big guy up at the North Pole obtain all the little kids wish lists along with who has been naughty, who has been nice. He will spend today with some surrogate family in California, then back to the mall on Friday.

We also have Princesses Aunt Marcia and Uncle Howard here too. They arrived around 1:00 AM this morning from Utah. We spoke throughout the day and they had one doozy of a storm in Wyoming from SLC to Denver. We're glad they're here, safe and sound.

What am I thankful for this year? A list that most of you would probably not want to peruse it would be so long. So here is my short version.

Technology: It allowed us to track Aunt Marcia and Uncle Howard as they drove here. Also the advances in medicine that have kept my Mom battling her Cancer.

Family: The most important of all, and not just those of you who are blood related, but those who have chosen us and vice versa we have chosen. The Blackhursts, The Jacobsen's, The Mocks, The Lackmeyers, The Criblez, The Jones, The Estradas, The Castenedas, The Whites, The Nielsens, The Hammers, The Kellers, The Prusseys, The Winnermarks, Our Waco 2ND Ward, the list goes on.

Jobs: In these trying times, I am extremely grateful for a job that I am passionate about and love doing. I have a terrific boss who keeps me motivated and growing. Co-workers on my team that are the best people the world has ever known. And of course, those "customers" that I serve in Commercial, R&D, and our individual plants.

I am deeply grateful for my faith. For the soldiers and others who fought to make and continue to keep this country free. I am grateful for a man who came to earth, who I have not met, who gave his life for all of us.

Whether you're near or far, know this, we Love you all, we wish you only the best and safest Thanksgiving holiday ever.
Jim

"Cause You're..."

So this week I was in Idaho for company business doing audits. I flew into Boise, ID and then drove the 113 miles to Twin Falls. I love this drive, the grassy, rolling plains with the mountains on either side of the interstate.

When I got to Boise, I headed straight to Taco Time for some lunch. Princess turned me onto Taco Time over 20 years ago when we went to SLC planning the wedding. I love their crispy meat burrito and chips and cheese. After lunch - I headed out on my drive, i-pod in hand, connected to the radio listening to Christmas music (I know, it's not yet Thanksgiving, but I can't get enough of Christmas music).

Arriving in Twin Falls, I was in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Express (see, now you know why I'm so smart)when my Commercial buyer walks by on her way out for a walk. Well, "A" accompanies me inside, I check in, and we both head out for the walk. We walked the rim of the canyon where the twin falls are, saw some beautiful landscape, and while we're talking and walking age comes up. I tell "A" that I just had a birthday, she replies that hers in on the 17th of November (Happy early Birthday), then she states, "You're older than me". To which I reply, "so, the fat in my face smooths out the wrinkles and makes me look younger"!

Well, the next couple of days, "A" is saying things like "Cause you're older than me" and "oh, I see, it must be an age thing" to which we both laughed. I really like "A" and we have a good working relationship and I consider her a very good friend, at work and away from work.

Wednesday, I got to see Princesses sister, brother-in-law and nieces and nephews. We had a good visit, but it went late into the night. Thursday I was going to go see them, but the audit went late, I got some dinner, and by the time they were home from parent teacher night, I was bushed, and decided to just call it a night. I was in bed by 8:30 PM.

I arrived in Austin, got my car, and headed out onto I-35 North. Oh wait a minute, that wasn't I-35, it was a PARKING LOT! I sat there for 30 minutes inching my way up to the next exit, exited with all the other people, but got turned around and went south to 71 West to get onto the Mo-Pac and skirt around downtown. Seems there were three accidents all on I-35 Northbound in about a 7 mile stretch. I zoomed up Mo-Pac, worked my way back to I-35 thinking I was smart to avoid the toll section, only to discover another accident and traffic standing still. This one however I got past and got home about 4:30 PM.

I reached our humble abode, greeted the girls and started laundry. Right now there's one of the last batches in the washer, when it's done, I'm showering, then I've got a bit of work to do this weekend before I head out to Portland on Monday. Oh, and Princess is with a group, no a gaggle of women at a "stamp/scrap booking" retreat weekend, where all they will do is make projects, and bash our husbands :-).

Fun Times

Our Saturday was quite fun.

I got up at 6:00 am and let Princess sleep in. I quietly started the laundry, then came into the den to boot up my laptop. While going through the close to 400 e-mails, I would get up and do the changes from washer to dyrer. Well the phone rang and I jumped up to get it so as not to disturb Princess (little did I know she was up and showered. Well my neighbor called and informed me the "farm" was out front. You see, across from her, one of the neighbors has about eight chickens that they keep in their back yard (and let me tell you, there are no pens there).

Well, neighbor X had left for the weekend and left his back gate open. I went up and knocked on the door to try to wake up their teenage son, but that didn't happen, and in the meantime, Princess had come up the street to see the commotion. We could have been on America's funniest home videos - Princess and I decided to round the chickens up and put them in the backyard. It was too funny, Sue kept laughing and then Nita another neighbor came out and she laughed, then Princess and I started laughing, it was a riot! Picture, me with a stick running around a neighbors driveway shooing chickens through the back gate. Afterwards, we stood around and laughed about it.

