Ice Queen Forever

Lucky Day!

2009-06-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

We finally got my brother married off. Again!

We did it! Now my mom can live her life the way she wants too! Here's the newly married couple, Pete & Theresa. She is a very kind person.

My Fantasy Trip to Disney World in Florida

2009-05-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

We are back from our "family" vacation. This is my favorite picture. I finally have all my girls together. A great time was had by all.

On the spur trip to Walt Disney World . . . .

2009-05-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

Me with my purple traveling gear . . . Beth & Hal awaiting their flight . . . .

A face only a mother could love ? ? ? ? ?

Ryan & Kim on the tram. Their future's so bright they gotta wear shades!
Sondra (looking fabulous) and Maddie smiling for the camera . . . .

Ryder being his usual happy self . . . even though the weather was sweltering!

Beth & Hal got "Ley-ed".

It was sooooo hot! I was dripping in sweat! Gross!

Me and Sandford with the grandkids in front of the castle!

Heather always knows how to make me smile!

Sandford and I are very thankful that Heather invited us to share in the Perry Family Vacation!
We wore gray matching shirts for the day. The guys were good sports about it. For that matter, so was Beth!

My last few days in Virginia

2009-04-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

This is in the final days of my trip to Virignia! Kim came over for coffee! It was so good to see her. I missed my other girls, Sondra, Pam and Jackie! :( Hopefully I'll see them on my next trip out to the East coast!

Chris' family came out from Rhode Island and Mass. to visit for a few days. Here they are making sandwichs for our lunch to take to the Children's Museum.

Jonathan, Madison, Ryder, Summer & Tyler! What a great looking group of kids!

The big chair makes Ryder look so small!

Out for a short day trip on the water!

The kids running off a little excess energy!

This is Chris with his beautiful sister Alyssa! I am so excited to have made a new friend!

Here is Christopher with his mommy . . . .

Heather in the atrium taking pictures of Ryder!

On my last day in Virginia, we went to McDonald's for lunch and to let the kids play.

They didn't have a table big enough for all of us so we made the kids sit at "the kid table". Everyone is enjoying their Happy Meal!

This is Chris' dad. See the scowl on Chris' face?

I don't know what he was thinking!

Just the boys!

Me and Heather! I sure do love this girl!

Poor baby was all tuckered out after a long day!

Me and my little princess in the car!

I'm going to miss her so much!

Our God is an AWESOME GOD!

2009-04-15T19:41:00.000-07:00

Well if you're on my page because you just got done reading Heather's blog, just scroll on down. If you have just "tuned in" to my page, continue reading. To say "what a day" is an understatement. Heather had to go to a meeting tonight and left the kids with me and Chris. We had a very relaxing evening. Chris is one awesome man and he knows how to run a household too. He is not a "typical" dad. He fed all three kids (he cooked), cleaned the kitchen, did laundry, bathed all three kids and oversaw them doing their homework. (I assisted him) Heather called Chris when she was on her way home to make sure I was ready for her to pick me up so we could go to a coffee date @ 8:00 p.m. with the girls. (I've been here for 3 days and haven't seen any of them yet) The older kids were supposed to get a drink of water and I was in the bathroom changing my clothes. The next thing I hear is a huge crash and Chris yelling my name. (Of course my first thought was, "I didn't do it! I was in the bathroom".) I went running down the hall and saw Chris trying to calm Tyler down, telling him he wasn't in trouble and if he was hurt anywhere. Chris was checking him over looking for blood. Heather was standing near him (I never heard her come in the house) with Ryder screaming in her arms and Summer was sobbing on the couch. As usual, *I had no clue to what was going on*. The blinds on the patio door were moving so i thought maybe Tyler had ran into the glass door and broken it. Tyler was getting more and more hysterical. Summer was inconsolable and Heather and Chris were repeatedly asking Tyler if he was hurt. He was so afraid that he was in trouble he didn't answer them. He just kept saying that he was stupid and that it was all his fault. Turns out he climbed up on the counter (like he does every single night) to get a glass for water. Only this time, while on the counter he slipped and as he started to fall he grabbed onto the cabinet door. The whole cabinet, including all the contents, came crashing down. How thankful we all were, that the hand of God was on Tyler and Ryder. Tyler came away with relatively minor injuries. Ryder plays on the floor in kitchen and it was a miracle that he was off to the side by the refrigerator. I don't even want to think about how this might have turned out differently. Below are the pictures showing the grace of our God!

