Going Out on a Limb...

So, this is it.

2011-05-01T17:39:00.000-07:00

This is the last post on Going Out on a Limb. I've decided to let it go.

Blogging though, isn't going anywhere. From this point forward, you can find my posts at

I Like Marshmallows

It's a new start and a fresh look.

Hope to see you there.

The End

or as Zacky would say when we closed a good book

AMEN

My Old Life

2011-04-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

I'm really missing my old life.

The life I had a couple of months ago. The life when I could meet Chad and Zachary for lunch at El' Jefe's - aka "my rwestwant".

And pictures like this would magically appear on my phone while we were drinking chocolate milk and waiting for the chicken nuggets and fries that would be dunked in ranch dressing and grandpa's sour cream, together.

Yes, that's the life I miss. So, so much!

Annie

2011-04-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

Meet Annie - She is the newest member of our house.

Lately, Ruby has seemed to be a little lonely while we're gone during the day.

So we've been trying for a while to find her a friend to keep her company.

It was my lucky day when I stopped by Animal House one day after I left the track.

This cute little thing was just waiting for me to take her home.

Her beautiful face reeled me in, but it was her sweet personality that I couldn't resist.

Bacon, bacon, bacon

2011-03-27T10:23:00.001-07:00

I think I would try this...
Would you?

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

Purdy Kitty

2011-03-18T19:22:00.001-07:00

I went to the animal shelter today. This cute little thing is waiting for a home.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.6

Even the weeds

2011-03-16T09:52:00.001-07:00

are getting spring fever.

I don't have any real flowers in my yard yet, but the flowering weeds are popping up all over the place.

I think spring has sprung.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.6

Progress

2011-03-11T19:24:00.000-08:00

Slowly but surely, there is progress on this new Mavrick Service station. It's on the corner of Highway 160 and Homestead, and a very welcomed sight.

And... the fact that I even noticed, makes me think I might be making progress too.

:-)

Saying good-bye is too hard to do

2011-02-20T22:02:00.000-08:00

There were lots of beautiful flowers.

And soon, they too will be gone.

But the memory of my 3 beautiful grandsons will live on forever.

Because that's the only choice we have.

The last week and a half has been the worst of our entire lives. You know, you all saw it. And there are a lot of things I don't know right now.
Like:
How did this happen?
How will we get through it?
How can life go on?
Why?
Why?
Why?

I don't know the answers and I'm not sure I ever will. But I do know that we are so grateful for our family and friends. There have been so many people that have been there for us, we can't even begin to name or thank them all. Family, friends and even strangers have pitched in to help. It's so big, bigger than I can even understand.
I think I'm not making sense right now. But it's hard to make sense out of something so senseless. So instead of trying, I'm just going to say thank you.

Chad and I, along with our entire family are so devastated right now. But we want to say thank you to everyone, for caring and helping. The kindness that has been shown to us is more than we could have ever imagined.

We will miss these boys, and nothing will ever be the same. Our hearts are both broken and swelled with gratitude. Thank you!

Val

2011-02-08T19:34:00.000-08:00

This is Valentine....It's almost her birthday.

Not so easy

2011-02-07T22:52:00.000-08:00

Have you ever tried to take a picture of a braid? Of your braid? On the back of your head?

It's hard to do. Go ahead...try it!

Credit and Debit

2011-02-06T20:17:00.000-08:00

I think they cancel each other out. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Time to go home

2011-02-05T20:20:00.001-08:00

It's been a long day at the track. The season opener is always rough. New people, new procedures, and lots of hard work to pull it off.

So after a good meal to celebrate the days success....it's time to go home!

And so my love/hate relationship with every other Saturday resumes

2011-02-04T22:20:00.000-08:00

The races start up again tomorrow. It's been a nice two month break, but it's time to get back to "work".

The people at the Nugget are excited and they show it on the marquee.

They have this carnival going on in the parking lot this weekend. It looks like fun, but I'll be much too busy "working" to go. Maybe next time.

Barbecued Chicken?

2011-02-03T17:46:00.000-08:00

What a difference a day makes

2011-02-02T19:23:00.001-08:00

I was surprised at the temperature in the picture Michelle sent yesterday.

But was shocked at today's.

Laramie, Wyoming

I can't imagine 52 degrees colder than what I thought was cold.

Pahrump, Nevada

Stay warm sister!

Morning Temps

2011-02-01T18:31:00.000-08:00

Michelle's drive to work this morning

Laramie, Wyoming

My drive to work this morning

Pahrump, Nevada

I'm going to have to quit complaining about how cold it is.

Monday @ 5:00

2011-01-31T18:14:00.000-08:00

And I'm homeward bound after a long day.

The Falcon - ready to race?

2011-01-30T06:10:00.000-08:00

Chad spent so much time on this car last year trying to get it ready to race. He was able to take it out a few times. He has high hopes for this season. I keep trying to talk him into just using it as a pace car. We'll see.