Later, Princess, Sue, Macy and I went to see the Bee Movie (really, the kids did not get the jokes - more sienfeldish than kid funny). I would rate it a "Bee" :-D

We then did errands, watched "In the Land of Women" on DVD and went to bed. Now it is Sunday, lesson prepared, and going to iron my dress shirt. Have a great Sunday!
Jim

World Traveller

Well, since it has been a while and I received so much grief about it that Princess had to blog (for the first time)to defend me.

It is true that I have been very busy with work. Busy enough to work on Saturday and sometimes, print out my auditing templates and itineraries on Sunday for my trips. Because of this, I put blogging aside to concentrate on what is really important, my family. I know, my friends are very important also, and for you dear readers of my blog, extended family and friends,I am sincerely sorry for any disappointment I have caused.

Let me give you a breakdown of my travels in October:
First Week - I travelled to our plant in Pennsylvania to support a group of technicians in our company that my group works very closely with in resolving issues at our plants.
Second Week - Princess's birthday, I got to stay in the plant for two days and I travelled to St. Louis, MO, for a very important meeting with a vendor which has struggled to supply our company.
Third Week - As acting group manager, I was in charge of our bi-annual meeting between my group and our purchasing group. It was a good meeting, and it was also the meeting where our newest team member started working in our group full time.
Fourth Week - I just returned from performing 5 audits in 3 different countries, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. In Ecuador, my hotel room looked directly out onto this most gorgeous view of the Guayaquil temple! And I didn't even plan it that way. I have pictures, and I will post. In Colombia, we saw some beautiful countryside in Medellin and Bogota. In Venezuela, we saw a beautiful country, but felt for the first time in the trip that we were not safe. The country, once very rich and prosperous, struggles under oppressive government policies, and there were very poor people everywhere we went. All in all, it was a good trip.

During all of this, my Mother has had setbacks dealing with her cancer. Her numbers soared to almost 12,000, then dropped to 1,000 (normal is under 30). She has been admitted to the hospital twice - once I do not remember the reason, once for a bowel obstruction (very serious), but again, she was blessed by my Dad and Uncle and her body healed itself with her faith and antibiotics, and no dangerously invasive surgery. She is a pillar of strength and her faith is a testimony to me of the power of prayer and Priesthood Blessings.

Next week, I will be off to Idaho, where I will see much of the state driving between Boise and Twin Falls, and also around the Caldwell area. The best part is that I will get to see Princess's sister, brother-in-law, and the wonderful nieces and nephews! I am stoked.

After that it is on to Washington and Oregon for some audits, then the IN-LAWS are coming for Thanksgiving along with Princesses Aunt and Uncle! Very excited, as it has been over a year since we have had any out of town visitors.

So Dear readers, keep the faith in me alive, keep patience with me, and I promise to blog when able (like early on a Saturday morning to keep you updated)
Jim

Finally a new posting!!!!!

This is Princess's 1st publishing for the blog. Per the request from many fellow bloggers I will retire Jim's last blog about boobing at church. I taught the Sunday School lesson for the 1st time today. I still prefer the Sunbeams. I got too nervous up in front of everyone. They did like their treat. I can always come through with treats.

Jim is so busy with work these days, so everyone needs to cut him some slack about the blog. He has been busy working from home on the weekends and spending time with his girls. He is off to Columbia, Ecuador and Venezuela this week. He will blog when he gets home.

I hope everyone has an awesome MONDAY!!!!!!!

It's Official

I'm a boob. No, not a female anatomy part, but a big blubbering boob!

Today I had to teach about our Heavenly Family and the reason we came to earth. And about 3 minutes into it, I began tearing up. I mean really tearing up! I kept plugging through, trying hard not to let my emotions get the best of me and at one point, I had to turn by back to the class to get my breath!

The lesson material was great! I had good participation (probably scared that I would break down again...which I did!), but my feelings were just right at the surface! No matter what I did, I had a hard time getting control.

I was able to finish the lesson...a lesson I brought props to. I had pictures of Princess, Mom & Dad, Mom and Dad Princess, friends, cousins, grandparents, nieces, nephews, Princesses sister's family, you name it I brought pictures! After the lesson, there was one sister really crying, tears running down her cheeks. I went to apologize, only to learn that her husband had recently died. He is a member of the Church, she is not. My lesson on eternal families was for her, not for me, not for my Mom (still not doing well), but for her. She needed to feel the Spirit, and this helped to break through to her. I don't know what the future holds for her, but I know that my ramblings and blubberings were for her.

Ya know what? I'm grateful to be a boob (the big blubbering kind)!

Way Cool

Have you ever opened another person's blog or web or anything and when you clicked on a link it opened in a new page or tab? Well I loved that feature and I just found out how to do it.

There is a blog out there called betabloggerfordummies. I found an html script that you insert into the widget code that allows all of your links, blogs, etc to open in a new window or page. It is so cool!

