Monday, June 12, 2006
rest in peace, jenny
The youth choir did such a good job. I know you enjoyed Amazing Grace. I know everyone in the church was touched when we heard it. You know what a sap I am. You used to tease me about it. When the choir sang Eagle's Wings, it was really hard to keep my composure. It's a good thing I wore waterproof mascara.
I was very glad Father Mike spoke of your mother. He made sure we prayed for her healing. Everyone who knows and loves you and your Mom, knows something happened to her to cause her to do what she did. Did she think she was protecting you from something? Did she even mean to do what she did? I wish I knew, sweetie. I know you know, but you can't tell us.
Jennifer, you are going to be missed so much. It is going to be strange not seeing your sweet, serene face every Sunday at mass. It will be weird not to see you every week at CCD. I know you were looking forward to joining Youth Group this summer/fall. I know you had vacillated about joining, but had pretty much decided to go. You were excited about all the new adventures life had in store for you. I am so sorry you won't be able to do it now.
Your dad told me as Joseph and I left today that he will be back at Mass....on Sundays at 5:30. I am glad he hasn't lost his faith.
Rest in Peace sweet girl..
Sunday, June 11, 2006
daddy's girl
Tonight was the viewing and her Rosary. By the time I got over to the mortuary after Mass, the viewing was over, so they could bring her over to the church. Her coffin was open for the Rosary though. I wanted to be a big baby and not go up after the Rosary. I wanted to go hide in a corner stamping my feet, but I put on my big girl panties and went up. She looked so sweet.
Daddy's Girl.
Her daddy is a strong man. I don't know how he is functioning, really I don't. I guess it is his faith that keeps him going. He spent time comforting everyone else there. I stood and talked to him, along with Sherry, Heidi and Max. He told us about Ana....how she is. He told us that he HAS to get Ana declared insane, or else she may spend the rest of her life in prison. He told us he knows (as all her friends know) that she couldn't have done this. A mother does not kill her beloved daughter. Something snapped.
Are we all this close to losing control? What could have caused it? Did she lose her faith for a brief moment? The faith that the world is NOT a bad place, the faith that there is Something greater than all of us. Why didn't she ask for help? Did she even know her world was spinning out of control? There are so many questions...questions that may never be answered.
As one of my friends said tonight...I don't get it.
Tommorow is the funeral. It is going to be hard :*(
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
a rose is a rose
http://www.cottagegardensofpet.com/rsdisneyland.htm
I finally got my Disneyland rose. We went to Oregon this past weekend to see Roy and Eleanor (and Steve, Roberta, et al) Saturday we went out to breakfast with R & E, then did some shopping, before meeting Steve and Roberta at Roy's for dinner. We went to the Jackson & Perkins store (Harry & David) They were having a rose sale. I got my Disneyland rose for $10! W00t. Color me happy:) I think this makes close to 20 rosebushes now.
It was good to see everyone this weekend. Both Roy and Eleanor seem to be going downhill though:( Roy is back to using his walker, and Eleanor just seems weak and tired. I think we need to make a concerted effort to get up there more often this summer.
Sunday morning before we left, we stopped at Elycia and Dan's for a few minutes before we went to Steve's. I finally got to hold Gabriel. What a cutie he is. (He's our newest grandnephew) He's 6 months old now. I was sick the last time we were there so I didn't get to see him... I got baby snuggles this time though. *sigh* It's a good thing this baby factory is out of business. Holding Gabe gave me baby lust;-)
Still nothing on the Santa Maria job front. The guy down there really wants Chris and is willing to do a temporary thing. It's back in MK's court now. Chris told them about my concerns about Kaya, and why we can't/won't sell this house and move permanently. Right now they are doing the budget at work, so all energies are on that.....*Sigh*
This waiting is slowly driving me crazy.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
midweek smiles
The only exceptions are possibly Episcopalians and Lutherans---you know, the Catholics who moved to the suburbs and started voting Republican.
GLOSSARY OF TERMSAMEN: The only part of a prayer that everyone knows.
BULLETIN: Your receipt for attending Mass.