Horsing around

2011-01-29T06:06:00.000-08:00

Here Kitty

2011-01-28T18:08:00.000-08:00

This is my neighbors cat.

He doesn't like his picture taken.

Or maybe he does, I just need to do it right.

New ride

2011-01-27T19:10:00.000-08:00

Just yesterday, I was walking the lot at work, thinking about getting a new car.

And then this little beauty was sitting on the showroom floor today when I got back from lunch.

What do ya think?

How about for the race track?

Maybe I could sneak it in with the mini stocks.

I think it would be a blast.

Fish face

2011-01-26T13:50:00.001-08:00

I was trying to take a picture of one of the 3 day old babies swimming around in my tank when this one swam right up and posed. I just couldn't resist.
I think this is the momma.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.6

Chabing

2011-01-25T09:07:00.000-08:00

Life

2011-01-24T19:37:00.000-08:00

and the junk in it.

Red rock station

2011-01-23T17:40:00.001-08:00

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

Men at work

2011-01-22T09:35:00.000-08:00

Chicken on a stick

2011-01-21T23:18:00.000-08:00

Oh say can you say?

2011-01-20T19:44:00.000-08:00

365 Resolution

2011-01-19T20:56:00.000-08:00

Fishes at work

2011-01-18T12:54:00.001-08:00

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

Hot flash be gone

2011-01-17T20:24:00.000-08:00

Couldn't resist

2011-01-16T18:38:00.000-08:00

See yesterday.

The End.

Today was a great day

2011-01-15T23:46:00.000-08:00

It was so nice outside today that we decided to go fishing.

We drove by our new church building on the way out of town.We'll have our 1st services there on January 30th.

I usually don't like the drive to Las Vegas, but it was in the 60's today and we were able to ride with the windows down for a bit.

I love this view of the City. Las Vegas will always be my home away from home.

Lunch first, at the Silverton Casino. The buffet was overpriced, but a good change from the same old stuff you get in Pahrump.

We really wanted fish, but I'm pretty sure that Bass Pro Shop at the Silverton would have a problem with us trying to catch theirs.

Which is really too bad, because they have some pretty awesome fish.

We decided to shop for a bit at Kohl's, where we bought a can opener and a Dr. Seuss book. (oh darn, no pictures. ha.)

Finally, we finished up our fishing trip at Petsmart. Where Chad got new fish for his tank and I got a 5 gallon tank to put on my desk at work.


If you click to enlarge, you can see the gold specks on this Dalmatian Molly

I love fishing!

Today was a great day!

Would the real Scion please stand up

2011-01-15T20:18:00.000-08:00

My Office Wall

2011-01-14T20:30:00.000-08:00

Trying to redeem myself

2011-01-13T21:25:00.000-08:00

I thought about making this a long story short, but in the end, I decided that I would need to do some explaining in order for this to be a real redemption. So here goes...

I've worked in some form of the automotive industry for over 15 years.

At my first job, I arrived (the term used for checking in) and inspected rental turn-ins at the rail-yard. These were fleet cars that the major rental companies were turning back to GM. After inspection and ownership transfer, they would be shipped out by rail to the various auctions around the country to be sold to dealers at the factory sales.
Arriving and inspecting cars was a hands on job. To arrive them, I used a little hand held machine that I would record data about each car into. The make, model, color, and mileage. After all the arrivals were done, I would go back and inspect the interiors. Looking for any damages. Burns, tears, dings, etc. Any damages found were also recorded into the little machine. At first, there was an inspector who went behind me and inspected the exteriors for damages, either repaired or not. After a while, I was that inspector too.

After I left the rail yard, I got a job at a Toyota dealership as the used car secretary. Now I know that sounds like a cushy job, and for the most part, it was. Except on Tuesdays, in Las Vegas, in the middle of summer, outside, on the hot asphalt, doing inventory of every.single.used.car.on.the.lot!
Although it was a Toyota store, the owner was a used car guy at heart, and we had a ton of them. I was required to touch every used car in inventory. Sometimes, the cars weren't even on the lot. But I wouldn't know that until I was completely finished and had searched every inch of the dealership.

By now, you might be wondering why I'm telling you all of this. Before I tell you, I just want to say a couple of things.
First, I've always liked the fact that I could identify all sorts of different cars, just by looking at them. And even though it's been quite a few years since I've done any "hands on" work, I still try to keep up by walking the lot at work just looking.
Second, Just recently, someone told me that I always have to be right. And to that I say - I don't always have to be right. I just don't like being wrong and I usually don't say things unless I know what I'm taking about.

The other day, I was leaving work and a funny little car caught my eye, and I wondered to myself what kind of car it was. I planned on taking a picture of it for my 365 resolution when I got back. I didn't have my camera so I snapped a quick picture with my phone and using my all-knowing car model super-power, decided it was a Scion. I didn't need to check the model, because I could easily google it when I got home and get it posted on my blog. You can see that post here.