Here is the link -> ☺

Click on links (orange tab in header), then expand the "50 types of links and how to make them work", then look for number 8 and the highlighted word "e-mail". Then scroll down to "opening links in a separate window". The code is highlighted in black. Remember to back up your template before making any changes.
That should do it! Have fun

Jim

Too Much

Or too heavy? I'm not quite sure. I guess I'm liked (read) more for my witty repartee than for my deep, spiritual, thinking side (I state this only because on the Nerd scale, I received 5 comments, yet matters of great concern I only received one comment).

So dear friends and family, I will try to not pour out my soul/heart too often and just thrill you with the life and times of the TexasPricetags!

This past week has been a doozy.
• Last Sunday evening I started off feeling poorly, awoke during the night with sweats, chills, etc and found I had a fever. My scratchy throat from Saturday was not just allergies, but a cold. I weathered it pretty well sleeping most of Monday

• The rest of the work week was spent dealing with issues and trying to catch up on audit reports, expense reports and firefighting.

We haven’t seen too much rain lately, but I know for a fact it will rain today or tomorrow, independent of what the TV, Internet, Radio, and Newspapers say! Why do you ask? Because for the first time in 6 months, both cars are washed, waxed and clean! It is a sure sign that rain will be opening from the heavens any minute now, or at least while we are at Church this afternoon.

Speaking of Church, my new calling as Gospel Essentials Teacher is going quite well. I usually have about 10-15 people attending, some new, some old. The new ones don’t quite scare me as much as the old ones, cause they don’t usually get out there on tangents that are pretty deep discussions. I do try to steer the class back to the topic at hand, and gently thank the tangent taker for their comments.

I added Princess to the blog so she could start posting, or create her own blog and link to it from here, but no such luck yet.

If I have any exciting happenings at Church today, I will describe it in detail here on these pages.

Jim

Blessed

That's how I fell today. Blessed beyond measure. Many of you dear readers know that I try not to let my Mormon influence get the best of me and become to "preachy" with the blog. However, I am blessed more than I could every imagine.

I want to declare my love for a beautiful Daughter of our Heavenly Father. Her unconditional love for me and those that surround us. I truly don't deserve all that she does for the girls and me.

I am grateful for loving parents. My dear Mother has struggled, fought, climbed, and torn her way through 4 years of hell. She is dealing with Cancer. They found ovarian cancer in 2003, just after her Mother passed away. She was given 12 months. 13 months later, she was given 12 -18 months. Now, 3 years later, we learn that her numbers are climbing, the drug study she is on is not working, and tumors are growing. I have held her hands, felt her tears on my cheeks, heard her voice quiver and shake from 1350 miles away, yet through it all, her faith holds her, her testimony of God, his son Jesus Christ, and the plan that He has for us. Now with this latest round of chemo unsuccessful, the Dr's are giving her 3 to 6 months to live. I don't know what the next 3 to 6 months hold (heck not even the next 24 hours), but I do know this, I love my Mom. She is a fighter, she feels that God is not done with her yet, and I know that she prays that His will be done.

I pray for her every morning, noon and night. I pray that the pain will not be too much for her to bear, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that my prayers are answered.

My sister Buffy (not her real name, but my nickname for her from high school) has had my Mom at her house for the past several weeks. Here she is, fourth of six kids, having to manage this burden with her husband and my younger brother and his wife. I know that she has learned more unconditional love through serving my Mom, than anything other trial in her life.

I love my family. Please forgive me for being so sappy, so emotional, so overjoyed in God's blessings to me and to my family. Remember to keep your loved ones closer, love those that spite you, and pray for guidance in your lives.

Jim

Blame it on Todd

I haven't really blogged lately - too much work, too much house work with Princess, being way way too grouchy - you name it, I'm a lazy bum or I just don't care. I did however pickup a cool tidbit over at three girls and a boy I picked up this:



Todd is more nerdy than I am, - no scratch that, I am he only scored 48 "lightly nerdy" while I scored 60! GREAT!

Think you're not a Nerd? I challenge you to go take the quiz!

I'll try to be better a posting. Princess got this yesterday (the corner unit)and we put it up this morning - we worked too long and hard on it, going without food or beverage and I ended up grouchy and a jerk. Thank goodness that I have a wife who loves me unconditionally...even when that condition is jerkiness.
Jim

Excitement

So this week I began a new adventure at work. For the first time in over 21 years, I get to dress up in business casual clothes for work. My whole career at work, I have had white uniforms to dress in...aka good humor man (a comment not lost on me by Princess and friends). What did I do when presented with this new challenge? SHOPPING of course. Princess kept me in check, but I did get some new pants and some new shirts (this weekend we're going again - even if she doesn't know it yet).

Thursday, I travelled to Little Rock, AR for work. It was a short flight, uneventful hour long plane ride from Houston to Little Rock (Home of Bill Clinton if you didn't know). At the airport, I met up with two co-workers from the East coast (Stacy and Jack). A note about Stacy, she is the purchasing manager for a variety of different commodities we buy. Stacy is petite, but don't let the size fool you, she holds her own with the toughest of the rednecks we met in Arkansas. Picture "Preppy Mom" in about a 5'4" frame, that has no problem taking you down a peg or two (it was a blast to be with her - it was my first time meeting Jack, so I'll have to size him up and let you know. We all travelled to the vendor's location so that I could perform the audit.

