2011 was a year of miracles and a year of change for me for which I am so blessed and grateful. Following is just a short list of things I am thankful for to remind me on the hard days to have a better attitude because I am truly blessed beyond measure.
1. Family. Without my family I wouldn't and I couldn't have done so many of the things that I accomplished this year. A special shout out to my parents who I owe so much and I can't even begin to express the impact they have had on my life. I don't know where I would be without their kindness, patience, love and devotion. I especially want to thank my Mom who has been my rock and my support the last few years as I've battled the 2nd round of kidney failure. I always knew that my mom loved me but I think this year I finally got it. I understood that she would literally do anything for me. She stayed up all night the day of my transplant and stayed even longer. I am pretty sure my Dad didn't get a lot of sleep either. I love you both. Thanks also to my siblings and their husbands and fiancee. I couldn't have done another transplant without you. Seriously. I love you to the moon and back.
2. Friends. I have so many friends to thank and I don't want to thank anyone by name because you are all special to me. You enrich my life in ways that I can't repay you. Vanessa especially has been there for and with me to hell and back these past two years. I couldn't have done it with out. Thanks for being there...and being there...and being there. Thanks for staying all night during the transplant when I know you need your beauty sleep. You are my 3rd sister and I love you.
3. The Gospel. Teaching Seminary this year has helped my understand of the gospel grow in ways that it hasn't before. I learn so much more than I could ever teach to my sleepy students. But it is such a blessing to me to be able to study myself and gain new understanding. I am so grateful to know that Heavenly Father loves and knows me. And that His Son died for me so I could live with them and with my Family forever. Its very comforting and when you have faced death multiple times it only becomes more cemented in your mind that you want to live so you can be with them.
4. My Health. I am so, so blessed that a family, in their hour of pain and suffering, allowed one of their mother's kidneys to be given to me. I feel so much better than I did and I have so much more energy. I was even out raking leaves today. (Granted it was 65 here) I can do the things I want and I am looking forward to doing more. I am trying every day to take care of this gift and to remember exactly what it was..a gift.
5. Passing the AAPC exam with an 88%. AAPC is the Academy of Professional Coders and the test was 150 questions and was 5 hours and 40 minutes long. Coders do much of the behind the scenes work in a doctors office. There is more to it than that but I won't bore you with the details.
2011 was a great year and I expect 2012 to be even better.
I hope that everyone out there in blog land will think about their blessings from 2011 and reflect on how they changed you. I know that mine changed me and I am beyond blessed for it.
Happy New Year!
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Monday, June 22, 2009
Kansas City Trip
On May 28th I flew out to Kansas City for a family reunion of sorts. My sister, Liz her husband Kyle and Little G had already arrived from Idaho. Margaret, Ben and Ken were already there of course. Dad would return the following day and our fun times would begin!
I was so excited to see my cute little nephew, my sisters, dad, brother and brothers in law! I love being around my family and being with them. It is always fun even though we can't make up our minds what we want to do.
Thankfully, Margaret made up a schedule of possible activities and we enjoyed doing so many fun things together. We went bowling, to a Royals game, shopping and just being together. We also celebrated Ken's girlfriends birthday the Monday before we all left. I am sure that our rendition of Happy Birthday was one she will never forget. We are blessed to have her in our family as well.
I truly love being around my whole family and I wish that we lived closer together so we could always do that. When I imagine heaven and being at peace there I imagine being with my family.
I love you all! Thanks for the great trip!
I was so excited to see my cute little nephew, my sisters, dad, brother and brothers in law! I love being around my family and being with them. It is always fun even though we can't make up our minds what we want to do.
Thankfully, Margaret made up a schedule of possible activities and we enjoyed doing so many fun things together. We went bowling, to a Royals game, shopping and just being together. We also celebrated Ken's girlfriends birthday the Monday before we all left. I am sure that our rendition of Happy Birthday was one she will never forget. We are blessed to have her in our family as well.
I truly love being around my whole family and I wish that we lived closer together so we could always do that. When I imagine heaven and being at peace there I imagine being with my family.
I love you all! Thanks for the great trip!
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Monday, February 02, 2009
With Gratitude and Love
I should be prepping for Seminary right now but I've been reading several blogs today and decided to copy one of my friends Eliza. One of my best friends of over 20 years, Beckle the Freckle, found out that her sister has stage 4 cancer. She mentions in her post that sometimes we don't appreciate the people in our lives like we should. So I decided to copy Eliza and write a little bit about those who mean so much to me.
Dad
I love you so much and I am so glad you are my dad. I love going to movies with you and to Eddie Bauer just to look at bags. I am thankful that you and mom let me come and "take care of you" even though I think it is the other way around. You are the best dad a girl could ask for and I will always be your little girl.
Mom
I love you so much! You are such a talented and wonderful person. I am completely amazed all of the time at the patience you have to do your many projects. I can barely tolerate doing my cross stitch but I am glad that you are there to help me over the rough spots. I love that you have always been there for me through thick and thin. You are amazing.
Ken
As brothers go you are simply the best. You are kind and loving to your sisters now that we are all grown up and out of our childhood and teenage years. I love being around you and learning from you. You are so intelligent and someone I really look up to. I am so proud of you for going back to school and finishing your degree. You make me want to do that too. I love you.
Elizabeth
The bond we share is something hard to describe to anyone else. You are there for me in a way that no one else is or could be. I admire your strength and the things that you have taught me. I was so proud the day you graduated from Peace but more especially that you left the nest to pursue your dreams. Also, thanks for giving all of us Little G to spoil He is simply so sweet and wonderful. I love you both.
Kyle
Thanks for marrying my sister and treating her so well. You always make me laugh when we're together. I think the best memory I have of you was recently at Grandma Kieffer's funeral. I was having a hard time right before the family prayer and crying pretty hard. Thanks for putting your arm around me. It really helped me feel better. I really love you for that. I am glad you are part of our family.
Margaret
I love you my little blonde headed sister. I know that we tease you all the time about being adopted but I couldn't imagine our family as being complete without you. I admire that you went to Germany to live when you were 16 almost 17. I admire that you teach the German language to high school students and you are so good at it. I love talking to you and hanging out with you and doing fun sister things together. You are so brave and smart and wonderful.
Ben
Last but not least. Thanks for marrying Mar. You are truly wonderful to her. Thanks for letting me live with you guys for those couple of years and for dealing with my craziness sometimes. I know I was a trial but you were always patient. Thanks for fixing my friend's cars and being a great example of charity. I love you and I am glad that you are in our family.
Little G
Thanks for being my first nephew. You are so cute and so loved by us all. I love you so much.
And a few more people who are like sisters to me. I met RCH and Beckle the Freckle when we were all in 8th grade. (That's right, right?) So we've been friends for about 20 years or so. That's a long time and I love them so much.
