MJ Basketball Game 4 ~ 21 - 18

YEAH!! The cougars won their first game.. 21 to 18. They did a great job and were matched perfectly both in size and in skill. It was great to see the boys be excited again about basketball. MJ has been sick this week and I was surprised that he did so well. He was good at getting the rebounds and blocking the shots. You could tell he wasn't up to par the last half of the game but he stuck with it. Great Job MJ!!

COFFEE FILTERS: Not just for making coffee....

OK This is one of thoes forwards that I thought I would share. Great Idea.

1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave.
Coffee filters make excellent covers.
2. Clean windows and mirrors. Coffee filters are
lint-free so they'll leave windows sparkling.
3. Protect China Separate your good dishes by putting a
coffee filter between each dish.
4. Filter broken cork from wine. If you break the cork
when opening a wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter.
5. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in
the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.
6. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter.
7. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a
sieve lined with a coffee filter.
8. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a
coffee filter on a kitchen scale.
9. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers
for messy foods.
10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line
a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the
drainage holes.
11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two
holes as needed in a coffee filter.
12. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows?
Use strips of coffee filters.
13. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French
fries, chicken fingers, etc on them. Soaks out all the grease.
14. Keep in the bathroom. They make great "razor
nick fixers."

Coffee filters ...who knew! And you can buy 1,000 at
the Dollar Tree for a buck.

Daddy Daughter bonding

Last night Angela and Mark had a daddy daughter night at Mutual. They had so much fun getting to know each other better. They played a few games and Mark had to do Angies hair and nails. They were the first to finish. Then Mark had to answer questions to see how well he knew Angela. He got 1 answer right. They came home and asked me the questions and I only got 1 right. Here is the list of questions and answers about Angela:
What is your favorite TV Show? What not to wear
If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would it be? Hawaii
What is your favorite food? Spinach
If you had 2 hours of free time, what would you want to do? Play the Piano
What is your favorite music group/artist? Mutemath
Who is your favorite Disney character? Cinderella
If you could have one wish, what would it be? I would wish for a lizard.
What is your favorite subject in school? Seminary & Science.
I would have never guessed. We are so lucky to have Angela in our home. She is a doll. I can't tell you enough how much we love her and the spirit she brings into a room is enlightening. She is always trying her hardest at what ever she does and as she tries new things she is finding joy in her journey. She smiles alot and knows how to have fun. Love you Ange!!

MJ Basketball Game 3 - 16 - 38

The team took another lose on Saturday. I missed most of the game but watched the 4th qtr. they did a great job. We have a player that always has the ball and makes off the wall shots. One player didn't show because hes ashamed of his team but showed up late and the coach let him play. I would have sat him on the bench the whole game. But I take the game a little too serious I guess. MJ is learning what a team is and that good. They all do a pretty good job and they are getting better. Final score us 16 them 38

A Dr. Laura moment..

Tis the season..

Tis the season to play basketball. Emily and Angela played their first young womens church basketball game tonight. They did a great job. Reminds me of the day.. Fun to watch. Final score. Candy Mountian Ward 22 Crestview ward 16.. Great job girls!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“High on the wall, in the castle of your dreams of success, hangs the picture of what you want to be. Always keep that picture hanging there. See yourself where you intend to be. Night and day dream of what you intend to be, for your dreams interpret your intentions always. All successes are, at first dreams.” Fred Van Amburgh

I thought I would share this inspiring message. Dare to Dream !!!

MJ Basketball Game 2 ~ 18 - 38

Another fun game to watch. All the boys did much better this time with defense and blocking the shot. Markie again made the first 2 points and dribbled the ball to the other end and made the shot. He is really good. I love to watch his excitement when he plays. He was one of the top scorers in the game and Mark said he was the best defensive player on the team. Both games its been good that he has been man on man against someone who is much bigger than he is. It will make him a better player. He does a great job in blocking these bigger more aggressive players, In fact when he does they can't shot the ball and ends up having to pass it. It will be fun to watch him grow into a better player as time goes on. Next game Saturday, Jan 24th..

