Christmas in Review

I feel like I've been in a small tornado for 3 days and just got thrown out of it. Cooking, cleaning, eating, playing, cooking, cleaning,eating, playing. Not much sleeping, and throw in teaching YW, a temple recommend interview with the Stake President, Kevin & Amy speaking in the Spanish branch, and ending with a big Cox family Party. Could we have squeezed anymore in? Oh yes I forgot - Ed and I got new callings too. (Added on to our old callings)
Thank goodness I don't work this week, I slept all day today. But I just would like to say a few words about our family. I love them to pieces! Saturday was so fun being all together. We had a new BB ball game in the basement that kept everyone entertained as well as nerf rifles for the grandsons, even though their dads seemed to have more fun with them than they did. I would also like to thank the whole Cox family for another successful family party. I know that we are all pooped by the time this party rolls around and I am probably the first one to say we shouldn't have it, but it always turns out. You always come through. It takes alot of love to hold a big family together and I hope you all know you are loved so much. I know that mom is overwhelmed by the money given to her - and she wants you all to know how much she appreciates it. I was looking over our big group last night and I thought - how blessed we are - its not easy keeping a family this big -close. Thanks to a Mom and Dad for all you've done to keep us this way.

Cox Family Christmas Party

OK everybody. There will be a Cox Family Christmas Party. It will be held at my house on Sunday- December 26th 5:00 pm. Notice this is not on Christmas - its on Sunday! There will be a gift exchange game so. if you want to participate bring a gift. (a nice gift please) Bring something you might want to win or take home. It can be something new, slightly used or something regifted. Of course there will always be the gift every wants and fights for and the gift no one wants but gets passed around and around.
Also bring finger food or treats to share with everyone. We will also have a Money jar for Grandma Cox. You can donate what ever you wish - small or large - this helps pay her car insurance for the year and she appreciates it so much. (And she does not expect it - we just like to do it)
I know my house is not that big and it will be tight but hopefuly we can all fit and the kids won't be too rowdy. If you have any questions - call me. Aunt Lorrie

Tree's up!!

Yes its artificial. But when you have a husband who builds a big fire in the fireplace 24/7 and keeps the room at 80 all day there is no way a real tree would survive. My trees are getting smaller and smaller as the years go by. And I'm putting up less decorations. Turning into my mom I guess. Something I never thought I would say. Some year we'll just put up a wreath and call it good. I love the Christmas music and all the memories it brings back of the wonderful Christmas's my mom and dad used to make for us. I hope my kids feel the same way. We didn't have alot of money most years but we tried to make each one special in some way. Now each of our children are making memories for their children. I do love Christmas time - its stressful but I love it. I love the message of the first Presidency in their Christmas message tonight, Take the worldliness out of Christmas and make it more about Christ. I do think gifts are an important part of Christmas -not getting - but giving. And I don't think big and extravagant are what its all about either. I think when we worry and stress about gifts thats what ruins the Christmas spirit. We should be more about helping others who have less, and giving suprises to people who aren't expecting anything. Not expecting anything in return. I think thats what Christmas is about.

One Holiday down . . .

One to go. I don't know about you but it seems like I just put my Christmas tree away from last year! I know they start putting Christmas stuff out in the stores in October, but it seems unreal and I don't pay much attention, but once Thanksgiving is over and the Christmas music starts playing I really start getting the Holiday Spirit. I think my favorite time of the year is the week after Thanksgiving. It kind of goes down hill from there. I mean you go from not thinking about Christmas because your so worried about Thanksgiving to OH MY Gosh only 25 days till Christmas! And every day that goes by is one less day to shop, one less day to decorate, and one less day to bake. Now, all of these things we have to do on top of work, church and activites that we were already squeezing into our busy lives. I'm not a shop ahead type of person. I'm still finding gifts I bought 3 years ago and forgot about. I'm not a simple shopper. I have to find just the right gift. I worry, I stress, I don't sleep. And the closer Christmas comes the more stressed I get. While I am out pounding the pavement, Ed sits in the car with his crossword puzzles and Christmas music all relaxed and calm. I am sorry to tell my kids that if anything ever happens to me you will never get a gift of any kind from dad. He's just not a shopper except for himself. If I tell him we are going to town to buy him a new shirt he's the first one in car with the motor reving. But I have to say that he is very patient while I am shopping and he drives me anywhere I want to go. I know in the whole perspective of things that everything will work out - I just wish there was a way to take the stress out of Christmas so I could enjoy it more.

How much food does it take?!

I was checking out of Walmart today with my 40 lbs. of potatoes and the conversation with the checker went something like this: "Why are you buying so many potatoes?" answer " Well I'm in charge of the potatoes for Thanksgiving" "Why do you need so many?" Well we have a large family." That many for just your family? Yes How many family members do you have? Oh about 75. 75?!!!! Your immediate family? yes. Where do you eat Thanksgiving dinner? Well we used to eat it in one of our homes but now we go to a community center. Oh my gosh, I can't even imagine feeding that many people! How many turkeys do you have? -----The questions went on and on and I felt sorry for the people behind me but they seemed to be in shock as well. Ed and I were not going to be here this year for Thanksgiving, we were driving to Kansas to pick up the family tractor that was gifted to him. Thank goodness he got on the internet and found someone to haul it up here for less than we could drive there and back. I have to admit that I was thinking it was time that we split into families and do our own dinners this year. Because of our enormous numbers. I was just going to have ours before we went to Kansas. But thanks to Rick and Sharon the dinner will go on as usual. I know the year will come when we won't be able to all get together for Thanksgiving - but I'm sure mom is very pleased that Rick and Sharon took on the challenge to make it happen. Its not an easy one for sure! Thanks!

Goodbye 50's

Today is my last day of being in my 50's. Boo Hoo! Which makes me wonder - when does middle age end and old age begin? I know I'm getting close because I ache everywhere, I have no energy and my body is giving out on me. Gosh, I sound like my mother. I went to the store today to try to find a new Birthday outfit. What happened to cute clothes? The department I used to shop in now has racks and racks of tight fitting, sleezy, low cut, short sleeve see thru tops. It doesn't matter whether you wear small or extra large, they all fit the same. Pants are just as bad. Where did the waist go on pants? Who voted to move the waist band from the middle of our body to below our big bellies? I'm just not that comfortable with my belly hanging over the waist of my pants. I may be wrong but I believe Waist bands were meant to hold in the belly. So here I am in the old ladies section - pants with elastic waists, tent looking tops - comfort, comfort, comfort. I guess thats a big sign of old age, when comfort is more important than fashion. Although my brain thinks I'm still in my 30's - I want to look young and stylish, my body is telling me I passed stylish about 10 years ago. You just can't look stylish in stretch pants and orthopedic shoes no matter how hard you try. My goal for the 60's is to get healthy and lose those 30 lbs. that were my goal in the 50's. Hey, you're only a failure if you totally give up. I feel I have alot of years left in me - now if my brain could just tell my body that we'll do just fine.

Thanksgiving?

This is Grandma Cox speaking: Its the most happiest time of the year - again- "The Holidays" and here we are trying to figure out what to do for Thanksgiving and Christmas. As many of you know our family isn't getting any smaller - and thats ok - we love family! You are my family and I guess you can blame it on Grandpa and I cause we are the ones that got this started. When we were young and having our kids the last thing on my mind was that someday I would be 81 with 120 of my posterity wondering where we were going to be having Thanksgiving dinner and a Christmas get together. I would have you all to my little apartment but I don't even have room for a 14 lb. turkey let alone my family. And if I did I would. My dear sweet oldest daughter, (who is just about as old as me) -and who has hosted many Thanksgiving dinners - has just informed me she won't be here for Thanksgiving this year. I was wondering if anyone else would like to host Thanksgiving this year? So what I'm asking first of all is if you could respond to this and tell me how many of you are planning on being here? Second - would anyone like to host this year? We could just skip this year and not all get together? What do you think? We will discuss Christmas on my next blog I dictate to Lorrie.

Its that time of year!

Yeah! Halloween's over! Party's over!! Nov. 1st - Christmas ads have begun! A new month a new stress! Christmas gift shopping. What to get everyone? Will they like it? Will it be good enough? Its now 54 days that will fly by faster than a cat covering crap. And as each day goes by I start hyperventilating faster and faster. How do people shop all year "for Christmas"? I am the kind of shopper that buys something and if I find something cheaper or better I take it back and exchange it. I would never be done because I would be shopping and returning all year. I also have a bad memory and am still finding gifts I bought and hid 4 years ago. So the longer I wait the better it is but the more stressed I am. It would be nice if we only had shopping to do but there is work, church callings, family events, Thanksgiving and now another road trip to Kansas thrown in there. (Thats another blog story all its own!) I don't have any answers other than doing away with gift exchanges - not a real popular idea - So ready or not let the shopping begin!