RCH
20 years is a long time and who knew it would last this long when Jessica had you write me that note when I had mono. Thanks for everything. Thanks for being my first real roommate in Kansas City and for listening to me all these years. Your support is something that I need. Even though we don't talk every day know that I think of you often and love you more than I can express in words.
Beckle
I can't remember the exact circumstances of our first meeting. Maybe you remember better than I do. It just seems that you've been a part of my life forever. Thanks for listening and laughing and being a great friend. I love you so much and I am so glad that we are blessed to be in each others lives. You are a wonderful everything.
Love you all,
K2
Dad
I love you so much and I am so glad you are my dad. I love going to movies with you and to Eddie Bauer just to look at bags. I am thankful that you and mom let me come and "take care of you" even though I think it is the other way around. You are the best dad a girl could ask for and I will always be your little girl.
Mom
I love you so much! You are such a talented and wonderful person. I am completely amazed all of the time at the patience you have to do your many projects. I can barely tolerate doing my cross stitch but I am glad that you are there to help me over the rough spots. I love that you have always been there for me through thick and thin. You are amazing.
Ken
As brothers go you are simply the best. You are kind and loving to your sisters now that we are all grown up and out of our childhood and teenage years. I love being around you and learning from you. You are so intelligent and someone I really look up to. I am so proud of you for going back to school and finishing your degree. You make me want to do that too. I love you.
Elizabeth
The bond we share is something hard to describe to anyone else. You are there for me in a way that no one else is or could be. I admire your strength and the things that you have taught me. I was so proud the day you graduated from Peace but more especially that you left the nest to pursue your dreams. Also, thanks for giving all of us Little G to spoil He is simply so sweet and wonderful. I love you both.
Kyle
Thanks for marrying my sister and treating her so well. You always make me laugh when we're together. I think the best memory I have of you was recently at Grandma Kieffer's funeral. I was having a hard time right before the family prayer and crying pretty hard. Thanks for putting your arm around me. It really helped me feel better. I really love you for that. I am glad you are part of our family.
Margaret
I love you my little blonde headed sister. I know that we tease you all the time about being adopted but I couldn't imagine our family as being complete without you. I admire that you went to Germany to live when you were 16 almost 17. I admire that you teach the German language to high school students and you are so good at it. I love talking to you and hanging out with you and doing fun sister things together. You are so brave and smart and wonderful.
Ben
Last but not least. Thanks for marrying Mar. You are truly wonderful to her. Thanks for letting me live with you guys for those couple of years and for dealing with my craziness sometimes. I know I was a trial but you were always patient. Thanks for fixing my friend's cars and being a great example of charity. I love you and I am glad that you are in our family.
Little G
Thanks for being my first nephew. You are so cute and so loved by us all. I love you so much.
And a few more people who are like sisters to me. I met RCH and Beckle the Freckle when we were all in 8th grade. (That's right, right?) So we've been friends for about 20 years or so. That's a long time and I love them so much.
RCH
20 years is a long time and who knew it would last this long when Jessica had you write me that note when I had mono. Thanks for everything. Thanks for being my first real roommate in Kansas City and for listening to me all these years. Your support is something that I need. Even though we don't talk every day know that I think of you often and love you more than I can express in words.
Beckle
I can't remember the exact circumstances of our first meeting. Maybe you remember better than I do. It just seems that you've been a part of my life forever. Thanks for listening and laughing and being a great friend. I love you so much and I am so glad that we are blessed to be in each others lives. You are a wonderful everything.
Love you all,
K2
Friday, October 31, 2008
Funeral and other things
Last week I didn't really read any blogs or write on mine so I thought I would treat you today to how my week went.
We found out last Saturday, October 18th, that Grandma Kieffer had passed away. We spent that evening looking for flights and trying to find the cheapest one we could for such short notice. We also called some family members to give them the news.
On Sunday I went to church and that evening we headed to the Atlanta airport to fly to SLC so we could begin planning Grandma's funeral. We left at 9:15pm our time and arrived in SLC at 11:15 or so their time. We didn't get to bed until, what felt like, 3 am our time. It was crazy but I was so glad to finally be there. We went to Uncle Stan's and Aunt Donna's and crashed.
On Monday we had breakfast with Uncle Stan and Aunt Donna and then headed out to Bountiful. We went to the mortuary first to proofread the obituary (good thing..Panguitch is spelled with a "g" and not a "q") and also to look at the casket. Apparently, the day before everyone thought Grandma had picked out a green casket but we ended up going with a silver one with a pink tint. It was very beautiful. We also went with Aunt Lois and Uncle Alvin to Mr. Mac's, a suit store in SLC, to get them both a new suit for the funeral. Followed up by lunch at Robintino's. Mom and Dad left to go back to South Jordan and I spent the evening visiting.
On Tuesday Aunt Lois, Uncle Alvin and I went grocery shopping before we went to pick up their daughter, my cousin, Kristi from the airport. We were all excited that she was able to come to the funeral. After picking her up we went to lunch at Grandma K's favorite Chinese restaurant and then we went to Macy's for a little funeral shopping. I had to look cute right? And Grandma would have wanted me to have a new "blouse". I had fun hanging out with my cousin and her parents. I don't get to see them that often so we had fun.
On Wednesday the viewing was scheduled from 6pm to 8pm that night. Aunt Lois was planning to have the family come up afterwards so much of the morning was spent cleaning and getting things ready. Kristi and I went to the funeral home to help my other aunt and cousin dress Grandma. I never thought it would be something I could or would want to do but it turned out to be a really neat experience and I am glad I went. Grandma looked great and I even touched her a few times. I was really pleased with myself. The viewing that night was actually a lot of fun, like Grandma was. I didn't cry like I did at Grandma Ward's viewing. It was fun to see family and we even had a few friends stop by. The Rizzuto's and the Cleverly's came as well as the VanUterits who we hadn't seen for years. That night we ate, played card games and hung out as a family. It was a good day.
On Thursday, the day of the funeral, my siblings arrived at the house and we all got ready for the funeral. I left early with Kristi and her parents so I could practice the piano before everyone else arrived. Grandma still looked good and things were going as planned. Two of Mom's brothers came as well as my Great Aunt Dot and Uncle Dean who are well into their 80's. It was nice to see the support we got. Our family alone filled up half of the chapel. The family prayer was given my another cousin, Kristi's brother Mike and this is when I really cried. I was standing at the back of the room while my siblings were near the front. I was standing by my BIL Kyle and he gave me a little squeeze so that was nice. (Thanks Kyle!) The funeral went really well with each of Grandma's kids giving a talk and the bishop of their ward as well. I cried a lot but it was good for me to do that. It was a release. Another cousin sang and she did a great job. After we got back to the church after the cemetery we had a lovely luncheon provided by the Bountiful 25th Ward Relief Society. It was great to talk to people I hadn't seen in so long and find out who was and wasn't on facebook and tell everyone to be my friend! That night we had more people up to the house and just had a great time.