CHOIR: A group of people whose singing allows the rest of the parishto lip-sync.
HOLY WATER: A liquid whose chemical formula is H2OLY.
HYMN: A song of praise usually sung in a key three octaves higher than that of the congregation's range.
RECESSIONAL HYMN: The last song at Mass often sung a little more quietly, since most of the people have already left.
INCENSE: Holy Smoke!
JESUITS: An order of priests known for their ability to find colleges with good basketball teams.
JONAH: The original "Jaws" story.
KYRIE ELEISON: The only Greek words that most Catholics can recognize besides gyros and baklava.
MAGI: The most famous trio to attend a baby shower.
MANGER: Where Mary gave birth to Jesus because Joseph wasn't covered by an HMO. (The Bible's way of showing us that holiday travel has always been rough.)
PEW: A medieval torture device still found in Catholic churches.
PROCESSION: The ceremonial formation at the beginning of Mass consisting of altar servers, the celebrant and late parishioners looking for seats. End of Mass led by parishioners trying to beat the crowd to the parking lot.
RELICS: People who have been going to Mass for so long, they actually know when to sit, kneel, and stand.
TEN COMMANDMENTS: The most important Top Ten list not given by David Letterman.
USHERS: The only people in the parish who don't know the seating capacity of a pew.
Monday, May 22, 2006
books, books, books
I got over $150 worth of books for less than $70. What a rush;-) I picked up a couple of books we can use for school next year, a few novels Joseph wants to read (and a few books for me too)
I also picked up some beautiful journals. 10 of them in fact. I am giving them as graduation gifts to a couple of special girls this year, and will put the rest away to give as gifts later. I love to give journals as a gift, along with a pretty pen:)
As we were coming home, we were going to stop at In N Out for a burger, but the shopping center we wanted to go to was surrounded by police cars, and all entrances were blocked. There were news vans all over the place. First, I thought maybe Dick Cheney was there, as he had been in Sacramento today. Nosy thing that I am, I changed my radio to a news talk station. I can't stand not knowing what is going on;-) Apparently, there had been an armed robbery, and a shootout. Wow, I'm glad we didn't go for lunch before we went shopping. We would have been right in the middle of all the excitement. They wouldn't let cars out....people were stuck there for hours:/
Saturday, May 20, 2006
happy birthday kaya michelle
You are 7 years old today. What a big girl! I hope you are having a wonderful birthday, wherever you are. It is another birthday that we are missing. Nana, Papa and Uncle Joe miss you a whole lot, and we love even you more. I am broken hearted that it has been so long since we have seen you. Since your mommy took you away, we don't even know where you sre, or if you are safe and healthy:*( I sure hope you are doing ok. Has your hair grown? It was starting to grow when you were last with us. Have you gained some weight?
It sure is hard today, Peanut. Papa and I went shopping, and I saw so much stuff that made me think of you. I wish with all my heart that I was buying a birthday cake for you, and lots of presents for you to open. Most of all, I just wish your mommy would bring you back to us, or at least let us know you are alright. I worry about you every day. We love you more than anything sweetheart.
Remember the doll you wanted for Christmas when you were with us? I stll have it in your bedroom, along with some other gifts.
Always remember how much we love you, Kaya Michelle.
With all our love,
Nana, Papa and Uncle Joe
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
(Those hugs and kisses will have to do until I can give them to you personally again)
Friday, May 19, 2006
tgif
He also talked to Eleanor. She said that the doctors told her that if she had waited a half hour more, that Roy would have been in big trouble. Thank God she got him in when she did. He is definitely a tough old bird.
We got a little bit of rain today. Just enough to water the garden and lawn;) It smells so good outside after the rain.
Dinner tonight was too good. Pizza and beer. Yum!
Oh! Joseph has decided what he is going to sing on Sunday at youth group for the parents... One, by U2. He sang it for Jo and the girls yesterday, and they loved it. He really sounds good:)
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
ugh
Steve just called, and Roy is in the hospital with pneumonia:/ Eleanor took him to the coast for a few days for his birthday, and he got sick.
For Steve to call at 10 pm, it must be serious. Of course, this is the night Chris isn't home. I hope he calls soon, so I can tell him.