This is Tyler's left shoulder. He is going to be bruised and sore in the morning. Notice he has two marks on him here.

He has a "rasberry" about the size of a hard boiled egg on the left side of his head. He said he can't feel anything there, but I'll bet when he wakes up in the morning, he'll feel it then!

This picture isn't very clear. He was bleeding from the cuticle on his left pinky. It hadn't started to swell and bruise yet. (it was by the time he finally settled down and went to bed) His left hand was the only thing he complained about, but he said it wasn't that bad.

This is the cabinet EXACTLY where it fell! Thank the Lord that Tyler had such quick reflexes to jump out of the way! Or was it an angel or the hand of God that moved him out of the way? ? ?

Pretty much the only things that didn't break, were the kids stuff that was made out of plastic.

This is showing the empty space where the cabinet once hung! And the counter that Tyler was standing on!

When the cabinet fell, somehow it made a hole in the ceiling.

It also damaged the lower cabinet that was on the other side of the kitchen as it came crashing down.

Close up of the hole.

4-15-2009 Virginia Living Museum

2009-04-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

We went to the Virginia Living Museum today. I've been here before, but I hadn't been on the outside trail. Even though it was rainning, I had Tyler & Summer be my guides and show me what they thought I needed to see. Our first stop was at the otter tank. They put on quite a show for us. The otters kept diving down deep and them swimming faster and faster to jump up out of the water. It was quite impressive. I could have stayed there for hours watching them, but my guides pulled me away!

This is a red wolf. We spotted three of them living in the enclosure.

This is a couple of Bald Eagles. I had never seen any "real" ones up close before.

We stopped for a photo op. I just love all the green in Virginia.

This is a bobcat. It reminds me of my "Buffy" kitty at home. She just sat there and let us take lots of pictures.

A little hard to see, but this is a pic of two deer.

This looks like the "Tom" we ate a Thanksgiving!

This is a baby alligator that was sleeping with his nose up against the rock.

This is one of the fish tanks! They look like baby sharks, but Tyler assured me that they weren't!

Summer asking one of the volunteers for advice.

Chris, Heather and Ryder . . . .

This is my kind of state! I could live here on the window ledge! When I move to my next house, this is the kind of view I want to be looking at every day.

Even though it was an overcast, rainy day, (my kind of weather) you can see that Spring is in full bloom. Had to get a photo with Heather in front of the beautiful tree.

Fun Times @ the Perry's

2009-04-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

It's always go, go, go when I try to keep up with Heather. Today we took Ryder to a follow-up dr. appointment with the ENT. He received a clean bill of health (on his ears) Then we had Chris pick us up and we jetted over to the commissary so that we could get some food! Ryder really adores his daddy!

Summer asked me last night if I would bake her some chocolate chip cookies. When Heather and I had stopped laughing, Heather told her "she's not that kind of grandma". WTC? So I picked up some cookie mix and baked cookies for my little princess. (I scored big points with her!)

Heather is having a bar-b-que on Friday night, so we are getting started now, preparing food for the shin-dig! This is Heather doing her best "Vanna White" with the Suddenly Salad. Can't wait to get my taste buds on some of this!

Not to be outdone by my daughter, I started frying bacon and onions for the baked beans that I will be making. It's a recipe that I got handed down from my mom, who got it from her mom, etc. (Family secret - don't ask)

Heather was trying to put the rest of the groceries away, but Ryder wanted her to hold him. He would not stay out of the cabinets. (Notice the "girly" leg warmers he has on? Are the 80's back? And are you kidding me? Heather calls them pants without a crotch)

He does seem to like having his picture taken. Once he noticed the camera, he started smiling. (Must be a Skadsem trait!)

