Remembering 9.11.01

Ten years ago I had flown with Michael to Seattle. I had a week off of work and was excited that Justin and I were going to spend most of the week together as well as visit with my girlfriend Missy. I had flown in on the night of the 7th. I had spent time with Justin over the weekend and we were excited that he was soon to transfer to San Diego to be closer. We had even talked about marrying on the 10th but decided to wait. The USS Abraham Lincoln CVN 72 was in yards at PSNS in Bremerton for the last of a 6 month overhaul. On the evening of the 10th I wanted to go to dinner with a friend and we had a rather large disagreement over it. I felt bad but felt that there was nothing wrong with it. The following morning my friend Missy had asked me to take her to work as her husband had to be at a job sight very early. I agreed. My friend Erik, that I had dinner with was also stationed on the Lincoln (which was part of the problem with Justin, jealousy). We ended up taking the very last ferry over to the area so I had to make the long 75 mile drive back to Seattle. I got back at about 2:30AM.

I went to bed but left the TV on in the hotel room as I felt safer that way. The alarm was set for 5:30A but I figured that I could go back to the hotel and sleep more later. I woke up and had a hard time since I only slept 3 hours. I awoke to the NBC and the pictures of the first tower in flames, I thought I was dreaming and just watched in shock. Within minutes I watched the second plant hit the south tower. I called my girlfriend to see if I was crazy and asked if she had seen what was on the TV. She turned on the TV and was dumbfounded. They were saying that all federal offices were closed, so I asked Missy to check and see if she was to go in since she worked at a federal building daycare. The offices were closed for fear of more attacks possible.

Justin was unreachable as they were at General Quarters and were assessing if they were done with work and could be sent out to sea. I was just in such a shock. I called my mom and checked on her. She was shocked too. She had to go to work because they did not care what was happening we had to be there. I called in to work and said I may be delayed in getting back because of all the closures.  I had to call in everyday to see what was going on and could arrange. I kept in close contact with mom as we were worried about each other.

Justin was finally able to call me after 2pm as they had let them go as they determined that they could not leave. Things were just not finished. He wanted me to get to Bremerton so that he would know we were safe. I explained that the ferries were not running and I thought I should just stay put. We had phone communication and that was better than nothing. Needless to say the weeks plans were cancelled. No baseball game and dates were cancelled. I did finally drive over to Bremerton to spend time with Justin and ease his fears. It took me 24 hours to have the shock wear off. I was not able to fly out of Seattle until the following Tuesday. The job was pissed because I could not get home but they had to deal with the fact that planes were not flying. I was 3 days late getting back from vacation but I was grateful that all persons I was concerned about were safe.

We will never forget! It altered our lives forever. Michael remembers bits and pieces but knows that Justin's service has been a small part of keeping us free. I love my husband and all that I know for their service because without them we would not have the freedoms that we have. God Bless America! We are a chosen nation and need to turn to the Lord more for protection and guidance even though some want to discard the roll that Lord has in this country.

Freshman Dance for Michael

Tonight was Michael's Freshman Dance for school.

He went and met friends at the dance since he is not allowed to date until he is 16. He wore black pants, black shirt, matching tie, and grey/silver vest with dress shoes. He really looked nice. He only stayed at the school dance until almost 9 because he wanted to go to the stake youth dance that was also going on. I can't say that I am sad about that.

He did ask me to take him today to have his brows waxed. I took him and my manicurist, Helen did it for him. She did not even charge him (or me for that matter). Justin would have a cow if he knew that I allowed him to do that. He was so happy to get that done. He is growing up to be such a good young man. He is respectful of the girls and that makes me proud. He wants a facial because of his acne and since it is so hormonal, I want him to have it to help keep the skin healthy. I hope I can get him one soon. He is interested in keeping his skin clear. Nothing wrong with that.

He begins High School formally in September. He was talking to me tonight and said that he is interested in being possibly a building engineer. I hope he does. I am one proud mom.

New Bishopric

Yikes! The month is almost over.....already? I am happy today that there is progress. The lady that I deal with while doing taxes woke up and realized that she was in the wrong for her actions and her comments toward me. She went out of her way to personally apologize in person for what she said and how she did it. That made it so easy to forgive and let go. For that I am very happy.

