(to steel miq's line)...THANKSANDGIVING....

I've been reading everyones Thanksgiving posts and thinking as I read each one that I really do need to take a few moments and reflect on those things that I'm grateful for. But I've had some personal struggles going on lately so I've avoided the task. Of course the turmoil in my little world is only exacerbated by the stresses of this time of year and there's been a couple days that I've even worried about my ability to cope (even thinking some crazy thoughts)...and then something happened that made me snap right out of my selfish mood.

I am grateful for:

1. My health - I'm getting up in age and although my joints are sore and glasses are now permanently attached to my nose, I'm blessed with no major health problems.
2. My kids - I love being a mom more than anything else in the world. It can be very painful, but oh so joyful.
3. My husband - Who loves me no matter what and he treats me better than I ever imagined being treated.
4. Grand daughters - Mia is such a blessing in our lives. I love being "nonna lisa"...and am looking forward to hearing those words out of our newest addition...little Talia.
   

the birthday breather is over.....

September flew by and we slid right through to the end of October when the birthday bashes end with a bang! It starts on the 27th with Joel. 26 years ago, pregnant for the 3rd time in 3 years, I didn't know what I was having, but I was already very busy with two little boys. I wasn't due for a couple weeks, but I guess working overtime on chocolate donuts for the ward Halloween party got his curiosity and he wanted out. Michael was working construction at the time and although I hadn't really had any labor pains, something told me that I should get the phone number of the house he was working at that day (imagine no cell phones). A couple hours later I found myself in pain and called looking for Michael and he was no where to be found. I called my friend to drive me to the hospital and called another client that Michael had worked for and sent her driving around the neighborhood to look for Michael's truck. I got to San Dimas Community Hospital at about 9am and because the regular labor rooms were already occupied, I got stuck in a closet (literally rolled a bed in to a supply closet). Things were moving so fast that they had to give me a towel to sit on to pull on to keep me from pushing (TMI I know). Apparently Michael was located because he showed up just in time to witness his son being born @ 10:15.

Back then, they laid the babies on their stomachs and my baby (un named at the time) was active and kept lifting his head and moving it from side to side. So by the time we were leaving the hospital, he had a rug burned nose. Being our third son, we couldn't agree on a name. Michael wanted Domenic and I wanted Kellen...I knew we legally had 2 weeks to name him, but the nurses stood there in the room with the wheelchair and wouldn't let us go until we put down a name...so we compromised on Joel Andre.

Shortly after we got home, my neighbor called to find out what we had and I remember being so hurt when she expressed disappointment that we had a boy. How could I be disappointed when I had just given birth to the most beautiful boy ever??? I've never forgotten that and have never felt any disappointment having 3 sons...they are all so talented, smart and bring me such joy...I love my boys!

Joel always did well in school...not just because he was book smart, but because he was "street" smart. He has a knack for figuring out what the teacher wants and delivering. He did exceptional in sports...he's a natural and had the drive and energy to carry him through college. I loved watching him and made every effort to see every event possible.

As those of you who know...Joel has had some major trials in the past couple years, but the same tenacity that brought him through school and sports has continued and carried him through these trials. It was him and his attitude that helped the rest of us through his challenges as well. I'm so very proud of his accomplishments and am grateful to him for his unconditional love and support through everything.

I love you Joel...we love you Joel...Happy Birthday and wishes for a successful year!




I found out I was pregnant with #5 on a fluke. I was temping at a Dr's office while a girl was out on maternity leave. My baby (Rhyannon) was only 6 months old and I had just quit nursing. I was so tired, but was sure that dragging 4 kids to the sitter, working a full day and then coming home and taking care of my family was the reason for my fatigue. One day for the heck of it, I had my blood drawn just to make sure I wasn't pregnant. I was truly shocked when it came back positive. I hadn't even told Michael that I was checking and when he got home from work that night and took one look at me...he knew why I was upset. I wasn't upset that I was pregnant...I LOVED being pregnant...just not right then...I wasn't ready just yet.

My first 4 kids had been born at San Dimas and for the heck of it, I decided to change things up and go to Foothill Pres instead. I was due the 3rd week of November, but on Halloween I started contracting. I had been contracting off and on since very early that morning, but it wasn't consistant. My visiting teachers had come to visit and talked me in to going to the hospital....so about 4:30pm I headed over to Foothill. Ontie Melinda got there just in time and agreed to dress the kids up and take them trick or treating in our absence. The nurse checked me and I wasn't very far along...she called Dr. Nanni and she was instructed to give me an injection to relax me and send me home. I decided against the injection and instead opted to take a walk around the hospital. After about an hour of walking I headed back to the birthing center and asked to be checked again. Next thing I know...the nurses are running around the floor looking for a Dr. to catch my baby. Dr. Raidel happened to be there and he stepped with gloves in hand to play catch. I remember hearing Dr. Nanni yelling as he got there a while later...wondering what happened...he had sent me home.


Ally Melinda was born at 6:15 - right in the middle of trick or treating time. Having a birthday on this day has always been fun because even if there isn't a big celebration planned....it's still a party no matter where you are. Ally was a beautiful baby with dark hair and such a pretty face. I held her close to my chest for as long as I possibly could because I knew she would be the last baby that I would ever bare.

Ally was always "attached to my hip" as Michael would say. She did everything with me, went everywhere with me and would sit and brush my hair the minute I'd get home from work. Ally did well in school and always had lots of friends. Ally took piano at the age of 5 for a very short time, but to this day remembers what she learned. Ally has no fear...and would stand at attention when it was time for immunizations or would ask us to pull her tooth when it was the least bit loose. At the age of 9 I signed her up for AYSO soccer and from that time 'till she was a freshmen in high school we spent every weekend at the soccer field. She was so fun to watch. As she got older her coach discovered that she was a great goalie. She had great timing and had no fear protecting her goal..the only thing was...she hated the position. It got to the point she would stand back there and cross her arms.