Halloween-Holiday From Hell

Its no secret that I hate Halloween. I post it every year and my family has heard about it for years. I thought that once my kids were grown and finding their own costumes that I was off the hook, but here I am - almost 60 years old and planning another ward Halloween party! I keep hoping no one will show up but each year it gets bigger and bigger. Hoards of children running thru the church scattering candy wrappers, costume pieces and smearing gum and makeup on the walls as they go. On top of all of that I have to come up with a costume for myself. The first year I went as an overweight Snow White, black wig and all. Hardly anyone knew who I was but the little girls loved me. I was so suprised how many wanted to take their pictures with me. The next year I wore my pajamas and everyone kept asking me who I was supose to be. I didn't really care, I was comfortable. This year I'm thinking about going as a gift wrapped box. Just think I could put a box over my head- 2 peep holes and no one has to know who I am. I could just hide out in there except for the fact that I'm in charge. I am just sure that this is my last Halloween Party (I know I said this last year) And I will do my best to make it a good one. God forgive when I whine, I have good health the world is mine.

Pumpkin Season-Again!

Well here we are again - the one and only month that Ed and I really have enough free time to take off and do things. Harvest is over and shipping season is slow- but someone has to man the pumpkin patch. The whole month of October!I'm not saying I don't like pumpkins and I do get a kick out of taking the grandkids to the "pumpkin patch" but other than that its alot of work for a little bit of money. Not my money - his money. In the past I have shared in the planting, the weeding,& the harvesting of the pumpkins but I soon learned that the income from this venture is "his". So it doesn't excite me too much to participate. I have learned that, much like "demo derbys", this is another one of Ed's passions- Raising pumpkins. He has studied it, read about it, and dreamed about it. He does a good job because every year the yield gets bigger and bigger and bigger. I wish the sales were as good - but somehow I don't think its so much about the money. Otherwise we would be retired and living the good life. Right now its a hobby but someday we might be living on the sale of his pumpkins. What a scarey thought!

Restless Night!

I think this is going be a long night- I can't sleep - I'm sitting in the living room listening to Ed snore away even though he's clear in the bedroom. He just went in there 2 minutes ago and now he's sound asleep. How do men do that? I can go to bed exhausted beyond belief and toss and turn for hours before drifting off and the slightest sound can bring me wide awake. I have learned that ear plugs help a little and are much better than poking and jabbing him to stop snoring all night. If he does wake up its just for a second and then back to the snoring. I could almost take the snoring but the worst is when he quits breathing for a couple of minutes and then comes the loud snorting. You know its coming and you brace and prepare yourself but it still makes me jump. I usually end up moving to the couch or other bedroom where I toss and turn all night anyway. When my kids were little and waking up all night I dreamed of the time when I could sleep ALL night. Then they grew up and didn't come home in time for curfew. I would pace and worry while Ed snored away. I would beg him to let me sleep while he paced and worried and he said he would but then I would hear the snoring. I decided that he just couldn't help himself. The thing that irks me the most is when he gets up in the morning and says he didn't sleep at all. I wish I had his gift of sleeping anywhere, any place, any time. Although I couldn't imagine if we were both snoring in church, at least one of us is awake to poke the other one now. We've tried the throat sprays, & the nose bands - can't talk him into nose surgery. So I guess ear plugs will have to do for now. Now if I could just find a cure for the bags under my eyes.

Blog Dilema

I don't know whats going on but I can't get onto my blog at work which is where I find time to post. And I can't get into the calendar. All of your blogs have disapeared from my blog blog addresses. I am shocked that this has let me do this. I might have to start a whole new blog. I don't know what I'm doing and then this happened. Its been going on for quite a few weeks. I apologize. I really enjoy doing this and its become so frustrating. I hope I can figure it out soon. Life is the pitts right now anyway!!!

A Blast From The Past

I hate class reunions. Maybe its because I had some of my most embarassing moments in high school or maybe its because I do not resemble in any way shape or form the person I was in high school. But this year the class of 1970 invited several former classes to their reunion and against my better judgement - at the last moment- I decided to go. I didn't have time to lose 50 lbs. I didn't have time to get a new outfit that made me look skinny and I didn't have time to worry about who was going to be there. Ed and I were one of the first ones there and imagine my suprise when I picked up one of the old annuals on display from 1967 and it was mine! I can't imagine how come I didn't miss my own annual all these years. It was autographed by all my old classmates. It was like reading them for the first time. Another suprise of the evening was when my old boyfriend and his wife walked in. They saw me before it was too late to hide or runaway. As it turned out we had a wonderful visit catching up on our families. Other friends came that I didn't know was coming and some I hadn't seen for 41 years. Some I didn't recognize and some hadn't changed much. We talked and laughed and reminised and I could hardly wait until the next night when we met again - both times in the school cafeteria of all places. The next night we all showed up with pictures of our families - which both nights seemed to be the most important topic of most of my friends. I guess it didn't matter that I had gained tons of weight, that I had wrinkles and bags and sags, it didn't matter that I still lived in Warden after 41 years - it didn't matter that I wasn't the most popular girl in high school all those years ago and it didn't even matter that my old boyfriend was there with his skinny wife. What mattered is that I wouldn't change a thing about my life now. I would like to be skinny but other than that I have a wonderful husband and a wonderful family a good job. My life is good.

Our trip to Kansas

A few days after we returned home from Wisconsin we got the word that Ed's brother had passed away in Kansas and so we started making arraingments to fly to Kansas. Luckily we have a great boss who gave us more days off. I don't fly often and so this was quite an experience for me. Especially since we had Ed's mother with us. The airports have grown so big that now you check your baggage and then get on a trolley and ride underground to another location to go thru security and then onto the plane. I paid $25 each way to check my suitcase that had my extra special $10 can of hairspray. I knew Grandma Olson thought I was nuts and that used to really bother me but I'm almost 60 years old and if I want to do that I will. When we got to Denver we had to practically run a mile thru the airport to catch the plane to Wichita. I kept looking behind me and Grandma kept up all the way. It was almost midnight by this time and we were all draggin! Our dinner was from the motel vending machine. "Crackers and diet pepsi". Their time is 2 hours ahead of ours so morning came early. We arrived in Hutchinson and visited with Ed's sister in law before heading to the funeral home. They had asked Ed to speak and so he took all of the Baptist ministers time as well. But I do think he did a really good job telling stories about his brother and even had a chance to bear his testimony. His nieces loved being with Ed and said he reminded them so much of their dad. Personally I do not see the resemblance but if it made them feel better that was good. Now, things are more laid back in Kansas than I am used to. The funeral dinner was held at one of Ed's nieces home. Everyone changed into shorts and T shirts (except us) and the beer flowed freely. They had 3 huge black labs that ran around and grabbed at our plates and licked our hands. Not the usual funeral dinner I am used to. But Fritz's kids are great and we enjoyed visiting with them. I'm not used to chickens on porches, but that just me. I've always been terrified of chickens since I was little but thats another story. On Monday we headed back to Wichita to catch our plane and our rental car quit on us. 2 hours and many phone calls later one of Ed's nieces came and picked us up and took us to the airport just in time to catch our flight to Denver. Denver's flight to Seattle was delayed which put us into Seattle after midnight. Another man had the same seat # as me and it caused a big chaos on the plane but finally we were on our way to Seattle. After much searching we found my suitcase with my $10 special can of hairspray and headed out to see if we could remember which station we were to go to get a shuttle to our car. About 1:30 a.m. we were on our way out of Seattle. Ed's mom was already asleep and I was trying to keep Ed awake. At Ellensburg we switched and I drove/slept the rest of the way home. It was the hardest time I have ever had trying to stay awake. The hardest was between pheasant run and Warden. At one point I did fall asleep and heard Ed hollar, I woke up just in time to keep from going in the ditch and looked over and Ed was sound sleep. I guess we were being watched over. I was amazed at Ed's mom and her ability to keep up with us as we ran from place to place, climbed stairs, waited in line and all this was usually late at night. This trip was not an easy one. Many things will be left unsaid - I am glad we got to spend time with some of Ed's family, and I am very thankful for Ed my family and all that we have.

