Lindsayism5

Lindsay informed me today that "her teeth are growing and that she will be getting big girl teeth soon".

911 Caller: Husband Won’t Eat Dinner

As a Compliance Investigator, just about every case I receive is ridiculous. This frequent 911 caller reminds me of one of the many AT&T callers to the AT&T Hotline:

Authorities reviewing woman’s frequent use of emergency number:

KERRVILLE, Texas - Prosecutors planned to review the case of a woman authorities claim has called 911 30 times over six months for non-emergency reasons, including a call to complain that her husband refused to eat his dinner.
Last Friday, the woman allegedly made a pair of calls to 911, including a hang-up and another where a woman was heard screaming.
Police were dispatched to the residence and officer Paul Gonzales said she told police that "her husband did not want to eat his supper." A police report said the 53-year-old woman was also yelling "about things that happened two weeks ago."
The woman now faces charges of 911 abuse

Mother Teresa Wisdom

I ALWAYS love a little Mother Teresa wisdom:

People are often unreasonable and self-centered.

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.

Be kind anyway.

If you find happiness people may be jealous.

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.

Do good anyway.

Give the world your best and it may never be enough.

Give your best anyway.

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.

It never was between you and them anyway.

-Mother Teresa

Lindsayism4

Lindsay asked me today "if you are adorable, will you not go to time out"? I am not sure where this one came from.

Lindsayism 3

Lindsay asked me today which Santa's List she is on. I asked her why? She responded by saying because she doesn't have much time until he arrives.

Lindsayism 2

Lindsay informed me yesterday that when you are "late" you are also "tardy". I am not sure if several of her classmates were "tardy" to school and Mrs. Pettitt was teaching them a new word. All I know is that Lindsay absorbed somehow that "late" and "tardy" mean the same thing.

Lindsayism 1

Lindsay and I were sitting at the kitchen table tonight working on her homework together. Out of the blue Lindsay said "Thank goodness you have a kid like me Mom". I just about wet my pants but composed myself and let her know that she was exactly right.

What would I do without my Lindsay? She truly keeps me smiling and laughing each day.

November Recap

I can't believe that Christmas is in 25 days. I thought I'd recap our highlights from November:

- We said "Goodbye" to our green carpet in the living room and stairs and "Hello" to laminate. It is a terrific match to the laminate already in the house. I think I figured out why Steve was so up on the idea - he now has less vacuuming to do and I have more swiffering. No problem though as the laminate is so much nicer looking.
- Lindsay participated in the Primary Program at church and spent most of the time crying. Hopefully next year will be a little better for her. She sure was cute sitting up on the stand! I spent the whole time winking and smiling at her.
- Ry went camping with Troop 86 and spent some time at Calico Ghost Town. He got to participate in archery for the first time and loved it!
- Grandma Smith turned 94 on the 15th.
- Participated in Teacher Conferences with Lindsay's teacher and all of Ryans. Lindsay is doing terrific and Ryan got 5 A's and 1 B in his Honor's classes. I am not sure how he accomplished that and we are so proud of him!
- We enjoyed Thanksgiving Dinner at Cousin Diane's house with both sets of our parents and Nonnie.
- Steve and Ry continued their tradition of early morning shopping on Black Friday. Steve says it was a success so we will see.

Balance In Life

In two days (very uncharacteristic of me) I read an awesome book by James Patterson called "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas". Wanted to share the following from the book which I have found to be an echoing theme of mine this whole year:

Life is a game in which you juggle five balls. The balls are called work, family, health, friends, and integrity. You keep all of them in the air. But one day you finally come to understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls - family, health, friends, integrity - are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered. Once you truly understand the lesson of the five balls, you will have the beginnings of balance in your life.

2009 has truly been a year for which I have become even more appreciative of my family, friends, health, and integrity. Each year brings so much learning for me and I am appreciative of this.

Good Memories

Good memories are like charms. Each is special. You collect them, one by one, until one day you look back and discover they make a long colorful bracelet.