As Ally got in to her teens...she started to pull away and became quite distant from not only me, but the rest of our family. I won't deny that this has been hard on me. I love all my children equally and for different reasons and for this reason I've spent many nights on my knees hoping and praying that she would open up to us. Although we have a ways to go, things have finally started to improve this year. We had her out for about 10 days this month and we had such a nice time. Ally is very good and patient with Rachel and Jessica...she was a pleasure to have around. I hope as time goes by that we can continue down this path and grow closer together because we love her and want her to be a part of everything we do.

We love you Ally...we wish you a happy birthday. This year will surely bring lots of changes for you and we want you to know that we are here to support you in anyway we can. I can't believe my baby is 23!!!

That's the end of the Rodriguez/Arnold clan birthday's for the year. I'm happy to say that we don't have any more until...well...March (because I'm not having birthdays any more until Greg catches up)

Nonna time....

For those who don't know already...since Gabe bore me my first grandchild, he was given the priviledge of naming me (with a few strict instructions). It came as no surprise to those of us who know Gabe and where he's lived, he deemed me Nonna (pronounced like Mona...the the Italian version of Grandma)...so I'm Nonna Lisa. I could live with that.

With Rosie working full time and Gabe getting as many hours as he can...I've had the privilege of spending the past couple Friday's with Mia. Well actually...I've reserved her the past couple Friday's. Week before last I got Mia bright and early, we got Rachel and Jessica off to school and Mia and I got packed up and headed down to Tucson. My cousin Marci lives in Tucson and our favorite Aunt Janet was visiting. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to spend the day there and show off my beautiful grand daughter.

We played out sided on the swing, climbed up the kids rock wall,













Lola was a bit scary to Mia, but she soon warmed up to her...
...ate hot dogs, mac n cheese and carrots for lunch....went swimming for a bit and got to know her great Aunt Janet (and how great she is) and Marci and her kids, Spencer, Jake, Kennedy, baby Emma (not pictured)...and their cousin Rachel. We watched Marci make the famous spud nuts (oven baked style) and she sent us home with a couple. We had such a nice time just relaxing, visiting and catching up...we hated to drive home. Mia was such a trooper that day...we drove 94 miles to Tucson, the 94 miles home and as soon as we got back to Queen Creek it was time to head to Sky Habor airport to pick up Papa (Greg)...that's another 36 miles there and back. It was a long day, but a really good day!!! Thank you Marci for letting us invade your life for the day...it was great to see you and the kids and always great to see Aunt Janet. We can't wait for her next trip down...we're going to kidnap her for a couple days.













Day before yesterday Mia got to spend the day with us again. Our ward was having our annual chili cook off/trunk or treat activity and Mia wanted to come. So she came over early so "nonna" could alter her costume (it was a tad too big), we carved a pumpkin to decorate our trunk and baked the seeds because Mia's daddy likes them.

Later that afternoon we met Rosie at her OB appointment. Rosie invited us because she thought we might like to see baby Olivia. After waiting almost an hour and a half we finally got called in. It's been many years since I had my last US (23 years as a matter of fact)...so it was kind of exciting. The excitement died down a bit when we noticed the US tech was taking multiple measurements of the baby's stomach and other organs...I just knew there was some concern. When the US was done she sent the Dr in to talk to Gabe and Rosie to warn them that Rosie's amniotic fluid was low and that the baby was about 2 weeks behind in growth (probably due in part of that low fluid). Rosie was instructed to drink a gallon of water a day (in hopes that that helps) and to stay off her feet. She has to have weekly US's to monitor the fluid levels and the growth of the baby...and if it becomes an issue, they will have to take the baby early. The problem at this point is that Rosie is a dental assistant and getting the time off work is somewhat complicated (we found out that CA is the only state in the USA that has mandated disability benefits...which means Rosie can take the time off, but she doesn't get paid). So....the Dr said that at this point she can still work, but has to lie down on her breaks and is to only lay down at nights and the weekends. If things don't improve, she'll have to take leave from work.
This wasn't the news that we expected, but we will stick together and get through this.

We raced back to the house, got Mia dressed in her Snow White costume and headed to the church parking lot. An boy was that parking lot full. We had a great turn out and Mia had lots of fun. She ate chili, she rode the wagon ride (towed by a tractor)...













she stared and stared at the bouncy house...as the bigger kids cleared out, I gave Mia the go ahead to climb in and just as she did...they all came back. I quickly rescued her, but she was a bit traumatized. Luckily that was soon forgotten as the trunk or treat started.
All in all I think Mia had a good time, we certainly had a good time with her.

It's taken me a while to understand the "how great it is to be a grandparent" thing, but I think I've been bitten. I sure love my Mia and am looking forward to getting to know Olivia.

leaven'....

...on a jet plane.... this afternoon for California...going to visit a client in Glendale and I'm not really looking forward to it. This project has not gone well and this is the first project for this new Trainer (why they hired this guy, I'll never know...if I were doing the hiring, I would never have considered him) and that's just what I need....for this training to not go well on top of everything else that's gone wrong.

I've been on the road (or in the air) a lot more than I anticipated when I took this job. I've been to Seattle about a dozen times (that's where my company is based) and to Kansas, New York, Salt Lake and California a couple times since I started with McKesson / Practice Partner a little over 6 months ago. The reason why I took this job is so I wouldn't have to live the "road warrior" life any more, but so far it hasn't quite worked out that way. Of course I had to travel in the beginning just to learn the product, but having to go to clients sites to play PR is not my bag...especially since I don't really care for this product...I like my job, but I just don't care for the software.

Oh well...I do see the light at the end of the tunnel. I foresee having to get on a plane a few days every 6 weeks or so, but I see in the future that I'll get to be planted more than not. And that's such a blessing at this time for many reasons.

