We Miss You Papa Woody

I have been absent from this blog for quite sometime. I've dropped in from time to time, but quite frankly...I haven't wanted to post anything lately. We have had a sad year. I hesitate to say that the whole year was bad, but really there haven't been too many high points for us.
Our latest news...My father in law (Lou's "Pop") passed away suddenly on November 17th. He lost a short, but grueling battle with cancer.

Sometime in late September he began to complain of some back pain. He saw his doctor after taking a few days off work and the doctor gave him some pain medication. He figured that Woody probably pulled a muscle or pinched a nerve and nobody thought much of it. Not too long after that first doctor visit he was back home with the pain really bothering him. He saw the doctor again and this time the doctor prescribed physical therapy and some time off work.
Woody began physical therapy and followed the doctors orders...most of the time. He had some good days and would venture out too far and too long and wind up paying for it the next day, but overall he stuck to his therapy...determined to get back to work.

The pain seemed to be getting worse after a few weeks and Woody told the doctor he wanted surgery. The doctor decided to do an MRI to determine if there was anything surgical that could be done. We were shocked at the results of the MRI...They found a tumor on his sciatic nerve. The doctor order another (full) MRI and within a few days we knew that there was also a mass in the lung.

The doctor prescribed Morphine for pain, but everything was happening so fast and Woody was in so much pain. He was admitted into the hospital on November 2nd-3rd. Once in the hospital the doctors did their best to make him comfortable while they ran a bunch of tests. They moved him to another hospital to start radiation, but I think he only had a few treatments. He was going downhill fast. On November 17th...Lou called me on my way home in tears. He asked me to pull the car over and I knew what he was going to say. I was shocked. Shocked. We knew he was sick and that things were moving fast, but everything happend so quickly. None of us were really ready.

I was sitting on the side of the road across town and all I wanted to do was have Jackson and Lou in my arms in an instant.

We had the funeral on the 24th of November. My sweet husband wrote and read the eulogy. Jackson wore Papa Woody's watch and chain to the funeral. And we had everyone over to our house for a nice lunch after the service.
We miss you Papa Woody. Jackson has your glasses (he wanted your glasses...something you always wore) in a frame in his room to "watch over him." He treasures your watch and St. Christopher metal and chain. He is looking forward to continuing to grow your car collection and can't wait to join the baseball team so he can hit some homeruns for you (He knows you'll be "watching down" on the game).
When I met Woody, the first thing Jackson said (he could barely talk), was "Papa Woody is gonna get my sugars." Woody used to tell Jackson that he as gonna get his "sugars" and kiss Jackson on the neck and Jackson would crack up.

Here is Jackson and Woody...it looks like Jackson is writing something on his notepad. Jackson and Papa Woody were the BEST of pals. Woody called Jackson "Mr. Jackson." He talked to him just like a grown up and Jackson talked back just the same. They had lots of fun games of baseball in the back yard...Jackson hit many of the balls over the fence and Papa would chase them down. Jackson helped Papa Woody with several projects. Last year after Christmas they built a bird house for Grandma Bevy. While Woody was in the hospital we decided to tell Jackson that Papa was sick. He became very concerned and almost everywhere we went he was always looking for a card, some flowers, or a small gift for Papa. He hated that he could not see him in the hospital (I hated that too, but with the flu season they wouldn't let kids in).

Lou had some sweet visits with Woody in the hospital and I know he will keep those sweet conversations close to his heart forever. Lou and Woody had a special relationship. In recent months Woody was calling quite often to check on Lou. (Note: I haven't written much about this, but Lou has been really struggling with back pain since July). They had made plans to build a motorcycle together and had been gathering parts for their project. I hope Lou will finish the bike...I know Woody would want to see it finished.

Here is an old picture of Lou and Woody...both smiling so big. Woody was so proud of Lou...My husband wrote this sweet obituary:

Lyman P. Woodcook, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend, passed from this world to the next on Tuesday, November 17, 2009.

