To late for the Tulip Festival!

It is bad enough that I did not get my daffodils planted in time. You all know I have been moving like a slug!! But, then we decided to go to the Tulip festival in Skagit Valley. And we were about a week late!!

The last time we went was years ago when the kids where small and I did not have a digital camera. So, I have a bunch of really cute pictures burried in a box with a thousand other photos that are not in any order. So, if you think I am going to go through them to find them and scan and post, you are out of your bloody mind!! These are all the pictures I got stamps and stickers and paper for to make albums and frames for. Yeah, right, like that is going to happen with the 300 other projects I have not completed yet!

Anyway, we should have gone during the week, even though most all of the fields were bare or full of daffodils that needed to be dead headed because the traffic was horrific!! Even with the very small amount that was left! People were everywhere and it took us an hour to get back to the freeway, which should have only taken us 10 minutes. I was a little nervous since the tank was close to empty...you know how men are, "OH, Don't get your panties in a wad, there is PLENTY of gas!" If you knew of all the places I was stranded by men who said this, you would understand why I wear thongs.

Anyway, we tried to go by Tulip Town, which is where everyone goes for arts and crafts and goodies from the local artists and bakeries. But, it was so packed! No where to park and I could not imagine trying to manevur my walker through it all. People are not so friendly when it comes to my huge rolling walker getting in their way.

Believe it or not the festival and activities are going on until May 3rd! There are no fields of color to adore and take pictures of, but, lots of stuff to spend money on!

But, what I thought was real special was when I read that Official Tulip Festival Jewelry maker Warren Jewelers has decided to help area people on Mother's Day who are unemployed or laid off with a gift of tulip jewelry. While supplies last, Warren Jewelry will give you a silver tulip pendant with chain when you present an unemployment stub or letter of termination.

To learn more, click on this years Tulip Poster and it will take you to all the information, plus it has an online store.

I made Papa promise that next year, we would make sure to plan this sooner and that we would save to take the helicopter ride and come during the WEEK and not the WEEKEND when it is 10x more crowded! I have been in a helicopter, but, Papa has not. It is a blast!! I have been in almost every kind of aircraft except the jets dad flew. But, I was always able to go inside and see them. I can't imagine how beautiful the fields are from above! If you go to the site, you will be able to see wonderful pictures of the fields. But, I only wanted to post the pictures we were able to take. And of course the poster, which you can click on to get to the official site.

We had always put off going because the kids were always doing something or I was working, etc. Now, there is no excuse to miss it next year! We are going early and buying bulbs and crafts and taking that helicopter ride even if I have to sell something to make it happen!

I am just praying that even though I got the daffodils in the ground late, they will still be good for next year. I am not sure. If anyone knows...let me know! I cannot plant tulips since the Deer will eat those. But, they will not touch the Daffodils, thank you kind animals! Every thing is getting done very slowly. I work on one thing at a time and the big stuff I have to wait till the weekend for so Papa can help. If our soil did not consist of mostly rocks, it would not be so bad! Plus we have 100 Rhodies and Azealias planted everywhere that have become spindly and overgrown we need to get rid of. Ugghh...so much to do, but, not enough energy or strength. Use to be I could spend all day out in the yard. Now I am lucky for an hour before I need to come in.

I am glad we got the pictures we did get and hope you like them. Next year, I promise they will be much better!

We did make it to Costco in time for gas. Phew. And we had never seen the parking lot so empty! We were so excited to be able to shop with hardly any people...LOL! Until we got to the door and they said they closed 15 minutes earlier. Shoot! If we were not stuck in traffic so darn long! oh, well, there was nothing THAT important that it could not wait till tomorrow when it would definitly be crowded, except for the gas which thankfully stayed open later!

Go, Go Garrett Dorough and Sehome!

It is hard to believe the season is just about over and I only was able to get out to see Garrett, number 7, play.