On Friday we had family pictures taken by another cousin so we could have a recent picture. I got to hold my nephew, Little G, lots and lots. We went out to Gardner Village and had a good time there. That night we spent with Mom's family and again I saw cousins I hadn't seen in many years and told them to be my friends on facebook. It was a great night and very relaxing after a stressful couple of days.
On Saturday, we said good-bye to my siblings and then Kristi, me and her parents went to her brothers for dinner. It was nice to be with family and I was so tired from everything that I was glad to do nothing. Their kids are really cute and I enjoyed getting to know them. Everyone else played Settlers of Cataan and I watched. It looked too much like thinking and I just couldn't do it.
On Sunday we went to the airport, got on a plane and came home to the ATL. It was a good trip full of sad and happy moments. I laughed and cried. Most of all, it was a great time to reconnect with family and remember what this life is truly about.
We found out last Saturday, October 18th, that Grandma Kieffer had passed away. We spent that evening looking for flights and trying to find the cheapest one we could for such short notice. We also called some family members to give them the news.
On Sunday I went to church and that evening we headed to the Atlanta airport to fly to SLC so we could begin planning Grandma's funeral. We left at 9:15pm our time and arrived in SLC at 11:15 or so their time. We didn't get to bed until, what felt like, 3 am our time. It was crazy but I was so glad to finally be there. We went to Uncle Stan's and Aunt Donna's and crashed.
On Monday we had breakfast with Uncle Stan and Aunt Donna and then headed out to Bountiful. We went to the mortuary first to proofread the obituary (good thing..Panguitch is spelled with a "g" and not a "q") and also to look at the casket. Apparently, the day before everyone thought Grandma had picked out a green casket but we ended up going with a silver one with a pink tint. It was very beautiful. We also went with Aunt Lois and Uncle Alvin to Mr. Mac's, a suit store in SLC, to get them both a new suit for the funeral. Followed up by lunch at Robintino's. Mom and Dad left to go back to South Jordan and I spent the evening visiting.
On Tuesday Aunt Lois, Uncle Alvin and I went grocery shopping before we went to pick up their daughter, my cousin, Kristi from the airport. We were all excited that she was able to come to the funeral. After picking her up we went to lunch at Grandma K's favorite Chinese restaurant and then we went to Macy's for a little funeral shopping. I had to look cute right? And Grandma would have wanted me to have a new "blouse". I had fun hanging out with my cousin and her parents. I don't get to see them that often so we had fun.
On Wednesday the viewing was scheduled from 6pm to 8pm that night. Aunt Lois was planning to have the family come up afterwards so much of the morning was spent cleaning and getting things ready. Kristi and I went to the funeral home to help my other aunt and cousin dress Grandma. I never thought it would be something I could or would want to do but it turned out to be a really neat experience and I am glad I went. Grandma looked great and I even touched her a few times. I was really pleased with myself. The viewing that night was actually a lot of fun, like Grandma was. I didn't cry like I did at Grandma Ward's viewing. It was fun to see family and we even had a few friends stop by. The Rizzuto's and the Cleverly's came as well as the VanUterits who we hadn't seen for years. That night we ate, played card games and hung out as a family. It was a good day.
On Thursday, the day of the funeral, my siblings arrived at the house and we all got ready for the funeral. I left early with Kristi and her parents so I could practice the piano before everyone else arrived. Grandma still looked good and things were going as planned. Two of Mom's brothers came as well as my Great Aunt Dot and Uncle Dean who are well into their 80's. It was nice to see the support we got. Our family alone filled up half of the chapel. The family prayer was given my another cousin, Kristi's brother Mike and this is when I really cried. I was standing at the back of the room while my siblings were near the front. I was standing by my BIL Kyle and he gave me a little squeeze so that was nice. (Thanks Kyle!) The funeral went really well with each of Grandma's kids giving a talk and the bishop of their ward as well. I cried a lot but it was good for me to do that. It was a release. Another cousin sang and she did a great job. After we got back to the church after the cemetery we had a lovely luncheon provided by the Bountiful 25th Ward Relief Society. It was great to talk to people I hadn't seen in so long and find out who was and wasn't on facebook and tell everyone to be my friend! That night we had more people up to the house and just had a great time.
On Friday we had family pictures taken by another cousin so we could have a recent picture. I got to hold my nephew, Little G, lots and lots. We went out to Gardner Village and had a good time there. That night we spent with Mom's family and again I saw cousins I hadn't seen in many years and told them to be my friends on facebook. It was a great night and very relaxing after a stressful couple of days.
On Saturday, we said good-bye to my siblings and then Kristi, me and her parents went to her brothers for dinner. It was nice to be with family and I was so tired from everything that I was glad to do nothing. Their kids are really cute and I enjoyed getting to know them. Everyone else played Settlers of Cataan and I watched. It looked too much like thinking and I just couldn't do it.
On Sunday we went to the airport, got on a plane and came home to the ATL. It was a good trip full of sad and happy moments. I laughed and cried. Most of all, it was a great time to reconnect with family and remember what this life is truly about.
Friday, September 12, 2008
You can call me Aunty Kainty...
I became an aunt last night for the first time and I am so excited. The little one weighed in at 8lbs 10oz and had a big head. That is all I know right now. When I have pics I will post them but probably after my sister, the proud mom, does.
Yippie! :-)
Yippie! :-)
Friday, August 08, 2008
Remembering RCH
I should have done this yesterday if I was half the friend I claim to be but you know how life just runs by so fast. And I have a new book. There's the real excuse.
One of my very bestest friends, RCH, celebrated her birthday yesterday and I couldn't help but think about how very, very blessed I am to have her in my life. We have been friends for 20 years and we are still friends to this day. We've been through a lot together and even though we don't talk to each other a lot when we do its just like old times...like riding a bicycle. Its as easy as breathing.
We met in Jr. High courtesy of our mutual friend Jessica Habashi. I was home sick with mono (caught from my cousin..from drinking out of the same cup or something...not kissing you sickos) and Jessica had RCH write me a note. That was the first note of many more to come. We wrote stories about our class mates with Mrs. McMitchell and shared all the angst that teenage life can bring. We slept over at each other's houses and our families because meshed into one. Its quite amazing how it happened really and that it happened.
High school ended and I thought my heart would break saying good-bye to her even though Senior year had its rough spots for me. Sharing was never my strongest suit when it came to my very bestest friend.
I moved to Oregon and her parents sent her to me. It was a wonderful week. Then after I had been in Kansas City for a while, she came to live with me. We had our very first apartment together. Our first phone, first bills, first door bell. She got engaged, married and pregnant in KC then moved to Texas. Missed her then too. Still do.