So after all that; guess what? It was pointed out to me just today...It's not a Scion...It's a Nissan Cube. What? How can that be? I googled it! I looked at pictures! I used my super-power! It was a Scion the other day! What in the world happened? I immediately pulled an inventory report, hoping to find a Scion. Nope! No such luck. Shoot...it's a Cube.

I don't always have to be right...I just hate being wrong!

Fixin' the wall

2011-01-12T19:00:00.000-08:00

Just another day at work. Chad and Zachary rebuilding the wall at the race track. It should be good as new by the time we start racing again February 5.

Strange

2011-01-11T19:48:00.001-08:00

Although I wouldn't buy this funny little car, it caught my eye right away as I was leaving work for lunch today. I couldn't help but take a picture. It's a Scion XB and I bet it sales fast. Maybe a young kid will buy it and load it full of speakers. Fun and strange.

Six

2011-01-10T21:40:00.001-08:00

This is Camron a few months ago...he was having his very first hibachi. He was all smiles.

This is Camron today...He's six.

And missing his first tooth. I love it when little boys are six.

I am so happy to have texting now-a-days. He's over 400 miles away, but I don't have to miss a thing.

When all else fails...

2011-01-10T21:33:00.000-08:00

...there's Ruby

If I forget to take my picture for the day (already, and it's only day 10), Ruby will be there to stretch and pose for me. She sees me get the camera and knows what to do. That's just what friends do. I'm a lucky gal!

Rootin' Tootin' Rhythm

2011-01-09T19:26:00.000-08:00

Gene Autry on Encore

Does taking pictures of the TV count? I think so, especially when it turns out so good!

Gone fishin'

2011-01-08T22:09:00.000-08:00

With Spongebob!

365 Resolution

2011-01-07T21:46:00.000-08:00

Bowling Night

2011-01-06T19:20:00.000-08:00

Chads bowling tonight...I should find something to do. Oh wait, I did!

Lunch

2011-01-05T18:43:00.000-08:00

Anthony

This was taken today having lunch with my son. We both have lunch at the same time so we meet up in a parking lot to eat lunch together, it our own cars. This was the first day he was in his new truck.

Not my dog

2011-01-04T19:07:00.000-08:00


Peanut

A customer brought this puppy into work just as I was leaving today. I think it may be one of the cutest things I have ever seen!

Snow dog

2011-01-03T19:37:00.000-08:00

Ruby - I think she enjoyed the snow!

Sunday

2011-01-02T10:31:00.000-08:00

How I'm spending my birthday

365 Resolution

2011-01-01T18:02:00.000-08:00

I never make New Year resolutions.

It's always seemed silly to me, to proclaim some random resolution for the New Year.

This year though, I'm playing by a new set of rules.

I hear a resolution coming on. Do you?

Starting today - New Years day 2011 - I'm going to "try" to take and post a picture every.single.day.

Think I can do it? I don't know, but I'm gonna start here:

Day 1

Bowling today with Chad and Anthony

2010 Review

2010-12-31T17:59:00.000-08:00

January

Elder Reid

Inspiring house guests.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

February

Liberty Tax Mascot in the rain along Highway 160

More rain then shine which brought springtime, out of control weeds.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

March

The experience of a Mexican Circus with the Pahrump kids.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

April

A road trip to St. George, where I fell in love with the sun and red dirt.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

May

Karley

The extraction of a cotton ball that landed in the ear of a smiley little girl.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

June

Fishing Minorsville Reservoir.

A family reunion in Utah followed up with a quick fishing trip that could have landed us in jail.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

July

Chads 300 ring

Finally...the arrival of an award dreamed about for many years.

Kim, Jabez, Chad

And fireworks that did not disappoint with family sharing the occasion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

August


Quart

A fake tummy ache, just to get the Vet to come out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

September

Good food and good company at the track for a long over due thanks to those who help us make it possible.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

October

Camron, Kristy, Christopher

Photo shoots in Halloween costumes make for some of the best.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

November


Elder Cooper, Me, Chad, Elder Reid, Kathryn, Trent

A marriage that proves that the 3rd time's the charm.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

December

taken on a short resting walk on the way home from St. George

Beautiful Nevada landscapes...no matter what time of year.

Happy New Year!

A Chistmas Story (kind of) (ok, not so much)

2010-12-25T17:21:00.000-08:00

It was a little later than I intended when I went out to feed the horses this morning. It was still beautiful out, but it was getting pretty light, and the fog was already starting to lift.

We don't normally have frost here, so I noticed the frozen dew right away as the lawn crunched when I walked across it. The cold tempratures and humidity from several days of rain had coated everything in a beautiful layer of Christmas morning white.