We were touring a rice milling operation and of course, Thursday's high was 104F! With humidity that hovered around the SAUNA level. Work went good, we had a nice dinner at the country club, and then toured another rice location on Friday. After the second tour, we jumped in the car and headed back to Little Rock to eat some lunch and catch our flights home.

We decided that we did not want airport food, so we headed into downtown, where we lucked upon a parking spot, and then perused the local eateries. We sauntered in the lovely 99F sunshine and SAUNA humidity, all the way down Bill Clinton Blvd, and Stacy even bought some paraphernalia at the museum library store.

We grabbed lunch at a pub, "The Flying Saucer" home to about 300+ different beers, lagers, and ales. The food was...how shall I say it...nothing to blog about :-). We arrived at the airport, checked in the rental car (me forgetting to give the keys to the new 2007 push start Altima and running back with sweat pouring down my back, legs...well, you get the picture, and then settled in to connect to some WI-fi and do some work.

Little Rock airport has free WI-fi for Internet connections, but it was down yesterday so we chatted about the trip, families, work, etc. Stacy jumped on her plane headed back to the east coast, me waiting for a 6:30PM flight home...WHICH DIDN'T HAPPEN!

The 4:30 flight left at 5:15, then returned to the gate at 6:10, deplaned, and left again at 7:00PM. No announcements were given by the CONTINENTAL staff as to the delays for the 4:30, nor the 6:30 (which eventually boarded beginning at 10:30PM (of course dear friends, Continental sent my flight to Waco on ahead of me, and booked me on the 11:00 AM home today!). I slept all the way to Houston, bumpy ride and all, navigated to the rental counter (of course, my name was NOT on the gold list), and obtained my rental car at 12:30AM this morning(can you say inept workers)).

I navigated the interstates, toll roads and highways between Houston and Waco with the greatest of care due to the tremendous amount of water on the roadways (HA - hardly a puddle - but we delayed the flight 4 hours for the torrential flooding that took place yesterday afternoon), arriving at my abode around 4:00AM, where I was greeted by Princess and the girls.

But, the surprises were not over! At 7:30 this morning, Jenna strolled into our bedroom and announced that she was ready for breakfast (I believe having been awake for about an hour on her own, and telling me I need my pajama top on when I slept). Seems that Jenna is the proud big sister to Elizabeth (who decided to come about a week early, and also very quickly from the story). From the pictures Princess took, I can't wait to see this new bundle of joy!

So, here I sit in the computer/craft room typing out my woes. Princess made us pancakes and fruit, and is now showering. I'm next, then the fun of our Saturday begins. And all of it on just 3.5 hours sleep (I should be just lovely out and about with the back to school crowds)!

More adventures to come.
Jim

MMMHHH!

So this week I was supposed to spend the whole week in the office. I had planned everything out to the proverbial "T". Finish some reports, catch up on expense reports, start prepping the trim on the house to give it a good coat of paint (I know, I wait until August to do this, BUT, we have had record rainfall during May, June and July, etc.

I was busy at my desk on Monday when I got the call from an R&D associate stating that he needed an audit performed right away and how fast could I do it. I explained my schedule, he gave me the contact, and next thing I knew, I was planning a trip to sunny Los Angeles area.

Now you might be wondering, why I have titled this post "MMMHHH". Well it is because while in sunny Cal-i-for-ni-a, I ate several times at my favorite burger joint in the whole wide world...In-N-Out Burger!


And to prove how loving I am to Princess, here is what I ate at IN-N-Out->


I even had the audacity to call her and let her know what I was eating that very moment while we were speaking! :-) She wasn't too impressed I must tell you. I don't really think her tone with me was all that pleasant either! Go figure!

I made it home safe and sound, and today is a day filled with errands - and sshh, I've got to find a 20th anniversary present for Princess and she has given me no clues whatsoever to get her! It's not like we don't have all that we need, but still, it is our anniversary (she has put up with me for 20 years after all), so she rightly deserves all the attention and accolades she can get!
Jim

More Family Reunion

This is so cool!

July

July started out with a bang- literally a Fourth of July bang. We had a great party with our neighbors, then were home to not enjoy all the crazies and the fireworks.

Then on July fifth, I travelled to Mexico for work. There I got some bad news about my Mom and her Cancer, where of course I doomed and gloomed. BUT, she recovered from her issue, and she is at home and undergoing tests for a study she was FINALLY accepted into.

The rest of July is a blur. I made two separate trips to Canada, one to a really beautiful point in Northeastern Quebec, the other to Toronto for meetings. Both were good, but not a cool temperature wise as I would have liked.

Then a trip to Chicago for a team meeting, then a trip to Mexico again for work, and I just returned from Minnesota and Winsconsin.

