Tetertot's

Robynn's Ravings: It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like HOLIDAY?#links

2009-12-09T22:14:00.000-08:00

Robynn's Ravings: It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like HOLIDAY?#links

Finally!!!

2009-11-12T07:53:00.000-08:00

It's been some time since I paid any attention to the blog, so here I am updating 6 months worth of pictures. Hope you enjoy... Here you go Sis....I finally did it! :)

It wouldn't be complete if I didn't put a picture of Diesel in here. This is his "Are you talking to me?" look.

These go from most recent, being just a few days ago, to June.

I was just in the Trail of Two Cities Marathon on Sunday. This is our relay team...you didn't really think I would run all 26.2 miles myself did you?! Nick, Dave, Christy and Me. Christy was the brainchild behind it having done a half marathon two years in a row. It was one of the best experiences ever and we will definitely do it again!

Our moral support

After the race

Homecoming...Coya was nominated for homecoming queen!

She and Mr. T

Maddie and Mrs. Yee...Maddie was up for Freshman Princess

Best Buds...Coya and Heather (she was also nominated)

These were her "after the show" shoes.

Friends..... :)

Singing the National Anthem before the game

Like I said, these are in reverse order. Getting ready for the big night. Lots of thanks to Kitty for doing her hair and makeup. She was wonderful!

"Hold still now"

Many thanks as well to Alex, Kitty's daughter, who let Nacoya borrow her gown.

Homecoming activities during the week. The queens had to play "Catch the Pig". That's one way to keep oneself humble!

She caught him!

Here we are now to Jen leaving for England....

Saying our last goodbyes before she boards the plane

The plane...a 747 Jumbo Jet!

A trip to Pismo with two of her close girl friends before leaving for England...

Our favorite place to eat on Pismo Beach

First stop was Hearst's Castle

Silly girls

Lunch with Josh and Jen before he left for UC Irvine. He left for school a week before Jen did.
First day of school...Senior year!!!Here is a random one in the mix...he is a little dog in a big dog's body and thinks he should be able to sit in my lap!

Jen enjoying the telescope that Uncle C.P. gave her.

Coya and Heather take stats for the football team. This was their first home game of the season.

This was a fun surprise....Nacoya's good friend, Tyler, gave her four tickets to see the Jonas Brothers!

A little excited, I'd say!

In front of their bus.

That's Tyler in the red. He had some surgery in the summer and just LOVES fried chicken, so we had him over during his recovery for some southern cooking....fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and fried apples (which really aren't fried, but loaded with cinnamon, butter and a bit of sugar.)

Another random Diesel shot...this time not of him but of my phone that I accidently left outside on the swing and he found it and ate it. Glad I had a free upgrade coming.

Dave and I took a trip over the summer to see his parents in Arizona. His mom will be 80 in March and we don't see them very often, so we hopped in the jeep and took off for a long weekend.

Jen turned 18 in July, so we invited some friends to Bobby Salazar's for lunch. Best Mexican food in Fresno/Clovis and a Teter favorite!

Jen and Missy

Last but not least, a picture of me with some of my voice students at a recital in June.

Absent

2009-09-11T13:26:00.001-07:00

I've been absent for a while, but I am returning soon to post again. I've enjoyed the summer and now I'm ready to get at it again. Stay tuned...I'll return this weekend with more pictures than you probably want to see! Love, Reg :)

Father's Day in Yosemite

2009-06-23T09:43:00.001-07:00

We have had no time to get up to Yosemite this spring with all the graduation happenings, so Sunday we took advantage of a free day and headed for the hills! I say it all the time, but we never tire of the drive or of Yosemite. It really is one of God's wonders. Here we are starting out the trip...the girls were a little more than excited to be getting up to the mountains!

Our driver and Father of the Day

We're in the pines!

The tunnel going into Yosemite...we had to roll down the windows and raise our voices as we drove through

First view

Me and my honey

First look at one of the falls

This meadow was SOOOOOOOO green....uh, those are just animated field ornaments out there on the path.

Dave was on the phone wishing his dad a Happy Father's Day too

Lunch before a hike

Fruit and Oven Fried Chicken

...and Macaroni Salad...Yum!

A pretty Dogwood tree

Ready for the hike

Vernal Falls from the bridge
So much water!

Above: the trail leading to the falls

Below: The view from the top of Vernal Falls ...breathtaking!

Coya and her "titanic" moment

We made it to the top! You get to Vernal by way of mist trail (three pictures ago)...I think it should be called shower trail as one gets quite wet on the way up...as evidenced by my hair. Hey! How come I'm the only one that looks like a wet rat?!

Vernal Falls

Our fearless leader, whom Coya affectionately called "Dora the Explorer!" She was determined that we were not only going the 1.5 miles to Vernal, but to Nevada Falls as well...mind you nearly another 2 miles UP!

At the top of Nevada Falls...a little rest was in order.

Dave and I....I took this picture holding the camera...can't believe it actually came out!

On the way back down

Yeah! We made it! It was a great day of a little more exercise than we had planned on, but so worth the scenery. Dave spent a lot of years vacationing in Yosemite before we got married and we spent some of our honeymoon there as well, so it seemed kind of fitting to spend
"his day" in a place he loves so much.

Graduation Party

2009-06-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

Whew! It's been a busy couple of weeks preparing for Jenna's graduation and the party. We spent months anticipating this moment and then all of a sudden it was over...sort of sad. I know I said it in my last post too, but I just wanted to slow time and try to take in every moment of the party, surrounded by so many people that have had an impact on Jen's life (and ours). We are blessed! Thank you to all who came, we hope you had as much fun as we did!

My good and long time friend, Cindy (back before we were all married) came over to help me get the food set up. Her daughter, Emily, graduates in a week, so we are helping each other out with all those details that just can't be done until the day of the party.

Food! What is a party without food? It's biblical, you know!

Graduation Cake

I love this picture. If I had a decent scanner, I would have scanned a picture of them when they were young....about 7 or 8 years old. Jen put it on her picture board and they saw it and said "We need the same picture of us now!". From left to right, Hillary, Karissa, Jen, Melissa and Kylee.
Missy gave her a photo book with a picture of them as little girls and one of them now to take with her to England.

Jen and Karissa

My mom with Lois Ann. Her daughter, Joy, and I have been friends for over 20 years and my mom and Lois Ann are like two peas in a pod, must be their southern roots.

Hanging out and visiting

This is Jen with Christoph. He is a foreign exchange student from Germany. His host parents go to church with us, so he has gotten involved with the high school group and is one of the gang now. He leaves in July...they are all very sad to see him go.

Christian and Shane....more kids from church

John, Randy and Christy...they all have girls graduating this year too

Jeremy and Nick with Mr. T.

Best friends, Jen and Melissa. Melissa graduated from Fresno Christian the same night as Jen. After all these years of waiting to see these girls graduate and they end up not being able to be at each other's graduation! Maybe this year CHEFA and Fresno Christian will actually think about coordinating their graduations so that they aren't on the same night! So many people have relationships with both, especially homeschoolers who go part time to FCS....o.k. I'll get off my soap box now....
Jen, Missy and Abby
Josh and Jen...he was such a trooper hanging out all day with us and helping out with the party and clean up....

Silly girls
With Joy and Michael Robbins

With Mr. Salley in our little tiny kitchen! Roger and the whole Salley clan have been great friends to our family and our children...praying for Josh while he is away and always great friends. We laugh a lot together with them!
With Mr. and Mrs. Raber...Ann is one of our school administrators through Tower Christian, our homeschool support group. She graduated her kids a long time ago, but loves education and has stuck around to help us with our kids. Cindy Freeman is our other administrator, she came to the graduation, but with all the kids graduating this year, they sort of split their time between parties. We appreciate them both and all they have done to help us along the way.

Pastor Doug and Carol with us and Christy...
Jess and Sally...parent mentors for the high school group...all the kids love them! Sally is like a mom to all the girls.
Jen with Carol and Doug...they have seen her go from baby to young adult
With Miss Ginger. She teaches English classes to homeschoolers through P.S.C.A. She is one amazing teacher too and the reason Jen was able to succeed at her college level English courses. Thank you, Ginger!!!

Noni and Nunu, her Italian Grandma and Grandpa...well actually they are Nick and Katie's Grandma and Grandpa, but we have adopted them too. Josh has spent many hours in their home between swim sessions eating Noni's food.

With Pastor Chad, her high school youth pastor

With Becca, one of the high school leaders
With Dave Ness...another old friend from our college days
With Dr. Troy and Tina, friends and he's our Chiropractor too...a real miracle worker at times!
More friends.....

Kim and I celebrating our daughter's! Melissa is her first to graduate and we have been there for each other through the ups and downs of homeschooling...she still has a few years to go with her young ones at home. Love you, Kim!

The last few left at the party. David, Hannah and Keith (Beaver), other homeschool friends that just graduated...she has had a great time with her homeschool graduating class...they all bonded well and had a lot of fun together....as you can see here!

Here we are at the end of the party...everyone is gone and Josh and Popcorn (my mom and dad's dog) are crashing.
We were very tired by the end of the evening, but would do it all over again. After Josh's party two years ago, we felt overwhelmed by how many wonderful people played a part in helping us raise J & J. It was no different this time either. God has been so gracious to us to allow us to build such great friendships with our church family and homeschooling family, and we are very grateful!!!

She Graduated!!!

2009-05-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

It seems like a whole year just flew by in a few moments last night as Jenna graduated from High School. We have been planning all year for graduation and then all of a sudden I just wanted to slow time and make the evening last as long as possible.

We all got ready and before we left for dinner, she opened a few family gifts...

Auntie Tina and Uncle Terrell gave her a beautiful Brighton bracelet

Uncle Robby and Auntie Joanna gave her this really cool watch

And Dave and I gave her the diamond earrings that my dad gave me when I graduated

Fun pictures with everyone!

We are soooooo happy that Grandma and Grandpa made it in.

Becca, Jen and Coya...all dressed up and ready to go

Proud parents

Below: Dinner at Shanghai...it's tradition...we ate there too before Josh graduated

At the church, greeting everyone before the graduation...

In her cap and gown

Jen and J.T.

Jen and Kelsey

Pictures with Aunt Kimmie and Kay Kay

Jen and Kaylee

Girlfriends

Jen, Kaylee, Hannah, Kelsey and Maddie

Jen and Samantha

Passing the time before the graduation begins

Kaylee was the vocal soloist for the evening. She did such a great job, as always!

Jen reading the class verse

Singing in the Senior Ensemble

Senior Sponsor Appreciation

Presenting Jen with her diploma and blessing

The senior ensemble

Visiting with friends afterwards

Sam, Jen and Katie....two of her homeschool, now Central High buddies

Group photo!

Tractor update!!!

2009-05-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

I just updated minutes ago (so keep scrolling down and you'll see LOTS more stuff), but Christy sent these to me, so I just had to put them up! Her camera has such good color and....

...she got close ups that I didn't get.
...a happy man!

Thanks, Randy and Christy!

Weekend Happenings...Graduations and Parties

2009-05-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday was one busy day with it all starting at 10:30 in the morning with a brunch for a good friend's daughter graduating from college and not ending until 10:30pm when we picked up my niece, Rebecca at the airport.

Unfortunately, I forgot to take the camera to the first party of the day, so we will begin with Kelsey and Samantha's graduation party. There are eight of Jen's friends that she has known since we began homeschooling in the 4th grade graduating this year. (Not to mention all the other friends graduting as well...) Some of them have gone on to public or private school, but they are all still very close. Kelsey and Sam started the party circuit off this season. We were only there a short time due to the next stop....

