Fun with Paulson-Tates

This past weekend we decided to finally drive up to Idyllwild since we were supposed to go up Mother's day weekend but I got strep and Paul didn't want to go incase he was carrying the contagious germies. Now that I am all better and Paul never got sick (lucky lucky man) we figured it was our best opportunity. We drove up on Saturday morning and looked around at some garage sales until Sarah got home with the kiddos. We hung out at the cabin for a bit just talking. Pretty soon Sarah's mom and sister Sharon showed up. That was way cool I haven't seen them since right after Paul and I got married. We ate dinner at camp and then hung around talking, Josh telling us his stories from yester years when he was a cop. I realized I could sit and listen to him tell those stories for hours and never get bored. Then we played two games of Scategories. Finally called it a night and got some sleep. On Sunday we woke up and sat around talking some more before it was time for church. I always enjoy the church service we go to up there. Then back to camp to read for a bit and eat lunch. Then Sarah, Sharon, Paul and I hopped in the car and went to look at a few more garage sales (its a Memorial Day Weekend tradition). Paul and I picked up some books, Sarah got some toys for the kids and some Christmas stuff. Sharon found some books as well, she also bought some lovely red shoes.

Here is Lucy playing with the toys.

Bowden decided to try on auntie Sharons new shoes!

Sharon enjoys doing Suduku as much as we do.

1000 piece puzzle. 7 determined people. 3 hours.

Our self portrait. Aren't we cute?

A good time was had by all. We look forward to our next visit with the Paulson-Tate Clan

Update

My aunt has been emailing the family as she had her vocal cords removed due to her own battle with cancer and is unable to talk. Here are the emails. Please continue your prayers for healing as well as their hearts.

Friday, May 26: Ron is doing slightly better. He is still fighting. The doctor was afraid we would lose him last night. His blood presure has gone up some, so they were able to reduce the amt. of medication. His presure was so low 60/? I thought the ER dr. was going to pass out when it started droping that low and was still going lower. His breathing has stabalized also, however it looks like he is in Kidney failure. They are waiting a few days until they decide on dialysis. They want Ron to get better before they put him through that, and give the kidneys a chance to kick in. He is still urinating, but it is not being filtered so Ron is all swollen up. I stoped my chemo. until Ron is out of ICU. Just too much. The kids are out tonight Sharon, let them go to a friends to get things off their minds. Tomorrow i will spend the day at the hospital again, and Barbara is spending the day with the kids. She may take them to a ball game. They need to stay busy. Amanda had a final today and two yesterday. Josh had one the day Ron went into the hospital. It has been a long week and what a lousy way fpr Amanda to remember her graduation. love Robin

Saturday, May 27: Hi, Saw Ron today. Baby steps of improvement and everytime I become hopeful the doctor walks in and reminds me he is very sick and it is still hour to hour. But I am going to get hopeful. They did give Ron a blood transfusion today. His blood platelets were low. They thought it might have been brought on by all the fluids and the blood pressure medicine. Alot of the nurses that are treating Ron, treated me when i was in ICU, so they saw Ron sit by my bedside. They still don't know what type of infection he has and don't know why he had the episode of stopping breathing and then breathing problems. They have ruled out a heart attack. but want to run more test, but are not able to until Ron improves. The Kidney dr. is going to wait a few more days before he decides if Ron should have dialysis. Ron is still urinating, but not filtering properly. My doctors have also been stopping by to check on me while I sit there. However we are still here so the prays are working and they do bring me comfort. Barbara has been looking after the kids. Today she brought Josh down for an hour to visit with Ron and then took him to the baseball game. Josh will spend the night at her house. She will bring him back to the hospital on Sun and Amanda will come down and visit for an hour then drive Josh home and Barbara will sit with me for awhile. People from work stop by every day. Love you all and am just figuring out one day at a time. I feel for Amanda, what a way to remember her senior year. She will attend a graduation party at a friends house after the graduation and figure we all will go out to lunch. Aside from that i don't know plans and don't know if i'm coming or going, but there really isn't anything anybody can do to help. Robin

