Making Memories with the Haugens on 5-31-2014

On Friday, May 31 and June 1.  I got to watch the Haugens.  Chris took Vena out on a date night.  He appreciates her and wanted to do something special for her.   What a nice hubby!

I got to meet the new puppy, Diesel.   He is so cute and cuddly!

I spent the night and Vena left early in the morning as she had a meeting to go to.   Had a great time with Aleah, Eli and Ethan.  Ethan and I went on a nice walk in the neighborhood and took Daisy with us.   She is so cute.  I also took them to my house and we had lunch at our home.   Then went to the Ashford Park.  The boys loved playing at the ponds looking for tadpoles.    We drove back to the Haugen home and made dinner.   Chris came home from work and had dinner.   We chatted, then I went home.  Love that little family.

Aleah and Eli at the Ashford Park

Aleah, Eli and Ethan looking for tadpoles

Buster, Polly, Aleah, Daisy and Grandpa

On the Nisqually Levy, Eli, Ethan, Aleah and Daisy

Aleah and Grandma

Beautiful day on the levy.  Did some rock throwing into the river.

Lots of fun!

Yummy ice cream at Whittakers!

Cute picture of Aleah, Eli and Ethan.

Ethan and a little bear.

My 69th Birthday and Attempted Summit on Mt. St. Helens

Wow, 69 years old!  I feel thankful for all of the years the Lord has given me, especially for all of my children, grandchildren, great grandchild, family and friends He has blessed me with. 

Today I am celebrating it alone at the Lone Fir Resort in Cougar. Boo Hoo! (good name) ha!  Yes, I was planning a mountain top summit today on Mt. St. Helens in celebration of my 69^th birthday.   I worked so hard to prepare for this summit.   I even did a 12 mile hike last week and felt great!  A couple days ago, Wednesday morning, I bent down to take my sock off and heard a pop and realized I pulled a back muscle.  It was very painful and I could hardly walk.   I loaded up on Ibuprofen and spread Deep Blue oil on my back.  It all helped but still painful when I walked.

 We already had purchased our climbing permits and had reservations at the Lone Fir, so Ted and I drove our truck and 5^th wheel trailer down to Cougar Thursday afternoon, hoping I would be better on Friday, but no.   The thought of climbing 12 hard miles round-trip was not going to happen.  My friend, Liz, met us here at Cougar.   I thought I would at least try.   We got up at 4:00 a.m., left a little after 5:00 a.m. and hit the trail.  What a beautiful, sunny day!   After two miles I was ready to turn back.  I told Ted and Liz to summit for me.   It was hard seeing them go, but happy knowing they will hopefully make it.  Liz had her vehicle, so she would take Ted back and I drove our   truck back to the trailer.

 As I was hiking back, I met lots of climbers on the trail.    I said hello to a couple young guys and they asked if I had summated.   I said no, because of my back.   They said they were sorry to hear that.  They asked if there was water up ahead (like a creek) and I said I was sure there was and if they needed any.   They said yes.   So I gave them my unopened water bottles and they were soooo appreciative!  It made my day.   Off they went!   It amazes me how unprepared many young climbers are.   I am feeling better after putting some ice on my lower back and continued Ibuprofen and Deep Blue.   So looking forward to Ted and Liz summating, now that would be a great birthday gift!

Me and Ted

Liz, me and Ted at Marble Mount parking lot.

Ted and Liz at two mile mark.

Liz and Ted heading for the summit!!!

Worm Flows Climbing Route.  What a name!

Avalanche  Lilies on the trail.

View of Mt. St. Helens from the road.

Mother's Day 5-11-14

I had an amazing Mother's Day.   We decided to attend our new church in South Hill.  It was a beautiful sunny day, finally, after days of rain, the sun was most welcomed.  When we got to the church, it was pretty crowded.   I found a couple seats in the back of the church.   It got crowded fast.   There were two empty seats next to us and the usher, showed a couple the seats next to us.   As they passed us, I was soooo surprised!   They were friends we had not seen in years!  Pat and Diane O'Roark.   It was so great to see them.   We gave one another big hugs.   The service started so we could not talk to one another.

The service was great.   Pastor Archer shared the story of Moses' mother and what she must have gone through when Moses was born and the king ordering all children under two be killed.    But she managed to have him saved when the princess took him as her own.

Two touching videos were also shown that spoke about the value of motherhood.

After the service, we spoke with Pat and Diane and drove over to the Volcano coffee place next to Wal-Mart.  It was great visiting with them.  They live in Arizona in the winter and come out here in the spring.  We invited them over for lunch/dinner this month.

After our visit, Ted and I drove to Lowes.  I was looking for an orange Azalea.  I bought a small, scraney one.  It was cute!    After Lowes, we drove to Chili Thai for lunch.   My co-worker, Stephanie, whom I worked with at Pierce County and her husband, Tommy own it.  We had a wonderful meal and Stephanie came over and spoke with us.

After lunch, we drove to Fred Myers for some grocery shopping.  Then to Walgrens, then to Chris and Vena's.   Wanted to give her a Mother's Day card.   They gave me a beautiful card and a membership to Do Terra so I can purchase the products and a coffee cup that says Mom, maker of memories.  Loved it!   Chris was painting his septic truck.  Vena was not feeling well and was napping.    I got lots of loves and hugs from Chris and the kids!  Good stop!  ha!

When we got up, we got the dogs ready for their walk to the Ashford Park.   Of course, Polly and Buster were soooo excited!   They opened lots of doggie mail.  Then two ladies came toward us and recognized me from jury duty.  She was with her daughter.  It was nice talking to them, but surprising to me that she recognized me since I have been retired, 6 1/2 years!    Wow!

We came home and fed the doggies and ate left overs from Chili Thai.  Denny left me a Mother's Day message and got an e-mail from Kristina. and message from Missy.  Had an amazing Mother's Day!!!