Thank You Mark

Mark, I know I am not always the easiest person to live with and we have our up's and downs. But I really am the luckiest person in the world to have you. Life has its times where we look forward to spending every moment together to absolutely not wanting to be around that person because they irritate the heck out of you. We seem to have alot of those days lately and I'm sorry for being distant. I Love you! I really do. I am really just trying to focus on myself this year that I forget to focus on you too. Hang in there with me, hopefully I'll be a new person by the time were through. Thank you for the beautiful roses and putting a smile in my heart.

Quote for today

A customer sent this to me in one of those pass along emails. I found it inspiring so I thought I would share:

St. Theresa's Prayer:

'May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where
you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that
are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you
have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be
content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into
your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and
love. It is there for each and every one of us.'

MJ Basketball Game 1 ~ 14 - 32

MJ is playing Basketball through Richland Parks and Rec. This is his first year playing and dad is helping as assistant coach. MJ's team is made up of mostly 4th & 5th graders. They play 9 different schools within the district and there a total of approximatly 50 teams of K-5 and both boys and girls teams.
Its fun to watch these kids learn to play . We have a very little team. MJ being the tallest. The team we played Saturday was big. Since they play man on man and MJ is the biggest kid on the team they will put him with the biggest kid from the other team to guard. To give you an idea this kid was about 2 times MJ's size and about a foot and a half taller. There were about 3 or 4 large kids on the team. They scored 6 points right off the bat and then MJ got the ball, dribbled it all the way down to the otherend of the court and made a layup. I was amazed. I knew he loved basketball and has takes his ball to school with him almost everyday but I didn't realize how good he has gotten. MJ scored the first 2 points. YEAH MJ!!!!! And then I about lost it watching the rest of the game. The other team kept triple teaming our little guys and, We have a good coach but not as aggressive as I would like and didn't point this out the fact to the refs. Me on the other hand was calling it out left and right. I was about ready to jump over there and take over. I had to remind myself they are learning this isn't school ball.. All in fun. Final score us 14 - them 32.

Our Christmas Vacation

Its been a while so excuse me if I ramble....
December 24th, Christmas Eve ~ Today is the start of our Christmas vacation. We left on time, amazingly enough, by 11:00am. With all the big snow storms we have been having, I being the paranoid passenger insisted we stop and find chains, I-84 had just opened the day before and was uncertain about the conditions. We did hit a pretty good patch of ice and before the truck slipped off the Highway Mark used his special powers and put it in 4 wheel drive. We arrived safety over the river and through the woods at grandmothers house and took a nice winters nap.

December 25th, Christmas Day ~ This has to be one of the best Christmases for me. Today we woke up about 4:00am and went to the homeless shelter in Albany, Oregon. It amazes that year after year this is what the kids love to do on Christmas Morning. They have learned the true meaning of Christmas and it isn't the presents (although they still think their pretty great) its about what we can give to others who have less than us. To celebrate Christmas serving others as Christ served. As I watched the kids prepare breakfast my heart was filled with Joy. Now that the kids are getting older they all had an items that they served. Grandpa Widing serves the syrup, oranges, candy canes, and milk/juice in the cafeteria where the kids are not allowed. Mark and I worked where needed. Every year we are getting quicker at preparing breakfast and the homeless are always soo thankful to have a hot meal.
Afterwards, Pastor Bailey gave us a tour of the newly finished family housing units. It was nice to see that there is a safe place for people to go if they need to and a much better facility than the broken down building they were in before. I am thankful for all my blessing, which are abundant.

December 26th ~ This morning we went to visit Aunt Lori, Uncle Mike, Aunt Kim & Uncle Aaron. We didn't get to stay too long because we also went to see "Bedtime Stories" with Grandma and Grandpa Widing. After the movie we went out to Sharies for some Hot Cocoa. It was nice to see all of them.