Sunday, May 28: Hi, Ron is better today. His doctor actually gave a smile when he was updating me. They took him off his blood pressure medication and his pressure held. His kidneys have also started to kick back in. Not completely, but some. The doctor we were going to lose him Thrus. and now he has past the critical 72 hours. The doctor thought i was nuts when i told (actually wrote) him that i was sure it was Amanda yelling at him that made the difference. But i really think on some level Ron heard her. She told him he had promised to fight the cancer and that he would be here for her graduation, etc... and that he had better fight to stay alive.
It is so hard not being able to speak to him. I only spent the morning and early afternoon with him, Amanda and Jonathan were staying for a few more hours. I needed to get some rest and sleep. Hopefully he will continue to improve on a steady basis.
Love Robin

Prayer Needed!

Long story short. My Aunt Robin and Uncle Ron both have cancer, both are on chemo treatments. I just talked to my mom and Uncle Ron is in ICU in a semi induced coma - He got an infection from low blood count from chemo - The doctors are trying new antibiotics now but it's hour to hour whether he'll make it. My Aunt Robin has decided to stop her chemo treatment until they know what will happen with Ron because if she was on chemo she wouldn't be able to be at his side. Their daughter is 18 and supposed to graduate H.S. a week from today. Their son is 15. I am unsure of everyones faith. Please pray for the entire situtation as well as for my mom as this is her sister. Let us be comforts to them and show them love and empathy. Thank you in advance for your thoughts and prayers.

Also this weekend my fathers side of the family will be laying to rest my Great Aunt Dorothy who passed away earlier this week. She was a wonderful woman. Pray for comfort for my grandpa as he is the only surviving sibiling, and for the rest of the family as they celebrate her life.

Frustrated

I hate feeling pressured to be perfect 100% of the time when I know that if the regular teacher was there then others would not be so judgemental and allow for some slack.

I needed 5 minutes for the students to finish a test, when we were also needing to head over to music class, not an offical music class just practicing for a performance that happens in a month. I was put down in front of the students about needing to be there right away, and no they could not wait why couldn't I just follow simple instructions. I am sorry but I am just as bit as qualified as this woman in fact I probably am more qualified than her. I have treated her and everyone else on the grade level team with respect and a desire to learn more about the teaching profession. I just get so frustrated when I am giving 110% and I get taken down in front of students and talked about behind my back.

Take 2

I liked having the GuestMap that we had when this blog started, but Google Maps kind of got ahead of themselves I think and it ended up not working most of the time until it finally died once and for all.

Now we have a new one. Its map isn't as cool as the Google Map, but it gets the job done for now. It does require you to enter a name and at least something in the comment section before it will post. Our map is up and running on the sidebar now so whether you know us or are just passing through, let us know who and where you are.

Weekend Review

This weekend was full of family and friends.

Friday - While Paul had to work I called up Morgan and we decided to go get dinner and catch a movie at The Block. We ended up seeing Benchwarmers which was one of those dumb, funny movies. We had a good time which is what really matters.

Saturday - We were invited to a BBQ at Casa de Askew. Where we hung out with the Wheelers, Meloni's, Jenny and Holden Hoffman. There were little ones everywhere. The boys decided to play some backyard golf game that they made up. We had some good burgers and a nice time visiting with everyone and catching up.

Sunday - Was family night. We drove up to Paul's folks and met the new puppy. Who is very cute. Then we all drove up to Mimi's for dinner where we met up with the rest of the clan. It was a combo celebration night with Mother's Day, and the birthdays of Mom, Jean and Mair. Sadly we also had to say goodbye for now to Paul's Aunt and Uncle (Robbie and Paul) who are moving to Tennessee. We are excited for them to start a new chapter in their lives but it will be strange to not have them at all the birthday dinners, and holiday celebrations.

Cabrillo

Last Tuesday I had the opportunity to go with my 3rd graders to Cabrillo Beach. It was a lot of fun. I wish I had been feeling 100% for the trip, but it was still a great day. One that I know they wont forget. We went to the outside museum first and learned about Jellyfish, Whales, Grunions, Tidepools and then the kids actually got the chance to hatch baby grunions in little jars. They were so excited. Then our school went through the aquarium. We all sat down to have lunch. Finally it was time to go play on the beach. They were allowed to go in to the water up to their ankles, dig in the sand, play Frisbee etc. It was a very memorable day.