Wenedsday night, we were driving back to Minnesota from Wisconsin and fortunately did not go near I-35. At 6:00 PM, an older bridge section collapsed in rush hour traffic, causing multiple deaths and injuries when about 50 cars plummeted into the Mississippi river. If we had gone the way our vendor told us to go, we might have been on that road stuck in traffic or worse. Instead, we followed Hertz Neverlost for the quickest way back and arrived safely at our hotel. I am glad I followed the inspiration given to me to use the Neverlost instead of following directions/maps.

So, you can see just how busy I have been with work and travel. Sorry for boring so many of you dear readers with no updates. I'm not even going to promise to do better. I will state that I will blog when I can with time permitting.

Jim

June

So in June we took our vacation to lovely Boise, ID to partake in Princesses family reunion. I dreaded the trip, 10 days with family and lot's of kids. Boy was I wrong!

We had a blast. When we arrived at the airport, we had rented a small car for the week (heck we were only going to need it to get to her sister's house, and for errands. Well, because of my travels for work, we were upgraded to a Subaru Tribeca (their SUV). It was lovely. Drove smoothly, had a great sound system, and had GPS navigation!

Each morning we got up with the in-laws and the kids, had scripture study, and then went to the park to do a mile around the track. Princess and I walked, while the kids all jogged and timed themselves. Then it was back home to eat breakfast, shower and get on with the day. The reunion was Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. We had the Aunt, cousins, etc and had games planned and a craft idea for the adult women. Princesses Uncle took all the kids swimming at their hotel (about 10 or 11) and they had a blast. We barbecued, played badminton, catch, jai-alai, it was great.

Matt playing catch with the kids

Dave, Jared, Kerry, and Aunt Marcia enjoying watching the kids and each other in the shade.

After Church in the Mike's flowers for a family portrait.

All in all it was a really good time had by all. Now I only have to "dread" it for the next two years:-)!

Jim

O Canada

What a beautiful country our neighbor to the north is. I flew into Toronto on Thursday, only to connect to another flight within Canada to continue my journey. While in Toronto, I caught up with another employee from our company. We both flew with our vendor rep to a small town called North Bay. The views from the plane were spectacular.

From North Bay, we drove to a smaller town called New Liskeard. We were right on the Ottawa river, where it is wide enough to create a lake. All this beautiful scenery and I forgot to take my freakin digital camera out of my bag! At this point, we were about 6 hours north east of Toronto by car.

We continued our journey the next day to a small village called Laverlochere within the province of Quebec. As many of you know, Canada is bilingual, English and French. Well, I don't speak French (I thought my Spanish skills were going to be no use to me) but boy did my knowledge of the Spanish language help. All the documentation was in French, but with my Spanish help, I could interpret what was written even if I could not read or speak it back to them.

We finished our business, to begin the 1.5 hour journey back to North Bay to fly into Toronto. Of course, what did I do? Forgot to take my camera out of my bag! See, age is getting to me and I'm becoming forgetful!

I finally got home on Saturday afternoon about 2:45 PM to spend some time with Princess. Now it's off to Church to teach my class, then home to rest, have roast, mashed potatoes, veggies, and a new lemon cake that Princess is developing for dessert! Now we all know why I'm as fat as I am, too much cooking/eating, not enough exercise.

Have a great Sunday - Jim

Time

Not enough of it that is. I was reminded the other day that I haven't blogged in quite a while - sorry dear friends/family that life has been extremely busy for the Price household.

After Sacramento, Princess and I loaded up on an airplane and took off for 7 days to, to, to...Boise, Idaho for her family reunion. We had a blast - I promise to post pictures so that you can see the whole family.

We got home, had two days to recuperate before work, and then it has been hectic. Fourth of July was in there and also a trip to Mexico for my work.

My Mom is back in the hospital. On top of her cancer, she has gotten an intestinal blockage. The Doctor's are skeptical at best. Four years of chemotherapy have taken their toll on her poor body. One Dr's prognosis is grim, the other's is not that much better. We are praying for her, asking Heavenly Father to do His will, but still wanting some more time. Only Faith and time will tell.

So, there you have it in a nutshell. My life on the "B" list (b for busy).

Jim

Heat

Dry Heat that is!

I'm currently in Sacramento, California! The high yesterday was 103 and today's was 105!! It felt like an oven, heat blast every time you left your car, hotel, vendor's office, you name it, it felt GREAT!! I could sweat, and it evaporated right off of me. No clinging wet clothes, just a nice dry heat. I know that some people are thinking I'm weird. So maybe I am a little weird, but it has been sooo nice to have felt what I grew up with for all my life.

I have eaten at In-N-Out burger three times in the last two days! De-li-cious! I asked Princess what I could bring her and she said a burger. Too bad I can't get that through security tomorrow morning!

Also, I got upgraded on my rental car. Ready...

A brand new 2007 Infinity G35! Sweeeeett! I have been in heaven for the past two days - I'll post a picture of it later.

Gotta run - early flight to get back to Texas, heat, humidity, sweat - Geez, I'm missing the dry heat already! :-)

Family

We just got back from Sydnee's first Birthday party! She didn't know what to do with herself and all the presents, it didn't help that she is walking sooo fast, that I stepped one way, she came back into my path quicker than you can say walk, and I knocked her flat on the floor. She cried, big sister Ava cried, and I felt horrible.