1. Gas prices - I can't imagine having to commute everyday to work. Getting to work from home these days is a raise in itself.
2. Flexability - I can schedule my appointments around my home life. I can get the girls off to school, pick Jess up...take a couple hours off in the afternoon if I want and work in the evenings if I wish.
   
3. I do have a great team - And that's huge. At any time I can send out an eMail with a question and I'll get at least 4 responses. Although I'm secluded in my office anywhere from 6-12 hours a day...I'm never alone.
   
4. Get to see family and friends - When I do have to travel...if there's anyone in that state, I make a point of connecting with them while I'm there. I got to see Rhyannon about a month ago while I was in New York. I got to see Damian a week later while I was in Salt Lake...and of course going to Califorinia...there are all kinds of family and friends to see, but most important is to see my kids. I'm going to see Joel tonight...Ally Monday or Tuesday I hope.
   

In short...leaving is bitter sweet. I don't like leaving home (home is where Greg is)...but I do get to see family and friends on the expense of McKesson. Thank you "uncle mickey"!

and it continues from August in to September....will it ever end?

I was going to be out of town for Gabe's birthday so we...me, Greg, Troy and Jodi took Gabe and Rosie out for dinner at the King Fish in Tempe. We had a great time with great food and great company.


Then came Rachel's 14th birthday on the 26th. Of course I didn't know Rachel until 2 1/2 years ago so I can't tell you about her birth, but what I can tell you is that she certainly plays a key part in me deciding to make a big change in my life. It was at our first meeting that I knew that this was where I am supposed to be. And also if it weren't for the fact that Rachel is who she is...kind, sweet, respectful and not the typical teenager at all...I would never have became an Arnold.


I was going to be out of town for Rachel's birthday as well...so we took her out to dinner on our way to the airport...it was there that we gave her a birthstone necklace.



Then a week later...I made the dinner of her choice (shephard's pie) and she got to invite several friends over. We had an ice cream cake and then Greg dropped them all off for some shopping and treated them all to a movie.






Then came Greg's birthday....September 2nd he turned the ripe old age of 41. I keep telling him that he's in his mid 40's just to make myself feel better. We didn't have big plans but since his day falls the day after Labor day...we planned a bbq with our good friends the Hansen's and relaxed in their pool. I made his favorite pecan pie for dessert.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Greg!!!







Then Rosie's birthday is September 4th...her parents came out the weekend before to celebrate with her, the following weekend we took her and Gabe out to Macaroni Grill. I wish I could give the world to Rosie...she is such a special person. She is such a good daughter-in-law, she's such a hard worker, she is so supportive of Gabe and is the best mom to our grand daughter. We love you Rosie!

The month long celebration ends with Ren. My baby brother Aaron turned 41 on September 6th. Who'd of thought that my sickly, annoying baby brother that I used to physically fight with would turn out to be one of my very best friends and on my list of those that I most admire. I honor him because he has grown in to an intelligent, hardworking, successful man in all aspects of his life. I love him because he has always been there to listen to me, give me sound advise and has loved and supported me no matter what. I love you Ren!!! Happy Birthday.

Now we get a little "breather". The next slew of birthdays don't start 'till the end of October! PPHHEEEWWW.........

and next.......

comes Gabe. I went to see Dr. Nanni 2 days before my due date and he checked me and said...
"We must have miscalculated...you won't deliver for a couple of weeks...you're not ready." Honestly, I wasn't disappointed by those words, because frankly...I wasn't ready to have my first child. I didn't mind being pregnant and I was scared to death to be a mother and be responsible for another human being. That day I came home from work and started getting sick...I called my mom and told her that I thought I had eaten something bad or was getting the flu because I had cramps. She chuckled and informed me that I wasn't sick...I was having contractions. I had no idea...I was expecting labor to feel more like earthquakes (yah...I was young). I guess Dr Nanni was wrong too. I made it through the night, spent the majority of the next day at my moms and decided to head to the hospital that next evening. I didn't deliver Gabriel Marc until 4:10am and as soon as he was born, Mike went running out of the delivery room and down the hall way to announce to all family members waiting that we had a boy. He came trotting back down the hall way only to have the door shut in his face...you can't just walk back in to a sterile room.

Thank Heavens for mothering instincts...because for someone who was so scared and unprepared to have a child, pure instincts sure kicked in. Even the once gross thought of nursing came easy to me. How could it not be...I had just given birth to the most beautiful baby ever born (the same thought I got each time I had a new baby). I was sure all mothers were jealous of me.

I think there is something about August babies, because Gabe too was very easy. The only trouble we had with him as a baby was when at 4 months I went back to work and he basically starved for the first several days because all he knew was nursing...we had never given him a bottle.

Being the first nephew and grandchild from the Rodriguez side...and the fact that Onitie Melinda had take up photography, Gabe was of course the most photographed baby ever. And I don't think he ever took a bad one.

Gabe sailed all the way through middle school with ease and was an allstar athlete. He played soccer one season, he played baseball through freshman year in high school and even gave wrestling a go. High school proved to be a very challenging time for Gabe...it was through those difficult years that he spread his wings and rebelled...and who could blame him considering all he went through. Being the oldest child at home, it was he who was often held responsible by Mike for the actions of his siblings. And for those who now know what those years were like in the Rodriguez house hold, you can only imagine the challenge Gabe went through to cope through those years.

Gabe's senior year in high school an Army Recruiter talked him in to considering joining the military. The thought of my child leaving home just about killed me, but it was a motivator to get him through school. He graduated and 3 weeks later at 3am, the Recruiter picked him up and took him to LA where he would wait until that late afternoon to board a plane to Fort Sill Oklahoma. The Recruiter promised me that Gabe would be able to give me a call to tell me when and where he was departing from. The call didn't come until 2pm and that call gave me just over an hour to drive to LAX, run through the terminal to one of the last gates on that row to find him 4 bodies from boarding the plane. It was at that very emotional moment that I gave him the letter that I had written to him a couple days after he was born.

