Life Is Uncertain

One thing is for certain, life is uncertain!! Some of you will remember my post last week about the Haley Family Reunion. Well, we just received a phone call that my cousin's wife, Bonnie Haley, died very suddenly today of a brain aneurysm. Here's a picture of Bonnie with her husband and brother-in-law (back row), their two daughters (on each end), and their three grandchildren (front row):

Just two weeks ago tomorrow we were all together, laughing and having such a good time, and now she is gone!!

The "Geek" Gene

I first learned about the "geek" gene at the Jones' Family Thanksgiving Dinner in 1983. I went to Bob's Auntie Yvonne and Uncle Allen's house to meet his family. We had been engaged four whole days, and Bob was anxious for me to meet all his family. I can't really describe what the "geek" gene is, but most of Bob's family has it!! I soon learned that being a "geek" is something the Jones are mighty proud of! They all love science fiction, Star Trek, and they refer to their brains as "the Jones dictionary of non-essential information". Well, I was forewarned that day -- If Bob and I decided to have children, there was a 50% chance that they could have the "geek" gene. Some of the Jones' offspring have it; some don't!! Well, at about 4 years old, we decided that Hilary definitely had the "geek" gene passed down from her Daddy!

This afternoon, Bob and Hilary left for a quick trip to Sacramento. For several years, Hilary has been a student member of AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). She received an invitation to attend a Dinner/Lecture in Sacramento:

Speaker: Mel Bulman, Chief Engineer, Advanced Propulsion, Aerojet

Subject: The History of Nuclear Propulsion Development: 1950's to Present

And, here's the "blurp" that was on the invitation:

“The navigation of the solar system requires for its successful accomplishment on the disintegration of atomic matter.” – Robert H. Goddard 1907. It has long been recognized that nuclear power is required for practical interplanetary travel. This presentation covers the history and future potential for Space Nuclear Propulsion. Actual Test footage and NASA animated missions will accompany the talk."

To that I say,

"HUH?"

"WHAT?"

"ARE YOU SPEAKING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE?"

Bob and Hilary were soooo excited!! Guess when you're a "geek", things like this sound interesting! :)

Well, I must go! Lyle and I (the "normal" ones) are going out to dinner and hang out while the "geeks" are gone!!

God's Blessings On You Today

My Daddy

Today would have been my Daddy's 76th Birthday. Even though he suddenly, unexpectedly passed away one December afternoon 12 years ago, I still miss him terribly! There's not a day passes that I don't think about my Dad.

Waldo Haley was a wonderful man who accepted all people, overlooked people's faults, never judged anyone, and loved unconditionally!! He held no grudges and opened his arms to anyone who wanted to be held in them. He was loyal, faithful, adored my Moma, and was an AWESOME Daddy!! He was a "meat and potatoes" guy, a hard worker, funny, and a fantastic dancer. He loved to read, hunt, camp, and ride horses/work cattle.

Enjoy with me some pictures of my Daddy:

I love you, Daddy, and miss you soooo much!! Grandma used to say, "The good die young," and I think it was true in your case!!

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to my husband and my children's Dad, Bob! Thank you for being there for us, for being our provider, our mentor, and our protector. Thank you for your strength, confidence, patience, and your wisdom.

If you are reading this post and your Dad is still with you, please take some time this Father’s Day and tell him how much he means to you. Time goes by so fast and only God knows how much time we have left on this Earth. I never thought my Dad would die while I was only in my 30s and my children were seven and three. I am sure anyone who has ever lost a loved one knows exactly how I feel. Life is too short.

If you are like me and have lost your father, spend some time alone if you can, thinking about your own childhood and remembering your father in your own special way. I think most people stop celebrating Father's Day after their father has died but I still mark this day. Like it or not, kids who have lost their fathers can’t stick their head in the sand and pretend Father’s Day doesn’t bring a flood of memories to the surface.

To all the men in my life who have played or still play a big or small role, Happy Father's Day!!

Haley Family Reunion

This last weekend, the Haley Family (and some friends) gathered at my Aunt Monda's in Palo Cedro for a Family Reunion. There were 70 of us. People came from Idaho, Washington, Oklahoma, Missouri, Southern California, Mexico, and all over California.

