Sunday, February 27, 2022
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Monday, September 20, 2010
Where there's smoke...
Saw some smoke before church. Huh, another fire at Camp Williams. We get about one a year. Just enough to stink up the neighborhood for the afternoon. We think nothing of it and go to Grandpa's 90th birthday party.
On the way home, around 8:30pm, it was like armageddon. There were one or two cars besides ours driving into Herriman while hundreds were leaving. We kept saying "Should we turn around now?" We didn't.
As we turn south on 5600 west toward home we just gasped. It looked like lava flowing down the mountain toward our house. So bizarre. I was sure whole neighborhoods were lost.
We made it home and some of our neighbors were packing up to leave. Some were already gone, and some were just standing in their yards staring at the hill.
Vinny and Zander started to freak out a little.
They went in the house to their rooms. Vinny had plans to get dozens of garbage bags and pack his whole room. Zander loaded one backpack with his pillow, favorite blanket and a stuffed animal. Zander REALLY wanted to go to the High School that was being used as the official shelter to spend the night. Oh, he thought that sounded fun.
Then Vinny started to cough. Oh great. He's been hospitalized for his asthma one too many times. Zander asked if he could say a prayer. Duh! Why didn't we think of that? So we knelt down and Zander offered a heartfelt plea for safety. My sweet crazy boys were asleep in the basement 20 minutes later. Blessings.
Jereme decided to go to bed to. He can sleep through ANYTHING! I followed the evacuation reports on twitter. At 11 pm My entire family was asleep and the mandatory evacuation map looked like this:
That's us under that shiny star and the flames were moving east. Yikes.
This is the view from the window above my stairs at the same time. Kinda blurry I know.
My chest and throat hurt and I was coughing and cursing out Jereme for not getting us out of here. Or maybe for being able to sleep so soundly. I decided to stop obsessing over Twitter and wait for the police cars to come down the street and tell us to leave. They never did.
I was so touched by all of the calls and facebook posts of people looking out for us. Such generous friends and family members offering help for whatever we needed. Even some of the parents from Zander's football team emailed everyone to offer their homes for the night. So nice.
At 2AM I went outside and saw this:
I waited all night and the police never came. I started to worry about the deer. After killing one with my car last week and now so many of them homeless I looked around for some food to put out for them. That's when I realized I was sleep deprived and losing my marbles.
Sunrise. It's amazing how much comfort daylight brings.
School was cancelled for the boys. Of course they were thrilled. I however, had to go to class. So I washed the ash off of my windshield and drove through our now eerie little town. Soldiers in fatigues and berets standing guard at barricades down the street making sure people had "legitimate" reasons for being there. By the time I made it to the freeway, I was in a different world. Life carrying on like normal. When I finally made it to school, smelling like I came straight from camp, nobody even mentioned the fire.
Then I drove home. Not as creepy this time. But there was still a fire and a military presence. I was allowed to proceed to my home. Phew!
Now it's nearly 7PM on Monday. The fire is still going strong and people one street over are still evacuated. The High School is housing evacuees again (don't tell Zan) but I'm sure we'll be okay.
I'm going to try to get some sleep tonight. Probably in my clothes. With my bag packed by my bed. And my cell phone under my pillow set to Twitter. But sleep nevertheless.
Thanks again for all of the well-wishes. So sorry for the three families that lost their homes. Hopefully it ends tonight.
On the way home, around 8:30pm, it was like armageddon. There were one or two cars besides ours driving into Herriman while hundreds were leaving. We kept saying "Should we turn around now?" We didn't.
As we turn south on 5600 west toward home we just gasped. It looked like lava flowing down the mountain toward our house. So bizarre. I was sure whole neighborhoods were lost.
We made it home and some of our neighbors were packing up to leave. Some were already gone, and some were just standing in their yards staring at the hill.
Vinny and Zander started to freak out a little.
They went in the house to their rooms. Vinny had plans to get dozens of garbage bags and pack his whole room. Zander loaded one backpack with his pillow, favorite blanket and a stuffed animal. Zander REALLY wanted to go to the High School that was being used as the official shelter to spend the night. Oh, he thought that sounded fun.
Then Vinny started to cough. Oh great. He's been hospitalized for his asthma one too many times. Zander asked if he could say a prayer. Duh! Why didn't we think of that? So we knelt down and Zander offered a heartfelt plea for safety. My sweet crazy boys were asleep in the basement 20 minutes later. Blessings.
Jereme decided to go to bed to. He can sleep through ANYTHING! I followed the evacuation reports on twitter. At 11 pm My entire family was asleep and the mandatory evacuation map looked like this:
That's us under that shiny star and the flames were moving east. Yikes.
This is the view from the window above my stairs at the same time. Kinda blurry I know.
My chest and throat hurt and I was coughing and cursing out Jereme for not getting us out of here. Or maybe for being able to sleep so soundly. I decided to stop obsessing over Twitter and wait for the police cars to come down the street and tell us to leave. They never did.
I was so touched by all of the calls and facebook posts of people looking out for us. Such generous friends and family members offering help for whatever we needed. Even some of the parents from Zander's football team emailed everyone to offer their homes for the night. So nice.
At 2AM I went outside and saw this:
and this:
I waited all night and the police never came. I started to worry about the deer. After killing one with my car last week and now so many of them homeless I looked around for some food to put out for them. That's when I realized I was sleep deprived and losing my marbles.
Sunrise. It's amazing how much comfort daylight brings.
School was cancelled for the boys. Of course they were thrilled. I however, had to go to class. So I washed the ash off of my windshield and drove through our now eerie little town. Soldiers in fatigues and berets standing guard at barricades down the street making sure people had "legitimate" reasons for being there. By the time I made it to the freeway, I was in a different world. Life carrying on like normal. When I finally made it to school, smelling like I came straight from camp, nobody even mentioned the fire.
Then I drove home. Not as creepy this time. But there was still a fire and a military presence. I was allowed to proceed to my home. Phew!
Now it's nearly 7PM on Monday. The fire is still going strong and people one street over are still evacuated. The High School is housing evacuees again (don't tell Zan) but I'm sure we'll be okay.
I'm going to try to get some sleep tonight. Probably in my clothes. With my bag packed by my bed. And my cell phone under my pillow set to Twitter. But sleep nevertheless.
Thanks again for all of the well-wishes. So sorry for the three families that lost their homes. Hopefully it ends tonight.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Snout or Death
Zander has always been the kind of kid to join in. He hates being left out. No matter what. This attitude has always made him the center of attention. His latest experience is no different. He hasn't felt well for a couple of days, but nothing serious. Just tired and worn out. Then he felt a little warm to me one morning. This morning happened to be the second-to-last day of school, FIELD DAY, he wasn't about to miss it. So he didn't. That day I received an e-mail from the school announcing that they have had a case of Swine Flu. Oh great. Zander came home from school and felt great. However, the next morning his fever was pretty high and he told me with a quivering lip and tears welling in his big blue eyes "mom, I don't feel so good, I don't think I'm gonna make it to school today". I knew it was serious, this was the LAST day of school! Who misses that? One sick little boy, that's who. We made the 20 mile trek to see the doc, H1N1. Well, a 95% chance of having the H1N1 virus. Bummer.
So he knows he's sick and he knows how to milk it.
This is my little sicky enjoying the spoils of being pampered. Food in bed, videos, unlimited tv, cool rags on his forehead. Aah, the good life.
Aunt Ashley brought him a fun little care package. Piggy gum, a piggy puzzle and a cute piggy card.