That day was the very first day I came home from work to a completely empty house and pure panic engulfed me. I was so upset I had to track down a neighbor to calm myself. Gabe's departure was much more than just my first baby leaving my home, it was my support leaving the home, but I didn't blame him...didn't blame him at all. His departure made me realize that I wasn't doing my children any favors by keeping them in a negative, miserable situation. I found a new place and moved myself and the rest of the kids out 1 month later.

Gabe has always taken care of his mother. He sent me paperwork from his fist military bank account to be a signer, with a note attached saying..."dip in to it when ever you need to". Although I never "dipped", I kept that note as a reminder of the generosity of my son, and was most upset when the old wallet (with nothing else in it) was stolen out of the center console of my car just a couple years ago. Also...when we moved out we didn't have a tv...as a family we started a collection jar to save up for one. Christmas time was approaching and we had just enough to get a 19". Gabe came home on leave a couple days before Christmas, saw what we had purchased, took it back and bought us a 27" tv for Christmas.

Gabe had originally signed up for 3 years, 3 years turned in to 7 as he signed up to go abroad, where he lived in Italy for 4 years (he absolutely loved it and would love to live there some day). Shortly after he returned, he joined the National Guard and served another couple years...so all in all, Gabe has served our country for 9 years.

It was in the National Guard that he met Rosie Gamez. I didn't want to like her when I first met her, but I'm not known for being a good judge of character. Rosie has turned out to be the most loving, hard working, supportive partner for Gabe. I love her dearly and love the beautiful grand daughter that she has given me (with #2 grand daughter on the way). Last year Gabe, Rosie and Mia moved out here to give Arizona a shot. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have family around.

Gabe, because you were the oldest and we were in the situation that we were in...I leaned on you and depended on you much more than is probably healthy. You went through a lot as a child and teenager and I know you harbor quite a bit of anger over the whole experience. I can't tell you how heavy the burden of guilt I carry for what I put you and your brothers and sisters through. I owe you a lot for taking care of me in a way that a son shouldn't have to. I am grateful every day for you and for all you do for me. I love your sense of humor, with your whit and ability to mimic just about any accent...you keep us all laughing. I'm very proud of you and of your family. I look forward to watching you grow as a person, a husband and a father.

Happy 29th Birthday my beautiful son....XOXO~ma

and the celebrations continue.....

August 11, 1984 was one of the most memorable days of my life...

I was (almost) 9 months pregnant, I had spent the summer by a pool wearing a red and white striped bathing suite so I showed up at the hospital with a (what looked like a watermelon) striped belly. I didn't know what I was having, but I already had 3 boys...I was afraid to dream of having a girl. A friend of mine was working in labor and delivery that early morning, but would be getting off her shift soon. She checked me, informed me that I was indeed in labor and should stay - and then instead of heading home to be with her 4 boys...she stuck around to see me through my delivery. I wasn't quite sure why...I thought she was just being nice.

Dr. Nanni came in later and checked me...and as soon as he did...he looks up and says, "Do you want to know what it is?" Confused...I asked him how could he tell me now? He went on to inform me that my baby turned and is now breach and so he could tell what it is. I'm one of those very few that didn't ever want to know in advance what the sex of my baby was. I love surprises...and getting that BIG surprise after the hard work of labor was kind of my reward to myself (I know...go a head and say it). So...I told him "no...don't tell me"! "Wait a minute...breach...does that mean I have to have a C-Section?" Not this well prepared mother who had already given birth 3 times in less than 5 years. With the help of a couple nurses standing on stools on either side of me - pushing down on my stomach...Dr. Nanni reached inside of me...he was able to pull my baby girl out....butt first. It's a girl...it's a girl...it's a girl. I got what I was afraid to dream of!!!

That dream state from having a girl has continued now for 24 years. Rhyannon Joy Rodriguez is hands down the best and easiest child ever born. She was content, she never cried and always well behaved. As she grew I never had to worry about her behavior in school, she always did her work to the best of her ability and it showed...she always got great grades. She took piano lessons, then violin and then finally stuck with the cello. She played soccer, water polo, was in the Chaffey orchestra and took the metro link to LA on Saturdays to participate in the Cal St LA youth symphony. She was awarded the Mills Mall high school scholarship and played Janet in Greece. I'll never forget the day I got a call from Rhyannon while I was at work telling me that she was accepted to UCLA (just to name a few of her accomplishments).

I was a bit worried about her leaving home...although she was very capable and involved, Rhyannon was rather shy when it came to everyday, regular things like going in to a store on her own or even getting on the phone and ordering pizza. But I got her all moved in to her dorm and she never looked back.

She graduated from UCLA with a degree in Music History in 4 short years and did it all on her own,debt free. She's always had a passion for music (we all love music, but she's passionate). Her focus is not in performing it, but studying it and writing about it. She has proven her talent over and over again as she has been published many times (google her name...also check out rj rodriguez-lewis). And boy has she grown in other ways...she's moved to far away places with out a place to live or a job to support her self and with in days, has her life in order.

Rhyannon fell in love with an Englishman a couple years ago (they met while she was visiting a friend who was studying a broad). After going through the agony of a long distance relationship, she decided to change her '06 holiday visit to Oxford to an indefinite stay. They married in an intimate ceremony 6 months later in an Oxford court house on May 30th, 2007. I was sooo lucky to be there to witness it.

Now here we are in August of '08 and Rhyannon is back in the states, but on the east coast. She is in New York where she is waiting for her Masters program to start at NYU. Rob is still in Oxford finishing out his obligations and if all goes well, will join her in October.

Being Rhyannon's mother has been nothing short of a priviledge. She lives up to her name...she has brought me nothing but "joy" for 24 years. And because she has always been so easy...I owe her a HUGE apology. I'm guilty of taking advantage of the fact that she was always so unproblematic. I took for granted that she was always okay because she made wise choices. Don't get me wrong, I worry...as you all know I'm a worrier, but I worried less about her, because she is who she is.