Summer and Tyler were busy occupying themselves playing on the computer. I had been playing computer games with them and surfing on You Tube, but I had to go help Heather. (After all, isn't that what I'm here for?)

Ryder was not happy that I pulled him away from him mommy, but he got over it quick enough. Turns out he really likes the song "Play That Funky Music". I had him laughing in no time. He was much easier than Rachel to convince that his crazy Nana was who he wanted to be hanging out with.

Tyler takes his computer games very seriously! The flash made him "lose his concentration" but he forgave me, gave me a kiss and told me he loved me anyway.

He even posed for this next picture for me. I am so lucky to have such wonderful grandkids.

God has a plan . . . .

2009-04-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

Last night, Nick Adenhart had his major league debut with the Anaheim Angels. He was 22 years old. He pitched 6 scoreless innings and did an awesome job. What a huge thrill this must have been for him. At around 12:20 a.m. this morning, Nick was killed by a drunk driver in Fullerton. There were two other people killed and a 4th that is in critical condition at UC Irvine. The person that caused the accident was drunk and fled the scene. He was later captured and charged with felony hit-and-run. News is just now starting to trickle out. Those of us that are Angel fans are having a hard time with this. Please keep Nick's family in your prayers.

latest update - 10:01 a.m.

Cops say someone driving a minivan blew through a red light, causing the Mitsubishi that Adenhart and three others were riding in to hit a light pole. Three of the four people in the Mitsubishi were killed in the crash -- Nick, another man and a woman -- while the fourth person remains in the hospital.Cops say the person driving the van fled the scene -- but was later caught and charged with felony hit-and-run. The suspect is also being treated for injuries in a local hospital. Nick was 22 years old.

10:31 a.m.

God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. —Revelation 7:16-17

Heavenly Father, you know how deep our grief is. We long for the touch of a hand, the sound of a voice that is stilled. You are merciful and kind. You will comfort our wounded heart. Wipe the tears from our eyes. Thank You for understanding so well our poor human hearts and for letting us lean on You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Not for the faint of heart! Or sight!

2009-04-08T12:04:00.000-07:00

I had my follow-up visit with my plastic surgeon today. He said everything looks great. I finally got to get a copy of my pics from my tummy tuck. On the left you can see both sides of my stomach skin that was completely removed from my body. In the container is the fat that was sucked out of my inner knees. If you look very closely, you can see a rectangular object. That is my drs. cell phone and just to the right of his phone are his keys. This whole thing is totally amazing to me. I never thought in my entire life that I would ever have surgery voluntarily. But then again, I never thought I would get on an airplane and fly to Texas and Virginia to see my loved ones. God is truely in control and He sits on the throne! Amen!

Party at the Skadsem's

2009-04-05T19:46:00.000-07:00

Disneyland

2009-03-30T20:38:00.001-07:00

We took a family day and went to Disneyland today. Unfortunately the Perry Family was not able to join us. I'm missing part of my heart without Heather here. She asked us to do her one favor in her honor. Her request was for us to eat a churro for her. So this first picture is for my Hebo.

Brian and Joshua on the tram.

Ice Queen, Princess Nina and Princess in trainning Rachel in front of the castle!

Beth and Hal think it's finger licking good!

Joshua eating his mickey mouse ice cream.

He enjoyed every last bite!

They're here! These are some pictures from last night and this morning!

2009-03-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

Nina's Coming!

2009-03-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! Nina and her family will be here in the morning! I have to say, it will be weird to not have Heather here. We all haven't been together in such a long time! When I'm with Nina, I miss Heather. And when I'm with Heather, I miss Nina. And when I'm by myself in Cali, I miss them both! Why can't we all just be together? I need to focus on Nina and enjoy the moments we will have together. In a few weeks, I'll be taking off for Virginia to go spend time with Heather, Tall, Tough, Pam & Jackie. I have such a great time hanging out with them all. Both my girls are so blessed to have wonderful friends in their lifes. Nina has a bestie and her name is Caroline. She is one awesome person too! Why can't we all get together and live in one central state? (Not Texass! Too hot) I pick Colorado! Anyone want to come live with me?

