jus' ramblin'

HOLD ON ~ ~

2010-10-22T18:57:00.001-06:00

Here I am in Sugar Beet Harvest and realizing it has been FOREVER since I blogged, so hang on, I am thinking of something good to say. .. .. . . Give me a day or 2

I am on a soapbox today . . .

2009-09-18T12:41:00.004-06:00

I know it has been forever since I blogged, shame on me. It isn't that we haven't been doing anything, we have been busy, but I have kinda become a facebook kinda gal, so I neglected my blog and I am sorry.

We have had a good summer. Baseball, Rodeos, Fair, Rodeos, camping, Rodeos . . . . It has been a great summer. With the economics like they are right now, we have enjoyed doing things "cheap". Sure can make the imagination work doing that, but it has been fun.

I wasn't going to blog, but figured since I have had a burr under my saddle for while, I would work it out here. Tattoos have become the in thing in the past few years. I am very much against them, I have preached at my kids and some of their friends. I know the Bible tells us to take care of our bodies and not destroy them and there are alot of ways of destroying our bodies other than tattoos; then there is the "they will look horrid when you get old", yeah, they probably will, but so will everything else on a persons body. I have heard all kinds of arguements. BUT I have a personal reason not to get a tattoo and I think maybe people need to realize how it can hurt others.
Most of you know 10 years ago, my son passed away from leukemia. He went through 3 different kinds of transplants from a unknown matched donor. This man gave of himself for my son. The only thing he was compensated for was the hospital bill, nothing more, except the satisfaction of helping someone else. Well if you have a tattoo, you cannot donate for up to a year or more depending on the tattoo for someone. I have pushed and even have helped with 2 successful bone marrow transplant drives, bringing in over 200 potential donors.
Now while we were in Seattle, there were close to 20 children on our floor waiting for donors. There was one boy that caught my heart. He had loving parents and siblings, he was from a rural town in Montana. He was waiting for the unknown donors cells to be delivered. Mom and dad were excited in hopes that they would see their son start healing and enjoying life as a normal teenager. The next morning they were gone, the nurses said back to Montana. I worried about him alot and finally found out that his donor had been on the roster, then decided to get a tattoo of some kind, so therefore he was no able to donate to SAVE A LIFE, because of his selfishness (in my opinion), this kid had no chance, this mother and fathers hearts were broken as they watched their son suffer from cancer. Until you have watched your child suffer from a horrible disease, go through all the surgeries and have a glimps of hope, of a life like he should have, depending on someone else, to have that person basically say "I don't care about anyone but me", it is not a good thing. The young man passed away not too long after that ordeal and I have been on a mission to encourage young people especially to THINK before you INK! (I know kinda silly, but maybe someone will remember it)

If you are on the Bone Marrow Roster, THANK YOU so much, you will never know how you can help a person and their family. BUT if you have a tattoo and are on the roster, please contact the bone marrow organization and let them know.

Thank you for reading, if you are angry and thinking I am judgemental about your tattoos, you didn't have to read this. If you have tats that is your choice, but please don't let a family down, take your name off the list, don't let them get their hopes up only to have them smashed.

Off to Brandons first football game tomorrow. Looking foward to it!

Baseball

2009-05-14T15:20:00.003-06:00

Brandon is playing on the Notus Major League this year. He was asked to move up because his age group, the team had way too many kids playing and Brandon understands the game and loves it. I like it cause he is a kid you have to challenge to get him to put his best foot out. So since these kids are 12-13 year olds, he is having to prove himself. I think that is great for him. The team has had 2 games so far and we aren't doing very well. But we have 14+ games to improve, so . . . . we are hoping. (Brandon is in the blue shirt w/black pants)
Brandon is playing alot of different positions. He likes catcher, but sometimes gets too tired to last very long. It seems really funny cause one of his coaches, I went to school with. Small world.

Spring at our house!

2009-04-20T14:12:00.008-06:00

The newest pets. Brandons 4H project. Miss Perfect and Miss Sandra Bullock (??)

Molly May ~ yep, she is trouble. She can be such a sweetheart, then BAM, she will kick you.

This is Smokin Sam aka Smokey. He is black, then he turns this color. Strange horse (really)

This is Kyras dog Kenzie, she is a very sweet dog that likes to chase white pickups down the road, so therefore the chain is her punishment. UGH

on the left is Jake (This is Michaels horse) and his mommy Dutchess (she is getting old)

This is our neighbors Bull Bufford (that is what I call him). He is HUGE and very scarey looking. Everytime I tried to get a picture, he would look at me like this.

Pelayos cattle!

4H BBQ

Colton & his mom, Glenda giving his demonstration on the "pork, it's whats for dinner" He did great for his first year.

Lane & Tanner, the 4 good breeds of pigs!

Miss Debbie and Glenda watching

Adam did a great job for his first year.

Brandon this is his 3rd year in pig 4H. He did his on Pork By-Products all by himself.

Brenden did a great job also. This is his 2nd year

Jacob did his presentation on what and what not to take to fair. He made a game for the other kids.
This is a great group of kids in 4H. We have all boys except for 1 girl. Tiana. I know Fair will be alot of fun, if we live through it. LOL

Robins contest

2009-01-08T10:58:00.004-07:00

Okay, my friend and pastors wife Robin has a contest going on oh her blog, so please check it out. I tried to convince her that the project needs to be the Cowboy Wall Hanging. So check her blog out and vote.

Have a great day.
I hope to have pictures soon of the wedding. Keep checking back.
http://robin-robinznest.blogspot.com/2009/01/big-project-2009-and-contest.html

WOW

2008-12-28T18:52:00.004-07:00

This week is the last week of just MY DAUGHTER. Crystal will be getting married to Cole on Saturday. People have been asking me how I feel about it. Well I guess I am strange, cause I am very excited for her. When she graduated, I DIDN'T cry. I was so excited to see what she had accomplished and realized she was growing up and maturing, and had dreams of her own she was going after. I was HAPPY! It is the same with her getting married. What mother wouldn't be happy (in my opinion) that her daughter was getting married to someone she loves and someone who loves her for who she is. Cole adores my daughter. So therefore I like him. He also loves Jesus and wants to follow Him. I may cry at the wedding, but it won't be because my baby girl is moving out, or because I won't see her much anymore. I will cry because I am HAPPY. Happy for her, happy for Cole and just excited to see what God has in store for them.
They are not moving far away, they will be living in Nampa on the NNU campus. I know we will see them and I will talk to her as much as we can. I am excited to see them move into their own home, start their own traditions, start their own lives with God as their guide.
Why shouldn't I be Happy!

I am also kinda sad because my dad wont be attending or my son Michael, but they will be watching from Heaven, smiling.

Christmas lights

2008-12-01T16:15:00.002-07:00

If you live around Caldwell, Idaho area, you have seen the change in downtown Caldwell. To me it is amazing. They have turned what use to be the "scarey" part of town into a beautiful area. It is all lit up for Christmas and Friday night, the 5th is the annual Night Light Parade which is also beautiful. This is also the area where alot of Crystal and Coles engagement pictures were taken. So if you get a chance, take a walk through the Indian Creek area of Caldwell.

Tag

2008-11-21T13:13:00.003-07:00

So, my friend Denise has tagged me and it sounds like fun. This is the tag where you find the fourth picture in your fourth album and display it for all the world to see. So after looking, I was surprised and happy!

This photo was taken of Crystal and Michael about 1 week before he passed away. She was going to play a game with him and he wanted to snuggle and talk. I just love this picture cause she is being such a good sister and listening to him. I am sure he was telling her a good story!

Now I tag Sheila and Julie and anyone else.

November birthdays!

2008-11-20T13:08:00.003-07:00

November is always a busy month for birthdays with my family. We start with the ~
Nov. 2 - Grandpa Aman
Cher Horn
Nov. 4 - ME
Nov. 5 - Sue
Nov. 7 - Mom Honey
Nov. 9 - my friend Susie Rebmon, who is really family
Nov. 10 - Kayla
Nov. 17 - Kenlee
Nov. 20 - Michael
and I know there are more, just forgetting at this moment.
We have in the years past met with Susie and had lunch for our birthdays. Last year, we just couldn't make it happen. So this morning, Sue, my mom, Susie, Carol and myself met at the little cafe at the Sand Hollow exit for brunch. It is always so good to visit and catch up. Our families are all growing up and just growing, adding to the numbers.
Here is a pix of us all.

My Mommy

2008-11-07T10:07:00.008-07:00

Virginia Aman has a Birthday today. Actually she is better know to me as Mom or Honey. I have always admired my mom for many things. She is one tough ole lady. She has put up with alot between her rodeo-cowboy-preacher husband and 6 kids and lots of grandkids, etc. She has been a rock in my life.
I love you mom!
Happy Birthday!

This was taken last Christmas.

mom and dad years ago

Virgina Ruth Porter

See what happens when a man and woman love each other and move to the desert????

The 6 children and mom

Me and my mommy!

Memories . . . . .

2008-09-26T16:36:00.003-06:00

Today I was going through some pictures that we had from our "Michael Journey". Our son was 3 when he was diagnosed with Leukemia ALL PH+ and we started our journey on Sept. 23 1998. These past few days have been very emotional and I wasn't really sure why, until today when I was going through these photos.

We started in Boise, went to Seattle in January 1999 for a bone marrow transplant, we stayed there for close to 7 months. During that time, we had "home" visitors and also made some connetions with ole friends in Seattle. Since my dad had passed away 4 months after Michael was born, Michael never really had a "grandpa", so he latched on to our dear friends Don and Sandra Miller and they became his grandparents and lived real close to the hospital. Michael would call and tell Grandpa he wanted some gum and Grandpa would show up after work with a case of gum from Costco. I think Grandpa really enjoyed it as much as Michael did. Don and Sandra went to California for spring break and Michael kept asking me when they would be home, the arrived home late on a Saturday and promised him they would be up after church on Sunday. So after church, they showed up and Grandpa was in his Sunday suit and Michael told him to sit down on his bed and he grabbed his tie and was going to tie him to his bed so he couldn't go on spring break EVER AGAIN. This picture filled me with smiles and tears. Oh the memories we made, the time we made to make those memories reminds me today that I NEED to slow down and enjoy my kids and grandkids.
Thanks Grandpa and Grandpa Miller for being there for me and my family.

Tying Grandpa to the bed! I love the shiny head!

Fire!

2008-09-22T17:13:00.003-06:00

A year ago Sept. 23rd, our barn burned completely down. So therefore all my paperwork is due today!!!! I just have a word of advice, if you ever have a fire, please, please make sure you know exactly what you own, how much you paid and where you purchased it and when!!! Keep all receipts of EVERYTHING!
Just words of wisdom from LISA!

Last years pix

Check this out!

2008-09-17T08:38:00.002-06:00

My bestest friend in the whole wide world has a blog now and everyone needs to see it. Donna is my neighbor and friend. She is so artsy smart and crafty and needs to share her creations. Check out her blog and look at her chairs. She is so full of great ideas.
I love you Thelma.

http://brobecksontheedge.blogspot.com/

Labor Day weekend!

2008-09-03T14:22:00.005-06:00

We decided to get away for the weekend. It was kinda a spur of the moment thing and we couldn't leave until Saturday morning cause I wanted to attend Troy Fosters wedding. Crystal had plans so she couldn't go with us, but Kyra, Dennis, Brandon and I loaded up and headed to Twin Falls. We were going to stay at the KOA campgrounds instead of a motel cause it was alot cheaper and really, really nice. We had a little cabin and it was real nice. We stopped at Malad Canyon and walked around, it is beautiful and amazing. Then we drove through Buhl and stopped at Smiths Dairy and had ice cream and bought REAL milk. (can you tell I am impressed?) Then we drove onto Twin Falls, through Filer and got our cabin. I will post some pictures, it was awesome, I think that is the way we are going to try to travel now.
We attended the Twin Falls County Fair & Rodeo, it is a big fair and rodeo. I was shocked. Then we got up early on Sunday and met cousins Clayton and Andrea at Idaho Joes and had breakfast. It was SO NICE to visit with them again and catch up. It seems we have gotten so busy, we don't see each other too much. I know Andrea and I could talk for days, we have WAY TOO much in common.
Then we left and went home though Bruneau and Grand View and stopped at the Emu Museum. We have said for years, we were going to stop and we finally did. WOW, talk about alot of history and fun things. It took us close to 2 hours to go through in and enjoy it.
So here are some photos of our weekend.

Prayer is needed for my friend Shari & her family!

2008-08-20T09:05:00.003-06:00

Please bring this family to Jesus when you think of it.
Shari & Frank Harris
http://mydaughtershouse.blogspot.com/

Rodeo ~ Homedale & CNR

2008-08-14T10:21:00.004-06:00

I have always loved Rodeos. As a young girl, I was hoping to someday compete in Barrel racing, but . . .. oh well. Now our grandson who lives with us is competing in Steer Riding. He loves it and we have seen such an awesome change in his self confidence. This year we have traveled to Vale, OR; Cambridge, ID; Homedale, ID; and last night to the Caldwell Night Rodeo. I think my favorite by far is the Cambridge Rodeo. Very small town with alot of local cowboys & cowgirls.

Here are some photos of our Rodeo Summer!

Brandon at the Cambridge Rodeo

At Homedale, we didn't know it was him coming out of the chute, so I didn't get any good picture until Grandpa and the Clown were helping him up, he got the wind knocked out of him.

CNR

Sometimes you scan the crowd and see if you can see people you know. Well clear down on the corner, out in the street was the Taylor family. I SPY SHEILA!

I am sure Alex knows all about Steer riding now and the latest Bull Riders numbers!

Great job Crystal!

2008-08-07T15:27:00.003-06:00

For years, Crystal has been interested in photography. She would always talk my camera and who knows what kinda pictures I would have until they were developed. I love the digital camera for that one aspect.

She took a class at TVCC for photography and then was taking some pictures. They are some awesome shots.