The only problem with this is, we hadn't used the term "Swine Flu" in front of Zander yet. The only thing he and Vinny knew about it was what he had seen on the news. Scary warnings and people dying. So, they read the cute card from Ash and their faces fell. "Is it true?" Vinny asked. "Yep" I answered much too nonchalantly for his taste. Vince canceled his pending playdate and went straight into big brother protective mode. He swapped out Zander's cool forehead rags, brought him snacks and drinks, fluffed pillows, anything he needed.
Then he created signs for all of our doors to protect any visitors.
It wasn't until later that night when Zander asked "So, when am I going to die?". WHAT?! Good grief! My boys actually thought that Zan was on his literal deathbed. Poor babies. He was in pretty good spirits considering he was sure he was terminal. Jerm and I assured them that everything was going to be just fine and Zander would get better soon. They were totally relieved. Then Vinny asked one last question."So, are you sure he won't grow a pig-nose?"
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Happy Birthday Ash!
I hope you have a really fun day and get to do something you really wanna do.
This pic was taken on your 7th b'day. I wonder why you opted for the pink kitties in lieu of anything green? weird. Those are Angie's acid washed jeans in the background. sweet. I don't remember what I gave you but, I'm sure it was something cool. Because when you turned 7, I was 16 and you thought everything I did was cool. Those were the days my friend. *sigh* Now the roles have changed and I think you're cool and wish I could fit into your clothes. hee hee.
Friday, February 27, 2009
They may have voted, but they were wrong.
WHATEVER!!
I did not see that coming. What's wrong with you, voters of America? Why are you choosing people that may be able to sing well, but have no sustainability or entertainment value? Have we not learned our lesson from the dying flame of Diana Degarmo, Mathew Roberts, Jessica Sierra etc. etc. I could go on. All made it in to the top 12 and all completely forgettable. Degarmo even came in second place! Where is she? who cares.
Okay, I'm over it.
Now on a truly sad musical note, Steven Page has left the BARENAKED LADIES
I've got what I want,and that's rid of you
Goodbye
And it's not 'cause I'll be missing you
That makes me fall apart
It's just that I didn't mean to break
No I didn't mean to break
No I didn't mean to break
Your heart
Well, too late. Heart broken. Okay a little dramatic, but BUMMER!!
Most fun concert ever, Hangin' out with my two cool sisters, dancing and singing along to my favorite songs. Buying T-shirts.
All over.
"Barenaked Ladies" may as well be the "Half Dressed Middle-Aged Men" without him. Oh well.
By the way, do you see the resemblance? (Steven Page, Drew Carey, Kevin James)
I love these guys! Jereme asked if he should get some blond highlights. hmm. Maybe just glasses :)
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Aunt min's Valentine Spectacular!
We did a lot of stuff this weekend. Uncle Jerm allowed us all to defy gravity.
Zander went first to demonstrate.
Belle went the highest.
Vinny Screamed the loudest.
Gigi laughed the hardest.
Lincoln was the bravest.
(most of them were caught)
We also went ice skating.
Gigi was initially excited to wear the "fancy ice dancer" shoes. That enthusiasm immediately vanished when she tried to stand up.
Zander attempted some tricks and landed right on his face after this one.
Belle had bragging rights being the ONLY one, including the adults, that didn't fall down.
Vinny impressed us all with his coordination. This is him prepping for a double axle.
Unfortunately, I don't have any great pics of Linc. He did make it around the rink twice with me right by his side. He told me to check my watch, I did- "7:34 why Linky?" "So I can tell my parents when I learned to skate by myself!" However, I didn't trust my abilities enough to take my camera out onto the ice. :(
He & Gigi enjoyed the rest of the time watching the big kids and playing with our phones.
We baked cookies too.
They went quick.
I made "Romantic Chicken Pillows" with "Romeo & Juliet" beans.
Not a hit.
Jerm and Zan were the only 2 that even tried it. The rest of the gang opted for cold cereal or quesadillas over my lovely love-themed culinary creation. Whatever.
Jerm thought they were scrumptious. Thanks babe.
We even had time for games.
Almost everyone slept in the basement after watching some fun flicks.
We had a great time.
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