December 27th ~ Spent the morning getting ready for the "Big Ski Trip". Laundry packed and everything sorted for that stop on the way back through town. Mark & MJ went to Uncle Aarons and Aunt Kimmies to help plumb for the new dishwasher and disposal they got for Christmas. the girls and I visited for a short while before we went back up to Portland for the get together with Marks buddies at Ron and Lenas. His friends are doing great and we even got to see Randy this year. Its always fun to reminisce about "the good-old-days".

December 28th ~ Up to the mountain we go. We made great timing. The roads were clear from the warm-up and the rain. We decided to stop by Hoodoo to see what the snow was like. We were shocked to see the parking lot as a big lake. I have to admit we were all pretty worried about our ski trip and thought it might be a wasted time. We headed off to the Condo that we rented. It was sooo nice.

December 29th ~ Woke up to about 8" of snow in Sisters and about 18" of new snow at Hoodoo. We were ready to go. The kids took snowboarding lessons and the teacher find tuned their snowboards that they got for Christmas. We love the Snow!!! Unfortunately it was windy and they closed the lifts at 4:00.

December 30th ~ This was the most perfect day to ski. Hoodoo rated ot a 9. The slopes were groomed, the sky was blue and temperature was great. It was warm enough that a light jacket would have been warm enough. This was our long day on the mountain. I braved a private lesson and took the Manzinita up and took on the Over-easy trail. I thought I was well prepared but my confidence was shattered. I have not been cutting enough on my pizza but keeping it flat (that of course was so I could go faster on the beginner slope). So my teacher said to practice on the cutting and then maybe another lesson the following day. I have to admit I am getting a little bord with the kiddy slope. The kids do great. They go up with Mark and for the harder slopes. By the time night skiing came around the kids were getting a little daring I was getting a little tired and feeling some muscles I havent felt before. FUN!!

December 31st, New Years Eve ~ I didn't want to getup and go too early since we were planning another long day. Unfortunately, we should have. It was a blistery day only rated a 4. I was too sore to ski but was willing to go then Mark thought we should go. He was having a hard time. So if I knew he was having a hard time it must be pretty bad, he'll ski through almost anything.
We headed to the Condo for snacks. I was glad we didn't make it a long day. We were all pooped. Grandma Barkley bought a surprise hats and noise makers. Mark and I insisted we celebrate early (9:00pm) We are such party poopers. MJ, Emily and Grandma stayed up past midnight ~ those party animals!!

January 1st, 2009 ~ Happy New Year!!! ~ Woke up to strong winds so we headed out as quickly as we could. The wind, rain and warmth brought lots of water on the roads But we made it over the river and through the woods to Grandmothers house again. We Loaded quickly and off to go home. Luckily the roads were clear with ice and snow but not with water.

January 2nd ~ Today, took some pictures of the kids by the tree. I can't wait to see how they turned out. We went to see a movie Valkyrie. We all liked it and put a new perspective on the Germans. Not all of them wanted to follow Hitler.

January 3rd & 4th ~ 2 Lazy Days. I took my Christmas tree down and put all the Christmas stuff away till next year. Sunday went to chruch and bore my Testimony for the first time in a very long time. I wanted my kids to know that I do believe in the Savior Jesus Christ and that I was proud of them for giving of their time on Christmas. I look forward to more service this year and hope it will be a good year for all.

January 5th ~ Finished Cleaning house.

January 6th ~ Went back to work, YEAH!! Its only taken me 2 days to get caught up.

I am excited for the new year and look forward to settling into the house, we still have alot of work to do. The landscaping is our main project this year. I have some great ideas.

Hope everyone had a great Holiday Season!!

Kaleidoscope in Motion...A Holiday Spectacular....