...Josh Yee's graduation. He is another good friend that she first met when we began homeschooling. He went on to University High School, a college prep school on the Fresno State campus. They have kept in touch over the years and remained good friends. His graduation was event number 3 of 5 Saturday.

An empty diploma? The high schools don't give out the real diploma at graduation anymore (at least around here). They get it mailed to them later in the week. Next stop, Nacoya's play....

She was in a 3 act play of a medley of Shakespeare works. She played Kate from "Taming of the Shrew". Event 4 of 5.

Here she is with her friend, Austin, another Shakespearean actor. Next stop...the airport to pick up Rebecca!

Arriving at the airport. They recently did some remodeling. There are these HUGE Sequoia replica's. They are really pretty cool.

Nacoya and Jen passing the time until Rebecca arrives.....

...she's here!!! Her last day of high school for the year was last week, so she came to spend the week with Jen and be at her graduation. Whew! We made it 5 of 5. Now to head home, get some sleep and start again tomorrow with the annual Memorial Day Rocca Party!

Leaving for the Rocca party!

Line dancing to a little Earth, Wind and Fire

Mrs. Rocca and Mrs. Rocca watching the volleyball game

Hanging out with friends

We always end the evening with an outdoor movie...this year Madagascar 2.

Wrapped up in blankets to watch the movie.

Jen and Becca...so glad to be together again.

Oh yes, Christy and I were on "security" detail (go ahead...chuckle, chuckle, laugh, laugh) back in the spring for the Easter outreach. We didn't get our official shirts until after the week, so we had to find a reason to wear them....I'm sure everyone felt safer with us there.

Before the girls and I got out there, Dave went over for a little therapy...tractor duty. He had had a really stressful week, so Randy said come on out and mow the side lot on the tractor. Well, that was an offer Dave just couldn't refuse! He was such a pro that he even got more offers...he may have found a new way to decompress.

We ended our very busy weekend on Monday afternoon with Josh Yee's graduation party.
Dave and I enjoying the afternoon relaxing at the party.

Group photo at the party....Josh and Jen are right in the middle (hint: if you click on any picture it usually enlarges it)
Jenna and Jenna. One of Josh's two sister's is a Jenna as well.

Josh, Jon, Jen and J.T. (That's a lot of J's!!)

And that was the end of a very busy, but fun weekend. Now it's our turn to kick it into high gear for Jen's graduation on Friday and the party on Saturday!

Robynn's Contest!!!

2009-05-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

My friend Robynn over at Robynn's Ravings is having a contest. She is giving away a Jordan Rubin book, "Perfect Weight America". His first book "The Maker's Diet" was a big seller, so if you are at all interested in this book, head on over to her site, sign up to follow her and get entered! Beside that, she is a truly talented writer and there is always some humor to her writing which makes it so good to read. She loves to laugh and make us all laugh with her.

All done with high school

2009-05-18T19:39:00.001-07:00

Today was the last final for the last class of High School for Jen. In eleven days she officially graduates!

Nacoya on the other hand, still has eleven days left of school...oh so thrilled she is. But Senior year is just around the corner! Tomorrow marks a milestone for another graduate too, my nephew Gabe. It's the day that he graduates from High School. My sister, Tina, and I were each pregnant with them 18 years ago and now we are graduating them. Gabe is such an awesome young man and we couldn't be prouder of him. He will head off to Colorado State, Fort Collins in August.

Angies Home Cooking

2009-05-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

Angie is a friend who used to live here in Fresno, but moved away a few years ago to Virginia. She has a blog and it's all about food! There are some great recipes on there, so if you are in need of some new ideas, go check her out!

Counting down to graduation....Chefa Banquet

2009-05-03T16:36:00.000-07:00

Friday night was the CHEFA (California Home Educators of the Fresno Area - for those of you not in the know) Banquet. It was also Jenna and her other senior friends' last time to go....boo hoo. They get to have a nice dinner and all the seniors make a board of pictures and accomplishments to show. They are also interviewed about their future plans and the evening ends with some good old fashioned English Country Dancing! Above is Jen's board, plastered full of pictures!

Girlfriends, except for Dan who got stuck in the background!

A whole bunch of friends....some new and some old

Hannah, Kaylee, Maddie and Jen

Candie, Jen and Kelsey

Kaylee, Maddie and Jenna...so beautiful!!!

John Thomas and Jenna...like brother and sister

Catching Up!!!

2009-04-23T08:20:00.001-07:00

Post #1

Here is about three weeks of catching up....pictures of Breakaway, the Tax Day Rally and Jen's Senior Trip...in that order. That procrastinator side of my personality seems to come out when blogging! Oh well, better late than never...Enjoy!

We will start with some follow-up pictures to my last post on Breakaway - the spring break outreach. These are at the park in Orange Cove (I thought of our friends the Parish's who live a hop/skip from here out in the countryside of Orange Cove...hello Parish's!) Two nights of the outreach the team went to Selma and Orange Cove to reach out to the community, feed them, have an Easter egg hunt and a time of worship and teaching...

Jen in the park

Coya with the bullhorn...a dangerous thing for her!

Setting up for the Easter Egg hunt

Lots of eggs with candy in them! I know because Christy and I filled hundreds of them one afternoon.

Setting up for the BBQ

Lots of food. The Selma outreach was the night before and they planned for 200...500 came! In Orange Cove they were prepared...500 hot dogs, buns, drinks and chips....about 300 came, but at least they were prepared this time.

Unloading sound equipment and instruments

The crowd gathers

Worship leader, Isais (don't know if I spelled his name right...you would think I would know, we only went to high school together...sorry friend!)

The band

Before the park event the church they were working with fed the group a wonderful Mexican meal...YUM!

At the church waiting for dinner

The food

Post #2
We did our civic duty and participated in the Tax Day Rally last Wednesday. What a group was there...I believe they had 6400 registered and estimated 7500 actually came.

The crowd

The platform for various speakers

Signing in

I liked this gentleman's sign. I could write a paper on what is happening in our country right now, but don't worry, I won't do it here. I will simply say that in studying early 20th century history with Jen this year, I am compelled to exercise my democratic right to allow my voice to be heard, whether through a letter to my congressman or a gathering like this. It was a peaceful, but bold statement that regardless of the direction some of our leaders want to take us in, people value their freedom and will not easily surrender it.

The American Flag...I still cry every time I hear our national anthem. Maybe in getting older I am just more appreciative and aware of the freedoms we are privileged with as Americans.

Post #3

Senior Trip!!!

Jen's Senior Class with CHEFA left Sunday afternoon for a three day trip to Disneyland and Huntington Beach. Here they are gathering for the trip.

Mrs. H. handing out caps and gowns....that was a bit surreal...the first official item to arrive for graduation.

Friends, all ready to go!

Kevin, Kelsey and Teresa. Kelsey is one of Jen's good friends and Teresa, her mom, was their room mom for the trip. She couldn't have had a better chaperon...Teresa loves to have fun and is the perfect mom for those late night talks!

The group, all ready to go!

Breakaway...Easter Break Ministry

2009-04-09T08:21:00.000-07:00

This week is Mission's week at church (People's Church). Usually we take Jr. High, High School and College students to Mexico for the week to work with a church down there. Not this year...too much crime and a warning from the U.S. government to stay out has rerouted our plans here to the Central Valley. Although we didn't know this would happen, God knew the plan all along. The miracle stories of how it all came together are just amazing, even back to a "chance" meeting back in the fall between one of our pastors and a city worker who helped to provide most of the support equipment for the week.

Joining us this year are churches from the Fresno/Clovis area including Valley Christian Center, Northeast Assembly of God, New Covenant and others, as well as Bayside Church and Christ Church from the Sacramento area. That is an amazing story itself. They had every intention of going to Mexico like they usually do over Easter break as well, but also cancelled their plans because of the danger. Somehow they got wind of what we were planning to do here in the local area and called to see if they could join us! They brought over 400 students with them, not including their support team. Approximately 25 people came down just to do the cooking! It's been an amazing experience for the kids and for all of us volunteering. There are about 800 students participating and they are all camping out on the People's campus. The best part for those of us that attend People's is being able to reach out to fellow believers in the community and open up our facility to host everyone. It's been very exciting and I just have to applaud the leadership that saw God's leading in this and in faith said "Let's do it!".

Walking into the campsite

This is Honey. She's a one year old Golden Lab. A member from Bayside brought her down to spend the week with us. The kids love having her around, and she greets everyone as they walk through the welcome area. Diesel even got to play with her a little bit one day!

This is the Command Center...the hub for every one's coming and going. The Fresno Fire Department donated this bus for us to use this week, as well as the showers, wash areas and porta potties.
These are some of the security guys. They are all from Bayside in Sacramento. They actually have a team of about 10 or so. They keep the place secure and someone from their team is up all night making rounds. We couldn't have done this without their help. Way to go guys!
Christy and I on "security detail". Yes, we signed up to help with security Tuesday and Wednesday thinking we would be sitting in our lawn chairs watching the comings and goings of people while having a Starbucks. Instead, they put us at the welcome entrance to make sure that no one got through without a wristband on...no wristband, no entrance. They asked us if we could handle it and of course we said no problem...we're Mom's. (Never underestimate the power of a Mom!) :)
Nick and Jen...Nick is home on break and helping with the Jr. High this week.
Wash stations

The Porta Potties...this was about half of them.

The tents where all 800 sleep. That' Jen to give you a little perspective. Each of the tents sleeps 25.

These are sooo cool....Portable showers! I hear they use these at Spirit West Coast, but I had never seen one before. They had two tractor trailers of showers...one for the boys, one for the girls.

Now here is the important stuff...the food. This is one of the dessert tables. We have church volunteers bringing goodies each day for dessert. YUM!

Dinner time! That's my honey helping serve food. There are approximately 4-6 tables set up for each meal for the people to file down and get their food. The food has been amazing! Last night was Tri-tip. The kids are working hard all day, so it's been a treat to come back to a warm meal each night.

This is the Jr. High group from People's. They finished up yesterday with their work and were packing up to take off.

Tomorrow I'll try to post some pictures from some of the work sites.

PFC Josh Teter in Japan

2009-03-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, Josh is currently stationed in Japan. For those of you that happen upon this blog, not being a regular reader, here's the scoop. Josh joined the Marines one year ago this month. He left for boot camp on May 11 last year and has been stationed in Okinawa, Japan since December 2008. He just recently got back to Okinawa from seven weeks of cold weather training on Mt. Fuji. It was survival and combat training in extreme cold weather conditions. He could tell you much better than me, but lots of guns and shooting...guy stuff! And it was freezing cold!!! His job is Motor Transportation, so they were also there training to use the vehicles in those extreme conditions. Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan at 12, 388 feet. Like many mountains, it is actually a volcano that last erupted on November 24, 1707...just some cool trivia.

He is experiencing a lot of constant change as a Marine. It seems once you get used to who you are working with and what you are doing, it changes again. A good amount of his unit was sent to Afghanistan this past month, so that brings even more change. He did not get called this time, but with that comes the opportunity for a promotion. He is up for Lance Corporal. This is based on merit not just time in. He's a hard worker and we know that when Josh works it's all or nothing, so we are rooting for him as he works for this new position.

