Cards for the Troops

Take a few minutes and say thank you to the men and women who are putting their lives on the line for our freedom.

Another year has passed...

I am 41 today. This year has gone so fast. I have almost finished my first year of nursing school. Jason has done a wonderful job of keeping the house together while I study my heart out. Mark is completing his first semester of college. I have discovered that I will be a grandmother by the summer. Amanda and Aaron are expecting. I worry that they are not ready, but ready or not....

I reflect on all of the things I want to get done but haven't. I still haven't lost weight. I still haven't done things around the house. We haven't taken those vacations. The yard is falling apart. I keep saying that I will work on these things when I am done with school, but then I think about all the things I have said in the past....after the kids get older, after this football season, after we make more money. Slowly, these chances are slipping away. The kids are growing up and away. My grandfather always told me "if not now, when?". He is always good for an appropriate saying!

So anyway, I guess that is my goal for the next year. What I can fit in between school work and the kids...I will make things happen!

Jacob's School Project

Jacob had to perform a community service project for one of his classes at school and document the progress. Jacob decided to collect recyclables and use the money to donate food to the local food closet for the holidays.

Bagging up the goods.

At the recycling center.

Money earned...

Mission Accomplished...

Fulla Bologna

Here is Jacob in his Halloween costume. I didn't have my camera due to leaving the house in a hurry for a family emergency. It soon resolved thank goodness, but all I have is my cell phone image. I still think it is worth a post though!

Notice to All Employees As of November 5, 2008, IF President Obama is officially elected into office, our company will instill a few new policies which are in keeping with his new,inspiring issues of change and fairness:
1. All salespeople will be pooling their sales commissions into a common pool that will be divided equally between all of you. This will serve to give those of you who are underachieving a fair shake.
2. All hourly employees will be pooling their wages, including overtime, into a common pool, dividing it equally amongst yourselves. This will help those who are too busy for overtime to reap the rewards from those who have more spare time and can work extra hours.
3. All top management will now be referred to as the government. We will not participate in this pooling experience because the law doesn't apply to us.
4. The government will give eloquent speeches to all employees every week, encouraging its workers to continue to work hard for the good of all.
5. The employees will be thrilled with these new policies because it's good to spread the wealth. Those of you who have underachieved will finally get an opportunity; those of you who have worked hard and had success will feel more patriotic.
6. The last few people who were hired should clean out their desks. Don't feel bad though, because President Obama will give you free healthcare, free handouts, free oil for heating your home, free food stamps, and he'll let you stay in your home for as long as you want even if you can't pay your mortgage. If you appeal directly to our democratic congress, you might even get a free flat screen TV and a coupon for free haircuts (shouldn't all Americans be entitled to nice looking hair?) !!!
If for any reason you are not happy with the new policies, you may want to rethink your vote on November 4th.

Just wanna say hi

Hello! I am taking a couple hours for myself. I have been doing school work non-stop 12-14 hours a day when I am not in clinical and I have to take a bit of a break. I actually popped open a beer. I should be asleep in a couple hours since I had 3 hours sleep last night! A special thank you to my husband for taking care of me. I wouldn't have any clean clothes if it weren't for you honey! You are such a great Dad, keeping that youngest kid of ours on track....

Bet you can't wait for your turn? Don't worry it's coming!

FRHG Cancer Center

I am the biggest fan in the world of Woodland Healthcare. However, today I was so very impressed with the Cancer Center in Marysville that I had to say something! I have never seen a more beautiful setting for cancer patients to receive their treatments. There is beautiful landscaping (Japanses garden like) outside of each treatment room so the clients have something nice to look at instead of an ugly parking lot. The people that work there are just as amazing as the setting. Not only were they kind and helpful, they are so knowledgeable. I learned so much today. If I wasn't so set on being an emergency department nurse, I would definitely consider going into this field.

Made me laugh....

Tell me I did the right thing...