While at the party, I got to thinking about family. We go throughout our lives worrying and caring for our families, Mothers, Fathers, Siblings, etc. Somewheare along the line in this journey, we meet people, acquaintances at first, then friends, then family. Sometimes this process only takes a minute, sometimes much longer with much laughter, and some tears. Above it all, I'm thankful for the "friends" that are not defined by blood relations and have become family.

Such was our case today. Princess and I went to the Blackhursts to celebrate the festivities. Everyone else that was there were tied to them through blood or marriage, except us. But we never felt like outsiders, just the contrary. We felt, feel like family, and they also to us.

This scenario has played out for us all our married lives - friends that are family. There is no other word for it. How grateful we are for this miracle in our lives. Dear friends we've watched you start families, in some cases, been at your weddings, been part of Baptisms, confirmations, ordinations, etc. We are so appreciative of the time that you spend with us, and the joy you bring into our lives.

Whew! That was just a little too deep for me - so I'll just say thanks - you've blessed our lives immensely - and we had fun at the party too...boy can that girl scream when she doesn't get her way!

Not enough

Blogging that is! That's what I was told by a friend of mine last night. I was amazed and confused. I really guess that my friend hasn't been reading thoroughly through my posts to find out that for all but three weeks of this year, I have been doing two, yes two jobs at work. My own lovely job, and that of my boss.

Quick recap "gilligan, gilligan, gilligan" as we move back in time! December and my boss has a beautiful baby boy, is out three and a half months. She comes back to work, and three weeks later, is promoted and moves sites and I am "awarded" the position of interim group manager. So the group has been without one person now for 6 months, I'm working tons of hours , not counting the travel (around 10 to 11 hours each day, sometimes more), the laptop up at home, fielding calls at 8:00 PM at night, and now checking on work things with the east coast, so that I can assure supply to one of the plants.

I certainly did not mean for my dear readers to think that I was neglecting my blogging duties, it's just hard to type when you come home from work, eat dinner, do the dishes, sit down for a few minutes and you're asleep in your easy chair.

Now back to the present - I'm typing, Princess is lying in the Mickey room, and we have a super busy day - so we're off to shower, hit the Golf Tournament to help set up goodie bags for kids, then on to Sydnee's 1st birthday party, then who knows what we'll do next. It's going to be a busy day and a very "bumpy ride". It's also become hot and muggy here - can you say 77 for an overnight low with humidity around 80% - YUCK! Summers here, Summers here!

SIX...

...years!!!

Happy Anniversary!! Today is the day six years ago that we boarded a plane at McCarren International Airport and began our journey in Texas! I swear to you that Princess cried for half the plane ride from Vegas to Austin (we flew in there, and then drove up to Waco). We joked then and still laugh about it now, "that we had soap in our eyes, stinging them, and that is why we had cried.

What an adventure we have had so far! Our first Texas friends were the Blackhursts (newlyweds at the time and we called them "the kids") and the Estradas (definitely not newlyweds at the time, but their kids were small enough we could pick on them without fear of getting beat up). We spent many a night with these couples playing games and eating, learning new sayings, like "ya'll", "fixn'to", and "howdy" come to mind right now.

We fed a huge portion of the Missionaries here in the area, gone on discussions with them, and been invited (post mission of course) to many wedding receptions for them.

We've had to stand on our own two feet (parents and family being 1,350 miles away and all) and learn to "cleave" together and be united.

So, a big thank you to the following who have helped shape and share our journey here:
The Rich Whites, The Frank Duty's, The Josh Whites, The Shumates, The Sterling Jones', The Collingwoods, The Blackhursts, The Estradas, The Ameney's, The Schlitts, The Works, The Moore's, The Hodsens (both sets), The Jacobsens, The Heath Nielsens, The Mocks, The Lackmeyers, Lynn, Laurie, Ken and Nancy, The Merritts, The Carters, The Bacchus, The Johnsons, The Lockes, The Watts, The Askeroth's, The Castenedas, Dr. Miller and K-Paul, The Loggins, The Plasketts, The Milligans, and a myriad of other friends. We love you and thank you for your friendship, time and energy with us. We are truly blessed and our lives richer because of you!

Princess and I are truly blessed to have all of you and those I can't remember in our lives. This journey called life is a great blessing from Heavenly Father and living here in Central Texas is a little slice of Heaven on earth because of our friends, neighbors, and those we have even met and befriended at our local HEB!

Here's to another 6 great years of fun times and supporting one another!

Jim

Mother's Day...

...A little late! Since I had come down with the lovely Bronchitis bug on Mother's day weekend, we didn't get to celebrate the day for Princess. We did eat lunch at Pei Wei (I couldn't taste a thing) and that was fine, but it wasn't anything special.

Sooo, last night, we went to a local eatery here called 1424. Why is it called 1424 you ask? Because that is the address on Washington...1424 Washington, Waco, TX. Princess had the pork loin with fried plantains, mango salsa and a salad. I had the pork loin with balsamic reduction, potato medley, and baby carrots. MMMMMHHH! It was Delicious.