Saturday, December 20th, Emily had a big performance at the Toyota Center in front of about 2000 people. It featured several of the area groups such as, The Mid-Columbia Ballet, Tri-Cities US Figure skating club, Tri-Cities Amature Hockey Association - USA Hockey Assoc Skills Development program, Miss Tri-Cities & AnDaire Acadamy of Irish dancing. Each group performed several festive performances. Tt was fun to see all the different skills and ages perform. Emily loves Irish Dancing ALOT!! We are blessed to have so many prograns available in the Tri-Cities. A great place for kids!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

We will be out for the week so no blogs for a while.
We wish every one a very Merry Christmas and a safe New Year.
Love you all lots!!

Lord of the Dance

Months back Emilys Irish Dance group bought a bunch of tickets for their Irish Dancing group to go watch "Lord of the Dance" that features Irish dancing. Last night was the performance. It was amazing! While the troupe no longer features Michael Flatley they had an impressive performance. Just ask Steph.
A few things I learned is that the "Lord of the Dance" is based on ancient Irish Folklore. The story follows the character "Lord of the Dance" and his fight against the evil dark lord from taking over Planet Ireland. The "Lord of the Dance" defeats the dark lord's invasion with help from a little spirit. There is also a story with a "love vs lust" theme expressed through dance throughout the show. "Saoirse, the Irish Cailín" fights for the love of the "Lord of the Dance" against the wicked "Morrighan, the Temptress".
From the moment the lights went out and the energy began, and we were captured by the magical beauty of the Irish. The dancing, singing, music, including the violin solos was absolutely amazing. Its no wonder why its " The worlds greatest dance show" ever! Thanks Girls for a fun night out!

Christmas Tag..

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I love Wrapped gifts, they look great under the tree.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Real tre a must, Nobel Fir
3. When do you put up the tree? Usually the 1st or 2nd week in December
4. When do you take the tree down? The week after New years
5. Do you like eggnog? YUCK!!!!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Dont remember one.
7. Hardest person to buy for? I dont buy if its that hard.
8. Easiest person/people to buy for? Kids
9. Do you have a nativity set? Yes
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, Email is so impersonal.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Don't have one.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I love all Christmas movies especially the classics.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Dont
14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Sweets
15. Lights on the tree? Lots and Lots of lights with Snow
16. Favorite Christmas song? Love them all..
17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I'd love to stay at home but we travel fro the last couple years. The Kids love to feed the homeless on Christmas morning
18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Sure Can.
19. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Cant open them on Christmas eve cause Santa doesn't come till the morning.
20. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Too Commercialized. People forget the eal meaning of Christmas.
21. Favorite ornament theme or color? Dont have one. Its what the kids have made over the years and what ornament last from the previous year.
22. What do you want for Christmas this year? A safe and fun Ski Vacation with lots of snow and lots of fun.

Driving in Snow

Tips from Chucks page... Hoodoo.com

1) When driving in snow have on good tires, preferably snow tires possibly with studs. Carry chains, even if you don’t need them, it is the law.
2) Always drive in control. This means stay at a speed that is reasonable. Stay under 45 MPH. That gives more reaction time if some other knucklehead does something stupid.
3) Don’t let the guy behind you push you into going faster. If he or she (although normally it would be a he) starts to ride your bumper, pull over as soon as it is safe and let him pass. He is probably being stupid, but remember the safe speed for you in your car might not be the same for him in his car.
4) Keep your distance from the car in front of you and only pass where you are sure it is safe.
5) Make sure your windshield and mirrors are clear. It is a good idea to let your vehicle run for a bit before leaving.
6) Unfortunately, our biggest problem is the other guy.
7) If your are going to drive make sure you have plenty of food and clothing to keep warm just in case.
Driving in the snow is really pretty easy when you obey the most important rules, good tires and slow speed. Drive defensively and give yourself plenty of time.

The Snow is Coming, The Snow is coming!!