To say that we are proud of him, just doesn't seem to say enough. Whether or not he were a Marine, we would be proud of his accomplishments, but at just barely 20, he is willingly taking on the responsibility of a man. We know he is sacrificing a lot to be there and to honor his commitment to protect us and defend our country. It's an old cliche, but "Freedom isn't Free". Thank you Josh for your commitment to all of us. We know God has great plans for your life and that you are right where you belong for such a time as this! We love you!!!! (He is probably saying to himself right now.."Oh Mom, stop it with the mush!" :)

Dressed to stay warm

Marine Josh - riding in the truck....he looks so intimidating here....I think that's a good thing.

Not so intimidating here....Goofy Josh, looking like he is ready to snowboard. They were actually supposed to, but the weather didn't cooperate when they had some free time to go.

Mt. Fuji

Camping in the cold for four days. He was glad to get back to base after that bit of training.

One of the trucks that he drives, a 7-ton. He also drives Humvee's....a lot different than the little 85 Toyota that he drove around here! More fun too!

The Blossom Trail 2009....sort of

2009-03-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we drove the blossom trail and into the foothills. It's still winter, but looks like spring. Just a California thing....when we get rain it greens up and all the wild flowers start blooming. Goofy me didn't take one picture of the orchards that are blooming, but I did get some pictures of the hills and the wild flowers. Here is a little pictorial journal of the trip. We will begin with silly pictures from the two silly girls, Jenna and Melissa....

Yes, this would be them taking pictures of themselves

A view from highway 180 down into a valley.

Lunch! We took a little detour into Wonder Valley, an equestrian community about 5+ miles off the beaten path. We were able to find a spot near a meadow for some lunch.
A short nap for Missy after lunch

The meadow where we ate...

...And us in the meadow

Jen and Dad being silly

I like this one...Daddy/Daughter

A Cow...the girls took that one. They were everywhere, cows and horses.
Some of the wildflowers

These were my favorite...little blue ones

They kind of look like a viola

These were the ones in the field where we at lunch

No time to blog....

2009-03-01T14:55:00.000-08:00

I have had no time to blog and barely any time to looks at my friend's and family's blogs. We are house hunting...trying to find a place to buy here in Fresburg. For those of you that have done the same, you know it is all consuming until you find it. Some days it's fun and some, not so fun. So sorry to all of you who are blogging and don't see anything new happening over here on my end.

My sister, on the other hand, does have something new happening. She and her husband, Terrell have started a new blog together. Tina still has tunajones.blogspot.com, but this one is tntjones.blogspot.com or "Black and White". Go check it out the next time you get a chance. It's a great concept and having been married 19 years, they have some good perspective.

As for when I will get back to blogging...pray for a house and a CHEAP car and maybe it will be sooner than later.

Reginia :)

50 and Fabulous

2009-02-20T08:48:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!!!!

We love you!

The View From My Walk

2009-02-18T11:46:00.000-08:00

The past couple of weeks we have been getting some much needed rain. I love the rain, because it means green grass on the hills and clean air. Unfortunately, we don't get much, if any, in the summer, which gets old when it's hot and dusty, but for the time that we do get it, all of the Valley is rejoicing! One of the great benefits of Valley rain is the view we are left with after a good storm. We are surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the East and the Coastal Range on the West, but except for a good rain, most of the time you wouldn't even know it. That's a sad statement, but true. It's not one we as Fresnan's like to brag about, but something we have to live with. Like any city that sits in a valley with a lot of agriculture and people, the air isn't always the cleanest...then put that city in California...well, need I say more. But I digress! Here we are in the time of year when I like living in this valley and love the view, so I thought I'd share it with you today. I live just a short jaunt from Cal State, Fresno, and Diesel and I regularly walk or jog the Ag fields. Makes me feel a little like I'm back in Kentucky as a girl taking a walk in the country. The view, the day I took these pictures, was just breathtaking....and Diesel was enjoying it as much as me!

Sierra Nevada's to the East

That's my neighborhood straight ahead. Alfalfa fields...a dog's playground!
It's as if he's saying,"Are you coming?"
He even leaps canals in a single bound! Notice I never take his leash off. We are still working on the "come" command. The leash is a little more insurance that I'll get him back in a hurry if I need too!

A Valentine...

2009-02-16T11:00:00.000-08:00

As Jenna and Nacoya celebrated Singles Awareness Day, their favorite fellow so far, Dad/Mr. T, gave them each a bouquet of flowers.

Coya's above and Jen's below

Below are the ones Mr. T brought to me....thank you sweetie. Daisy's are my favorite and the pink roses just made them even prettier! You are a great husband and an awesome Dad!

World Ag Expo - Happy B'day David!!!

2009-02-10T21:25:00.000-08:00

As an early birthday celebration, Dave and I took off this morning with the Rocca clan to the World Ag Expo just an hour down the road in Tulare. It is the largest agriculture show in the world. After walking it for seven hours I can see why. They said we had seen about half of what was there! What birthed the idea of going to the farm show is Dave's love of anything John Deere. His grandpa was a wheat, rye and barley farmer in eastern Colorado owning 640 acres. Even though he didn't grow up in Colorado, they would go back there most years to help with the harvest. Dave has fond memories of riding on the combines and grain trucks with his grandpa, which is where his love of John Deere comes from. He has a small collection of toy replicas of all of his grandpa's tractors and combines, as well as many other miscellaneous John Deere items, including a few that we picked up today.

So here we are 10 days before the big 50 heading down Highway 99 to Tulare to the Ag show. Randy and his dad go every year, and with good reason as raisin growers, and I've taken the kids once six years ago, but this was Mr. T's first time.

Getting ready this morning....Dave putting on his John Deere socks that Tina and Terrell gave him this past Christmas. Can you read what it says?

Entering the Expo

We're here! Randy, Dave and Earl, name tags on and ready to go...

This is the entrance into the expo....One of many large streets inside the expo
Group photo
This one is for my dad. He's an Aflac representative and always gives us fun "duck" paraphernalia. When we went by the Aflac booth and saw the duck, I just couldn't resist.
This was at the Dewalt booth. This is the car that was driven in the Nascar races this past year....can't remember the driver's name, but I'm sure some of you Nascar lovers will know who he is.
The long awaited John Deere tent and tractor display!

Just gotta try a few out. "So, that's not too big for the lawn, is it honey?"

"Or maybe this one?"

A love affair with green...(we actually put him up to this one)

Checking it out a little closer....

Besides anything farm that you can see at the expo, they also have great food. We had tri-tip sandwiches for lunch and Hanford's Superior Dairy ice cream...a local favorite.

Randy and Christy in front of yet another big tractor

How would you like to change that tire?!

This is like the wheat harvester Dave's grandpa used to use only a whole lot newer, safer and high tech. They are just huge!!!

Taking in the view....

...and the end of a great day. Many thanks to Rusty for driving us all down and Randy and Christy for showing us around. Dave loved it.....10 days till 50 and counting!

Laundry Aid

2009-02-06T11:09:00.000-08:00

Diesel's latest trick is to steal this laundry basket. It's light enough for him to carry around. Now all I need to do is train him to put the laundry into the basket (as compared to eating the laundry) and carry it to the washer for me. Diesel the Super-dog....that's what we'll call him.

He so knows he's not getting away with it...
Poor guy, just looks like he's begging to keep it. What kind of master am I anyway?!

Bierocks and Football....

2009-02-02T08:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Superbowl Sunday. I was never much into football growing up, but having been married for 23 years to a man who knows a lot about football, I have grown accustomed to spending the fall and winter watching and somewhat following the sport. Dave is no football fanatic. He says he was in his younger years, kind of like our son now. Knew every stat on every player, including baseball and basketball too (he still has a vast knowledge of those things..amazes me how guys can keep up with all that information). But he still loves the game and it's always more fun to watch a good game with friends. I have grown to love it too, well sort of. I still have trouble figuring out what is going on most of the time, but he is very patient to explain things to me over and over again (hey, good prep for when I'm old). I've actually grown so used to it that it just doesn't seem like fall if there isn't a football game on. Well anyway, that was a huge detour to this post. Who doesn't love to watch the Superbowl, if for no other reason than the commercials! There were some good ones this year, minus the few that always get thrown in the mix that make you wonder if you are watching the Superbowl at 3pm or late night television. I like the Budweiser ones the best I think. Don't go having a heart attack or anything. I don't drink beer..can't stand the stuff...except once when I had an upset tummy and my sister made me. But their commercials are great....my favorite was the one with the Dalmatian playing fetch, then the Clydesdale decides to do the same. If you haven't seen it, look it up on YouTube. It's probably there.

For the second year in a row Dave has made his wonderful bierocks for the Superbowl. It is no small task. Lots of preparation, but he loves to cook and he loves sharing them with all of us grateful, hungry people. He made the hamburger/cabbage mixture on Saturday night and the dough on Sunday. Then it's time to put it all together. We have this wonderful tool from my Pampered Chef days that I can't even remember the name of now. It's a little sandwich press. There are two sizes...he uses the big one for the bierocks. They are so yummy and we eat them way too fast for how long they take to make.

Above is the evidence of his hard work....below, the finished product.

Chef Teter
Christy will love me for this picture...she's enjoying some dessert
We had Dave's bierocks and Christy's chili, which was very yummy. Then dessert...need I say more?
Dave and this killer apple-raisin pie from Sunmaid....very good. There's a plug for you Randy (he grows for Sunmaid). Just doing my duty as a good friend.
Truth be known this is why we really got together at Rocca-land. They got a new TV and it's huge and wonderful to watch. You can even see the small print on the commercials!

So how was your Superbowl Sunday?

It's Orange Season!

2009-01-31T08:16:00.000-08:00

It's January and that means the oranges are on the tree and ready to pick. We don't have that many this year. I think that's because we had a storm when the blooms were coming on and we lost a bunch, but anyhow we do have some oranges. And the cool thing is that they are BIG and taste great!

This is the neighbors tree...just behind us. They let us have what they can't pick.
This is our tree....not so many oranges. You can see that it's foggy here this morning.
This is the behemoth Dave picked this morning. No exaggeration...it was as big as a grapefruit!

For all my family in Colorado and Idaho: If I could afford to box up a bunch of these and send them to you, I would. We were there (Colorado) at Christmas and found that oranges are worth as much as gold!

Most...The Bridge

2009-01-30T11:17:00.000-08:00

"For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

The wise in heart?

2009-01-27T07:57:00.000-08:00

Lesson from yesterday morning's Bible study:

Proverbs 16:21 The wise in heart will be called discerning, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness

Lesson from yesterday evening:

...Haven't quite learned the art of sweet, persuasive speech.

Maybe if I could just connect the dots and remember that what I just read in the morning can be applied in the evening....hmmm, that's a thought!

Anyone out there feel the same way?

Night Of The Stars!!!

2009-01-25T14:06:00.000-08:00

It's been two weekends of dress up around here....last week Jen went to a winter formal and this weekend Nacoya went to her winter formal or N.O.T.S. (Night of the Stars). She went with Andrew whose family just happens to be good friends of ours through homeschooling.

We added some tulle to the bottom of her dress to give it a little more "pop" and add some length. I was rather proud of myself for figuring out how to sew it on. I miss sewing so it was fun, and fun to see the finished result.

At the salon getting her hair done...

She was very patient while the hairdresser used a wave iron to create mermaid waves. She has lots of hair so it was about an hour and half process.
All dressed up and ready to go!

Andrew and Coya

Taking silly pictures with their group...

The corsages

And of course...the shoes...

The girls

Jen and Coya. Jen had just gotten off work and rushed over to see her before she left for the formal.

Off to the Formal

2009-01-17T21:33:00.000-08:00

Tonight Jen is off to the Buchannan formal with her good friend Vince. Here are a few fun photos......

The Many Faces of Jenna and Coya....