Ed & Lorrie's Vacation

I wanted to blog about this before I forgot all the fun we had. At my age- the short term memory is the first to go. Now what was I talking about, Oh yeah, our vacation. We left last Wed. afternoon - destination for the night was Missoula Montana. Ed had made reservations at the Super 8. Not knowing there were 2 Super 8's - he of course reserved at the one 5 miles off the freeway. But we were on schedule and so time wasn't that important yet. The next morning we were off and hoping to make it to Bismark North Dakota. The speed limit in Montana and North Dakota is 75 miles an hour so you really make good time - The weather started turning really bad in North Dakota and our radio station had alarms and warnings to find shelter from a severe storm that was approaching. By the time we got to Bismark we found the last room available and paid a fortune for it. The TV kept having alarms & warnings that 100 mile winds were coming and to take cover away from windows. Not much cover in a hotel room. We made it through the night and reached our destination the next morn. They are 2 hours ahead there and we had eaten breakfast at the motel. We visted Ed's cousin who insisted we eat lunch. When we got in our car to leave there it was almost noon our time. I told Ed, we've eaten 2 meals and its not even noon yet! We got to Hayward, Wis. and checked into our room which was awful. I'm usually the complainer but I was suprised when Ed said he would go insist on a different room. The population in Hayward in the off season is about 2,000. During the summer its about 10,000 so I was really suprised when he came back and said they were moving us to a different room. Ed's 50 class reunion was that evening so he decided he better take a nap so he could stay up that late. When we got to the reunion the lady that checked us in asked him if she remembered him, he had taken her to a homecoming dance one time. Its funny - because I wondered how I would feel meeting women that he had dated once but they were old and not intimidating at all! In fact as I looked around the room "I" was the youngest one there or at least looked the youngest. People were looking and pointing at us wondering who we were, I wanted to say "Hey, I am way younger than any of you and I didn't graduate with you."!!!! I sat at the table with Ed's cousin's wives while Ed made his way around the room seeing people he hadn't seen for 50 years. He was in 7th heaven! The one thing I did enjoy was the band that played 50's & 60's music. The next day we had breakfast with the Metcalfs and about 30 of Ed's relatives. Then back in the car and heading home. We made it to St. Cloud Minn. that night. On Monday it was on the road again hoping to make it to Glendive Montana. We got there late and every motel was full.So we had to drive about 200 more miles to get to a town with motels. By the time we got there I had been sitting for 3 hours. I could hardly walk. Our room was on the 2nd floor and we were so tired we didn't even take our suitcases. I grabbed my PJ's and told him I was just going to wear my same clothes the next day. It had been a long day. But it got us closer to home and so the next day we made it all the way home. We got to see lots of deer along the way,flooded rest stops, hurricane weather, up rooted trees, we stopped at the $50,000 dollar bar, going and coming, gas was only $2.59 - $2.79 a gal all the way, our new van ran great, it was a good trip. Long but just good to get away for the longest vacation I have ever taken. Yeah we could have flown, but look at all the adventure we would have missed!

Mom's Physical Therapy

Grandma's doing lots better thanks to her great physical therapist!! I am just curious about his procedures though. When you think about how much it cost to go to physical therapy school and how many years it took: Mom's therapy includes swinging a broom stick back and forth then lifting soup cans up and down while shrugging her shoulders. AND ITS WORKING!!! Just kidding Chris, I know that you are a very qualified Physical Therapist and that theres way more to it that I'm saying. And you're the first one I will call if I need a physcal therapist!

Grandma's Fall

A week ago last Friday Grandma Cox took a bad fall off of a curb in Moses Lake. Many people came to help her and wanted to call an ambulance. She refused, because other than being embarassed at falling and feeling a little pain she just wanted to get to her car and rest for a minute. Deby was with her and helped her quite a bit. Well, the next day she felt more pain and the next day was worse with many bruises showing up. The worst pain was in her shoulder and so after a few more days decided to go in and see if it was broken. Luckily it wasn't but he did put her arm in a sling and gave her a perscription for pain pills. He also told her she might need a MRI to check out any other damage that might be causing the pain. So today she is at another Dr. finding out if she needs one. I will keep you posted of her results. Hopefully it is something that will heal on its own and she will be as good as new. As new as an 80 1/2 year old woman can be. (Sorry Mom, I can't write and be serious at the same time)

The Adventures of Ed & Lorrie

I thought about writing a book "The Adventures of Ed & Lorrie" because lets face it, we have alot of those. It might be funnier if my name was Mable but thats beside the point. I'm sure you think I make some of these stories up but honestly our life is a comedy. Sometimes its not funny to us - but when we tell other people - they laugh. Like the other day when we decided to go to Tri Cities and look at cars. Ours has alot of miles on it but it was in perfectly good shape. I emphasize "was". We knew it wasn't good for a trade in but maybe someone would be looking for a great "older" van. Ed was tired and so being the kind wonderful wife that I am I offered to drive so he could nap on the way. Now, I have driven in and out of our garage at least twice a day for 4 years without any problems. I have even driven with Ed in the passenger seat but for some reason on this particular day Ed thought he needed to tell me how to back out of the garage. As I proceeded to back out Ed told me I was too close to the door on his side. So I pulled forward and turned the steering wheel to back up again, he again told me I was too close, so I pulled forward and turned the wheel the other way and because his head was in the way and I assumed he would tell me if I was too close and he was making me nervous I started to back out, he didn't say anything so I kept backing out and pushed the garage door remote closer. We were half way out of the garage and I hit the retaining wall on Ed's side and stopped - as I looked forward to pull forward the garage door was on its way down. I couldn't go forward and I couldn't go backward. So I threw my hands in the air and waited for the garage door to hit the front hood. Its an old door and doesn't have the sensor that tells it "I'm not out yet!!" So after it hit the hood it raised back up and I was able to pull back in the garage. This scene was straight out of an "I Love Lucy" episode. I waited for Ed to yell at me but he just got out and looked at the damage, then got back in and said "Now there are dents in the car." So I said "So I guess we aren't going car shopping?" I guess he Knew I was plenty mad at myself for both of us. We did end up going to town but not to look at cars. A couple of weeks later we did sell the van dents and all. Now we have a smaller van and I don't think I'll have any trouble backing out of the garage. You never know though, Stranger things have happened!

Having Twins Makes You Strong!

I think having twins made me a stronger woman today. Think about it. If you just have one baby eating and crying and pooping its not too bad, (unless you have other toddlers). But if you have two babies eating and crying (and crying) and pooping its a nightmare (other toddlers add to the zoo!) You can't send them back, you can't let someone else take care of them (unless your rich) and you can't put them in a room and shut the door and ignore them. Which of course I never did. So you pull yourself up by your bootstraps (or tennis shoe laces) and put on your happy but tired face and trudge through each long day and night. I never slept the first 3 months of Michael and Mishelle's lives. But one month led into 2 months and 2 months led into 12 months and 12 months led to now 31 years. I can hardly believe it. There were days when I wanted to give up, many days I cried right along with them, and then it got better. They starting sleeping through the night, and then they were potty trained, and they were walking and talking. Everywhere we went people stopped us and were so curious about twins. At that time there weren't many around. But as they grew we realized they were entertainers. Michael the comedian and Mishelle the singer. Sometimes they switched because Michael can sing and Mishelle can be hilarious. What a joy they have been in our lives. I'm glad I didn't give up. They have taught me patience, endurance, long standing, tolerance and love. They have taught me not to give up during any challenge and that I can really accomplish anything the Lord sends me. I still whine & complain (just ask Ed or Brian) But I know in the end everything will be ok and I can do it. I've had some real challenging church jobs, I've had challenges at work, my kids have stressed me to the max, but here we are 31 years later and we've made it so far. Thanks Michael and Mishelle for making me stronger. Thanks to all my kids for the bags under my eyes, the gray hairs, the endless worry wrinkles the rolls of fat (oh yea, thats my fault)
Thanks for making me the strong woman I am today.