Now she lives in the Mountain west with her DH and 3 darling girls I am lucky enough to call my nieces. To them I am Aunty Kainty or sometimes Sainty Kainty if I am bringing gifts.
So thank you RCH for 20 years of great friendship and for understanding me even when no one else in the world did. I loves you to pieces. Happy Birthday!
Love,
Kainty
One of my very bestest friends, RCH, celebrated her birthday yesterday and I couldn't help but think about how very, very blessed I am to have her in my life. We have been friends for 20 years and we are still friends to this day. We've been through a lot together and even though we don't talk to each other a lot when we do its just like old times...like riding a bicycle. Its as easy as breathing.
We met in Jr. High courtesy of our mutual friend Jessica Habashi. I was home sick with mono (caught from my cousin..from drinking out of the same cup or something...not kissing you sickos) and Jessica had RCH write me a note. That was the first note of many more to come. We wrote stories about our class mates with Mrs. McMitchell and shared all the angst that teenage life can bring. We slept over at each other's houses and our families because meshed into one. Its quite amazing how it happened really and that it happened.
High school ended and I thought my heart would break saying good-bye to her even though Senior year had its rough spots for me. Sharing was never my strongest suit when it came to my very bestest friend.
I moved to Oregon and her parents sent her to me. It was a wonderful week. Then after I had been in Kansas City for a while, she came to live with me. We had our very first apartment together. Our first phone, first bills, first door bell. She got engaged, married and pregnant in KC then moved to Texas. Missed her then too. Still do.
Now she lives in the Mountain west with her DH and 3 darling girls I am lucky enough to call my nieces. To them I am Aunty Kainty or sometimes Sainty Kainty if I am bringing gifts.
So thank you RCH for 20 years of great friendship and for understanding me even when no one else in the world did. I loves you to pieces. Happy Birthday!
Love,
Kainty
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Congrats Dad!
My Dad got another job! Last summer he retired from Ford after many years and had been doing some consulting for an accounting firm. Now he has a job at a Ford/Lincon-Mercury/Hyundai dealership as the controller. I think he is really excited and I know he will be glad to have something to do every day. I love you Dad!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Don't try this at home...
Picking up your cell phone and accidentally hitting the speed dial button for your BIL in Idaho. At 5:30 am which is 3:30 am their time. Hopefully it didn't ring.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Just Crusin': The Kidney Cruise Revealed
As most of you might know we just returned from a 7 night Caribbean cruise with Celebrity cruises on board the beautiful Millenium ship. By we I am speaking of myself, my mom and dad, my brother, Ken, my sister Margaret and my BIL Ben. My mom's brother Stan and his wife Donna also went with us. We were celebrating the 10 year anniversary of my kidney transplant and we had been planning this cruise for about 4 years. Our ports of call were: San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Casa de Campo Dominican Republic and Labadee, Haiti. We were all very excited to get on the road and get going.
Dad, Mom and I left on Saturday the 19th of January to fly to Ft. Lauderdale from Atlanta. Margaret, Ben and Ken flew from Kansas City and my aunt and uncle flew from Salt Lake City. The plan was to be there in enough time to go out to dinner together but Mother Nature had different plans. It snowed in Atlanta for the first time in like 6 or maybe 100 years. Of course it had to snow on the ONE day that we needed to be there. Naturally, the Atlanta airport was a zoo and we were delayed. Margaret, Ben and Ken also were delayed but were able to connect in Atlanta and still be on the same flight with the rest of us from Atlanta. Aunt Donna and Uncle Stan arrived about 3 hours before we did at the hotel. All of us settled in for the night and our big day on Sunday.
Sunday January 20th
We woke up early so we could be ready to go on the first shuttle that left the hotel at 10:30 am at $7 a head to go to the dock. We had some great help from one of the Celebrity employees at the dock. He put Uncle Stan in a wheelchair and walked with us the whole way until we were nearly on the ship. We boarded the ship and were offered Champagne, Wine or Orange Juice. When we had all partaken of our OJ we proceeded to Deck 10 for lunch and to wait for the AquaSpa to open for appointments so we could book our various spa treatments. I scheduled a hot stone massage for the next day at 1:15. Our first dinner was a casual dinner so we didn't have to dress up too fancy. Our waiters name was Nina and her assistant was Balamir and they were great. Margaret and Ben, however, started to suffer from some motion sickness and didn't make it past the salad. We had mentioned that it was Dad's birthday so there was a cake and singing. It was great. Dad and I attended the show that night which was an introduction to the various musical acts that we would see throughtout the week.
Monday January 21st
This was our first sea day and we all had a good time hanging out on our balconies and searching the ship to find out where everything was. It was a fun day to just hang out, get a massage and be with eachother. Our dinner that night was also casual and we had yet another cake. Our wonderful travel agent had paid for a cake for Dad's birthday but the people in the kitchen didn't get it out to us on Sunday so we didn't get another song but we got another cake. Again. It was pretty cool. My massage was great but left me a little sore and I adored having the hot rocks just resting on my spine. When they were used as part of the massage I wasn't so happy but live and learn eh?
Tuesday January 22nd
Today we arrived in the beautiful port of San Juan Puerto Rico. We didn't arrive until about 3 because of the rocky start that we had with the wind and waves. But our stay was extended until 11pm so we had to be back on the ship at 10:45pm so that we could be ready to go by 11p. Mom, Dad, Aunt Donna and Uncle Stan had signed up for a bus tour of Old San Juan so Margaret, Ben, Ken and I set out on our own. We decided to walk and not pay someone to drive us around. We walked up to an old Spanish fort and toured it and ran into the "old folks" as well. The views from the different heights of the fort were incredible and it was cool to see Old and New San Juan. Then we decided to walk around and we eventually came to a cool park and the ocean then we walked back to the ship. Our dinner that night came from the buffet since we didn't back to the ship for dinner in the dining room that night.
Wednesday January 23rd
Today we arrived in St. Thomas. Margaret, Ben and Ken decided they wanted to go snorkeling so they went off happy and excited for their adventure that day. Aunt Donna found a local man, Dale, who has a limosine business and he came to pick us up in his van. We hired him for the whole day and it was a great day. He took us all around the island telling us all of the history of the island. We went to several fun and beautiful places. I really fell in love with all of St. Thomas and would love to go back sometime and just relax at a resort or something. Meagan's Bay was especially beautiful and we got to see it from high atop St. Thomas. Margaret, Ben and Ken went snorkeling in St. John at Trunk Bay and had a great time. I was afraid that my little sis would come back with a huge sunburn but she did fine! It was my favorite day of the cruise and the day I bought most of my souveniers.