Woody as he was known to all, never met a stranger. His intellect, personality and homespun charm made friends of everyone that shock his hand or took time to listen.

Woody logged over a million miles behind te wheel of a big rig, his second home and the job he loved. He could tell you stories of every highway across the United States and always knew a shortcut or scenic route to wherever you might have been headed. His passion in life was motorcycles. Any chance the he had he'd be on his much beloved Beemer with his face in the wind, off to places unknown, no map...no schedule. In his youth, he rode and raced just about everything with two wheels and a motor. He was also a master mechanic that could build, engineer or fix almost anything.

Woody served his country proudly in the US Navy and remained a steadfast patriot to the end. He was a man who loved his country deeply...a man of his word...a man of honor.

Woody was and is bigger than life and will be missed deeply by all.

He is survived by Beverly, his wife and companion of 20 years; his sons, Vincent, Wesley and Lou; his sister Sharon; his brother Robert; his grandsons, Jackson and Dane; his daughters-in-law, Shannon and Jennifer; his nephews Ron, Mitch and Robert; his niece Tammy, along with a host of friends and loved ones around the country.

Woody, you are in our hearts forever. We love you.

Thanksgiving

We had Thanksgiving at our house this year. It was really nice to not have anywhere to go, but we were missing a few people this year and that was sad. I made my first ever Thanksgiving meal ALL by myself. It was fun, but a lot of work.

So much has happened in our lives lately. I really should be blogging about so many other things, but I am lazy...I'll be playing catch up this week...

Happy Halloween

I can't believe I am actually putting up a post on time....Wooo Hooo!


Last year we started the tradition of decorating pumpkin people. We each decorated our own and Jackson and I did the pets this year too. Here is The Standifer Pumpkins.... Lou....
Shannon....
Jackson.....
Simon.....
Benji....Goldie....Arn't his fins great?!

Here's a few pumpkins we carved too....
And since we were feeling so silly....Jackson and I decided to go to Target last night and pick out some costumes for the dogs...They were onsale and we just couldn't wait to get home and try them on the dogs... Benji...The pumpkin! AND Simon...The Hot Dog!....Hahahahahahahahahahahahahhahaha! We thought this was hilarious! We are lucky our dogs are pretty good sports about dressing up...they are not crazy about it, but they left them on long enough to take pictures.

Here we are at the Pumpkin Patch...We had a fun time

Sleep Over

This last weekend we celebrated my cousin, Jill's, baby's 1^st birthday. Like many 1^st birthday parties…it was big. It was in my grandparents' backyard…because that is The place to have a party. Just ask Jackson…he's gotten permission to have every birthday party for his "whole life" in Grandma Gail's backyard. My grandma and aunt worked hard to get everything ready…My grandma made orange chicken, chicken nuggets, potato salad, lil' smokies, all kinds of good food. And my Aunt Kim made an adorable Nemo piñata, and put together some fun goody bags for the kids.

Jackson and I went to the party and Lou stayed home to get some school work done. I'm sure he would have rather gone to the party, but he really was swamped with papers to grade, lesson plans to write…you know, teacher stuff. Anyway, Jackson and I had a lot of fun visiting with family and friends.

Side Note: In 2007, when Lou and I got married, Jackson met Nadia. Nadia is the daughter of our close family friends. They live in Irvine and we, unfortunately, don't get to see them very often.

Nadia and her family came up to visit for Sophie's party and so Jackson and Nadia got to see each other. At first they were a little shy…They have both grown up a lot in 2 ½ years, but it didn't really take long for them to warm back up to each other.

This was a weekend Jackson was supposed to be with his mom, so I felt lucky to get him long enough to go to the party. I knew I needed to have him back to her around 5:00 so I was watching the clock. I started hinting to Jackson that we needed to think about leaving soon and before I knew it he was asking me if he could spend the night at grandma's house. He has really NEVER expressed an interest in spending the night ANYWHERE. I was a little surprised, but quickly said that I didn't think Nadia was spending the night (I actually knew she was), and that she was probably going to head back home to Irvine in a little while.