October recap

Wow, where did October go? It certainly flew by!! I thought I'd recap the key events from the month:

- Steve and Ry attended a Star Wars Musical on the 1st at the Honda Center
- Ry's dodgeball team, coached by Steve, went 7-1 and won first place in the league
- We attended Ry's Court of Honor in Scouts where he was advanced to 1st Class
- Steve and I celebrated our 18th anniversary on the 12th - here's to many more Honey!
- We said goodbye to our tile in the kitchen and master bathroom (no tears at all) and welcomed in granite countertops and a newly decorative tiled shower and bath tub (happy, happy)
- Steve and I were on vacation the last week of October and enjoyed some time together at Disneyland and getting some stuff completed around the house
- Enjoyed Halloween 2009 - attended a big Halloween Party at Church on the 24th, went to Lindsay's school parade and went to a fantastic neighborhood party on Halloween - Lindsay was the cutest Snow White and Ry was a baseball player and lion

Muffy Vanderdog

Ever have one of those days that turns out completely not how you had it planned it to out to be? Wednesday, September 16th turned out that way for me.

I purposely finished my work up early so that I could pick up Lindsay from Kid Connection and have some extra time with her. As we walked in the door at home, Steve called for me.....his tone gave it away.......something wasn't quite right.

I found Steve hovering over my Muffy. He said she didn't seem right. I had fed her and gave her my daily ritual lovings before I had left for work and she seemed just fine. Fine meaning 16 years, 1 month, 3 days old, blind, deaf
but still functioning and getting around the backyard just fine (often times bumping into our house, walls and bushes).

I spent Wednesday evening by her side. I quickly noticed that she had no movement on her left side, couldn't stand and had no life in her. She must have experienced a stroke sometime between when I left her in the morning and when Steve found her at 3PM. She did pick up her head when I came home but that was it. Steve said she knew I had come home for her.

I spent the whole evening reminding her of what an awesome dog she was and how blessed I was to have had her for 16 plus years. I told her it was time to go meet up with Wicket, Misty, Mitzi and Sam. I prayed that she would go on her own or else I knew I would have to release her wings on Thursday.

I should have known....she was stubborn all 16 years of her life with me and had a mind of her own which meant she really never listened to me (but for some strange reason I loved her so much).

So, at 2:40PM on Thursday, September 17th, Muffy met up with her furry friends. She went peacefully with me by her side, stroking her head and telling her that I loved her, thanking her for all the memories and asking for her and the others to keep an eye over me and family.

I didn't sleep a wink on Thursday night........memories just kept coming to me of Muffy. I will never forget the first day we met and she peed on my foot and captured my heart from that moment on. She had 3 other brothers and sisters but she was the only one that came over to me.

I miss my Muffy so much....we may be separated by quite a few miles right now but she will never be forgotten. Thanks for all of the love and memories Muffy!

Mrs. Pettitt & Mrs. Hughes

Lindsay starting kindergarten was deja vu in a lot of ways. Not only will Lindsay be going to the same Elementary School (Emery) as Ryan did, she also has the same kindergarten teachers as Ryan. They are Mrs. Pettitt and Mrs. Hughes. I feel so blessed as these two gals are beyond the best two kindergarten teachers on the planet! Lindsay is looking forward to a great school year.

Kindergarten & Middle School.......Here We Come!!!

Thursday, September 3rd was quite the day for me. As if it wasn't enough sending Ryan off to Middle School, I had to let go of Lindsay's wings as it was time for her to attend Kindergarten.

I was so proud of Ryan as he was up, showered, ate and got ready for the bus completely on his own. Lindsay and I dropped him off at the bus stop with a big wave. He made it clear that a kiss would not be acceptable as other students were around.

As I drove Lindsay to her first day, memories came back to me of driving Ryan to his first day of kindergarten. It seems like just yesterday! As Lindsay played on the playground, I reflected on milestones in her life and happy times she has brought to our family.

When it was time for all parents to leave, I gave Lins a big kiss and hug and let her know that I was so proud of her. Off she went into her classroom line, smiling away and blowing me a kiss. That kiss kept me going the whole day - thanks Lins! Truly a memory I will never forget!

Six Years Later

Ryan is 6 years old and Lindsay is 5 years old. Boy do I love reenactments!

Build A Bear Adventure

Lindsay received a $40.00 gift certificate from Nonnie for her birthday to Build A Bear. She was so excited to build her very own bear as we had done this with Ryan six years ago. Off we went last Saturday and Lindsay chose Hannah Montana Bear. She was so proud as she designed it on her own.

My Sweetie Turned 5

I still can't believe that Lindsay turned 5 on August 14th. The morning of August 14th, Lindsay woke me up to inform me that "she was now big as she was now 5". Lindsay was so excited when she ventured downstairs to see that our dear neighbor Rosie had put a princess birthday sign in our yard as well as a present of five of Lindsay's favorite chocolate bars by the sign. Lindsay informed me that she had a great birthday and that she couldn't wait for August 14th next year.

Six Years Later

Lindsay's highlight at Irvine Park was definitely the pony rides. Had to reenact and take a picture as Ryan took a pony ride there six years earlier. Aren't my cowboy and cowgirl too cute!!!

Irvine Park Fun

A couple of weeks ago we took a picnic lunch and spent the day at Irvine Park. We visited the nature museum there, zoo, paddle boats and pony rides for Lindsay. We had taken Ryan to Irvine Park six years ago and wanted to make sure that Lindsay had the opportunity to enjoy it as well. A fun time was had by all!

I Believe

I Believe...

To my family and friends this is so true.........
A Birth Certificate shows that we were born.
A Death Certificate shows that we died.
Pictures show that we lived!
Have a seat . . . relax . . . and read this slowly.

I Believe... that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do love each other.
I Believe...that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I Believe....that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I Believe...that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I Believe... that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I Believe....that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I Believe...that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them!!!
I Believe.... that you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I Believe....that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I Believe...That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I Believe...That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I Believe...that money is a lousy way of keeping score!
I Believe....that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I Believe....that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
I Believe...that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I Believe....that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I Believe....that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe...that no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I Believe....that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe...that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
I Believe....two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I Believe...that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I Believe...that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.
I Believe...that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being!
I Believe...that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon!!!!!!!!!!!!
I Believe that the happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything.
Thank you, God, for all the wonderful people who help us throughout the journey of life.

Live with Intention

I was saddened to hear that a friend of mine from Toyota passed away last week. Vince was an inspiration to me and I can't think of him without a big smile coming to my face. I always looked forward to my weekly quotes and poems from Vince and wanted to include my favorite:

"Live with intention.
Walk to the edge.
Listen hard.
Practice wellness.
Play with abandon.
Laugh.
Choose with no regret.
Continue to learn.
Appreciate your friends.
Do what you love.
Live as if this is all there is."

-Mary Anne Radmacher

5 Years Later

Had to post our reenactment

My Prayer For Lindsay

Dearest Lindsay,

As you turn 5 today, here is my prayer for you......today and always.

I pray you'll be my eyes
And watch her where she goes
And help her to be wise
Help me to let go

Every mother's prayer
Every child knows
Lead her to a place
Guide her with your grace
To a place where she'll be safe

I pray she finds your light
And holds it in her heart
As darkness falls each night
Remind her where you are

Every mother's prayer
Every child knows
Need to find a place
Guide her with your grace
Give her faith so she'll be safe

Lead her to a place
Guide her with your grace
To a place where she'll be safe

Love, Mom

Happy 5th Birthday Lindsay!

I am amazed as I think back to 5 years ago today at 12:10pm when my precious Lindsay at 8 lbs, 4 oz was born. It was the first day of the Summer Olympics and she cartwheeled out like a gymnast on 3 pushes. My fear of a lengthy and tough labor like I experienced with Ry did not come to fruition.

I remember the day like it was yesterday. I woke up in pain and knew it must be the day (even though I was dreading the delivery part). I took a shower (not sure why - not like I was going to a beauty pageant or anything) and called my doctor to inform him that I was in labor. All the while, Steve and Ry were sleeping away. I calmly woke up Steve and asked him to take a shower, not informing him that right after we would be off to the hospital. As he got to the washing his hair part, I remember the contractions getting so strong that I told him he better hurry up as I was in labor. From that point it was the quickest shower I have ever seen him take. I remember the drive to the hospital with Ryan all smiles as he kept saying "I am going to have my sister today". Two hours later, Lindsay Niccole Bridges made her grand entrance.

I can't properly put into words the love I have for Lindsay. I am so thankful that I have been given both a wonderful son and daughter to love and cherish.

Happy 5th Birthday Lindsay!!!

Happy 16th Birthday Muffy!

I am so pleased to say that my Muffy turned 16 years young today! She truly is an amazing gal. If you had asked me if she would make it to her 16th birthday last year, I sadly would have said no.

This year has been a tough one for Muffers but she truly has taken on all of her challenges. Almost overnight a growth appeared on her ear that had to be removed. The surgeon advised me that there was a great chance that she would not make it through the surgery but strong-willed Muffy handled it with ease and amazed the surgeon. Friends and neighbors laughed at me for the $1900 expense to have the growth removed and most stated that I should just put her down but that was never an option to me. Muffers is our longest living animal and I would do anything for her.

In February, Muffers decided to go on an adventure by herself which had her MIA for 72 hours. I truly thought that she had left to find her own resting spot. Boy was I wrong when my neighbor heard a yelp from his neighbor's yard which turned out to be Muffy. She had trapped herself in a corner behind a bunch of pots and couldn't get out. That reunion was an awesome one for me!

In May, Muffy's vision was completely lost. So, she is now blind and deaf and has acquired the new nickname "Helen", short for Helen Keller.

I truly thank Muffy for her unconditional love and am amazed by her.

Happy Birthday Muffy!

"I Need To Be Challenged Mom"

I know that I am delinquent in posting this but needed to put it in writing.

A couple of weeks ago, Lindsay woke me up and informed me "I need to be challenged Mom". Straggling out of bed I found my glasses (not sure how) and ventured downstairs for a workbook that I had picked up for her. She had followed me down the stairs and when I handed her the workbook she stated "that is exactly what I need Mom". She then went on to tell me that "I miss getting homework" and "When does kindergarten start". Needless to say, my little 4 year old soon to be 5 is a little sponge and loves to learn. I guess I know where she gets it from but not so sure that I was telling my Mom that I wanted to be challenged back when I was 4. She is truly one AMAZING precious girl!

Can It Be?

I am sitting here trying to figure out how my sweetie pie could be turning 5 in just 5 days. Why?

Good Times

Last week was fun times for me! Tops on the list was a much needed week off from work. Ryan was off to Lost Valley for Scout Camp (where he earned five badges by the way - way to go Ry) and Poppa and Grandma so graciously offered to watch Lindsay for a few days so Steve and I took advantage and traveled to Vegas. Getting away together was so refreshing and seeing the Lion King on stage and Donnie and Marie Osmond were real treats. We stayed at the Mirage, where we had never stayed at before, and it was real nice. Our room included four visits to the Sigfried and Roy animal preserve on site so we went both days we were there. On our second visit we saw an 8 month old male leopard and a six month old dolphin. My highlight from the trip was the Donnie and Marie concert and I am guessing that visiting with the big cats was Steve's highlight as it was hard for me to pull him from the preserve. My only way to lure him from the preserve was buying him a new big cat t-shirt from the gift shop. I have to admit (only I will never tell Steve) that I enjoyed the preserve as well and was in awe of the beautiful tigers that I sat watching for over 30 minutes.

Ryan's 1st Church Talk

Ryan had his 1st talk in Church today and I was so proud of him. He was given a tough topic and did such an awesome job preparing it as well as presenting it to over 150 people. How he did it at 12 I have no idea because at 12 there is no way in the world I would have done it. It is amazing how at 12 he is such an inspiration to me. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't learn something from Ry. I am blessed beyond words to have such a wonderful son. Lindsay didn't take her eyes off of her big brother as he spoke. What a wonderful example he is for all of us.

My Prayer For Ryan

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And if I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
Andy may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears you you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly

Baseball Fever

Saturday afternoon was Ry's baseball banquet/swim party for his Bronco Astros. A blast was had by the whole family as a swim party was held at Coach Henry's lovely home in beautiful La Habra Heights. Lots of food, fun and memories were had. Coaches Henry, Brian and Daren had terrific comments about Ry and his playing ability and encouraged him to continue playing on. We were truly blessed to be placed on a great team of coaches and boys. It is sad that the season had to come to an end.