She decided to submit some in the Owyhee County Fair this week and went down last night and she won 1st place on this photo.

that is the new bridge over Indian Creek in Caldwell. The rounded things were rafters of the old ID Store

Update on Steel

2008-07-28T13:26:00.002-06:00

Steel was released from the hospital on Saturday. I understand that he is home and doing very well and everyone around him believes that God has provided a miracle. I am so happy for James and Staci and for little Steel and Rule. God is a God of everything!

This picture was in Fridays JC Penneys ad.

Please help pray for Steel Doss

2008-07-25T12:21:00.004-06:00

Steel Doss!

Years ago, my friend Staci Guntle, moved in with us and helped with our kids. Staci was an amazing babysitter, my girls and Michael LOVED Staci. She has since moved to Texas, married and has 2 little boys of her own. Steel is the oldest and he is 5, Rule is a few months old. If you pay attention to JC Pennys advertisements, Steel has been in them some.
Last week, from what I understand, Steel decided to get something from on top of the TV, knocking the TV over on top of him and crushing him. He was air lifted to the hospital and not given a good chance of survival. Staci has left messages that the doctors are amazed at his progress. He is out of ICU as of last night, this morning Staci left this message: "Steel woke up and gave me his orders for Starbucks, if that tells you anything". The little guy is a miracle and has a long road ahead of him. Please for Steel, his mommy and daddy, Staci and James Doss and little brother, Rule, his grandpa Joe Guntle, and alot of other family members are with them now.

This picture was one I clipped from a JC Penneys advertisement!

Wild West

2008-07-21T16:59:00.003-06:00

Last night as we were working outside trying to clean up STILL from our fire last fall. We are trying to get our swimming pool all together and hopefully have it up and running by the time fair is over this week.
Anyway ~ I was thanking God for my little farm. I love my little farm. It isn't much, but it is MY LITTLE FARM. We own about 8 acres on the corner and we have been here almost 18 years now. We have a small farm house that I love, it is very simple and small, but it is US! (not that we are small by all means)
So as I was standing on our back step I looked out over our hay field that was just cut and saw the sunset, I ran inside to get my camera. Of course, by the time I found it, the sun had disappeared behind the corn field. So the picture that you see in my heading is my western view of our little farm.
I was taking pictures and Brandon asked me "what are you doing, what do you see, huh?" I said "Gods beautiful Idaho" he smiled and said "Yeah, it is beautiful" and ran off to play.
I LOVE MY LITTLE FARM!

Friday, July 4th!

2008-07-10T14:22:00.002-06:00

July 4th, some of us Amans met at the Vale Rodeo. I throughly enjoyed it cause I love my family and I love rodeos. I had 2 great nephews TJ Barksdale & James Wallace and 3 great nieces, Arianna Gonzalez, Kenlee & Alyssa Horn that rode in the Mutton Bustin'. I tell you that was so entertaining and I am SO VERY proud of them all for hanging on. They all tried so hard. I think TJ ended up with the battle scares. Then Brandon tried to ride a steer and he hung on for a bit. I just enjoyed the time spent laughing and having a good time with my family.

Arianna waiting to ride!

Randy Aman & Mitchell Vanderweil

I don't know what to say. Terry & Pete

Pete and his granddaughter Arianna

Kenlee Horn on the fence with her medal. On the other side of her is the rest of the busters! Great job everyone!

Saturday, July 5th

2008-07-10T14:07:00.002-06:00

Saturday was spent doing different things. Some of the guys went golfing and some went shooting, some didn't do much of anything. Some of us girls and our kids went to Sheilas and visited and ate and the kids played. Lisa McKenzie and her mom and daughter Malin joined us. Joyce use to babysit Lisa when her and Chris were little girls and we all grew to love Lisa. Now she is married and has a sweet little girl who played with the cousins very well.

THEN we all met at the Nampa Park for a picnic and fun and pictures. It was nice to see everyone. The kids all played well together and had fun, of course it isn't an Aman party unless there are waterguns or balloons. Thanks Bridgett.

Sunday, July 6th

2008-07-10T13:37:00.002-06:00

Sunday was spent at Murphy at Bob & Sues home. We gathered for a time of worship led by my nephew in law Michael Freeman (Awesome leader) and then Pete my oldest brother talked to us about hardships. It was so awesome and touched my heart. Then we ate and some had to get on the road for their homes and then some of us went to Oreana to the old ranch and snooped around and some stayed and visited. We had a great time and I am SO THANKFUL for my family!

College Graduate!

2008-06-25T17:09:00.009-06:00

My Crystal has graduated from TVCC, WOW time flies. I never really understood that one until recently. My baby girl graduates from high school and now Crystal from College. She will be attending NNU soon to finish her nursing degree which is something she has always wanted to do. I am so proud of you Crystal, you have set your sites on what you want and have risen to that goal. YOU GO GIRL!

This picture was always my favorite, she was so tired and just wanted to go to sleep, so she kept kissing me "nigh night".

Another favorite with her "geanny"

her favorite horse!

party at Uncle Joes boondocks!

Crystal was flowergirl in Sheila and Duanes wedding!

Crystal & Kyra

This picture always makes me smile. You can tell these 2 loved each other alot. Michael loved Crystal so much and Crystal was so good to Michael. They were great friends. (thanks Crystal)

l to r: Katie, Kieria, Amanda & Ashley. Tyson, Crystal & Megan

high school tip off

walking across the stage to get her diploma

Crystal Patrick and Cole Cooper

One Proud momma!

Party!!

2008-05-28T13:28:00.001-06:00

Friends

2008-05-28T13:22:00.001-06:00

Class of 2008!

2008-05-28T13:00:00.001-06:00

JUSTIN WAYNE AMAN

2008-05-12T10:59:00.005-06:00

Yes, it is signed!

Justin graduated from CSI last Friday night and I didn't get to go. Crystal and Cole drove down to see him and take some pictures. Here are some great pictures of him.
I love you Justin and am VERY proud of you!

Cousins & Friends!

2008-05-06T16:46:00.003-06:00

Justin & Crystal! Justin was born in October and Crystal in December. Soon they became friends and Crystal began to boss Justin around. Justin was very good at telling her she was bossy, but that didn't seem to bother her.
Now they are both grown and have made this momma and Aunt very proud. Justin has grown up to be a very awesome young man, dedicated to God and his family and I think he even loves his aunt Lisa.
Crystal has grown up and dedicated her life to God and is becoming a awesome young lady.
Both are graduating from College this spring. Justin is graduating from CSI in Twin on Friday, May 9th. Crystal will be graduating from TVCC in Ontario on June 13th. Both of them have accomplished alot and I am so proud of them
I love you both

Life is good!

2008-05-05T14:15:00.003-06:00

I haven't blogged for awhile, probably because there is SO much going on, I don't know where to start or finish. So just a run down of what is going on.

Prom is over for Kyra ~ she had fun
Brandon has started baseball ~ and I love the warm weather when it is baseball season
Crystal is busy with college, she graduates from TVCC the middle of June.
Dennis has been busy at work and we have turned in our insurance papers for our barn, so hopefully soon, we will have something up.
I have been busy with everything.
Kyra graduates May 25th, got a lot to do. They start softball district tournaments on Friday.

Anyway, now you know why I am busy. I will blog more after graduation, when I am getting ready for the Family Reunion.

Love to all!

Bone Marrow Drive

2008-04-22T14:56:00.003-06:00

Years ago, a man in South Caroline, along with his wife went to a Bone Marrow Drive to have their names put on the National Registry for donating marrow. He soon forgot all about it.

In Sept 1998, a little 3 soon to be 4 year old boy was diagnosed with Leukemia and started his round of chemo. Soon test showed that there was a PH+, Philadelphia Chromosome that would make it impossible to cure the leukemia without a bone marrow transplant. The whole family, mom, dad, sisters and brother were brought into the Bone Marrow Center to be tested. Mom tested the closest with 4 out of 6 the same. The decision was made to call the national register. The wait was filled with prayer and alot of hours in the hospital. The doctor called us at home and said "We found a perfect match from the east coast, we will start the process immediately". So the family, flew to Seattle and started the procedures. On Feb. 14th late in the evening a little red cooler arrived at Swedish Medical Center with a very handsome man delivering it. Early in the morning we finished the transplant and a very sick little boy became violently ill. Many days, hours and minutes we were in prayer, people from all over the states were in prayer for this little boy. He became better and we were rejoicing that things looked great. Then he relapsed. On April 13, 1999, he received a stem cell transplant from the SAME unidentified man from the east coast, the same courier brought in a red cooler and we started again. Praying, waiting and praying some more. This little boy was recovering very well and was even let out of the hospital and looking for a time to return to his home. The end of May, his marrow stopped making and it was decided that a boost from the same donors blood cells would get this marrow producing again. So back to the SAME unidentified man from the east coast they went for blood. One June 4th this little boy received this blood through outpatient clinic. His marrow started producing and eventually he was sent home to be with his family in Idaho.
Not too long after that, a tumor was found in the middle of his head. An operation was completed and again his marrow was tested as doing very well. Then another kind of cancer was found, called Burkets Lymphoma and another round of chemo was started but his little body could take no more. He and his momma, daddy, sisters and brother, prayed and prayed that he would be healed. After seeing him suffer (yet he NEVER ONCE complained) and realized we had given it all we could here on earth, we had to make tough choice to stop treatments. God gave this little family such peace and strength through this challenging time. They saw God in everything they went through, especially this little child that God have given to them to raise. On Nov. 17th, 3 days before his 5th birthday, he went to be with Jesus. The families prayers were answered, their little boy became a healthy angel. During his illness, the little guy would talk about playing in Heaven, eating whatever he liked in Heaven, seeing his poppy and Porter-porter in Heaven and waiting for his sisters, brother, mom and dad to join him someday.

I am blogging this to tell you, this little boy was my little boy and if you never knew my Michael Aman Patrick, you missed out and I am sorry. For he impacted so many lives, so many nurses, doctors and their families were touched by him.

Sometimes when I think about this unidentified donor that gave of his time time, his body and his family, to help someone he never knew anything about. The only thing he knew was that the boy was 4 years old and needed him. This man was later identified to us as Jim from South Carolina. He had a wife and 3 girls and we exchanged Christmas cards for awhile. I pray for this man and his family quite often and thank God for him and what he did for my boy.

I would like to encourage everyone that reads this if they are not already on the Register for Bone Marrow, please take a few minutes to do this. This coming Friday, April 25th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at our church, we are putting together a Bone Marrow Drive with the help of Mountain State Tumor Institute in Boise. The church is on the corner of Ustick and Batt Corner Road in Homedale/Wilder area. It will only take a few minutes and the only thing you have to do is fill out a few health questions and let them swab the inside of your mouth and then your name will be entered with your information into the National Register. If you cannot make it to this drive, you can also go to the Mountain States Tumor Institute in Boise and ask for Mark Allen and tell him you are doing this in memory or honor of Michael Aman Patrick. You may never know who you may help along the way. It will only take a little bit.
Also ~ read my niece Sheilas blog about her being asked to donate. http://www.sheilafacinggrace.blogspot.com/
Also go to www.marrow.org

Thank you!

I've been tagged ~ Now you are it!

2008-04-21T08:50:00.003-06:00

My List
I was tagged by Sheila, Julie & Karen
What I was doing 10 years ago:
wow, I can't remember that long ago. 1998 wasn't the best year of my life. In August my grandma Porter passed away, Sept. my son Michael was diagnosed with Leukemia. Actually the spring of 1998 was a great spring. We took off and went to Seattle for a week vacation and had a blast. Then on the way home, we lost the transmission in the van and Dennis had to fly home and the rest of us stayed a few more days and enjoyed more time off.

Five things on my to do list today:
1. Get bookwork done, ugh
2. Try to stay warm
3. Get Brandon ready for his GT program
4. Get ready for our Bone Marrow Drive on Friday

Snacks that I enjoy:
1. Chips & Salsa
2. Popcorn
3. Anything chocolate

What would I do if I were a billionaire:
1. Not tell anyone, except my hubby and family, well not all of my family.
2. Pay Tithe and help youth group
3. Give some to the Canadian Inland Mission in memory of my dad
4. Give some to Childrens Hospital
5. Pay off bills
6. remodel my house & do lots of landscaping
7. Help people in need

Three of my bad habits:
1. Lack of exercise
2. I am a bad procastinator
3. I am a pack rat, clutter bug, etc.

Places I have lived:
1. Kuna, ID
2. Midvale, ID
3. Kuna, ID
4. Greenleaf, ID
5. Seattle, WA
6. Nampa, ID
7. Greenleaf, ID
8. Seattle, WA

Jobs I have had:
1. Lawn mower
2. Dishwaser at the Odd Fellow retirement home
3. Owyhee Publishing 2 or 3 times
4. Insta Print
5. Mountain View Equipment
6. Insurance office
7. Chiropratic office
8. School lunch cook sub
9. Greenleaf Cemetery maintenance

People that I want to know more about
1. Talisha Taylor
2. Shari Harris
3. Robin Ryan (Girl your picture looked great yesterday, I had those same glasses ILY)
4. Avis Germain

Kyra is 18 today!

2008-04-14T11:47:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday, Kyra Lenee! I love you!

My Dad!

2008-04-14T10:03:00.004-06:00

NOTE: this is long & you may not enjoy it, grab some tissues!