Rhyannon...I don't ever want you to interpret my lack of worry over you as thinking less about you than I do your brothers and sisters....because NOTHING could be further from the truth. You are constantly on my mind. Your well being, your health and your happiness is my priority. I love you more than you will ever know and I don't ever want you to go a minute with out understanding that. I'm so, so very proud of you and I am grateful every day that I was given the opportunity to be called your mother!

Happy Birthday my beautiful girl! XOXOX~ma

Two reasons to celebrate.........

August starts out with a BANG. August 1st is the day we (the Alder clan) celebrates not one, but two amazing people. And do we ever have reason to celebrate!

First off is the infamous Aunt Janet. Famous I say because those of us not just inside the family, but outside the family all know her as Aunt Janet, and love her and are loved by her. Here are just a few reasons why...

• Janet makes everyone around her feel like they are the most important person...and it's sincere.
• Janet makes everyone around her feel like they are beautiful and smart...and it's sincere
• Janet has taken her nieces and nephews in as if they were her own...and it's sincere
• Janet has taken children and friends of her nieces and nephews in as if they were her own...and it's sincere
• Janet has always been there to listen and support us no matter what....and it's sincere
• Janet has always changed plans and traveled far to be there for us at important events...and with a smile.
  
• Janet has shown us all the true meaning of motherhood and home maker...she's so talented
• Janet has always amazed us with such amazing meals and treats......she's so talented
• Janet has always taken the time to teach us how to make amazing meals and treats...she's so generous
• Janet is a great example of perseverance...she works so hard
• Janet is a great example period....I try to follow her
  
• Janet finally got to retire...and we couldn't be happier for her! And for us, because that means we get more time with her! (yah...I'm selfish that way)

I love you Janet. I don't think you even comprehend the impact that you've had on all of us. Words don't express the gratitude we all have for all you've done for us.

*****************************************************************************************************************

The second reason (but certainly not the least) reason why we have to celebrate the 1st of August is Randy. We celebrate Randy because:

• Randy always has a smile on his face....and it's contagious
• Randy is always laughing...and it's contagious
• Randy is always calm...and it's contagious
• Randy never speaks an unkind word...and we try to follow his example
• Randy comes home from work and finds his house full of people...and he welcomes them
• Randy works very hard to support his family...and he is successful
• Randy is unselfish and he shares with others....he's so generous
• Randy is a great husband and father...he's a great example
• Randy is a great brother and uncle...he's a great example

I love you Randy. I don't think you comprehend the impact that you have had on our lives. In my moments of trying to teach my kids correct principles, it's you that I most often use as an example. Thank you for being that example. Thank you for being so great to my best friend, my sister. Thank you for sharing and for always being so welcoming.

August is a crazy month...filled with birthdays every few days (and spilling in to September), but what better way to start it out with. Let the celebrations begin!

Post traumatic disorder.......

December 22nd, 2006 around noon, I was baking Christmas cookies (not my usual holiday activity) in attempt to spread a little holiday cheer to my new found Arizona neighbors before we headed off to California to spend the Christmas holiday with family. I had just set a batch in the oven when my cell phone rang. It was Gabe...not a big deal...he told me that he had just received a call from one of Joel's roommate and that he had something to tell me. Still not too alarmed, but to be safe I went to my room and shut the door. Gabe called with the news that Joel had been in an accident and that he was in surgery. They were doing surgery on his arm and that they were pretty sure they were going to be able save it, but they were unable to save his leg.

Just like that...in that instance...my emotional stability as a mother was changed forever.

Of course by the time I calmed down and remembered what I was doing, the Christmas cookies had transformed to Christmas coal. I called Greg and then Randy (two stabilizing influences in my life) and then Southwest to reserve a seat on the next flight out to CA. Greg immediately came home, I threw a bag of basically nothing together (who can think at times like that) and headed to the airport. I did have enough sense to call my good friend Dawn while on my way. Dawn is one of my amazingly thoughtful friends (I hope you all have a "Dawn" in your life)...and all though I wasn't quite sure what I needed from her at the time, she being the person she is...rearranged her holiday plans to make sure my kids had a place to stay, transportation and a Christmas present to open. On top of that...she got me the name and number of her husbands prosthetic guy (what an amazing guy Phil is!).

Honestly...I don't even remember how (I think maybe it was Ally who picked me up at the airport), but somehow I made it to the hospital where I was greeted by dozens of Joel's friends. Gabe and Rosie made it there about the same time and Gabe accompanied me in to ICU to see Joel for the first time since his accident. I was a nervous wreck as you can imagine. Joel was awake and all he could say was how sorry he was for ruining our Christmas. "Are you kidding me!!!! You're alive. What better present could we possibly ask for?"

I spent the next 8 days beside his hospital bed, dowsing him with ice cold water to break his never ending fever, draining his urine container, and rubbing his "phantom" foot because it burned so bad. His walls were lined from day break 'till well in to the night with family and friends there to comfort him. Ontie Melinda and Melissa came each evening to stand post so that Greg could drag me away for a couple hours break and a much needed shower. Leaving only made me more nervous so I would race back so that I could kneel by Joel's side and pray for his fever and pain to go away.


It was very windy the day Joel was released. I was scared to death to leave the security of a round the clock medical crew, but after begging the Dr's to let Joel stay one more day, they pushed us out in to the wind to mend at home. Home was Aunt Cindy's house (I'll never be able to pay her back for all she's done for us! She's amazing) where we were met by Cherif (Joel's friend who flew in from Hawaii to help out). Cherif, at the request of Joel, drove us to the yard where Joel's car was towed. What a frightening and humbling scene that was.

