Wow...

It couldn't possibly be FOUR MONTHS since I've last posted? Really? I honestly don't know where the time has gone.
I would like to say we're all doing fine. Kids are back in school, Bill received a promotion and is happy, houses are all being paid for, and no major issues!
I would also like to say congratulations to everyone with new babies, and those expecting, those with new jobs, those who avoided job losses and those whose investments are turning around!
I would also like to say "THANK YOU" to all our loved ones for everything you do, think and say on our behalf. We couldn't do it without all of you!
And, I promise to post pictures and updates soon.

And the computer bit the dust...

My beloved home system had a serious melt down last month. I can't believe it's been a month since I've posted, but that's about the time the problem came to a head.
See, I started getting a little paranoid about computer security... so I downloaded a malicious program pretending to be system security. Yeah, I know... stupid. But, I honestly thought I was protecting my system.

Now, I've learned a few things.
1- Unless you're a pretty experienced computer person, do not deviate from the "knowns" in computer security ware.
2- Back up your system to an external hard drive or other device... frequently.
3- Learn how to actually back up your programs like Quicken, Quickbooks, Studio 9, etc or they will be lost.
4- Once the system is wiped, it takes a special software to "find" hidden programs that are critical that have been lost because you didn't back them up correctly.
5- You may never recover all of your precious files, pictures and such.
6- Do not simply back up the short cuts to your desktop for such things as "My Documents"... it doesn't back up the files, just the stupid shortcut on the desktop.
7- It feels sort of like a house fire when your system crashes and many years of the above are lost.

SO- I sit here, typing on an unauthorized laptop while my desktop system lays fallow. I guess I need to spend an extra couple of hundred dollars and a few more weeks before I get my newly "cleaned" system to begin the process again. Wish me luck.

Memorial Day 2009

I hope each of you had a wonderful memorial day, filled with loving memories of those who have passed on, gratitude for what you have, and maybe some nice weather and some BBQ.

For us, we decided to take a 4 hour drive to Idaho where my grandmother is buried. We met up with other out of town relatives, and several folks I haven't seen in years. It was a great day for us to do all of the above, and then some.

Dylan, shown here with MayMay, was born a week after his great grandma died. He'd never visited her gravesite, and this was a unique and moving experience. Life is good.

The Old Ranger rides again! Hi-ho Silver (hair) and away!

Wow! This weekend was fantastic!

It started with a semi-hateful drive to Utah where the wind and snow between Kemmerer and Evanston would scare away all the non local types, but was worth the trip.

Bill was invited to jump with the 197th out of Ogden... so he did. Mind you, it's been over 17 years since his last jump, and with the broken bones, dislocations and other aches and pains, he's taken more than his fair share of jump souvenirs.

This time, however, was different. Not only was he now a married man with two small sons, he was a man over the age of 40! It took some convincing from the 197th command and troops, as well as an assurance that parachute technology has changed for the better, but he finally decided to give it a try. He was glad he did.

SO! A successful jump for all 30 troops. Not a single injury, and plenty of happy jumpers and family members.

Beautiful Spring!

We have the best neighbors...
Ted and Liz live down the road from us- we pass their place every time we drive out of here. They spoil our kids and make sure we're ok. We stop and visit them frequently, and often have to drag our boys home from their house when they've "just gone bike riding".
Ted and Liz have a beautiful home and yard, and this year's Easter Egg hunt was held at their place. Ted and Bill and I hid four dozen eggs- plastic and chicken kind. We were excited when we found each one! We then headed up the road to our home where we enjoyed stuffed pork roast, potato casserole and mean green beans. We topped it off with Rabbit cake lovingly prepared by the Ewert boys. A beautiful celebration of life, love, home and the anticipation of spring.
The Crew

The cake!

The haul

Ewert sleeping arrangements

I guess you could say we have some unconventional sleeping arrangements.

My children haven't slept in their own beds since eary December 2008... that's four months. Instead, they have taken to sleeping either in our bed, or next to our bed. With Dad spending four nights a week sleeping away from home, I really don't mind the boys in the bedroom (though it makes for crowded quarters when Dad is home!).

Here is the boys makeshift "bed".

Our bedroom is huge, and it's been suggested by a few that we simply move their bunk beds to our room. I won't do this because I don't want the boys to get too comfortable. I'm afraid I'm losing the battle.

I blew it...

Have you ever had one of those moments where you realize something you did or said hours, days, months or years earlier had been a mistake- and the realization hits you like a hammer between the eyes?
Well, I had one today.
The boys were doing well getting ready for school and on time. They woke up happy, didn't have to ride the bus, and even got to enjoy some pudding before I drove them into town. Somewhere along the way, I was intercepted by the Blackberry. Checking my work email brought my happy little morning crashing down. I spent some time updating things, and before I knew it, we were running late.
I barked at the kids to get moving. Connor continued to enjoy his dog tongue bath, and Dylan sat like a lump on his chair in the art room. I barked again. This brought a "just a minute" response from Dylan, and the licking continued on Connor.
So I got a little more forceful. "When I tell you to do something, I mean NOW! No negotiation, no "just a minute", no ignoring me! MOVE!" Crestfallen little faces obediently complied, and to the bathroom we went to wash chocolate pudding off places the dog didn't reach. The drive to school was uneventful, and I apologized for losing patience with them.
Just now, I went into the art room/dining room. This is what Dylan had been working on. This is what he needed "just a minute" to finish.

I hope I learned my lesson.