I have been waiting for the last couple days to see how I did on our second exam in Med Surg. I hate waiting. I got home from lecture today and quickly signed on to the class website to see my grade. Wahoo 84%! So, I go through the test to see which ones I missed. I get to the bottom of the test and notice that one of the questions say I got 11/2 points. That is impossible! I quickly scroll up and count the number of questions I got wrong...wow, way more that the 9 I originally thought I missed. I stare at the test...what do I do? I want that B real bad. But, Katie, I say to myself, you always pride yourself on your honesty and integrity. I know but... No buts, I say to myself. I sigh as I pick up the phone and call my instructor. I am thinking that I got a D on the test. After she corrects the error, she calls me back and lets me know that I actually did pass with a 71%. Not my proudest moment, but at least I passed and I can sleep at night!

Interception, Again...

Once again I was so wrapped up in the action I didn't take a picture till well into the play. He just caught the ball and although it looks like his teammate is knocking him over, he is actually trying to pull him up so he can make some yards....

Oh well, at least we got the ball!

Ain't it the truth...

My Daughter, The Hero

From the Daily Democrat

Residents evacuated from College St. blaze
By LIZETH CAZARES/Democrat staffwriter
Article Launched: 09/23/2008 08:06:06 AM PDT


Woodland firefighters battle a blaze in an old home off College Street near Main Street Motors late Monday afternoon. (Jim Smith/Democrat) Local families were evacuated from their residences after a fire broke out in a single-family house on College Street, Monday afternoon.
Fire crews arrived at the home, located immediately north of Main Street Motors, 454 College St., at 3:44 p.m. after receiving a call stating that smoke was emitting from the house, said Fire Battalion Chief Russ Cole.

Flames and black smoke were visible when fire engines arrived at the scene. Crews concentrated water cannons to the upper level of the house and a nearby tree which also caught on fire.

Due to the severity of the fire, engines from Willow Oak and Davis soon arrived to provide backup.

In all, five fire engines, ambulance crews and Woodland police arrived on scene to fight the flames and offer assistance

Fire Battalion Chief Russ Cole inspects the scene after a large house fire on College Street.
The cause of the fire was still under investigation as of Monday night, Cole said. He added that the fire began in the attic of the home.

Art Heras, owner of Main Street Motors, was one of the first people who noticed smoke coming from the house.

After realizing that there were children still in the house, his brother, Augie, ran inside and told them to get out. The four children were evacuated safety, but were worried about their cat, which was still inside, said Art Heras.

"They ended up going back in for the cat," he said.

The children and their cat is safe, Heras said.

Other bystanders were also making sure that nearby residents were safe.

Amanda Talamantes, a daughter of a firefighter, was driving to work when she saw the flames.

She ran into an multi-residential home immediately east of the burning house, after noticing that the smoke was moving toward it.

"There weren't fire officials on scene so I ran to the home in front to make sure all the occupants were out," Talamantes said.

Talamantes helped evacuate six residents who were inside the two-story home which fronted College.

While the fire was contained to the house, some were taking extra precaution to make sure

In search of any smoldering items, a Woodland firefighter tosses clothing out of the second floor of a house that caught on fire Monday afternoon.

I Won't Forget

Crossroads

I am at an emotional crossroad today. I have come to realize that in my life I have never ventured outside the my little box, my comfort zone. Nursing school is all about doing things you have never done, while someone is watching you, and when you could potentially harm someone, talk about pressure. The stress is caving in on me today. I wonder if I am going to be able to continue on, or do I even want to. I am giving up so much to go to school, being with Jacob, with Jason, just having a normal life. I hate staying up all night the day before clinical writing a bunch of paperwork so you instructor can figuratively rip it apart. I feel like they expect us to know everything already, when in fact, we are there to learn. At this point I hate school, and I am terrified to go to clinical. On the way home I heard Kenny Loggins singing "This is it". It sure hit home. If I don't make a conscious decision to step out of my friggin box, I am going to fail. I need to grow up and act like a professional. Is it in me? What am I made of? I really don't know. School has been a process of getting to know myself...my deep inner self, the core, what I am made of. Self awareness is difficult, especially if you are not sure you like what you see.