Today is a home game at civic field starting at 4:00 p.m. Oh, how I wish I could go! It will be an exciting game Between Sehome and Meridian. I wish I was able to be there! They are in 4th so far in the conference with 9 wins and 2 losses. Civic field is pretty close and a great arena to watch from. But, I have no car and even if I did...LOL, I could not drive!

They have been doing so well and I am so glad to see the pictures of Garret enjoying himself as he plays. I was able to get this great shot from his mom that the Herald took. Nothing like a great picture of your kids! But, these were taken when Sehome beat Squalicum 4-3, mom said it was a good game. By the score I can tell it was! I am just so behind on posting! Or even getting out to watch him play for Sehome. We don't get videos of this, whine, whine....

I really hope they do well and wish them luck today. I know it was a great Season for Garrett and we will be seeing him real soon when we go down to Eugene. Miss that smiling face!

A new and fabulous look to my Blog, come see!

A wonderful friend of mine, Sharla, re-designed my Blog! I wanted you all to come and see the new Look! And if you have time, please leave me a comment telling me how you like it. Do you think it it is more my style?

I simply love it! The colors and graphics all fit me to A tee! I love the Mediterranean colors, and graphics that she put in that header. You all know how much I love my knitting and crafts!

I also love the New button! It reminds me of my love of woodworking, and refinishing older furniture. I think she nailed me right on the head! Now, if people want to put my button on their blog, they can! Not that I have too many people that want to put my button on their blog! LOL!

So come and take a look, and please help me thank her, by giving a huge thank you for all her hard work and help in making my Blog so fabulous and much more personal in the way it fits my style!

I cannot believe that she did this for me for free! People pay money to get this kind of thing done. And for her to go out and do this for me is saying a lot of the kind of person and friend she is to me. She has not done it just for me, she has done it for others also. And she does not have a lot of time on her hands, when she works, and has twins! Plus she has her own blog that she has to worry about! This shows you what a giving person she is and how she takes time for others, though she barely has time for herself! So, thank you, thank you, thank you! You rock!

If you want to visit her blog, just click on the button above, called "the mom nerd" and it will take you right to her blog. She has lots of contests, reviews on books and all kinds of other great topics. So, if you have some time, visit her and maybe you might find a great contest to enter or book review or even a product review! She is funny and to the point. I love reading her blogs.

You gotta have Friends!

As most of you know, I have had a very rough last couple of weeks!
If it wasn't for my friends, I do not think I would have made it! I cannot thank you enough for all the caring, prayers, inspiration and help that you all have given me.

Laurie, I wish my program would spell your name correctly! But I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all that you have done for us and Mason for the last few months! Your support has been unwavering! I promise that I will get that photo of Garrett that we got from the Bellingham herald on my blog very soon! I think it is one of the best photos of him yet! I wish I could see you more often. It pains me to think we have to wait a month, when we go to Eugene, to be able to see each other. I really want to give you a big thanks for leading me to this software! "Mason", which is his name now, has been a god send for me when it comes to navigating around my computer hands free. Even when I get better, I think I will still use him!

Kathy, as one of my friends (Sharla) always says, "your emails are the air that I breathe." You work so hard, and give us so much, and ask for nothing in return. You are a true friend. One that is unconditional and that has never passed judgment against me. You are so patient with me. I can't believe you have not abandoned me yet. So many people have already. Especially, when I know that you yourself are having your own problems. It is kind of nice, that we can both unleash our problems with each other and not get sick of each others whining. We both can understand how hard it is day to day when our bodies are giving out on us minute by minute.

Marcia and Cindy, you'll are my WWW, BFF's! It is so fun especially when we share so much in common with contests. And a little do you both know, though I'm not sure you have ever been in contact with each other, you both share a commonality that brings joy to my heart! And that is that you have found your Knights in shining armor, that you have deserved and waited for, for so long! I know how special it is, especially since I have my own angel that was sent to me 21 years ago. They are a rare find, and I am happy for the both of you for finally finding that true love. I look forward to our corresponding all the time, especially when you guys let me know when you win! It really motivates me to go and enter more contests. Even though, it has been very hard to do, lately.