Thursday January 24th
Today we arrived in Casa de Camp, Dominican Republic. Ben had served a mission here and lived here for two years a few years previously. Dad had decided to rent a van and we would all hop in while Ben drove us to the captial, Santo Domingo, which was about an hour and a half away from the ship. We got the van no problem and started off on our journey. I was amazed by the traffic there and lack of any kind of signals, stop signs or motorcycle helmets. Motorcycles went anywhere they wanted and sometimes had more than 2 occupants. I also realized why you don't litter as we visited the DR. We went to this really cool market place and Ben haggled with those that were selling things and we all bought some souveniers to take home with us. Not that we would need a rememberance of the DR as the ride back to the ship would have burned the memory inside of our skulls. But before we get to that, we had lunch at KFC which was good and we decided to "run by" the temple. When Ben had lived there the traffic wasn't as bad as it apparently is now. It took us a long time to reach the temple and then we were behind schedule to arrive at the ship. I think we flew back to the port. I can remember sitting in the back of the van just praying that we would make it back to the ship. I was checking my watch constantly and willing the hands to move more slowly. Ken was sitting next to me saying "We're not going to make it" while I screamed at him "Yes, we are. Be quiet and don't say that! It makes me nervous." Sorry Ken if I was a little on edge. Somewhere between Ben's driving and a little divine intervention we managed to pull up to the gate of the port about 10 minutes to 4. We needed to be on the ship 5 minutes ago. The little guards from the guard shack pull out, Ben speaks some Spanish, we almost run over one of them as we speed over to a place where we can park the van. We can't even return it and some nice people at the port offer to call the car rental place for us. Me, Mom, Dad, Stan, Donna and Margaret get out of the van while Ken and Ben arrange to get the van picked up. As I am walking away I don't even know if Ben and Ken are going to make it on the ship. We RUN down to the gangway and are told we are the last 8 people off the ship. As soon as Ken stepped on the boat, they were pulling in the gangway and we were heading up to our rooms. As soon as we were up on our floor the ship was pulling away from the dock. It was truly a heart stopping day but I had so much fun going into the country and see what it was really like. But I never want to experience a ride or heart attack like that again!
Friday January 25th
Today we pulled into Labadee, Haiti and somehow we all failed to realize that this port was privately owned by the cruise line and we would be the only boat there. We had to tender into this port which basically means, we leave the big boat and get in a little boat so that we can be ferried to the island. Mom, Dad, Stan and Donna opted to stay on the ship but Ken, Ben, Margaret and I had an appointment with the waverunners. For some reason, in December, I let these three talk me into driving a wave runner. Margaret and Ben go a little earlier than Ken and I so when we arrive on the beach we pull up some beach chairs and hang out until our appointment with death..hem..the waverunner.
First, the waverunner people take us into this little room to show us a "safety video" This "video" should have been called the "scare me to death" video. There were people doing things on wave runners in this video that scared me silly. I was pretty close to being a chicken and not going but then I reminded myself that they had $89 of my hard earned money and I guess I had better just suck it up and get on the thing. When Waverunner Dude #1, we'll cal him WD#1 for short, comes back in after the video he proceeds to give us further instruction should we flip over in the water. I am still, at this point, thinking of being a chicken. Then WD#1 says we will be following each other in single file on a tour of sorts so that we do not run into the reefs that line the shores of Haiti. He asks, "Who thinks they will be the slowest in our group or who would prefer to be behind everyone else." My hand shot up so fast I think I pulled something in my back. He then asks who would like to be in the front and the middle. We were then assigned numbers. (I am sure you can all see where this is heading.) Ken is #1, Ben is #2, Margaret is #4 (until the last run) and I am #10 behind everyone else. But this is precisely where I wanted to be without the worry that I was slowing someone else down.
We exit the room and head to the life jackets to get buckled in. We then sit on our waverunner and have our picture taken by someone from the cruise ship. I never did see that picture and I am probably glad because I know I wasn't looking too hot. I was thinking that they would back out the wave runners for us but no such luck. I managed to back mine out and wait for my number to be called. At first when I pulled back on the throttle I couldn't get into a good rythm or get the right speed but I managed to smooth things out but I was still so nervous. We made our first stop close to our ship and he told us some about Haiti. During the second ride I really started to enjoy it but I didn't pull the throttle all the way back yet because I wasn't that brave. We stopped 3 more times and near the end, as we were nearing our starting point, I pulled the throttle all the way back but it was too bumpy so I slowed down a little. I was also hoping that someone would park my wave runner but no such luck there either. I managed to park it with some instruction from my great family that was with me. Thanks Ken, Ben and Mar for convincing me to go on the wave runner! I would have really regretted not going if I would have chickened out. (Is that even a word?) After our wave runner experience Ken and I headed back to the ship and hung out.
Saturday January 26th
Our final day at sea but I didn't feel so hot so I didn't do much but read. I did manage to finish all three books that I had brought along. I am sure that some of you are asking yourselves, "Why did she bring books on vacation." The answer is because I love to read. That is all. We had a great last dinner that night and enjoyed the great service that we had from our wait staff. We had to pack that night and set our suitcases outside but we managed to get it done before the deadline at 11pm.
Sunday January 27th
It was back to the real world as we waited to disembark. We enjoyed just being together. After going through customs and collecting our luggage, Mom, Dad and I said good-bye to Ken, Ben and Mar and Aunt Donna and Uncle Stan. We hailed a taxi to our hotel where we collapsed. Dad went out and got pizza but we all just laid in bed, had a nap, ate dinner and watched TV.
I really loved going on the cruise with all of my family and I know they loved it as well. To see some pictures go to my sister's blog where she has posted a few. I am not at home with the pictures and I want to get his posted before everyone freaks out. It was a great vacation and I hope we get to do it again some day. I love all of you!
Dad, Mom and I left on Saturday the 19th of January to fly to Ft. Lauderdale from Atlanta. Margaret, Ben and Ken flew from Kansas City and my aunt and uncle flew from Salt Lake City. The plan was to be there in enough time to go out to dinner together but Mother Nature had different plans. It snowed in Atlanta for the first time in like 6 or maybe 100 years. Of course it had to snow on the ONE day that we needed to be there. Naturally, the Atlanta airport was a zoo and we were delayed. Margaret, Ben and Ken also were delayed but were able to connect in Atlanta and still be on the same flight with the rest of us from Atlanta. Aunt Donna and Uncle Stan arrived about 3 hours before we did at the hotel. All of us settled in for the night and our big day on Sunday.