The gate was frozen, not solid, but just enough to keep the latch from easily lifting. And when I looked down to open it, I noticed that it wasn't just the lawn that had frosted.

I ran back in the house to grab my camera.

I was so surpirsed at all the spider webs.

Kristy and I tried all summer to get good pictures of spider webs.

I often complain that there isn't anything pretty enough to take pictures of during the winter in the desert. And then Christmas morning I get this.

Merry Christmas!

Confessions via text

2010-12-20T17:52:00.000-08:00

Me: I like Marshmallows

Alivia: Me to

Me: And hot Chocolate.

Alivia: And eggnog.

Me: And strawberry jam.

Alivia: And you.

Me: :)

Weekend Celebration

2010-12-17T19:57:00.000-08:00

I cant think of anything to blog about today.

So how about if I just post some pictures from our weekend in St. George where we celebrated Chad's moms 70th birthday.


click on picture to enlarge.


Me with Urainna and Mackenzie

Shelby

Amanda

Athena

We had a great time and Mom was so surprised and happy.

***I have more pictures to post, but blogger just told me I am out of space. I wasn't expecting that and am not sure how to fix it. So when I figure it out, I'll get some more up.

Missing her

2010-11-28T18:46:00.000-08:00

I have a story to tell. One that I haven't been ready to tell yet. Until yesterday, when I wrote about the change in our back yard. It's not the yard I want to talk about though. It's this girl:

My sweet Alley!

We had to put her down late one night in August of 2009. Her health had been going down hill for a a long time. She was starting to have a hard time walking. Her hips were just getting too old to support her. And finally, in the end, she just couldn't walk. She was in a lot of pain and we knew what we had to do.

Alley was a giver, she wanted nothing more than to please us. And she did. She was a very kind and loyal member of our family.

One afternoon, we found Alley outside unable to move her hind end. She just laid there looking at us with the same loving eyes that she always had. We were very scared and upset and weren't sure what to do. We put her on a blanket and carried her inside where we gave her an asprin. In no time at all, she was up and wagging her tail and following us around the house like normal. We thought maybe she had pinched a nerve or something and the asprin relieved the pain enough to heal. Then, by the following Sunday night, it happened again. This time though she was in a lot of pain. She could not move her back legs at all. She tried to get up and just couldn't do it. We couldn't watch her suffer like that so we called the vet.

Our vet lives in Las Vegas and tried to talk us into waiting until morning. But we just couldn't do it. She was in too much pain. Finally, he agreed to come.

We called Anthony and Kaylynn and they both met us at the vets office to say goodbye. Chad and I were holding her as she went to sleep.

We miss our Alley so much. I heard some strange noises in the kitchen the other night. Chad told me it was Alley. I believe him.

Change

2010-11-27T18:42:00.000-08:00

It's everywhere. We can't get away from it. Even things that stay the same...change.

I really noticed it in this picture of our back yard on Thanksgiving in 2008. There was no grass, just dirt. Also, you can't see in the picture, but our beloved Alley was back there, somewhere.

The most noticeable change in this picture that I took today, is the grass. We finally got it to come in this summer. It still has weeds and bare spots, but it's grass. The shrubs have also grown a lot since 2008. We have 3 trees back there along the fence now. We didn't plant them, the shrubs did. We noticed them sprouting up in the spring of last year. They are kind of hard to see right now because all the leaves have fallen off for the winter. But they're there. And you wouldn't know it from this picture, but our beloved Alley is not back there...anywhere.

By the way...Now that it's been pointed out to me. I'm going to try to change the path I walk every morning to feed the horses. I'm still sleeping that early. What can I say?

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T10:35:00.000-08:00

I love fog and I was hoping to wake up to a Thanksgiving morning like this one in 2008. It was so peaceful and beautiful. Something about the quietness of this foggy morning is etched in my memory. I remember the stillness of this morning like it was yesterday. There were no sounds, the chickens wern't crowing, dogs were not barking, no cars zooming down the street. Everything was still. Even the fog seemed to be content just lying quitely.

Oh what a beautiful morning. One to be truly thankful for.

This is our turkey from 2007. Mmmmmmm...I can smell it now. Oh wait, that might be the one in the oven that I can smell.

Either way, in just a few hours, my house will look similar to this 2007 Thanksgiving day. And I'll be patiently waiting for my family to get here.

I am so grateful today, and every day, for all I have been blessed with.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sealed For Time and Eternity

2010-11-16T21:21:00.000-08:00

November 4, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV Temple

2010-11-15T20:59:00.000-08:00

A NOUN’S the name of any thing;
As school or garden, hoop, or swing.

ADJECTIVES tell the kind of noun;
As great, small, pretty, white, or brown.

Three small words we often see
Are ARTICLES - a, an, and the.

In place of nouns the PRONOUNS stand;
John’s head, his face, my arm, your hand.