Welcome Home

Charlie's Home

Let the celebrating commence!

Movie Review....M:I 3

"Excuse me, are you the mother of these kids?"
"Yeah."
"Do you mind not letting them run all over the theatre screaming? They're ruining the movie for everyone."
"I don't hear anyone complaining but you."
"If they can't be quiet, then you need to take them out."
"They're kids. That's what they do. They scream."
"Well, that's why you don't take them to a movie like this."
"They have a right to be here."
"Look, either you take them out or I'll get the manager AGAIN and have you thrown out."
"You can't make me do nothin'. We all have tickets."
CUE MANAGER KICKING FAMILY OUT OF THEATRE

Apparently it's called Mission: Impossible 3 because it's good for 3 year olds.

Hey Dodgers!

So you don't know why you're in last place in the weakest division in baseball?

Maybe you should try scoring more than one run off of Byung-Hyun Kim of all people.

And in Colorado?!? My mom could hit a couple homers in Colorado!

Dear Clippers,

Hey guys, how's it going? I just wanted to let you know I can't root for you. I'm glad you're making progress in the playoffs and all this year, but we both know this won't last. You're still the Clippers.

You seem like nice guys and all...especially compared to the egos you share Staples Center with. Sam Cassell was really a nice pick up, but he's old and soon things will be back to normal. It's too little, too late for this year. Maybe it would have helped if you had put some effort into any of the past 30 years we've been together; given me something to keep me entertained. Even Cubs fans get a bit of hope now and then.

Just know I wish you the best of luck in the future. I'll never hang your posters or fly your flags from my car, but I wish you no ill will. I think it's best if we're just friends.

Trust me. It's not you, it's me.

Tough Choice?

vs.

If you had to join one Tanner family, which one would it be?

Contagious

Today was the first time in over a year I had to go to the doctor. Yuck. I apparently am the lucky recipient of strep throat. I never remember feeling as bad as I have the past 4 days. Until today I have not had my temp. down below 100 for more than an hour or two. I am now on two fantastic drugs thank you Bright Medical Center. And it only cost $140 of course I haven't recieved the bill from the lab yet. So that grand total may go up. Yippy! At least I am told that I should soon be feeling much better, and that my fever should not return to the 102 range.

not a record... but close!

I have been in bed for a little over 21 hours. Last night my fever reached 102.9! It stayed that way for 5 and 1/2 hours. Oy.

It all started on Thursday when at around 1pm I became dizzy and I was in a cold sweat from head to toe, literally. Since I was at work they had to call the principal in who walked me over to the nurse and made me lay down. I had to talk them out of calling 911 since some people were convinced it could be a heart attack. They made me lay there until Paul could get off work and come get me. Talk about feeling like a little kid. Paul came at about 3pm he got off work a bit early after getting a call from the office about me and a voice mail from me. I went to bed at 10pm with a little scratch in my throat.

I woke up and didnt feel so good at 1am, 3am, and 6am. Everytime I got up, I drank an entire bottle of water. I decided to go to work because I could swallow, I was able to eat a giant muffin from Cost Co. and I didnt have a fever. I also went because I am at a higher rate of pay since I have been at the school for more than 10 days, if I miss a day I go back to the lower rate. So by missing one day I would cost our family about $255 big ones. As the day went on my throat hurt worse and worse, I started feeling hot and cold at the same time, I was wearing a big coat and wrapping it as tight as I could around myself. I went by Cost Co. to pick up some pastries since I was supposed to go out and hang with the girls last night. When I got home I decide I should check my temp. that is when I saw the 102.9 and called Morgan to tell her I was a no go. I layed down and was asleep as soon as I pulled the covers over myself.

I again woke up almost every three hours on the dot all afternoon, evening and night.