People started arriving early in the week, and each night we meet at my Aunt's house to do what Haleys love to do best -- EAT!!! Wednesday night, 25 of us gathered for a BBQ. Thursday night, there were 22 for a delicious lasagna dinner. Friday night, 29 family members enjoyed a fantastic Mexican buffet prepared by my aunt and cousin.

On Saturday, we had our traditional potluck with all the favorite "Haley dishes". My Uncle Bob made homemade ice cream in his soft-serve machine (commercial size). We ate, visited, ate, looked at family pictures, ate, took group photos by family, and ate some more!!

Before everyone headed out on Sunday, we met at Hometown Buffet for brunch.

This is how my branch in the family tree all started. Here's a picture of my Granddad and Grandma Haley (Charles and Helen). They had nine children (one died at birth and another died when he was five months old). Now there are only five children living.

So, here's the group shot from the Reunion on Saturday (and there are more people that were not able to come):

We took a "first cousins" picture. These are all of my grandparents' grandchildren (minus Nena, Kathy, Larena, Zoanne, Justin, and Rena):

And last, but not least, here's the Waldo Haley family. We are the smallest family group of all my grandparents' children. What we lack in numbers, we make up for in SPIRIT!!!!!

What a great weekend!!!

Check Out This Fish...

My brother-in-laaw, George Richardson, caught this 61 pound salmon the other day in Sheep Creek in Alaska!! Can you believe how big it is?? Congratulations, George!!!

P.S. I can't even imagine having to reel that fish in, can you??

A Delicious (and Easy) Recipe

Wanted to share a delicious and easy recipe with you guys. I made it a couple of weeks ago, and we all LOVED it (even my two picky children):

SWISS STUFFING CHICKEN

4 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts
6 oz. Swiss cheese slices
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
¼ cup white cooking wine
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup herb-flavored crushed up Pepperidge Farm stuffing mix
½ stick butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place uncooked chicken in shallow buttered casserole dish. Layer cheese slices on top. Mix soup, wine, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour over cheese slices. Sprinkle stuffing mix on top and drizzle with melted butter. Bake uncovered for 1 hour.

A Busy Time Of Year

Wow, it's been a busy time of year -- but soooo much fun!!! It started last Thursday night when we attended Anne Kinnier's graduation. What a privilege to watch her grow up all these years into the beautiful young lady she is. I know, as Jeremiah 29:11 promises, God has a great future for this girl.

Then Friday morning, I met with Dixie Moore, Mary Ann Brackett, and Sheila Freier (all ladies I worked with years ago at North Valley Baptist Church) to see Sheila's new house and enjoy a delicious brunch together. Oh, and did I mention lots and lots of "catching up" with each other's lives.

After the brunch, I rushed home to pick up Hilary and Lyle and drive to Cottonwood for a graduation party. My cousin's daughter, Carrie, was graduating from Anderson High School that night. Her parents had a pre-celebration that afternoon for Carrie. We all enjoyed lots of BEEF (what else would you serve if you have a cattle ranch), pasta salad, and fruit. Was very delicious. My Uncle and Aunt came over from Nevada, and it was great to see them again. Here's a cute picture of Hilary, Carrie, and Lyle (with my Mom and her sister in the background).

Friday night I spent some time with my BFF Jill who was here visiting from Seattle for Anne's graduation. Then Saturday morning, Jill and I went to breakfast at Lumberjack's and TALKED AND TALKED AND TALKED!!

After I dropped Jill off, I rushed home to pick up the kids and my Mom and went to Palo Cedro to another graduation party. My cousin's daughter, Ashley, graduated from Foothill on Friday night. Since seating was limited, we were unable to go but her Mom and Dad had a nice Open House for her.

Then Saturday evening, we went to a Graduation Party for Anne Kinnier. Sunday was church and then a brunch at Mr. and Mrs. Kinnier's house. After brunch, we took Jill to the airport to fly back home. BOO HOO!!

Oh yes, in between all that activity, I made three trips to the hospital to see my dear friend, Kaylynn Kinnier. If you think about it, pray for Kaylynn. She has been in the hospital since last Thursday with a very serious infection. She may have to have surgery.

This week, I'm gearing up for the Haley Family Reunion on Saturday!!

55 Gallon Barrel?

In Psalm 56:8, it says: "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book."

BOTTLE -- NO WAY!! God must use a 55-gallon barrel for all my tears!