What's wrong with this picture?

So......Scott and I have been checking everywhere for H1N1 vaccines. The first round of vaccines that arrived at my clinic were reserved for health care workers and children. They didn't get anywhere near the number of vaccines that they ordered. Vaccines finally arrived at the hospital but are reserved for only health care workers....and those with patient contact have top priority. Thankfully Scott falls under that category so he was able to finally get vaccinated.....so at least he can't get the virus and bring it home to me from there. There is not a vaccine available in Grant County. My clinic is also out of seasonal flu vaccine because production has slowed to enable getting out more H1N1....and the first seasonal flu vaccines they received were just reserved for children. So.....here I sit....feeling a bit like a sitting duck....with a compromised immune system.....and no vaccine.

Yesterday I read a report....that if I wanted to be vaccinated I could commit a crime....because the prison system has plenty of vaccines. Apparently they are high risk because they are in such close quarters. Are you kidding me? Pregnant women and children and those with compromised immune systems have been waiting in line for hours only to be turned away because they ran out of vaccine....but violent criminals are going to be able to get vaccinated ahead of them. Something is seriously wrong with this picture. Murderers....rapists....armed robbers.....you name it......they get to receive their shots because they live in close quarters. Last time I checked.......THEY MADE THE CHOICES THAT PUT THEM THERE! They should be the last ones on the list to receive vaccines. The staff in the prisons should be vaccinated......and that is it! That is just ridiculous.

KRAZINESS in the KENNEL

We had a great Saturday. We got up early and headed over to watch Kobe's soccer game. We just missed his goal that he scored on a corner kick. Still don't know how he scores from there...but he's done it twice this year. In the second half he brought it down from the center of the field and scored. That kid is a heck of an athlete. It is always fun to go and watch him.

After lunch at David's pizza we stood in a crazy long line to attend Kraziness at the Kennel. We weren't sure we were going to get in. There were so many people there. The kids were really excited when we arrived inside the kennel.

The student section went WILD. The music started and they began jumping up and down....felt like an earthquake in there. They love their ZAGS! The pep band was great....the cheerleaders were fun to watch....but

the real excitement began when they introduced this years team. We watched 3 10 minute scrimmage games.



This year Demetri Goodson is going to step up and be the main man for the Zags this season. He is fast....and has a beautiful shot. He was fun to watch.

I have really enjoyed watching Matt Bouldin grow these past few years at Gonzaga. He was the high score for the Zags lastnight. He and Demetri should provide a lot of offense.

I never would have recognized Steven Grey. He has let his hair grow to a full blow afro and he didn't even look the same. He looked a little sluggish in the scrimmage but I have high hopes for him this season.

We finished off the night by taking the kids to Dairy Queen for a blizzard. It was a really great day and we really had fun with Ted and his family and it was great to feel the electricity in the Kennel. No wonder they say it is the loudest venue in college basketball. Spokane loves those boys!

HELP! I need a support group

Okay.....there must be a 12 step program for crazy sports fans like me. Post season baseball could be detrimental to my health. Lastnight it was a must win game for the Angels....and they were playing the team that everyone loves to hate.....at least I do.....the Yankees. The angels jumped to a quick 4-0 lead in the first inning due to some very bad pitching. My brother Ted called in the middle of that inning....he couldn't believe it. I was jumping up and down with excitment. I had a presidency meeting lastnight....which didn't make me very happy....but I left the house in the bottom of the 5th with a frown on my face....but the Angels still had the lead so I had a spring in my step. I called Scott the minute my meeting was over and I said "Please tell me that there will be a game on Saturday. Did the Angels hang on?" Scott tells me that there was a 45 minute 7th inning and the game is still on. He tells me that the Yankees scored 6 runs in the 7th to go ahead by two. My heart sank....then he tells me that the Angels scored 3 in the bottom of that inning and they are up by 1 point. Perhaps he should have told me that information first....before I pass out.....ha ha. Well, he gives me a play by play of the top of the 9th as I am driving home. They intentionally walked A-rod....good move....but beaning him would have made me happier....then they walk Matsui....but not on purpose. I run in....and let me tell you...this is not easy for a 43 year old with joint pain....but believe me when I said I ran. I burst through the door just as they bean the next guy and load the bases....are you kidding me! Oh my gosh....I was getting so nervous....Scott started laughing at me and then came over and started taking my pulse. He thinks I'm so funny when I'm watching a game....I can't help it! When we are 1 out away the hitter starts fouling off balls and the pitcher is throwing junk and the batter takes it to full count.....I'm holding my breath at this point.....the pitch......the swing......CONTACT....I close my eyes....I can't watch.....I peek just as the ball is falling into the Angels outfielders glove.....and I leap across the room with excitment....yelling.......They live to play another day.....which is really great.....but not sure my heart can take it. I'm seriously an addict. I need to go to a support group.