When ever I would wake up I would again check my temp. and drink a bottle of water. Since Friday morning at 6am it is all I have had. Paul slept on the couch last night, I felt bad but I dont want him to have any chance of getting this. So it is now noon and I have gotten myself out of bed, put my contacts in and sat down to write a little bit before I start my lesson planning, which as a long term sub, you have to do regardless of if you will be there Monday or not, which is debatable at this point. If my temp. stays around 99.0 and I can swallow my own spit, it is possible, but if it spikes again. I doubt it.

But even if I am not there I have to have plans on my desk by Monday at 7am. I tell you it is way more work if you are a teacher to not show up for work than many other professions! Anyways I am feeling a bit better, hopefully I can find something I can choke down for lunch. Paul is picking up some Jello, OJ and stuff after work for me. Yea Jello!

Taking one for the team...

Daryl and I hung out last night for the first time in a while. We saw an early screening of Poseidon. Neither of us went in there expecting to see the next Best Picture winner, but wow, that was pure cheese. There wasn't even a hint of realism in it. Not one detail of the whole movie was believable. No, scratch that. Fergie from Black Eyed Peas could actually be singing on cruise ships before too long. We figured that when the boat went down they would at least show the giant vortex sucking everything nearby down under the water. Apparently they didn't have enough money left in the budget for that one after already creating a 2 hour vortex of sucking. I'm telling you...save your money for something else. Maybe the Wayan's Brothers "Little Man" perhaps. Can't be any worse, right?

I wish I knew how to quit you Johnny...

better late than NEVER

The last weekend in April my old roomie Kelly came down with her sister and the kids. So we decided to get the gang all together. Amanda and I drove out to Riverdive and met up with everyone else at the Askews. We went out to Tom's farm for the day and then to the local pizza place for dinner. It was great to catch up and see all the lilins playing with each other. On Sunday Kelly, Holly, the kids and the Askew clan all drove out to Irvine, Paul and I picked up Morgan and met up at Mc D's for lunch. We hung out and talked took pictures and had a good time. It is always sad when Kelly has to leave since we dont get to see her that often. And the only member of the BU '98 clan we were missing was Charlie since she was out playing war games in AZ. We will all have to do a couple of road trips to see everyone this summer. Here are a couple photos that the computer would auctually let me upload.

Holly, Hailey, Clay, Me, Drew and Abby on the horsey ride

Morgan, Kelly, Me and Moe at Mc D's

To the Angels management:

Thanks. We mean it, seriously.

--Big Blue

I'm all in!

Poker has been going good for me this week. I played 3 tournaments and got 3rd in one and 4th in another. I've now turned the $1.20 that Brad transfered me into $11.20. If I can repeat this level of sucess 4000 times by next May, I'll be able to quit my day job. Sweet.

Red Carpet Night

Cyndi got a chance for us to see Mission Impossible 3 tonight at the red carpet premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood. We rushed there after work, but it was a mess trying to find parking anywhere and we ended up not making it into the movie. At least we got free t-shirts.

We decided since we were there, we would try and see some of the stars. We managed to get a spot at the railing right where the limos were dropping everyone off. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes (without baby) showed up first in a car from the movie. They came over about 5 feet from us and spent about an hour and a half taking pictures with people and signing autographs. That was cool, but I still wish I had Brad's "Xenu Is My Homeboy" t-shirt. After TomKat moved away from us, it was hard to see them because Tom is like a midget.

Jenna and Bodie Elfman showed up a while later and came right up to us. We didn't have our camera with us, but she hung out and took pictures with the people standing next to us. They may be freaky Scientologists too, but they're related to Danny Elfman so they got a pass.

None of the other stars we saw did anything more than wave to us. We saw Patrick Swayze, Kirsty Alley, Will Smith, Cedric the Entertainer, Catherine Zeta-Jones, J.J. Abrams, Billy Crudup, and Maggie Q. The guy next to us showed me pictures he took at the MI:2 premiere a few years back, and a lot more A-listers showed up for that one. Guess Tom isn't as popular as he once was. All in all, a good time.

"What am I worth? If you're $300, what am I worth" -- Mars Hill

I am worth $2,061,270 on HumanForSale.com

Who looks like Jesus, throws like Mary, and acts likes Judas?

American League baseball officially starts today.