2009-01-10T08:26:00.000-08:00

The other night I came home and found the girls taking very silly pictures and laughing hysterically at themselves. They don't start school until Monday, so what else to do with our free time, but take goofy pictures! I'm used to Jenna taking silly pictures of herself, but this was a first for Coya. (Reminds me of someone else I know who loved the camera as a young one...not naming any names, but she lives in Colorado and shares the same b'day a me and everybody who meets us thinks Jenna is her daughter...just saying.)

Foggy Day Schedule

2009-01-08T20:04:00.000-08:00

Current Temp 43 °F
Fog/Mist
Wind : Calm
Humidity : 93 %
Pressure : 30.20" (1022.8 mb)

As anyone from around here knows, fog is as common in the winter as 105 degrees is in the summer. It can last for a couple of weeks at a time, with very little sun to be seen. This is one of those weeks. I'm not complaining though, spring comes early and it gives me a reason to pour a cup of hot tea and either sit down with a good book or watch a movie on these foggy nights. (Tonight is the movie with Jen, Coya and Melissa as they are all still out of school until next week.) As my fellow bordie collie lovers also know, no exercise for the dog means no rest for the master. This master worked today and didn't get out this morning to take the beloved pet on his morning run. So, what does the master do? Bundle up and go for a walk in the fog! Underneath that hood is an ear wrap and underneath that jacket are two other layers to keep me warm. This fog tonight is something we don't always get. It's more like a mist than a heavy on-the-ground kind of fog. The ground looks like it just rained, but it's just the mist in the air. Why can't some of this stuff roll in about mid July when it is a sweltering 105 degrees outside?!! That's why we go to the coast, which is kind of funny in and of itself. We wait all winter for the fog to lift and then what do we do when it gets hot....head for the coast for more fog!!

My glasses get covered in mist....

In Memory of a Dear Friend...

2009-01-03T10:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday marked the 1st anniversary of the passing of my good friend, Rose MacAlpine. There almost hasn't been a day that has gone by this past year that I haven't thought of her. She was such a vibrant individual. Many mutual friends have commented that it still doesn't seem possible that she could be gone....I feel the same way. The more that time goes by, the more I am able to accept it, but her energy and her passion for life, music and the Lord lives on in my memory. Now and then when I really miss her I ask the Lord to tell her hello for me. Maybe that's crazy, probably not very theologically sound either, but I do know that one day I will see her again. I look forward to that time and keep singing in her honor. If I can communicate just a portion of the praise for our heavenly Father that she did, I will have accomplished much and honored her well.

Wishing For Snow...

2008-12-29T10:16:00.000-08:00

This is old snow, left over from over a week ago....

This is the family washing the truck in hopes that it will bring the snow! We know it's goofy, but Murphy's Law is such that if you wash your car it is sure to rain, so maybe it will work on snow too.
You see we have been hoping to get over to Toboggan Hill for a repeat of the sledding we did when we were here in March. If it doesn't snow we can't sled. The weather in Colorado can change at a moments notice too, so maybe, just maybe we will get some snow before we leave.....I'll keep you posted.

Merry Christmas from Colorado!!!

2008-12-25T13:18:00.000-08:00

We made it to Colorado! It was very late on Tuesday night, but we made it. Our flight left Sacramento at 6pm on Tuesday. The next stop was Vegas. Our next flight to Denver was supposed to leave at 8:25pm, but was delayed until 12:40am!!!! Fortunately, we got an earlier flight out at 9:50 and finally made to Denver by 1am, Denver time. By the time we got our luggage and made the one hour drive back to Tina and Terrell's it was 3am. Whew! We were tired, but glad to be here. We slept in as much as we could yesterday and got ready for Christmas Eve. Grandma and Grandpa arrived in Denver at 6pm last night, so it was back to the airport for another pickup. No complaints here though; it's been a year since we have seen them (the longest ever) so we are just thankful they could make it in.

Waiting in Las Vegas for our plane to arrive. We have to say that this was our first time flying with Southwest and we would gladly do it again. They are friendly and as good as they can be, given the weather, about getting you to your destination on time. They are funny too....telling jokes and making the trip a little more interesting.

Bringing in the fudge....we wait all year for a piece of Grandma's fudge

Christmas Eve we dressed up and went to church with Tina and Terrell. I tried to get a picture of the church, but it was a little dark. It is a beautiful mountain church with a rock fireplace and wood beams running across the ceiling. They had a candlelight service. One thing about being in the family of God...no matter where I am, I feel at home just being with other believers.

Christmas morning!

Better late than never....

2008-12-16T22:14:00.000-08:00

Josh left for Japan a week ago tomorrow and I am obviously behind in posting some pictures from our visit with him the two weeks he was here. He really enjoyed being back home. Each time he leaves and comes back he seems to appreciate "home" more. Isn't that the way it's supposed to be? I remember going through the same thing as a young person. You don't really appreciate the ones you love until you've had an opportunity to miss them.

We gave him a camera for Christmas. You can see here he was thrilled...LOL...and so are we. We are hoping for lots of pictures from Japan.

J & J had probably one of the best times together that I as a mom have ever seen. Since Josh has been away these past 6 months, his little sister has grown up. She's the independent, driving herself around, taking college classes sister now.....and turning a few boys' heads these days too. You should have seen Josh turn into the big brother when even another guys name was mentioned....he just went into protection mode asking questions and making sure these guys are fit to be with his sister! It was sweet to watch, and they had a great time being silly, as only they can be.

Then all too soon, it was time to say goodbye. He will be stationed in Japan for a couple of years and does get some leave time, but it's still so far away and a long time in between visits.

Here we are hanging out at the airport waiting for his plane to arrive. One nice perk about being a military family is that we get to go through security to the terminal where he boards the plane and wait with him. We found that out the last time he was here...

One great result of Josh's trip home this time was that it gave him a chance to get to know Nacoya better. She thought he was pretty funny...which he is. She loved his ethnic impersonations and the goofy voices he would use here at home.

Proud Mom and Dad with our Marine

Getting ready to board the plane

One last goodbye...This one was hard...for him and us. I'm always o.k after he's gone, but getting through the goodbyes is just the pits. I think it was even harder on my sensitive husband...he's more the cryer than me anyway, and this one did him in. But, not to worry, we are all doing well now and so excited for the opportunity afforded to Josh right now. It's like David said to Josh just after we found out he was going to Japan, "Whatever God has for you son, takes you through Japan." So we can rest in confidence that God who loves him more than we ever could will keep him in His care.

We did manage to get one family picture while he was here...and doesn't he look handsome in his uniform!

Catching Up

2008-12-14T20:07:00.001-08:00

The last couple of weeks have been very full. Josh came in for two weeks at Thanksgiving and left for Japan just Wednesday (more on that later), our home school choirs had their concert Thursday, and we threw a 16th birthday party for Nacoya. Whew! I love the holidays, but why is it that everything about the season needs to happen in such a short time and then add anything extra and it's a race for the finish line? I must sound so "Bah Humbugish". I'm not really....we love this season and do our best to soak it all up.

I'll start with Nacoya's B'day party. We had it hear at home and invited lots of friends from church and school.

A light meal to start things off.
These are the results of a game that the kids played called Bigger or Better. They had to go around the neighborhood in teams and "trade up" from the ornament we gave them to something bigger or better. The team with the best stuff won.
This picture below was from the winning group...they brought back 2 TVs, 2 tires (much to David's dismay), and an old weed eater.

Another game and some visiting

Birthday Cake!!!

Opening gifts.

Nacoya had a great time and was blessed by so many friends.
I'll be back tomorrow to update on Josh and other Christmas season happenings.

Robynn's Ravings...

2008-12-03T15:14:00.000-08:00

I want to introduce you to my friend Robynn. We (her friends) have been trying for years to get her to "publish" herself. Well, the wait is over....she started a blog! She is one of the most articulate and funny writers I have ever met, but nonetheless able to speak at the heart of a matter. Welcome Robynn to the world of blogging! Love you!

Christmas Trees at Honey Hill

2008-11-29T20:56:00.000-08:00

Today was Christmas Tree cutting day at Honey Hill. It's become an annual tradition that our good friends, Kim and Rod started quite a few years ago. It's a great time to see friends we don't get to see as much as we used to, eat, fellowship and of course cut trees! Most of these friends have also homeschooled their children, and as our kids have gotten older some are still being homeschooled and some have gone on to other schools, but we have all remained friends. Homeschooling brought us together, but it's our Christian friendship that keep us together.

On the way up the hill

Arriving at Honey Hill

The girls....

The boys....

Kelly and Shaela

Watching Randy and Nick cut trees

It was nice to have Josh with us this year. It gave him a chance to catch up with friends who have been praying for him these past 6 months. Pat, Robynn and me! Can you tell I am holding the camera to take this picture?

Tying the pine boughs on the van for a wreath for the front door.

Harold cutting down their tree.....
...Christina holding their tree

Kendra and Kevin on the way down with their tree.

Timber!! Action photo even!

Doddie Dot and Booty Head (these are names the boys gave each other when they were little) with Tim the tool man in the background

John, warming up for chapel

Gathering to eat

Praying over the food

After we took this picture, we realized that we both wore brown and green today! It's funny because neither of us saw each other this morning before arriving.

John leading us in some worship songs

Kaylee and Lori, mom and daughter singing and probably making beautiful harmony - they both have great voices!

Together in the chapel

Having fun with friends

On the way home

Thanksgiving...Italian style

2008-11-28T13:55:00.000-08:00

We took our time getting up yesterday, which was really nice, for a change. Usually we make a big dinner, which we love to do, but it was a nice change just to bring a couple of dishes this year. If I were a really good blogger I would have gotten pictures of the whole day, start to finish, like watching the Macy's parade and cooking biscuits and gravy for breakfast. But I am a so-so blogger and really wanted to enjoy the day without thinking about what pictures I hadn't shot yet, so here is what I have.

Josh just had to see how Dad would look with his head shaved...all the way.

Gabe, just "chillin" before going to Nick's

My menu contributions were green beans, deviled eggs and apple pie. Here are the trimmings from the pie. We put them in a pot with cloves, cinnamon and a little bit of water and let it simmer. Makes the whole kitchen smell really good.

Baking the pie....and the finished product. I do say it tasted very yummy!
Deviled Eggs...a Teter child favorite
It has been foggy here since it rained a couple of days ago. This was the view out the window as we drove to the Rocca's. Our fog is kind of like other people's snow. It's just not the holiday season without some fog!
It is a Rocca tradition to make homemade ravioli and serve them with the Thanksgiving dinner. Here they are going into the pot...

...all ready to eat. They were wonderful!
Fun pictures of the kids
Cousins :)

That was then...this is now....Josh and Gabe

2008-11-26T23:55:00.001-08:00

Josh just arrived home today for a two week stay before he ships out to Okinawa for a two year stay. With him came Gabe, his best bud/cousin from Colorado. Josh flew into Denver from St. Louis and they came in together from there. We are so glad he gets to spend Thanksgiving with us and especially with Josh. Here is a little walk down memory lane of the two boys together...affectionately, Doodie Dot and Booty Head.

New Hair for Reg

2008-11-22T15:26:00.001-08:00

Today, I finally gave in to my family's pleading and had some highlights put back in my hair. Not that they thought I was UGLY, but having been blond, or a form of it for so long, this dark hair has taken some getting used to. I have gone without the highlights for a couple of years now and really didn't mind the color so much, but a little "damage", as the hairdresser put it, helps me manage my very fine hair better. I didn't go heavy on the highlights, so I don't even know if you can really see them here, but it's enough to make me happy. Tina, this is for you...I figured it would make you laugh! I can hear my nieces and nephew now..."She changed her hair again?" :)

Powder Puff

2008-11-22T15:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Powder Puff Football Day at Fresno Christian and Nacoya was not bashful about participating. She played a line"woman" and from what she tells me loved it! Spoken like a real football player.