Well I better go and attempt to pick up my house. It is sooooo not baby proof!

Flashback Friday

2009-03-13T18:47:00.001-07:00

This picture is one of my all time favorite ones! We had planned to spend the day at Santa Anita Race Track that was a fund raiser for the Ayala softball team that Beth was playing on. It must have been about 8 years ago. Anyway, the kids all needed money (to bet on the ponies with) and we had to stop at Wells Fargo ATM on the way. It was a fluke that I even had a camera with me. I still remember this day. Lots of very fond memories. Thanks guys!

. . . Nina . . . . . . Heather . . . .Chris

It's 311 Day!

2009-03-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

It's 311 day! In honor of the band 311, my daughter, Kristina, had her baby induced on this glorious day! Happy birthday Rachel!

Not Me!

2009-03-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

I have not been working so hard this past week that I have been exhausted in the evening. Not me! I'm a slacker! I don't even like to curl up next to anything that looks like work! And I have NOT, repeat NOT, turned into my husband! I would never fall asleep while trying to check my email on the computer.

Beth and Hal were sitting near me watching T.V. and did not know I had fallen asleep until I started snoring! Of course they had to "capture" my embarassing moment! They were laughing so hard Sandford came out of the dining room to see what was going on. Sandford gently woke me up and sent me on my way to bed. Thanks guys! Just remember, I know where YOU lay your head at night. Sleep with one eye open!

Shout out to all Korn Fans

2009-03-07T22:50:00.000-08:00

Fieldy (the bass player from Korn) has accepted Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. He has written a book that describes the downward spiral that his life had taken. He tells about the drinking binges, drugs, and demons that were a part of his life and how he found God and how he now truly has "Got the Life". If you are a Korn fan, you will know what this means. If you are/were a Korn fan, please keep praying for the salvation of Jonathan Davis.

Flashback Friday!

2009-03-05T21:31:00.000-08:00

You're so much cooler when you never pull it out, 'cas you look so much better, with something in your mouth!

Flashback Friday!

2009-02-27T20:40:00.000-08:00

I remember this day well. We decided to move our family room out on to the front yard and the porch. Do you think it makes us look like Trailer Park Trash????? We all had a fun time taunting the neighbors and trying to make them believe that we were going to make this furniture arrangement permanent. Notice we even have blue carpet??? I miss the good old days when we were all together and were able to sit around, talk, and relax.

S H O E S !

2009-02-22T20:10:00.000-08:00

I need to get one of these for Summer and Tyler!

Flash Back Friday

2009-02-20T19:56:00.001-08:00

Ah yes . . . back in the day when Nina ruled the roost! They say there is nothing more beautiful than a woman in red! Check out the family room decor. This is way back when the "country" look was in.

Not Me Monday

2009-02-15T22:03:00.000-08:00

So we went to our friends Art & Michelle's wedding on Saturday. It was a reaffirmation of their wedding vows.

While we were there, Sandford DID NOT get his napkin too close to the candle and catch it on fire! He did not try to put it out with his hands while I poured Coke all over the table. Nope! We would NEVER try to draw attention to ourselves while the bride and groom where cutting the cake! That would be wrong!

When I asked Sandford "What Are You Doing"? He looked at me and said, "Cleaning"????

Just in case you were wondering, NO, this is not one of the favors that was sitting on the table that almost caught on fire too! Nope, that type of thing would be wrong to have happen on such an important day for our friends!

And we wonder why people never invite us over! Huh! I don't get it!

How to have fun with no $$

2009-02-15T21:45:00.000-08:00

I got this awesome shirt from my friend Tim. He has one just like it and I just had to get one of my own! It is NOT a DARE shirt! Read it carefully! It says "Who Need Drugs?" "No, seriously, I have Drugs!" Gotta see the humor in this!

