Sentimental Reminiscing

3:00 AM and I’m wide awake. Having fell asleep earlier in the evening, one episode of cat versus kitten bickering and here I am.

I sat out on the back patio, just listening to the rain fall gently and smelling the freshness in the air. Some blessings do come in the middle of a dark night, alone, with everyone sleeping.

That, and I don’t think I’ve recuperated from the sleep schedule kept while in Vegas. A special time I know I will remember always.

Paul and I met my Dad in Vegas, to surprise my brother and nephew who were there to be part of a convention. Gregory, my nephew received the opportunity to do demonstrations on a “vert” ramp with his skateboard, throughout the three day convention. Watching him work his magic on his skateboard was nothing short of amazing! What those kids can do seems impossible. I was very proud of him!
When we surprised them at their hotel.

The time spent with my father and my brother is precious to me as well. We laughed, we played, and yes we did some drinking. In the end, the three of us came away with new matching tats. administered after a few drinks.  (Although I still assessed their sterile techniques and made sure they met with osha regulations as far as any chance for cross contamination.) Always the germ freak.

Paul and I went to Vegas two days prior to my family members arriving and were able to go see the show, Zumanity. Which I highly recommend to those over the age of 21. Part of the Cirque du soleil shows, the acrobatics and dancing were phenominal, although done in very few articles of clothing. Very engaging, funny and sexy.

We hit the Tournament of Kings show at the Excaliber with Gregory and his buddy who was part of the Convention Pro Riders demo. We all enjoyed it, although I kept having flahsbacks to Cable Guy and the Tournament of Kings in that movie. (I loved that silly dark comedy)

I’m just thrilled with the memories we were able to make with my nephew, brother and Dad. I’ll cherish those fun, amazing and laughter filled days always.

And still I’m no closer to sleep. I’m off to see if the blessings are still on my patio. Doesn’t look like I’ll be going back to bed tonight.

Love,

Teri

Is getting married! My baby boy will be marrying a lovely young lady on March 9th. They have asked me to take the photos of their wedding and reception. So if anyone out there is reading this, I need PRAYER and a miracle. Seriously. I will give it my very, very best, but I know when I’m out of my league. I’m out of my league. The rest is in God’s hands.
My baby then

And Now…

I pray God blesses their union with health, wealth and happiness. (Not necessarily in that order)

Love,

3T

Oh Holy Night!

Oh holy night!
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear saviors birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appeard and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by his cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the wise men from orient land
The king of kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend.

Truly he taught us to love one another
His law is love and his gospel is peace
Chains shall he break for the slave is our brother
And in his name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise his holy name.

Since my beautiful daughter Tayler taught me how to put a YouTube video/music on my blog, I decided to share what I consider to be THE voice of Christmas music with my favorite Christmas song.

For me, growing up and decorating for Christmas went hand-in-hand with the Johnny Mathis Christmas album. I’ve seen that same album in the form of record, 8-track, cassette and now CD. (Don’t quote me on the 8-track, I could be wrong on that mode of delivery)

The sound of his perfect voice singing Oh Holy Night never fails to put me in the Christmas spirit. My parents raised me and my siblings with this music, and I’ve raised my kids with Johnny Mathis at Christmas.

Growing up during the Christmas Holidays, I have the best memories of my family enjoying the Holiday to the sounds of Johnny Mathis singing. His voice transforms me back to the childhood innocence and anticipation of this very special time. I know my kids now associate this particular album with decorating for the Holidays as well.

I wish each of you a Merry Christmas, however you choose to spend it. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year 2008!

Make memories to cherish always.

Love,

3T

This is one of those days when I wish I could fly out to Washington, and spend the day with you! I want you to know that I consider you to be a wonderful father, and one of my dearest friends! I spent a good part of today working with scanning old photos, and uploading them into a set named Memory Lane. This was in honor of your Birthday, Dad.