A few minutes went by and Jackson came back and said that Nadia "told me" they are spending the night. I said no again. I told him it was his mom's weekend and that he was lucky he even got to come to the party. He begged me to call her and ask her.

I did what any step-mom would do…I called my husband. I told Lou what was going on and he said no. I told him that Jackson was begging and practically crying and so he said he would call Jackson's mom. Less than a minute later he called back and said that she wasn't answering his call.

I told Jackson that we had to go. He hated this, but I told him that we could ask his mom and if she said yes…I would bring him back. He said okay to this and we left grandma and grandpa's house quickly. On the way to his mom's house I warned him that she might say no and if she did it was all we could do. I told him that she might have already made plans for them and he could not be mad if she said no to this request. Jackson assured me that he had an "approach."

We pulled up to her house and walked to the door. He went inside and said, "Mom, can I see you on the porch?" The next thing I know Jackson, his mom and me are all on the porch of her house and Jackson says, "Mom, Nadia is here visiting and she's all grown up and she doesn't come very often and we want to have a sleepover." His mom says, "Okay." And Jackson is so excited. That was his "approach."

I took him home to get some clothes and things together. He gave Lou a quick hug and kiss and in less than an hour, from when we left, we were back at Grandma's with a back pack full of stuff.

All the way over there I was asking Jackson, "Are you sure?" "Are you scared?" "If you want to call us, you can." He was so happy to be going for a sleep over…he didn't even seem one bit scared. It was my Grandma's house…I had slept over there a bunch of times (and lived there a while in my twenties), but I was still kind of nervous…this was Jackson's "first" sleepover.

As soon as we got there Nadia and Jackson went off in the bedroom to claim their spot. They both had their Nintendo DS and were "chatting." Jackson brought "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and Nadia was excited about that. I gave Gram the run-down and after a little while I left.

I picked up dinner and a movie for Lou and me and we snuggled in for the night. We had our cell phones and our home phone right near us just in case Jackson called, but about ten o'clock or so we figured he was good and went to bed. I have to say I didn't sleep all that well. When morning came we got up and got ready and went over to Gram's for breakfast (and to pick up Jackson). We walked in the back door and there he was sitting at the kitchen table eating breakfast.

Grandma told us that he had a great time and that around midnight she had to finally go in there and sleep between Jackson and Nadia because EVERYONE had told them that it was getting late and they needed to go to bed. Grandma slept between the two kids on an airbed. She said Jackson made fart noises and Nadia cracked up, they told jokes and laughed at each other…Grandma kept saying "okay quit talking and go to sleep" and they would giggle and just keep talking. I think they had a great time…Even Grandma! It has been a long time since she had a slumber party with the grandkids.

*Note: I didn't take any pictures of the two of them at Grandma's House....I don't know why.

In Loving Memory

I have sat down to write this post about a half dozen times...It's been hard for me to do. Tonight I was lying in bed and I could not get Kat out of my head...at one time I laid there and said, "Kat, what do you want to tell me?" I realized that tomorrow will be a month since she left us. I got out of bed and decided tonight I would post this post.

Fifteen years ago (I was 15 and in the 10th grade), I met Luna Runge in my drama class. I can't really remember the getting to know you stuff...It seems to me like we were just always friends. Over the years we have become the best of friends and I feel so lucky to call her my very best friend.


I can't really tell you when I first met Kat...Luna's mom. Their family has always been easy going and I really don't remember any formal introductions. Sometime in high school as my friendship with Luna developed so did my relationship with Kat and Dennis..and Wylie (although to Wylie I have probably just always been "his sister's friend").