The teams praying before the game.

The GameHigh Fives!!
I think the t-shirt says it all.

PSCA Community Choir and Command Performance

2008-11-18T21:36:00.001-08:00

Tonight was the concert for the PSCA Community Choir that I am currently singing with. We are small, but mighty in spirit and laughter. It's a great group of people. We get to sing great music and have a lot of fun.

Licia - our director

Tonight was also a Command Performance for students of PSCA who did an outstanding job in recitals over the past three months.
This little gal was amazing...she hasn't even been playing a year yet and did this piece call "The Bee" by F. Schubert. It was full of runs; her fingers never stopped moving...imagine "Flight of the Bumble Bee" and that's kind of what it was like. (A sidenote: I thought of my mom while she was playing, she was a violinist too and a very good one! - Love you, Mom!)
These are my students, (l-r) Maci, Chauncy and Addison. I was turning pages while they were singing tonight and forgot to ask Dave to take some pictures, but they each did beautifully and made their teacher proud!

Warning from Ex-Hitler youth....

2008-11-17T13:35:00.000-08:00

When watching the crowds in Europe and even here in America gather to hear Mr. Obama speak, the first thought that ran through my mind was that this looks much like what Germany did as Hitler began to rise to power. I am no prophet and am in no way saying that Mr. Obama is a Hitler type, but Americans are enamored with him in much the same way the German’s were with Hitler. This article is interesting and comes from an Ex-Hitler youth. He says nothing about Mr. Obama – that is my opinion only, but having studied German history a bit – the similarities between where our nation is and where Germany was during Hitler’s rise are strikingly similar. One similarity is that they were in the midst of a complete economic crisis, much like we are now. They were looking for a rescue. Hitler was an amazing orator and gave them hope. My German instructor in high school said that people were so desperate for help that they fell right into his plan and didn’t realize until it was too late what he really was. The moral isn’t about Mr. Obama, but about being on our guard with anyone treated as a “savior” other than Jesus, himself. If you don’t agree or don’t care for my opinions, I am in no way offended. But as I have been pondering this whole thing, then saw this article come through, I thought it was worth passing on.

Ex-Hitler youth's warning to America'Every day brings this nation closer to Nazi-style totalitarian abyss'
Posted: November 13, 20081:00 am Eastern© 2008 WorldNetDaily
WASHINGTON –

Because it has abandoned moral absolutes and its historic Christian faith, the U.S. is moving closer to a Nazi-style totalitarianism, warns a former German member of the Hitler Youth in a new book.
"Every day brings this nation closer to a Nazi-style totalitarian abyss," writes Hilmar von Campe, now a U.S. citizen, and author of "Defeating the Totalitarian Lie: A Former Hitler Youth Warns America."
Von Campe has founded the national Institute for Truth and Freedom to fight for a return to constitutional government in the U.S. – a key, he believes, to keeping America free.
"I lived the Nazi nightmare, and, as the old saying goes, 'A man with an experience is never at the mercy of a man with an argument,'" writes von Campe. "Everything I write is based on my personal experience in Nazi Germany. There is nothing theoretical about my description of what happens when a nation throws God out of government and society, and Christians become religious bystanders. I don't want to see a repetition. The role of God in human society is the decisive issue for this generation. My writing is part of my life of restitution for the crimes of a godless government, of the evil of which I was a part."

Von Campe grew up under the Nazis, served in the Hitler Youth and fought against the Red Army in the Yugoslavian theater as a tank gunner in the German army. He was captured at the end of the war and escaped five months later from a prisoner of war camp in Communist Yugoslavia.

"It took me a long time to understand and define the nature of National Socialism," says von Campe. "And, unfortunately, their philosophy continues to flourish under different labels remaining a menace to America and free human society."
He writes: "The most painful part of defining National Socialism was to recognize my own moral responsibility for the Nazi disaster and their crimes against humanity. It boiled down to accepting the truth that 'as I am, so is my nation,' and realizing that if every German was like me, it was no wonder that the nation became a cesspool of gangsters. This realization is as valid today for any person in any nation as it was then, and it is true for America and every American now."
Von Campe's message is that political freedom and democratic rules alone are not sufficient to govern humanity justly.

"Democratic procedures can be subverted and dishonest politicians are like sand in the gearbox, abundant, everywhere and destructive," he writes. "What I see in America today is people painting their cabins while the ship goes down. Today in America we are witnessing a repeat performance of the tragedy of 1933 when an entire nation let itself be led like a lamb to the Socialist slaughterhouse. This time, the end of freedom is inevitable unless America rises to her mission and destiny."
Von Campe says he sees spiritual parallels among Americans and his childhood Germany.
"The silence from our pulpits regarding the moral collapse of American society from within is not very different from the silence that echoed from the pulpits in Germany toward Nazi policies," he explains. "Our family lived through the Nazi years in Germany, an experience typical of millions of Europeans regardless of what side they were on. We paid a high price for the moral perversions of a German government, which excluded God and His Commandments from their policies. America must not continue following the same path to destruction, but instead heed the lessons of history and the warning I am giving."
Specifically, von Campe warns Americans their political leaders are on the wrong footing, "denying our cultural and traditional roots based on our unique Constitution and Christian orientation as a nation. Christians don't understand their mission."

Recording for Christmas...

2008-11-15T16:18:00.001-08:00

Each December the People's Church choir presents a Christmas program to tell the Nativity story. This year Pastor Doug has written all the music we are singing, which by the way is amazing. He is just a writing machine right now and it's great stuff...so fun to sing! For the past few years the choir has sung from the platform. This year we will be all over the sanctuary. The challenge in that is of course getting good choral sound. So, we all met at the choir room today and spent about six hours recording about 10 songs.

Dee Dee, Carol and Pastor Doug - arriving and getting ready for the day

This is Beverly on the left and Brenda on the right. They are sisters...can't you tell? Brenda is the music department secretary. She is so friendly, makes everyone feel welcome and does a great job of keeping the department running.

The choir room or makeshift recording studio. The moving blankets are to keep the sound from bouncing back and forth off the walls.

This is Mason's office - or the engineering room for Henry to record us.

Everyone is adjusting their transistor radios. We use them to hear the tracks that we are recording with. It's kind of like when you go to a neighborhood at Christmastime to see the light displays and someone has programed their lights to coordinate with a song. If you tune to a particular radio signal you can hear the song that goes with their light show. We tune to a station to hear the tracks.

Christy and I on a break. That thing hanging from my shirt is my radio (well actually Christy's - I forgot mine!)Our Commander in Chief - Pastor Doug

Listening to what we have recorded.

Time for lunch! It's amazing how hungry you can get just sitting and singing for 3 hours. Me 'n Ed's Pizza - a Fresno favorite.

Penny, a fellow soprano, with her pizza

Well, that is Christy looking very choral! And the gal with the nice smile is Brenda. She is brand new to choir and brand new to this whole recording thing. Good job, Brenda!

This is Brenda's son, Benjamin. He was so cute. It was a long day for any kid and the other kids that came were all girls, so Mom let him come hang out with us. He was a champ, but pretty sleepy after lunch. We just couldn't resist this picture.

The choir - Soprano's and Basses
Altos and Tenors
It was a fun day of fellowship and singing and now we are ready to go for Christmas!

Happy 20th Birthday, Nick!

2008-11-15T15:56:00.000-08:00

This is a rather late post, but last Saturday night was Nick Rocca's 20th birthday. Nick is at Cal Baptist in Riverside, but came home for the weekend, so we went out to their house to celebrate with them. Just a little background.... Nick and Josh have been best friends since 4th or 5th grade. Jen and Katie (Nick's sister) are the same age and good friends too. We met the Rocca's when we started homeschooling and now here we are nine years later watching the boys turn 20 and the girls graduate from high school! Happy Birthday, Nick. Chick-fil-a just came to Fresno. Krispy Kreme moved out and they moved it. Before going to the Rocca's we stopped in for our first meal there. We had actually had it in Colorado Springs last March while visiting family, but not been to the one here. Most of us liked it. Nacoya was the exception...felt it was a little too greasy. I don't think we will eat there all the time, but it was fun for a change and not another burger place.

Christy made two delicious cakes...spice and chocolate with cream cheese frosting. YUM!

Is that fire extinguisher a statement?

Dave and Nick - like a proud papa

So when we left I forgot to take the camera. When I turned it on after getting it back, this is what I saw. I laughed out loud...true colors, Nick!

Let it SNOW!!!

2008-11-14T09:06:00.000-08:00

Tina has snow! It's amazing how the weather can change from moment to moment in Colorado. Yesterday was warm, today there is snow. We are heading there for Christmas and we want snow for Toboggan Hill;I'm sure we will have it. It's like fog in Fresno...you can just count on it at Christmastime.

Happy Birthday, Diesel!!!

2008-11-09T21:27:00.000-08:00

Diesel was born one year ago today. We didn't get him until Christmas Eve of last year. Here are a few pictures of his first year with us. Happy Birthday, Diesel-Bob!

Christmas Eve surprise for J & J

I love that face!
Diesel today....he is still such a puppy, just a whole lot bigger.
This is his new favorite spot, looking out the window checking out the neighborhood critter and people action. You should see the cats just sit on the sidewalk staring straight at the window (I've seen them). It's like they know he is there and can't do a thing to get to them!

Go Bulldogs!

2008-11-07T21:57:00.001-08:00

This afternoon we were invited by our good friends, Randy and Christy to go to a Bulldogs football game and tailgate dinner.

Eating tri-tip...yum,yum.

Getting settled in at the game. Dave was busy watching the jumbo-tron screen and didn't know we were going to take a picture...he turned just in time!

Being silly with our cheering supplies.

The Band....they were great! Thank you Randy and Christy for a great time and a great friendship. The Bulldogs lost (at least I think they did). We left near the end of the 4th quarter and they scored a touchdown as we were walking out. Win or loose it was lots of fun.

Anniversary Weekend Con't.....

2008-11-02T22:06:00.001-08:00

Saturday morning we headed up the hill as soon as we could. It was raining when we woke up and really didn't stop until we got back into Fresno today. We aren't complaining though....it was much needed and very refreshing after the long dry spell!

Coming into Oakhurst

Starbucks is a treat we don't allow ourselves very often anymore, but an anniversary trip calls for special treats, so when we got into Oakhurst we stopped at the local Starbucks and ordered up!

Dave got his favorite holiday special...pumpkin latte

I got my usual... decaf mocha with soy and light on the mocha....

After leaving Starbucks, we headed up to Fishcamp to the cabin. The road into the cabin is a good mile or so and as we turned one corner we saw this beautiful Dogwood(I think it's a Dogwood - help me Kim if I'm wrong). I was literally just telling Dave on the way in that most of the trees in the mountains seem to be gold, not too much red, and then what do we see! Pat and Mike surprised us with this basket of goodies when we arrived! It had everything in it from crackers and cheese to chocolate covered cranberries to Martinelli's. We felt like we had just arrived at a Four Sister's Inn. Thank you Pat and Mike!!!

Dave stoking the fire. It was warm and cozy in the cabin and cool and rainy outside.

Our room...we never tire of the amazing woodwork and Pat has decorated it to be so inviting.

View of the family room and entrance to the kitchen.
Dave enjoying a moment of relaxation before we head into Yosemite.