Looking back through time brought warm smiles and a few tears, as I remember all of us as a family, together in the same house, and the same state. I know we cannot turn back time, but having these photos, locks me in those moments so many years ago. It was a sentimental journey I enjoyed, and I hope you will too. This set is dedicated to you, this special day. I love you Dad! And I treasure our phone calls and our visits, when we go to Washington, or when you come here to Arizona.

I’m counting the days until we hop a flight this April. Until then I send great big hugs, lots of love and many, many prayers your way.

Love you,

Teri

Dad-Approximately 30 years ago.
Dad - Now

Mom & Dad - Then
Mom & Dad - Now

I love you Dad! And I hope you have a wonderful Birthday week!

Teri

Bob the Busdriver modeled for the Intercity Transit 2004 Guide. This copy autographed for my daughter Tayler.

Meet Bob the Busdriver ( aka my Dad ), who, after retiring from Teamsters after 20-some-odd years and taking a brief break from the work world, returned reincarnated as an Intercity Transit busdriver. After working 12 to 15 hours a day driving and delivering different goods, (based on his employer at the time) driving a bus was something he enjoyed. He didn’t quite view it as “work” as far as what he was used to in the past.

Meeting the many and varied personalities riding the bus is another aspect of his job that he has grown to love. Many of his “regulars” will greet him with a hug and/or a friendly smile and small talk.

On his bus with Tayler & Riley, a couple of years ago.

Having ridden an Intercity Transit bus during my teenage years, let me say there are a wide variety of personalities who drop their coins in the slot. From teenagers and suits heading to work, to the disabled and others living on a fixed income, they come from all walks of life. A point and contrast Bob the Busdriver enjoys and has grown to love in his job.


Let me introduce you to Beverly and Barbara, two of Bob’s favorite patrons. Beverly and Barbara were twins separated at birth, both with mild Downs Syndrome. Later in life, they were reunited and now live together with the aid of a social worker and assisted living personnel.

Beverly and Barbara LOVE to ride the bus! To the Salvation Army, or Goodwill, for a shopping trip, and then on to one of their favorite churches that serve meals to the poor for dining out. (They especially like the church if the meal of the day is FISH.)

Beverly and Barbara have none of the social etiquette and/or hang-ups that most of us live with on a daily basis. Much like any 10-year-old (although they are in their 50’s), they are happy in the simple things that life brings their way.

Each day brings them a new conversation with Bob the Bus Driver, and any other patrons willing to chat. One day it was, “Hey BOB, look at my new shirt! It has kitties on it!’ Bob, being the good natured and loving soul he is, remarked at how pretty both ladies looked today, and asked where they found such nice shirts. The reply was happy and good-natured as she said what a great deal she got at the Salvation Army!

“It was FREE, can you believe that?!”
Bob replied, “What a heck of a good deal that was!” Causing all around them to smile at the complete and happy innocence that Barbara and Beverly possessed.

Barbara and Beverly have that affect on a good many of Bob’s patrons. They always manage to bring fond smiles to the faces of their fellow riders.

One particular gloomy, dreary overcast morning in Olympia (Olympia is mainly made up of dreary, overcast clouds and rain), Beverly entered the bus sans Barbara. She immediately began the happy chatter that is part of Beverly and Barbara’s bus drive routine. Big smiles and a loud and happy, “Good morning BOB!” Ya think its gonna rain today?” One look out the window showed dark forboding clouds ready to burst at any moment. Bob replied, “I dunno Beverly, it sure is lookin’ that way!”

This particular morning had a suited up gentleman sitting nearby, listening to the conversation between Bob the busdriver and Beverly happily chattering on. With the mention of rain, the suit decided to teach Beverly about barometric pressure and build-up and how rain clouds form and release condensation. On and on this gentleman pontificated about the weather and cloud formation.

