Happy Birthday Jeremy

Today is Jeremy's Birthday. Jeremy was born in Spokane, our second child. Jeremy graduated in East Wenatchee, went on to join the Navy. He was married over 15 years ago to a Texas Girl, named Jenny. We were so blessed with three wonderful children and wish Jeremy a wonderful  and Happy Birthday with Gods richest blessings on his life. We are thankful for the many wonderful memories.

This photo below was when Jeremy got to visit his grandma-probably 5 years ago, and shortly before she passed on. 

Jeremy with Grace when she was a baby and last time we saw him

Danger Ahead

Several years ago I made this video called Danger Ahead- it is a reminder to be safe at work and at home. I think its good to be reminded, and keep safety a priority. I believe safety can have humor in it to learn from. I did a safety meeting several months ago and I think I had some almost crying after watching some of those sad, graphic, videos about drinking and driving- probably never get asked again for a safety meeting. This one is not sad, or graphic.

Why does mineral water that ‘has trickled through the mountains for centuries’ have an expiry date?

A magician worked on a cruise ship. The audience was always different each week, so the magician did the same tricks over and over again.

There was one problem – the captain’s parrot saw the shows each week and began to understand how the magician did everything. Once he had worked them all lout, he started shouting in the middle of the show. “Look, it’s not the same hat!” Or, “Look – he’s hiding the flowers under the4 table!” Or, “Hey, why are all the cards the same?”

The magician was furious but couldn’t do anything – after all, it was the captain’s parrot.

One day, the ship sank. The magician found himself on a piece of wood in the middle of the ocean with, as fate would have it, the parrot. They stared at each other with hatred, but neither of them uttered a word. This went on for a day, then another.
Finally, on the third day, the parrot could not hold back and said, “OK, I give up. Where’s the ship?”

Home Safety Tips
If you are choking on an ice cube, don’t panic. Simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat and the blockage will be almost instantly removed.
Avoid cutting yourself while chopping vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop them

A man working in a sawmill accidentally cuts off all of his fingers. He rushes off to the emergency department at the hospital, and the doctor says, “Give me your fingers and I’ll see what I can do.” The man replies, “I haven’t got the fingers.” The doctor says, “What do you mean, you haven’t got the fingers? I am the country’s best microsurgeon, and I could have reattached them. Why didn’t you bring them with you?” The man replies, “I couldn’t pick them up.”

A doctor visits a patient lying in a hospital ward. “I’m sorry,” says the doctor, “but I have good news and bad news.” “Don’t hold back,” says the man. “Tell me the bad news first.” The doctor replies, “Your accident was worse than we thought. We had to amputate both your legs.” The man asks, “So what is the good news?” The doctor replies, “The man in the bed next to you wants to buy your slippers.”

Time In A Bottle -North Cascade Highway

Can you name the Singer who died 42 years ago on Sept. 20th,1973?

Can you name the Hwy that opened 43 years ago on Sept. 3rd,1972?

Can you name the longest highway in Washington State?

Can you guess when Jan and I last vacationed in Winthrop?

 Can You guess where we are working this week?

42 years ago on Sept. 20th,, Jim Croche  died. (January 10, 1943 – September 20, 1973) He was an American singer-songwriter. Between 1966 and 1973, Croce released five studio albums and 11 singles. His singles "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" and "Time in a Bottle" were both number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Todays video is by Jim Croche.

43 years ago the North Cross Hwy opened. SR 20 is the longest highway in Washington at 436.13 miles.It has been called the most beautiful  Mountain highway in the state of Washington.  Highway 20 was officially connected from western to eastern Washington via Washington Pass on September 2nd, 1972.  SR 20 is one of only three State Routes in Washington that have portions closed in the winter.

October 14/15th, 2012,  Jan and I left after church on a short trip across the North Cross Hwy.  We stayed in Winthrop at the Winthrop Inn. That was a special Vacation and I had to share some of those pictures with this song today. Then on July 11th-13th, 2014, we traveled across with our grandkids on a camping trip in Concrete- but did not stay overnight in Winthrop that time. (The following week the fires broke out and the hiway was closed on hwy 153) In 2020 we camped just outside winthrop in a tent and shopped before we came home in Winthrop.

We finished striping the  North Cross Hwy yesterday- it was so pretty and the leaves are just now starting to turn. There is a bit of snow on the peaks.  I hope you can travel the North Cross Hwy this fall.

Happy Anniversary Donny and Darcie

Happy Anniversary to Donny and Darcie Graves. Never Take each other for granted and always keep working on your Marriage. Heres to many many more.