Pleasing Your Man- Rated G

When you are a young married woman you try really hard to be the best wife you can be. You make his favorite foods, you keep the house clean, you try to look your best all the time (I know I'm exaggerating a bit) but you get the idea. Then kids happen. And your whole life takes on a whole new interest. Your husband is lucky if he gets dinner,clean house (whats that) and even the idea of looking your best seems like a magical fairytale beyond comprehension. I'm not sure why woman weren't given enough energy for kids AND husbands and I'm not blaming God, but it might be one of the first questions I ask when I get to heaven. But move on about 38 years - if your lucky - and the kids are gone - and there you are. 2 old people who barely resemble the newlywed couple they were 38 years ago. Now that you have the time to cook, clean and look good - its almost too late and what little energy you did have is used up getting out of bed, brushing your teeth and moving from room to room. And if you still work, forget any other activities. Well, thats what I thought until Saturday. Ed and I finally had a day with nothing else going on and he asked me if I would go fishing with him. In his dingy. (This is a true story, I promise) I had no excuses, I had had my coritzone shot so now I could get in the boat, I didn't have any other events going on and so off we went early Sat. morn. A stop for worms, McDonalds for breakfast, and we were in the lake by 8. Ed, Chessie and I. Yes I would have rather been having a pedicure or shopping but I have to say that the couple of hours we spent putting around Blue Lake was really relaxing. We didn't catch anything and once the water skiers, and jet skiers came out the relaxation was over. In fact- from the waves of the big boats we were bobbing up and down like 2 giant puff marshmallows on high seas. We made our way back to the dock where a very kind young man helped load the boat onto the trailer. (Another advantage of getting old) And Ed was a happy man. He had got to go fishing and I was along for the ride. I didn't have to cook, or clean or comb my hair. How easy was that and he was happy. I'm a lucky woman!

Life Happens!

I am a new Woman, thanks to Cortizone. What is Cortizone anyway? All I know is I have been limping around for a year, continually getting worse- finally went to the orthepedic Dr. who offered a cortizone shot and I was desparate and said yes without asking what it is - and I didn't care as long as it took the pain away. I guess it has steroids in it so I if I seem to start talking with a deep voice and get a little huskier thats why. Just can't seem to get rid of the headache that came along with it. But no knee pain for now and supose to last for 3 to 4 months. Yipee! So I can keep throwing away the scooter ads I keep getting in the mail for now. Its been a busy month for family happenings and I know I'm going to miss some here, but congratulations to Heather and Shawn on their new baby. We now have 2 Ethan's in the family born a month apart. Its a good name. Congratulations Josh and Jen got married a couple of weeks ago and are planning a reception for Aug. 21st. Brian, Brennen and Tyson participated in Hoop Fest in Spokane last week, Brian's team didn't do too well, Brennen did better and Tyson out lasted both but didn't win in the end. Demo Derby coming up in Othello July 3rd, I'm sure we'll have some family cars in that, Nick I know of for sure. On a sadder note: Rich's mom passed away and they had her funeral on Monday, Joe had a bad accident at work Wed.almost losing his right hand. He had surgery Thurs. morning and now a long process of recouperating and physical therepy. Uncle Vern Cox passed away last Sunday and his funeral was Thursday.
Life happens, good and bad, thank goodness we have each other, and so many of us. Want to wish everyone a great 4th of July! Christmas will be here before we know it! Half the year is over already!! Scarey!

Where did June go?

This has been one busy month. In just one blink June is about over. I'm not ready for June to be over. I had so many plans for June and its almost gone. I wanted to go to the Cox reunion this year. But mom left without me without so much as a good-bye. But with the week I've been having I would have had to stop every half hour and take a nap in order to drive all the way there and by my calculations we might have made it by next June. You see every year - at this time - we have customers from all over the world fly here and visit our pea trial fields. So for 2 days I am the caterer. It takes all week to get ready - they come on Wed and Thursday and we entertain them night and day. Last year we did the lunch, steak dinner, band, dance all in the fields. This year my boss decided it would be a great idea for me to find an airplane that would fly everyone around on a site seeing tour. the only one I could find was a 3 passenger little dinky plane. We had about 25 people wanting to go. So my bosses set up a taxi service with Kylee, Brian and I chauffering everyone back and forth from the Grant County airport. On top of everything we were already doing. I was the last one at the airport and my boss who had promised me I wouldn't have to fly - talked me into riding with him. I later realized he just wanted to show me he could fly. and do dippity doo's and all kinds of stomach turning tricks. I told him I wasn't afraid of flying I was afraid of crashing. Anyway we made it back safe and sound. Well the pea trials are over for another year - I call it "Hell Week" but we also have Bean trials in July which my bosses informed me will be bigger than our pea trials. yipee! I can hardly wait. I might be recouperated by then. Kylee - who was supose to be my big helper this year was a great help on Wed but was sick today. I missed her terribly. I also missed Lyn this year who was such a great help last year. So sorry to hear about Rich's mom passing away but I know she was so sick and this was a blessing. I guess we really are becoming the older generation. Its passing by fast. I'm not ready for it but you can't stop the inevitable. Well here we go into July. I'm not sure its going to slow down anytime soon.

Vanessa's Baby Shower

Just a little reminder about Vanessa's baby shower Sunday. If you need directions to it let me know. I know its busy times for everyone but just wanted to remind you. There will be good food! My cell phone # is 750-0532.

No Ordinary Memorial Day

This Memorial Day was no ordinary Memorial Day - to me anyway. But I think it was our best ever, (except for missing family members that couldn't come.) There are some things you can always count on for Memorial Day and crappy weather is one of them. And yes this year we had rain, but we had alot of sun also. And I just think compared to other years the weather wasn't that bad. We decided to change things a bit hoping that more of you would come to Warden Cemetary if we met later in the morning. And by golly, you came! 76 of you showed up! I was shocked at how many of you even came earlier to Moses Lake Cemetary. Mom is so thankful and greatful that you did and also for the flowers you brought. We are hoping this is a tradition you will carry on when we are gone. I know Grandpa Cox must have been so proud to have so many there to honor him and other family members who have passed on. You can't have a get together without food and I think the food was outstanding! The only thing we need to remember next year is to have 2 BBQers. Tyson you did a great job trying to keep up with one but 2 would have been better. We did have rain, but thank goodness it wasn't cold and the rain went away and the sun came out and it was great. I was worried no one would stay to play softball, it had been such a long day already, but by golly we had enough for 2 teams and a pretty big audience as well. I am so glad this tradition was added to Memorial Day. Its so entertaining and funny and we always like to watch Aunt Lyn hit the ball although she hit fly balls this year and so we didn't get to watch her run or slide into 3rd base. But the day ended with good memories I think. Our family has their ups and downs, we aren't perfect, but we love each other no matter what. We missed those of you who couldn't make - maybe next year.

Memorial day plans

After lots of discussion we came to this decision for memorial day. For anyone who can make it we will meet at Moses Lake cemetary first this year 9:00 am. then we will travel to Warden cemetary meeting at 11:00. HOpefuly you will all be there for that one. Then we will go to the grade school playground where there is an area with tables and we will bbq. Please bring your own meat to BBQ, and salads or side dishes. Lyn and Sharon are bringing a cake for Emma & Haley. We will have ice water. Bring lawn chairs, base ball mitts and if someone has a basketball there are basketball hoops there also. We will have access to the bathrooms there. If anyone has flowers please bring some, we are having trouble finding any this year. Any questions please call your parents or me. See ya all tomorrow!

Memorial Day Question?

I would like to toss this question out to everyone? How would you feel about having our Memorial Day picnic somewhere in Moses Lake instead of coming back to Warden? If you would like to - does anyone have a suggestion of where? There is the old West Lake State Park, McCosh park, Cascade valley park. It would be nice to go somewhere we could still have the softball game. Maybe we could have it at Grape Drive church "legacy park". I don't know if they have restrooms there though. Well I would just like to work it out so more could and would come to the Warden Cemetary and be there for our family picture. If you can't answer on the blog then text me or call me or e mail me. I need to know so I can let everyone know. Thanks.

Memorial Day

While other people are packing their campers and cars for a 3 day vacation our family celebrates Memorial Day in the old traditional way. Why do we spend every Memorial Day doing exactly the same thing we have Always done Every year since I can remember, on Memorial Day my mother has packed her trunk with jars and cans covered with tin foil and buckets of water. Also in her trunk were flowers, not boughten flowers, but flowers she had grown mixed with flowers generously donated by the neighbors. Then off to the cemetary we would go to put flowers on the graves of our family members who have passed away. What started off as an hour at the Moses Lake cemetary has turned into an almost all day event including Warden's Cemetary. Then finishing off with a family BBQ. There is something I haven't quite figured out yet. After all the years of doing the same thing - when Memorial Day arrives - everyone is still asking "What are the plans for Memorial Day?" None of us have very many flowers growing in our yards to glean from, and the day is still cold and windy. So I guess - even though it is traditional - we can always plan on those things. I'm just going to go out on a limb here and say: We'll start at the Warden Cemetary at 9:30 am. Everyone bring all the flowers you can gather!! (For those of you who haven't made it to the Warden Cemetary you really miss something special. We gather around Dad's grave and say a few things and then Rick always offers a family prayer. We also take a family picture. Its very special and you are missing out by not coming.) Then we move on to Moses Lake where we play the "Find the Gleed Family Graves" game. So by this time its about noon and we all head back to the Warden Park for a BBQ.(Bring meat you want to BBQ and salads & desserts) (Not sure if this is going to change but I will post it if it does) We finish off the day with a New tradition. A family game of softball. Some play and some watch. If you would like to spend a traditional Memorial Day with the Cox family please come this Monday. P.S. Dress Warm!

