Community Based Services part 1

Community Based Services is an organization that basically adopts an area of your neighborhood and is run by the citizens. Tim and Evan volunteered to help. (It didn't hurt that Tim needed 4 hours community service time for his Environmental Science Class). Today was the big once a year clean out your garages and houses and bring it down to the Elementary school where the city has multiple dumpsters and recycling containers set up. Here Tim is finding out what his "job" will be.


Alright! Official position...checking in neighbors,
making sure they live within the limits, telling them which direction to go and giving them re-usable grocery shopping bags. AKA-Clipboard Man!

"I'm going to need to see your ID Ma'am. Looks good. Here's your bags. I'll let you off with a warning this time." :o)

Whew...time for a much deserved Krispy Kreme break.



Yummmm-O.

Laughin' it up with all the lovely ladies of our neighborhood.

This is such a great thing to be involved in. We have garbage cans on the corners of our streets, signs letting people know to slow down, a great rapport with city officials and the police department. We can even volunteer to sit at a corner with a radar gun and report speeders. FUN! Tacoma gets a bad rap...not from us-we love our city!

CBS part 2

This little old lady, probably in her 70's, walked with her cane-pushing a lawnmower with tires stacked on top of it to drop off for the dump (bless her heart!). Evan saw her coming and ran to help her.
Because it wouldn't be cool to have a real smile for a picture when you're a teenager would it?

We're proud of you Evan! Way to take pride in your community!!!

Uncle Dan is home!

After over 2 weeks in ICU and therapy @ Good Sam's Hospital he is finally home. He said he's glad to be home and he is eager to start doing his routine daily activities on his own. I'm so happy. Pleased as punch, one might say. I love you Uncle Dan!!!

Now, let's keep everyone out of the hospital for a while :o)

Favorite part of the Spring garden

6 or so years ago Tim's dad gave me 3 bare root flowering currant trees and one lived. Thank goodness it did!












Now the hummingbirds have an early treat and we get to watch these little winged wonders do their thing.


So after driving down our ugly alley we get to pull into our parking spot and see this beautiful tree.

Say a little prayer

I went to the doctor yesterday...long story short, I am going back to St. Joe's for another surgery today. Insert sad face here. I have a tear that needs to be repaired. A muscle cramped during the 1st surgery and as I am healing it is trying to relax and can't on it's own so it tore.

Just an update. I can't wait to not hurt anymore. That will be a happy day!

My little brother

Baby Kyler, Michelle & Kristopher

I don't think I could be any prouder of the life my brother, Kris, has made for himself. A beautiful wife, a healthy baby, their own home and a totally awesome big sister. Way to go, bro!

Pretty pink princess & a parade

Grandpa, Daddy and

Lila Grace at their yearly
tradition-

The Daffodil Parade 2008










What a beautiful day !


Hi to everyone that passes by.

Post-op news

I went to the doctor Friday. He basically told me I was crazy for thinking I could go back to work in 2 weeks. I found out that my operation was much more complex than anticipated and that basically my insides were "unrecognizable" (his words). Apparently my last surgery left me with adhesions and scar tissue on top of scar tissue. So, the doctor did his thing and an hour and 1/2 long surgery turned into 3 hours and I wondered why I'm so sore? I get a new medicine tomorrow to help me with pain and sleep. I'm looking forward to sleep. Who knew certain pain pills can cause hyperactivity of your brain? I do now! So, 2 more weeks of "resting". I'm not a fan. Are you watching any cool shows on TV? Tell me what they are. Or maybe a great book that you can't put down...help me!

Slow and steady wins the race

I've been home for 4 days now from my surgery. I wish I could say it has been peaceful and pain free. The one great thing we're not lacking is help. Help with meals, watching Lila, http://miller-trek.blogspot.com/ , check the link when you're done here. Tim has been my knight in shining armor. No matter what I've needed there he is. I've only rang my little bell 3 times for assistance. Today is the 1st that I can move and I don't feel like my belly is ripping open. HOORAY!

The first full day I was home I got a phone call from the fire dept. telling me they found my phone # in Dan's wallet. Dan is my uncle he is 52 years old. He had suffered a stroke while driving from his home and they couldn't get a hold of any one but me. So after many phone calls and prayers I was able to get my Aunt Annmarie & Uncle Pat from Puyallup to Tacoma General to take care of everything. This was very difficult for me not being able to hop in the car and head straight there. As of today, my Uncle is in ICU with a blocked carotid artery in his neck that we are all praying does not bleed into his brain. I did talk to him yesterday and he was not the same guy I know. I'm scared for him...he has always been my father figure. I wish I was with him. I know my and your prayers are! The picture is Uncle Pat & Uncle Dan with me when I was 2 yrs. old (1976)