Trivial Pursuits But Hey.....

There are so many important events taking place in the world. But after major surgery, your own personal world shrinks down to what feels good and what doesn't. Thus this blog entry.

We went to a restaurant which I won't mention, but those of you who know where I live know it is just down the main drag from McDonald's and has a teepee in front of it. It was raining icy rain and due to the blood thinners I'm on, I was chilled to the bone. Plus my appetite isn't so keen. So when we ordered our food, I decided shrimp would go down easy, although it was a bit of an extravagance, I can only eat like a half dinner at a time so I figured it would be worth it.

Well, the cole slaw came and it was like mayonnaise-saturated mush. Any plant fiber was long gone from the dish, so I kinda shoved it aside and hoped the entree would be better. The shrimp came, and I noticed it was dark brown and the first bite was like way too crunchy. Overdone, tasteless, and overpriced. I tried peeling off the crust but it was still tasteless and not moist at all. So, I told the waitress. They hammered away at me, insisting over and over they would bring me a replacement shrimp dinner. By that time, I just wanted to leave. You know, I wasn't really enjoying myself that much anyway. The fries were not bad, and I filled up on a handful or so.

But I let them try to make it right. So about 15 minutes later, the dish comes back out. And to my absolute astonishment, the shrimp looked EXACTLY the same...and it tasted the same and CRUNCHED the same, too! I looked at Fritz and he looked at me, and we were like "DUH!"

As I said, almost anything that happened that day was much more newsworthy than a bad meal. I just wanted to say, "What the HE>>!? Is this some kind of joke? Am I on Punk'd or Candid Camera, or Boiling Points?" Anyway, I know we have all had these unfortunate experiences. Feel free to tell me yours.

Christmas Eve Family Fun

This was Jamie's idea...we always make the kids sing us a carol before we let them open their presents...but they always say they don't know the words. So Jamie downloaded the lyrics to a carol and printed out copies for them...ha ha! It was "The 12 Days of Christmas"!!!! Brilliant. Oh, the kids did a pretty good job. They went flat and dragged some due to their reluctance, but we goaded them on, and pretty soon they started sounding pretty darn good.

Okay, I did drop Mike on his head when he was a baby. The deal was, I wanted to rock him in a little rocking chair we had, but I wanted the chair to be over by the stove. So I tried to carry Mike while dragging the rocking chair along. I was about 5 or 6 and small for my age. About halfway across the room, I knew I was going to have to drop either Mike or the rocking chair. I distinctively remember pondering which one to drop. Well, I don't remember what series of mental computations resulted in my deciding to drop Mike. But I did.

He cried, of course, and I got in trouble. As you can see from his kindergarten picture, there was permanent damage. Notice the definite jacking of the jaw to the left, and the prominent flap of the ears. Also the shadowy dent in the upper forehead, and the look of a dazed animal in the eyes. Above his head, there is a yellowy-brown stain looking cloud thing that followed him around for years, undoubtedly a result of the depression and persecution complex that is still evident to this day. Also, the buttoned up shirt and suspenders attest to his paranoia about his clothes falling off. He never let me forget it. So here is my official apology: Sorry, Mike! Really! I don't know what I was thinking. Now get over it, okay?

Christmas Memories

When this picture was taken, the Squire kids were about ages 3 t0 maybe 11 or 12. We lived in a 3 bedroom cottage converted to a year-round house in Blue Lake Township, which was about a mile from a little village called Lakewood Club. My Grandma's sister Myrtle Devering must have worked year-round to make us these nightgowns, which she sewed for us just about every Christmas. They were made of a rich, soft flannel. Each child's gown had a special print, for instance: kittens, cowboys and Indians, horses, etc. They were complete with collars, facings, buttons and or snaps, with ruffled sleeves and bottoms for the girls. We were so thrilled to have these soft, warm nightgowns. But she didn't stop there! She made us two apiece! And usually there was a huge bag of popcorn balls to go along with the other goodies she made. As an adult, I can only imagine the time and effort she spent making 2 nightgowns apiece for us just about every year. It must have taken such a long time, and infinite patience to get each one so perfectly made. But it remains one of my favorite Christmas memories. Even though Aunt Myrtle passed away when I was barely grown, I remember her as being loving and extremely fruitful, always cooking, planting, reaping, sewing, making life better for all of those lucky enough to know her. I just wanted to take this opportunity to remember her with love and gratitude.