Its a bit scary. Roy isn't in good health. Pneumonia is NOT a good thing for him to have. I hope he can fight it off:(
If you're a praying person, say a prayer for his health, please.
midweek musings
My garden is exploding! Everything is growing like crazy. The corn is already thigh high. We should have a good harvest this year:) My flowers are all blooming too. The roses are spectacular.
Chris has a big 'face to face' thing this week with people from all over the world. Tonight a bunch of them went to theA's game after their meeting. Since he wasn't going to be home, Joseph and I made an IKEA run this afternoon. I bought a couple of little chairs and a small table to put out under the big tree in the yard. They look very cute. I put a citronella candle in a bucket on the table, and hung some tiny wind chimes in the branch. Voila! A perfect place to sit and have a glass of wine in the evening....or a cup of coffee in the morning.
Friday is FIL Roy's birthday. I *think* he'll be 81, but I'm not sure. Chris is going to take a half day off (I wish he could leave even earlier) and we're going to drive up to Oregon to see the ILs. We have to leave early Sunday morning though, so we can be back for youth group. It is a youth led meeting so the parents and parish memebers can come see what it's all about. Joseph is going to sing....but he still hasn't picked out a song:/
I'm feeling sad and upset at the treatment I am getting by certain people at a certain forum (which shall remain nameless) Things (untrue things) are being said about me, and I don't even have the opportunity to defend myself from the *attacks* (I feel they are attacks. The women making the statements don't, I'm sure)
~~Enough whining for one day.~~
I think I'll go sit in my new chair under my tree with a nice glass of chardonnay. Hopefully it will help:/
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
what's goin on
Chris got a job offer in Santa Maria. I haven't been sleeping well since then. I don't want to move. I really don't want to move. There are many reasons, lots of them selfish. I love my house. I love where it is (ok, I don't care much for the politics here in cow town...but other than that) We are close to everything we like to do, and it is easy to get to anywhere we want to go.
If we moved down there, we would have to add 5 hours travel time to most anyplace we go (except for Disneyland) I can get to Reno/Tahoe in less than 3 hours. It only takes 5 to get to the ILs in Oregon.
Our life is here. Chris, God love him, goes to work and comes home. That is it, unless we go somewhere. Joseph and I OTOH, are very involved. He is a youth group leader, and he is in a band with his best friend. I am a parent leader at YG, a catechist, and a Eucharistic Minister at church. I don't want to start over. I am very shy IRL, and it is difficult for me to make friends.
There are lots of reasons I don't want to move, but the one that is most compelling to me is Kaya Michelle. I can't move away. What if her mother decides to abandon her like she did before? What if she comes to find us? I can't leave this house. I can't. It may be irrational, but that is the way it is. I am her Nana, and I have to be here for her.
Why couldn't they have offered him this job 5 years ago? There would have been no qualms about moving then:(
Luckily, they are now talking about making the job a temporary assignment....maybe a year. They would provide living accomodations for Chris, and Joseph and I would spend time there....most likely every other week or so. That would be doable.
*Sigh*
We'll see...
Thursday, May 04, 2006
!fiesta!
| You Are a Strawberry Margarita |
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
6th grade graduation
It was a fun day. I brought games and the kids just ate, had fellowship and had fun. I loved hearing thank you from some of my students. A few of them really surprised me. One boy came up, gave me a hug and thanked me for teaching him about God this year. I was really touched. He was one I had doubts about whether or not he even paid attention. I guess he did:)
I got end of the year teacher gifts too. I will be able to keep up with my Starbucks habit thanks to gift cards:-) I also got movie passes, and the most beautiful necklace. It is a heart with a cross inside it....like a Sacred Heart. Gorgeous. I'm wearing it now:)
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
cute, cute
http://www.poppylarity.com/collectionwomen.html
I don't know if you can tell from the picture, but it is a print of Adam and Eve. SO cool! After looking at the web page, I'm glad I got it there, lol. She sold them at wholesale prices. $54 was a lot better than $90! I love the skirt, but I won't be wearing it to church;-)
Saturday, April 29, 2006
beautiful day
Last Saturday was the diocesan rally. It was w o n d e r f u l . It was a long, long day (8 am to 10 pm) , but so much fun. Father Tony Ricard was the keynote speaker (www.fathertony.com) This was the 3rd time I have seen him. Last year at L.A congress, this year at congress, then at the diocesan rally. He really is incredible. Kathy and I joked about moving to New Orleans just so he would be our priest. We talked with him a bit, and had our picture taken with him. He came out and talked with Kathy, John, Jo, Alicia and me later on during a break too. The kids absolutely love him.