A Song For Grandma and Grandpa

Happy Grandparents Day. The first Sunday after Labor Day in Sept. is National Grandparents Day, since 1978. The flower of the U.S. National Grandparents Day is the forget-me-not which blooms in the spring. A Song for Grandma And Grandpa” by Johnny Prill is the official song. I am blessed with six wonderful grandkids. My moms parents were the only real grandparents I knew and were a very positive influence. I did not know my Dads parents as they passed away when I was young. Another "Grandma" who impacted my life was "Grandma Hedahl". She was not my real grandma, but we all called her that because she was so special.  She let my family rent from her on her farm in North Dakota. She let us watch TV at her house, baked cookies,  paid me to mow her lawn, and taught me the value of work and to remember those who had gone on, with trips to the Sawyer Cemetery to water plants. There are other "grandparents" in my life- even today, a special lady in our church who is called the "Skittle lady" by the kids who the kids seek her out (over 90 years young)-she will give me a hug each Sunday! A pastors wife in Tacoma, when I was in the 6th grade,  would give me $1.00 each Sunday I would sit by her, she sat by the front, and I bet I heard so much more from the pastor because of that, as well. I think it is important for our youth to know "grandparents" in their lives who can influence and be role models.  I think we would have less mixed up kids, less gangs,  less killings;  if we could connect our youth with some of these grandparents.  It is sad many youth will not connect; for some it will be too late. It does not have to be your own flesh and blood. I hope my grandkids know many "grandparents" who will impact their lives positively as I have had. I am thankful for the "grandparents" in my life- and the grandparents in my grandchildrens lives.

14 Ways to Leave a Spiritual Legacy to Your Grandchild

How will your grandchildren remember you?     

By Mary May Larmoyeux     

Jack Kemp was a quarterback for the NFL, a congressman, and one-time vice-presidential nominee. Despite his many accomplishments, shortly before he passed away in 2009, he told his son, Jeff, "I want my legacy to be family, and how much God has shown love for us."
When your life is over … when you take your last breath … what will your loved ones say about the way you lived? Will you pass on true riches—a legacy of one who followed Jesus Christ?
Here are 14 ideas for leaving a spiritual legacy to your grandchild:
1. Every month, ask your grandchild how you can pray for him. Jot down one another's prayer requests in a notebook and record the dates and ways that God answers your prayers. Share some of your prayer requests with your grandchild. If you do not live near one another, do this by email, text, or phone.
2. Read and discuss Deuteronomy 32:7: "Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you." Ask your grandchild: Why should we consider past generations? What value is there in remembering the past? Then memorize this verse together (over several days).
3. Read 1 Corinthians 13:5-9 with your grandchild. Look up the stories of biblical characters who exemplified the traits mentioned in these verses.
4. Encourage your grandchild to write a poem about a biblical character who modeled love. Young children could draw a picture. Put these on display on your refrigerator. Or type the poem on your computer with a calligraphy font. Print it, place it in a nice frame, and display it in your home.
5. Take out a Bible and read Ecclesiastes 3:1 with your grandchild, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Discuss the importance of waiting on God's time, and then present your grandchild with an inexpensive watch.
6. Purchase a Bible for your grandchild and have his name engraved on it. Write a special note inside the cover of the Bible.
7. Go to an estate sale and let your grandchild pick out a special item to remember your day together. In the car discuss Isaiah 40:7 (NLT), "The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever." Compare this verse to the estate sale—when we leave this earth, we leave all of our possessions behind.
8. Write about the day your grandchild was born or adopted. Describe the weather, time, where you were, and your feelings when you saw him for the first time. Include special Bible verses or prayers that you claim for your grandchild.
9. Share your beliefs concerning your faith, explaining why you believe what you do. Then ask your grandchild what he believes and why.
10. Put a blanket on the ground. Lie down on it with your grandchild and look up at the clouds. Tell each other what the clouds look like. For example, are they shaped like a mountain, boat, cotton candy, etc.?
Share Psalm 147:8 with your grandchild: "He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills."
11. Design some special cards with your grandchild that have the following verse: 1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." With your grandchild, send one of these cards to someone who needs encouragement.
12. Ask your grandchild to tell you about her friends. Ask how your grandchild and her friends express Christ's love to one another. Invite your grandchild to bring one of her friends to your home one day for a special meal.
13. Have a hymn night at your home with your grandchild. Together choose traditional hymns and contemporary songs. Ask one another, "What is your favorite song and why?"
14. Look up Proverbs 21:31 with your grandchild: "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord." Discuss this with him if he's old enough to understand its meaning. How could a horse be ready for battle (i.e., man's effort to defend himself through equipment, etc.) and yet the end result of the battle really rest with the Lord? Then talk with your grandchild about battles in your life/in your grandchild's life. Where is his ultimate strength? Read Deuteronomy 3:22 with your grandchild and discuss it together, "Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you."
My mother passed away recently. As our family reminisced about her life, we described her with words like faith, strength, kindness, generosity, prayer, and unconditional love. We talked about her strong belief that the past is gone and tomorrow will be bright.
Like Jack Kemp, she left far more than material possessions to her children and grandchildren. She left a spiritual legacy that I pray will continue for many generations.
Copyright © 2015 Mary May Larmoyeux

How children perceive their Grandparents......

1. She was in the bathroom, putting on her makeup, under the watchful eyes of her young granddaughter, as she'd done many times before. After she applied her lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, "But Grandma, you forgot to kiss the toilet paper good-bye!" I will probably never put lipstick on again without thinking about kissing the toilet paper good-bye....

2. My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, 80. My grandson was quiet for a moment, and then he asked, "Did you start at 1?"

3. After putting her grandchildren to bed, a grandmother changed into old slacks and a droopy blouse and proceeded to wash her hair. As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious, her patience grew thin. Finally, she threw a towel around her head and stormed into their room, putting them back to bed with stern warnings. As she left the room, she heard the three-year-old say with a trembling voice,
"Who was THAT?"

4. A grandmother was telling her little granddaughter what her own childhood was like. "We used to skate outside on a pond. I had a swing made from a tire; it hung from a tree in our front yard. We rode our pony. We picked wild raspberries in the woods."
The little girl was wide-eyed, taking this all in. At last she said, "I sure wish I'd gotten to know you sooner!"

5. My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma, do you know how you and God are alike?" I mentally polished my halo and I said, "No, how are we alike?'' "You're both old," he replied.

6. A little girl was diligently pounding away on her grandfather's word processor. She told him she was writing a story.
"What's it about?" he asked.
"I don't know," she replied. "I can't read."

7. I didn't know if my granddaughter had learned her colors yet, so I decided to test her. I would point out something and ask what color it was. She would tell me and was always correct. It was fun for me, so I continued. At last, she headed for the door, saying, "Grandma, I think you should try to figure out some of these colors yourself!"

8. When my grandson Billy and I entered our vacation cabin, we kept the lights off until we were inside to keep from attracting pesky insects. Still, a few fireflies followed us in. Noticing them before I did, Billy whispered, "It's no use Grandpa. Now the mosquitoes are coming after us with flashlights."

9. When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied, "I'm not sure." "Look in your underwear, Grandpa," he advised "Mine says I'm 4 to 6."

10.. A second grader came home from school and said to her grandmother, "Grandma, guess what? We learned how to make babies today." The grandmother, more than a little surprised, tried to keep her cool. "That's interesting." she said... "How do you make babies?"
"It's simple," replied the girl. "You just change 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'."

11. Children's Logic: "Give me a sentence about a public servant," said a teacher. The small boy wrote: "The fireman came down the ladder pregnant." The teacher took the lad aside to correct him. "Don't you know what pregnant means?" she asked.
"Sure," said the young boy confidently. 'It means carrying a child."

12. A grandfather was delivering his grandchildren to their home one day when a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the front seat of the fire truck was a Dalmatian dog. The children started discussing the dog's duties.
"They use him to keep crowds back," said one child.
"No," said another. "He's just for good luck.. "
A third child brought the argument to a close."They use the dogs," she said firmly, "to find the fire hydrants."

13. A 6-year-old was asked where his grandma lived. "Oh," he said, "she lives at the airport, and when we want her, we just go get her. Then, when we're done having her visit, we take her back to the airport."

14. Grandpa is the smartest man on earth! He teaches me good things, but I don't get to see him enough to get as smart as him!

15. My Grandparents are funny, when they bend over, you hear gas leaks and they blame their dog.

If I Could See The World

This Sunday is Grandparents Day. Its fun being a grandparent! I know a lot of Grandparents- I made this video a couple years ago to remind them of the importance of seeing the world through the eyes of a child. Patsy Cline released this song on 9-9-1958- 57 years ago today- "If I Could See the World Through The Eyes of A Child". I would  like to dedicate it to all my friends who are Grandparents

In February 1977, Senator Randolph, introduced a Joint Resolution to the Senate requesting the President to "issue annually a proclamation designating the first Sunday of September after Labor Day of each year as 'National Grandparents Day'." Congress passed the legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day and, on August 3, 1978, then-President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation. The statute cites the day's purpose as: "...to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer". The official flower is the forget me not flower, and the official song is called Grandpa and Grandma, which I will post Sunday.  Happy Grandparents Day 2015

The Land That Made Me, Me

Let's face it- some people are getting old. (No, not you or I by any means) I am sure none of my friends know about this video or can relate, but I am sure it could bring back memories for some of our friends, "friends". It is simply called In the land that made me, me. Sometimes we have to look back to see where we are going and to honor those who got us to where we are today. In fact, I have a set of videos just for that  located under the label, Oldies but Goodies that I hope you check out.

I had just had my birthday and found the decade marker traumatic. When I went to get my driver’s license renewed, a matter-of-fact woman typed out the information, tested my vision, snapped the camera and handed me a laminated card with my picture on it.

"You mean I have to look at this for the next four years?" I jokingly said to her.

"Don’t worry about it," she replied. "In four years it’ll look good to you."

You know you are old if...

You and your teeth don't sleep together.

Your try to straighten out the wrinkles in your socks and discover you aren't wearing any.

At the breakfast table you hear snap, crackle, pop and you're not eating cereal.
Your back goes out but you stay home.
When you wake up looking like your driver's license picture.
It takes two tries to get up from the couch.
When your idea of a night out is sitting on the patio.
When happy hour is a nap.
When you're on vacation and your energy runs out before your money does.
When you say something to your kids that your mother said to you and you always hated it.
When all you want for your birthday is to not be reminded of your age.
When you step off a curb and look down one more time to make sure the street is still there.
Your idea of weight lifting is standing up.
It takes longer to rest than it did to get tired.
Your memory is shorter and your complaining lasts longer.
Your address book has mostly names that start with Dr.
You sit in a rocking chair and can't get it going.
The pharmacist has become your new best friend.
Getting lucky means you found your car in the parking lot.
The twinkle in your eye is only a reflection from the sun on your biofocals.
The iron in your blood turns to lead in your pants.
It takes twice as long to look half as good.
Everything hurts and what doesn't hurt doesn't work.
Your house catches fire and the first thing you grab is your Metamucil.
You look for your glasses for half an hour and they were on your head the whole time.
You get two invitations to go out on the same night and you pick the one that gets you home the earliest.
You sink your teeth into a steak - and they stay there.
You give up all your bad habits and still don't feel good.
You get to the check-out line, see how long it is, and decide what you have in your buggy isn't worth the wait.
You have more patience, but actually it's just that you don't care anymore.
Rocking in a rocking chair feels like a roller coaster ride.
You confuse having a clear conscience with a bad memory.
You finally get your head together and your body starts falling apart.

White Line Fever

 

On Sept. 3rd 1985 I went to work for the state, at Utilities and Transportation Commission. I worked in Pasco, (port of entry), Snohomish and Wenatchee/Okanagan.  I actually worked in Kent for one month too, commuting back and forth during September 1993. On Oct. 4th, 1993 I transferred to the Department of Transportation, in maintenance, in Wenatchee. My first winter was night shift on Stevens Pass.  In 2003 I transferred to the Traffic Department of WSDOT. I  now work in Striping between April and November and other months work mainly plowing snow back in maintenance. It’s a good relationship and I enjoy my job(s). I joke that if it wasn’t for my wife, I would work for Free. Since 2005 I have tried to make a video of the striping season-It’s getting hard to find a new song and I can never fit all the photos into 3 minutes that I want. I made this video several years ago- White Line Fever, Since it talks about getting older.  We see some pretty country and work with some great people. Little did I know when I accepted that job thirty years ago, I would see three different towns to live in,  eight different offices to call home, 6 assigned cars/pickups,  and the many great people I would get to work with.  Already this year I have used over 250 cans of spray paint. I am not sure how bosses I have had, who are now retired.  30 years has gone by too fast.

 1985-MCLE Inspector in Pasco

1991-MCLE Investigator in Wenatchee

 2003- Maintenance Tech 2 on SR28

2011- about has high as I am going to get in the DOT I think

Photo Taken in ??

Never Grow Up

I kinda think there could be some tears shed, as children start school this week. Everyone handles this event differently. I added a few photos to a song my daughter enjoys, a reminder how fast children grow up. I am not sure I can honestly say; "Never Grow Up," to my grandkids- but I do wish them the best as they do grow up, may they make wise decisions in life and I pray they choose their friends wisely. I am learning to cherish today and enjoy each moment today brings. Can you believe that I have a 11th, 8th, two in 6th. a 3rd Grade and two year old Grandchild, already?

 A book never written: “When Does School Start?”

 by Wendy Belrings.

David: Why did the broom get a poor grade in school?
Dan: I don’t know. Why?
David: Because it was always sweeping during class!

 What kind of school do you go to if you’re…
…an ice cream man? Sundae school.
…a giant? High school.
…a surfer? Boarding school.
…King Arthur? Knight school.

Mother: How did you find school today ?
Daughter: I just got off the bus and there it was !

Son: I'm not going back to school tomorrow !
Father: Why not ?
Son: Well I've been there a whole day, I can't read, I can't write and they won't let me talk, so what's the use ?