If you know me real well, you know that I love my family! I grew up the baby of 6 children, my dad was a minister when I was born (I never tho't that was fair for me, the other kids got him when he was not so strict, or so I tho't). My mom was a great mom, I realize that now more than ever. My 2 oldest brothers were off and married by the time I came along. So . . . .I said all that to say. I love my parents.
Yesterday, April 13th would have been my dads earthly birthday. He would have been 90 years old, which amazes me. My dad was a interesting individual. He grew up in a Christian home and then for some time left that life and lived it to the fullest. He wrestled in the circus, he traveled with the circus, he rodeoed, he was a bronc rider, broke horses, was a buckaroo for alot of years. See, those are the things I would have enjoyed. My dad also was very competitive and loved to win a good argument. My Grandma Porter was always quoting scripture and so when dad was out on the mountain with the cows, he would take his Bible and study it so he could argue with Grandma. Well God used that to save him. Even though, I always wanted to know the life my dad had in those days, I am SO thankful that God saved him.
I never really got to know my dad until after he retired and I was still in high school. He would work a full time job AND pastor a church. My dad was one of those pastors that in my opinion was very involved in his congregations life, sometimes more than his own families. I resented that for years, but when dad and mom moved to Murphy, he would stop and visit me alot, it started when I lived in Nampa and was a stay home mom and then when I went to work, sometimes he would stop and take me to lunch or just to say HI. When he was diagnosed with cancer, we were all so heartbroken. Dad fought and fought that battle and alot of times, we tho't he had it whipped.
When I became pregnant with Michael, my dad was so thrilled. To me he acted like a kid, sometimes I would be shocked to hear he tell people that I was pregnant, cause he never used that word, 'with child', was usually what he would say. (silly, I know, but it was my dad). The day that Michael was born, he dropped mom off at the hospital and he went to church, when he came back after church and I had my baby boy. He held him and wept. Dad knew he was sick and sometimes know I think maybe he knew something about my Michael. Dad held him and told me that someday, this little boy would touch so many lives. I didn't realize how much truth there was in that quote until later. When we took Michael into the doctor for his check up and to be circumcised, my dad made the trip to Nampa from Murphy and made quite a production of it. It was so funny in a way, he quoted scripture and held Michael and talked to him about how it was going to hurt, but it was scriptural. I was amazed and so thankful that he was interested.
Not too long after that, my dad became very ill. The cancer was getting the best of him. He got to the point he couldn't drive, or go many places, so we would go to Murphy. The kids would go to school and off Michael and I would go. We spent alot of time by the hospital bed in moms living room, talking, singing, listening to Ann Baldwin sing songs, cry, plan his funeral, enjoy visitors, etc. I think the best time I had was just listening to dad talk about his life. He opened up a whole new person to me. He was my father, but in those last few months of his life, he became my DAD. my hero, my friend, the best grandpa a girl could want for her kids. He made wrongs right, he explained things to me that I struggled with for years and never had answers for. He told me "Lisa, please forgive me for how you were raised, your mother and I did the best we knew how". That has stuck with me. I forgave my dad and mom, No I didn't understand the religion we were raised in, but my parents were right where they felt God wanted them to be. But those talks dad and I had over cream of wheat in the living room were so special and awesome. Before dad passed away, he was SO anxious to get to Heaven and see his mom, dad and others. He would talk about it, thinking "this is the day" and we would all meet at the house, crying all the way out there, only to walk in and have him sitting in the chair smiling when we walked through the door. I was sorry to see my dad suffer, but thank God that I had the chance to make a few wrongs right and to see another side of my dad, one that I will cherish forever. Michael was only 4 months old when Poppy left us, but I made sure I told him about his Poppy. When I would hold him for naps, I would tell him about his poppy, then again when Michael was so sick and was leaving this earth, I would hold him and tell him how he was going to see Poppy soon. Right before Michael left, he was lying in my arms and I was rocking him and he looked up to me and said "mom, now who will I see in Heaven?" I named a few cancer friends that left us already, our neighbor lady that had just died in an accident and Grandma Porter-Porter and Poppy, he got this sparkle in his eye (like his Poppy) and said "Well I won't see Crystals cat, she was not nice!"
Sometimes I just picture those two, Dad and Michael walking through Heaven talking, having a great time, waiting for my mom, my brothers and sister, my kids, husband, and me! That helps me on these lonely days, like today.
I am sorry this is long, but oh well. Maybe I inherited my fathers long windiness!

Spring break

2008-03-31T11:22:00.004-06:00

The first part of our trip was beautiful weather, the second . . . rained!

Spring Break

2008-03-27T20:51:00.005-06:00

Wednesday morning at 4 a.m., we left our little home in Greenleaf and headed to the Oregon Coast, we went to visit and stay the night with our cousins in Junction City, Linda and Larry. Larry is a miracle man. He just survived death, with alot of prayer, this man is a walking miracle and someday soon, I am going to tell you all about it.

On the way to Junction City, it snowed so bad on the pass, it was amazing. I drove through the pass while Dennis tried to sleep. I was amazed at the amount of snow on the sides of the road.
Then almost as soon as it started snowing, we noticed it was raining and nice.

This is the Oregon Coast, we traveled to Hwy 101 and are driving down to the Redwood Forest (Dennis idea). We took along time to get to Cresent City, where we are staying tonight, because we stopped ALOT and looked at all the cool places along the way.

I will take lots of pictures tomorrow from the Redwood Forest and all the fun things we will be doing, but I am tired. Good night and God Bless!

Church

2008-03-17T13:38:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was a very interesting church service at our church. I had looked in the bulletin a few weeks ago and was actually kinda dreading this weeks service, well not dreading, but wondering WHY they were doing a "Chosen People" topic for Passover. It was quite interesting.

This man, oh shoot I cannot remember his name, spoke on the Jewish traditions of Passover. I found it very interesting. He took a long time to speak about it and since he was talking about food and it was Sunday, my stomach was really making alot of noise by the time we finally got to go home. But it was very interesting.

I had never really tho't about the Jewish customs for Passover and Easter until we were in Seattle at Swedish Medical Center during Passover in 1999. We had a family in there from Isreal seeking treatment for their 7 year old daughter fighting cancer. They were Orthodox Jewish and could not speak any English. The woman had her head covered at all times, the man, well he was interesting. He wore alot of different things each day. It was spring and warm and he would show up at the hospital in a large top hat, covered with wool of some kind and a big heavy wool coat. He would check on his daughter and go to the family room to pray ALL day. Literally ALL DAY! He had a Prayer book and he would chant all day long. The man yesterday talked about cleaning the house from all leaven things with a feather, this man had a feather and he would clean the family room everday with his feather. I found it scarey mostly because I had no clue what they were doing.
When he would leave the hospital in the evening to walk to his apartment, he was usually quite, what do I call it, in America, quite wasted, because he would be praying, chanting and drinking wine all day long. It was very interesting to say the least.
After hearing the sermon yesterday, some of those little things we encountered there in Swedish Medical Center with our Orthodox Jewish family, made some sense. They are looking for the Messiah.
I am so thankful for a Messiah who is risen and saved me from all my sins. And continues to forgive me daily!
Happy Easter season

Well grab some tissues!

2008-03-06T14:46:00.002-07:00

I have received this numerous times and have shared it with alot of people. Today, I was having a what we call at our house "A Michael Day". My friend sent this to me, so I watched it (AGAIN) and wept. Not only is this cowboy a shining example of Jesus, but he attitude, his actions, his thinking is so much like my little Cowboy Michael. So grab some tissues and listen/watch this and if you have seen it before, just take a few minutes to watch this.

Wednesday

2008-03-05T15:59:00.005-07:00

Well today has been a very normal Wednesday and I need to blog. I was so hoping something would happen like I would find my watch that I have been looking for for several years; my mom would come and visit me; my friend from California would call and say "Hey, I am in town, let's do coffee"; my husband would tell me we were going to retire and move to Montana; Crystal would say she had a full ride scholarship to nursing school; Kyra would tell me she has decided on what she is doing; or one of my dear sweet customers would give me a lottery ticket and tonight I would find out I hit the jackpot; SOMETHING! But instead not much happened. Oh wait ~ Scott's Ice in Caldwell burned. I bought 25 baby chicks at an FFA auction. Dennis and Kyra went to the bank for me and then went and bought a mitt for softball. Brandon is out riding his bike. Crystal is out of class for the day and still trying to figure out how to pay for college. I am still keeping my "lent". I slipped a few days ago and had a cup of foo foo coffee, but I am better now. So there is not much going on.

The latest at our house ~

2008-02-28T13:40:00.003-07:00

Not much, that is the latest. Well maybe not really not much, but not really much. OH Brother!
Lately we are so enjoying the spring weather we have had, we are not sure how long that it will last.

Crystal is still in TVCC, working hard to graduate and get on with her nursing. As of now, the plan is to attend nursing school at ISU in Pocatello. She visited there and really liked their program. Now she is applying for loans, begging for loans, and anything else that will work to get the money for her education. We enjoy having her around, but she is anxious to get on with her degree and we are too.

Kyra is through with high school basketball. The girls went to state and played 2 games and lost so they were out right away. She loves basketball, but when you get girls together for any length of time, there is way too much drama. So on that note, she is starting softball soon. April we are planning a Bone Marrow Drive for a scholarship she received at the school. So you will be hearing more about that soon. She is also busy planning their Senior Class Trip, the class will be going to Seattle and working in a homeless shelter or soup kitchen or something. Then she will be graduating soon enough and who knows what she will do after that.

Brandon is playing basketball now, every Saturday. We are also getting ready for our 4H projects. PIGS! This weekend, I think we are going to drive to Midvale to check on pigs for fair. He is also wanting to ride steers again, we are kinda holding out on that cause last year he would go and then cry cause he was afraid of getting hurt, so we want him to make sure this is what he wants.

Dennis and I are busy as always. It is getting close to Cemetery mowing time and I have a new mower, so I am anxious to start mowing!

Well that is about all for us, for now!
Have a blessed day!

Just cause!

2008-02-19T11:28:00.002-07:00

I don't have any thing interesting to post and since it has been awhile, I will copy Sheila on this!

Just for fun, here are my ten favorite places to go (in no particular order):

1. Mountains where there are trees, water, snow, lots of wildlife
2. Camping
3. Coffee with friends
4. Seattle, Washington with my hubby and children
5. Small town Rodeos
6. The HUGE Goodwill in Seattle
7. Oregon coast
8. Horseback riding in the Owyhees
9. taking a long drive through small towns and communites and stopping at EVERY cemetery I can find and looking at all the neat headstones, etc. (I know, I am weird)
10. watching a good ball game, either basketball, softball, baseball, etc.

Lent

2008-02-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

No, I have not become Catholic or Lutheran, not that I have anything against the religion at all. I have some awesome friends that are Catholic, and I love them alot and we respect what each of us believe.

Anyway ~ whenever I use to hear the word Lent, I always tho't "that is for Catholics". Well a few years ago, our dear Pastor KD Coles, spoke on Lent and what it means and really encouraged us as families to give something up for Lent. After much talking and and trying to find something that we as a family really didn't need, but depended on. Dennis and I finally decided TV! The kids were not too thrilled about it, but after talking about Lent and then realizing what Christ gave up for US, and in my "mother" thinking What Mary gave up for God, it wasn't that bad. We turned the TV around and unplugged it and actually we had a great 40 days. Sometimes I wonder why we turned it back around. Since then we have used Lent on a more individual level.

I realized the other day that Ash Wednesday was coming up and I prayed a little about participating, not too much, but I did pray. On Wednesday morning, I woke up around 2 a.m. and let the dog out and couldn't go back to sleep. I sat in my chair and was praying and the Lord spoke to me regarding Lent. He showed me in my life a few things I have let get in my way of being a 'better' mom, wife, Christian. I realized what I needed to give up for Lent. I am not going to tell anyone, cause I feel this is between God and I. But I have also decided to give up foofoo coffee and sweets. I struggle with my weight so much anyway and so this is a start. It has been hard because I feel I have become addicted to coffee (again). So as you, my dear friends, are sitting down to your Starbucks, Moxie or even my favorite Dutch Bros, please say a pray of strength for me.

Have a blessed day, and Happy Lent!

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2000/marchweb-only/34.0.html

Super Bowl party

2008-02-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

We all gathered at Mike & Teresas home and enjoyed way too much food and alot of fun!

I miss you Gabby!

2008-01-30T14:35:00.000-07:00

Today would by my great niece Gabriella Joy Gonzalez's 4th Birthday. Gabby was born to my oldest niece Vicki and her husband Luis. She joined an older brother Alex and sister Arianna. She came into this world with alot of challenges. I got to meet Gabby one time and I so enjoyed listening to her giggle and coo. She lived alot of her life in hospital.
Gabby is now an Angel in Heaven. She is missed by all of the family. Her parents, Vicki & Luis, siblings Alex and Arianna, all her grandparents, great grandma, aunts, uncles, and nephew.
Gabby, enjoy Heaven. Give Michael, Poppy and all the rest of the family a hug and kiss. I miss you!
Great-Aunt Lisa

Happy moments!

2008-01-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, we were praying hard for a little girl we had grown to love. Her name was Olivia. I met Olivias mom years ago, but since we enrolled the girls in GFA, Karri and I have become friends. I admire Karris drive for the kids at school, for ability to tackle the athletic challenges she has do tackle. She is an amazing person who is raising some amazing children. Olivia was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor a few years ago and was treated with chemo and then a stem cell transplant (you can read more about her on her site, www.Caringbridge.org, then type in oliviafisk) She is my hero and an amazing little cancer survivor. Olivia was chosen as a trainbearer for the GFA Tip Off the other night. Olivia looked so pretty and was so excited about being a princess with Kyra. Even though she was not feeling very well that night, she smiled and waved to the crowd and was all smiles for pictures. So this is a picture of Princess Kyra & Princess Olivia.
I love you Olivia from Miss Lisa

Princess for a night!

2008-01-28T13:20:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night was our Basketball Tip Off. It was a very eventful day for our family. Kyra was chosen as a Senior Princess along with her awesome friends, Jessi Berlin and Michelle Gooding. Jessi Berlin was chosen by the student body as Queen.
Kyra spent part of Friday with Sheila and Rose, curling ringlets and make her hair all ringy. She loved it and those 2 did a great job.
The GFA boys basketball team played their long time rival, the Wilder Wildcats. It was a bitter sweet win for GFA in our families hearts. First of all Wilder is where Dennis went to school and graduated from (many years ago). We have alot of friends there, their boys play basketball and most of all, Kyra's boyfriend, Tyler, plays for Wilder. We were cheering for both teams, they both worked hard and played hard.

Beautiful!

All Ringy!

Kyra & Nam

Shelby Koch, Kyra, Jessi Berlin, Katie Morse and Michelle Gooding!

BEST BUDS, Stephanie Pemberton, Jessica Ryan, Jessi Berlin and Kyra

On Saturday night, was the Tip Off Banquet. Kyra chose a different dress for this night. She loves her polka dots.