Detour

I take Jacob to school down College Street. The city is doing road work on Lincoln Ave (a cross street), and so sometimes the road is closed and I have to find another route to get to Douglass Middle School. Last week I was going down College Street and there was a detour sign sending me to the left to go down Bush Street. I turned left and was shocked to see another detour sign on the next block sending me back the way I came! What the heck! Then today, I was sent right on Main Street and then I turned left down Elm...to another detour sign sending me back the way I came. Can't the crews communicate!

Interception

This could have been a great series of shots had I actually got a picture of him catching the ball. Unfortunately he was behind another player when he actually caught it! Also, remind me to keep taking pictures after the play...there was some cute celebration afterwards...some belly-bumping, hugging, and one kid even picked him up...and then dropped him (on accident). This interception ended the game pretty much, there was not enough time for the Chargers to get the ball back.

Dear Mr. Obama

Remember

Big Math Test

Big math test tomorrow. If I fail it, I get another try. If I fail again....see ya later alligator!!!

Update: I PASSED!!!!

Brothers

Mark wanted to have a romantic candle light dinner with his girlfriend....out behind our barn (eww). So he asked his little brother to be maitre de and waiter. He dressed up in one of Mark's old suit coats (just a little bit too big) and helped his brother out. I thought that was very cute. I was dissappointed in one little detail however, they stiffed him....that's right, no tip!!!

I am a Princess

You Are Cinderella!

Dignified and hard working. With a gentle and soft-spoken manner you have something many people don't. Patience. Even through the moments of heartbreak you're still able to hold onto all of your hopes and dreams. Bide your time; your dream will come true.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

Pioneer Junior Patriots- Junior Midget Team

Congratulations on your first win. Jake and I wish we could have been there! Being sick sucks!

Pioneer Junior Midget 30 vs. Chico Jaguars 16

This Little Girl is Twenty Today!

Isn't she the cutest! Happy Birthday Amanda.

This Little Boy Goes to College...

Mark left for college today. Yes, I cried.

I can't believe he is gone...

Study hard. Mom loves you!!!

Winters Mini Jamboree

Second Place

I entered some photographs in the fair again this year. I placed second with this picture in the "Farms of Yolo County Division".

Football

The Pioneer Junior Patriots have begun practice. Hell week is over and regular practice will start on Monday. Jacob and several other members of the Junior Midget Squad attended a football camp in Sutter last weekend. They had a good time and the coaches learned some new drills.

Wow Factor of 10

I don't even know what to say. This video came as a link with an email I received today. It's a good cry and makes all of your problems seem so trivial. Here is the email along with the link.


Subject: A real IRONMAN
Subject: Amzaing Ironman

This is a true story! The son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?'. The father who, despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'. They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the Ironman together.' To which, his father said 'Yes' too. For those who don't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2 .4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed b y a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island Father and son went on to complete the race together.
NOW WATCH THIS VIDEO: http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513

I am so touched.

I Made Jason Mad

Good Morning Sacramento (Weekend Edition) was requesting pictures of local firefighters to honor them. So being the loving wife that I am, I emailed a couple pictures to them! They showed them on the air during the 7am hour. One of the pictures is on the Good Day Sacramento Website. He is number 12 in the slide show. They got the caption wrong. He wasn't fighting the Humboldt Fire (which is in Butte County). He was fighting fires in Humboldt County. (and they spelled Humboldt wrong)

Anyway, because his picture was in the news, he will owe ice cream I am sure. Cody was commenting about how firefighters always have mustaches, and he said how Jason "rocked the mustache". I cracked up!!! Jason's friend Chris called later to give Jason a hard time. Here are the pictures I submitted.

Alcatraz

Jacob, my mother, my father, and I took the train to San Francisco on Monday. Jason was supposed to go to but he is off fighting fires again. Well, actually, I just spoke with him and they are doing the difficult job of standing by at a spa in Mendocino County. Wish I were there! Anyway, back to the subject. Jacob has never been to Alcatraz so I promised him this summer we would go. It was great weather and we had a nice time.

