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!