Kyra and Tyler going to the banquet on Saturday night

Getting ready AGAIN

Senior in High School

2008-01-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it takes me awhile for things to soak in. Kyra is now a Senior in high school and I am to the point where I feel like I will always have a child in school. This is when I start to feel more mature in my age, not old, mature.

Crystal is finishing her 2nd year in College
Kyra is a Senior in high school, trying to decide what she is going to do with the "rest of her life".
Michael would be finishing his 7th grade year (that does not seem possible)
Brandon is on the down hill side of his 3rd grade year.

WOW
Kyra is finishing her basketball season and we are all at the point, we will be glad when we are done, except for the fact, I love girls basketball, so I will be attending some games SOMEWHERE next year. I have nieces that are playing for at least one more year, so that will fulfil my basketball withdrawals.

She will be playing her last home game for her senior year on Monday, January 21st and then we will play our last game at Rimrock (our big rivals) on the 24th, then head into District and hopefully State.
Friday, the 25th of January, she will also be prepresenting her class as a Senior Princess at the Boys game at GFA vs. Wilder (where her friend plays basketball). It doesn't seem possible that it is all winding down, but then again, it has been a long time coming.

Come and help her celebrate her senior game on the 21st and then her Princess day on the 25th.

Cleaning house

2008-01-11T14:36:00.000-07:00

I do not like to clean house, but then after I do, I feel so much better. Is that normal??? Anymore, what is normal??? I have been on a purging, turning over a newer leaf, heart and mind clearing desire. If that is what you call it.
So last night, I am sitting in my chair thinking to meself . . . . How can I do things different this year without it being too much stressful. I prayed before I went to bed for direction and strength. When I woke up this morning and read my "new" devotional (I will blog about my new devotional some other day, it is great) and prayed I again prayed for strength and direction. I didn't check my email for awhile and when I did, I had about 19 emails more than normal, so I am looking through them, all but one was from my Uncle Gene (he must have gotten his computer fixed). This was the first one I opened was about Cleaning house for 2008. Now you got to know my Uncle Gene, usually his emails are so funny I am dying laughing, so this one I know he sent out just for ME!

Last Week I threw out worrying, It was getting old and in the way.

It kept me from being me; I couldn't do things God's way.

I threw out a book on MY PAST
(Didn't have time to read it anyway.)

Replaced it with NEW GOALS, Started reading it today.

I threw out hate and bad memories,
(Remember how I treasured them so?)

Got me a NEW PHILOSOPHY too, threw out the one from long ago.

Brought in some new books too, called I CAN, I WILL, and I MUST.

Threw out I might, I think and I ought.
WOW, You should've seen the dust.

I ran across an OLD FRIEND, I hadn't talked to in a while.

His name is GOD the Father, and I really like His style.

He helped me to do some cleaning and added some things Himself.

Like PRAYER, HOPE, FAITH and LOVE,,
Yes,... I placed them right on the shelf.

I picked up this special thing and placed it at the front door.

I FOUND IT- its called PEACE. Nothing gets me down anymore.

Yes, I've got my house looking nice.

Looks good around the place.

For things like Worry and Trouble there just isn't any space.

It's good to do a little house cleaning,
Get rid of the things on the shelf.

It sure makes things brighter; maybe you should TRY IT YOURSELF.
BE BLESSED AND BE A BLESSING TO SOMEONE ELSE!!!!

May the Lord open the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing that
You will not have room enough to receive it all.
Malachi 3:10.

May the Lord bless you exceedingly abundantly above all you could ever
Hope for.
Philippians 4:19

Argentina

2008-01-08T13:17:00.000-07:00

When Kyra was going into High School, she was very concerned about friends, she had alot of friends, but some of them were making bad choices and she was really hesitant to start school. About 2 weeks before registration her and I were talking and we decided we would pray that God would bring her a new friend, a true Christian friend. Some of my bestest friends are ones I have had since I was young. Every girl needs a TRUE FRIEND! Kyra was kinda like "yeah right, whatever", and we prayed, the closer it got to school starting, the harder I prayed.

The summer before, we had started attending a different church and fell in love with our new found "friends". Kyra was not so excited about being involved, but she would tell me there was a girl that was always nice to her and made her smile and laugh. You have to remember, Kyra ~~ She was one of the girls that would come home from school and talk non-stop about her "new" friend and when you would ask her her "new" friends name, it was usually "you know, the one in the red coat or pretty ribbon in her hair" or something like that.

Now back to my story ~ We registered for school and she was very depressed about her friends, and that afternoon I took the girls to the church to join the youth into going to the Lagoon. I had kept telling her on the way down there, "maybe someone will start school, someone new that will be your friend, a real friend". I was having a hard time convincing myself, let alone her. So we get to the church and she told me theat girl there was always so nice to her and she was excited about getting to know her on the trip. As they are visiting, this girl tells her she was so nervous because her parents were sending her to Greenleaf this fall for school. The look on Kyras face was 'priceless'. Since that day, Jessica Ryan as been Kyras bestestest friend. They spend quality time together, they laugh, cry and Jessica holds Kyra accountable for things that no one else dare try to hold her accountable for. We have all fallen in love with Jessica. Her dad is our wonderful pastor and her mom is a very awesome pastors wife and friend to me.

I said all of this because, this family needs prayer. Our church is taking 24 people to Argentina on a mission trip and Jessica and her dad are going. Kyra is really struggling with this, she is going to miss Jess and I know Jess will miss her. I know Robin is going to be VERY lonely with her husband and daughter. Also they need protection and strength.

Here is a pix of Jessica and one of her dad, Chuck.

"Hang it on the Cross"

2008-01-07T12:10:00.000-07:00

Lately my life has seemed to me to be so cluttered. I have become what I said I never would ever do again. Our pastor spoke yesterday and I think I heard alot of his message in a different way than most people, but it really encouraged me to trust HIM completely with EVERYTHING.
This morning I came to work and it seemed that things are just falling apart financially, people don't think they need to pay us, so therefore I have a tough time making our bills and then I tend to make myself sick with worry. So as I am thinking in my mind how to work all these things out and totally ignoring what the pastor has been saying to us, I am thumbing through a magazine thinking "why do I even look in these things, I cannot afford anything right now" Poor Poor pitiful me. (even though I know better) There on page 132 is a picture of a cross

"Hang it on the Cross"
If you have a secret sorrow,
a burden or a loss,
An aching need for healing . . .
Hang it on the Cross.
If worry steals your sleep
and makes you turn and toss,
If your heart is feeling heavy . . .
Hang it on the Cross.
Every obstacle to faith
or doubt you come across,
Every prayer unanswered . . .
Hang it on the Cross.
For Christ has borne our brokedness
and dearly paid the cost
To turn our trials to triumph . . .
Hang it on the Cross.
That is my motto for now. I am going to Hang it on the Cross.
God is so good to me, yet I tend to lean on Him like I need to.

PARTY!!!

2008-01-02T16:44:00.000-07:00

Crystal is 20!

2008-01-02T10:32:00.000-07:00

Well it is true, the older you become, the older your children become! My little Crystal Pistol is now 20 years old, a sophomore in college and has a bright future. I am so proud of her. She has become such a joy to be around. I love her and am so proud of her. Happy Birthday Crystal!

Crystal & Kyra (getting along)

at her birthday party!

Crystal and Cole (when you see one, you see the other)

Crystal 4 years old

At Uncle Joes boondocks

Tawney, Crystal & Jayde

8 years old

"The Christmas Story"

2007-12-17T13:22:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite Christmas movies. It reminds me so much of my younger days, but more of my siblings Christmas stories.
Caldwell had their annual Christmas Light Parade a few weeks ago and Crookham Seeds always does such an outstanding job with their float and then they display it by their warehouse through the Holidays. We have seen it several times, but Saturday night, we could not help but get pictures. Hope you enjoy them, cause we sure laugh about them.

YIKES!!!

Brandon, DON'T LOOK!

NO, You CANNOT have one of those lamps!!

Priceless!!

Kyra showing her stuff!

"Aman" Christmas!

2007-12-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

Duane, wondering WHAT invaded his living room

our Family Christmas picture!

Crystal and Cole

Saturday night was our Aman Christmas! Our family is growing in numbers and living every which direction, that we have a party and if you are there, GREAT, if you are not, SORRY!!
This year we all met at Sheila and Duanes home in Nampa. It was so nice to visit and eat and visit and eat some more. Also, this year instead of exchanging gifts, we donated money to a family that my dad pastored many years ago. It is so nice to do this in my opinion.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

Well since it has been awhile since I have blogged and Sheila does not want to nag me about it, I will blog something.
Christmas ~ sometimes I get sad when I think of Christmas and other times I get so excited it is hard to be still. For years we have tried to pound into our children what Christmas really means, about the time I think they see it, bong, "I WANT . . . ." I know the girls are old enough now to really understand what Christmas is and they live it well. Brandon struggles because he has so many people in his life that think it is important to BUY things for him to show their love, that I am not looking foward to that part of it.
I am going to tell you my story, you can read over it and not comment or even finish it, but I am going to tell you another "Michael" story, REAL LIFE story.

Christmas time, 1998, we were in St. Lukes Childrens Hospital with Michael hitting his chemo treatments pretty hard. It was a sad time, scarey time, unsettled time in my life. I had been making extra money babysitting and that came to a streeching halt when he was diagnosed, I used that money for Christmas and bills, so we were kinda wondering what to do cause the kids were depending on Santa for a few gifts. We had been outpatient for a few days, but then had to come back into the hospital because his counts were so low. As I was sitting in MSTI, holding Michael, wondering what I was going to do about Christmas, I am not sure why I was so concerned about it when I knew God would take care of us, He had been all along. I just remember, Rowena the social working coming in and sitting down in front of me and she said in her sweet voice "Lisa, the operating staff has fallen in love with Michael and they want to make your Christmas this year". I was like huh??? The operating staff, do they really know who Michael is? After visiting with some of the staff, they KNEW Michael. He was the only one that would wake up from his numerous surgeries and start singing "Jesus loves the little children,all the children of the world". So yes, they knew Michael. Rowena talked to the girls and asked what they wanted and they wrote letters to Santa and so did Michael. I was worried because they seemed to have long letters that year. I didn't want them to sound greedy or anything or be disappointed when they didn't get much, cause this santa wasn't going to be able to give them anything. A few days before Christmas, we were released to go home from the hospital and when we went to get in the van, there was the whole operating staff waiting with mounds and mounds of presents. Everything on their lists and then some. They also gave us some money to buy things to give to the kids from us. That was the best Christmas ever, we all learned alot that year. We also had a Secret Santa, for 12 days before Christmas, we had all kinds of goodies with little notes attached to them about the 12 days of Christmas, we would find them in the mailbox, cars, etc. it was awesome and so much fun. It was about 3 years later before we found out who it was, since that time, we have returned the joy to other families. This year we have the family picked out and are ready to start, just got to figure out their schedule so they don't catch us and hope they don't have mean DOGS!!!!
My immediate family has also taken a famiy to help this year for Christmas, a family we love and want to bless. We are so blessed, so we are sharing the blessings.
I am excited for Christmas, but definately not wanting it to hurry here. I like to enjoy the traditions and not be hurried, but I tend to let the hurried part get to me.
Have a blessed Christmas!

Memories . . . . .

2007-11-26T14:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in life, we see how much people change. Here are some pictures of my friends children. Brad and Anthony and my own children in past years with the last being this Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving!

2007-11-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

We left on Wednesday and drove to Federal Way, Washington for Thanksgiving. We enjoyed a good meal on Thanksgiving at Rod & Cyndi's house with alot of friends. Then the girls and I went to my brother Terrys house to see his family. When I walked in the door, my great-nephew James wanted to play tag and I was it. I think he wore us all out and the others were glad we were there to entertain him. We enjoyed a great visit with them.
Later we visited with Larissa, and Larry Foster and his children, Chad and Chelsea. WOW, when I see these kids, I realized I AM AGING! Larry kept us all laughing at his stories and it brought back alot of memories of years ago.
We arrived home Sunday afternoon and the roads were really good, no snow on them, unlike last year.

This is James, playing "you're IT"

Randy

Melissa, Blake, Jimmy & James

Jessica, Michael & little Jaden

Larry "Rove" telling Don all about it!

Happy Birthday Michael!

2007-11-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

Michael in Seattle Hospital

November is a very "birthday" month for my family. I will not even try to name names and dates. I want to share with you about my birthday boy. Michael was born on Nov. 20th 1994 at Mercy Medical Center in Nampa. I remember that date so well because of a lot of things. First of all, the hospital sent me home and told me I was going to be a few days. WELL ~~ We were back within a few hours and about 5 hours later, there was our little boy. Dennis and I knew he was going to be a boy, but had decided to keep the news to ourselves since you never know how accurate those tests were then. My sister was there and since it was a Sunday, my mom came and my dad went to church and he got up in church and told EVERYONE that I was having a baby. Now that was strange cause my dad never even said the word PREGNANT, and then he tells everyone I am about to give birth. WOW. My dad was so excited because Michael arrived. For some reason, that really meant alot to me. The next day, was Nov. 21, and in the night a family came in next door and you know my husband, he started visiting with the father. They were in having their 3rd child also, and they had 2 girls about the same age as our 2 girls. So the conversation was easy flow for those 2 men, I could have cared less at the time, just let me snuggle my boy and sleep. Later that day, Dennis did inform me that they had a baby girl, a cute little blue eyed girl.
Michael was such a good baby, he loved to snuggle and to sleep with mom and dad. We broke alot of "rules" when it came to Michael. I nursed him until he was 3, (YEP, one of those mommas). I let him sleep in my bed, etc. There were alot of boundaries I had let down with him. When he was about 5 months old, I answered an ad in the newspaper for a babysitter. The lady came to the house with her 3 girls and the youngest was about Michaels age, little blue eyed girl. Nataucha, Bailee and McKenzie became a big part of our lives. I love those girls so much, their family is so special to us. Michael and McKenzie were best buds. Come to find out, the family that was in the hospital waiting for their baby to be born the next day, was McKenzies family!
When Michael entered Pre-School, thanks to the Lowry family at GFA. He looked so foward to it, but seemed to not be feeling very well. In Sept of 1998, he was diagnosed, after months of doctor visits, with leukemia with PH+. This was rare form of leukemia but it was treatable. We started our battle with McKenzie right there with us, her daddy brought Dennis to the hospital and picked up McKenzie. Michael battled that diease until he went to be with Jesus on Nov. 17th 1999.
You see Michael had a birthday on the 20th of November, but he had a Heavenly Birthday on the 17th. We were able through Make-a-wish to have a "Walker Texas Ranger" party for him on the 12th of Nov at St. Lukes and the first person he wanted to invite was McKenzie. She was there and you know McKenzie fought this battle as much as we did, she was right there, made several trips to Seattle, once she flew up with Crystal and I and stayed a whole week. The Lowrys loved Michael as much as we love McKenzie.