Oh this was so cool! We had always heard about the deer that like to feed in front of the cabin, but have never seen them, so needless to say we were so excited when we got to see them. We hadn't been there 20 minutes and they came out. There is a buck too, but we haven't seen him yet.

Momma at the feeder and her fawns in the background. When I was a young girl I had thoughts of being one of two things...a veterinarian or a forest ranger. It occurred to me as we were driving through the mountains that we may outgrow our dreams, but our dreams never really outgrow us, they just look a little different. I don't want to be a vet or a forest ranger anymore, but the love for nature and wildlife is still there.

On our way to Yosemite it started pouring!!
Taking a picture of ourselves in the rain...you can tell we are water deprived Californians!

Upper Yosemite Falls...we were pleasantly surprised at how full it was, because we really haven't had that much rain yet. A big, majestic oak in the meadow. I just thought it looked so pretty out there, so I took a picture.

If you live in the Fresno area and have never been down into Yosemite Valley to see the Ahwahnee Hotel, you are missing out. For one thing, it's really old and has a ton of history which makes it a very interesting place to visit. For another - it's really a beautiful hotel...very rustic, but sophisticated at the same time. Everything is BIG! Like this fireplace - it is absolutely HUGE! Do you see that man at the far right of the picture? He's sitting in the fireplace!

This is the dining room. I don't think this picture will do it justice. It is huge too and so grand looking. I love the way the lights just sort of make the whole room glow. And there are windows all around for a great view of the grounds. When we got married we couldn't afford dinner here, so we opted for breakfast. Meals are all served on China with real silver.

This is the back of the hotel.

We are standing in the meadow to the back of the hotel. If you were to look straight up (sorry forgot that picture) you would see a huge mountain of granite just above us.
This is a center foyer leading into the dining room, living room and upstairs guest rooms. While we were there, we joined up with part of a tour that was already going. The guide told how the owners wanted the guests to feel at home when they came, so the room where the big fireplace is, was built to be a living room of sorts....just a really big one...like bigger than our whole house!!!

Back at the cabin it's time for some hor d'oeuvres. We dipped into that lovely basket of goodies that Pat and Mike left for us.
The cheese for the hor d'oeuvres...specially blended goat cheese - our first time to try - very yummy!!!

Waking up this morning....It was still raining, but we wanted some of the fresh mountain air, so we took blankets and coffee and sat on the front porch to watch the rain. O.k. look closely...do you see him?

Is he amazing or what!? We couldn't believe it...Pat said we would probably see the buck, but I didn't get my hopes up, because like I said, we never seem to look out at the right time. But not this time....I was walking into the bedroom and just happened to look out the window and there he was. Dave was resting on the couch so he slowly crept over so as not to spook him. He fed for a little while and then I think he heard us. You should have seen me creeping into the kitchen to quietly get the camera out to take his picture. I never even raised up the camera. He was so alert and noticed every move we made. I just held it out from me enough to zoom in on him and shot the picture. Not a couple of minutes after this he took off, but what a site. O.k. I know I'm really excited...probably that vet/ranger thing.... but it really is something to see them up close.

That was our weekend. It was great to get away. Even when your kids are grown and pretty much able to take care of themselves, we found that time away with each other is still important. We get time alone at home quite a lot now, but it's not the same as leaving your every day worries and escaping to a different environment for a while.

We did do one last thing. When we got back into town, we went to see Fireproof - the new movie out with Kirk Cameron. It was great! If you haven't seen it, it's worth it. It's all about marriage and commitment....turned out to be a nice way to end a great weekend.

Anniversary Weekend

2008-11-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is our 23rd Wedding Anniversary, but we began the celebration last night by going to dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. I sang a few weeks ago for a ladies function and was given a nice gift certificate. We hadn't been to the restaurant since it came to Fresno, only to the one in San Francisco with T & T a few years ago. We remembered it being a wonderful experience, so we thought we would give it a try. We were not disappointed! We had a wonderful dinner in this sort of private alcove of the restaurant with a nice view and a great server. Of course, I didn't remember to take pictures until dessert, but given that we have gone without dessert for almost 40 days, this was a big deal...especially to Dave!!!

This is my dessert...half eaten. It was a brownie, Kahlua cheesecake...divine! As good as it was, I could only eat a few bites, but I have to say it felt really good to be able to stop and say "that was just enough." Dave savored every bite of his. It was the Cheesecake Factory 30th Anniversary special...kind of seemed appropriate. They are celebrating their anniversary and we are celebrating ours.

More of Dave's dessert. I tried it too...very good!

Here we are....

Now this one is random (as my daughter would say), but it's finally raining here!!!! After over 7 or 8 months of no rain, we are celebrating. We are headed off to the cabin for the weekend and hope to get into Yosemite too. We spent half of our honeymoon there. The fall colors are usually wonderful in the mountains by this time, so we are anxious to see it, rain and all. See you at the next post!!!

Senior Night for Waterpolo Girl's!!!!

2008-10-31T22:08:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night we took a drive over to Central High (just like the old days) to see Katie, Sam and Lindsey play their last home game for the season and their last game as high schooler's. Lots of friends came out to support them. It's so surreal to think that we have been friends since the girls were in the 4th grade and here they are in their Senior year now!!!

Jen and Nacoya cheering them on

John and the gang

Score!!!

The game

Girlfriends
Girlfriend's Jen and Katie

Recognizing the senior girls

Water polo Mom's

Having fun at the game

The crowd. We took up over half of the bleachers.

Yeah they won (8 to 7) and they beat a Clovis school!!!

Civil War Revisited

2008-10-19T19:07:00.000-07:00

Today we went out to Kearney Park to see the Civil War Revisited. It's a re-enactment of a battle of the Civil War. They also have exhibits with period crafts and trades of the day, as well as different famous people from the day. You can walk around and talk to them. Most of them are in character for as long as they are with the public and they know their character, so you feel like you are talking to the real person.

This is Walt Whitman...poet
Harriet Tubman is in the brown and Sojourner Truth on the left. This group also sang different Negro Spirituals acapella. They were really good. Some of the songs they sang are songs I sang during my high school and college days. A lot of the spirituals have been passed down and arranged for choirs...they are some of my favorites to sing. (A little choir trivia there)
She is a modern day basket weaver...and I thought that basket weaving was just a joke for easy college classes! What she was doing was no joke, quite an art.
She was sewing on a 1909 sewing machine, but the same kind of the Civil War. It worked great and she said it has never had a part replaced! It that amazing or what? The gals were so sweet. They talked with us for quite a while. The one on the left is making a rag rug and the one on the right is making thread out of lamb's wool. I love their costumes! After seeing all these ladies, I got inspired to get out my machine and start sewing again.
Jen and Melissa showing off a hand made chairJen and her hair. I think she looks like a feather duster....like the one from Beauty and the Beast.
We went to the re-enactment because Nacoya and her friend, who is also Melissa's cousin, Heather are both in U.S. History and got extra credit for going and interviewing four people. Here they are listening to Abe Lincoln. This guy does a lot of gigs as Mr. Lincoln and knows so much history....he is really interesting to listen to.
Doesn't he look like the real Mr. Lincoln?
Heather, Jenna, Melissa, Olivia (Nacoya's other friend) and Nacoya ready to watch the battle.
Olivia and Nacoya
Dave and the ear plugs he packed for all of us. We were so glad he did...the canons are like a sonic boom, just at close range!

The battle...

Returning to camp from the battle

Welcome little Anna

2008-10-18T11:01:00.001-07:00

Our good friends, Carlos and Megan, had their second baby on Thursday, little Anna Katrina.

Happy Mom and Dad
She was getting ready to be weighed by the nurse....I don't think she liked getting naked!
Isn't she pretty!

Josh is home for the weekend!!!

2008-10-12T18:12:00.001-07:00

Josh has a four day weekend for Columbus Day, so he hopped on a plane and came home for the weekend. He goes back tomorrow and finally gets to start his job training on Tuesday. We have been enjoying just having him around again, and Diesel especially enjoys having him home. Josh plays with Diesel like no one else.

Relaxing and watching the Dodgers game. They have TV's at the base where he is training but only for watching movies, not regular TV.

Having fun with Diesel

Nacoya calls them the "Kodak Kids" because of their pearly whites - thank you braces....
Here we all are tonight. Diesel got in on the action too at the last minute, so now we have the whole family in the picture.

Happy 41st to Tina and 44th to me!

2008-09-22T23:13:00.000-07:00

Sisters and Friends

Yup, we share the same birthday, three years apart. Our first cousin, Dawn, actually shares it with us too. She and I are exactly the same age. What are the odds of that?! Happy Birthday to you too, Dawn. People always ask us if it bothered us to share a birthday. We can honestly say, no it didn't and doesn't to this day. It just makes it that much more fun. Over the years we have tried to get together as much as possible, but when we can't, we call and send cards. This was a card and call year. Tina is in Colorado and I'm here in California. Happy Birthday, Tina! Love you!!!

These pictures are so us...screaming down Toboggan Hill...well I was, and laughing so hard we can't catch our breath.

Gotta love the "winter-wear"!

The family took me to dinner tonight. My only request was that I didn't want to do dishes...so, we went to dinner and Nacoya made sure I didn't come home to a dirty kitchen....Thank you, Nacoya!!! I also got to talk to Josh via cell phone in Missouri where he preparing for his job training - that was really nice.
Yummy dinner.
Me at 44. I definitely feel my age a little more each year. I always heard my parents and others older than me talk about this, but it's like anything, you really can't relate until you have been there yourself. Exercise isn't an option anymore! It helps to keep the little aches and pains away and hopefully will keep me healthy longer. Not that it seems to be doing much for those over 40 problem areas! Good grief....I never thought I'd have to work so hard for such little progress. Oh well, maybe that's why vanity wains as we get older too....a good thing.

High School Family BBQ

2008-09-22T22:33:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon we headed over to Woodward Park for the annual high school, youth group family, Back to School BBQ. It's a time when as many families as possible get together to meet with Pastor Chad, hear his vision for the new school year and connect with other families. It's a lot of fun and this year was no exception.

Cindy and Lisa dressing tables for the dinner

Karissa helping with the sweeping...isn't she beautiful!!!

Becca, Emily and Annie filling water balloons for the games

BBQers extraordinaire!! These men were sooooooo in their element. What is it about men and barbeque's? Well, it tasted great!

Al, our chief cook - he's really amazing. It seems he is always cooking for us. Thank you Al! We love your cooking...you never disappoint!

Games before dinner. This one involved throwing up a water balloon to the team on the other side in hopes that they would catch it (all done with blankets).

Cody and ChristianThree legged-duck-duck-goose.More of duck-duck-goose
Pat and Ingrid, husband and wife and high school leaders for a long time. Thanks for sticking around!

Sally with little Cole

The food line

Melissa and Jen with food in hand

Patient Senior boys waiting their turn

Marcia and Sally - it was a great time to catch up with friends and make some new ones too
Jen and Moranda - they have a couple of classes together at the colleges. My guess is they were discussing the English paper due today!

Blogger Overload...

2008-09-20T09:54:00.001-07:00

As I'm sure you have noticed, I haven't blogged anything in almost three weeks. I think I was on "blogger overload". I became so consumed with posting pictures on the blog, checking our blog for comments (which I'd love to have more of...very easy, just click on the comment section, post your comment and click on name or something like that below and put your name in...no password needed!) and checking other people's blogs, that I was just way too distracted and not as productive as I'd like to be during the day. So, I put myself on a somewhat unintentional fast. At first I really didn't have much to blog about, but then as I got further and further away from blogging I realized I needed the break.