We went and got free yogurt at the Golden Spoon!

Then we went over to Lowes Home Improvement Center to hang out! 3 outta 4 of us really wanted to go and just look around!

Beth & Hal decided to check out one of the shower displays! Don't buy this one! You can see right thru it!

Then they tried out rocking chairs to see what it would be like when they grow old together!

Hal climbed into the revolving display for shower doors!

Then Beth need to go to the bathroom but was too lazy to walk to the front of the store!

And if that wasn't bad enough, she climbed into one of the bath tub displays!

Not to be out done, Hal realized that his Fiber One bar had suddenly kicked in!

He made such a mess, he had to take a tub bath! Right in the middle of the store!

By the end of the day, poor Hal was all tuckered out and laid down to take a nap!

I don't know why, but the people at Lowe's told us to never come back to their store. Why don't people like us?

FLASH BACK FRIDAY

2009-02-13T22:22:00.001-08:00

Taking a break during an all day concert.
I can't remember which concert it was (I've been to sooooo many) but I remember that it was incredibly HOT! I think it might have been Inland Invasion. Can you help me out girls?

Front left to right:
Nina, Me, Jenna & Beth

Not Me Monday

2009-02-09T23:21:00.000-08:00

Oh . . . Monday's! My favorite time to blog! j/k So here goes, I did not go to Disneyland while I am only 3 1/2 weeks post op from my surgery. I did not sit thru the Aladdin show two times in a row with V.I.P. seating and feel bad about getting priority treatment over those in wheelchairs. I would never do that. That would be wrong! I did not enjoy the show so much that I wet my pants. Not me!

Flashback Friday

2009-02-06T23:51:00.001-08:00

This is a club in Mexico that we all went to back in 1999.

This is us all getting our "freak on".

Heather and Chris pretending they weren't with the rest of us!

Sandford decided he wanted to get in on the "fun"! Ahhhh, what a day to remember!

Innocent Bystander Dies in Chino Robbery Shootout

2009-02-02T21:43:00.000-08:00

CHINO - An innocent bystander on Sunday was killed during a shootout involving police and two men who had attempted to rob a restaurant.
A Chino police officer and two suspects in the robbery were also hospitalized following the incident.

Police said Daniel Baledran, 21, of Rubidoux was shot to death by a police officer during the shootout near the Papa John's restaurant on 12615 Central Avenue.

Baledran was in the immediate area of the restaurant when the shots were fired and was considered an "innocent victim," said Michelle Van Der Linden, Chino public information officer.

Police officers initially thought Baledran was part of the robbery, but investigators later determined he was not.

A police officer - whose name was not released - and two suspected robbers were wounded about 10:15 p.m. near the restaurant.

The injured police officer is in stable condition.

On Monday evening, the suspects - Edward Cisneros of La Mirada and Joel Anthony Jaquez of Hacienda Heights, both about 28 years old - were in critical condition and awaiting surgery, Van Der Linden said.

"This is a tragic event that is still under investigation, our deepest sympathy goes out to the Baledran family during this difficult time," Police Chief Stan Stewart said in a released statement.

Cisneros and Jaquez attempted to rob the Papa John's and, as they fled from the restaurant, opened fire on police officers, Van Der Linden said.

She did not know if any money was taken from the restaurant.

Officers returned fire and wounded Cisneros and Jaquez.

"There's a lot of information still under investigation," Van Der Linden said.

The investigation includes figuring out Baledran's location before he was shot, the types of weapons used by the robbers and how many shots were fired.

Witnesses said they heard hundreds of gunshots during the crossfire.

On Monday morning, more than 100 yellow evidence markers, identifying bullet casing droppings, were scattered across the nearby parking lot.

Javier Lopez, 28, who lives just blocks away from the restaurant, said he was home with his girlfriend when the shooting began.

Lopez said they heard initial gunshots, a quick break and then gunfire was returned.

"I thought someone was happy about the Steelers winning," he said. "But the exchange made me think, `This is something bad here."'