This year has been a pretty tough year tho. Tina Stattner was a big encouragement to me when Michael was fighting his battle. She prayed for us, for our lives, for our children and for me as a mom, she gave me books, she was always there for a hug. She passed away on Nov. 4th from cancer.

A friend from childhood, Sandy Plemons Nauz passed away yesterday from cancer. It is a sad time of year in the midst of happiness. I miss Michael and I know lots of people do. There is a hole in my heart and it will never be filled, a bandaid maybe, but never filled. I know he is healed now and probably teasing Tina and giving everyone a great big smile.
I miss you Bubbies!

Poppy, Honey and Michael

Can you see the smiles on those sisters faces??

Dad, Mom and Michael in Seattle waiting for the Doctors to come in.

Happy Birthday to my momma!

2007-11-07T12:16:00.000-07:00

"My mom is better than your mom"! Yep she is and she is having a birthday today!

I love this picture of my mom. She looks so beautiful!!!

I love you mom and Happy Birthday!
#6

My sista is ~~

2007-11-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

Having a birthday today! Sue is my much older sister that I love dearly! You see my mom and dad were very surprised when they realized they "were having ANOTHER baby". My sister is 15 years older than I am, well I was born on November 4 and she turned 15 the next day. I do believe she was happy that I arrived into this big family cause she was out numbered by the boys. When I turned 15, I tho't there is no way I would have been happy to have a baby in the house. Anyway, back to Sue.

This pictures is how I remember Sue growing up. She always was fluffing her hair up in this big do's. She tried so hard to do my hair, but I didn't like do's and still don't. She would pin curl my hair on Saturday nights, only to have me wet it down before church on Sunday morning. I realize now how hard she tried to make me a girly girl. Sorry Sue, it never happened! Within a few years after my arrival into this family, Sue went off to Bible college. I hated it cause I was left with boys! They picked on me all the time, something terrible. She also ran off to New Mexico to work in a Navajo mission there, we went to visit her there.
I have tons of memories with Sue, some I am sure she would like to forget. ( a very recent video clip I have of her rooting for BSU in a motel room "Oh baby" I need say no more).
Sue is my bestest friends, we don't always agree, but she has usually got the best advise for me, more than likely she will encourage me to pray about it and trust God.
Sue, I love you and thanks for your great sense of humor.

Sugar Beet Harvest

2007-11-01T14:04:00.000-06:00

BEAUTIFUL!!

My early morning view from my Shack!

Trucks piled in the yard!

After I weigh the trucks in, they head the piler to be dumped and then I weigh them out.

My Shack in the middle of Wilder!

Sugar beet harvest is always busy time for me all the way around. Dennis gets real busy at the shop during harvest, which is great. We both have this concept if it wasn't for harvest, where would America be? So he works very hard for the farmers. Around the middle of October for the past 6 years, I have worked the scale house "shack" at the Wilder Sugar beet dump. I love this job. I remember as a teenager riding around in the beet truck with my boyfriend and thinking "someday, that is the job I want" well I have it now and I love it. It can be hectic. It seems really sad that the farmers are dropping their beet acres fast around this area. Every year we have less and less beets to harvest. This year my harvest was only 12 days, my first year, we were there for 6 weeks, that was the year from down under.
Harvest is over and I feel refreshed and ready to do something. Get my barn built, clean my attic, clean the shop, get the yard at home all ready for winter, go out with my sister for our birthdays and have a great winter.
Happy Birthday tomorrow Cher!

Cher wtih Baby Owen!

It is starting ~~ BIRTHDAY!

2007-10-29T10:36:00.001-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENNIS!
Dennis always suffers for his birthday. I am usually in harvest, like this year, and so he is forgotten until harvest is over. Well not really, but we still feel sorry for him. We are not a family that really "celebrates" birthdays, we still do our routine, get up, go to work-school, go through the day as normal. We do get a dinner that we want, and sometimes a gift or two. We celebrated Dennis' birthday yesterday, but going to Golden Corral after church with our friends, the Bethelyons. I of course, didn't get any pictures, but we did have a great time. (Cole was with us too) We told them it was Dennis' birthday, so they came and sang to him and made him stand up and hold the salt and pepper shakers and shake them while they sang, it was quite comical.
He is going to his "Aunt Ferns" house on Wednesday night to celebrate his and his uncle Alvins birthday.

Saturday, we celebrated Grandma Smallwoods 96th birthday at her house with a hot dog roast, that is what she wanted. (She is such a go getter for 96)

Now we are starting our birthday list
Dennis, 10/29
Uncle Alvin 10/31
Cherylyn 11/2
Me 11/4
Sue 11/5
Mom 11/7
Brandon 11/8
Susie 11/9
Kayla 11/10
Kenlee 11/17/03 (Sorry, I missed this one)
Michaels would be 11/20
Aunt Fern is 11/17 (??)
Sandy 11/23 (??)
Pete and Joyce are going to celebrate (I THINK) 45 years
Aaron and Cherylyn are celebrating their 9th??
I sure hope I didn't forget anyone!!
So HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL!

Okay, more pictures of Portland!

2007-10-23T15:51:00.003-06:00

Amazing Freedom!

2007-10-16T13:27:00.000-06:00

Weekend before last (hehe) was a great weekend. Early, Friday morning, I got into a big ole red Ford truck headed to Portland with some old friends and some girls I had no idea who they were, but figured I would get out of my comfort zone and make new friendsm (the older I get, the harder it is for me to get outa my comfort zone)
There were 10 of us headed to the Women of Faith Conference. I have attended several of these, but it has been a few years since my last visit.

My sister, Sue is very much a great advertisement for these conferences. She informed me several months ago I WAS going this year. I was a little reluctant, but decided I needed to go, for ME! Fall is always a busy time of year for us, our business is on call basically 24 hours a day for harvest breakdowns, etc. And I am once again working beet harvest at the Wilder Scare House, so I had to make sure all my ducks were in a row. (that stresses me out way too much sometimes). Anyway we had a great trip and got into Portland in great time.
The conference started Friday night and we were met by Vicki, my oldest older niece. I am so glad I got to spend some time with Vick. We stayed up way too late for over 40 girls, but we did have a great time.
We returned home Monday evening, to hit the ground running.
For someone with a new camera and who takes it everywhere she goes, I sure didn't get very many pictures. Oh wait, I do have some I can share, someday!

More blogs later!

2007-10-11T15:37:00.000-06:00

It is fall time and that always means a very busy time for us at work. I am working sugarbeet harvest again, this is the 6th year and I do enjoy it, but it usually means coming back to work with a mess that takes me a year to get out of, well it seems like it.

Tomorrow morning, I am leaving with 2 van loads of women, yeah I am crazy I know and we are going to the Women of Faith Conference in Portland. We are meeting my niece, Vicki, there and attending the conference. Coming back on Monday and starting harvest on Tuesday. So . . . wish me luck.

I will not be blogging for awhile, but you can always leave me emails, comments, etc. and I will return them when I can.

Here is a picture of some of the gang I am going with. After looking at it, please, remember me!

A road trip

2007-10-09T15:21:00.000-06:00

On Sunday, we loaded up a butchered pig, 3 children and Dennis and I headed across the state line to Juntura, Oregon. I had never been there before, but a couple that Crystal met through the airport, he is a helo pilot, Bill and Anita, had purchased our pig we had butchered, so we were taking it to them.
WOW!!! The country is BEAUTIFUL!!! They live about 20 miles off the highway in the boondocks and I immediately fell in love with the country side. Bill and Anita are such great people. I told them all I was ready to move. I love it. Here are some pictures of our trip.

They live above Beulah reservour, not much water in it this time of year. We saw alot of deer, cattle, geese and alot of burned up grazing land.

The first picture, well . .. what do you think it is???

Well, have you missed me??!!

2007-10-05T17:04:00.000-06:00

A few weeks back, my niece Sheila asked me if I was ever going to blog again and I informed her I didn't have anything to say. In turn, she informed me I DID. I have tho't about that alot. Sometimes we go through life, not really thinking that we make any difference in others.
As I am sitting here at my desk, swatting flys as they buzz around me, thinking about the different people I know and love. I won't name many names, cause I may miss someone and I don't want to hurt feelings.

A few days ago, I was on myspace, looking at some sites of the girls I use to babysit many years ago. I met Teresa when I answered an ad in the paper for part time babysitter. Crystal was just a baby and she had 3 little girls. I was a little overwelmed at first, cause Teresa was so kind and well not like any of my other friends. She was in my opinion beautiful and had things so together. Her husband, well we won't go there, but there were these 3 girls with BIG BROWN eyes and long brown hair and very talkative, except for Jayde, she just grunted. Brandye was in kindergarden and very much knew what she wanted everyone else to do and she was not afraid to tell you. Heather was just a few years younger and she was a little more quiet than Brandye, probably knew she couldn't talk too much. Jayde was 5 months older than Crystal, she was such a sweet baby, I enjoyed her so much, actually I enjoyed all of them. Sometimes when I would get there in the mirning, Jayde needed a bath, so I would put her in the tub and Crystal would climb up to the tub and fall in with all her clothes on to play with Jayde.

Natawnya was born a few years later and she was this pretty blue eyed, blonde haired baby that had this beautiful smile and attitude. I didn't get to take as much care of Tawnye as I ddi the others. But I grew to love these girls and their mom and Grandma. Grandma Dillon was and is grandma to my girls, she had this thing for Cabbage Patch kids and we had more of them things than KMart, I think. Teresa became a bestest friend, to see us together, we don't have much in common except our kids and each other. I grew to love Teresa and even tho we don't see each other too much, I feel her pain when she is sick, I feel her sadness when she has challenges. I love Teresa.
Since my babysitting years for her, she has had 4 more babies. Kaden, Kenan are the sweetest boys. I don't know them every well, but they are always full of fun. Brendan was born in 97 I believe. She met Dana and Dana is a great guy. They have 2 children together and I will tell you about Brendan. Teresa never had good pregnancies, she always was sick and had alot of problems. She was so excited to be expecting this little boy and she went into labor and Brendan went to be with Jesus, I cried and wept with her. It was so hard, I was so angry at God for doing this to my friend. I remember being at the funeral service and seeing the hurt and ache in Teresa and Danas faces. That was such a tough time in our lives, all of us. My youngest boy Michael was sick and at that time we could not figure out what was wrong. In fact, the day of the funeral started many trips to the doctors to find out what was wrong with my baby. A few days later, we found out it was leukemia. I called Teresa and she came and cried with me and brought Michael a giggle toy. Michael loved Teresa, he tho't she was pretty sweet. Then after that her and Dana had a little girl that has been so much enjoyment to all of us, such a grown up little princess, Sayre. What a girl.

I am not sure why Teresa has been on my heart so much lately. I know she has not been feeling well, she has had alot of health issues and challenges with her children, but she has impacted my life more than you can imagine. Would you join me in praying for Teresa and Dana and their families. God has blessed me with a friend, a very special friend, and I want to bless her with Gods healing blessings.

Teresa, if you read this, I LOVE YOU GIRLFRIEND!!!!!

Sunday, Sept. 23rd!

2007-09-24T17:03:00.000-06:00

We enjoyed a wonderful Sunday Service at the Owyhee County Fairgrounds. It was our first Family Fair put together by our church, it was great. Alot of great music, worship, people and food, and fun. It was great.
We left the Fairgrounds around 2:34 was home and ready for the Sunday Afternoon Nap when we decided to take the Airconditioner out of the window and store in the barn for the winter. We headed to the barn to find a place to store it when Dennis noticed smoke in the rafters. Within approximately 20 minutes our barn/garage and tack shed, hay shelter with 1 Ton of hay in it was GONE, ALL GONE!!! I cannot tell you how scarey it was. I think it put the "fire fear" in all of us again. I hate fires. The Wilder Firemen and Caldwell Rural were AWESOME!!! They did a great job, it seemed like forever for them to get there, but the fire went fast. We lost alot of stuff and tack. The horses finally left, they kept hanging around and I believe it was the dogs that got them to move finally. Because the barn was the fence on the east side of the pasture, we are without a fence for awhile, so hauling hay and water will be the unwanted chore this winter. The agent and adjuster was out today and feel everything will be taken care of, we just have to clean it up. yuk.

I think the hardest thing for me is, it is another chapter in Michaels story that is closed. I didn't think I was ready, but I guess I have to be now.

Everyone is asking how it started, well we are waiting for a direct answer back on that one. Hang on and we may let you know soon.

Keep the family in prayer, please. It may not seem much to some people, but alot of our lives STUFF was in that garage and the barn.

Heaven!