At the meeting lastnight I informed the Relief Society President that I would not be attending any meetings next week because it was the world series. At first she thought I was kidding....but then when she realized I was serious she gave me that look that she is so good at and I could tell she thinks my priorities are in the wrong place. Are you kidding me? Who has a meeting during the world series? Unacceptable. My priorities are exactly as they should be.....afterall.....the series only comes on once a year.....there are how many weeks in a year I can attend a meeting? So, I look to our secretary for support. Come on Nancy....help me out here....and she proceeds to say...."I don't know who is even playing....I don' t have a television." What? I look at her and say "Come on.....you're killing me here." If I didn't have a tv during the post season I think I would actually curl up and die. So.....does anyone know of a good therapist for a baseball adict who chugs down pepsi and popcorn during a game?

A full weekend

I got Chris's Halloween cookies made for him a day before he arrived. I made four dozen so that he would have a lot to take back to school with him. Well, he only ended up taking back a couple of dozen because he had consumed the others while he was home. He was quite excited that I had made all of them for him and I wasn't sharing with my seminary class.

While I finished lesson preparation for Friday's seminary class the boys went down to the creek to see if they could catch something for breakfast. They came back with 5 really nice trout. Living here with the creek running through the pasture has been such a great thing for my kids. They have spent many hours down there fishing with their dad and their grandfather. Memories that will last them a life time.

Saturday we went shoe shopping. Chris needed new running shoes and then we went out to the Japanese restaurant for lunch. We came home and watched the Yankee game....Boo....Yankees won. Sunday morning Chris got up early and headed off to meet with Pres. Baker for his final missionary interview. He looked so nice in his suit. His papers will be submitted to Salt Lake on the 6th of November. Won't be long now. Hopefully he will have his mission call before Thanksgiving.

We were not the only ones that were happy to see Chris this weekend. Morgan was so happy to have her boy back. That dog is crazy about Chris....and the feeling is mutual. She really perked up this weekend with Chris around.

Scott is the ward mission leader and so we feed the missionaries breakfast every sunday morning before they head to their meetings. This weekend we also fed Elder Sosa his going away steak dinner. He has been transferred to Omak. Good Luck Elder Sosa. We will miss you. We teased Elder Argyle all weekend and told him if he got a companion from Utah....the meals were done.

Chris was able to be home to see Scott get set apart in his new calling. Yep...you heard correctly. A new calling. Didn't he just barely get called to be the ward mission leader 6 months ago? As a matter a fact he did. Well, we found out a couple of weeks ago that he had been called as the new High Priest group leader. So.....we may not have morning breakfast with the boys anymore as it is. We will miss them. I have really enjoyed Scott's calling and having those elders around more often has helped with Chris being gone.

Lastnight before the kids headed back to school they said their goodbyes. Yesterday was Kale's (white shirt) mission farewell. He has been called to the Utica New York mission. Cody (far right) has enlisted in the Navy and is awaiting his orders. Chris will turn in his papers in two weeks and Tyler is working on his papers. These boys won't see each other for awhile and I'm sure that although they are very excited for these new adventures in their lives they will miss each other terribly. I am thankful for these boys for being such great friends to Chris. They are like his brothers. Good luck Kale....stay warm in New York. Cody....our prayers are with you as you serve our country....come back safely.