VERBS tell of something being done;
As read, write, spell, sing, jump, or run.

How things are done the ADVERBS tell;
As slowly, quickly, ill, or well.

They also tell us where and when;
As here, and there, and now, and then.

A PREPOSITION stands before
A NOUN; as in or through a door.

CONJUNCTIONS sentences unite;
As kittens scratch and puppies bite.

The INTERJECTION cries out “Hark!
I need an exclamation mark!”

–Author unknown

If you've seen one...

2010-11-05T21:22:00.000-07:00

Kaylynn sent me another picture of a tarantula yesterday.

And I'm not putting it on my blog.

I can't.

Because when you've seen one tarantula, you've seen them all. And I'm tired of bugs.

well, except...for this one.

I love and miss this one.VERY MUCH!

This is Baily Bug.

And she likes Popsicles.

Orange and red ones.

And by the looks of things...they like her too!

Trunk or Treat

2010-10-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what Zombies do when they are not out looking for brains?

They watch TV. Just like normal people.

We went to the church tonight for "Trunk or Treat"

We decorated our trunk...and then gave treats. haha.

It was fun. On the way home, Chad asked me if I remembered that Halloween twenty some odd years ago when his Mom and Dad dressed up and went around to the front of our house to scare the kids. He said he was thinking about that today as he was getting ready, about how he thought his parents were weird and that they should grow up.
"And here we are." I said.
"Yep" he said, "here we are!"

Happy Halloween!!

The Story (sorry, It's a long one)

2010-10-21T18:35:00.001-07:00

We lived in the Nevada desert for over 15 years before we ever saw a tarantula. The first one was this spring when we were planting oleanders. The story of it is here. We spent most of the summer digging up holes in the yard hoping/not hoping to find another. Until late one night, a few months ago, CJ went outside and found one on the porch. ON OUR PORCH.
The next day, he loaded up the kids and the tarantula for a drive to the desert so they could release him back into the wild. Kristy wrote about that day here, on her blog.

A few weeks ago, Kaylynn's kids told me that they found a tarantula up at the race track. It was squished! Someone had run it over (by accident I'm sure).


Chad's picture of tarantula

But he wasn't the only one, Chad told me where I could find yet another one. This one was alive though, He found it in one of the concession stands up front and took outside so the tarantula could find more suitable lodging for the winter.

So all of this brings me to today, when I got this picture text message from Kaylynn:

Text from Kaylynn

Me: haha...where did that come from:
Kaylynn: On the road by Home Depot
Me: You stopped to picture him? (Preston's saying)
Kaylynn: Ya, I made Marvin turn around. He was more daring to get closer than me.
Me: LOL. He could have got a little closer. I want to see the details of his legs. LOL.

And then I took my phone into the Business office to show Debbie. She thought it was so cute and told me he should have caught him to give to her. I called her crazy and went back to my office. And then I got this text.

Kaylynn: He said he will (go) back and get it and bring it to you if want.
Me: Okay. Then I can take pictures with my good camera. :) Haha.

And I think he is just teasing me, then she says:

Kaylynn: OK. See you in a bit.
Me: (uh) lol. I don't have my camera. It's at home.
Kaylynn: We will put it in a coffee can.
Kaylynn: With a lid on it.
Me: You don't have to bring it.
Kaylynn: We are on our way.

CRAP! Now what do I do? Debbie!

Debbie was way more happy than I was when I told her Kaylynn was bringing her the spider. I wanted pictures, but not bad enough to have it in my office. Even if it was in a coffee can.

Matt from work took this picture


Anthony got close enough to take this one.

Debbie is not afraid,. She was in love. And this is where the ruckus in the office started. Debbie posed, while we screamed and took pictures. Just another day at the office!

edited to say: Debbie took the spider with her to lunch and then left it with her husband. He wanted to let it go. She said he wasn't to thrilled. haha.

Causing a stir

2010-10-21T12:40:00.001-07:00

Picture sent to me today from Marvin

this "little" thing is causing quite the ruckus in my office today.

I'll give you the story when I get home from work tonight.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.9

Constants

2010-10-16T19:03:00.000-07:00

Zachary will always hide his face from me when I try to take his picture.
(that's road rash on his forehead)

The Nevada sky will always be beautiful... sometimes more beautiful than words can describe.

Dandelions will always fascinate me... even if they are just weeds.

My blog will always be a place for me to go...even if I lack inspiration.

Christophers Turn

2010-10-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

Christopher had the camera yesterday at the track.

He was especially proud of the pictures of my jeep. He made it climb a hill, then kicked it into 4wheel drive to bring it back down...according to him.

Oh, and the one in the center. Of course.

Good morning

2010-10-07T06:47:00.001-07:00

What a way to start the day.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.9

Bugs are easy prey

2010-10-06T15:46:00.000-07:00

I've been taking a lot of pictures of bugs lately. The dead one yesterday was pretty neat.