Sharla, or should I say wonder woman? I would give anything to have half the energy you have! On top of working, Sunday school, running a web site, and all the other responsibilities that a mother and wife has, you have twins on top of it! Then, you make time out of your hectic and busy day to help me? Are you nuts? I am just kidding! I am just very jealous! I don't think I've ever had that kind of energy even when I was healthy. I can handle a little bit of chaos, but not all whole lot! I like to say that I am a lot Like you, when it comes to caring for others and giving of myself to those who need help. Papa it would get onto me a lot, when I would spend too much time giving to others. But it is not something that you can control. It is just something that you have to do when it comes up. Just like breathing, you just do it. It's is a gift that god gave us, and we have no control over it. Papa would only get on to me, because there have been too many times I have given so much of myself, and people have taken advantage of me. It is funny, how you help somebody out, and then when you find that that they're taking advantage of you, and you let them know that you will no longer be their patsy, they turn on you like a mad of rabid dog! I can't thank you enough for all the things you have done for me. Especially, when I know how busy you are. if any of us want to get to know Sharla, be sure to click on her button "The Mom Nerd" on the left side of the Blog. She has all kinds of fun things, including contests, Book reviews, and family life.

If it wasn't for all of your encouragement, inspiration, and unconditional friendships I do not think I would have made it these last few weeks. Of course Papa takes very good care of me, but it would be very lonely during the day when he is gone if I did not have my friends. I want you to know how much I appreciate everything that you all have done and are doing. Including, voting for Mason and his scooter. I can't believe he is still in first place. It looks like my friends, have proven that I do not need to give them something in order to get something back. Plus there are quite a few folks at Brickfish that are voting unconditionally also. I cannot thank them enough also. I wish I could help the others with great entries, but, it has been too difficult to navigate the site and also takes so long. You have really made a difference.

Yes, I know, I'm supposed to be posting blogs on my website regarding my contest for the “Pulse”, Mason, Garrett, and a couple other things. But I needed to give a shout out to a few of my very best friends! Since you all have been the most important things in my life this past month! many times you have brought tears of joy to my eyes! And there are no words that I can say to thank you enough! I just want you all to know that I am thinking of you all the time, and feel so blessed to have you in my life!

I hope I have not left anybody out. I know that there is some one in Lynden, that is coming to the site every day but I have not figured out who it is. It does not necessarily mean that they live in Lynden, it just means that maybe your ISP is out out of Lynden. Drop me a message to let me know who you are! I know that you are voting every day. I just do not know who you are. So please let me know!

Everybody that is getting this message is very special to me. All of my subscribers, friends and family, mean the world to me. Most of you do not know what has been going on this past month. And that is only because I do not want and two be a burden. I know that a lot of of you have some huge challenges, and I want you to know that I am praying for all of you. It has been rough for so many people including my subscribers. I want to be here for you, if you need me. Just let me know. I want to think that we are in this all together. And that we are all here for each other.

Gosh, I hope I was able to correct all the mistakes!

Mason Runs at Sun Angel Classic and PR's by about 6 seconds in the 1500

This is Mason's first time running the 1500m in Outdoor Track, and was able to improve his time be a whopping 6 seconds to come in 13th! It was a thrilling race with everyone coming down on the field to watch the finale.

Brandon Bethke, who did the interview with Mason on Flotrack last week was able to place 3rd! A very thrilling race to watch and great interview with Mason after the race is a great watch. So thankful for Flotrack, it is almost like I get to see him more now then when he was at home, with him either training, spending the night at friends or in his room playing video games.

So, a huge thanks to Flotrack for all their work and videos for all the teams!

All kinds of Good things coming this week!

This is going to be a fun week to look forward too! One is to see Mason run in the Prmeire 1500m run at the Sun Angel invite where he PR'd by about 6 seconds and we will have video of not only the race but the interview by Flotrack! Gotta love Flotrack!!

