First School Event

Friday night we attended our first family event at Harvey Clarke Elementary. I must admit I was very nervous. Knowing I wouldn't know a single person and not knowing what to expect...I was all butterflies.
They hosted a dinner/bingo/silent auction night. We had a great time! We started with the boys getting dinner while mom watched our seats. I sat there looking around thinking of all (as Chandler would say) "my peeps" back in AZ. Getting a little sad and holding back the tears. Then, my family returned...my friends I see every day!
Once bingo started, we were all into the game. I haven't played bingo in so long...it was fun. I did win one game which Henry claimed for me. He won a Spiderman lunchbox with a huge Hershey bar inside.
I viewed the silent auction table (of course) and found myself outbidding the principal on the wine gift certificate and relaxation basket with wine...hmmm. I gave up on the GC, there is only so far you can take the principal. I did win the basket but it was a bust. The bottle of wine...2 Buck Chuck!! I thought this was wine country. Actually it is wine country, with a few within walking distance of our house! Wade won his bid on an original watercolor from a local artist. He is sure his investment will outlast mine!
Chandler's teacher took the time to chat and ask questions about Chandler and the move. She is very nice and likes having Chandler in class. I ran into neighbors. We know each other from the bus stop. There are about ten families that catch the bus at our stop. So I chatted with them for awhile and introduced Wade. We also met a new family to town...yes newer than us. They just moved from Tomball, TX. Their oldest is in Chandler's class and they live down the street.
So all in all, we all had a great night. What started as butterflies in my stomach, ended with a showing from the social butterfly!

Video from our new back deck. By Wade "the man" Sprueill

This is the view from the upper deck at our new house. Notice the three apples trees, one walnut tree (in the middle) and many pines. Also, the bread Henry left our on the rail for the two Steller's Jay birds that visit us every morning to eat. Often we can hear the neighborhood peacocks roaming in the pines behind us or owls calling out in the night. Last night we watched the lunar eclipse and gazed at the stars.

Update

Just heard from my BIL, my sister is out of surgery and doing well. They will give her a day of rest, test her new equipment tomorrow, and hopefully send her home.

It's a family affair....

Today, my sister, Suzanne in NY, went for an EPS (ElectroPhysiologic Study). Within seconds of starting the test, her Electrophysiolgist knew she has the same condition as me...Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia. Tomorrow she will be equipped with an ICD.
I am extremely releaved, which might sound weird. Why? She has shown symptoms for a few years. The first Cardiologist was not concerned, even with my history. Although my AZ dr was willing to see her, it was put on hold until recently when she felt more occurrences. A new cardiologist encouraged her to see a specialist...thank God. With this under our belts, maybe it will empower Sheri (my other sister)when visiting her dr.
Listen to your body and your intuition...and your little sister! :)

Guitar Hero…Danger, Danger…

I finally bought Wii Guitar Hero for “the boys”. Honestly, I am so excited to have it also.
I wanted to buy it at for Christmas but it was hard to find because of demand. Also, Forest Grove is not a super-store town. Unlike Chandler, AZ, which had around 4 Targets within a 5 mile radius of our home and doubles that in Wal-Mart, Forest Grove is about 30 minutes from the closest Wal-Mart (haven’t been to it yet) and 20 from Target. I’m not complaining at all, our checking account is proof that I have less opportunity to shop, which makes Wade and me very happy. I do most the grocery shopping at Safeway and, when I do go “into town” I like Costco for bulk buying.
A few weeks ago, during one of my few trips to Target, they had one Guitar Hero on hand. I really couldn’t resist. Although I’m not big on giving “big” ticket items to the boys other than on Christmas and their birthdays, I took advantage of Valentine’s Day to surprise them.
Chandler and I are most excited. Henry and Wade are resisting but I bet they give in soon. Chandler’s band is Roks Ship and mine is LIPST!CK. Check back for updates on our progress.

Tagged by Tina!

Here are 6 random things about Michelle:

1. I was the football mascot my senior year of high school! I wore a big eagle costume. I actually loved it and volunteered for the job. I was able to be on the sidelines with the football players (bonus) and hang with my friends who were in cheer or pomp.

2. I have a huge fear of big dogs. I think it started as a little girl. My neighbors had big dogs; they would get out and chase me. Today, if I see a big dog without a lease or owner, I start to panic. If I try to walk past them, I totally freeze with fear. Usually, I turn around and go the other way.

3. I love ice cream. Almost any flavor and with stuff in it, i.e. nuts, chips, candy. The only flavors I don't like...fruit flavors. If my butt would allow me, I would eat it every day. The local ice cream shop just closed due to owner/selling issues. I would love to take it over but I would eat all the profits!

4. I went almost seven years without cable of any kind, 2001-2008. I cancelled it once Wade started working out of town in 2001. I was too busy taking care of the boys. The weekends he returned, we didn't have time for it either. I couldn't justify spending the money. Why now? Not sure, I guess the thought of being snowed in and watching “snow” on tv just doesn't appeal to me.

5. What gives me the heebie-jeebies: metal on metal or metal on paper. I can’t cut with a metal knife on heavy duty paper plates. Or cut through aluminum foil. Or rub paper on tin. Or have heavy paper on my teeth. I won’t buy push-pops for the kids. My SIL, Marguerite witnessed me freaking out just talking about it. Just typing about it, my arms are tingling.

6. I'm a Seinfeld buff. ‘So Biff wants to be a buff.’ I started watching the show on the first episode. I introduced Wade to Seinfeld. I could probably win a Seinfeld Trivia contest. I’ve done a couple online and received 90%. Probably very irritating to others but I love to quote/refer to Seinfeld episodes. In our new house, we have a low handing cabinet over the bar, it reminds me of the episode Jerry redid his kitchen…very obtrusive.

I turn my tag to any viewers that wish to share…Edna, Shannon, Michelle, Deanna, Lisa, Suzanne, Sheri, Wade…to name a few. Leave your blog address in the comment area or email it to me. I can’t wait.