If you haven't been to 1424, it is a little pricey, so that is why we go there on special occasions, like Mother's Day celebrations, Anniversaries, Birthdays, etc.

Speaking of Moms, both our Mother's are doing quite well lately. We spoke to them on Mother's Day, Princess longer than me cause of my voice and cough.

I am better! Antibiotics rule man! Also, I'm singing a solo today in Sacrament Meeting. Wish me luck as I hope my voice will be able to handle it.

Jim

Monday

Well, I am supposed to be at our corporate HQ for a week of training, but like my last entry stated, I am under the weather with Bronchitis. I am on day four of antibiotics and feeling a little bit better. I still have the cough and congestion in my chest. As such, I am at home. I am working from home, but took a second to blog about my trivial day.

So far this morning, I have had six phone calls from solicitors on the home line. I answer then hang up. I have had three work related phone calls on my cell phone. Thus far, a little bit of a boring day. The girls keep coming and going through their door in the kitchen, the TV is on to provide a bit of white noise for me (makes me think that I am in the open office environment at work). I've got a couple of reports to finish, along with a couple of expense reports.

So, it's back to work.

Allergies...

That's what I thought Friday a week ago, then yesterday, after a week of suffering through sinus drainage, congested chest, a cough that wouldn't quit, along came a plugged ear. Soo, I call the Doctor, get an appointment and what do I get? Sympathy you say? No, No, do not kid yourself with that one. I got an ear full from the Doctor. Now in this day and age when they are trying hard not to give medication to you at the drop-of-a-hat, I was doing what was advised the last time I got sick...give it 7 to 10 days, if the symptoms do not clear up, call us.

Well, with the ear being plugged and a three and a half hour plane ride to New Jersey on Sunday, I went in. My Doctor gave me an ear full, "You have asthma. If your symptoms last past three or four days - you get in here!" He continued "You cannot let your chest get so tight, that I'm going to have to administer som cortisone to relax it and allow you to breathe!" So, thirty five dollar co-pay, an ear full for doing what I thought was right, a shot in my right butt, and forty dollars at the pharmacist, I finally slept all through the night. Only to awaken to a sick Princess. She too now has antibiotics and has taken some cough syrup to help her sleep.

We are just a lovely bunch today...although, I made her take a shower with some VICK's up her nose to help clear the nasal passages. Later, I'll go to the store for groceries, etc, then come home to iron for my trip.

By-the-way, I haven't blogged in a long time cause there hasn't been any time. My boss got a promotion, and I have been filling in for her since the 24th of April! Not complaing my loyal friends and family, just stating what has been going on in our lives.

Also, for my fine loving neighbors, the landscape crew is suppossed to come on Monday (yes this Monday the 21st and finally plant the trees, shrubs, and mulch the beds! Yessirree, I am stoked.

Well, gotta run and make Princess some soup - keep her happy is my goal today.

Jim

A Day of Rest

I am so glad today is Sunday. I had a very long week this week. The trip for work to Guatemala was excellent. I will be finishing the reports as I travel to New Jersey tomorrow for some meetings. I don't know if I mentioned this earlier (if I did, chock it up to old age and Alzheimer's), anyway, we stayed in the City of Antigua in Guatemala, just one night. We stayed at this old (like almost 200 years old) convent that had been rescued and turned into a hotel/resort like location. The walls were super thick rock/bricks and that kept the temperature pretty stable.

When I got to my room, passing about 100 thousand centuries old statues of saints (one our hosts said the place gave her the spooks), I entered my room which was "warm" and set about to find the air conditioner...WHAT, no a/c?! I then looked up, and no ceiling fan! I about died. I opened the french doors to the patio (did I mention a common patio that all the other guest could just walk right up to the french doors of my room?) for some fresh air. When we left for dinner, I found that the doors had these metal things hanging on them by two of the panes of glass. I picked one up and could push it through this little hole and lift the pane of glass to an angle and get fresh air. So I did, and when I got back to my room (at 11:00 PM - those Latins take way too long for dinner), my room was re-freshed and the temperature had dropped about 5 degrees. I slept with those windows open and at some time during the night, I actually pulled the blanket onto me as I slept.

Anyhow, each day was up at 5:00 AM, and to bed at 11:00 PM. It just about killed me. So I am glad that today, I got to sleep in until 7:30, came and finished preparing my Primary lesson for Church, and now have caught all of you up on my whining.

Okay, switching topics, Princess and I have been doing more gardening here in the last two months than the entire time we have lived here in Texas. We have the front bed cut out of the grass (waiting for the landscaping guys to come and prepare the bed, then plant the bed with bushes, crepe myrtles, and two trees out front. We have bought shade plants for the bed under our bathroom window, and we some sun loving plants for the side by the garage. (side note, Princess did do all of the planting of the shade bed and garage bed, I just did my normal, edge mow, blow down the patios thing...not wanting to take credit away from her hard work.)