Secrets?????

I had been eagerly awaiting for yesterday to arrive. A week ago Chris called and said he was coming home on the 15th for his mission interview with the stake president so his papers can be submitted to Salt Lake. Then he said "Mom....don't tell dad. I want to surprise him." So....I told Scott he was coming on the 23rd as planned. I was so excited all week....not just to see Chris....but to surprise Scott. So, lastnight I told Scott to eat a snack because we were having a late dinner with Milo and Melanie because they had some news. He wondered why we had to eat so late. I told him they were at soccer with the kids. So....we arrived at the restaurant....and I told the waitress we needed 6 places. I told Scott they were bringing a couple of the kids. I really needed room for Chris and three of the kids that came with him. Well, about 10 minutes later Chris walked up to the table and Scott looked up at him and then at me...but that was his only reaction. Huh? He had a touque on so I thought maybe he didn't recognize him. I said "Scott. It is Chris." He said "I know....aren't you surprised to see him?" I said "No. I knew he was coming....but why aren't you more excited." Chris was dying laughing. He had told each of us he was coming....but not to tell the other. That little stinker pulled a fast one. So...all week we have both been so excited about surprising the other....and both of us knew the secret all along.
We are so happy to have him home for a couple of days. He looks great and from the stories he tells us from school it is obvious that he is very happy down in Rexburg. Morgan was so excited to see him. Her tail was wagging like crazy....and she ran right to him. Scott and Chris got up early and headed to the creek to fish for some trout. I am teaching seminary this afternoon and Chris and some of his friends are coming to class.....that will be nice. All these boys that are getting ready for their missions. They look great! Chris went out with his friends lastnight and when he arrived home he peeked his head in and checked in. Just like old times. I really liked it. Oh I have missed that boy.

Canadian Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Canadian Thanksgiving with great friends and delicious food. We spent the day in Bainbridge Island.

It was a gorgeous clear day and when we crested the hill at Ryegrass we had a perfect view of Mt. Rainer in the distance. It looked majestic.

The drive over was so beautiful. The autumn colors were glorious with bursts of red among the gold. As we were arriving by ferry to the island the sailboats in the distance with a backdrop of color was just amazing. I could spend days out there on the island.

We were invited to dinner at my friends Drew and Ross's. This year they had a theme and they used so many things from their garden. The dinner was delicious and the company was wonderful. Got to spend some time visiting with Ross's girls. They are sweethearts. We really enjoyed the entire day and are already looking forward to next year. Thanks Drew, Ross, Hayley and Claire. We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving.

PLAY BALL

There is nothing quite like major league baseball in October. As the leaves begin to turn color something magical happens on the baseball diamonds across America. It's the playoffs! Lastnight I watched the Minnesota Twins do something spectacular. At the beginning of Sept. they trailed the division leaders by 7 games. It seemed impossible that they had a chance to make it to the playoffs. They played incredible baseball....and with luck on their side as well....they managed to end up in a dead tie for the division. Lastnight was the tie breaker. Detroit jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead. It appeared as though the magic was about to fizzle. The crowd cheered on their team and they rallied. The game ended up in extra innings. In the top of the 12th it appeared that Detroit was going to have a great inning. Bases loaded with one out. I was on the edge of my seat as I was pulling for the twins. How were they going to get out of this jam? The announcers said that Minnesota has a farm team called MIRACLE...and that is just what they needed. He said "If the twins get out of this then I do believe that destiny is on their side." Ball hit to the second baseman and he throws home just in time to make the out. Next batter is ahead in the count 3=1. Batter struck out. I couldn't believe it. The twins ended up winning in the bottom of the 12th and the Minnesota fans went wild. The twins won 17 of their last 21 games. Unbelievable. Today marks the beginning of playoffs. I will be glued to the television. I wish my M's were in the playoffs. It was nice to see them have a winning season this year though after such a struggle last season. It was extra special to see Griffey back in a Mariner uniform. So....who do I root for when the M's aren't in the playoffs? I root for whoever is playing the Yankees. So....this week that will be Minnesota. In the national league I'm pulling for the Dodgers. I really think the Yankees will end up in the World series this year....and I'd like to see Joe Torre's Dodgers be the ones that send them home without a ring. Poetic justice! I do believe that baseball in October is magical. The level of play increases and sometimes I do believe there really are angels in the outfield. They seem to make plays that aren't humanly possible. I LOVE OCTOBER!