Growing & Growing & Growing.

I just can't hardly keep up anymore! In one more week it will be June and OMGosh where did May go! Am I the only one that thinks time is flying by. When my kids were little time just dragged by. Maybe because everyday was the same as the day before. Up all night with kids, breakfast, messes, cleaning, lunch, messes, cleaning, dinner, messes, cleaning, etc. Get my drift. So time was slower, but now that we're older and we want time to go slower because its not so hard I feel like I'm in a whirl wind. Our family has been blessed this month with a new grandson, Ethan Edward Olson. Only 6 lbs. 8 oz. About the same size Michael was when he was born of course he had a twin sister to share the space with but she only weighed 4 lbs. 8 ozs so he must have gotten all the nourishment first. We are so happy for Michael and Rachael (especially Rachael) that they finally have their new baby here. Another suprise was seeing Ashley come in and have her new baby the next day. Castin Cache Iverson. 8 lbs. He looked so much bigger than Ethan. Can you just imagine their last day in heaven with Grandpa Cox before they came here. What advice did he give them. How excited they must have been knowing they would be cousins on earth and live in the same town and everything. Makes you think a little, huh? Well Ethan and Castin bring the total number of Richard and Bonnie Cox's family to 112. All because 2 people fell in love. And theres 2 more on the way that I know of, Heather & Vanessa. Watch out world, the Cox's are growing, and growing and growning!

The Day After Mother's Day

I have to say that this has been one of my favorite Mother's Days of all times. Did Ed get me the wonderful Mother's Day gift that I have always dreamed of? No. Did I get breakfast in bed? No. Did I get to kick back and relax all day? Heck No! In fact my stress level was probably in the danger zone as far as stress levels go. But after having to speak in Sacrement meeting I think the rest of the day was a piece of cake. The highlite of my day was sitting on the stand and watching each one of my kids and their families come into the chapel and Ed trying to find places for all of them to sit. I know it was a sacrifice for some of them to come and I love them for it. (See kids, it really doesn't take much to touch a Mother's heart.) If thats all they would have done it would have been the best gift ever. Our day together was icing on the cake. Ed really did try to do most of the cooking although he let the boys take over with the BBQ. I did find the stickers still on the apples he cut up in the fruit salad before we served it but I know they were washed. He tried hard, bless his heart. (He knows fathers day is coming) The kids gave me some really nice gifts but I want them to know the greatest gifts they have given us is the grandkids. When they come running with their arms out to give hugs, thats the best feeling ever. Today I am exhausted but it is a good exhausted feeling. Its interesting that the older you get - its the little things that make you happy.

Mother's Day

Another Mother's Day has finally come when we get to sit in our easy chair and relax for the day while sipping ice cold lemonade and our husband and children wait on us hand and foot . . . ( record scratching sound) What? That doesn't happen at your house?! Mine either. We can dream can't we. I guess our fulfillment comes from knowing that we had children, we didn't lose any of them, none of them have been injured too bad by our mothering technics. Yes Brian still has an enlarged nuckle from a jammed finger in 7th grade because we thought it would heal itself. And there are a few scars that might have healed better if we had taken our kids to the ER at the time of the accident but that was before insurance and even though we did make plenty of trips to the ER anyway, I still think Bag Balm and liquid Lysol are miracle drugs. Externally of course! Kids now days will never know the thrill of being thrown against the dash or back seat of a car when Mother slams on the brakes. They will not know the joy of riding in the back window looking up at the clouds as Mother whizs along on dirt roads. Or the excitement of hanging their heads out of the window going 50 miles an hour. I still remember riding home from church on mom's lap driving the car, she ran the gas & brakes of course. I am sorry but if I had to choose between riding loose in a car or being strapped down like a crimnal waiting for lethal injection - I choose riding loose. Of course there were 6 kids and mom and dad in a sedan. No way you could fit kids car seats in those cars. Seat buckles did not exist. If you rode in the front the only restraint was mother's arm coming across to block you from hitting the dash as she slammed on the break. I know car seats and seat buckles save lives and its the law, but life used to be so much more fun without them. I would like to take this opportunity to say Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful mom and all the moms in our family. It isn't an easy job, But as we watch our kids grow & become good decent adults, we wipe our brow and say WHEW!! So Far So Good! What an awesome responsiblity we have for at least 18 years. Sculpting, modeling and shaping babies to be adults. With the most important tool, "Lots of Love!"

You Don't Get Better With Age

There's a reason old people can't have kids and the reason is because they can't remember things! Ed and I would be the worst. We would probably forget we even had kids. We would be one of those couples who left their child in the back seat all day while they were at work. Ed is in court as I am writing this trying to stay out of jail for forgetting. He got a letter a couple of weeks ago in the mail telling him that if he didn't show up at court today they would issue a warrant for his arrest. Why? you ask would they want to arrest a sweet man like Ed? Well he had jury duty the month of March and he called in the first week, didn't have to serve. But he forgot to call in the rest of the month. A big no no I guess. Hence the letter from the judge. His only reason and defense is he is old and he forgot. On Wed. I got a call reminding me of an important church meeting on Thurs. nite 8:00 and I had the spiritual thought. Thursday nite at 8:40 I was washing dishes and I remembered the meeting. I never used to forget anything. The really sad thing is that that is not the first time I have forgotten that meeting. And I have no reason except that I'm old and I forgot. We live in our own little world of clothes left in the washer for days, doors left unlocked at night, lights left on all night - even the TV sometimes. A child would not survive in our little world. We can barely take care of Chessie the dog. Poor thing. Its a good thing she can't talk. The other day I came in the house and hollared and hollared for her and she wouldn't come. I shut the door and turned around and there she was, standing- in the house- looking at me like I was an idiot. I don't know whats going to happen to us, If you see us and we have name tags on - its so we can remember who we are. I'm not ready for the old folks home yet so as long as whats his name remembers who I am we'll be ok.

Tax Day

I know most of you younger readers love Tax Day as you go about frolicking and spending the big windfall you just received from Uncle Sam. But I am here to tell you that the frolicking will end someday as you have no more dependents to claim, no more babysitting to claim, all those wonderful little claims to claim. I guess I am sounding a little bitter as I send off a huge check to the IRS. Its not enough that they take hundreds out of each of our checks but come the end of the year we owe hundreds more. Why you might ask? An older "married couple" has to combine their income which throws you into a different tax bracket and then when your much older husband decides to collect his social security to add to that income it throws you into a way way way higher tax bracket. Our nice tax lady told us if we each contributed $6,000 dollars to an IRA we could reduce our payment by 1/3! Big deal. On top of all this our tax lady told us we might have to pay a penalty because we owe too much tax. Its interesting to see that our income stays the same but our taxes increase. It gives me such great comfort to know the IRS is the one who will be incharge of the Government Health Insurance plan. Some people think the goverment owes them a living. The rest of would gladly settle for a small tax refund.

Am I that Bad!

Everyone who has read my last blog has commented that they believed the story until they got to the part where I jumped out of the boat. You all thought I would make Ed jump out before I would jump. I am shocked! Just shocked!