2007-09-19T11:28:00.000-06:00

Have you ever just wondered what Heaven would be like? I have and my dad and I talked about it before he left this world for Heaven. He informed me he tho't it was wonderful, sagebrush lots of land with no fences, what cowboy would want streets of Gold, gold in a cowboys mind are land and sagebrush! Great thought I think.
Well Sunday, I believe I was in Heaven (on earth). Dennis and our friend Ron McIntyre loaded up 2 horses and the mule and headed to the Owyhees. Brandon and I went to church and were to meet up with them at Stouds basin aftewards for a picnic lunch and Brandon would ride the mule the rest of the day with them.
Well since it had been years, many years since I had been back in there, I forgot how bad the roads were. Brandon and I had stopped at Homedale Drive In and picked up chicken and food for lunch and we started out there and Dennis called and said there was no way I was bringing my van into where they were. So I called my dearest brother Joe and asked him if I could go through his property and he informed me I was not taking my van in there, so he was so kind and let me drive his 6 wheeler into Strouds. Brandon and I loaded up our lunch and stuff and drove into the sagebrush, after about a mile I stopped the machine and turned it off and told Brandon to listen, he said "don't hear anything" and then I told him to smell and he said "don't smell anything" I then informed him that this is Heaven and his reply was "well it smells kinda dusty to me". It was so beautiful. We met up with Dennis and Ron and enjoyed a good lunch and then they all loaded up on their horses and I on the 6 wheeler and drove back into Stouds. WOW, it was gorgeous. I am always amazed at God's work, everything was dry and then all of a sudden you would see green and a stream running with cattle grazing, then you come around a corner and there is a basin full of water. It was beautiful.
They all headed back to the pickup and trailer with the horses and I drove along praising God and thanking Him for my heritage and my family, my life, and for sending His Son for my sins. Here are some pictures along the way.

Family

2007-09-04T15:05:00.000-06:00

After our venter of painting the deck. We all ate lunch at Sues house. Justin and Kayla came boy to eat with us. I have to say "Gary was a party pooper and wouldn't come and eat with us". (there I feel better)

Justin informed us that soon he will be turning 20. Now that scared me! Here are some photos are that are

Labor day!

2007-09-04T14:57:00.000-06:00

My family all got together on Saturday to help get moms house ready for winter, get some things done that needed done, etc. Well we could not go because of prior things going on, so Monday, we loaded up and went to Murphy to paint the deck for mom. Here are so great shots of my little family working so hard.

"the Life"

2007-08-27T09:34:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, we loaded up the family and my bestest friend Donna, and drove to Hammett to see Sam. Sam grew up down the road from us, he is Dennis and Donnas boy, and he now works on a ranch in Hammett.

WOW!!! What a life?? He works hard we know, but . . . to get to play with horses all day and make a living at it?? What a life.

We had a great time and enjoyed ourselves very much.

Family Time!

2007-08-24T08:31:00.000-06:00

As most of you know by now, my parents had 6 children, and since the 6 children have children of their own, and so on, there are ALOT of us Aman kids. We are scattered about the West area mostly. Terry and his family are all in the Seattle area, Pete and his family are in the Portland area and in Colorado. So it is very seldom that we are together. Last night, Melissa "Misty" and Jessica and their families are here from Seattle. We met at Joes place in the Boondocks near Homedale for a BBQ and alot of visiting. Here are some pictures of our evening.
Melissa is married to Jimmy and they have 2 little boys, James and Blake. Jessica is married to Michael and they have a little boy Jayden.

School days, School Days, Good ole Golden Rule Days!

2007-08-23T10:20:00.000-06:00

Wow, Summer is over at our house. We have drained the pool, decided it was time to finish some of the spring yard work and where to go on our "camping trip".
Brandon started school on Monday, the 20th. He is now in 3rd grade and loves it. He thinks he knows EVERYTHING now, not just everything, but EVERYTHING. He loves his teacher, she is old, probably about "grandmas age". There are 2 new girls in his class and they chase him all over at recess, he is once again the "Tether ball King". I know there is more, but I will stop there.

Kyra leaves for 1st week this coming Monday, they will be in McCall at Quaker Hill for 4 days with the high school students. There will be a spiritual challenge put in gear for the kids, and they will bond with their classmates and see their teachers on a whole new level. It is a great experience for them. This is Kyras Senior Year, so that is kinda sad, but exciting. She has big plans after high school, they just seem to change alot.
This weekend our plans are to get some camping in if we can get Dennis away from work. grrrrrr!

Another "Happy Birthday"

2007-08-16T14:16:00.000-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

Well actually, it isn't until Saturday, but I want to be ahead of the game, instead of late. (Really, it does happen sometimes)

Gary Bert Aman ~ what can I say about Gary . . . . well he is my older brother, just 5 years old than I am. So lets see he must be heading slowing towards 50 years of age now, 48. YIKES!!!

Gary, better know to old close friends and family as Goby, is an awesome brother. Believe me, I would not have been able to say that years ago. He was mean to me, he picked on me, he hit me, he would tell on me, need I go on??? I am sure I deserved most of it. I actually believe he helped make me tough, cause I had to be.

Gary is married to Trina, whom we all love dearly. They have 2 children, Justin is in college and Kayla is a Junior in high school. So yep, that means we are all getting older.

Gary, I do love you and thanks for all your advice and help through the years.

CORN!!

2007-08-14T09:30:00.001-06:00

Corn, Corn Corn, everywhere is corn! Last week was my annual, but skipped last year, indeavor to freeze corn for the family. Years ago, mom would do this for us and we had alot of yummy corn for the winter.

Well last year, my family moaned and groaned about husking the corn, so I just didn't do it, needless to say, they missed the yummy corn, so were helpful this year.

I stayed up until 1:30 a.m. to finish the corn.

Crystal husked it, and invited her friend Nathan Hastings over and he helped.

So for another year, we will have all this yummy corn in the freezer to eat!

Happy Birthday Joe!

2007-08-13T09:21:00.000-06:00

Today is my brother Joes birthday! Joe is the second in line of us 6 children. All my siblings are my heros in their own way, I guess that is my priviledge for being the youngest. Growing up, Joe was my idol. He was always looking for adventure. I am sure my mother aged the most from Joe and his crazy tantics, experiments, ideas, etc.

One of my first memories is when we lived in Midvale and they came to visit. Mark was not much younger than I was and so we were more like siblings than Joe and I were. We were playing in the front yard and here came Joe on some sort of motorcycle. All I know was, it was the biggest and fastest one I had ever seen. He was flying up and down the road, I am sure the people on the street were wondering who was visiting the crazy preacher family. Joe was always looking for adventure, and after all these years, he still is.

As I grew into adulthoood, I worked for Joe. It was at this time, I realized that I had about the best brother in the world. He understood so much of my frustrations with life in general. He would give me the best advice, not that I usually followed it, but it was the best. Joe is also a very positive person, he has accomplished alot in his life but not without alot of hard work and dedication. His love for his family is above and beyond alot of families. Joe ~ I love you and am very proud to be your sister.

Lucy!

21 Years!

2007-08-09T12:18:00.000-06:00

Well, this all started 21 years ago today! Well part of it anyway! Dennis and I were married on August 9, 1986 at Greenleaf Friends Church. It was a HOT day and well it was VERY HOT! The church was packed, between the 2 families, we have tons of relation and friends.

I am not sure of the 21 years many of them were that happy. Definately we were not following Gods lead in this relationship to begin with. My parents prayed their knees off for us. After being married about 7 years, we recommitted our lives to Christ and things have been better. God has definately been leading us and directing our lives since then. It hasn't been easy, but God has been so faithful and we have grown to love each other deeply!

Dec. 31, 1987 ~ Crystal Renee was born. Okay, for those family members or in-laws that just KNEW we had to get married ~ Aug 9, 86 until Dec. 31, 87, that is almost 17 months and she was born a month early. So . . . . YIKES, I am wonder woman. haha

Crystal was and still brings alot of joy to our lives. She has always been anxious to be involved in things. She is now 19 years old, soon to be 20 and striving for her goal as a pediatric nurse/sports med.

April 14, 1990 ~ Kyra Lenee was born, she entered this world screaming and yelling and very ambitious. She is still that way. She had intentions of being here alot sooner than we wanted her too. So I was bedfast for several months. Her smile is very happy and she brightens our lives alot. This picture here was taken at KMart and both her and Michael were all cleaned up and ready to stand in line forever. During our stay there in line, I noticed he had a mark on his nose and she had one under her eye. I was giving them the ole lecture, "you kids need to quit playing, now you are going to have big sores on your face in the pictures" Blah blah blah, well by the time we finally got their pictures taken, in the car and ready for home, all three of them were covered with the chicken pox. So this is our "Christmas Pox Pictures". Kyra is 17 and going to be a Senior at GFA, she has alot of plans in work in her life and she is looking to Jesus for direction.

Nov. 20, 1994 ~ Michael Aman was born. When he entered this world, our little family felt so complete. Michael brought alot of changes to our lives. Mom was now a stay home mom, who didn't think she could ever do that, but fell in love with it immediately. Michael was daddys little cowboy and mommas little pal, Crystals little buddy and Kyras bubbies! Michael brought alot of joy to us. You can tell in this picture his nose had a big chicken pox on it. Michael is now in Heaven and has been since Nov. 17, 1999. God gave us a responsiblity in raising our children to glorify Him and seriously I believe He used Michael to glorify Him and His love to us. Michael taught us alot in the short time he lived with us.

During our cancer journey with Michael, our pastor K. Coles prayed for Dennis and I, he prayed for our marriage and our love for each other. I know he prayed that for us all through our journey and we believe that is what held us together. Thanks Michael for everything, your love, your humor, jokes, wisdom, undying love for everyone, just for everything, bubbies. We miss you!

When I found out I was pregnant with Michael, Dennis son, Brandon James, entered our lives. WOW, what a change, but what a joy. We learned alot in a short period. Brandon lived with us a short time and so therefore we don't have a whole lot of pictures. The first one on this page is the only family picture we have of all of us.

Thank you Dennis for your love, your unconditional love and faithfulness to me, to our marriage, our family and our God. You are a great guy who I have grown to love more and more and admire alot. Happy 21 years!

Until tomorrow ~~~

2007-08-08T15:18:00.000-06:00

Hey, tomorrow I will post and very fun post for me! Just wanted to warn you or prepare you!

WAITING until tomorrow!

Fair is OVER!!

2007-07-31T08:46:00.000-06:00

I am always excited for the Fair, but by Saturday, I think I am ready for it to be over. This year was very different not having Crystal involved in 4H. The last few years, the girls have been involved all on their own. Dennis and I went and helped when they needed us, but with Brandon involved this year, I was more involved. The 2 kids were in different 4H clubs so that was pretty hectic.

Brandon had a great time with his friends. Something about 4H friends, they are TRUE friends, down to earth people. His friend from school, Kenzie they were involved in alot of things, and had a great time together.

Last night was the auction and it was so HOT! Both kids did very well with their pigs. We had some awesome buyers. Kyra sold her pig - Biscuit to Jim Wilhite. Brandon sold Porky to Roger Hibberd Masonry. It was about 12:30 before we left the fairgrounds last night and up early this morning. Both kids are still sleeping since Thursday, they have been at the fairgrounds no later that 6 a.m. and Kyra usually didn't leave until around 11:30 or midnight. So it was a long, hot week. Brandon also received a Excellence award in his Sharp Shooting group. He was pretty pumped and he won 1st place in the milk drinking contest, (a true Patrick).

Happy Birthday Pedro!

2007-07-27T11:16:00.000-06:00

My oldest brother Pete, well today is his birthday! Now remember, I am the baby of the family, the last of 6 children. Pete is the oldest, 22 years older than myself, Joe, 20 years, Sue, 15; Terry 10; Gary 5. Yep, my mom and dad were planning that I am sure!!! NOT!

Pete had finished Bible College and was married and had a little girl, Vicki before I came along.

Now a little bit about Pete

I never really knew him as a "brother". He married this sweet lady from Texas that I love and admire alot. Joyce is such a sweet lady with this big Texas heart for others, her family and mostly GOD. Pete and Joyce moved around alot, I always tho't. They lived in Portland, Oregon; Pheonix Arizona; Columbus, Ohio; Boise, Idaho and then back to Portland, Oregon. (that I know of anyway)

Pete and Joyce have 4 children, Vicki, Sherri, Ron and Chrissi, and he has 6 grandchildren, one of those granddaughters, Gabby is in Heaven today. Pete loves kids and I know my kids love their Uncle Pete. He is so fun to watch with the kids cause he is a big kid himself. He loves the outdoors, fishing, camping, etc.

Most of all Pete loves God. His life is such an example of Christ. Some girls look up to their siblings and say I want to be like that, well I look up to Pete and say "I want to have a Godly life like Pete". He doesn't realize how much he has through life encouraged me. He is my inspiration. I love you Pedro.

The first picture is of my mom and dad and Pete.

The next one shows his love for his grandson Alex and his neice Kyra. (she is gonna love that pix)

Then ~ the "Aman Competiveness" which has the best something or other, looks like muscles in this picture. left to right: Joe, Gary, Pete, Terry.

Then the day of Michaels funeral with all my siblings and mom. Pete was such an encouragement through Michaels cancer ordeal. He would come and visit and Michael loved his Uncle Pete. He would come and visit even when he had to wear a maske and gloves before he could come in the door.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PETE!!!

Fair Time!!

2007-07-24T15:59:00.000-06:00

Well it seems crazy, I haven't blogged since the Vale Rodeo, that is sad and YES, Sheila reminded me again. Someday, she is going to forget and I can blogg her a message. I love you Sheila!

Alot has gone on in our lives since my last blog, we have been busy at work and with life. We had our first cutting of hay down, when the big rain storm came through last month, it dried out, but I was worried there for a bit. We had the 2nd cutting done this weekend, and the weather looks HOT for awhile, so we should do okay with hay for the horses this year. Last weekend, we did our volunteer hours for Brandons 4H club at the Snake River Stampede. We all worked the concession stand and it was fun. I am amazed at how young these kids are that are suppose to be 21 and drinking. They definately look about 15 or so. Guess that is what comes with my aging process.

Thursday morning we weight the pigs in at Canyon County Fair. I will try to get some pictures on here tomorrow of them and my kids. Fair is always fun, BUT . . . .very exhausting.
Well more later.

Rodeo

2007-07-09T11:40:00.000-06:00

On Friday night, our good friend Garratt was riding sheep at the Vale 4th of July Rodeo. I had never attended the Vale Rodeo, but from now on, I will do my best to attend. I like the home-town rodeos, where the cowboys are locals and you know who they are. Even tho' I don't know anyone in Vale, there were Jordan Valley Cowboys, Homedale, Caldwell, Nampa, and some others we have watched at other rodeos. We had so much fun we went back on Saturday night.