I remember so many nights spent out at the Runge House. We had Sadie Hawkins dinner out there one year. I spent the night in Luna's room a bunch of times (she had two twin beds...it was perfect). I remember one Thanksgiving (in high school) going with The Runge's to see Hamlet (in the movie theater)...It was the only movie I have ever been to that had an intermission.


As I spent more and more time with Luna and her family, Kat became like a second mom to me. When Luna went away to college in San Diego I still saw Kat quite often. She had a stamp store at the time and I used to stop in and visit her...and Jeremy (another close friend who worked for Kat in her store). When Luna graduated from UC San Diego I went down to San Diego with Kat and Dennis for her graduation.


Luna went off to grad school in Michigan after graduating from UC San Diego. I can't really remember what year it was, but one day while Luna was up in Michigan I remember her calling me. Kat was in the hospital after having a tumor removed from her stomach. Luna was quite upset that she couldn't be there and asked me to go to the hospital. Jeremy and I went to see her in the hospital. I know she was glad to see us because it reminded her of Luna.


Her family was so important to her.


Over the last few years Kat didn't feel like Luna's mom, or my friend's mom...she was my friend.

I have so many great great memories of you Kat...Playing in your stamp store, making cards and bookmarks with you, putting together favors for Chris and Luna's wedding, gathering up craft supplies to make favors for my wedding, dinners out on your porch, visiting your dad with you and Luna and trying on some of your mom's old dresses, long talks about anything and everything....I loved your stories...You really had all the best ones.


Here is Kat and Dennis at our wedding. She always had that big smile on her face. And most of the time she was laughing...sometimes I can hear her beautiful laugh. Anyone who has laughed with Kat can hear her laugh (and knows what I mean when I say it was beautiful). Here is Kat's tanning bed on wheels....

We nicknamed it that one day when we were out to lunch at Mimi's. I will remember that lunch forever Kat! I often drive by Mimi's and look to see if you are sitting at our table right outside. We had lunch together just to catch up on everything. I remember our conversation so well...and you took my picture sitting at the table...I remember thinking, oh I can't believe she is taking my picture...we just ate. But that is just how you are. And I didn't care.

We talked about Wylie and Shauna getting married and how you found out. We talked about their plans to host a reception (possibly at your dad's house). We talked about Dennis and your travel plans for the summer. We talked about that Eggplant Napoleon recipe that you were going to cook for me. We talked about my infertility and I remember you having such a positve outlook on the whole situation (I was actually pregnant while we were having that lunch, but didn't know it yet). I remember you had the grilled cheese and fruit and I had pasta. I remember when it came time to pay you said, "I got it this time...you pay next time." and I said, "then lets do this again soon." We walked out to your fancy sports car and you gave me the tour...we laughed when I called it the tanning bed on wheels. You drove off and I went back to work. It was a wonderful time that I will always remember.

Not much more than a week later you were at my house with dinner for me and Lou after we lost our baby. You brought us lasagna and salad and bread and flowers. You stayed and visited and like you always did, you shed light on a gloomy situation. I don't think anyone has that ability like you do...Anytime I talked to you about a bad, sad, frusterating situation you could always make things not look so bad. (I actually think Luna has that a little bit too.)

Kat you have been there for me more than you probably realized...one other thing you did for us that meant so much to us...You hosted our rehearsal dinner out at your house. You put everything together so nicely and went out of your way to make us feel so special. Thank you!

I found this on your facebook page after you passed away...I think it really says a lot about you:

25 things to share about me:

1. I married my best friend.
2. Was on an experimental chemo drug for over a year...saved my life.
3. I own a boat manufacturing company.
4. Love spending time with my kids.
5. I drive fast...really fast...and have a sports car to support the habit (& a '69 Mustang musle car).
6. I have lunch with my brother almost every week.
7. Helped birth two of my grandkids.
8. Once owned a retail craft supply store.
9. I love looking out my window and seeing the snow capped Sierra.
10.I was assistant professor at University of Northern Iowa (costume design)
11. Lived in NYC...Williansburg specifically...around the corner from Peter Luger's and on the NY marathon route.
12. Can't pass up a pop-up book...the artsier or cleverer and more intricate, the better.
13. Borrowed my son's Wii and don't want to give it back.
14. Spent August 1983 cooking chili and cornbread in Edenburgh...while looking out over an old old graveyard...very Oooooold.
15. I stood on a train trestle over a gorge in Alaska...truly an aweson and awe inspiring experience.
16. I drink coffee...fresh brewed or old...hot or cold...love the smell, love the taste.
17. Have an art collection...my home looks more like an art gallery...Ha!
18. I prefer Pinot Noir, Syrah and Port...dark, sultry and rich.
19. I adore gargoyles, grotesques, and dragons...sculptures...they can be found all around my home watching over me.
20. I have a pssion for bracelets and earrings...so I make them. I also buy other jewelry artist's work.
21. Audible.com...God bless it!
22. Practicing patience...waiting for The Mister to retire so we can take more road trips.
23. I wish I had a personal assistant...I could get so much more done.
24. I believe in the 80/20 theory...we use 20% of our "stuff" with 80% sitting idle. I'd like to get rid of 80% of my craft supplies. I managed to rid myself of 80% of my clothes, but somehow my closet it full again...sheesh!
25. As is typical of me....I am writing this list on the middle of the night.


Kat, you were such a neat lady. You will be missed greatly and never EVER forgotten. We Love you Kat.

Visitor at the Standifer house

My dad came to visit us a couple of weeks ago. It was a quick, but nice visit. We got to show him around our favorite parts of town...Casa Corona, Yodigity, Swim America, and Target. He loved our new house and really enjoyed our new neighborhood. We took a few pictures in our back yard. We tried to get the dogs to cooperate, but they weren't feeling like being photographed.

Dad, we are so happy that you finally made it down for a quick trip. We know it's a long way for you and you never have enough time to stay too long, but we sure have fun having you here. Jackson was so glad to have you try Yodigity and we've been looking for our picture up on the wall in there, but we haven't seen it yet.

Thanks for everything. We love you! Come back again soon.

Pray for Lou

My poor husband has a hurt back. He has had a hurt back since before we met, but it has been mostly managable. He had a back surgery some years ago and has had some pain ever since then. Over the last few years he has had flair ups...Usually he has to take a day or two off the bike and really take it easy. Sometimes he's even been confined to bed for a short period of time. But no matter what he's always better in a couple of days.

Well, this flair up has lasted over a month now...probably more like two months. It has gotten so bad that he's been to the doctor several times, had an MRI, is going to physical therapy, and is off work. Lou loves his job and you know he's bad when he's out of work.

The MRI showed spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease...also a bulge at L-4 or 5 I can't really remember where exactly the bulge is, but it is causing a nerve (or nerve roots) to be pinched and this is creating so much pain. The doctor says there is nothing surgical that needs to be fixed, and that everything should heal with time...and disability.

Some days are good and some days are bad. Last weekend we had a pretty good weekend...really low key and just the two of us. No big plans...no company...no set schedule of anything to do. This last week was a little bit hectic and he's having more pain. Over the last few days he has ben up quite a bit and after a while of being up and about he's ually pretty sore.

I feel so bad because there really isn't a lot I can do...physically anyway. I wish there was something I could do to help aleviate some of the pain. He is supposed to go back to work in October. I am hoping that he will be able to, but I also don't want him to go back too soon.

If anyone is reading this blog...please say a quick prayer for Lou. No matter your belief system...if you pray at all...Please say a prayer for Lou. We have had a lot of prayers lately, but every little bit helps...and I am a firm believer in the power of prayer.

Thanks everyone! Let me know how to pray for you.

First Day of First Grade

Things have been crazy busy for us lately and I haven't had a lot of time to blog. I am trying to catch things up though...

This year Jackson started 1st grade...He's in Mrs. Aragon's class. On the first day of school I went to check out her class with him.
He even has his own desk. He was pretty excited about that. In kindergarten they have tables and they sit on the carpet a lot, but in first grade they each have their own desk...Jackson was happy about that.
So far he seems to like it. He is having a pretty good time. This year he gets to eat lunch at school and has enjoyed buying hot lunch. At first I wanted to make his lunch, but he really enjoys they hot lunches and it's easy for me. He is making some new friends and is doing great on his homework.

Rambling

Well, I turned 30 last week. I had this whole blog in my head, but I decided not to put it up. I really don't feel any different than I did at 29. It really isn't even that big a deal. I made it way worse than it actually is.

In other news...Jackson has been going to zoo camp for the last two weeks. He really loved it! He learned a lot about different animals and got to go behind the scenes and touch some animals. They did songs and skits on the last day of camp each week for the parents. It was quite cute. Jackson made a lot of friends and had a good time.

We are getting ready for back to school. Jackson is starting 1st grade and Lou is going into his second year teaching. I can't believe how quickly we got to this point. Jackson seems very excited to start 1st grade. I think everyone in our family is going to have a lot to adjust to. Jackson is sleeping in until about 7:00 now (which is late for him), Lou has been home all summer (well, he's been busy), and I think our dogs might be so lonely. They have't been kennelled all day in about 3 months.

I have been back and forth to the doctor with a tennis ball sized cyst on my right ovary. It has been quite painfull, but last week I saw the doctor last and he said that the cyst is gone. I still have some pain that Dr. S. thinks may still be from my surgery back in June. I see him again on the 25th and we'll talk about what is next for us in the "getting pregnant" area.

That's really it...Nothing to exciting. I got some awesome gifts for my birthday. My husband bought me a cool netbook. I am actually blogging on it right now. My grandparents bought me some new Chanel sunglasses and some beautiful earrings. I feel like such a movie star when I wear them. My sister bought me cute underwear from Victoria's Secret...She's always looking out for me in the clothing department...she knows I never buy myself clothing...especially underwear. My brother bought me the Tori Spelling book that I wanted. I got a few giftcards and my mom took us out to an awesome dinner.

That's it for now...hopefully some good blogging topics come to me. Bedtime for me.

Jackson's 6th Birthday

Jackson turned 6 on July 1st. We had his party at my grandparent's house. He asked my grandparents if he could have his birthday party in their backyard for all of his birthdays! We invited a few of his friends (Jack & Antonio Tuttle, Micah, Jacob, Benjamin & Peyton Laing, Eden Panster) and ALL of our family was there. This year we decided to order pizzas, and this was Lou didn't have to be behind the BBQ all day.

Jackson picked his cake this year. Transformers...Chocolate with chocolate fudge filling and whipped cream topping. It was very tasty.

Jackson opened all his presents with his friends around him. He was most excited about his Nintento DS that Lou and I bought him. He got a great big Lego ship from Grandma Gail and Grandpa Larry (another cute story: my grandma was asking Jackson what he wanted for his birthday and he named a few things. She said, "Do you think you would just like money?" Jackson said, "No...I like toys." At his age it's just too much fun opening up all those toys.) Anyway, he got a Transformer's Bumble Bee helmet from my brother, Bobby. He got some more Lego's from my cousin, Katelyn. He got some games, the wolverine claw and remote control Hovercrafts from his Grandma Bev. Grandma Donna bought him a Terminator arm. The Tuttle's got him a game for his DS. Overall he did great! He still has a couple of things he hasn't played with/opened yet...almost a month later. This year Jackson surprised us and jumped off the diving board. We were shocked, but he had a great time. He did it over and over again.
Here's a picture of Jackson with Brittany and Eden.

I didn't take as many pictures this year. I don't know why.

Jackson, we love you so much and are so proud that you are our son. You are so sweet and polite. You are becoming so independent and are enjoying so many things these days: video games, Legos, cars, most things Star Wars, cuddling with your dad, saying goodnight to your dogs, Pizza (homemade is your favorite right now), corn dogs, teriyaki anything, and so much more.

We love you Jackson!

Counting Crows

Most people probably don't know this, but my husband's FAVORITE band is Counting Crows. I mean he knows more stuff about Adam Duritz than most people I think. He has followed this band from it's birth in 199? (That's terrible I should know...we totally talked about it). I think it's 1993, but if I'm wrong I'll stick to my original 199?.

Anyway, last night we got to see Counting Crows LIVE at Table Mountain Casino and I have to tell you...I can't stop talking about what an AMAZING show it was. I was not a CRAZY fan when we left the house, but I tell you what...Bobby and Lou had to practically drag me out of there last night. It was THAT good! I totally heart Adam Duritz after that concert.

Okay so...I swear this is how it went down. (I should add now: my brother, Bobby, is a BIG BIG Counting Crows fan too, but this shouldn't surprise me since he's borderline music geek too.) So I pick up dinner and pull in the driveway of our home...Bobby and Lou are sitting in the living room (just a few hours prior to the concert) WATCHING a Counting Crows concert on TV. I think they called it, "Getting Ready." I called it "Geeking Out!"

We eat dinner in front of the TV and finish watching the concert. Since we hadn't been to Table Mountain Casino for a concert before we thought we ought to give ourselves plenty of time so we headed out a couple hours early. We got to Table Mountain about 6:30 or so, but the parking was kind of crazy...so I think we were all glad we were early. We made it into the casino and I headed right for Will Call while the guys got in line. I had no problem getting our tickets and before long we were In!

The room/hall where they do concerts is SMALL. I mean smaller than any concert I've ever been to. There were probably about 1,000 people there...It was packed, but not much more than 1,000 people. Now because my husband (and brother) are such BIG fans...they knew to be there RIGHT ON TIME because all three bands were going to be on stage right at 8:00. We had plenty of time...we bought shirts and had some good people watching before the lights went down.

Right about 8:00 the lights went down and the stage was filled with 18 guys (well 17 guys and 1 girl). Counting Crows, Augustana, and Michael Franti & Spearhead were all on stage. Yes...I was particularly looking forward to Augustana, but I was really just excited to be there. I was smack dab in the middle of two HUGE Counting Crows fans...both Lou and Bobby sang, danced and maybe even cried they were so happy to be there. It was so fun to watch!

I took a few pictures, but nothing spectacular. I took a few pictures from Adam's twitter posts...Here's Adam...singing his heart out...This guy is so passionate about music. On the big screen...This is Dan from Augustana...his voice is AMAZING...Michael Franti...tons of energy...I really liked him too...Okay...so they played non stop for about 3 hours. They went on and off stage, sang each other's songs, and we all sang along and had a great time. I was secretly plotting in my head the whole time how I was going to try to get backstage so that Lou could meet Adam. He's such a big fan and I knew that would just be awesome for him. Anyway, the show ended and I saw Adam and all the guys leaning off the stage and shaking hands with fans...Oh my gosh! I totally heart Adam by this time so I want to shake his hand just as bad as I want Lou to shake his hand...So I start pushing Lou to the front and keep saying "Go Honey Go!" I started acting like a teenage girl at a New Kids On The Block concert, and before I could catch myself I realized I was yelling, "Adam! Dan! Adam!" at the TOP of my lungs. We were so close, but we didn't get to shake his hand. We were SO CLOSE though...it was good enough for us. I did happen to let out one last, "Dan!" and Dan from Augustana winked at me.

Lou was able to get a set list and a guitar pick, and we all got posters...Lou was so thrilled. I can't really even describe it, but we were totally jazzed. I wanted to hang out and see if Adam showed back up, but Lou insisted that he had already gone to his bus...and he was probably right. We made our way to our car and headed home. I had trouble falling asleep last night...I just wanted to totally "geek out" with my husband and talk about that AWESOME concert. So yeah...after all that...I'm a geek too...I'm okay with it. We had fun! Here's a picture of our souvenirs....

Thanks Honey for sharing your love of music with me. I always felt like I loved music, but you have definitely showed me a greater appreciation. I love you.

Seriously...one of the BEST concerts I've been to (and we've been to alot).

Father's Day...2009

I know I'm a little late getting this up...but hey, better late than never...Right?

This year Jackson decided to take Lou to the Grizzlies game on Father's Day. We had a great time...despite the HOT weather. Before the game kids and Dad's got to play catch on the field.

I went up to our seats and cooled them down a little before Lou and Jackson got up there...I didn't even think about how hot the chairs would be sitting out there in the sun all afternoon. I just sat down in one and I swear I burned my butt. I knew it would be way too hot for Jackson so I sat in all three of our seats long enough for the initial burn to go away.

Here's Jackson and Lou watching the game....
They're so into it....
After the game kids and Dad's got to run the bases...I didn't get a picture, but it was the cutest thing ever. As soon as they got down on the field Jackson just took off running for the bases and Lou was running along side him. It was pretty cute watching them run around the bases.

We love you Lou. I know I should have posted this earlier...like on Father's Day. You are an amazing Dad! We hope you had a fun day.

Just for fun I posted a picture of Jackson from the last time we took Lou to a Grizzlies game for Father's Day....It was in 2005...Jackson wasn't even 2 years old yet.

Blog Party...In my head.

Okay I swear I am coming back on somewhat of a regular basis soon. I have a lot of blogs in my head right now that need to get out...Soon. So that I don't forget what I want to write about I am making a list:

1. Father's Day
2. Jackson's Birthday Party
3. Firework stand/4th of July
4. Turning 30...Yes I am turning the big 3-0
5. Some funny things Jackson is saying lately...this kid is forever cracking me up.
6. Free Stuff....this is a good one.

Get ready...They are coming soon...I promise.

Photo Shoot...Or something like that

I really enjoy taking pictures and I especially love taking pictures of my husband's band...I don't know why, but I usually get some cool shots at nightclubs when Lou's band is playing. A few weeks ago Lou's band, King Sugar, played two nights back to back. Most of these pictures are from our friend, Donelle's wedding.

My handsome husband...

King Sugar...Markus...I've never heard anyone else this good...

Eric...

Here's Donelle...she's not in King Sugar...she's in Monkey. They played at our wedding a couple years ago...

Here's another one of King Sugar....

Lou and Me snuck in one of ourselves...

Nothing to say, but I feel like blogging

I have been away from the blog for quite some time now. It feels like a long time anyway. I really don't know how long it's been. I haven't read the blogs I follow in such a long time. I started to read a few tonight and enjoyed getting caught up on some of your lives. I am going to make an effort to get back into blog reading and writing...I really do miss it.

Like my title says, I really have nothing to say. I've just been going with the flow lately. Lou is out of work for summer vacation. Not "Out of work" like he doesn't have a job...being a teacher means - summer vacation is part of your job. It's nice having him at home. Even though I am at work all day I find it comforting to know that Lou is home if I need anything. He's been getting a lot of hang time with Jackson and I think that's good for both of them.

We are going to be selling fireworks again this year. Lou's running the stand for his Debate club. I am looking forward to it a little bit...It was fun last year. I'm sure I won't be saying I'm looking forward to it once this next week actually comes. It's only for a week long...It won't be so bad.

Jackson is turning 6 next Wednesday. I can't hardly believe it. I think I have said that every year, but really he's getting so big. We are having his birthday party this weekend (before we start the firework stand).

Anyway, I didn't really plan to blog, but since I logged in I just felt like saying a little something. I'll get back on the ball soon and the blogs will be (hopefully) less boring.

Love to all.