Adventures on the High Seas

You know how Ed and I are always having some kind of an adventure in our lives. Well last fall I found out Ed had bought a boat. He is always buying things and not telling me and then I find out and everyone knew but me. After I found out, he kept telling me he was fixing up his new "boat". Me picturing a nice size fishing boat that all the family or at least some grandkids could go fishing in. So the other day I decided to go look at the new "boat". What a shock. Its a dingy- a small little tiny dingy. I told him I didn't think both of us could fit in it at the same time or that it would hold us. But last night he insisted that we take it out to Warden Lake for a "trial run". Fishing season is starting you know. I don't know how he talked me into it but off we went. He backed the boat & trailer down into the water so we could unload the boat (dingy). After we both got into the boat (dingy) I asked where the life jackets were and he said he hadn't had time to get any and besides we didn't need them because his boat (dingy) was safe as a cruise ship. He started the little motor and off we putted like a heard of turtles (as my dad used to say) till we got to the middle of the lake. I had been so busy watching the rising water level on the outside of the boat that I didn't notice the rising water on the inside of the boat. And Ed had been so busy fiddling with the boat motor that he hadn't noticed either. I felt my shoes getting wet and looked down. Panic swept over my face as I screamed "we're leaking"!!!!!! All we had was two diet pepsi cans so we dumped the soda out and started baling water while Ed started steering us back to shore. One note of advise here is that pop cans don't bale water very fast. I was worried because I know Ed can't swim well and I didn't think I could save him and me too. The water was freezing and we had sweaters and coats on. I don't do well in a panic situation and my voice rose 10 octives as I blamed Ed for everything from not having life jackets to buying a silly little boat that couldn't hold 2 normal size adults without leaking! I don't know whether it was the pidley little motor or the rising water that slowed us from getting closer to shore but I told him one of us was going to have to get out of the boat! We were about 20 feet from shore and I don't know why but I just stood up- closed my eyes plugged my nose and jumped. I went under and came up gasping - it was so freezing cold I thought my eyes would pop out of my head. Ed just sat there with a shocked look on his face. His face and my face became more shocked as I stood up. The water was only to my waist. So I grabbed the rope and pulled Ed and the dingy boat to shore. Nothing was said as he loaded the boat on the trailer and I sat shivering in the pick up. As we headed home Ed looked lovingly into my soggy wet eyes and said "Want to go on a cruise, honey?"
I hoped you all enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed telling it. The only truth in it is that he did by a dingy boat and it did leak the first time he & Michael took it out. I will never, and I repeat never - ride in it. Happy April Fools Day!

Family Easter Party

Ok - this is what I know about the family Easter party- It starts at 11:30 on Saturday. Bring something to cook on a stick in the fire, a salad and or dessert. We always have such good selection of food. Hopefully the wind and dust won't ruin it this year. Now anyone that wants to and especially the young marrieds with children - you need to contribute eggs for the easter egg hunt. I'm not sure if you do real or plastic eggs - I thought I saw more plastic than real last year. They need to be gotten to Aunt Sharon earlier in the day so they can be hidden before the kids get there. So all little kids bring Easter baskets so you have something to put your eggs in. And lets all pray for Warm Sunny windless weather. Any other questons: call Aunt Sharon Buck

Going Digital- losing weight

So I've been trying to diet since Feb. and I've lost and gained the same 3 lbs. 10 times. I decided my scales must be wrong or that somehow it was to blame. Its one of those kind that if you lean forward you lose 2 lbs. and if you lean backwards you gain 2 lbs. I needed somthing more accurate so I went to Walmart to get a new scale. They are all digital now. They have one that records your weight - heck no - I'm sure I can remember tomorrow what I weighed today! And I sure don't want Ed to know or anyone else how much I weighed yesterday. When I get on the scale I want to look as fast as I can and get off and let it disapear. It records for 2 or more people. So do you scan backwards and see what everyone else weighed till you find your weight (if by some magical reason you forgot!) No thanks. I don't want to know how much Ed weighs either. So I finally found a digital one that does NOT record. When I got it home Ed put it together and got on it. "Holy Crap!" he said. "I don't think this is right." I said I was sure it was because the digital ones were more accurate. He wanted me to get on it and I said no I never weigh in the evening because you weigh more. Well before I went to bed my curiosity got the best of me so I decided to weigh myself. "Holy Crap!" My old scales could not have been that far off. Its like starting all over again plus 5 lbs. And I have been really good this week too. Dieting is like walking a tight rope with people throwing spears at you. Today our owners suprised us with pizza for lunch. Its always some delicious temptation being thrown my way. As you get older your ability to resist gets weaker. Your eye site gets bad and you think you look thinner than you do. But I am not giving up. This week I will again try to lose that same 3 lbs. And hopefully 3 more after that. Lets see, now I have 5 months to lose 30 lbs. Thats 6 lbs a month. Well 20 lbs might not look so bad. Right now I really would be thrilled with 10. Or just getting down to what I thought I weighed when I was using my old scales. Cheesh, I hate dieting.

A Glimpse of Grandpa Cox

I know I mentioned this on facebook yesterday but there wasn't room to write the whole story so I would like to share this with you. Thursday we got a truck in from Canada to load and the trucker came into the office very agitated and upset with his co driver saying how dumb he was and he had left his (the drivers) US customs papers at the border. Now he had to have them faxed to us - but he seem mad at the world. Our forklift driver came in and said that the co driver was a young man and said he didn't want to go any further with the driver -he had been abusing him for a week and he couldn't take it any longer. Brian and I kept talking about it as we watched the driver jerk the kid around and yell at him. When the truck got loaded the driver came in with the young man and again told him in front of all of us how stupid he was. When they left Brian said "Poor kid, I wish I could help him" I said " Brian there must be something we can do" I went back to work and in a few minutes I looked out the window and saw Brian with the driver and the young man with his bags. The driver was ranting and raving but Brian was just standing there calmly listening and then talking. This went on for an hour. Finally Brian came in and said" Well, the boy is here, now what do we do with him." The boy hadn't eaten since the day before so Brian took him to get something to eat. Then Brian told me the story. Brian had went to the boy and asked him if he was ok and if he wanted to go with the trucker. He said no he was not ok and he did not want to go with him. The trucker asked him to leave them alone so they could leave and Brian told the trucker that the boy didn't want to go with him and was not going. The trucker said he had to go with him or he wouldn't take the load. Brian told him he would get the forklift and unload the truck but the boy was not going with him. The trucker denied abusing the boy but the boy told Brian later that he had hit him several times and screamed at him constantly. He also told him that the trucker had left his own customes papers at the border and couldn't figure out why he was blaming him. The boy - who looked 16 - but was actually 30 - is an African refuge going to pharmacy school in Canada. It was his spring break and the trucker had offered him 250 dollars to help him drive the truck. But found himself in a terrible situation with this trucker. He told Brian he had been praying all night for someone to help him get away from this guy. He had no money and no one to help. Brian, it turns out, was the answer to his prayers. Well to make a long story longer, Ed came and we got on the computer and found out how much it would cost to buy a bus ticket for him to get back to Toronto Canada. We all pooled our money to get him a ticket and have a little extra for food. Brian called Roni to explain the situation and she said yes bring him home for the night. The bus didn't leave until 2:30 am so they fed him and with Tyson's help showed him the town. He seemed to be really religious and was a very humble and greatful young man. He thanked Brian over and over for helping him and I do think Brian has made a life long friend. He has a cell phone and has been texting Brian as he travels home on his bus. That day as I watched Brian stand firm and bold for that young man I saw my dad. He reminded me so much of him. Dad was always quiet and a bit timid but he always stood up for the underdog, and had a soft heart for everyone. I will never forget what happened that day. And it touched a Mother's heart to know that her son would stand his ground for what he knew was right. All of my children have given me cause to be proud. And this was just one of those times.

Its been a while. . . .

Sorry for not keeping up - its our busy time at work and life too. I'm not sure when Seth and CarolAnns baby is due but if its in 2010 that will be 9 new grandkids in the Cox families this year. Wow! Its hard to keep count. I just know I'm getting older by the minute. Today I got something in the mail that really made me feel old. At first I was excited, It was a letter from "The Scooter Store" I have been wanting a scooter to drive back and forth to work. But when I opened it up it had a picture of a 90 year old woman sitting on one of those old people scooters, you know, the ones that just about run you over in Walmart! I wouldn't feel so bad but the letter was addressed to me personally. Not current occupant. How come someone assumes I need a scooter for old people. Well inside the envelope is a test to see if you really need one, so just for fun I took it. #1 Do you sometimes feel left out by not being able to get together with family and friends? Well, yes but not because I can't walk. #2 Do you have health related issues that limit your mobility" Well, yes my knee hurts alot. #3 Are you having trouble getting to your kitchen or dining facility by yourself for a meal? Thats a big fat NO. It would take 2 broken legs and a barricade to keep me away from my kitchen. #4 Are you unable to easily access your clothes and dress yourself each day? Yes, Sometimes I button my shirt wrong or forget to zip my pants and I have been known to accidently wear my underware inside out but I'm not sure a scooter would help. It says if you answer yes to any of these questions to call them but I don't really think I qualify - Yet. I still can't figure out who gave them my name and address. But its sure better than the letters Ed has been getting on "Cremation insurance" OH MY.