Sunday January 20th
We woke up early so we could be ready to go on the first shuttle that left the hotel at 10:30 am at $7 a head to go to the dock. We had some great help from one of the Celebrity employees at the dock. He put Uncle Stan in a wheelchair and walked with us the whole way until we were nearly on the ship. We boarded the ship and were offered Champagne, Wine or Orange Juice. When we had all partaken of our OJ we proceeded to Deck 10 for lunch and to wait for the AquaSpa to open for appointments so we could book our various spa treatments. I scheduled a hot stone massage for the next day at 1:15. Our first dinner was a casual dinner so we didn't have to dress up too fancy. Our waiters name was Nina and her assistant was Balamir and they were great. Margaret and Ben, however, started to suffer from some motion sickness and didn't make it past the salad. We had mentioned that it was Dad's birthday so there was a cake and singing. It was great. Dad and I attended the show that night which was an introduction to the various musical acts that we would see throughtout the week.
Monday January 21st
This was our first sea day and we all had a good time hanging out on our balconies and searching the ship to find out where everything was. It was a fun day to just hang out, get a massage and be with eachother. Our dinner that night was also casual and we had yet another cake. Our wonderful travel agent had paid for a cake for Dad's birthday but the people in the kitchen didn't get it out to us on Sunday so we didn't get another song but we got another cake. Again. It was pretty cool. My massage was great but left me a little sore and I adored having the hot rocks just resting on my spine. When they were used as part of the massage I wasn't so happy but live and learn eh?
Tuesday January 22nd
Today we arrived in the beautiful port of San Juan Puerto Rico. We didn't arrive until about 3 because of the rocky start that we had with the wind and waves. But our stay was extended until 11pm so we had to be back on the ship at 10:45pm so that we could be ready to go by 11p. Mom, Dad, Aunt Donna and Uncle Stan had signed up for a bus tour of Old San Juan so Margaret, Ben, Ken and I set out on our own. We decided to walk and not pay someone to drive us around. We walked up to an old Spanish fort and toured it and ran into the "old folks" as well. The views from the different heights of the fort were incredible and it was cool to see Old and New San Juan. Then we decided to walk around and we eventually came to a cool park and the ocean then we walked back to the ship. Our dinner that night came from the buffet since we didn't back to the ship for dinner in the dining room that night.
Wednesday January 23rd
Today we arrived in St. Thomas. Margaret, Ben and Ken decided they wanted to go snorkeling so they went off happy and excited for their adventure that day. Aunt Donna found a local man, Dale, who has a limosine business and he came to pick us up in his van. We hired him for the whole day and it was a great day. He took us all around the island telling us all of the history of the island. We went to several fun and beautiful places. I really fell in love with all of St. Thomas and would love to go back sometime and just relax at a resort or something. Meagan's Bay was especially beautiful and we got to see it from high atop St. Thomas. Margaret, Ben and Ken went snorkeling in St. John at Trunk Bay and had a great time. I was afraid that my little sis would come back with a huge sunburn but she did fine! It was my favorite day of the cruise and the day I bought most of my souveniers.
Thursday January 24th
Today we arrived in Casa de Camp, Dominican Republic. Ben had served a mission here and lived here for two years a few years previously. Dad had decided to rent a van and we would all hop in while Ben drove us to the captial, Santo Domingo, which was about an hour and a half away from the ship. We got the van no problem and started off on our journey. I was amazed by the traffic there and lack of any kind of signals, stop signs or motorcycle helmets. Motorcycles went anywhere they wanted and sometimes had more than 2 occupants. I also realized why you don't litter as we visited the DR. We went to this really cool market place and Ben haggled with those that were selling things and we all bought some souveniers to take home with us. Not that we would need a rememberance of the DR as the ride back to the ship would have burned the memory inside of our skulls. But before we get to that, we had lunch at KFC which was good and we decided to "run by" the temple. When Ben had lived there the traffic wasn't as bad as it apparently is now. It took us a long time to reach the temple and then we were behind schedule to arrive at the ship. I think we flew back to the port. I can remember sitting in the back of the van just praying that we would make it back to the ship. I was checking my watch constantly and willing the hands to move more slowly. Ken was sitting next to me saying "We're not going to make it" while I screamed at him "Yes, we are. Be quiet and don't say that! It makes me nervous." Sorry Ken if I was a little on edge. Somewhere between Ben's driving and a little divine intervention we managed to pull up to the gate of the port about 10 minutes to 4. We needed to be on the ship 5 minutes ago. The little guards from the guard shack pull out, Ben speaks some Spanish, we almost run over one of them as we speed over to a place where we can park the van. We can't even return it and some nice people at the port offer to call the car rental place for us. Me, Mom, Dad, Stan, Donna and Margaret get out of the van while Ken and Ben arrange to get the van picked up. As I am walking away I don't even know if Ben and Ken are going to make it on the ship. We RUN down to the gangway and are told we are the last 8 people off the ship. As soon as Ken stepped on the boat, they were pulling in the gangway and we were heading up to our rooms. As soon as we were up on our floor the ship was pulling away from the dock. It was truly a heart stopping day but I had so much fun going into the country and see what it was really like. But I never want to experience a ride or heart attack like that again!
Friday January 25th
Today we pulled into Labadee, Haiti and somehow we all failed to realize that this port was privately owned by the cruise line and we would be the only boat there. We had to tender into this port which basically means, we leave the big boat and get in a little boat so that we can be ferried to the island. Mom, Dad, Stan and Donna opted to stay on the ship but Ken, Ben, Margaret and I had an appointment with the waverunners. For some reason, in December, I let these three talk me into driving a wave runner. Margaret and Ben go a little earlier than Ken and I so when we arrive on the beach we pull up some beach chairs and hang out until our appointment with death..hem..the waverunner.
First, the waverunner people take us into this little room to show us a "safety video" This "video" should have been called the "scare me to death" video. There were people doing things on wave runners in this video that scared me silly. I was pretty close to being a chicken and not going but then I reminded myself that they had $89 of my hard earned money and I guess I had better just suck it up and get on the thing. When Waverunner Dude #1, we'll cal him WD#1 for short, comes back in after the video he proceeds to give us further instruction should we flip over in the water. I am still, at this point, thinking of being a chicken. Then WD#1 says we will be following each other in single file on a tour of sorts so that we do not run into the reefs that line the shores of Haiti. He asks, "Who thinks they will be the slowest in our group or who would prefer to be behind everyone else." My hand shot up so fast I think I pulled something in my back. He then asks who would like to be in the front and the middle. We were then assigned numbers. (I am sure you can all see where this is heading.) Ken is #1, Ben is #2, Margaret is #4 (until the last run) and I am #10 behind everyone else. But this is precisely where I wanted to be without the worry that I was slowing someone else down.