The shootout was "definitely not typical," for the residential area lined with businesses, banks, restaurants and coffee shops, Van Der Linden said.

Linda Fair, a veterinary clinic assistant who is employed across the street from Papa John's, was working at the time of the shooting. Fair said she heard the loud, rapid gunfire of what seemed like hundreds of bullets for about 5 to 10 minutes.

Fearful, Fair said she stayed inside and saw and heard nothing else but gunfire.

On Monday morning, broken glass, bullet casings and blood on the sidewalk were a dramatic sight for onlookers along Central.

Police tape sectioned off three prominent business properties on the heavily traveled street south of Walnut Avenue.

About 8:30 a.m. Monday, the San Bernardino County sheriff's coroner removed the dead body near the south side of Papa John's.

Bullet holes and shattered glass exposed the interior of nearby Daniel's Home Center. In front of the furniture store, two piles of dark clothing and a pair of white shoes were placed near what appeared to be several pools of blood.

The pizza restaurant, the home store and a McDonald's restaurant were closed Monday for investigation.

The northbound lanes of Central were also closed from Riverside to Jefferson avenues.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department will handle the investigation, officials said.

"This is standard procedure for the Sheriff's Department to handle the investigation in an officer-involved shooting," sheriff's spokeswoman Jodi Miller said.

Update on shooting!

2009-02-02T08:02:00.000-08:00

A man killed during an armed robbery at a Papa John's restaurant late Sunday may not have been a suspect in the crime, police said.

Police said it is possible the person killed may have just been caught in the crossfire in the gunfight between the robbers and Chino police.

"It's unknown what his involvement was, if any, in this crime," said Michelle Van Der Linden.
One Chino police officer and two robbery suspects were also wounded in the shooting in the 12600 block of Central Avenue.

Police received a call at 10:13 p.m. about an armed robbery at the restaurant. The gunfight began when officers arrived at the scene.

Paramedics took the officer and two suspects to hospitals for treatment. The officer was in stable condition. The condition of the robbers was not known.

"The person who is dead is not being named as a suspect," Van Der Linden said.

Every cop in Chino out tonight!

2009-02-02T01:16:00.001-08:00

This is standing in front of the old Sanwa Bank looking south down Central towards McDonalds
Sandford was outside working in the garage (rearranging his tools) and he heard three different rounds of gun shots from three distinctively different guns. Somehow I didn't hear it but our neighbor Keith did. He came out and then we could hear sirens for a good fifteen minutes. Then the helicopter started flying around with the spot light on. Sandford suggested we try and go find out what was going on because we're nosy that way. Most of the road were already blocked but I was able to find some side streets and we made our way to where all the action was. There were people lining the streets on the West side of Central from Washington St. to in front of Straw Hat Pizza. As we were driving, we pulled over to the side of the road and asked a group of people what was going on. They said a cop got shot at the Papa John's Pizza place (next to McDonald's) I don't know if this is true, I'll give an update in the morning when I read the paper but whatever it was, it was bad. There were well over 50 cop cars there. They were from Chino, the Sheriffs Dept., Upland, Claremont and Ontario. Well, those were the ones we saw. We also saw two ambulances. I saw them put someone on a stretcher into one of the ambulances. I had Sandford take a picture of it when it went by. There was still one more ambulance down the street and I saw them with another stretcher. Then that ambulance left down another street. We got in my car and started to following them to the Chino Medical Center. When we pulled out of the back parking lot, two cop cars were stationed there with their lights flashing. One of the cops said, what are you A$$Holes doing here? And the other one shouted "GET OUT OF HERE!" So as I was heading toward the hospital, we saw a firetruck, and ambulance, and another police car on the side of Chino High School. I pulled into the doctors parking lot across from them and then we heard a loud noise. It was a life flight taking off from the field at Chino High. We pulled out of the parking lot and passed the ambulance and could see that they were working on someone inside. So we know that at least four people were injured. When we got to Benson, there were two more cop cars blocking the road. These cops where much more nice. I rolled my window down, he looked at us and then he flashed his light all around inside the car. Then he said we were allowed to leave. That leads me to believe that there are still suspects out there that they are looking for. Then we came home so we could report our findings to the Doheny Court Association. I hope they were wrong about a cop getting shot but there was so much gun fire, Sandford thought it was two gangs fighting. Please say a prayer that the police officers will be okay.

