No tornadoes

Nope, no tornadoes here!  We're ok Ro!  Although I heard of a lot of them around us.  We watch the NWS online like it was breaking news of a car chase in California!  he he he he  Yesterday the map was lit up like a Christmas tree with all the warnings and watches.  There were warnings for the twisters all to the east of us through Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky and Oklahoma.  I guess a few did touch down too, but not here.

The weather is funky again today though.  Yesterday it was 85 degrees and damp.  Today it is 50 degrees and dark and damp.  We had some good rumbles last night and a few more on the way with some rain.  Good stay inside and watch NASCAR weather  : )

Just wanted to say we are wet but we are ok.

The return of the tornado

I know that most of you will think I am crazy but I am so glad to see the return of this season.  Do not get me wrong I am not hoping for a tornado or anything of the sort but I do enjoy the feel of a good summer type storm.  I love the smell of rain on hot asphalt and I love to watch the lightening and hear the thunder roll.  The magnificence of a summer storm is just electrifying - no pun intended.  

Today we have two nasty storms headed for us.  One cold front and one warm, I think that is what makes a tornado, when you have two different updrafts coming at one another.  Not totally positive, still trying to figure out this whole weather thing.  But tonight after 10pm we could get sizable hail, winds gusting over 70mph and a wicked lightening storm.  Keep your fingers crossed!  I know...weirdo!

Tonight is also our parent orientation meeting at the junior high.  We get a personal tour and then learn about the different course options and of course take home the dreaded paperwork.  Ian gets to go tomorrow for a special afternoon session.  The school will send all the jr. high kids home and then the 5th grade students get to have lunch in the cafeteria, sit in the classrooms, meet the teachers and some other fun stuff without the distraction of the older children.  He is the most excited about eating in the cafeteria.  .  Oh and meeting some new cute girls. Boys, I tell ya.

Well here's to an exciting evening!

NASCAR Baby!

Ok, Jeff and I are really getting into this racing thing.  For those of you who really know me - my obsession with the fast cars and owning them - are probably not all that surprised.  Yesterday's race at Talladega was awesome!  Jr got schooled, poor Tony Stewart got wrecked - we really like him and our boy Kyle did again in a Toyota y'all!  Yee-haw!  

We are so excited for the Toyota's this year.  I know that some of you are all about the American made cars and most of the time I would agree with you.  However, since both Jeff and I worked for Toyota we understand what it means to have that car in the race.  TRD is an amazing partner to Toyota and we have seen first hand what sort of engine will come out of that division.  

Jeff had to go to Lincoln for double header soccer games yesterday so I had to call him every 5 minutes with an update to the race.  First the crashes, then the leader board and we have never watched a restricter plate race until Saturday.  What a difference that makes....wow!  I can't believe all the bump and draft, I want to do that.  We have the race down in Kansas and if I get the chance, I am going down there to race one of the cars.  Most tracks have a racing school that will let you do 8-10 laps at 135mph for about $500.  SO COOL!  Can you see me?  A race car driver???

Why we Relay!

It is just a few short days until the Relay for Life event in Oakdale, CA.  As most of you know I am raising money in both states.  I truly believe that the money raised should stay in the state where it can benefit each donor the most.  

This year marks the $10,000 mark for our family.  When Jeanette and I started raising money for cancer research I don't think either of us could have imagined the impact that both cancer and the events that we have participated in would have on us.  We started with the O.C. Komen Walk for the Cure as a good way to raise a little money and get some exercise.  When we lost our cousin Katie to breast cancer, we needed to do so much more.  So, the next year we trained for the 2-day Avon Walk for the Cure.  We raised money and walked our behind's off that year.  That seems like such a lifetime ago.

Today, we raise money for a cure for all cancers.  We do it through the Relay for Life events.  The American Cancer Society has given much to our family in support, friendship and guidance when we needed it the most.  We are honored to be a part of this event and hope that everyone who has donated to us past and present is as well.

So, this weekend is the first event in California, with the Nebraska event following in mid June.  Again, we thank everyone for their support and outpouring of love. Someday we will find a cure so no one every has to hear those terrible words again, "you have cancer."  

This year in Oakdale, our family donated the Survivor tent in Mom's honor.  The event chair and survivor chair have promised me some photos that I will post as soon as I get them.  If you have not had a chance to donate yet and would still like to here is the link Oakdale Relay for Life 

Much love to you all!  

Fun emails

My friend Beckie sent this to me and instead of filling it out and sending it around I decided to use it as my post today.

I could only use one word to answer the questions, I think I cheated a few times.  

1. Where is your cell phone?  desk

2. Your significant other? hunting

3. Your hair?  sassy

4. Your mother?  missed

5.  Your father? 70

6.  Your favorite thing? chocolate

7. Dream last night? scary

8. Your favorite drink?  coffee

9.  Your dream/goals? peace

10.  The room you're in?  office

11.  Your hobby?  Relay!

12.  Your fear?  failure

13.  Where do you want to be in 6 years?  Bahamas

14.  Where were you last night?  couch

15.  What you are not?  stress-free

16.  Muffins?  Yum

17.  One of your wish list items?  sunshine

18.  Where you grew up?  Lomita

19.  The last thing you did?  eat

20.  What are you wearing?  flip-flops

21.  Your tv?  Off

22.  Your pets? Adorable

23.  Your computer? iMac

24.  Your life? adventurous

25.  Missing someone?  family

26.  Your car?  Blazer

27.  Something you're not wearing?  jacket

28.  Favorite store?  Target

29.  Your summer?  fun

30.  Favorite color?  purple

31.  When you last laughed?  today

32.  Last time you cried?  Friday

Flowers and weeds too

Today is just an amazing day outside.  I don't know what it says when I am happy that it is 55 degrees and I can garden.  55 degrees in Cali is darn cold!  But today is lovely, yes lovely.  There is no wind and not a cloud in the sky.  Because it rained for the last few days the ground is perfect for planting.  We planted three new rose bushes because I desperately miss my beautiful roses in Oakdale.  We also planted a cherry tree, a blueberry bush and some wild flower shrubs.  Lastly, we pulled weeds and mowed the lawn.  It was great to be outside and feel the sun beating on my skin.  I think my cheeks are a little pink too.  

Tomorrow I am off to Walmart to get more gardening things.  I want to get the kids a humming bird feeder.  I always had one as a kid.  It was so much fun to watch from the living room as the tiny birds would come to feed.  I want the kids to be able to watch the birds and help feed them as well.  Tomorrow is also supposed to be in the 80's maybe we will take a trip to the zoo or the wildlife safari.  We miss the zoo, it's been over 6 months since our last visit.  We will see.

All is quiet

I love my kids, I love my Dad and of course I love Jeff, but I am so glad they are out of the house this week!  There is nothing like having everyone home on a vacation when you are not!  I was up until midnight many nights trying to get homework done and relax from each day so I didn't work while everyone was around.  Not having a spring break at the same time as the kids is the pits.  Well, only one more year of that and we are golden.  Yep, you heard me right, one more year.  I will graduate next May like a big girl!  I just finished registering for summer and fall classes and I couldn't be more excited.  I hope you will all join me for a Cinco de Mayo graduation party next year, we can camp out in the basement.

Back to last week, we had a great time and got to see some new things here in Nebraska.  My Dad is always game for a field trip.  This week we are back to the hectic schedule plus some added meetings.  We have two junior high meetings this week to attend for Ian.  One is for his math class and the other is about the boy and girl movie.  Man where did all that time go?  I know most of you are doing the same thing this year too.  Can't we go back to playing our first year of baseball or soccer....ah, those were the days!