Here is a new fact I learned while there...this is copied from the national parks website: http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/wwIIbayarea/alc.htm

The first European exploration of the site was by Juan Manuel de Ayala's expedition which sailed the Spanish frigate San Carlos into the San Francisco Bay in 1775. Making cartographic observations by small boat, his Lieutenant, Canizares, described an island "so arid and steep there was not even a boat harbor there: I named the island de los Alcatrazes because of their being so plentiful there." Alcatrazes is archaic Spanish for cormorant, a seabird noted for its long neck, wedge shaped tail and a hooked bill. By 1826 the name Alcatraz was applied to the island.

Nana, Jacob, and Popie on the way to the Alcatraz Cruise.

Jacob on the ferry with Alcatraz in the background.

Popie takin care of business the convict way.

(I was so afraid it was gonna crumble because it is so old!)

(the toilet, not Popie)

Jacob listening to the headphones for the self guided tour of the cell block.

After the trip back, at the end of Pier 39, Alcatraz in the background.

Skydiving

Yesterday, while I was at school, Mark was jumping out of a perfectly good airplane! I made him text me so I would know he made it down alive! Mark and his friends went to Skydance out by Davis. He said they were nice and he enjoyed his experience. The only bad part was that it was so smokey from the fires you didn't have as good of view had it been clear.

Mark has a whole checklist of things he wants to do this summer. He is also going to take dance lessons with his friend Ari. Isn't that cool! I need to make a list...

The Old Man is Home

Jason is home and resting.

Jason Number Three

Jason is staying in a motel in Fortuna and is going to be coming home tomorrow. Poor Baby, finally he gets to go on a strike team and he gets sick. Thank you to Chief Jaramillo of the Davis Fire Department for keeping me informed and thank you to Chief Froman for bringing my poor darling husband home. Jason called and said that the people at Redwood Memorial ER were very nice to him and told him I was lucky because he was such a nice man..OMG!!! He told them that he wasn't as nice to me...at least he is honest.

Jason Update Number Two

Last night when Jason called he mentioned that he had thrown up and thought it was from a "bad" sandwich. I thought in my head, oh yeah sure, you are just getting old and can't handle the heat like you used to. Although normally he is like a billy goat and keeps on going. Well, as usual when it comes to my husband's health, I way underestimated it! Jim, the Willow Oak Fire Department Cheif just called to tell me that Jason was taken to a hospital because he probably does have food poisoning. I am such a horrible wife. Jason when you read this, honey, it's just an abrasion. (smooch).

Jason Update

The fact that my husband can call me from the fireline at 2500 feet in the forest in Humboldt County amazes me! He is working for 24 hours, I can barely stay up late, I can't even image working straight for 24 hours! He said they may call his group back in because the fog is rolling in. I don't know if that is because of the visibility or because the moisture from the fog will help the fire slow down. Jacob was very happy to talk to him, he told him "I have been having a bad attitude since you left. You need to come home." Then he went on to tell his Dad that he had to take another week of vacation to make up for this one, and that he wanted to go camping at Middle Site.

Some Vacation...

I was looking forward to having 2 weeks off with my husband. We had no great plans, maybe a few day trips and to catch up on "us" time. The fire gods had other plans for us. Jason is off gallivanting around Humboldt County (his old stomping grounds) fighting fires. Lightening strikes have started like a gazillion fires up in Humboldt and Shasta County. So much for time together. Jacob was very unhappy about the turn of events as well. He was in a horrible mood when he found out Jason was leaving. He even went out to Jason's truck and hid his keys. Luckily for Jason he had a spare set of keys, cuz I don't think Jake would have given them back!

I plan to make the most of my time off. Mark, Jake, and I went bowling yesterday. The balls are sure heavier than I remember! You know, the benches are the same ones that were there when I used to go watch my Dad bowl when I was little. I don't think they have updated anything in that bowling alley other than the computer for scoring and the video games in the last 40 years! Good old Woodhaven Lanes.