This is the first ambulance we saw heading north on Central, then it made a right onto Walnut Ave.

To get your bearings, you can see Straw Hat across the street and all the cars are south of Straw Hat in front of Papa Johns Pizza.

This is the paramedics working on somebody in an ambulance in front of the field at Chino High School

This is the life flight leaving Chino High School

FLASHBACK FRIDAY

2009-01-30T09:42:00.000-08:00

It's Friday! Yeah! So I've decided to post pictures way back when all the girls lived with me. Such fond memories. I love the chaos that comes with three daughters and all the drama that encompasses their everyday lives. I had to throw one of me in here too!

You gotta LOVE Beth!

Update on My Doctor Appointment

2009-01-26T19:44:00.000-08:00

I had my 2 week post op check up today. They said that I still had some extra fluid in my belly so the doctor took a needle (yuck) stuck it in my stomach and pulled out 4 cc's of fluid. I told the doctor he better be ready to catch me when I passed out on him. He thought I wanted to watch! HELLO! Guess he doesn't know me as well as I thought he did! The whole thing made me weak in the knees. I made Heather stay on the phone with me because I thought I was going to pass out and crash the car. (No one was "available" to drive me, so I had to drive myself) Thanks to the grace of God, I made it home.

AND THEN, my fourth daughter, Jenna, whom I haven't seen in person for awhile stopped by for a visit. We've been emailing and texting but hadn't physically seen each other in person for awhile. It was so good to see her! We got to catch up but still need more time. So we're going to have another date next Sunday. Yeah! I have a friend! I made her look at all my wounds. I think I may have scarred her! (but not too badly)I can't wait until next Sunday for our next date! I love you Jenna!

Hopeful

2009-01-26T00:53:00.000-08:00

Sandford is researching phlebotomy jobs! Hopefully he'll be able to go out tomorrow and start dropping off apps. Please say a prayer for him that God will find the right job for him. Yeah for Sandford!

Getting Out of the House

2009-01-26T00:03:00.000-08:00

We went shopping at Wal-Mart (I know that surprises you) It was really cold (I loved it) but Hal was all bundled up and wanted a hot drink to help warm him up. He's a big drinker. We should send him to rehab. Now you know why he's always so hyper. (No he doesn't get into my crack stash!) He's a good man!

Then we had to go over to Target. His sense of humor is a bit off. He thought it would be funny to buy me this book! You know how I feel about getting older (of course I don't like the alternative) Do I look like I think it's funny? ? ? ? ? He of course thought it was hilarious! I will get even with him! Sleep with one eye open Hal. I can be ruthless!

I need headphones!

2009-01-25T23:59:00.000-08:00

So the other day, Hal was working out on the treadmill and I was putting some things away in my room. It was a beautiful day so I thought I'd open up the french doors to let the fresh air in. And then I saw some weeds that needed to be pulled so I started picking at a few of them. The problem was I wanted to listen to my ipod while I worked so I had to drape my speakers around my neck. Here's a picture of what I looked like:

I couldn't stand it!

2009-01-25T23:17:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, I had surgery two weeks ago. I am supposed to be on bed rest, but I am allowed to get up and walk around. I'm not supposed to do housework or vaccum for 3 more weeks. The Doctor said I can go back to work on February 23, 2009. As luck would have it, both Beth and Hal had to work during the two days that all this piled up in the kitchen. Where was Sandford you ask, well he wasn't helping! Well not helping me anyways (sorry Philip). He has "other" people that he must drive around and talk to on the phone for hours at a time. I'm lucky if I can get him to vaccum for me. I usually have to do the vaccuming every other day. When Hal isn't working at Disney, he has been very helpful doing things around the house and doing things for me. Beth says she can't help because she has 3 stitches in her finger. (See blog below) Did I mention that I have a slit from hip to hip? I have no idea how many stitches I have but it is WAY more than three! She says I did it to myself so that's my bad. I am doing my best to not take advantage of Hal's good nature and willingness to jump in whenever there is a need, but he has a job, a life and a fiancee' that is demanding. (just like all the other Skadsem women) So what I'd like to know is (truthfully) if you were in my situation, would you bite the bullet and do it yourself? Sandford and Beth say I'm stubborn and it will get done eventually! I know Chris will take my side on this! I love you Chris! And Hal, you are more appreciated that words can say!