I have to tell everyone how excited I am that the big Blizzard is coming to the great North West this weekend. This Christmas we have decided to opt out on presents and have planned a Christmas Ski/Snowboard Vacation instead. YEAH!!!!! Kids have been extremely excited. We have had one problem, No Snow. The Ski Season should have opened right after Thanksgiving and is still not opened and now they are hoping that they will open December 19th. Well Emily Looks like our snow dance has finally paid off. They should have no problem opening this week now ~ We are gonna have a blizzard in the Mountain's!!
It also looks like we will have snow starting here at our place too. I love waking up to freshly fallen snow and cool crisp air to walk in at night, its so peaceful.
Have a great weekend, Stay warm and Drive Safe..

Man loses everything Prays for Pilot

I wanted to share this story with you. Although it is only parts and pieces of what I felt was the importand parts to share. I am touched by this man who has just lost everything and can find it in his heart to forgive this pilot and even prays for him so he does not suffer. Another reminder if the true meaning of Christmas. Its not in the gifts that we buy in a store but the gifts we give from our heart.

SAN DIEGO, California (CNN) -- A Korean immigrant who lost his wife, two children and mother-in-law when a Marine Corps jet slammed into the family's house said Tuesday he did not blame the pilot, who ejected and survived.

"Please pray for him not to suffer from this accident," a distraught Dong Yun Yoon told reporters gathered near the site of Monday's crash of an F/A-18D jet in San Diego's University City community. "He is one of our treasures for the country," Yoon said in accented English punctuated by long pauses while he tried to maintain his composure. "I don't blame him. I don't have any hard feelings. I know he did everything he could," said Yoon, flanked by members of San Diego's Korean community, relatives and members from the family's church.

Yoon named the victims as his infant daughter Rachel, who was born less than two months ago; his 15-month-old daughter Grace; his wife, Young Mi Yoon, 36; and her 60-year-old mother, Suk Im Kim, who he said had come to the United States from Korea recently to help take care of the children. Fighting back tears, he said of his daughters: "I cannot believe that they are not here right now." "I know there are many people who have experienced more terrible things," Yoon said. "But, please, tell me how to do it. I don't know what to do."

Yoon's minister, Daniel Shin, told reporters the Yoon family had moved into the house a little more than a month ago. He said Yoon came to the United States in 1989 and had since become a naturalized citizen. Yoon works as manager of "a variety store -- a store where they sell a variety of things," Shin said.

Yoon's wife came to the United States about four years ago, Shin said. Yoon spoke softly when he talked about his wife. "It was God's blessing that I met her about four years ago. She was a lovely wife and mother," he said. His voice fading, he added: "She loves me and babies. I just miss her so much."

Emily

Today was Emily's first day in Young Women's and I had the privilege of introducing her to all the girls. This is what a proud mother has to say about her daughter:

Today I have the opportunity to introduce you to someone very special to me. This is Emily and she just turned 12. her favorite food is lasagna. Let me tell you a little about Emily. She is in the 6th grade at Enterprise middle school where she is Explorers " student of the month". She is smart and loves to read books. I asked her about how many books she's read and its probably hundreds. Emily loves to sing and is learning to play 3 instruments; The violin, Clarinet & the Piano. She loves the symphony. She is also learning Irish Dancing. She loves to learn new things. She also likes to sew and do arts and crafts. BUT, don't let all that girly stuff fool you. Emily does have a wild side. She loves to play soccer, volleyball, snowboarding and Rock climbing. She loves hockey games, especially when the fights break out (they don't last long enough). One of Emily's most favorite things to do is go motorcycle riding with her dad. As you can see she is very well rounded. The best thing I love about Emily is that she is kind and cares about others. She loves to serve those in need. She loves the gospel and is always there prompting us to start FHE. Emily is ready for Young women's. I am excited to watch her learn more about the gospel and become a valiant Daughter of God. I m excited for her and I thank her for being such a wonder example to me. Emily Barkley.

As I watched Emily get her graduation certificate today I realized that my little girl is growing up and growing up fast. I am excited to see her grow and experience a new phase in her life, Being a Young Woman. I love you Emily, You will always be my little Boo Bear. Mom