Garratt didn't stay on his sheep very long, but did come out with a bloody lip. They also had a pig scramble, which Brandon didn't participate in the first night, but did the second. Of course he didn't catch the pig and it was EVERYONE elses fault. They put in the areana 3 small piglets and turn about 50 kids loose to chase them down and catch them, if you catch the pig, you get to keep it. It is fun to watch. I was just thankful he didn't catch one because what would we do with ANOTHER pig?

This 1st picture is of Brandon and his friend Ta getting ready to chase the pigs. Then on Saturday night, a young cowboy that we have come to know through school and Brandons steer riding adventure, rode in the Vale Rodeo, so we were there to cheer him on. Casey Leppert had a great ride, stayed on the whole 8 seconds and tied in First place for the week. He was pretty happy and we were proud to cheer for him. See the pix of Kyra and Casey. The picture on the left, is a priceless picture. Brandon got to go behind the chutes and watch them get on the saddle broncs and bulls. The picture shows how much he looks up to these cowboys.

Then the most entertainment of the night (HAHA) was our friend Cole, he claims this was the first rodeo he had ever attended. Now growing up in Homedale and never attending a Rodeo, something is messed up, yeah and I harrass him about it too. He enjoyed himself alot and was very entertaining to listen to. Here is a pix of Crystal and Cole.

We have decided from now on, our 4th of July week will include the Vale 4th of July Rodeo. It was a ton of fun and very reasonably priced.

More pictures!

2007-07-06T09:25:00.000-06:00

Here are so more pictures of family time! Here is my Cousin Shane and his daughter, Hilary! I love this picture alot. Also one of my sister Sue and I. She has become my bestest friend. I love her so much and she encourages me alot.

I love family time!

2007-07-05T15:48:00.000-06:00

On Tuesday, we had a little BBQ at our house. My cousin Shane had reason to celebrate and we were celebrating with him and his daughter, Hilary. I am a horrid photographer, I forget to get the good pix about half the time, but I usually do have the camera, just forget.

The first picture is of Ashley, she reminds me of my mom in alot of ways, especially the hand in the face. Ashley is our little horse crazy girl. Then the next one is of my cousin Shane and my nephew Aaron. The 2 of them look so much like Amans it isn't even funny. Then "Rodeo Queen Nikki" is waving to her fan club as she goes riding by. Then Alex figures he can do 2 things at once, ride by the apricot tree and grab a snack all at the same time. Then "Rodeo Queen Kenlee" waves to the crowd. This little girl is not too afraid of anything. Then Alyssa is smiling on top of her horse, not wanting to get off. I think the girls could have rode all day!

They spent a little time in the pool, but not too much, it was kinda cold water. But we had a great time of visiting!

I really enjoyed having Bob and Sue over and Aaron, Cher, Alyssa and Kenlee and Sheila and Duane, Ashley, Alex and Nikki, Shane and Hilary. We had a great time! I love you guys!

Beating the Heat!

2007-06-28T08:32:00.000-06:00

Well yesterday, it was HOT!!! My sister, Sue has for a few years taken her kids and grandkids to Roaring Springs in Meridian. Last year Sheila was taking care of Brandon while we were in Chicago and so he tagged along with them. I on the other hand, have never been to Roaring Springs, first of all the old "Aman-Porter" genes kick in. My first tho't of the place was "Wow, look at all those germs", of course, the first year it opened was the year we were fighting the cancer battle with Michael and if there were lots of people, that spelt GERMS!! Then my next reaction is "That is alot of money" and then "Yikes, there are WAY TOO MANY people for me" (sounds like my momma). Well since Dennis is at camp with Brandon and Kyra wanted to go, her and I went along with the family. It was fun. Yesterday was HOT around 98 degrees and so it was refreshing to get a break from that.
The first thing I did was the "lazy river" that was alot of fun, my niece Kenlee and I had a blast, she is now big enough that she can walk through there without going under. Also the little stinker has NO FEAR! It was a great refreshing time. Then we decided to attempt the Vortex. This is where 2 of you get on a tube and they shoot you like a cannon out of it. You go sideways and it is dark. For some stupid reason, I close my eyes. Sue and I did this one. I will not tell you what happened, but we ended up OUT OF THE TUBE when we got the end. It was great.
It was just awesome to have some fun with my family. It has been along time since we have done that. Aaron and Cher and their darling little girls, Alyssa and Kenlee are so fun and I am so glad they are here visiting. Sheila and Duane and their kids, they are growing way too fast. Ashley is this beautiful young lady. You know the day she was born was the day her Uncle Dennis recommitted his life to Jesus. Ashley came into the world and Dennis nearly drowned and realized he needed Jesus. Alex and Nikki are also growing up, which makes me feel old. And Hilary, dear sweet Hilary. Hilary is a new addition well not really new addition, we didn't know we had Hilary or her dad. We found a cousin and fell in love with him. He is awesome and is great to see him mature in his faith. He has a new found relation family and a new family in Christ. Hilary spent the day with us also and we had tons of fun. Now it is back to work and all that stuff. ugh

Happy Father's Day! (late)

2007-06-18T08:29:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I am a day late, but at least I remembered. I always have great intentions of making a big deal out of things, but then life gets way too busy and it goes by the way side. We have been busy at the shop and so I have been there alot more than I want, A LOT more. Friday night was a bridal shower for my homey Karri's daughter, Jessie, so I went to that, it was fun. it just seems that kids are much younger than they were when I was that age. (does that make sense?) She is marrying Dennis' 2nd or 3rd or 4th cousin, somewhere down that Goff line. Anyway . . . Saturday dawned bright and early with my cup of coffee and a newspaper outside. It was beautiful. We left a little early for Weiser, Kyra had basketball games there. It was a memorial tournament in memory of a young girl that was killed in a car accident. I always get all teary eyed when those things are done, but so happy that people are remembering the ones that are no longer here.

Anyway, back to Fathers day! I have the best dad there ever was. No really I do. The sad thing is he is not here on earth for me to tell him that and I hope I told him enough when he was here, that he knew it. I was the last of 6 children and dad was a very busy man, he worked a full time job and preached to a small group of people. He liked people. Sometimes it seemed he liked other people more than me, but I was just a selfish little girl. Dad retired when I was in high school and I really was dreading it, but looking back, I had so many memories of just him and I! There was this one time we decided to go deer hunting. Actually, looking back it was probably an excuse to go to the Owyhees and visit with old timers. We stopped in Oreana to get something to drink, then at Milt Carothers house to visit, not a short visit, a long visit. Then we hunted on the old Nettleton place for a little bit, then stopped at the farm house to visit with Hugh. That was the first and only time I think I met the man. WOW, what a guy. I fell in love with the house and wanted to stay there forever, I dreamed of living there for years, still do, kinda. He had a huge picture of these 2 stallions fighting on his wall and I remember dad and him talking about the old times. Funny thing was though, all those old timers would say "boy I could tell you some stories about your dad", but they never would. back to the hunting story. we were driving along and saw a herd of deer and dad was driving and so I grab my gun and he keeps saying "wait lisa, wait, hold on . . . . . " until he gets his gun, but then they were gone. I still think I could have shot my own deer that day.

My dad was also a man of God. A man of integrity. A man that loved his family and a man that loved my momma! he was not a man that said it much, but I knew he did and as the years went by he told me alot more and showed it in his actions.

We grew up with TV being awful, we didn't have one, no one should own one, blah blah blah anyway, when I was pregant with Kyra, and sent to bed for weeks, dad stopped by one day to see how I was doing, I asked him if he could please take care of Crystal who was 2 at the time, for a little bit while I showered. When I came out my dad was watching Milo and Otis with Crystal. I saw my dad in a whole new light that day. He loved me and he loved Crystal and she had begged him and begged him to watch it. So he watched it, then when I came out, he said I could go take a nap cause he wanted to finish the movie. I had a whole new respect for my dad, cause a few years earlier, he would have thrown the tv out the window.

I wish he was here to tell him I love him, but then again, you know what??? He is in Heaven visiting with all those old timers and taking care of my son. They are probably having the great time. When Michael was born, my dad was so excited, he even had to come to the doctor when they circumsized Michael. Dad made this big to do about it, it was kinda embarassing, but funny. He would come and visit Michael and I for no real reason, just stop by. One day he was holding him and informed me that Michael was going to be a minister for God. Well little did we know how Michael would minister to people.

Well I could go on and on about my dad, but I need to get busy.

God Bless you!

Jake & Michael

2007-06-06T17:44:00.000-06:00

I found this picture in my scrapbook box (yeah, still got alot of scrapping to do). And it made me so sad, but so happy. Michael loved Jacob Brobeck and now to see how much Jake has grown up and remembers the special place Michael had in his heart for him.

Thank you Jacob!

The most beautiful ride in the world!

2007-06-06T17:37:00.000-06:00

Well earlier I posted that we would be going to Tahoe to watch our friend Jake ride in the Century ride with Team in Training in memory of Michael. Well . . . . challenges beyond my control, mostly way beyond, kept us from going. I was bummed, I cried for hours, I felt bad and horrid and then angry . . . .but anyway. We got reports through out the ride, well pictures from Dennis Brobeck. Jake, his beautiful wife, Rachel, Donna and Dennis all went. I hear they had a great time. Jake crossed the finish line in 6 hours and 4 minutes or something like that. WOW 100 miles!! He came in 2nd in his team. I am so proud of him. I know Michael would have been also. I hope they don't mind, but I posted pictures that Donna sent to me.

I love you Jake and Rachel and THANK YOU!

GRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!

2007-05-30T12:18:00.000-06:00

Okay, I have alot of blogging to do, but I will limit it to calling someone about a computer. I received a phone call this a.m. and the lady informed me I had not paid a bill on my computer. Well . . . she said I owed them around 900.00 and I about passed out, cause the last bill I received was 300.00 and I was getting ready to pay that off. But she was so hard to understand and I immediately was defensive "What do you mean 900.00?" "will maaaaaaaaamm, it is arund 900.00". well 300 and 900 is alot of around to me. So I asked if I could please get the pay off on it and send that to her, OH NO, you need to give me your check over the phone. Well what if I give you a check for 900 and it is only 300 what then? (yeah, I had her card on this one), well we will credit your account mam. (yeah right) I told her I would call DELL and talk to them, well "they don't have that information mam, cause you have been turned over to me for collections" "WHAT, collections, I am not late"!!! by this time I am VERY DEFENSIVE!!! So then I asked what my account number was and she asked me to give her my number and she would verify it. GRTRRRRRRRRRR double GRRRRRRR! so now my coursity is up and I am very very very defensive. So I said I would call them and thank you for calling and was going to hang up. "Mam, if you give me a check over the phone I can get this all cleared up" I told her sorry and so then she said if you give me a check over the phone for 50.00 the DELL people could answer any further questions" NOT!!!! So I hung up and called Dell, after I punched, 1, 2 or 5 a few times, I finally got a person and guess what? they spoke ENGLISH. No Mrs Patrick you owe 310.35 and if you want we can take a credit card or check over the phone. I calmly replied, "no thank you, I was checking my balance and will drop a check in the mail today" then I asked if they had turned me over to collection? NO Did your office call me about a late payment? NO!! well thank you and I have the check ready to go.

GRRRRRR!! Doesn't that just frost your cookies!??? I hate that. A good one for businesses is if someone calls to verify your phone service, NEVER answer YES or NO. Always answer correct or not correct, cause they will record you saying yes and no and they will change your phone service and if you ever call to see w hy, they have your yes and no answers recorded, tricky, took me a few times to figure that one out. grrrrrrrrr double double grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

I will blog more later. Brandon has a dental appointment now, so have a blessed day!

Century Ride

2007-05-21T16:46:00.000-06:00

We are gearing up for a trip to Lake Tahoe to watch Jake Brobeck ride in a 100 bike ride in memory of our son, Michael and Jakes uncle Joe! WOW, it has been so awesome to watch Jake work toward this goal, I have seen him ride his bike by the shop, have heard of his rides to Lucky Peak, Horseshoe Bend, etc. I hope he realizes how proud I am of him. Jake and Michael go WAY back. When Michael was about 2, Jake and Jere would ride their bikes to our house and play for hours with the kids. Not sure when, but they started pulling Michael around town in a tow behind trailer. Michael loved it and he love the "Robeck Boys". When the rest of us couldn't tell them apart, Michael could. Michael grew to love the boys alot, they were his bestest friends, he would say. There was one time we were all out stacking wood and Michael was trying to keep up with them and he looked up and Jeres britches were about to fall down (or so we tho't) and his smiley boxers were showing and Michael says "hey Jere, nice underoos". I tho't we all were going to die laughing. When Michael was diagnosed with his cancer and I was calling Grandmas and family and friends, he asked me several times if those boys were out of school yet, so he could call and tell them he was sick. He idolized the "Robeck boys". Through the years the rest of us fell in love with the Brobeck boys and have spent times laughing, crying and enjoying them. Of course, it could have alot to do with the fact that Mrs. Brobeck is my bestest friend.
So Jake ~ thanks tons buddy for remembering our Michael and loving him like you did. You were his hero, who else would name their new colt after you!?!?!
On June 3rd in Lake Tahoe, you go Jake Brobeck in loving memory of our little man ~ Michael Aman Patrick.

If you want to donate any money to the Leukemia Society here is a great way to do that. http://www.active.com/donate/tntidmo/tntidmoJBrobec

Good ole Summer time!

2007-05-17T08:35:00.000-06:00

I love Summer!!! Just tho't I would tell everyone that. This summer is going to be busy as usual, I think every summer is busy.
Brandon gets out of school May 23rd, Kyra June 1st, Crystal sometime like June 14 or something like that. So we are all mixed up here. Brandon is going to go to Church Camp the end of June for a few days. Dennis is going with him. Crystal will be working for Carols Flying service again, Kyra is going to be doing something a little different this summer, picking corn and selling it. So if you are going to need sweet corn, Kyra is your girl! Dennis will stay busy with the shop and I will too (UGH) and also the cemetery! I love summer, but I wish it would slow down some. This summer we will probably be staying pretty close to home because of the busyiness and the gas prices. What a rip off, but oh well. We will get out the ole tent and camp some I hope! Maybe even in the back yard.