Those first couple weeks were much like the hospital stay except Joel's fever had finally subsided. Our days were filled with visitors and trying to figure out how to stay on top of the pain, his medication regimen, trying to figure out how to bath and take care of his wounds. The days soon filled up with follow up Dr. visits, wound care, physical therapy and prosthetic appointments. We filled our spare hours with visits to family and old friends.


With an astonishingly positive attitude (obviously feeling better and even poking fun at his situation here), Joel physically healed quite nicely and helped the Alder/Rodriguez/Arnold clan heal emotionally. After 3 months of being nurse made, I made a very tough decision to head back to Az to be with my very patient and understanding new husband. And in my usual fashion...nervously did what ever I could from 400 miles away to help Joel in any way I could, but never feeling like it was enough.

It's been 19 months and Joel has overcome every challenge with the same positive attitude every step of the way. He's got 2 new legs, he's driving, went back to Cal Poly with a renewed determination and graduated last month in an exciting field and now in the job market. As all of my kids are in one way or another...Joel is one of my heroes. I'm so very proud of the way he's over come all of the hurdles in his path. I'm so proud of the way he has picked up the pieces and brushed himself off and moved on with out skipping a beat. He's a truly amazing individual.

Of course as his mother...I'm always worried that behind his smile is pain and that he is just being strong for me. I just can't help but worry. I won't pretend to know the trauma that true victims go through, but I know many of you out there have gone through similar events and I'm sure you can relate. The pictures displayed above pop in to my head regularly and with out warning. I'll be driving down the street and the next thing I know...I've got tears rolling down my face. I'll be taking a shower and it will hit me that Joel has to hop in and balance on one leg to take his each day. I'll be working and get a sense of panic for no good reason. My cell phone rings at a late hour and my heart sinks. The holidays roll around and I make Joel call or text me daily so that I know that he's okay.

The lesson I learned when my brother Mike tragically died in a plane crash several years ago was to always express your gratitude when you have the chance because you may not ever get that chance again. From Joel I've learned to stay positive...to remember how lucky I am...Joel is still with us and he is healthy and his faculties are in tact. I still get to enjoy his engaging, energetic and caring personality. Reminding myself of this is what gets me through those moments of panic.

As I cried to Greg the other morning after receiving a text from one of my kids at 4:30am ...it's tough being a mom. It's so joyful, but can also be so painful. Regardless...I wouldn't change it for anything.

I love you Joel...I love you Gabe, Dami, Rhyannon, Ally, Rachel and Jessica.

....how did I get here....

in Vail, Colorado...on our honeymoon...

At the end of 2005...after many years of purposely concentrating on raising my kids and my career (not because I aspired to have one, but because I needed to have one to raise my large -in todays standards - family)...I decided that '06 was going to be "my" year. I felt that I was finally at a point that I could be a little selfish, not only because I didn't want to spend the rest of my life alone, but because all of my kids were graduated and well on their ways to making lives of their own, I had a home, made a decent living and I had gotten to a place in my life that I had something to offer somebody else.

I'm sure at some point I'll write the story of how we met, but for now...let's just say the saying "timing is everything"...certainly rang true in this story. We became fast friends...spending the late hours on line or on the phone talking and laughing. I didn't realize until I met him how little laughter I had in my life and I was having a blast. Because of the fact that we had so much in common, our conversations turned from what movies are a must...to "what would you do in this situation..." After several weeks of this, we decided to meet up. The problem with this was that I had already fallen in love with this voice over the phone. Honestly...as long as he didn't look like Frankenstein...I was a goner. I felt that this was a problem because Greg found himself single in a much different way than I did and he was really looking for friendship more than anything else.

We met up and with out a glitch...our comfortable and fun phone conversations easily slid in to comfortable and fun face to face conversation. And like I feared...I was a goner. After a couple more months of daily contact by phone and periodic visits to each others town...we decided that it was okay to introduce our kids in to this picture. So it was decided that I would go to AZ and meet Rachel. She got home from school and we were nervously introduced and quickly sent on our way to get to know each other. I planned a mani-pedi for our first bonding experience.

I haven't told very many people this because 1... things like this just don't happen to me and 2... because it's rather personal....but while on this unfamiliar road, traveling to this unfamiliar salon...I asked myself..."could I live in the desert?" And as plain as day I heard...."this is where you're supposed to be". And that's how I ended up here...

Because the love of my husband is almost always on my mind, I know that I will write more and more about how I met Greg, how we became husband and wife, how dear he is to me and the struggles we go through to mesh our lives. But for now let me just say it's been 2 VERY challenging years, but truly the happiest 2 years of my life. I thank my Heavenly Father every single day for blessing me with a companion that whole heartedly supports me, comforts me and loves me through thick and thin. He accepts me despite my short comings, he counsels me through my trials and he entertains me daily by keeping me laughing.

Happy 2nd Anniversary Greg. Obviously I'm having fun because these two years have flown by. I can't find words to adequately express the gratitude that I have for you. I still say to myself (and hope to for a very long time)..."that's my husband" when you walk in to a room. I'm proud of the steps you're making to take care of us (I'll tell you all about that after it's over...don't want to jinx anything).Thank you for loving me, thank you for genuinely caring for those who mean the most to me (kids and my brothers and sisters)...thank you for making me laugh every day!

I love you dearly!!

I may be the only one out there, but I was bored and a bit insulted....

So after a rather long, uneventful week (for the girls that is...I was planted in my office working diligently as I try to get my arms around my new job...) we decided to treat the girls to a hamburger and a movie yesterday. We chose this cute new hamburger "joint" right next to the new San Tan Theater simply because it was next to the theater and we didn't want to take the chance of being stuck in the front row of the ever awaited WALL.E. The hamburger was descent, Jessica gobbled up her peanut butter and jelly sandwich (yes...she gets taken out to eat and this 5yr old orders a P & J). Greg finishing first, graciously stood in line and got us a prime location in the theater as me and the girls window shopped until it was time for the movie. With our pre-bought candy in hand (yes, I'm a smuggler...can't bring myself to pay those prices) we anxiously sat through all the previews and a very cute "short". Finally the feature begins and wouldn't you know it...there's a power outage and everything goes pitch black. They turn on the generator powered lights and instruct us to stay in our seats and wait. A few of us decided to go ahead and make one last dash to the restroom while there was a window....we did NOT want to take the chance of missing any of the feature once it started back up. It was less than 10 mins of waiting before the power was back up and the event that we had worked up all day for was before our eyes again.