Fix the system!

I have been pondering a lot the past few days. I have been very disturbed by a few things I've read in the media this past week. The first thing on my mind is the media coverage of Elizabeth Smart's testimony. Let me first say that I think she looks so poised and regal. What a beautiful and accomplished young woman she has grown into. I don't think the media should be allowed to come out and give every detail of her testimony. All of America knew that horrific things had happened to this young woman while she was held captive. She did such an incredibly brave thing this week by standing up for herself and testifying in a court of law. She is awesome. I really believe though that it was unneccesary for the media to come out and cover every single detail of her testimony. Now....I am not surprised by the coverage of the mojor television networks....but I was surprised to read such a detailed account in the Deseret News. I wept for her as I read those words and then got so sick to my stomach that I threw up. Shame on the media for their extensive coverage. Kudo's to Elizabeth for her bravery and character. What an example she is to young woman across the world who have suffered rape.

Second.....I read an article this week about Judge Torrence from the state of Missouri. A man in his courtroom plead guilty to molesting a girl for 8 years. It began when she was 6 years old. He plead guilty to charges of child molestation, first degree sodomy, and enticement of a child. One would assume that in a case such as this that the penalty would be stiff. However, the judge handed down his sentence of probation. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? This girl will be damaged irrevocably for the rest of her life.....and this scum bag gets off with probation. I believe that Judge Torrence, and I use that term loosly as he does not represent the robes he wears very well, should be in a cell beside this guy he let off with such a light sentence. At the very least he should be removed from the bench.

Shame on the justice system in this country. The events have this past week have led me to believe something that I already knew.....the system needs to be fixed. In the case of Smart....this is not the first competency hearing for the man that held her captive. He was competent when he broke into her bedroom and took her at knifepoint. He was competent enough to know that he had to dress her in robes and veils to keep her hidden in public. He is competent....and also very intelligent in my book.....to start singing his hymns when he enters the courtroom so he will appear to be crazy. He doesn't do this all the time....just when he has an audience. Elizabeth testified that he knew the workings of the legal system and was acutally very intelligent. It is ridiculous that this matter still has not been solved. In the Missouri case....what a miscarriage of justice! WHat message does this joke of a sentence hand out to Rape victims across this country? Why come forward if these are the kinds of punishments that are going to be handed out? Perhaps if we had stiffer penalties in this country for rape then we would see the number of rape victims hopefully decrease across this country. The man in Missouri should have served several years for his crime. In my opinion, and I know that many will disagree with me, but in the case of Elizabeth Smart's captor I believe that the punishment should fit the crime and I believe that this man should be given the death penalty. It doesn't matter that this young girl didn't die. The horrific torture that she had to endure for 9 months...and will live with for the rest of her life....warrants a death penalty in my books. At the very least he should never be allowed to see the light of day again. He is a danger to society and it is time for him to get his punishment.

Good luck on your mission to Paris France Elizabeth. May the Lord bless her in her service. I hope young women across this nation will look to her. If you are looking for a hero.....there is a beautiful blonde one from the state of Utah. She was very heroic this week!

He's Alive!!!!!!!!

I texted Stacie this morning and asked her how the race was going. I was surprised when she texted back and said that Kevin was already finished. He ran the St. George marathon in 3:23. He beat the time he was shooting for. I'm so proud of you Kevin. It took months of dedication to train for this race. You and Mike are awesome.