I don't really have a thing for bugs. Well I didn't before I started taking pictures.

This Preying Mantis looks like what I imagine an Alien might look like. Weird.

Dragon Fly

2010-10-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

Is it morbid to take pictures of a dead dragon fly?

I hope not...because I did.

My drive home

2010-10-05T09:02:00.001-07:00

I love this time of year.

What would I do without my camera phone?

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.9

Mud Man

2010-10-03T21:40:00.000-07:00

Funny how a little mud and a bottle cap can brighten the day.

I'm going to use these pictures as inspiration for the week.

Thanks Camron...You and your friend are going to remind me to smile!

Have a good week!

Google This

2010-09-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Terribles Town Chevron,

I hope people use Google looking your store and instead, get this blog post.

Why?

Because I don't care.

Thank you,
Trudi

Terrible Town
T-Town
Terribles Chevron
Chevron Terrible Town
Pahrump Chevron
Highway 160 Chevron
Chevron Pahrump

My car got sick last Friday

2010-09-29T20:19:00.001-07:00

This isn't the first time my car has been in the shop. Last time, it was because I ran over a rivet and had a flat tire.

Something that couldn't be prevented. Well, I guess it could have been if someone hadn't left their rivets lying around.

This visit to the shop was different though.

There was real trouble. Flat tires are no problem, THIS was a problem.

We first thought something terrible had gone wrong with the engine. Some weird defect causing havoc that was going to require major engine repairs.

The only comfort I had was the fact that I bought my jeep new. Two years ago, right after Chrysler started giving lifetime power train warranties. At least I wasn't going to have to pay for the tow and repair. So I thought. Until I got the news...

The gas was bad.

I bought a whole tank full of rotten disgusting gas.

Luckily, it could be drained and the tank could be cleaned. And luckily, there was no damage done to my engine. I'm pretty sure crappy gas is not covered by my lifetime warranty.

Chad took a sample of the ~~sludge~~ gas to the station where I bought it on Friday. They didn't care. We were the only complaint they had and they have since got new gas in their tanks.

I need more gas right now...Guess where I will not be getting it?
Terribles Town Chevron on Highway 160

My World

2010-09-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

"Say Cheese" Video Repost

2010-09-21T23:03:00.000-07:00

Since my last post about kids taking pictures, I've been thinking about this cute little video that Mandy and Camron took in the spring of last year. I love it now just as much as I did the first time I watched it.

Photos of the Photographer

2010-09-19T22:15:00.000-07:00

I've said it before...I Love handing a kid a camera.

I like seeing things from their perspective.

And how they get to that conclusion.

The world looks a little different from their angle.

Sometimes, I forget that.

I asked him what this was a picture of.

"A Pwaying Man-tiss".

It certainly was.

Breakfast at Romero's

2010-09-18T11:09:00.001-07:00

green chili omlet. ...mmmmm!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.8

Weeds and grasshoppers

2010-09-09T20:35:00.000-07:00

Have I ever mentioned that green is my favorite color?

Click photos to get a better view

This guys color blends right in with Chad's weed tree. I almost walked right by without noticing him.

He's a fascinating, creepy little creature.

I don't like grasshoppers, but man, look at that green. That is beautiful.

I tried to find some live weed flowers, but I was a little late. They were yellow on Sunday. I should have went out a little sooner. Oh well. They are pretty this way too!

A kindergarten memory

2010-09-02T21:53:00.000-07:00

Chad and I were talking about all the new kindergarten kids we have in our family this year. Three out of four of our kids have sent one of their little ones off to school for the first time this week. The parents (our kids) should be pro's at this by now since none of these kindergarten babies are the first in their family to leave home for school. But I'm sure it's just as hard to see the last one (like Kaylynn), as it was the first one.

My first one was the hardest for me, for a few reasons. First of all, since we had just moved to a new house, shcool had already started and we didn't attend the usual enrollment day, I had no idea what in. the. heck. I was doing. "Shots? She needs shots? What are shots? Were do you get shots?" The nice lady in the office just smiled, gave me information on getting immunizations, and told us to come back after she'd been properly inoculated.

I spent the next morning getting all the kids updated on their shots and went back to school in time for Kaylynn to start the afternoon session of kindergarten. That wasn't so hard. Until Tiffany realized that we were leaving the school without her big sister. Then...all hell broke loose. She cried. She sobbed. She kicked. She screamed..."I waanntt myyyy Kaaaylyyynnn!!" All the way home.I'm not kidding. The point five miles we had to walk home may as well have been five hundred miles. Up hill, both ways. It was horrible. I'm suprised someone didn't call the police. She was screaming that bad. Oh man, what a sight that must have been!! She wouldn't walk so I had to carry her (kicking and screaming), push Anthony in the stroller and encourage poor little CJ to keep walking. Just a little further I kept telling him. On the way to the school, I was able to alternate carrying CJ and Tiffany, but not now and his little legs were getting so tired.