Last night I went out for an evening of wine tasting and music at the Woodland Opera House. There was a silent and live auction as well. But, as you all know, since I am a student and I am getting ready to send Mark to college, I am my own favorite charity right now!

Enjoying a little vino.

By the way, my favorite wine from the event was from The Berryessa Gap Vineyard.

I don't see it on the website but it was a Tannat, the woman at the booth said it is an obscure grape grown in Uruguay and South France. It is usually used in mixing. I thought it was really a nice wine by itself, very mellow.

What a horrible picture. It was so hot, I was sweaty, my hair was blowing around...blah, blah, blah. I was having a wonderful time though. The music was great. Dr. Baker (in the background) played piano music. (I grew up across the street from him, I used to love listening to him during the summer evenings.) Then Paul Coker and the Melody Makers played. They were marvelous!

Paul Coker and the Melody Makers

If you want to catch them they will be at the Car Show at Bagel City on July 5th.

Today Jacob and I headed over to Bagel City for breakfast to see our favorite Bagel Sales Associate. (Markie) I finally decided to take the plunge and buy the San Francisco. Because of the moratorium on salmon fishing, prices on salmon (and lox) are getting pretty high, and this was reflected in the price of the sandwich. However, I consider it money well spent, cuz it was delicious! It was also an educational experience, because I learned what the heck capers are. I had no idea. I have eaten them before and liked them, just didn't know what they consisted of!

So for those of you who are unsophisticated like me....wikipedia says: The caper (Capparis spinosa L.) is a perennial spiny shrub that bears rounded, fleshy leaves and big white to pinkish-white flowers. A caper is also the pickled bud of this plant. The bush is native to the Mediterranean region, growing wild on walls or in rocky coastal areas throughout. The plant is best known for the edible bud and fruit (caper berry) which are usually consumed pickled. Other species of Capparis are also picked along with C. spinosa for their buds or fruits.

After breakfast we loaded up and headed over to the Best Show on Tracks. I enjoyed watching the mules pull the harvester and looking at all the old farm equipment. I imagined life as a farmer's wife back the in late 1800-early 1900's, watching your husband out harvesting the crops, bringing him his meal...(yes I have an active imagination) Jacob was interested in looking around for as long as his corn dog lasted, then he was bored. We got into a little tiff and then left.

On the way home I decided I better get a few sunflower pictures before they wilted all away. I think I will enter one in the fair. What do you think?

Freshman Orientation

Mark and I were at Sonoma State the last couple of days for Freshman Orientation. A couple of Mark's friends rode up there with us, as well as one other mom, my friend Susan. The boys stayed on campus in a dorm, we went to the Best Western down the road.

We checked in and then went and got the boys ID card pictures taken. We discovered that we were going to be attending different activities from the kids, even eating meals separately. I was kinda bummed because I was looking forward to spending a little time with Mark. So off we went, our different ways. I found some of the classes to be interesting and informative. I did end up skipping out on some classes because I couldn't stand the stupid questions that some of the parents were asking.

We had a great dinner at a restaurant called Lattitudes. I had the crab cakes (of course). They were pretty good. The restaurant was on a small lake with geese and had a covered outside dining area overlooking the lake. It was very peaceful. The waiter was a recent Sonoma State graduate so we got the student's view of the college from him.

The second day we started out having better attendance but then we blew off the afternoon classes and went to check out the campus. We found a butterfly garden, and a lake with ducks and geese, we checked out the library, and Charlie Brown's Cafe. I took lots of pictures of the ducks and geese but none really turned out that good.

I feel that I have finally matured enough to go away to college! I am very envious of Mark and his exciting future. I am so glad that I am in school too. I wish that I had taken the opportunity in my youth, but better late than never! I was just not mature enough to handle that at the time. Oh well, I don't think I would like having a roommate anyway. (besides Jason and Jacob that is!)