Sunday we were blessed with a new Bishopric. Bishop Frandsen was released just 3 weeks shy of 7 years of being bishop. Bryan Cox and Bill Anderson were released as well. Bill is also retiring from the shipyard at the end of March as well. Talk about lifting huge loads. I can honestly say that I do not think anyone was surprised that our new bishop is Chris Bryon. He is such a good and humble man. Some for months jokingly called him Bishop Byron. We now get to tease him as he LOVES the movie Nacho Libre. I think we were kind of surprised at his counselors but good choices none the less. First counselor is Matt Holyoak, attorney and Second Counselor is Michael Redd. They will guide the ward well. I did tell Chris that I hesitated to say congratulations as it was more like condolences but that he has full support. I guess that Best Wishes is the best that could be said.

Baseball tryouts are next week and Michael is a nervous wreck. I am sure he will do well. People that we know that are now in college playing baseball have said that the coaches are already talking about him so I am sure that is good to know.

We did have to deal with someone making the statement that the men in the church are lazy about their spirituality and callings compared to women. I am sure that was not what she intended to say, but unfortunately that is what came out. I know she really hurt Justin. He said something to the person and they
have talked about it. It was just very insensitive.

Talking about insensitive! Yipes! Dave (Justin's Step-dad) just called to say that Justin's Great-Grandma Ross passed away. He said to send a funny condolence card to he could laugh about it. It is no laughing matter. I know that people deal with death differently but the cold and callousness was just horrific. I am sure that Grandma Virginia is just really hurt. It is her mom. I am sure it is a relief in some ways but it still hurts.
I never knew her but my heart goes out to Virginia. This is when she needs support and not crappy attitude.

Well better get busy. TTFN!

February is in full swing

Well, I am off shortly to do taxes. The one lady I work with is really making me mad. I was accused of acting like I am in charge so I really hate to see how she feels when I send everyone to her when I am asked something. There will be people from the IRS today and I will put a bug in some one's ear.

Love my new primary care doctor and my allergist. I am feeling better with the changes that have been made, but testing for allergies does not happen until Tuesday. Cumin and Balsam Fir are on my list to check on.

Michael is all registered for the BYU padded football camp. He is excited. He is trying out for the HS baseball team in a week or so. That will be good for him if he gets on the team.

Justin is getting settled with his new psychologist. I think that will help. Downside is that his parents are determined to come up to visit. Thanks heavens, that his mom has allergies to most of the trees around us so we are meeting up on the other side of the water. I am just so sick of all the games that they play. Justin says I am not trying, but I have no faith that they will act appropriately. I will be pleasant and cordial but that is where it ends. They killed any feeling of closeness that there was. I just can't tolerate them any more. I went through so much therapy and learned not to be co-dependent and they are one huge co-dependency. Dr. Valantine told me that it would bother me once I learned to control it and he is right.

Well I best get going for now. Heaven forbid that I am late. I will be so glad when today is done. This is a dread for me to go deal with this person. TTFN

January is gone already?...........

Yikes! It is already ground hog's day. I wanted to make a post mid-January but man it has been rather crazy of a month. I had to cram for my tax test and passed that. Whew! I also made 2 baby blankets for Bonnie's daughters and one for a lady that Justin play's online game tours with that is very ill back east. Here are pictures of the finished blankets.

This was for Cheryl and baby Logan. Sports ball fleece lines with blue flannel. The blanket is large enough that they can use it until Logan is about 5 and maybe longer.

This is for Stacy and Baby Girl Halladay. This is pink and brown diamond lined with pink flannel. It is large enough that she can use it for years as she grows.

This is the one for Rosemary. Hope this helps Rosemary stay warm especially with the blizzards back east.

Then having 3 allergic reactions in as many months and they are getting progressively worse is a bit scary. Trying to get established with doctors, etc. school semester change for Michael and lots more happening.

The allergic reations have become so bad that I now have to carry an Epi-pen with me. I had a slight one in November right before Thanksgiving. Then on the 14th of this month, I got weird sensations in the morning as I went to my friend's home to start the day. I had not eaten anything out of the ordinary. Took three Benadryl and thought it was ok. On the 17th I woke up with my right eye swollen and puffy and went into the eye doctor. They said it was allergy build up in the eye and gave me meds that work really well. Then on the 26th I made curry (homemade) and the following morning I had a swollen lip and this was the second day that I was not to take histamines as I was to have testing on the 31st. Called the allergist and they said to take 3 benadryl and if it did not help go to urgent care. I took a nap after taking the benadryl and I still had a swollen lip. Off to urgent care I went. It was not bad so called for one more dose of benadryl and have the Epi-pen in case of emergency. Then over the weekend we had a couple from the ward move into the complex where we live. I offered to make them curry as they both love it. I made it Sunday after church and took one bite to taste it. BIG MISTAKE! I immediately started to feel my lip swell and then my throat started to swell on the left. This worried me. I took 2 benadryl as I wanted to take only a small amount as I was to have testing (crossed fingers) in the morning. It took away the lip swelling but the following morning I could still feel some tightness in my throat. I was disappointed because I figured that they might not do the testing. (Hate the testing anyway, now I have to wait some more) We talked about it and I am really thinking that the culprit might be cumin. I have to take a small amount with me when I go back on the 15th for testing. In the meantime, I am NOT going to eat cumin. It is rather puzzling for me as I have eaten cumin before but maybe not in such quantity and concentration.