So, here I am back again! Hopefully I'm cured (LOL) and will find a better balance now. Here are a few pictures from the past couple of weeks. Enjoy...and let me know what you think! Any of you ever get "blogger overload"?

This is little Trace and Katelyn Hartman with their babysitter Whitney. Whitney is moving to D.C and came by the Hartman's for a visit before she was taking off. We were crossing paths as we were there for dinner and to catch up with a couple of great friends that we don't see enough of. Their kids are wonderful and such a blast to be around!
Dinner out on the patio, very yummy!

Paula and Katelyn. Katelyn is all girl....

...she loves to help Mommy in the kitchen

...and Trace is all boy! He would much rather play with anything "vehicle-like" than do anything else. He makes all the sounds that go with the vehicles too. They are as different as night and day. Such a blessing to their Mom and Dad, who waited a long time for them.
This was dessert...Babka, I believe. I hear I should post a Youtube video of a Seinfeld episode of Babka to get a real understanding for this delightful Russian bread. It's filled with a chocolate something or other....very good!
Kathy and Christy. Monday was Kathy's birthday, so we went to lunch to celebrate. Happy B'day Kathy!!!
Do you see what's in Diesel's mouth? Dental Floss!! He is 10 months old now, but still soooooooo puppy. We have to put the trash cans in the bathrooms up on the toilet or just close the bathroom doors, so that he won't go rooting through them. This was one day this week when we forgot to do that and he came out with this in his mouth....glad to see he is making good use of his "dumpster diving".

Crashed out on a bean bag...just the way we like him...nice and tired!
After many years of being gone from Women Alive Bible Study (the women's study through our church), I'm back! They meet on Wednesday mornings, and when I was knee deep in homeschooling and children's activities, I pulled out. It was one of those things I knew I could pick up later when the kids didn't need me as much at home anymore. Well, that time has come and it's been great to be back. This is the study we are doing. It is a study on the life of David, taught by three great women of the word, Priscilla Shires, Beth Moore and Kay Arthur.

Last night we went to the Fresno Christian football game. Nacoya goes to Fresno Christian so of course she would want to go, but we know some of the boys on the team and wanted to be there to support them as well. We had a blast! We sat with friends and saw other friends whose kids also go to school there. It's not a big school, but the boys played hard and gave it their all. It sort of had that small town feel where everybody knows everybody else and just a lot of fun.
This is their cheer team. Sorry the picture is so dark, need to figure out the flash at night. They were really good! Of course, every time the girls on top (the flyers) would fly down we would sit with baited breath hoping no one would get dropped! No one did and I was impressed that for a small school they have a substantial and skilled cheer team. "Go Eagles!"

Pastor Chad, Michelle, Reese and Cole...they are our youth pastors for the high school group. Chad played quarter back in college and LOVES football, so they were there to cheer the team on as well.

Jen and Dad, sitting back and watching the game...and below is Nacoya. She was ready to go root her team on.

Girl's Day in Carmel

2008-09-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

Sunday, Jen and I headed out with Melissa and Kim to Carmel. The girls wanted a girl day away and what's more fun for four girls than Carmel! The drive is nice and the air was cool, something all Fresnans are looking for in September when it's still 100 degrees! Well, it was technically still August, but close enough.

Laying out on the beach - not too hot and not too cool

The waves were really big that day

A nice cup of coffee to keep us going. It felt great to actually want a hot cup of coffee in the middle of the day!

Mothers and Daughters
Best Friends
The Bougainvillea is just beautiful over there along with all the flowers. One of my favorite things about the Central Coast is all the beautiful flowers that grow there.
This is one of 10 pictures they took with the manikins that in store fronts. Goofy girls....

Had to have a bowl of chowder before we left. This place is right on the end of the pier at Cannery Row.

These pictures are for any of the men who actually read my blog. You can't go to Carmel without seeing the elite of the elite in vehicles. I think we saw two of them while we were there. If I'm correct, this yellow one is a Lotus and the red one above is a Ferrari. I thought the yellow interior was so cool and I'm not that into cars!

Hiking in Yosemite....

2008-08-24T12:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we started the day early and took off with three other families, the Orcutts, the Souza's and the Johnsons, for a hike in Yosemite. We haven't been to Yosemite all summer (how wrong is that!!), so we were thrilled to find an opportunity to go. It was a beautiful day and no matter how many times we have been there, we always find it to be such a peaceful place. Nacoya put it perfectly....it's amazing to think that God created all of this, but still sees and knows us.

Beginning the hikeThe men...The ladies... If I have my pictures right, this is the view from Sentinel Dome. We had not done this hike before. Bob and Ann were our fearless leaders and showed the way. We are so glad they did! We could see so much of the valley (Yosemite valley) from here.
The boys: Jonathan, Trent and ScottThe girls: Jenna, Emily, Jenna and Nacoya
What a view!!
Taking in the scene.... this was Nacoya's first visit to Yosemite.
All the kids hanging out together...a great group of teenagers!
Chow Time!!!We potlucked it, yummy. Unfortunately, the meat bees thought so too, but we swatted them away and made the best of it. Any suggestions on getting rid of those things? It's like they come out of nowhere when the food arrives!

Marcia's yummy salad...now we all want the recipe. Pie and cookies for dessert
It was actually Bob's birthday. Happy Birthday, Bob and thanks for spending it with us.
Jen and NacoyaOK, this was pretty amazing. This was at Taft Point. These are called the Fissures, which by definition is a break in a rock. You really don't get a good view of it here, but these are huge granite rocks with breaks in them that you can very carefully look through and see below. Since I'm not good with heights, Bob took this picture for me. We are on top of all this granite rock and looking down 3500 feet! Amazing...
No trip would be complete without Jenna taking a picture of herselfI thought this was sweet, Emily and Steve catching a moment together at Washburn Lookout The view from Washburn. More of the view. If you look closely you can see Vernal Falls at the lower left and Nevada Falls above it and just to the right. (Detour: Cousins, this is the hike we took that one summer that the truck broke down Yosemite) You have to hike by each of those falls on the way to Half Dome, which is just to the left of the falls, from where we were standing.Half DomeCouples/Parents...it was a great day and hopefully we will be back up there before too long again.

Meet Nacoya...

2008-08-21T09:03:00.000-07:00

About a month ago we became aware of a young girl's need for a home. Not quite a year ago she lost her dad to an aneurysm. A year earlier her mom passed away. Needless to say her world has been turned upside down. Since then she has been living with her aunt and uncle in Mariposa, about an hour and half drive from Fresno and they have done an amazing job helping her through such a difficult time. Her uncle commuted to bring her down for school each day last year, but given the cost of gas and the time spent on the road, they felt the need to find a better way to keep her in school here in Fresno, as well as keeping her connected with her church family, which has become so important since losing her dad. To make a long story short, Nacoya spent a couple of days with us during this last month and we all felt she would just fit right in. So, her aunt and I spent some time on the phone working out the details and she moved in yesterday. She will spend Monday - Friday here with us and go back to her aunt and uncle's house on the weekends and holidays. We have all missed having Josh around and one child never replaces another, but it will be nice having another teenager around again. He was right on board with us bringing her in and giving up his room for her. That was a bit hard for me as I went through his things, but he had packed up so much already for when he gets stationed that it just didn't make sense not to open up the room for Nacoya. Josh's stuff - need to figure out where to store it until he needs it! EEK!An empty room - seemed strange looking at it this way.Jen and Nacoya unpacking her things
We went out to get her some new bedding and make it a little more Nacoya-like. We still need to update the valance, but the room definitely has a girl feel now.
More of her room....
All ready for her first day back to school!

Saying Goodbye...

2008-08-19T20:54:00.000-07:00

Today was the end of 10 days of leave for Josh. It's been a great 10 days packed full of family and friends. We hated to say goodbye. Unlike in boot camp, this time he can call and email on Sunday's. That will help, but I have to say there was something special about writing letters. Maybe we will still do some of that too. Waking up with Diesel. It was very early - 4:30am to be exact. Arriving at the airport - 5:45am. Checking for his ticket and orders...
He has three bags of gear to take with him when he travels.....and they are heavy too!

A few last pictures

Josh and Ashlie...making the best of it. Fortunately she has school to keep her busy while he's gone.
Off he goes. Two other guys were leaving for Pendleton this morning too....a little misery loves company, isn't that how the saying goes? He texted us later and said they were all just sort of zoned out as they were waiting for the plane. He said it wasn't so hard to leave the first time, but this time was difficult. I don't suspect it gets any easier and yet we know and he knows that he wouldn't have it any other way right now. We are learning to not take for granted time with loved ones, whether near or far!

Cabin Time

2008-08-19T07:35:00.001-07:00

Arriving at the CabinJen and the Jeep - We thought we'd give the Jeep a try in the mountains. Dave loved it! This is a great swing. I usually don't get too much time on it because the kids love it so much, but this time I spent lots of time on the swing.
Josh has been looking for a good pull up bar since he got back home. This one was perfect. He of course handled it with no problem.

Dave did great too...Then there was Jen and me...
For all the walking we do, we didn't quite measure up on the pull ups...do you see me screaming? I was slipping off...
...And there I go! Josh didn't think I was really falling until he saw me on the ground.So now, off to do something Jen and I are good at...a walk
I forgot my walking shoes so I found these in the cabin....thank you Pat or Kim. I have to say they are pretty wild, but they worked!The other thing we always do at the cabin is BBQ...tonight it was tri-tipSitting down to dinner (I don't know what button I pushed on the camera, but we got a few of these black and whites because of it)

We were trying out the auto-shoot timer on the camera. Kind of a cool color combo from whatever I changed on the camera

These catfish have been in the pond for about as long as we have been going there, at least 7 years. They are huge...must be two feet. This is for the cousins. They are always trying to catch them when they come up with us.
He just came right out of the water for me. We were feeding them left over pancakes...great catfish diet, huh?Waking up on Saturday morningSleepy heads
Last time on the swing before we take off.

This post is a little out of order, but I only had time yesterday for Saturday's party. Friday Dave, Josh, Jen and I headed up to the cabin. We have been staying in Fish Camp at a friend's cabin for quite a few years now. Usually it's been on Labor Day with Tina and Terrell and the cousins. They are in Colorado now and Josh will be gone still, so we decided to head up for a night while he was home - just the four of us. It's a place that holds a lot of memories for our family, and we are so blessed that the Allred family has opened it up to us. Josh's time has been so divided since he's been home with so many people to see, so it was a perfect place for us to go get some family. time.

A Fun Weekend...

2008-08-18T09:09:00.001-07:00

On Saturday night we went to Earl and Sandy Rocca's 50th Anniversary party. Josh and Jenna with Earl and Sandy or Noni and Nunu, as they are affectionately called (that's Italian for Grandma and Grandpa).Josh Peine and John goofing around while we were waiting for dinner...never a dull moment with those two around, especially if they are together!Jen and Sammy PaulTimmy Paul looking cuteThis is when the fun really began....
It was fun watching all the kids dance together.

Don't you love this? Reminds me of watching an old WWII movie with the service men and their gals.
This was their first time dancing together...notice the cute little girl off to the side, she got in a lot of our pictures. I'm sure she slept for her mommy that night!Dave and I even got in on the actionIt's been a long time since we have been dancing together
Christy and Randy stole the show with their country swing dance...they were really good! Where did you all learn to dance like that?
More of the kids having fun. They were a hoot to watch because they would make up goofy stuff to do to the different dances. Brother and sister....so cute!Timmy was having the best time. He didn't have any trouble getting out there with the big kids and dancing.Josh Peine and Jen dancing to a 40's numberJason and MarieJohn and KathyIt was a great evening celebrating with Earl and Sandy.

Everyday happenings...and then some

2008-08-14T23:13:00.000-07:00

My usual routine in the morning is to wake up around 6-6:30, grab a cup of coffee and head for the swing. Diesel usually bounces around while I drink my coffee and wake up. For whatever reason, this morning he decided to join me on the swing. I guess he thought he was missing out.

"So....this is pretty comfortable. Too bad I can't stay". (I booted him off not long after he jumped up - a little too perky for 6am!)

We now have cable TV! Do you see what's on the screen? It's my husbands all time favorite show, Star Trek. It's on the Sci Fi channel. We still have so little clue as to what all is on the tube, but when we get a moment to sit still we start checking out our favorite channels again...HGTV, Sci Fi, Discovery, TV Land.Relaxing with Captain Picard

Jen is making a smoothie....Diesel is looking for treats. We keep his bones in there. I bet he thinks he is getting one, when really Jen is just looking for more stuff to put in the smoothie. Poor puppy.

Jen Jen
It's been fun to see Josh play his guitar again. He said his fingers hurt a little - no more calluses.
This is the big new of the day. Yes, it's real! Josh has been wanting a tattoo since...well a long time. I can't even remember when he started wanting one. Now that he is a Marine, I guess he decided it's time. For those who don't know, Semper Fi (actually Fidelis) means "always faithful". I think that's pretty cool. I'm not much into tattoos but it suits Josh. The design is of the Eagle, Globe and Anchor. It's a pin that was given to the recruits after they got to the top of the hill at the Cruicible. It meant they were finally Marines. Each symbol means something and it escapes me what that is right now. Maybe I'll post that tomorrow.

Back Home....

2008-08-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

It was a great weekend. We pulled in late Friday night, so everyone slept in a little, especially Josh. I hated to do it, but I woke him up about 8:45 Saturday, because he wanted to get his uniforms cleaned and back that day. Jen had a couple of things to do too so they took off together in the Jeep. It's so nice having him back home. It's amazing how one person missing from your family can make such a difference. We've missed his energy and that smile. He says he got nicknamed "Hollywood" at Boot Camp, because of that smile.

Josh's first ride with Jen in the Jeep. She didn't have her license when he left. He said she was a good driver.

Relaxing at home again

Getting acquainted with puppy again...it was like Josh had never left. Diesel didn't bark or anything, just started licking and playing with Josh.

Playing Frisbee...nothing's changed - Diesel still doesn't like to give up the Frisbee

Playing like only Josh will play

Josh wore his uniform to church Sunday, so of course I had to get more pictures.

Josh and Randy or Papa Rocca.

We had a BBQ on Sunday so Josh could catch up with some friends without having to go see them all. Those of you who have moved away know what it's like to come back and visit and feel like you just can't see them all.

BBQing the hamburgers

Jim and Randy were supervising the barbecuing of the hamburgers...on the swing of course.

The food's ready! Everybody pitched in and brought some very yummy side dishes. I love potlucks!!!

Eating all that good food

Good friends....Jordana, Jenna, Josh and David

Men-folk talking about guns.... really they are. It was too fun to watch.

Telling stories from Boot Camp

Two of the guys in here are police officers and they were all sharing storiesDiesel was just looking for flies to chase most of the afternoon. He did so well! We weren't sure what to expect from him, but he didn't bark as people came in or jump on them. He just seemed thrilled with all the activity. Way to go Puppy!!!

Marine Graduation...

2008-08-09T09:54:00.002-07:00

Yesterday was Josh's graduation from Marine boot camp. Everyone who had been through this told us it would be such a memorable experience and it was. It's always gratifying to see your kids succeed at something that took perseverance and hard work, whether it's school or a sport or maintaining their relationship with the Lord, and this was no different. Josh will never forget what he learned to become a Marine and we have been so impressed with the qualities we see in him from the experience.

Waiting for the ceremony to being

Molly the Marine Mascot

The Marine Corps Band. They were so good. If you love drum and bugle corps band reviews, you'd love them. Their moves were so sharp and totally in time with each other.

More of the band

Josh's platoon walking by in the parade

In formation preparing for final dismissal

There's Josh on the far left! He looks so handsome. I know I'm biased, but there's something about a man in uniform.

Shaking Grandpa's hand - he served for nine years in the Marines and left with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Josh has a totally different respect for his Grandpa now.
Giving him a hug...still grandpa

Hugs for Grandma

Seeing Aunt Pat! He wasn't expecting Aunt Pat and Uncle Bob or his grandparents to be there.

Hugs for Uncle Bob

Josh and Ashlie...so cute together

Josh and Nick...notice Nicks shirt says "My brother is a Marine". They didn't have any best friend shirts, so he opted for this. It works, they are like brothers.

Cousin Gabe and Josh. It was so good to have him with us. Josh was so happy to see him and so sad to see him leave. We love you, Gabe!!!!

Josh and Jen...so good to see them together again, even if it's only for a few days

Proud parents...if you could see the writing on our shirts, they say "Proud parent of a U.S. Marine"...... guilty as charged.

Cousins and Auntie. Aunt Pat's a hoot! All the kids have always loved being with Aunt Pat and Uncle Bob. She's a 60 something that has the youthful heart of a 20 something.

With Auntie and Uncle. They drove in from Las Vegas to be at the graduation.

With Grandpa and Grandma. They drove in from Arizona to be there.

The new Marine

The first thing he wanted to eat was an In and Out Burger, so that's where we went. Looks like he enjoyed every bite! He says that's all the guys would talk about, In and Out and some place in Texas called Water Burger.

We needed to kill some time before we took Gabe to the airport, so we went down by the wharf to hang out a bit. I wanted a pictures of the two of them together, so they posed for me.

Everyone at the wharf

Family Day at MCRD

2008-08-07T18:03:00.001-07:00

Today we get to see Josh! We decided to sleep in a bit and eat what we had left over from all the food we brought down yesterday: zuchinni bread, lots of fruit, protein bars and cheese.Arriving at MCRD (Marine Corps Recruit Depot)

The Drill Instructors arriving before the platoon at the motivational run.

Our first view of his platoon

There's Josh! He's on the far left...

Gathering in front of the theater after the motivational run

Platoon 2115

This was my first view of him
Coming out to greet family on the parade deck

I thought I was looking at my Dad when I saw him in his uniform!
Proud Mom and Dad with the new Marine

Seeing Nick for the first time

Seeing Cousin Gabe for the first time

Hugging Jen Jen

I missed getting a picture of he and Ashlie seeing each other for the first time, but I thought this was so sweet seeing her on his arm. He was very clear about keeping his right arm free to be able to salute

Josh's first slice of pizza in three months!
Josh and Ashlie - so happy to see each other

Brother and Sister

Best Cousins

Best Buds

Together again

We're here!

2008-08-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we left Fresno around 8:30am to head down to So. Cal. Our first stop was the Reagan Library. Chief driver - Dave was in the Captains chair.

At the entrance to the library
Getting some goofy shots in front of Marine 1

Dave in front of Air Force 1. He was so enthralled with reading every detail about the Reagans as wel as AF1. It was pretty amazing to see this huge plane in the building and then to walk through it knowing that they had been there too.

Dave and I in front of Marine 1

Some of Nancy Reagan's gowns. They had many, many gowns on display, so this is just a small sampling
Nick catching some Zzzzzzzzzzz's on the way down to San Diego from the Library. It took us over four hours to get there...various slow downs along the way...typical southern California driving

Gabe finally made it! His plane was delayed getting in because of storms in Denver. He finally arrived at 8:30. It was so good to see him. He's so cute! I know I'm partial as his auntie.After driving around for a while trying to find a place to eat, we finally settled in on Carl's Jr. It was already 9pm and we were all starving!

Now we are off to the Depot to see Josh! I'll be back tonight with lots of pictures of him!!!!

Going to get Josh!

2008-08-05T21:42:00.000-07:00

I don't have pictures yet, but check back on Thursday night and I hope to, because we are leaving tomorrow for San Diego! We are all so excited and can hardly wait to see Josh. Nick and Ashlie are going with us, so it ought to be a fun time. Nick will keep us all laughing for sure! We are also picking up my nephew Gabe at the airport tomorrow night - yeah! We see Josh for the first time in 13 weeks on Thursday afternoon. He gets about 5 hours of free time on the base with us. What he doesn't know is that his Grandma and Grandpa Teter (a former marine himself) are coming in from Arizona, as well as Aunt Pat and Uncle Bob from Las Vegas. He will be so excited! We will miss my parents not being there, but my dad is having some health issues and isn't up to the trip. Love you Mom and Dad! Stay tuned...see you soon!

Deep Cleaning

2008-08-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

So Saturday was deep-clean-the-kitchen-day. Do any of you ever do that? I do the regular wiping off of surfaces and that kind of thing, but every so often, usually 4-6months, I just feel like the kitchen needs a real good overhaul. So that's what I did for half the day Saturday. Usually it's family coming in or some big event that pushes me into gear for a "deep cleaning". This time it's Josh coming home for 10 days of leave (we pick him up on Friday!!!). Not that he would really care if it's clean or really clean, but it matters to me, and lets me relax a little more while he's here....probably the melancholy in me that likes my ducks in a row. Below are two of my kitchen "friends", Ajax and bleach. All the counters got a good bleaching.

While the counters were being bleached, the oven went on self-clean. I don't know why they call it that; you still have to wipe it out when it's done. So maybe it should be called partial self-cleaning. And it stinks something awful while it's doing its thing!
Then it was time for the stove. Yuk! Do any of you hate cleaning the stove as much as me. My sis, Tina, has always had gas stoves and secretly I'm jealous. They are sooooooooo much easier to clean. These drop ins have to wiped out underneath...if you can get your hand down in there far enough. The worst part are the burner pans and rings. I really, really don't like to clean them...scrub, scrub, scrub and they don't look a lot different. Of course when I get in this mode, I want every spot on any surface GONE! So when I get to cleaning these things, it really makes for an interesting time because these rings and covers NEVER come completely clean. Any suggestions on what to use on them? I got out the Brillo pads (like SOS) and Ajax.

Doesn't this look like fun?

Here's our floor in the kitchen after I mopped it. This is where the finish appears to have come off, so it's always darker than the rest of the floor. It's clean, really it is! One day I'll have a new floor.

Yes, I got under the sink too. I do keep up with this fairly well since the trash sits under the sink, but it needed a good wiping down too.Diesel didn't seem to care much about my obsessive-compulsive cleaning day...

Ta Da! The stove is done! I was actually pretty pleased with it. The burner rings came cleaner than I thought they would and I just covered up those burner pans with good ol' aluminum foil. Tacky or not, keeps the mess down.
Nice clean counters... Now I won't want to cook in here!
Oven is clean!
Hmmm...this doesn't look a whole lot different, but it is cleaner and I feel better.This is the next big event for today. We are getting cable TV! For some of you, that may not be a big deal, but we have never had cable. Well, that's not actually true. We did have it for 3 months on a trial basis once, but we decided we needed other things worse, so we ditched it. The TV has been sitting in the family room all weekend. The cable guy was supposed to come on Friday, but was running late, so we had to reschedule for today. The TV is a beast to move! We are very grateful to my mom and dad for giving it to us - we love it - but it's a beast to move. So we opted to leave it there for the weekend. Maybe the next post will show us watching TV and enjoying a cleaner house.