We joined up with the kids at 330 at an informational fair, I grabbed all the pamphlets my purse could hold. I have tons of information about Sea Wolf Bucks (money card you can reload), studying abroad, meal plans, book store information (Barnes and Noble), student health (I was impressed with their facility), job information (GET ONE MARK), and ultimate Frisbee. There was lots of other booths too, but Mark wasn't interested in joining sports or a fraternity.

After we left we went to a little hole in the wall called the Redwood Cafe in Cotati. I had a Spicy Thai Shrimp Wrap that came with mango salsa. I have to tell you a secret...this meal was ten times more tasty than the restaurant with the great atmosphere. I will even go as far as saying that it was amazing. I can't wait till August 23rd when we move Mark to school and I can go back and have another one!!!

Yolo County Sheriff's Deputy Killed

Last night a Yolo County Sheriff's Deputy, Tony Diaz was shot in Dunnigan during a traffic stop. He was transported to Woodland Memorial Hospital and pronounced dead. Here is a picture of Marco Topete, the murderer. As I watched a news report interviewing a family member, I could not believe as the woman said that the man was such a good man, and she couldn't believe that he did this....yet the man was just released in November after a 12 year sentence for, get this, SHOOTING SOMEONE. Hello....

Rest In Peace Deputy.

Moving On

Jacob was promoted from 6th grade to middle school on June 3rd. They had a nice little ceremony and received a certificate. Jacob is showing his unique fashion sense early in life. This is that hat he bought with his own money in San Francisco awhile back. One of my favorite parts of the ceremony is when the kindergarten class sang a song from The Sound of Music. I can't remember the name but it goes...So long, farewell, auf weidersehen , goodbye.....It is the song they sing when the kids are going to bed during the big "party" scene. It made me cry. There was a picnic for the kids afterwards. The boys played football. Mark came over after school and played football with the boys

Then on June 6th, my little Markie graduated from high school. It was a good ceremony. The speeches were not too long, they were interesting too! I ordered the video from the WAVE because I knew I would not get a good video myself.

Baseball is finished, Jacob's team came in second for the season and second in the tournament. Closing ceremonies were on Saturday, but I haven't downloaded the pictures yet. His last game was on the night of graduation, at least it started on that night! They were down, 1-9 against the Brewers. They caught up and tied...but then at 10:30 they announced that the lights were going out at 10:40, so we had to finish up in the morning. So at 11am, they went back at it. They were outfield first...3 up, 3 down. Then Marcus was up and singled....then Gabriel....Marcus stole all the way to third, Gabe hit one out to left center, Marcus scored and the rest is history! The A's went on to have a similar game against the Cardinals, down 1-9, they caught up, but they Cardinal's kept scoring too. The final score was 8-11, a very good game. I will post pics when I finally get around to it!!!!

Picture Field Trip

I went on a picture taking field trip with Jason today. We started out on Old River Road, after miles and miles of driving and arguing...I only found one duck.

After making up we drove out to one of my favorite places, the Cache Creek Conservancy. One of the only animals I could find stirring around was the cool turtle in the guest center.

Wandering around the wetlands at the Conservancy, the only sign of life was this little fellow.

Later in the evening Amanda and Aaron came to visit. I had to get a picture of the them with the lovely colored sky in the background.

Baseball and Badminton

Jacob and the A's played a great game today. They finally beat the one team they had been unable to beat all season. Jacob got four outs and scored twice. Most definitely his best game all season. We had just been talking the other day, he mentioned that he had not gotten a "game ball" this year. I thought for sure he would get one today. So did he. Guess what....no game ball. It is really hard when you are a parent and you are trying to explain why things happen the way they do. I just tried to stay positive and told him how great he did. Then we stopped at Little Cesar's after the game and I let him go buy at "Hot and Ready" Pepperoni Pizza. (that has to be some of the worst crap ever). Then we went home and set up the badminton net that I bought the other day. We played till it was so dark we couldn't see the birdie anymore. He never mentioned the game ball again!

Cool side note....this is what we saw while we were putting up the net: