PugPuggy Puts Sticks On My Feet

One of PugPuggy's favorite things to do is carry a toy or stick over to my feet, put the toy or stick on my feet and then chew it. Sometimes, she will leave the toy or stick on my feet and go run off.

It has become so frequent that I no longer pay attention to this behavior. I had forgotten about this behavior until it showed up in our photographs.

Look at the stick on my feet in this picture of PugPuggy.


Weird.

Happy Birthday to Mom!!!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

I hope you are having a wonderful birthday. I wish I could be there to celebrate with you.

I really appreciate everything you have done for me. I could not possibly list everything you have done for me. I could not even list all the highlights from my life in which you were involved. But here is the list I came up with off the top of my head:

• visited Megan, PugPuggy & I in Austin in 2008
• celebrated my marriage to Megan with me in 2004
• toured Ireland & England with me in 2002
• supported my crazy decision to move to Japan in 2001
• vacationed on the East Coast with me in 1998
• celebrated with me when Arizona won the National Championship in basketball in 1997
• moved me to Arizona in 1993
• helped me graduate early from Bishop Ward in 1993
• did not kill me when I got suspended from Bishop Ward in 1992 (sorry, again)
• moved me from St. Pat's to St. Peter's in 1986
• took me to my first concert (Ronnie Milsap) in 1983 (I think it was 1983)
• moved me from DeSoto to Kansas City in 1982 (I think it was '82, right?)
• took me to Iowa to see the Pope in 1979
• carried me around for 9 months in 1974

This is less than .001% of what you have done for me. Above is a list of big events from my life. But the things I appreciate the most are the day-to-day things you did (and are doing) for me:

• you fed me
• you clothed me
• you gave me a safe & loving home ...even after I should have moved out :)
• you taught me how to treat strangers
• you taught me how to treat family
• you demonstrated the importance of education
• you instilled values
• you are patient with me
• you love me

Again, that is only a partial list of things you have done\are doing for me. I appreciate everything you have done (and are doing) for me. Thank you.

I miss you. I love you. I am proud you are my mom.

Happy Birthday, mom. Go celebrate.

Back from Down Under

Hello Family! Long time no blog.

I got back from Australia last night. We had an amazing trip.
Australia is equal parts

• Texas attitude
• London accent
• Irish driving
• add some Cancuun beaches
• some Hawaiian waves
• mix-in some Union-Missouri-style drinking and fun

That is Australia. I saw a bunch of Masey-Furgeson tractors that made me think of grandpa.

Of all the places I have gone, I would say Australia was both the easiest to navigate (thank you, English language) and the prettiest beaches. It was, however, expensive. Had it not been for Callidus paying for most of it & us using some frequent flyer miles, I do not think we would have been able to afford it.

Here are a few pictures we took.

This is Megan and I in front of the Sydney Opera House.


This is the island of Whitehaven in the Whitsunday Islands in north east Australia.


This is me trying to lift a giant mango in Bowen:


This bus made me laugh so hard. We were walking around downtown Sydney when we saw it. Basically, it was a tour for Australian seniors called, "Adventure Before Dementia".


Here are some kangaroos we saw near the Proserpine airport. This is not a great picutre, but they were wild and would not let us get too close:


This is Megan & I before our helicopter tour of the Great Barrier Reef.


Here is a photo of the Great Barrier Reef from the helicopter.


This is Megan & I in our "Stinger Suits". The "Stinger Suits" prevent us from getting stung by jellyfish. Jodi & I should have had these off the coast of Florida. :) I think these "Stinger Suits" make us look like teletubbies.


And this is a picture of the fish at the Great Barrier Reef. Megan overcame her fear of fish to go snorkeling with me. She had a mild panic attack the first time we went snorkeling in Mexico. She did much better this time. I was very proud of her toughness and her ability to face her fears. She even saw a 4-foot long eel.



It is good to be home. I picked up PugPuggy last night. I missed her.

Megan & I flew home separately. She had a lay-over in Hawaii where she rented a car for a day. I am picking her up from the airport at 9 AM this morning. I am looking forward to seeing her. I am taking PugPuggy to the airport.

Love you much. I really hope to see you all soon.

Ben

OMG yes it is true

Okay I am feeling a bit embarrassed and a bit like a bad family member that I have never posted to the blog before. I am going to try and get better at this.
Next step actually posting some pictures.

We are all doing good. Recouperating from a bought of flu/bronchitis around here.
The kids are doing great. We are gearing up for soccer and softball/baseball season. Gar is in Reno this week and then off to San Antonio for the final four.

Love you all... Miss you terribly. And hope all of our paths cross soon.

Jenni