Have a blessed day!

PS Can you tell I was trying to find something interesting to write about???

My MOM!

2007-05-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOMMA!

My mom ~ there is are alot of things that come to my mind when I think of my momma! My poor momma ~ she had me when she was as old as I am now! I think if I found out I was pregnant at my age with my 6th child, I would probably have jumped off the roof or something. But my mom didn't (THANK YOU MOM). By the time I came along, she was exhausted and bratty me used that to my benefit. I wasn't the nicest kid in the family, the boys all have that whipped by a long shot. They are her favorites! In looking back over my childhood, I am sure I told mom she was unfair, loved Gary more, etc. but looking back, she loved all us 6 kids the same. I love my momma, she is a very smart lady, now that I am older I can say that, right? As I get older, I realize I am alot like my mother, I say things to my girls that my mother said to me like "you are not going anywhere dressed like that", yep, I heard that before and then I repeated it and my girls probably rolled their eyes at me, like I rolled mine at mom. I am starting to think home is the only place to be, I hate shopping, I don't like big crowds and I use to love to be around alot of people. So mom, thanks!!

My mom is awesome, she has been through alot in her lifetime, from being a cowboys wife, cook for the cowboys (which I would love to do), a rodeo wife, preachers wife, surveyors wife and a GREAT MOM!! I thank God daily for my parents, my Christian heritage and my Godly mother.

One thing about mom, she HATES to have her picture taken, so we have NO pictures of her. If she sees this one, she will probably throw something at me. But it was taken after Crystals graduation. Mom has made quilts for all the kids and grandkids when they get married and afghans when they graduate.
I love you Honey!

my 8 things~

2007-05-10T13:33:00.000-06:00

I have been tagged by http://robin-robinznest.blogspot.com/

to do the 8 Random Things meme.

Here are the rules I found over at her place.Here are the rules:

1. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.

2. People who are tagged write a blog post about their own 8 random things and post these rules.

3. At the end of your blog you need to tag 8 people and post their names.

4. Don't forget to leave them a comment and tell them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

Eight Random Things About Me:

1) I Love being a mom, I love being involved in my kids life!

2) I love to go river tubing ~ last summer I went again for the first time in ages and I took Crystal, Karri Fisk and her daughter Jessica. We tubed Indian Creek in Kuna. You know when we are young, things are so different, I just remember how fun it was to sit on my dads lap and ride the tube, well ~~ the creek is real shallow and we had bruises and scratches all over, but it was FUN!

3) I LOVE Sunday afternoons, they are so great for resting. Growing up we had nap time after dinner and I have carried that on to my family. I love the time together to rest and relax. Sometimes I don't get a nap, but just resting is great!

4) I am a internet addict. Way Bad, One of these days you will see me in a group of ladies saying "my name is Lisa and I am an addict to myspace, blogging, ebay, and other good things on line.

5) I love LIVER & ONIONS, as do my family members!~

6) I didn't like school.

7) Camping is my favorite thing to do. I love to be outdoors and fish, hike, sleep or whatever else looks like fun.

8) I want to open a coffee shop with my friend Donna someday!

I am tagging:

Sheila

Donna

Karen and anyone else.

I don't have many blogging friends! I NEED FRIENDS!

Prayer request

2007-05-09T08:46:00.000-06:00

Dear friends, Dennis and I are friends with a family here in the area and have become very close to them. They have 4 children and the oldest daughter is 15 and wanted to date a young man she met. The family was not too thrilled about it and refused until she was older. Well the young man would sneak in the window, or she would sneak out with him. They caught her and grounded her, barred her window shut. One night, while they were all sitting around the house watching a movie, this young man barged in the door and jumped the dad, now remember, he is a juvenile yet (the young man). The dad finally after threatening decked the kid and threatened him. The kid left and called the cops and they showed up and took the dad to jail. The girl and the boyfriend concocted a big story how he molested her, beat his wife and kids, etc. The other children because they were children, got taken away from him, he could not see them, they tried to testify that their dad was a good dad and never beat them or molested any of them. After about 6 months the daugther dropped the charges, but the boyfriends family has pushed their story and he was arrested again last week. Because he went to court in Idaho, works in Oregon, he lost his job because work release will not let him drive to Oregon. I do believe this man is innocent, I sat down and talked to his wife and all this has been a big toll on her and the other kids. The state has the daughter, and she is now a mess. But the family doesn't have the money to buy some big time lawyer, etc. It is so sad but because the daugther didn't get her way, the family has been ripped into. They are Christians, and need our prayers!
I again, believe because the state has taken our rights are parents away, the state is partly responsible for the mess our families are in. Because a parent cannot punish a child they can do whatever they want. GRRRRR, a whole other letter to the editor. Please pray for our friends.

I am so excited!

2007-05-08T12:20:00.000-06:00

My family thinks I am easily excited sometimes. I just tend to believe it doesn't take much to please me. So I will explain my excitement.
Many, many, oh and many years ago, some friends and family took me to a restaurant in Seattle for dinner. I LOVE PASTA! So everytime we go to Seattle or Portland I try my hardest to talk the family into my favorite restaurant, you see they don't like it! I am not sure why, except Dennis doesn't care for Pasta and the girls I think they just don't like it because I DO! Michael didn't like the one in Seattle, cause he ordered Mac and Cheese and it wasn't like mom made, so he wasn't too thrilled. So if I ever get my way, we go to the OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY! Last Thanksgiving when we were in Seattle, I couldn't talk them into it, but did notice THEY ARE COMING TO BOISE. Finally, I have been calling them quite frequently to see if they are open, they will open on MAY 30th. I am so excited, I hope I can talk my family into a meal there, I may have to take them to McDonalds first, no probably Texas Roadhouse or Outback or someplace like that and I will have to go eat by myself. (see the tears, can't you just feel them?)
No, they will take me, but only if we can go to the Cheesecake Factory after dinner.
So check this out! http://www.osf.com
Boy I am hungary now!!!

Something great to do on Saturday!

2007-05-03T09:40:00.000-06:00

Some of you may remember the great tasting tacos we had at Crystals graduation party. Well Romo, with the help of some of his friends, is helping Jake Brobeck raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on Saturday. They are having a taco feed at the Gabiola Field beside the Simplot Stadium in Caldwell from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. This is a great way to help Jake ride his bike in Memory of Michael on June 3 in Lake Tahoe. He is riding his bike in memory of Michael and his Uncle Joe 100 miles. The money is going toward a great cause. Please stop by and visit and buy lots of YUMMY tacos.

Rain memories!

2007-05-02T14:43:00.000-06:00

Well today is a rainy, dreary day, but I LOVE RAIN. Spring rain always reminds me of my days in Seattle. In the spring of 1999, my son, Michael and I moved to Seattle to live for a few weeks, maybe a month. He was scheduled to have a bone marrow transplant from an unrelated donor in the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. This time in my life was pretty messed up. My perfect life as a stay home mom, babysitting a family of 3 beautiful and sweet girls, had all of a sudden been turned upside down. I had to let McKenzie go to another daycare or babysitter, without any warning, she had been such a great part of my life, of Michaels life and all of the family actually. I was worried about her, I missed her and I loved her. That was hard. Then Dr. Emma said we had to move to either Seattle or Salt Lake. Well you know me, Seattle is where we are going. We have family and lots of friends there. So on January 24, 1999, I left my girls at Jack and Sharlene Duerksens home, they were taking my girls to live with them until we all came back. Dennis drove us to Seattle and left a few days later to come back to Idaho. Now my life in Seattle was not what most people would call good, BUT I was there to help save my son from the dreadful cancer desease that was taking over his body. First we moved into a little 1 bedroom apartment on the 2nd floor of 1st Hills 410 10th Ave. No Seattle at night is a new experience to this country girl. I loved visiting Seattle, there are lots of cool things to see, but the night time is scarey. We lived in our apartment for about a week before they admitted us to 10th floor of the Swedish Medical Center on Broadway. The first few days were okay, we were learning the ropes of the life in 10SW. Eventually since we were going to be there awhile, they moved us down the hall to a bigger room where we lived for months. One night while we were still in our small room, we had a nice blonde haired nurse that was such a sweetie, she was so gentle and helpful to Michael and to me. Dennis had left that day and we were feeling pretty alone and abandoned in this whole new scarey world. Michael was asleep and I was watching of all things ER, it was the episode where George Clooney had a wreck and they left you hanging until the next season. Well I was sitting up, anxious to see what was going to happen and Nurse Heidi came in and watched, soon there were about 4 other nurses all staring at the TV wondering what was going to happen and when George wrecked, they all said loudly "NO". Then they realized they were all not doing their jobs and hurried out, Heidi sat down on the bed to check on Michaels vitals and we were visiting. I noticed a beauiful silver ring on her ring finger and asked her if she was married and she said No, and then we got to talking about where she lived, etc. She then informed me she was struggling with her job, thinking she wanted to leave and go somewhere else as a traveling nurse and that she had prayed about it and I got all kinds of talkative and asked if she was a Christian and she told me the ring was her purity ring and that she was called the mission work, but felt for some reason God wanted her at Swedish, she lived up in northern Washington. That night, as she got ready to leave her shift, she came in and prayed over Michael and I and she prayed about things I had never talked to her about, the lonely feeling, the abandonment, the unknown, etc. As she got ready to walk out, she gave me a hug and told me "I know why I am here". Heidi is still dear to us. She was there with me through all 3 transplants, she came to our apartment and helped us get ready to leave, we went to church with her when we could, she came down to visit us and Michael ended up in the hospital and she stayed with the girls while we were at the hospital in Boise. When Michael passed away, Heidi was out on the Mercy Ship serving Christ to all the little kids in Africa (I think).

Anyway, that is really not my intentional blog, but oh well, now that I have my tears out of the way . . . . Rainy Seattle. Michael and I saw all kinds of seasons from the 10th floor of the hospital, often it would be snowing and then on the lower floors they would see rain, that was interesting. When we finally got to go live at the apartment, the girls were in shock of the people mowing their lawns in the rain. In Idaho, that is a great excuse not to mow the lawn, but not in Seattle. That year, I guess was a record year for rain, or so they said. It seems like every time we are there it rains and everyone says things like "It hasn't rained in days". I think they just get so use to it, they don't notice it or something.
To this day, I enjoy rain, it brings bitter sweet memories to mind, makes me all emotional, but I enjoy it. Not sure if that makes sense to many people, but it does to me.

Vampire??!!

2007-04-30T16:17:00.000-06:00

Dennis, Crystal and I are getting ready to go donate our blood. One of the kids from school is having a blood drive for his community project. Blood drives are big things to our family. If it wasn't for people donating their blood many years ago, our little boy Michael would not have been with us for as long as he did. Many years ago, I use to donate my platelets every month for a little girl whose blood would not clot. This was a great deal for me. I so enjoyed the fact that she was hopefully enjoying what normal little 5 year old girls are suppose to do. Then after I got pregnant with Kyra, I stopped and then when I had her they had found someone else to donate blood for her. It has always amazed me how God works, it seems strange to think about it, but many years later, my little guy was surviving on some strangers blood. WOW!!!! So everytime we see a blood drive, we try to donate to help another family enjoy their loved ones longer. Kyra isn't quite up to it yet, but soon she will be.
So Kudos to Ben West for having a blood drive.
Go donate your blood to help a family when you can.

let me introduce myself ~~

2007-04-27T11:09:00.000-06:00

Have you ever been introduced to someone and had those quick tho'ts "I wonder what their story is"? Well I do alot, and I wonder am I nosey, courious or just plain stupid. I do like to get to know people and so I am going to use this blog and probably many more to introduce myself to my bloggn' friends. So if you think you know me ~~ hehehe I probably have you fooled.

I was born many years ago, Nov. 4, 1964 to be exact. I am the youngest of 6 children. I was the aftertho't, the opps, the annoying sister, the brat, etc. But it has made me what I am today. My oldest brother, Pete, was married and had a baby girl Vicki, by the time I was born. Vicki was 4 months by the time I came along. Next, is my brother Joe, then my only sister Sue and then Terry, Gary and finally, they saved the best til last. Alisa Ann Aman. By the time I came along Pete was gone and so was Joe, Sue was 15 and I do believe she is probably the only one that was happy to have a baby sister. (anyway, she tells me she was). My poor mother, can you imagine having a new baby at the age of 40 something and 5 other kids already?? I feel for her, especially now that I am 40 something and have an 8 year old, he wears me out sometimes.
By the time I came along, my cowboy dad had changed his profession to PREACHER! I use to think God was definately working against me from the beginning, how come my older siblings got to enjoy the horses, cows, country life and here I was a PK, the one that was suppose to behave and be perfect, according to the church people.

Pete now lives in Portland with his wife Joyce. They have 4 children (let's see if i can remember the names of their families) Vicki and Luis, Alex, Aryanna from Portland area and little Gabby is in Heaven; Sherri and Tim and little TJ are in Colorado; Ron and Kyra, and Alyssa, portland" Chris and Wes are in Sister, Oregon (I think). Correct me Vicki, PLEASE!!
Joe and Jan are in Homedale. Mark and Cy are in Adrian; Tanya, Marc, Shantel and Mitchell in Boise; Rob and Bridgett, Lydia, Megan and Ryan in Homedale; Kallie and Sarah, Boise; Lori; and KC.
Sue and Bob in Murphy; Sheila and Duane, Ashley, Alex and Nikki in Nampa; Aaron and Cher, Alyssa and Kenlee in Colorado; Matt and Kristi, Garrett and Olivia are in Eastern Idaho.
Terry and Kim are in Seattle area with their families; Melissa and Jimmy, James and Blake; Jessica and Michael and Jaden; and Randy.
Gary and Trina in Murphy, Justin in Twin Falls and Kayla
and then me. Wow that is alot of people from this family. I have probably left some out and didn't mean too.
I have lived in Kuna, Midvale, back to Kuna and then Greenleaf. Married moved to Nampa and then back to Greenleaf. Attended school in Kuna, West Canyon, Nampa Christian, Notus and Homedale Christian. Been married since Aug 8, 1986.

Well that is all for today, feel free to make any corrections of my life if you want too family!