I often get razzed by Rachel for falling asleep during movies. This time when she asked me if I thought if I was going to make it through...I informed her that I only fall asleep if I'm over tired or I'm bored with the movie. About half way through, Greg leans over and asks me if I'm drifting off...and I told him no, but only because I'm annoyed. If it weren't for that fact...I'd certainly be enjoying the dark, cool, quiet opportunity to catch some zzzzzzz's.

I may be the only one out there, but I was bored and annoyed by this waste of film. I think Rachel was right...it would have been better as a "short". It was 2 llloooonnngggg hours of this admittedly adorable robot, but the message was WAY over done and frankly I was insulted. Don't get me wrong...I'm all for being responsible for our environment, for being conservative with our resources, for recycling and not wasting, but this was over kill. I also found it highly hypocritical of the film makers to so boldly bash consumerism when the Disney store down the block was literally sold out of their WALL.E paraphernalia.

As you can tell...this struck a nerve and for those of you who know how opinionated my husband is, can probably imagine how this movie sparked conversations that lasted through out the drive home and the rest of the evening. Although I do believe that as a person who is blessed to be on this earth at this time, it's my duty to be responsible and take care of this beautiful planet...but this movie if anything turned me more against that industries ranting and raving than otherwise.

The one bright point that came of this whole topic is how grateful I am for my job. Where did that light bulb come from? Of course coinciding with the topic of the movie, gas prices were brought in to the conversation (as it is in most conversations these days)...I suddenly realized how lucky I am to have the job that I have. Besides the fact that I don't really want to work and that I've had to travel more than I care to to right now...I am fortunate enough to have a job that I get to do from the comforts of my own home. I don't have to wake up at the crack of dawn, scramble to figure out what "cuter than someone else's" outfit to wear and best of all...don't have to get in a car and worry if there's enough gas in it to get to work. The thought of having to budget $500 a month for gas these days is overwhelming to me...and I'm soooo grateful that I don't have to!!! That's more money in my pocket to do things like....go to more movies that I actually like.

One of my faults.......

As last year this same time...Heidi and family headed to Arizona to visit Troy's family. Luckily for us it's only a 2 and a half hour drive and up in the mountains...we had such a great time last year, so we gladly took the drive up again this year. Yes...this is still Arizona with pine trees and temperatures below 100 in June. Troy's parents have this great house with the perfect setting for family fun...large lawn, trampoline, zip line, 2 labs with never ending energy and of course Joyce and Lee and their warm welcoming spirit. We were introduced to geocaching, but weren't all that successful...I think we qualify more as "muggles" than geocachers. As last year, we had a great time, it was well worth the 5 hours in the car...we look forward to the same next year.

Every single day I wake up and head to my office and fire up my laptop. Monday through Friday it's to work, but believe it or not...on Sunday's it's to blog. Then why so long between posts you ask? I start out by reading others blogs and get discouraged because I haven't quite figured out how to make mine as creative as theirs. So in the Lisa fashion...instead of just posting...I put it away. I've always been this way. I remember as an 8 year old...scared to death to perform at the end of our 8 week ice skating class and so I faked a stomach ache. I remember as a teenager wanting so bad to be in something in school, but more afraid of failing so I wouldn't try out. As an adult I tend to go with out rather than taking the chance of not getting exactly what I want.

I remember Gabe as a freshman wrestling and struggling through each and every match but finished the season. I remember Dami snow skiing ALL day and spending 95% of it in the slushy snow but he did it ALL day. I'll never forget the day that I drove up to witness Joel trying to ride his bike for the first time on his new leg...all sweaty just going to the end of the block and back, but he did it. Rhyannon going out for the water polo team and fighting so hard to become an asset to her team mates. Ally playing goalie on her soccer team even though she hated it. Rachel never missing a track practice even though she knew she wouldn't make it to the finals. Jessica, scared to death to jump off the side, but going to swimming lessons with a smile on her face for 2 solid weeks.

I know it's a bit extreme to compare my fear of not creating a cute blog to the accomplishments of my kids, but I have to recognize that this is a fault of mine. How the heck am I going to get better if I don't "do"? So...with that being said...even if I can't make my blog as cute as Miq's or Amanda's...I will suck it up and do it. Maybe somewhere along the way I'll get better.

as much as I like to complain....

As much as I like to complain about the flat, pinkish brownness that surrounds me, there really is some beauty to the land that I now call home.








Last weekend my baby brother whom I call "Ren" drove down from Utah with his entire family to spend a couple days with us. I can't tell you how over the top excited we were to have family come to visit.

In preparation for this long awaited event we decided to paint during Greg's Spring Break...the problem was...I couldn't make a decision on color. We went shopping at Target and found 3 pillows that caught my eye and so we decided to use that color scheme. We went to Home Depot and grabbed every swatch that was even close and headed back to Target to match the pillows. With the 3 swatches decided on...we headed back to Home Depot and bought all of the paint. BIG mistake. We decided to start on the entry way, living room and hall way since this was to be the main neutral color that would tie this whole color scheme together. A few hours later after all the prep was well under way...Greg got on his ladder and began the long awaited transformation. It was a little too bold at first, but he forged on. As the day light hours turned in to dark...the color went from a..."wow this is bold, but I'll get used to it"...to," I'll never get used to this it reminds me of a color that we only see when we're sick". I tried to hold back my disappointment (after all...I had bought all that paint and Greg was working so hard), but Greg knew what I was thinking. He assured me that it was going to be okay. So we cleaned up and planned to pick right back up the next morning.