Our next big feat will be to remove all the Christmas light screws from the fascia boards, fill in the holes and paint the trim. Boy, I'm looking forward to that! NOT!!! But it has to be done, so it is our/my task.

Here it the Sabbath, the day of rest, and I am thinking about my honey-do list...as Jenna would say "Jim, you're crazy!" And today I would say to her "You're right, I am crazy!"

Jim

Home Sweet...

Home!

I just got home from a wonderful trip to central America for work. The weather was not too warm, and the countryside was just beautiful. Now I'm going out to do some mowing, weeding, and touching up.

Princess and I finalized on a simple plan for the front planter area that we carved out, and have accepted the bid to do the work. Now we just have to wait a couple of weeks for the workers to get here to do it. I'm tired of digging in hard clay-type soil, so I'm letting some one else do it. Bye-Bye bonus money! Oh well, at least when Sarah comes for a visit with Sterling and the kids, she won't know which house is ours.

BTW Sarah - Happy 36th Birthday!! We love ya!

Jim

Where's Spring

I’m in Chi-land and experiencing some of the most bizarre springtime weather. I woke up to snow this morning and it snowed for about 6 or 7 hours, then has turned to rain. We’re in SPRING people! And it snowed! We’re supposed to get more snow tonight! I was smart for the trip to Chicago; I checked the weather online and packed long sleeve shirts, an overcoat, gloves, but no umbrella or hat. Maybe I’ll be smarter next time.

After last weekend in San Antonio, where we had a cold snap, the weather hovering around 36 F with a northern wind driving a wind chill and making me wish I had more than t-shirts and shorts. We did have fun with Jen, Dan, and the kids. Colored eggs, stuffed eggs, made deviled eggs, jiggler eggs, jiggler jelly beans, get the picture, pure Easter fun.

It snowed in Waco, enough to build snowmen, and we missed it, but got so see the remnants of them when we got home.

When I talked to Princess today, it was 80 F today in Waco. I can’t wait to get home and mow my grass and plant some flowers.

Be good and safe.

Parents

Just got a call from my Mom. Her CA 125 number is up after only three months without Chemo! She starts another round in a couple of weeks. She sounded so down. I love her so much. She is so strong and exhibits so much faith. I can only walk in her footprints, and hope one day my size 12 fills her size 8.

I Love YA Mom! Hang in there cause we need you here with us.

Love, Jimmy (Only she is allowed to call me that)

San Antone

This weekend, Princess and I are heading to San Antonio (San Antone for born and bred Texans) to visit with dear friends who moved there from Vegas. We will be having Easter at their house, going to Church on Saturday Night with them instead of Sunday (Group decision due to our having to travel home on Sunday afternoon), and having an Easter Brunch on Sunday Morning along with the egg hunt.

Ben and Molly, Dan and Jen's kids are super excited. We're taking the girls with us, and they just love them soooo much. Sadie is even excited, knowing something was up last night when Princess started ironing clothes, other than her dental assisting uniforms.

We're going to color eggs, stuff plastic eggs, shop (Princesses favorite past time), and just have a great time. Both Princess and I need the break and the relaxation...well for me anyway. Ben and Molly are dying to have Aunt Melanie cook for them. They just love her food and have informed their Mom that she is not to help Aunt Melanie in any way shape or form. We rolled on the floor on that one.

Remember, Easter isn't about eggs, isn't about frilly new dresses, or brunch, but about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His atoning sacrifice for us, taking on our sins, death on the cross, and His resurrection make it possible for us to return to live with Him and Our Heavenly Father. So dye the eggs, pack the plastic ones, and as you do so, talk about Christ with your families, teach them His story, and I promise you, that your home, your weekend, everything we do at this time of year, will feel warmer, more loving, more beautiful (sorry to be so preachy, but I just felt inspired)

Happy Easter.

Surviving

...Tornadoes, Princesses desires for a beautiful yard, out of control weeds, you name it and I have been doing it. So lets start with the first one.

Last Friday, March 30, 2007, we had another Tornado warning. Princess, Sadie, Sasha, and myself, gathered cushions, water, medicine and ourselves into the guest/hall bathroom following all the weatherman's warnings. We huddled together while waiting out the storm, winds, rain - lots of rain, and hail came, flooding the back yard, and delivering about 5 to 7 inches of badly needed rain. Then it left, and overnight we had just a little bit of rain, to keep us from being in a drought.

For the past two weeks we have been buying plants and putting them in all over the house (really, around the house). We rented a sod cutter, removed a bunch of grass to create a planting bed in the front, got a landscaper out for a quote on trees and preparing the bed - not planting it, just preparing it, Princess is making me plant the bushes and flowers the landscaper recommends (no rest for the wicked...or in my case the fat and ornery).

Killing weeds has become my favorite past time. Pulling them out by their tap roots, applying herbicide etc. Man if I could grow grass and plants like I grow weeds, I would have the best lawn in all my neighborhood.

Been working lots and lots of hours still - hoping that it will calm down and I will be able to get back on the road and get some audits done.

Easter weekend we're going to San Antonio to visit the Martinsen's (friends from Vegas - yeah baby).

Be safe and Happy