We were all physically and mentally worn out by the time we got home and kids fell asleep really quickly. It didn't seem like they had been napping very long when I heard noises outside. It sounded like kids playing. I went to the window and saw a bunch of kids walking down the street . Suddenly, I realized...It's Thursday... It's early day! The school gets out early for teacher workshops.

I got the kids up and we practically ran all the way to the school. Once we got there, the parking lot was pretty much empty, no kids anywhere. I was sure they took her to the orphanage. I prayed the doors were unlocked. I was so releived that they opened when I pushed. Once inside, there on a bench next to the office, sat Kaylynn. All by herself. Looking at me like - where have you been? Poor girl. I will never forget that look as long as I live.

The office lady came out and told me that since we didn't have a phone, she called our emergency contact and someone was on their way to pick her up. Oh I felt awful. Why didn't I know it was early day? How did I miss that? I apologized to Kaylynn and to the office lady and just hoped I didn't look like the worst mother on the planet. Then I gathered my kids and left.

Just as we were getting to the end of the street, Chad's sister pulled up. They had called his mom and she sent Bambie to get Kaylynn. I just sucked it up and got into the car. At least we didn't have to walk. Until the next day, when we did the whole process all over again. Screaming and all. Except it wasn't early day.

**P.S. I checked google maps to see how far we had to walk to the school. It actually said .40 miles, but I added .10 because I could have sworn that it was at least a mile. I think it was two miles the day it was snowing so bad and a neighbor lady saved our lives. But that's another story.

Growing Up

2010-09-02T10:55:00.001-07:00

Today is Camron's first day of school. Kaylynn said he was a little scared, but excited that he gets to play. He is growing up so fast!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.2

Blogger Buddy

2010-08-28T23:40:00.000-07:00

She's back at it. Kristy has updated her blog. You can visit it here.

We set up her phone so she can post to her blog from anywhere. We haven't quite figured out how to send pictures from her phone, but we will keep working on it.

In other news; The little boy came over to play today.

He had a hard time deciding what we should have for dinner.

He didn't think this ranch dressing was quite enough.

We should have two ranches. That would be a good dinner.

We finally settled on cheese sandwiches. With ranch.

It all started with Puppy

2010-08-16T19:32:00.000-07:00

I looked at this picture of Ruby a lot today. I made it my desk top at work and at home. And, it's the wallpaper on my phone. I love her. It's that simple.

It wasn't always her though, there have been others.
It started with Madame Felicia Ferocious...who we called Puppy. That little eight week old black and white Old English Sheep dog Puppy was sleeping just inside the door when I got home from school one day. I loved her the second I saw her. She turned out to be a better friend to me than any kid in the neighborhood. Loyal. Loving. Trustworthy.

Puppy would have loved Ruby. And like me, Ruby would have loved Puppy.

A Picture of Us.

2010-08-15T19:16:00.000-07:00

Ruby and Me.

(click picture to enlarge)

Junkyard Blues

2010-08-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

Way up north of town, down a long dirt road sits a junk-yard.

Two Brothers Junk

I didn't know that there could be so much organization at a junk yard. Most every thing was in order and labeled.

My Sister-in-law, Athena had a car like this back in the 80's...hehe.

This old bus is surrounded by a motor grave-yard.

I was careful not to get too close to this stack, I was afraid that 2x4 might not hold.

This old truck was my favorite. I think I've had a dream about a truck like this before. I couldn't quit looking at it.

Birthday boy

2010-08-07T19:47:00.001-07:00

Happy 1st birthday baby Elliott.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.4.9

Evening Work

2010-07-29T20:48:00.000-07:00

We decided to mow the lawn this afternoon when I got home from work.

It was so tall that it dulled the blade and we had to put on a new one.

It took a little effort, but we finally got it fixed.

And finished up the work. Whew, it's hot out there!

The lawn sure looks nice.

5 Years

2010-07-19T15:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Don,
For my five year anniversary, I wanted to say thank you for my new office. I love it so much and I feel way more efficient. I'm sorry the picture is kind of crappy, but I don't want anyone making fun of me for being excited about it, so I had to take it kind of covertly.
Anyway, thanks again. The only thing that would make it better would be a raise. Can we work on that? (just teasing on that part, I think. ) Thanks!

Yours truly,
Trudi

Cowabunga

2010-06-28T16:52:00.000-07:00

There are three things I love about the hotel we stayed at over the weekend in Draper, Utah.

1) It was in Draper.

2) It had the most comfortable bed and pillows I have ever slept in - in my entire life. (It's too bad we didn't get there until 3A.M. and left by 9:00 A.M.)

3) Cowabunga Bay Water Park is in it's back yard.

I so want to be there right now. It's 107 today!