Well...the morning came to me only a couple hours later. It was yet another one of those times when I wake up in a panic and can't get back to sleep. This stupid paint was really bugging me. Greg awoke a few hours later, came in to comfort me and sat down...took a look back at the job he'd done and turned to me and said...I think you're right...let's start over. So we got ourselves dressed and headed back to Home Depot to pick another color. So we went with something that was several shades lighter and a little bit of a different shade...something that we were sure would not remind us of that unmentionable sickness.

As we began painting...we were so refreshed with this lighter, calmer color. We frantically worked as we were behind a whole day now with this change of plans. As we continued to paint, my heart started to slowly sink. We went from color that we only see when we're sick, to silly puddy...do yo remember that color? It's kind of a light brown, but kind of pink. We were painting our walls PINK!

We finished painting the entry way, living room and down the hallway in "silly puddy". Learning from our mistake, we bought 3 quarts of different colors for our kitchen and just painted big swatches to test them out. NONE of them were going to work...not with this "silly puddy". So...I called the project off. We cleaned up all the drop clothes, cleaned up the brushes and packed it all way...I didn't want to proceed forward until I had gotten used to the color and decided how to proceed with the rest of the house.

So...instead of impressing Ren and family with our nice inviting home, we only reiterated how indecisive I can be (we left the different swatches in the kitchen). But we didn't let this "silly puddy" and patchwork kitchen affect our time together with family. We had a GREAT time...well at least I did. I was in heaven with them here.

The first day Gabe took us all up to the lake to ride quads. This is where the pictures of Jessica and Mia were taken. Yes...there was enough rain in the desert this year to bring out all these beautiful desert flowers. It was actually a breath taking sight to see. Even though there are only two quads...I think there was a good time had by all.

The next two days we went to 2 different Spring Training games. We first saw the Angels vs Padres in Tempe and although it's a cool park and were amazingly close to the players, the park was too crowded and it was just too dang hot. The next day we saw the Dodgers vs. the Brewers in Phoenix and this park was bigger and there was shade...we had a great time.



Each evening, Greg bbq'd and we all ate and talked and ate and talked and just enjoyed each others company. I had such a good time...I didn't want to see them go. I sure wish we all lived closer. But since we don't, I think it would be a nice to try to get together a couple times a year...maybe they can come down to get a break from the cold and snow during Spring Training season and we can head up there during the summer to get out of the heat.

We sure love our family and we were so happy to enjoy the beauty of the desert flowers and the fun of Spring Training with them!

it's always something....

"if it's not one thing...it's another, but it's always something". I'm always stressed or worried about something. My stomach is in knots, I wake up in the middle of the night in a panic and I can't get it out of my head.

A week and a half ago my fellow desert co-worker (Blake) called me bright and early to warn me that he was sure he was being let go. He continued by warning me that his termination would most likely affect my employment status. It was a kick in the gut. Although I had been pretty unhappy with my employment for a number of reason and had been actively talking to a competitor for what I hope is a better fit for me...it never occurred to me that Physician's Trust would beat me to the punch and let me go before I let them go. I spent the next 4 days trying to read behind the lines of ever eMail and conversation between each of my California co-workers and supervisors. At times I was sure Blake was right...at other times I was sure he was wrong. Even when I got an eMail that I was to meet one of my bosses at Starbucks Fri, Feb 29th to talk about "their future plans for Arizona"...I was still puzzled. Needless to say I didn't sleep on Thursday night. I woke up Friday morning and I did the only thing I could do to calm my nerves. I knelt down and prayed for comfort.

I knew it was going to be a long day waiting for my 3:00pm meeting to come around. I couldn't calm down...I spent the better part of the day analyzing the events of the past couple weeks, trying to figure out what the outcome of this meeting was going to be before I got there. 3:00 finally came, I walked in to Starbucks and sat down in front of my boss and HR. HR...what the heck?! At that moment I knew it (but why the heck did they have to spend all that money to fly 2 people out for the day to let me go?) This is when my prayers were answered...I was completely calm, the conversation was pleasant and oddly enough it was a very friendly parting of the ways.

Of course I panicked the next few days as I worried about my future and the reality that I needed to look for a job now, not just think about it. It was just 4 days later that I got a formal offer from the competitor that I'd been talking to. So in actuality getting laid off was a blessing in disguise. Because it was not my performance, but a company decision to pull out of Az...they gave me a bonus and are paying my benefits for another month. If I had quit on them, I wouldn't have gotten any of that.

So...I basically get a 2 week vacation and it just so happens to be Spring Break around here. So...with the help of Greg, we've finally decided on paint colors and we're going get as much painting done around here as we can while I have the help.

But it's always something...
A few weeks ago Rachel asked the ward choir director if she could sing a solo in church (who does that?). Tara found her some music, but told her that she'd have to find some one to accompany her because the usual accompanist would be out of town. So...just because it's been a silent goal of mine to get back on the piano, I started practicing the music. I told Rachel I'd practice for a week and let her know if I thought I could do it....a week went by and I neglected to tell her that although I was learning the song...there was NO WAY I could play it in public. My mind was not on music, my mind was on being employed...I let the week go by and didn't say anything. With March 9th quickly approaching it was too late to ask someone else to play. So...needless to say...I wake up in another panic this morning because I'm a nervous wreck to play this piece in public. I just know I'm going to get up there and go blank!

At least I'm employed....

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.

We have so much to be grateful for....for this reason this past holiday season we sent out Thanksgiving cards rather than the usual Christmas card. We couldn't let the season pass us by with out expressing our gratitude to all the family members and friends who have so graciously and unconditionally loved and supported us in a multitude of ways through a rather challenging year. We are so blessed to have such an amazing circle of support around us. Through all of this we have learned to more fully appreciate our health and minds and the things that we have and have grown closer to each other.

We love you all