Joseph, Derek, Patty and Drake performed during the ' band a thon' at the rally too. I got teary eyed. My BABY....performing in front of a few hundred people! There were people dancing even! They had people come up to them afterwards and tell them they were awesome. I was (am) so proud :*)
We got the garden in today! Praise the Lord. Its a couple of weeks late getting planted because the garden was so.freaking.wet. but with the warm weather, we finally got it tilled, composted and planted. We planted tomatoes (Better Boy, Early Girl and romas), zucchini, crookneck squash, eggplant, green and yellow bell peppers, green beans, onions, cucumber and corn. I also got my herbs planted...basil, 2 kinds of oregano, coriander and chives. I have rosemary and sage growing already. I hope we have a good harvest;-)
Tomorrow we're going to Petaluma for the street antiques fair. We're going early so we can be back for youth group...but early is fun. It won't be so hot, and hopefully I will find some treasures:)
Friday, April 21, 2006
Sunday, April 16, 2006
peace be with you
| You Are a Peacemaker Soul |
While you keep the peace, you tend to be secretly judgmental.You lose respect for people who don't like to both give and take.On the flip side, you've got a graet sense of humor and wit.You're always dimplomatic and able to give good advice. Souls you are most compatible with: Warrior Soul, Hunter Soul and Visionary Soul |
Saturday, April 15, 2006
taxman
There's one for you, nineteen for me
'cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
Should five percent appear too small
Be thankful I don't take it all
'cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
If you drive a car, I'll tax the street
If you try to sit, I'll tax your seat
If you get too cold, I'll tax the heat
If you take a walk, I'll tax your feet
Taxman
'Cause I'm the taxman, Yeah, I'm the taxman
Don't ask me what I want it for (ha ha Mr. Wilson)
If you don't want to pay some more (ha ha Mr. Heath)
'cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
Now my advice for those who die
Declare the pennies on your eyes
'cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
And you're working for no one but me
I finally got ours done tonight.
I have been procrastinating. We're getting a nice refund from Uncle Sam but have to pay Arnie& Co. a couple hundred.
I have a headache. I don't like numbers:/
Monday, April 10, 2006
monday monday
Saturday morning was Confirmation. The youth group had to be there as we had to help with the reception afterwards. I knew we had to set up, but what I didn't know was that every room in the hall was still set up for class, so we had to bust down tables and put away chairs before we could even set up the punch and cookies. Because of that, I didn't get to see any of the Confirmation Mass:(
We went out to dinner Saturday night, to Mary's Pizza Shack.
http://www.maryspizzashack.com They have the best raviolis, and you can get half orders, which is perfect for me.
Yesterday was Palm Sunday. Chris worked in the yard, and Joseph and I went up to Davis for a little while before he had choir practice. Mass was nice. I always get teary eyed during the reading of the Passion. The church looked beautiful, and the choir sounded great.
Today Joseph spent most of the day over at Derek's, practicing for the band a thon at the diocesan rally on the 22nd. They have picked out some good songs to play. A Place In This World by Michael W Smith, Keep Walking On by Faith Hill, Winners and Losers by Social Distortion, Every Rose Has its Thorn by Poison, Knocking on Heaven's Door by Bob Dylan and Live Before You Die, by Social Distortion. One of the songs has to be religious (Michael W Smith) and the others can be secular but have a positive meaning. I hope the kids do well.
Tonight I spent packing, because we leave bright and early tomorrow morning for Disneyland! We'll be back Friday.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Thirteen Things about YOUR NAME
|
Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants