Slobber Boobytraps

I have always had small dogs. And they just don't slobber the way a BIG dog slobbers. Let's just say...Boy does Waylon slobber. Anytime we are in the kitchen and there might be food involved...Waylon slobbers. Heck! It you open anything in plastic the dog slobbers. And his slobber forms the spit bubbles out of the corner of his mouth and most times there is a long string of spit hanging from his mouth.

Oh yeah...and when those strings of spit fall to the floor (our house is all tile) they create these slimy, slippery wet spots. This morning Jackson has actually named these...Slobber Boobytraps.
We love you Waylon...and your slobber makes you YOU!

Today...

Oh. What. A. Day. Truly a crazy day...and I am glad it's over. I felt the Lord in my life today. It felt nice to know He was listening to my prayers today. I know He listens everyday, but today I must have really needed that assurance...and I got it.

Thank you God for my sweet family who always lifts me up. Thank you for a peaceful home to come home to. Thank you for getting me all the way to almost Friday.

So looking forward to the weekend...

Pismo Trip - Summer 2011

We took a trip over to Pismo this summer. We had a certificate for a 2-night stay on Oceano, and we didn't want another summer to go by without a trip to the beach. The weather was perfect...chilly in the evening and pleasant during the day. Not hot, but not too cold.

Jackson couldn't really remember the last time he was at the beach so this was a really fun trip for him.

We walked on the pier...
Drove on the beach...This was a fun adventure for Lou and Jackson. Honestly, they would have probably liked to do more "off-roading."
We spent about half of one day down on the beach...playing in the sand and water. We took a picnic (reminded me of when I was a little kid) and spread out a blanket and just enjoyed the ocean.

Jackson did not want to stop playing in that freezing cold water. He loved it!

We hunted for shells and sand dollars.

I enjoyed laying in the sand. Just being lazy.
That's Jackson way out there.
It was a fun trip. We found this place called Doc Bernstein's Ice Cream Lab. They made all kinds of ice ream right there in the parlor. There was a line out the door the first night we went there, but the next night was not so bad. Yes...we had ice cream both nights we were in Pismo. It was THAT good.

All in all it was a great trip. Next time we want a few more days.

What Have You Learned?

'I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.'

'I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.'

'I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.'

'I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a life.'

'I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.'

'I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitton both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back...'

'I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, Iusually make the right decision.'

'I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.'

'I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back....'

'I've learned that I still have a lot to learn..'

'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'

What important things to think about. These are from Maya Angelou...in reflecting on her life at age 70! Just wanted to share...I have been busy lately and haven't had a single minute to sit down and blog about life. Be back soon! Until then...what have your learned so far in your life?

Miss you Gram...

Today was Gram's funeral. It was sweet. I wish I would have gotten up to say something for two reasons...1. I wish I could have seen all the people there to celebrate her. I know that place was packed. 2. I told myself I was going to if there was an opportunity. There was an opportunity, but I don't know what happened. I got nervous. I started crying right at that moment just thinking of what I would say, and I didn't do it. Gram, I hope I can be just like you. I have always wanted to be like you, but after seeing how many people's lives you touched over the years, it makes me even more proud to be your granddaughter. It was so sweet to see people at your service today who I know traveled many miles to be there just to pay tribute to a beautiful lady that changed their life in some way. It was neat to see people there who only knew you as the grandmother of one of their dear friends.

I loved how you made each person who knew you feel special in their own way. I wish more than ever that I can be the kind of person that you were to so so many people.

I have so many sweet memories with you. I will forever cherish each one.

Love you Grammy. Look in on us from time to time...You're always welcome at the Standifer home. Xoxoxox

I Refuse

Rarely do I find songs that I want to post on here, but today this song came on the radio, and even though I know I have heard it a bunch of times...I never really listened to it.

I actually needed to hear this song today...Funny how that always works out.

I Refuse (Josh Wilson)

Sometimes I, I just want to close my eyes

And act like everyone's alright

When I know they're not

This world needs God, but it's easier to stand and watch

I could pray a prayer and just move on

Like nothing's wrong

But I Refuse

I don't want to live like I don't care

I don't want to say another empty prayer

Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else

To do what God has called me to do myself

I could choose not to move

But I refuse

I can hear the least of these, crying out so desperately

And I know we are the hands and feet of You, oh God

So if You say move, it's time for me to follow through

And do what I was made to do

And show them who You are

I don't want to live like I don't care

I don't want to say another empty prayer

Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else

To do what God has called me to do myself

I could choose not to move

But I refuse

I refuse to stand and watch the weary and lost cry out for help

I refuse to turn my back and try and act like all is well

I refuse to stay unchanged, to wait another day to die to myself

I refuse to make one more excuse

I don't want to live like I don't care

I don't want to say another empty prayer

Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else

To do what God has called me to do myself

I could choose not to move

But I refuse

Update: Life in the Standifer Home

I don't have a good excuse for my lack of posts...I feel terrible for letting so much go by undocumented. I thought instead of try to post one post at a time and try to fill in what I haven't posted I would just do one big update.

Jackson is having a great year...He played indoor soccer this winter and really enjoyed it. We got into it too, and I know Lou was sad to see the league end. But baseball season has already started and Jackson has started practicing with his team, the Angels. I haven't made it to a practice yet, but Lou tells me that Jackson has already excelled at a few of the different positions.

Jackson is doing great in school. He has joined the chess club and has been recommened to participate in Exceptionally Capable Learners (ECL) program. This is basically the GATE program for 1st through 3rd grade students. (Brittany, doesn't this make you proud?). He stays after school on Thursday's for ECL and on Wednesday's for Chess club. Truthfully, he's one busy kid these days between those two things and his baseball. He is doing well though so we keep encouraging it.

Lou's speech and debate season is winding down. It usually does towards the spring. He is still coaching after school and he has a few tournaments coming up, but he has a lot fewer weekend commitments during this time of year. We are planning a yard sale in April to help his team raise money...We are asking the kids to bring in items to be sold at the yard sale and all proceeds will go to the team.

Lou is enjoying music again and singing for a new band, Soul Kitchen. I am feeling lucky because they practice in our home right now so I get to hear them each week. They are already so so good. I just can't wait for them to have their first gig.

Lou recently bought a recumbent bicycle and is slowing getting back on the bike after a long hiatis. I am proud of him for getting back into it...He loves being on the bike so much. His back has recovered slowly, but we say all he time how much better he's gotten. He really has.

I just finished my first year with Chris. Last March I started working for Chris as the controller for all three of his companies, 1430 ESPN Radio/790 ESPN the Deuce/HiS Magazine (that's really only one company), A Plus Signs, & Mega-Prints. It has been the busiest job I have ever had, but truthfully...I LOVE it! One day a week I am over at the station and the rest of the week I am in my office at the sign companies. I really like everyone that I work with...especially Chris and Stacy...they have a sweet family.

I am still doing a few sets of books on the side, but I am lucky that my schedule is flexible and I am able to find the time to juggle it all.

This probably belongs on my fertility blog, but I haven't kept that up either...I started seeing a grief counselor not too long ago and I can honestly say it is the best thing I have ever done. I won't get into all of the specifics (at least not here), but I feel so much happier than I have in a long time. I'll leave it at that.

One reason I have not blogged through the holidays is because, even though we have had some sweet, good things happen to us, we've also been dealing with some extremely sad news. My grandma was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early December. As soon as she started treatment for it her health declined rapidly. Sadly, she passed away yesterday morning. I feel lucky that I have been so close to her, and that we had a sweet holiday season with her. Even though it was so difficult to see her in such pain, some of my most tender moments were shared with her during the last few months.

I'm moving slowly this morning. My heart hurts today, and truthfully, I'd love to crawl back into bed and sleep all day, but I know I need to get moving. On we go...

I Miss You BlogWorld

I just got onto my cute little Netbook that Lou bought me a year ago for my birthday...I haven't used it as much as I would have liked. I love that I can sit with this little computer and explore the World Wide Web all cozy in my big comfy bed.

I started reading blogs tonight...Some I haven't kept up with in way too long. And I realized how much I miss my daily routine of reading and writing blog posts. Even if I didn't have a lot to say it was still nice to spill all my thoughts for the day.

I made a goal tonight....I will check blogs daily and try to post at least twice a week.

Here's a little update on what's up with the Standifers.

I got a new job back in March. I now work for several businesses all in one. I do bookkeeping for ESPN Radio, His Magazine ( a local magazine in Fresno), a few sign companies in town , and I also help a friend of ours out with his bookkeeping when I can. My schedule is pretty jam packed, but I do find time for family and fun. I prefer to stay busy and I especially like the flexability I have working for a variety of comapnies all at once.

Every now and then I get an offer for more business, but I don't think I can take any more work on right now...this keeps me pretty busy.

I have had some health issues lately. I was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia back in July. I was happy to have a diagnosis for my crazy tooth/face pain, but I wasn't quite ready for something like this. I now take medication for nerve pain. The side effects are somewhat bothersome, but the medication seems to help the pain quite well.

For now, I am just glad to have the pain managed.

Lou is back to school...in his 3rd year of teaching. He is still coaching debate and forensics and his team just keeps growing. The kids just love him and I love watching him coach and teach. He is just so happy to be working with these great kids.

Lou is also working in a new band. It's just getting off the ground now...I'm hoping to see them play soon. I love watching my man on stage...He has such a wonderful voice.

Jackson is in the 2nd grade now. He has Mr. Amon for a teacher and he is really doing well this year. In his class this yer he "applied" for a job and got the job he wanted. He does the lunch count in the mornings and leads the flag solute. He is really proud to have that job. He never wants to miss a day of school because he's so worried about who will do his job if he's not there.

This year Jackson is playing soccer for the first time. He is playing goalie. I is actually doing an awesome job. His team hasn't won too many games yet, but they are only about half way through the season. We'll see how the rest of the season goes.

Our pups are happy and spoiled as always. Simon started taking seperation anxiety medication a few months back and they are helping him so much. He used to have some mighty distructive days while we were out of the house before...He would tear things up and chew at his paws and make them bleed. He would get so anxious and upset when we got ready to leave the house. Our vet, Dr. Gary, put him on Reconcile for anxiety and it works great. He is still playful and active, but he is much more mellow overall. He calms right down when we leave and he is getting used to our routine again.

Benji is as cute as ever. She's always been a lover. We're having a little problem with dry skin lately, but overall she is great.

I know...I'm a crazy lady...what kind of person updates on her dogs?....ME! I love them...they are part of our family.

Well, that's it for now. I'm getting tired, but I am back...Back to the Blog World. More to come from the Standifers.

Love to all.

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.

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.

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.

Hot Hot Hot

Okay, so it's been a while since Lou and I tried to go out of town. I say tried because this is what happened about an hour away from home...

It was right after our anniversary and we decided it take a trip up to Napa. We were about 20 miles north of Madera when the passenger side window just shattered. Glass went everywhere. Luckily, we were not hurt, but we were pretty shaken up and so we came back home and got a new window.

So needless to say, we were a little hesitant to take a trip out of town after that. Anyway, back to the story...we decided that since Lou was getting ready to start his first big year, and since we hadn't seen the ocean since July 2007, we would head over to Pismo for the day. We had no plans at all except to RELAX, not worry about a thing, and have fun.

We took an ice chest, sat in the sand, watched people, walked on the pier, looked in shops, and ate lunch. We started to get a little tired so we decided after about 5-6 hours at the coast we would head home so that we could have the evening to just unwind and get ready for Monday. Plus, we had left our dogs at home and even though we really were not worried about them, we felt like we should get home and make sure they were okay.

Well, we got home at about 6:30pm and as soon as we walked in the door we realized that something had gone WRONG....It was so hot in our house. 91 degrees!!! Our poor dogs were panting terribly. I tried to get them to drink water, but they wouldn't really drink too much.

After our landlord came over and checked things out (luckily, he used to work on AC's), we tried to get the house as cool as possible and prepare ourselves and out pups for a hot night. It was Sunday night, and unfortunately the problem could not be fixed until the next day.

We put Simon and Benji in the shower. They didn't really like it at first, but they didn't fight us once they realized how cool it felt. We have a big fan htat Lou turned on and after a few minutes of being wet...Simon found that if you stand in front of it it feels great. Here are some pictures of him in front of the fan...

Here it is at 10:00pm...I'm going to bed. It was rough. Thankfully, it is fixed today and we are sleeping in a nice cool house.

Simon...again.

This is what happens when I leave every morning. Sometimes both of them climb up on our dining room bench and watch us leave out the window.

My crazy dog...Simon.

Well, we moved and on moving day I brought the dogs over to the new house with me. They followed me everywhere...including into the bed while I was making it. That lump is Simon...He actually was laying down, but when he heard the camera, he thought he'd get out and pose for a picture.Shaking out! Benji's in the background...She thinks he's crazy too.
Now he's off to go explore somemore.
Just a few pictures. I couldn't help it I had to grab the camera.

Fireworks! Fireworks! Who Wants Fireworks?

Well, I know I've mentioned it, but here I go again...Lou is the new Debate and Forensics coach at Clovis High School. He just got hired this summer and right away they told him the only fundraiser that Debate does is a fireworks stand. Without really knowing any of his students or parents we had to rely on our family and friends for support...and boy did they come through. Here are a few pictures of the stand.I'm sure he's making a deal.
Our dear friend, and old neighbor, Jeff bought this HUGE firework box for his family. Lucky for us...the 4th was our last night in our old place and we got a great going away fireworks display...and BBQ. Thanks a bunch you guys for the wonderful food and all your help.
Brittany, my sister, didn't want to be photographed, but this is her waving at me. She worked this stand every day...all 6 of them. Thanks Brit! We really couldn't have done it without you.
Jamie, our neighbor, helping us sell sell sell. I don't know anyone who loves fireworks like she loves fireworks. She helped us so much. Thanks again Jamie for all you HARD and HOT work.
Not pictured: Shalee, thank you so much for helping out every day. You were a wiz on that calculator. We could not have managed without you there. Tara, what a hard worker. Thank you so much for volunteering to help. You are awesome! We had a lot of fun...even though it was hot. Thank for EVERYTHING! Kristi, thanks for helping us out. We absolutely loved having you around. We need to see more of you...and Phil. Thanks for your help. Chuck (our one parent), thanks for all your support. Thanks for lunch on the 4th! We loved having you stop by the stand to check on us. Really, everyone that help...We could not have done this without you. We had a lot of fun...hard work, but it was fun. Looking forward to many more years...Don't worry...hopefully next year we'll have some parents out there too.

Just an update...We're busier than ever right now.

We are busier than ever right now and we haven't had much chance to blog. We are in the process of moving, and as exciting as it is-we still have a lot of work to do. My sister is taking our apartment which is good and bad. I want her to have a nice clean apartment to move into, but I haven't had much chance to get it ready for her lately. We will hopefully be spending our first night in the new house this weekend...the 5th.

On top of moving, we have Jackson's birthday tomorrow...July 1st. He is turning 5! I can't even believe he's already 5...How time flies. We had his party this past Friday (pictures to come). That took some planning, but we got through it and had a ton of fun. Jackson had a great party and finally met Kelly's boys (Micah, Jacob & Ben)...He can't stop talking about them and when we'll see them again.

And as if we were not busy enough with moving and Jackson's party...Lou is running a firework stand this week (For Clovis High Debate & Forensics...his new program). Now when I say Lou...I mean "we" are running a firework stand. We took turns working at it this past weekend. It was hot, but we actually had fun. I took pictures and will post them soon. My sister Brittany saved the day...or the two days. Because we had Jackson this past weekend, both of us could not work in the stand at the same time (kids can't be in the stand). Brittany came both days...all day. We had a lot of fun though, but I can't say I wasn't thinking about all of the packing and cleaning that I still need to do by this next weekend. I'll get it done some how. We'll be working the firework stand all week. Lou and I both still have to work so we'll open after work all week...Lou get's off at noon (summer school) so he'll open around 1 everyday and when I get off at 5 I'll go straight there. We don't have lights so we close around 8. On the 4th we'll open earlier and still probably close around dark. It's a huge task with a lot of work, but we're having fun. Anyone that wants to come see us...We're at Walmart in Clovis on Shaw and Peach.
Thanks brittany, Tara, Shalee & Jamie for all of your help. We need all the help we can get. Oh and thanks Grandma Bev too...for babysitting.

Anyway, that's our update...We're crazy busy, but once things slow down I'll post some more.

Love,
The Standifers