We exit the room and head to the life jackets to get buckled in. We then sit on our waverunner and have our picture taken by someone from the cruise ship. I never did see that picture and I am probably glad because I know I wasn't looking too hot. I was thinking that they would back out the wave runners for us but no such luck. I managed to back mine out and wait for my number to be called. At first when I pulled back on the throttle I couldn't get into a good rythm or get the right speed but I managed to smooth things out but I was still so nervous. We made our first stop close to our ship and he told us some about Haiti. During the second ride I really started to enjoy it but I didn't pull the throttle all the way back yet because I wasn't that brave. We stopped 3 more times and near the end, as we were nearing our starting point, I pulled the throttle all the way back but it was too bumpy so I slowed down a little. I was also hoping that someone would park my wave runner but no such luck there either. I managed to park it with some instruction from my great family that was with me. Thanks Ken, Ben and Mar for convincing me to go on the wave runner! I would have really regretted not going if I would have chickened out. (Is that even a word?) After our wave runner experience Ken and I headed back to the ship and hung out.
Saturday January 26th
Our final day at sea but I didn't feel so hot so I didn't do much but read. I did manage to finish all three books that I had brought along. I am sure that some of you are asking yourselves, "Why did she bring books on vacation." The answer is because I love to read. That is all. We had a great last dinner that night and enjoyed the great service that we had from our wait staff. We had to pack that night and set our suitcases outside but we managed to get it done before the deadline at 11pm.
Sunday January 27th
It was back to the real world as we waited to disembark. We enjoyed just being together. After going through customs and collecting our luggage, Mom, Dad and I said good-bye to Ken, Ben and Mar and Aunt Donna and Uncle Stan. We hailed a taxi to our hotel where we collapsed. Dad went out and got pizza but we all just laid in bed, had a nap, ate dinner and watched TV.
I really loved going on the cruise with all of my family and I know they loved it as well. To see some pictures go to my sister's blog where she has posted a few. I am not at home with the pictures and I want to get his posted before everyone freaks out. It was a great vacation and I hope we get to do it again some day. I love all of you!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Finally, I can tell the secret!
I am going to be an auntie. I am so excited. My sister is pregnant. Did I mention that I am excited?
Update: After a few requests to clarify, I would like to annouce that my sister Liz is pregnant. You can click on the link above to see a pic of the little one.
Update: After a few requests to clarify, I would like to annouce that my sister Liz is pregnant. You can click on the link above to see a pic of the little one.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Time Machine: The Siblings 1986
Frightening isn't it?
I like my hair. It feathers so nicely. I can also see the future with those glasses.
I like my brother's half mesh/half cloth shirt.
My sisters both have mega watt smiles.
We are cute though.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Happy Anniversary
My sister Liz and her husband Kyle have been married 5 years today! Congratulations to them! I am so happy that they found each other and make each other happy. They recently got a new puppy and her name is Lucy. She is SOOO cute. I love you guys and I hope you have a fabulous day.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Thanksgiving
I have been meaning to write about Thanksgiving for a little while now but life seems to get in the way when I don't want it to.
We flew out to Salt Lake City on Monday November 19th. It was late when we arrived at my uncles house where we would be staying for a few days. We watched Dancing with the Stars and then went to bed. I was exhausted from the plane ride and I was sick on top of that. The glands under my right jaw line were so painful it hurt to eat. Needless to say it wasn't what I had planned on for my vacation.
Tuesday, November 20th, we got up and went to breakfast at Village Inn which was so good. And we had pie. It was great. I went to the ZCoil store to buy a new pair of shoes and have my current pair fixed. The guy in SLC was so much better than the guy here in Atlanta. He rocked. We went to Bountiful and ate lunch at Robintinos. Yum. I miss that place and I especially miss their garlic bread. Sigh. We went to see my Grandma who is in an assisted living home in Bountiful called The Welcome Home. It is very nice and doesn't seem like your typical assisted living home. We spent a few hours there and then went to my Uncles Bob's for dinner with his wife, Aunt Carol, and my other uncle on my mom's side, Uncle Fred. It was nice to see them again but I was still feeling sick.
Wednesday, November 21st, I went up to visit one of my very best friends who now lives in Idaho. Her husband happens to be a doctor so he was kind enough to see me and write me a prescription for some lovely antibiotics and a cough med so I could sleep at night. It was great to see someone and not have to answer fifty million questions about my health. Great. We then went to the small town drug store to get my prescription filled. It was like Wal-Mart but everything was crammed into a very small space. I was glad that I got to get some meds so I would feel better.
Thursday, Thanksgiving November 22nd, we drove up to Twin Falls with my brother who had just flown in from KCMO! I was still not feeling so hot but a little better than I was the previous day. We went to my sisters MIL house for dinner and it was good eating. It was so nice of her and her husband to invite us to their home. Then I fell asleep on their couch for a little while since I wasn't feeling so hot. Later that night we drove up to my sisters house in Boise, ID. We stayed with her FIL and he and his wife were so great and kind to us. I had a great time staying with them.
Black Friday, November 23rd, we went shopping most of the day. I think by the end of the day my Dad, BIL and my brother were tired of shopping. That night we watched the Boise State vs. Hawaii game because my sister and BIL are BIG fans of Boise state. We ate pizza and had a great time.
Saturday, November 24th, we helped my sister and my BIL move into their new house they had just purchased. They had been renting a smaller house a few blocks away but wanted to have a place of their own. They couldn't move in before we got there because they were waiting on flooring to be installed. I don't think I was much help but I managed to do some work. I was really sad that we were going to leave the next day to go back to SLC and then back to Atlanta on Monday. It was nice to be able to help my sister with something like moving. We don't get to do those kinds of things for her very often so I enjoyed doing that for her. I can't wait to go and see her again and see her house all organized the way she wants it.
Sunday, November 25th, we drove from Boise back to SLC for our flight on Monday. On our way back to my uncles house we dropped by to see Grandma again. She is cute and I am glad that I got to see her while I was there. She is an awesome Grandma and I miss her now that she doesn't live with us or near us anymore.
Monday, November 26th, we flew back home to Atlanta. Poor Dad was sick the whole flight and wasn't doing much better when we landed. He ended up having an intestinal infection and needing antibiotics. Poor dad.
Well, that's what I did for my Thanksgiving vacation. It was great to be with most of my family but I missed my other sister but I'll see her in January!
We flew out to Salt Lake City on Monday November 19th. It was late when we arrived at my uncles house where we would be staying for a few days. We watched Dancing with the Stars and then went to bed. I was exhausted from the plane ride and I was sick on top of that. The glands under my right jaw line were so painful it hurt to eat. Needless to say it wasn't what I had planned on for my vacation.
Tuesday, November 20th, we got up and went to breakfast at Village Inn which was so good. And we had pie. It was great. I went to the ZCoil store to buy a new pair of shoes and have my current pair fixed. The guy in SLC was so much better than the guy here in Atlanta. He rocked. We went to Bountiful and ate lunch at Robintinos. Yum. I miss that place and I especially miss their garlic bread. Sigh. We went to see my Grandma who is in an assisted living home in Bountiful called The Welcome Home. It is very nice and doesn't seem like your typical assisted living home. We spent a few hours there and then went to my Uncles Bob's for dinner with his wife, Aunt Carol, and my other uncle on my mom's side, Uncle Fred. It was nice to see them again but I was still feeling sick.