Beverly, with a curious look on her face, stared at the gentleman without blinking an eye or uttering a sound. Waiting patiently, admittedly with a little fidgeting one might see in a grade school child listening to a particularly boring morning lesson. But Beverly was polite and waited for her teaching benefactor to end his dissertation on weather. At long last (and with a satisfied charitable grin), he finished with, “Yes Beverly, I think we will definitely see rain and very soon! As the gentleman settled back, with a happy smile, Beverly gave him one more blank stare, and turned to Bob.

Without missing a beat, and with an excited grin, she said, “BOB! Did you know I have butterflies on MY socks?!” With that, Bob the Busdriver, smothering his laughter, asked where she found socks that actually had butterflies on them! Her excited and satisfied reply, “I had to hunt, but I found them at Goodwill!”
Bob the Busdriver did his best to not look in the direction of the suit, as each time he did, he couldn’t stifle the laughter.

Another time, Bob the Busdriver asked Beverly and Barbara an eye-opening question. He commented on how happy the twins were each and every day, and how much he admired and enjoyed seeing them. He then asked them if they ever had arguments or fights. Both women responded with shocked dismay, asking Bob the busdriver, “Why would we fight? We LOVE each other!”

I’m not sure completely WHY, but I have this strong urge to go hunting for socks with butterflies on them.

The New Year has started; thus ends another Holiday Season jam packed with activity and chaos, and now I’m up with insomnia in anticipation. The kids go back to school tomorrow morning, the hubby to work, and I can reclaim my quiet time. I’m so excited I can’t sleep! There’s something to be said for routine, especially when there’s a lack of it for a spell.

Kevin always takes the week after Christmas off from work, and we have our reconnect time during that week. A celebration of our anniversary a week early.

By the time I have this posted it will be our 4th wedding anniversary. Although the world and our daily lives don’t come to a halt on the actual anniversary, it is a day I know we both celebrate all year long.

I thank God daily for bringing my husband into my and my children’s lives. I truly never believed I would ever share the kind of love and companionship that I have with him. After two failed marriages, and various failed relationships, it was a pipe dream I had given up hope of ever finding. I never forget that feeling, and always treasure our time together.  (You may skip this post if too much ooey-gooey feelings are not your thang)

In celebration of our Anniversary, I put together a list of why I adore my husband.

1. He is an affectionate husband, who never fails to tell me he loves me; many times each day.

2. He cooks. Well. And often.

3. He consciously strives for my happiness. Even though he knows he is not responsible for my happiness, I love that he puts the effort into it.

4. He is wise. He is also intelligent, and knows that intelligence and wisdom are two very different attributes, both of which he has in spades.

5. He is attentive and caring; with me and the kids.

6. He really listens to me when we talk.

7. He is loyal and faithful, to me and our marriage.

8. He is sexy and handsome.

9. He makes me feel beautiful, even when I look like something the cat dragged into the house.

10. He is honest.

11. He is strong. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

12. He is disciplined, and is a hard worker, always striving for perfection.

13. He is ambitious. (Which is damn sexy to me. I’m not sure why, it just is.)

14. He values my opinions and seeks my advice.

15. He makes me feel needed and important.

16. He makes the effort daily for us to connect and talk, without interruptions, TV’s, kids or phones.

17. He shares my dedication to getting away, just the two of us, on a fairly regular basis.

18. He knows how to play and just have fun.

19. He is funny and has a sarcastic edge to his humor that I love.

20. He loves me completely.

Only a few of the many reasons, but some of why I love this man with everything in me. He is my lover, best friend and confidante. I treasure each and every day with him, even the not-so-terrific-days. 

And I want him to know I love him more every passing day. Happy anniversary “Kevin.”

Love,

Teri

Oh Holy Night

Oh holy night!!

The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees

Oh hear the angel voices

Oh night divine

Oh night when Christ was born

Oh night divine

Oh night divine

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming

Here come the wise men from Orient land

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger

In all our trials born to be our friend.

Truly He taught us to love one another

His law is love and His gospel is peace

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother

And in His name all oppression shall cease

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name.

Merry Christmas, and God Bless you and yours this Blessed of Holidays.

Love,

3T