Justin is getting settled in with his new psychologist, Dr. Bill Chalstrom. He seems to like him and opens up to him somewhat. We will see as time progresses.

Michael is starting his last semester as a 9th grader. He is a "freshman" but he will officially be in High School next year. He saw that BYU puts on a football camp for high schoolers and asked if he could attend. We decided that it will have to be a bit of an early birthday present as it is $400 for 4 days in Utah, plus he has to have all of his own gear (another $400+). He really wants to go work with the BYU staff. I hope it is a great experience for him. Justin and I will go with him and while he is doing that we will be going to church sites and some different temples as Justin has never been to Utah before. I really want to go to Manti as my great grandmother and grandfather were married there. I always said I wanted to go there. Rather excited about that one.

Doing taxes on Friday & Saturday starting this week, until April 16th. Some changes so the first few days will be a little nervous until we can get a few under our belt. Looking forward to being back with good people and learning more each time.

This month will go fast I am sure. Stake Conference this weekend. We should be getting a new Bishop soon. We will see how things go. Maybe this weekend. Blue & Gold Dinner this month for Cub Scouts. Michael will have 3 more merit badges toward his Eagle Scout achievement.

I have to get to a follow up with the eye doctor so I will end this for now. TTFN!

Happy 2011.....or 1/1/11

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Well, It is 1.1.11. I am going to try to make it a point to post more often this year. We brought the new year in rather quietly. We were at home and Michael had gone to the youth New Years multi-stake activity. The kids could ice skate at the YMCA from 7 until 9 and then they went to the Perry Ave building to have a dance and bring in the new year.

Justin and I were at home. I made a nice Prime Rib roast and we had a nice quiet dinner. Justin has a hard time hearing people shoot off fireworks. It can send him into a flashback and so we watched TV and I started working on a project for a Christmas/Birthday present for 2011. I had to pull out a wad of yarn to get it started and so since the cats were trying to mess with it, I had to use up all the yard before putting it away. Michael arrived home shortly after 12:30A. He had a good time except that he ran into a handrail and considering that he hit rather hard his right leg just south of the groin it is rather black and blue. Ouch! He said that he had a great time other than that painful experience. I could not sleep and was awake until about 4:15A before I finally was able to sleep a bit. Woke up at 10A but am tired and feel like I am slower than molasses.

We are experiencing some very COLD weather. Wednesday, we woke up to about an inch of snow. Some of it is still there as we have not even hit 40 for a daytime high and we hit freezing (32 degrees) by the time that the sun goes down. We have been in the low 20's and high teens since. We had some sun today but anything in the shade is still frozen and there is ton's of black ice. Even though I was burned by our heated blanket a few weeks ago, I am very grateful for it.

Today, we were able to go out and get two pair of shoes for Justin on sale for $39 and the combined total if not on sale would have been over $100. Felt good to know that we got such a good buy.

I have two baby blankets ready to be done for a baby shower at the end of the month. I am really going to try to get some things made up in jars so that we will have gifts on hand when we need them. I am also putting together projects for Christmas this year. Hopefully, all will go well and I will be ahead of the game this year.

I love the early meeting schedule but tomorrow is the first week. I am just not looking forward to it. We will go from 9A - 12P. It will be a pain for the first few weeks but in the end it's ok.

Thursday, I have an eye appointment as my eye has been tearing a lot and it is on the sticky side. I will have a new prescrition for glasses so we will see what comes of that. Justin sees his new psychologist on Friday to begin that new relationship and path. He is excited but apprehensive none the less. We just need to get through the awkward part of things and once there is a routine it will be better.

Michael heads back to seminary and school on Monday. That means I am up at 5A with him and will be able to go back to sleep after he is dropped at Seminary each morning.

Today, Justin requested that I make my pork ribs as it is something that has become a tradition. I will probably not last too late tonight as I am tired. Puppy and kittens are doing well and loving their new beds.