Wednesday, November 21st, I went up to visit one of my very best friends who now lives in Idaho. Her husband happens to be a doctor so he was kind enough to see me and write me a prescription for some lovely antibiotics and a cough med so I could sleep at night. It was great to see someone and not have to answer fifty million questions about my health. Great. We then went to the small town drug store to get my prescription filled. It was like Wal-Mart but everything was crammed into a very small space. I was glad that I got to get some meds so I would feel better.
Thursday, Thanksgiving November 22nd, we drove up to Twin Falls with my brother who had just flown in from KCMO! I was still not feeling so hot but a little better than I was the previous day. We went to my sisters MIL house for dinner and it was good eating. It was so nice of her and her husband to invite us to their home. Then I fell asleep on their couch for a little while since I wasn't feeling so hot. Later that night we drove up to my sisters house in Boise, ID. We stayed with her FIL and he and his wife were so great and kind to us. I had a great time staying with them.
Black Friday, November 23rd, we went shopping most of the day. I think by the end of the day my Dad, BIL and my brother were tired of shopping. That night we watched the Boise State vs. Hawaii game because my sister and BIL are BIG fans of Boise state. We ate pizza and had a great time.
Saturday, November 24th, we helped my sister and my BIL move into their new house they had just purchased. They had been renting a smaller house a few blocks away but wanted to have a place of their own. They couldn't move in before we got there because they were waiting on flooring to be installed. I don't think I was much help but I managed to do some work. I was really sad that we were going to leave the next day to go back to SLC and then back to Atlanta on Monday. It was nice to be able to help my sister with something like moving. We don't get to do those kinds of things for her very often so I enjoyed doing that for her. I can't wait to go and see her again and see her house all organized the way she wants it.
Sunday, November 25th, we drove from Boise back to SLC for our flight on Monday. On our way back to my uncles house we dropped by to see Grandma again. She is cute and I am glad that I got to see her while I was there. She is an awesome Grandma and I miss her now that she doesn't live with us or near us anymore.
Monday, November 26th, we flew back home to Atlanta. Poor Dad was sick the whole flight and wasn't doing much better when we landed. He ended up having an intestinal infection and needing antibiotics. Poor dad.
Well, that's what I did for my Thanksgiving vacation. It was great to be with most of my family but I missed my other sister but I'll see her in January!
Friday, July 06, 2007
I have a great dad
As most of you know my Dad's mom, Grandma Kieffer, just recently moved back to Utah after living with us for nearly a year. It was hard and great to have Grandma here. It was also pretty hard on my mom as she did most of the care giving while Dad and I were at work. Last Monday, Dad and Mom took Grandma back to Utah and then came home this Monday from Utah.
On Thursday Dad told me he had purchased tickets for he and mom to go to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. He needed my help to pull off the surprise. The plan was that today Dad was going to take mom for a drive and when she began to get curious he was going to have her call me and I would tell her to look in the glove box which would have the tickets inside. So yesterday Dad took Mom to dinner so they would be gone when I arrived home from work. When I arrived home I packed Mom and outfit, PJ's and makeup. I was hoping that she wouldn't notice that her make up was gone. I put it in the bag with Dad's stuff and stowed the bag in my room. When Dad got home with Mom and after Mom had gone to their room we loaded the car for the morning and Dad would pack their medicine and their pillows etc in the morning.
This morning they ran some errands and started on their "drive". After stopping at one of Mom's favorite stores and Mom opening the trunk of the Mustang she called me. I told her to look in the glove box and when she did she started giggling. It was so cute. I think she was so surprised and my Dad really pulled that off. I hope they have a GREAT time tonight and tomorrow because they deserve it.
On Thursday Dad told me he had purchased tickets for he and mom to go to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. He needed my help to pull off the surprise. The plan was that today Dad was going to take mom for a drive and when she began to get curious he was going to have her call me and I would tell her to look in the glove box which would have the tickets inside. So yesterday Dad took Mom to dinner so they would be gone when I arrived home from work. When I arrived home I packed Mom and outfit, PJ's and makeup. I was hoping that she wouldn't notice that her make up was gone. I put it in the bag with Dad's stuff and stowed the bag in my room. When Dad got home with Mom and after Mom had gone to their room we loaded the car for the morning and Dad would pack their medicine and their pillows etc in the morning.
This morning they ran some errands and started on their "drive". After stopping at one of Mom's favorite stores and Mom opening the trunk of the Mustang she called me. I told her to look in the glove box and when she did she started giggling. It was so cute. I think she was so surprised and my Dad really pulled that off. I hope they have a GREAT time tonight and tomorrow because they deserve it.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
A day at the aquarium and the zoo
My sister, Liz, is visiting from Boise with her husband to celebrate our 10 year kidney anniversary. We are having a fun time and I am enjoying my time with her and with her husband. Today we went, along with Mom and Dad, to the Georgia Aquarium which is here in Atlanta. It is the world's largest aquarium and it was very cool! We saw whale sharks which can grow up to 30 feet. the aquarium currently has 5 of these. We saw 3 beluga whales which were really fun to watch. We also saw some really weird looking things like Japanese Crabs and Moon Jellyfish which have no brain, heart or eyes. It was a really cool thing to go and see and I liked it more than I thought I would. I would highly recommend it to anyone who comes to town.
Then we went to the Atlanta Zoo and had a great time there too. There were the normal zoo animals but the gorillas had 4 babies and we watched them for a long time. It wasn't very crowded or hot so that made for a nice day. I am glad that we went to both places and had a fun time!
Then we went to the Atlanta Zoo and had a great time there too. There were the normal zoo animals but the gorillas had 4 babies and we watched them for a long time. It wasn't very crowded or hot so that made for a nice day. I am glad that we went to both places and had a fun time!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
The Hair Care Aisle
Today, after work, Dad and I went to Target to pick up some things for dinner. I also needed a couple of other things for work.
We got what we needed and then I went to get some pantyhose while Dad finished the grocery shopping. We agreed on a meeting place and then I went off. A few minutes later I went to our agreed up on meeting place expecting to find Dad waiting for me. No Dad.
So I went up a few aisles to find Dad staring with a confused look on his face at all of the different types of hair care products. He looked at me and said "I just want some hairspray." So I helped him out. Dad is very cute.
We got what we needed and then I went to get some pantyhose while Dad finished the grocery shopping. We agreed on a meeting place and then I went off. A few minutes later I went to our agreed up on meeting place expecting to find Dad waiting for me. No Dad.
So I went up a few aisles to find Dad staring with a confused look on his face at all of the different types of hair care products. He looked at me and said "I just want some hairspray." So I helped him out. Dad is very cute.
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