Time Our For Women info

As the oldest daughter I guess I am going to be the ticket orderer for Time Out for Women in Spokane for OUR FAMILY only. If you order at least 5 tickets you get a discounted rate. So I will order but this is the deal: I am going to place the order on March 15th. That is 2 weeks from today. If I have your money by then I will order your ticket. I can't order and then hope I get your money, I need your money by then. Now that being said I will tell you that this is one of the greatest experiences you will ever have. I've gone several times and have never been dispointed. It just gives you the boost you need to go on no matter what stage of life you are in. You will laugh, cry and sing. Its a wonderful thing to go to. I would advise you to do anything you can to go. The dates are Friday April 30th 6:30-9:30 and Saturday May 1st 9 am to 3:45. They are giving us 80 minutes for lunch and there are lots of good places to go around there for lunch. If you can't go on Friday try to just go on Sat. This is the price for early registration and group rate only for Friday & Sat. Its $47.00 ea. Its way cheaper than ordering by yourself. The reason they charge for this is to cover the expenses of bringing these wonderful speakers and musical people to do this. But I tell you it is worth it. They prepare their talks for every women not just LDS women. And talk on topics that we are all dealing with. Most of the speakers are so funny and yet inspirational too. They also set up a book store in the front of the building so you can shop and they even have give a ways and prizes. Last year I got the most beautiful picture of the Portland Temple. So please let me know as soon as possible if you want ticket. Cell phone: 750-0532 e mail olsonedo@yahoo.com or leave a message here. It would be so fun if all of you went. If you want to know more you can go on line Time Our for Women and see who the speakers are and stuff. But please remember if you want me to order I am ordering the group rate of $47.00 and thats for Fri & sat. Still cheaper even if you get that and only go Sat.

Marching into March

Even though its Monday - Could the first day of March be a better day! Its suppose to reach 60 degrees today and the sun is shining. I think I will take this day to stop and thank Heavenly Father that I live in this beautiful town, state, and country. That I belong to such a wonderful family and have been blessed to be a mom myself. This life is passing by so fast and its a shame if we spend one moment of it wishing it away. You know the wishes I'm talking about,(I've made all of these) I wish I was thinner, I wish I was younger, I wish my kids were grown, I wish my kids were back home, I wish I had more money. It is what it is. Love it or hate it. I say Love it and embrace the moment because things change so fast. Ask the people in Haiti or Chile if they wouldn't give anything to have things be the way they were a few months ago. We need to spend each day loving life and whatever it brings that day. If its a bad day (Mondays always are) think of something you can possibly do to make it better for yourself or someone else. Some things you can change and somethings you can't. But you can change how you feel. Today I'm just going to like being me.

Special Day Today

Many of us don't realize what a special day today is - and I didn't either until Karen Savage mentioned that 25 years ago today her family was sealed in the Boise Temple. I knew that we were sealed in February so I called mom and asked her what day and she thought a minute and said today!!! So we did some figuring and realized that 51 years ago today 6 little angels all dressed in white kneeled around the alter with their beautiful parents and were sealed for time and all eternity. Now here we are 76 strong and growing. Thanks mom and dad for wanting us forever!!!!

Cox Reunion

Just incase you are one of the lucky people who get to plan your vacations far in advance Mom wanted to let you know that Uncle Bill called and the Cox Reunion in Idaho has been set for June 28th. Its a long way to go but everyone who has gone has said the trip was worth it. Good Food, and conversation. Everyone is welcome to stay overnight but the reunion is only on Saturday.

One of the greatest men I ever knew.

Today we celebrate the birthday of one of the greatest men I ever knew. My dad.He was a great dad, so patient and tolerent. When I think of the things us kids used to do its a wonder we're still alive. We rode the tractor anywhere we could hang on, we rode on the grader, the combine, the hay sled, the back of the pick up and trucks, standing up, hanging out, nothing I would have let my own kids do. But we had a great time. We built forts in his hay stacks, towns and roads in his corn rows, and dams in his ditches. The only time I remember him getting mad at me, in fact I got a slap, was when I was disrespectful one time. I deserved it but it hurt most because he was mad at me. I remember going to Curlew lake in the back of a truck. We rode all the way there standing in the back of the truck - wind blowing our hair - singing and shouting at cars going by. No seat belts to tie us down and restrict our fun-ness! He was a great dad but an even greater grandpa. He loved seeing his grandkids. And he loved taking all the grandsons camping. I will be forever grateful for the love he showed us and Brian when he came home early from his mission. He loved unconditionaly - was honest as the day is long - and could put a smile on anyones face. He loved telling a good joke and had all kinds of little sayings. He gave us all nick names: mine was "Louie", Deby was "Dubbs" Lyn was "Linny Lou" Sharon was "Stubbs" I don't know why I can't remember what Rick and Tom's was. Being a girl did not matter on the farm. We worked in the fields too. Weeding. shoveling, riding the planters and diggers, driving truck, bucking bales. I will always be grateful for dad teaching us how to work and encouraging us to go to school and become prductive. I see my dad in all of the grandsons and happy they are carrying on his wonderful traits. (sorry about some of your balding heads) But wasn't he the greatest. We miss you and love you dad. Happy Birthday!

Oh, Valentines Day. . .

The dreaded Valentines Day where in my wildest dreams Ed takes me to a wonderful resturant for a candelite dinner and we sit and talk about love and stuff (not cars, or pickups or motors & tires) and he brushes the hair away from my eyes and hands me an evelope which I cautiously open and read, I've booked a night in the fantasy suit and if you choose to stay here is the key. (record scratching sound) Back to reality. Our Valentines day is spent going to Moses Lake asking each other "where do you want to eat? "I don't know, where do you want to eat? I don't care, where ever you want to eat." Eye yi yi! After 39 Valentines days together, 40 counting the year we were engaged, (which,I might add was the one and only romantic valentines day we ever had) You would think we could come up with something better. (Or he could) I'm just sayin'. But in his defense, he says he has tried and I complained so now I'm gettin' nothin'. So there you go. Warning to all young marrieds, even if all you get is one of those miniture rose plants and a hershey bar, don't complain, it might be the last Valentines gift you ever get!

Don't Mess With Momma!

There are some things that just come with a natural instinct and that is the protective nature that a mom has for her kids. Even animals are born with this natural instinct to protect their young. They will fight to the end and give their life if necessary to protect their babies. I don't know about animals but I do know that human being mommas will protect their young and their old. It doesn't matter how old you get you never quit being a momma to your kids. Let's take Grandma Cox for instance. Lets just say she see's her son Rick standing on the road and a truck is coming. Even though he is 62 years old do you not think that she would try to warn him that a truck is coming and at last resort jump to push him out of the way. Well jumping is a bit of an exaggeration, but she would give it her best shot! The point being is that - and I'm speaking to ALL of you Cox grandkids - you have been blessed by the best moms ever. As much as you might not like it, we have a God given instinct, (sometimes its a curse) but none the less its the strongest desire to protect our children, no matter how old they get. You can push us away, make your own choices, live your own lives, but nothing can ever take away your Mother's Love and her desire to want only the best for you. You might not realize it now but someday you will realize that " No one, and I mean no one will ever love you like your Momma!

Some of Us Is Leaving. . . .

Well, pretty soon you will be seeing less of Ed and I. (I hope.) Next August, less than 7 months away, is Ed's 49th class reunion (you heard me right) and we decided if we had to go looking old we might as well NOT go looking fat! Those are 2 combinations that don't go well together. (I also found out his old girlfriend is still alive and will be there.) Of course I am 7 years younger than Ed and for sure I want to LOOK younger. I'm just afraid losing the fat in my face will leave wrinkles in its place and therefore will make me look older - you know - more his age. So now begins the regimen (that means system of diet & excercise) which I should be doing anyway for my heart and well being, but there's no incentive like a class reunion or meeting your husbands old girlfriend that gets you motivated. You might see us bicycling & walking, and hopefully we'll walk our butts off. 7 months should be long enough to lose 25 lbs.. Heck I've lost and gained 25 lbs in 7 months. Maybe I should wait another month before I start. Valentines day is coming up - You can't diet on Valentines day. Well, enough with the excuses, LET THE DIETING BEGIN! I'm sure I will keep you posted on our experiences.