Yikes! What Happened to the Little Girls!?

As you can see by these Halloween pictures, those little princesses and witches have turned into something older and more sophisticated!

Lazy Mamacita Finally Updates Blog

Val's birthday party was really fun! We made our own party hats and Val won for creativity. Fritz was a great sport and wore his all night. Scott made his own spectacles and made a spectacle out of himself! It was great hearing everyone sing, especially Val's last song, "Proud Mary." The place was rockin'! We had chocolate cake with peanut butter flavored chocolate frosting and some rainbow chip cupcakes. Val got some very nice presents and some hilarious cards. Having the younger generation there was nice, too. One of the best things to happen is that Val booked Red Eye an October 17 gig there! There was only one injury, Barb bit Jamie (again) leaving vampire tooth marks on her. But all in all it was a great time and so good to see everyone.

Updates

Thank you for your prayers, folks. I have good news and bad news. Sara Sarazen is doing better and is home. It does look like she will enjoy a full recovery and we couldn't be happier about that.

However, sadly, Linda passed away today, her heart failed. Her family, especially Jamie and her dad, could use your good vibes right now. I knew Linda in high school, she was really, really cool and all my friends liked her and looked up to her. The guys were crazy about her, because she was fun to be around, a real great personality. She was in a motorcycle accident when she was still a teen, the guy died, and she was left with some serious injuries. Later in life she had other health problems that were serious. But she loved animals and was always so kind to them, taking in all orphans. Even a duck of ours which we raised from a baby but then couldn't take care of, and a raccoon. She had a very loving heart and it it sad that poor health robbed her of some of the good life she should have had. We are sorry she is gone.

Paige came over today with a monitor to check for heart problems, she just acted like a normal 8 year-old that gets to take a half day off school and spend it with her grandma. I loved spending that time with her and will continue to pray for her health, although right now it she does appear to be doing just fine. The monitor is only a precaution.

I am getting behind on posting my pictures and videos so keep checking, maybe this weekend I can get a few on. Also, I am reading Fiersom's Brood, I would like to read it from cover to cover in one day, but as it is, I think it might take me 3 days.

Prayer Needs

We are a family that believes in prayer, and today I have several prayer requests for you. Thank you family and thank you Father for caring for each and every one of us, no matter how small or large the need.

Sara Sarazen (17) had a tonsillectomy today and has post-op complications including low blood pressure and difficulty breathing 8 hours after surgery. Pray for healing and clearing up her lungs. Also strength and faith for the family to see them through a stressful time.

Paige has been experiencing heartburn and chest discomfort and is undergoing testing for tachycardia on Friday. Pray for her health and strength.

Linda (Murdock) Kemmerling had a heart attack and needs treatment for a mental disability as well. The family has been unable to deal with her mental illness because such patients are allowed to not take their medicine. Pray for healing.

I want you to know that I often pray for all of you, as I know my mother used to pray for me and others in our family. I am aware of things that each one of you is in need of prayer about, and just because you aren't mentioned today doesn't mean you aren't being prayed for. Thank you too for the prayers I know you say for us. Prayer works.

Unhappy piggy

The piggy above is made out of pills. That is why it is unhappy. Pills are expensive, have side effects, and have to be taken every day. The piggy above is made out of MY pills, that is one morning's worth. Okay, some of them are OTC, but still, there's Lisonipril, Metoprolol, Actos, Metformin, Glyburide, Hydrochlorothyazide, and .81 aspirin. There is also a Tums, fish oil capsule, and glucosamine chondroiton. Here is my advice: quit smoking, lose weight, exercise, and find a good gene pool to mate with so your offspring don't have to have an unhappy piggy in their life.

First Day of the 2008 School Year in Grand Haven

Brandie looked pleased, ate an apple, and played a game on my phone. She said one of her teachers is like a Nazi or drill sergeant. Grace and Emily are on the same "team" so they will share some classes and teachers. Emily said the boys were terrible this year, she only liked the girls in her class, and some boy (or boys) said to her, "Nice clown outfit!" even though Emily looked great in her new school clothes. Hopefully, she will snub them at some future dance when they see how gorgeous and fabulous she really is. Grace came running in, "Grandma! Grandma! Brandie and I both like the same boy!" Which was certainly amazing since it was only the first day and there are so many boys....so much time....so I am sure this will blow over.

Did I mention it was one of the hottest days yet!?

I wonder how the other grandkids did today. Look for an update as I plan on calling them. It was Hailie's first day of high school!!!!!

Not Exactly BFFs Yet

There has been a lot of hissing and growling and booty-whappin', and yet, there are beginning to be some very calm and pleasant moments, too. Abby and Smoochie actually play together now, even though they still have their cat-it-tude moods where they diss each other. Today they touched noses, got very close to each other, and chased each other playfully. We are happy!

A Few Highlights of Summer (More to Come!)

Okay, we didn't blow it up, but it sure was fun to try. Oh, Paige did blow it up this summer but I didn't have a video of it!

Being inexperienced phone camera-wise, didn't realize you can't turn the phone sideways to get that wide-angle shot unless your viewers want to crane their necks sideways as well. But at least the first part is good!

Chantze's Baptism

Grandma toes, Grace toes, Brandie toes.

Damon and Robin came, also Jamie. The fire was hot, the marshmallows were burnt, and the mosquitoes only got a bite or two that beautiful summer night. Ray strummed guitar and sometimes we sang, sometimes we just listened. It was a perfect way to spend an August evening.

I can't remember if I have blogged this video before, but it's one of my summer favorites. One hot day, when I was in Grand Haven, Chris offered to let the girls come and swim in the pool at the Spring Lake Holiday Inn. The girls had a blast, and invented this "synchronized dive."

Brooke and Paige

Hailie

Hailie seldom lets herself be seen when she is less than gorgeous.....that is why I get such a kick out of this photo! Here she is without her eye make-up. Tee hee!

American Integrity Blows Her Horn While Scouts Cheer

You can barely see them, but you may be able to hear them. Turn up the volume! When the scouts visiting the Silversides saw the ginormous American Integrity come through the channel, they hollered very loudly....

On a Sunny Day with Friends

This is only a test

The last few times I tried working on my blog, I had problems getting pictures and video. Guess it's working now. So onwards and upwards, good soldiers!

Go With God Dear Friend

I guess everyone has heard by now that our friend Ken has passed away. Most of us are still in shock. We never saw it coming. LuWanna, our hearts go out to you. I don't know why such things happen. It seems you have had more than your share of troubles these past couple years, but this is unthinkable and unforeseeable. And unreal. I can picture Ken so clearly, and remember his voice, the one he used for telling jokes. So many memories. His crazy Halloween costumes. Those huge aluminum foil pans filled to the brim with his own special recipe lasagne that practically became his trademark offering at our gatherings. That half-embarassed half-naughty grin when he sang one of his off-color songs. He looked pretty natty in his leather jacket, carrying karaoke discs, with a twinkle in his blue eyes when he saw "the gang" sitting around the table in some old bar. Of course we will miss him in so many ways. I don't know why such things happen, and I don't have any answers. But I do know that LuWanna is our friend and I know I speak for others when I say we will be here for her in any way we can be.

Twisted Sister

After an overnight visit from Brooke and Paige, who had brought over several stuffed animals, I was a little surprised to walk into the bedroom after they left and find this boa strangling one of their favorite unicorns. Luckily, I got there in time to save it!

A Landmark Booksigning, Featuring Ray Veen, Author

This was a great moment on the fourth. Jamie's copy of Beacon's of Tomorrow was the first bought by a family member. I know own my own copy, which is also signed. I am not sure what happened to the sound, hopefully it is a server glitch and will correct itself!

Fourth of July Videos Starring: Family and Friends

Jamie held him down while Emily.....what!?

Oh Say, Can You See?

They had kids waiting in line, and parents standing by making them nervous! But what great artists they were!

Brooke Sarazen, Brandie, Grace, Emily, and Hailie opened up a face-painting business at the park. It was so amazing to see little kids whipping by with such bright, clever artwork on their faces, knowing the girls were responsible for that! They donated money to the firemen who were out collecting for the fireworks display.

A Friends and Family Face-painting Fourth!

AFter dark, we all found a place t0 watch the fireworks. As we waited, the kids gave us a show with their red,white, and blue lightsticks. It was neat, but the camera didn't pick up much of it.

Paige has a minor meltdown and goes down the line of seated folk to get a seat on a lap and a hug or two.

Scott's face reflects his bright, flowery, manly personality.

Lyda made an extra-large donation to the cause!