Adventures in the Nevada Desert

2010-06-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

While riding quads the other day, CJ and I came across this Desert Tortoise. He was crossing our trail and stopped in the middle when he heard us coming. I waited a minute, hoping he would come back out of his shell. The vibration from the quads must have kept him too afraid. I didn't want to disturb him any more than we already had, so I just snapped a few pictures and we went went on our way.
After all of these years of living in Nevada, this is the first time I have ever seen a wild Tortoise in the desert.

Then today, while coming home from Las Vegas through redrock. We saw this little family near the community of Blue Diamond. We haven't seen any donkeys out here in such a long time because of a round up a few years ago. This is the first time I've ever stopped to get pictures. We didn't stay long because another car pulled up and reminded me how dangerous it is for the donkey's to get too comfortable with humans. The companion to these two in the picture walked right up to the other car and put his head in the window. They are not afraid at all. I wish people wouldn't feed them.

Take care little donkey family, it was nice to see you...I'll be thinking of you.

Ever feel this way?

2010-06-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

I do. Almost daily.

It time for the races again

2010-06-04T22:13:00.000-07:00

Ever other Saturday comes quickly around here.

And for the pace truck drivers, it's not soon enough!

A little advice

2010-06-02T20:20:00.000-07:00

for my friends. Click here.

A little lecture never hurt anyone.

My lovely canvas

2010-05-27T18:19:00.001-07:00

I wasn't feeling very good yesterday, and I was tired.

So I took a little nap in my car at lunch time. Just thought you might like to know that.

I couldn't wait to get home from work. I knew I had a little present waiting for me. Chad had text-ed me pictures and I just. could. not. wait!

I begged him to open it, and finally he did.

Ta-Da!!!

Can you tell what it is? You might remember it from my photo blog; Attention, Affection and Appreciation

Go ahead and check it out. I'll wait!

Isn't it beautiful? Here, take a better look.

I had the photo put on a canvas. It is beautiful!!! I can't stop looking at it.

It's amazing. Look at how the picture goes around the edges.

I'm in love! You can be too. Just go to www.canvaspeople.com
You can get your first one for free. All you have to pay for is shipping. It's a great deal and it turns out fabulous.

I'm already planning my next one.

Happy Tuesday!

2010-05-11T12:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Grampy!

2010-04-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

The quality of this picture isn't that great but the subject however, is...Great. This is my Grampy on his 89th Birthday! You heard right - 89. That's so amazing to me.
We went to dinner to celebrate. We will do it again next year, only on a much larger scale. Care to join us?

Grandpa Bob @ Tommasino's, Pahrump NV - April 30, 2010

Texting Picture Game

2010-04-29T22:29:00.000-07:00

I had a blast today.

My friend Debbie sent me this text:

Picture Game!!!! Send me the 6th picture in ur phone no matter what! NO CHEATING!! Then forward this and see how many crazy pictures your get.

Of course I couldn't resist that one. I forwarded it off to most of my contact list.

Here is my 6th picture:

And here is some of what I got back:


From Urainna


From SinDee


From Megan


From Debbie

From Michelle
From Cameo
From Kaylynn


From Evie

From Chad

From Zane

From Tiff

Random thoughts

2010-04-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

1) Divorce sucks (really, it does)!

2) I don't understand the Flagman's purpose.

3) I love springtime, but the weeds are out of control.

4) 3 years should bring me plenty of shade to relax under.

5) I'm having a love/hate relationship with every other Saturday.

6) Looking at pictures of St. George makes me want to start packing boxes.

7) I really like freerice.com.

8) I never thought I would like green nail polish so much.

9) We are smack dab in the middle of our early birthday season.

10) Proper punctuation is not high on my priority list.

Daisy 2

2010-04-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

Oh, she make look innocent.

Daisy - Pahrump, NV April 2010

And act sweet

And decorate herself in flowers

and sleep peacefully with the aroma of roses swirling around her nose.

But really, she's waiting for me to move, so she can pounce on me. She's out of control.
I know you don't believe me. I'll get proof. Soon.

Some things never change

2010-04-10T22:33:00.000-07:00

Especially... the love for your mother!

Chad and his mom Kay

These People Make Me Happy!

2010-04-08T21:10:00.000-07:00

Brandon

Camron

Zachary

Elizabeth

Kristy

Christopher

Warning...these pictures may freak you out!

2010-04-06T00:19:00.000-07:00

While digging holes for oleanders,

Chad came across this nest.

We wondered what could possibly make this big of a hole.

What better way to find out? He just dug it up.

We were surprised to find this thing.

It was huge.

I think it's a tarantula.


click picture for a better view

I think it's disgusting!

Community Photo Blog

2010-04-05T21:26:00.000-07:00

Check out my new community photo blog.
If you would like to join the community and add your photos, just fill out the request form at the sight.


Clicking the picture takes you to Attention, Affection, and Appreciation