OK! I'll keep blogging.(For now)

So Ed and I went to Walmart Friday night. . . .(You asked for it) Now usually when we go into Walmart together Ed heads for the sporting goods department and I tour the whole store. We decide on a time to meet back up front which usually means I'm on time and he's alot later. Anyway, on this particular night, for some unknown reason, (and this is a first for him,) he decides to #1 push the cart and # 2 follow me. So I decide that the only thing we're buying tonight is food. I do have a list and so we proceed to the first thing on my list. I'm not used to someone shadowing me while I'm grocery shopping and now the questions begin. Why are you buying that? I think you should buy this. Do you really need that? Ei,yi, yi! As we continue through the store he decides he forgot crackers, so he tells me to stay right where I am and he will be back. (What, am I 5 years old!) I don't know what there is about getting older but when someone tells you to do something you want to do the opposite especially if its your husband!) So I continue looking for the things on my list which means I have to leave the spot he told me to stay in. As I'm returning to the spot I was supose to stay in he is just getting back and I get a little lecture on not being where I should have been, what if he had had to go looking for me, blah, blah blah. So needless to say my list was cut short as I decided it would be better to go without a few things than endure the torture of grocery shopping with Ed. Don't get me wrong, I love him dearly. But we each have our duties, his is to go to the sporting goods department and mine is to buy whatever I want. When we cross those lines its unnatural, weird, and just plain wrong. We're gettin to old to change our routine now.

Love Means Never Having To Say Your Sorry

This is a line from a movie I have never understood. Of course we need to say we're sorry - especially if we love someone. I am going to take this first day of February, the month of "Love" and say to anyone who reads this blog that if I have offended you in anyway I am truely sorry. Sometimes I get carried away in my writing and say things I think are ok but when I read them another day I shutter to think how some people would take them. I started out blogging because I love to write, and because I wanted to keep the family up to date on family plans, birthdays & stuff. It might be someone elses turn to take over that responsibility. If anyone else would like to do that please let me know. Until someone does take over I will try to keep things a little lighter and not so serious. I love you all and hope everyone knows that. This is a great family and I feel blessed to be a part of it.

Sad Story

I heard the saddest thing last night and can't seem to get it off of my mind. We went to Jacob's pinewood Derby last night (and by the way Jacob - you were awsome!) Its interesting to go to another town & ward and see how they do things. There are always kids running around crazy. But across from us sat a young man holding a little girl. Amy was just put in as the "compassionate Service" person in her ward and she told me the story about this young man. Well he was young to me. Probably about my boys age. He has 4 children - the oldest 8 - 2 weeks ago his wife just decided she didn't want to be a wife and a mom anymore and she left them all. Now its true that I don't know all of the story but I don't understand how a mom can leave her kids. Everyone needs to get away once in a while but how can you stop loving your family? I watched as this man held his daughter, helped his son race his car and attended to the other 2 boys. He is a good dad. Amy said that the ward was trying to help him with babysitting and things because he has to work. This story has broke my heart. I have heard other stories similar to this and it has made me think back to when my kids were young. They totally drove me nuts. And some days I didn't want to do it anymore. But then there was a good day and it gave me strength to go on. Ed has always told me when I was ready to give up on many things, "give it a day or two and it will be better." And it always is. There were many days we didn't have any money, but we had a warm house and plenty of potatoes. There were lots of nights without sleep, and days without naps, and a husband working long hours for us. I didn't appreciate them as much as I should have back then. Now - that my kids are grown with kids of their own and we watch them be good responsible adults - I know that it was all worth it. Where would they be if I had given up or Ed had given up. The sacrifices that you are making now for your children will determine who they will be when they grow up. You are building adults. And its a big hard job. Hang on, Hang on, it will all be worth it someday. I promise.

Most Embarrasing Moment

I've had alot of embarrassing moments over my life time - but this last weekend has to rate right up there and I'm not sure why I'm even sharing this. It was one of those moments you see happening to other people and you say "gee, I'm sure glad that wasn't me, what a dork!" Now someone has probably said that about me. Ed and I went to Spokane and we were done eating at a resturant. I went to the Ladie's Room and came back and went about emptying our tray, refilling my soda, putting on my coat, when a young man came up to me and said "excuse me mam, but you have a long piece of toilet paper stuck to your shoe." Sure enough, I looked down and there was about a 2 foot streamer of toilet paper stuck to my shoe. As my face turned crimson red I thanked this brave young man & told him how embarrassed I was. He just smiled and went back to his seat. I really was embarrassed but I thought what a brave kid that was. Sometimes its better NOT to know if you did something embarrassing. Then you can go about your business and never know what a spectacle you made of yourself to strangers. But in this case I really appreciated him telling me. Who knows how long I would have walked around with that toilet paper stuck on the bottom of my shoe because Ed never noticed it.Well, maybe he did and just didn't say anything. But this is my advice to others: If you see someone with toilet paper stuck to the bottom of their shoe, TELL THEM. They will be greatful for sure! Even better than that - help them get it off the bottom of their shoe- Ed & I had a heck of a time.

New Year - New Goals

So its been an exciting New Year already hasn't it. Abby getting married New Years Eve and new babies being born & blessed. Spring weather in January. Wouldn't life be so dull if nothing new (good or bad) ever happened. Well, for my New Year's resolution I decided to pick something besides losing weight. I'm on a constant diet and will be for the rest of my life. Lose then gain, lose then gain. Ho Hum. So my New-New Years resolution is to become financialy fit. To start with I am cutting the pork spending as John McCain would say. I have thrown away so much food that I bought with intentions of using and it gets lost in the fridge or I don't have "all the ingredients" for a recipe. You know thoses drawers in the bottom of the fridge called "the crispers" - well ours are called "the rotters" cause thats what happens there. So,last weekend I made a menu & shopping list for this week. I went to Walmart for my shopping. The trick was to not leave the food section. My eyes kept veering towards the clothes and electronics but I kept control of my shopping cart and only bought what was on my list. To help matters out, Ed stayed in the car. I couldn't believe how much lower my walmart receipt was. Now, I realize things will come up, such as unplanned company for dinner and you only planned fish for 2 and your husband has asked his 3 big sons to come for dinner and help him on a project. Thats where you improvise and thankfully have hamberger in the freezer and yes I did have to buy buns. But all in all it has worked out good so far. Its actually alot like going on a diet. It takes alot of self control to stick to the menu and shopping list. I have to actually "cook" which is a whole new goal in itself but I think its going to be good. Of course we're only on day 4 - but I have high hopes for this one. What will I do with all the extra money I save . . . hmmmmmm.

Check this out!

I hope Roni doesn't mind me sharing this but they had a photographer come to their house the other day and take pictures of Jeremiah and they are the cutest things. Go to Jonda Spurbeck Photography and bring up her web site. They are the first pictures. Theres one of him in Brian's race car helmet. So cute!

Baby Blessing Announcement

Erin & Chris would like me to post this announcement for them: This coming Sunday they are blessing their baby girl, "Cassidy" and have invited any of the family that wants to come. It will be at their ward in Ephrata at 11:00. The address of the building is : 1301 E Division. After sacrament meeting they will be having lunch at their house : 14133 Wenatchee Ave. and if you plan on going could you please bring a salad or side dish. Also if you are going could you please respond to Erin's e mail so they can get a head count.Her email address is: chriserincox@yahoo.com
(evidently our big family dinner last Sunday didn't scare them too much)

Sunday Dinner

I knew that would get your attention! Sharon wanted me to tell everyone that Sunday Chance is reporting his mission and would like to invite all the family to come. After church she is having lunch for anyone who wants to stay and is asking you to bring a BIG salad. I am guessing she is providing the main dish. So pass this on to all of your family members so everyone knows. It should be a really good Sac. meeting. We love you Chance and are glad to have you back with us again!

Sweet experience

I have been trying to blog for the last week and I just get started and something happens. Well last night something really big happened. Watching a new baby being born has got to be one of the most spiritual experiences ever! Mishelle's were all C-section and for some reason they will only let the dad in the delivery room, so thank goodness I have daughter in laws who want me to be in with them when they deliver. (I'm not sure I would have wanted my own mother in law in the delivery room with me)and I was very hesitant at first, I don't do well with things like that I didn't even watch my own babies be born - but I'm telling you when they are pushing - everyone in the whole room is pushing - and when that baby comes out and makes its first cry - everyone crys. It is something you can't explain. The baby had a few complications while Roni was in labor- his heart rate kept dropping and they would try all kinds of things to get it back up. So you can imagine our relief when the baby was out and crying. I was happy to share this experience with Paula too. These kind of things just make us closer as a family. I have lots of things I want to blog about - and I will - but right now thank you for letting me share this most wonderful experience with you.