Next is hopefully some great news coming from Amtrak about a win I recieved last year, but, could not take because of my decline in health. It looks like they are doing what they can to help me out, so we should know real soon if they will make our dreams come true!

Then I will be posting a contest with a Prize by "Twisted Silver", if you have not seen their jewelry, be sure to click on their link and check it out! I know you are going to LOVE this!! And if I get my button fixed so it can be added to other sites, you will have even a better chance to win. But, I promise not to make it too difficult to win, I promise!

So, keep your eyes peeled to your email, cause there are some sweet posts coming your way!

Work Out Wednesday!

Click on the picture above to go to the site and read the comments along with watching the video.

A Day in the life of Mason as he practices at ASU in 90 Degree Weather this morning!

He will be running in the 1500m run at The 30th Sun Angel Classic on Saturday.

Boy, does he look like he is getting a tan, or what?

Sehome tops Blaine!

GO, GO, DOROUGH!

Bellingham Herald Article!

They did it again! Go Sehome! What a pool of talent Sehome has!

It only makes me more proud to know that my son attended that wonderful school and helped to make him the man he is today!

Whatever they are doing, I hope they keep it up!

I am so proud art of the team, and Garrett! I am glad to see that he is having a wonderful time since he made the decision in switching to soccer and seems to be having a lot of fun playing! I hope you keep it up!

They have a lot of wonderful players on the team. Including Nino Tursic. It looks like he was able to score three goals against Blaine! Dewees and Klien scored a couple each also!

Way to go all of you!

Now go do it again!

Mason In the Bellingham Herald and another picture by David Daer

The Bellingham Herald

Though he's less than a year removed from Sehome High School, Mason McHenry is already making a name for himself with the Arizona State track and field team.

The video is above, so be sure to watch it. It is awesome! He won by 2 seconds which is about 20 meters or so. You have to see it!

The picture above was taken right before the finish line. Notice how he is not struggling as the other runners are. When I was able to talk to him he said that it was a smooth run and did not take much energy.

The only weird thing for us when we watch him run, now that he is in college, is his new stradegy of running in the back and then kicking it at the end. If everyone remembers seeing his videos from when he was in High School, you will remember how he and Jake Riley were always in front. Now Mason starts in the back. Though it worries us, we are getting use to it!

After the article you will be glad to see I left a comment. As a proud, biased mom usually does. I have to remember to go and leave a comment about Kristen Carter who was mentioned also that did a wonderful job also.

Mason is going to be running at the 30th Sun Angel Classic in Tempe on Saturday. Be sure to look for updates then.

Right now he is ranked first in the nation. It may change any day now as more races and times come in. The true test will be at the West Regional’s were he has to place in the first 5 to be invited to the National Meet.

Keep up those prayers and especially VOTES! I can tell when you vote…MASON! I am thinking of having a contest. Just trying to figure out what kind of prize people would want. Any ideas…send my way! I don’t think an Autographed picture of Mason will be that desirable until he makes it to the Olympics! LOL!

Special thanks to Lori and Whoever is voting from Lynden area. Email me so I know who you are! I see you voting daily, but, can't figure out who you are!

WIN $30.00, just by voting!

How would you like to have an extra $30.00 in your pocket?

It is very simple!

Just click on the MomNerd site here.

$30DollarCASH Giveaway!

Then Follow the directions to vote for her friend. every day that you vote, gives you an extra entry!

Oh, no, say it ain't so!

It looks like my computer is about to go on the Fritz!

So I'm taking it to the doctor today.

I do not know how long I will be without it. But as you know, this is practically My whole life!

besides all my arts and crafts, plus my knitting , my contests and my blogs are everything.

So if you do not hear from me in a couple of days, it is not that I am ignoring you , it is because I do not have a computer.

But please, please, keep voting for Mason and his scooter! Yes, I have resorted to begging! And since I will not be around, I will not be able to Bugknew everybody to vote!

So please say prayer for my computer, so that I do not lose it or have to buy and other! I can't afford another computer! I will miss everybody, but I promise I will be back!