Ok, you all know I have issues, and having a "Picked up" kitchen is one of them.

I am holed up in the family room on the couch during my recovery and this is the view I had of the kitchen for 2 days straight!

When is there EVER an excuse for having a sink full of dirty dishes? We have a dishwasher for goodness sakes

It took me awhile, I move more slowly than usual, but I finally got it under control. At least something that wasn't making me insanely crazy!

I can't STAND to have dishes in the sink. A sink should be clean!

And your granite countertops should be able to be seen! And shine!

I even fixed a chicken casserole with brownies for desert!

Flashback Friday

2009-01-23T16:02:00.001-08:00

This picture is so old that Beth wasn't even a sparkle in her fathers eye! As you see, as in most pictures, I am hiding behind Heather in the stroller. (I'm hiding my thighs/butt) Nina must be somewhere between 3 & 4. Check out my "hot" husband. I can't decide if I like his hair or his shirt better! I'm not even sure where this picture was taken! HaHaHa!

Not Me Monday

2009-01-19T22:54:00.000-08:00

Sooooo, I'm taking a survey. I'd like to know where you purchase your stamps. Yes, the ones that you put on letters and send in the mail. Hal and I were running errands and I went to Wells Fargo to make a deposit. I was supposed to get stamps when I was there but I forgot. Our next stop was the post office so that he could send a contract back to Disney. As he was dropping the letter in the mail slot, it occurred to me that I forgot to get my stamps while we were at Wells Fargo. We were in Chino Hills and they are right next to each other. Anyway, Hal starts getting all up in my kool-aid and says "Hello, we're at the post office" "Why would you drive across the street to get stamps"? Are you crazy? (If you know me, then you know the answer is yes, I am crazy and a bit insane) So the rest of the day he thinks I've totally lost my mind because I purchase my stamps at the bank. So when Beth comes home from work, we both corner her and tell her we have a random question for her. So Hals asks her where she purchases her stamps . . . and she replies . . . Stater Brothers, duh! So now I'm not looking so dumb after all! So I'd appreciate it if you could leave me a comment letting me know where you purchase your stamps from. Be honest! Thank you all!

Here are the pictures I promised of Beth

2009-01-19T22:34:00.000-08:00

This is me and Beth comparing wounds. She's complaining about three little stiches. I am split from hip to hip with who knows how many stitches.If you look close, you can see that I'm holding my last drain in my hand.

This is after the doctor put three stitches in her pinky. And it wasn't pretty. She opted to get a tetnus shot too! She was amazing thru the whole thing.This is right before they came in to prep her for her minor surgery!

She took this pic herself in the back seat of the car on the way to Kaiser. I wanted to drive her, but since I had taken my pain meds, Sandford jumped in and insisted that he drive. We all got there in one piece, BUT JUST BARELY! He almost rolled my car! Bad Sandford!

Another Day of Overdoing it!

2009-01-17T21:49:00.000-08:00

Hal took me shopping at the Chino Hills Shoppes today. I was so glad I took my walker. I wouldn't have been able to make it through the day without it. Hal kept making fun of me and calling me GRANDMA! Then he threatened to take my walker away and make me walk home if I didn't behave myself!Here he is checking out at SunPac. He got fantastic deals on new clothes. I'm very proud of him that he is a very good shopper that knows how to spot a deal.

Then we headed over to Home Depot to buy some lumber. He is helping Sandford put our new garage door up and it hasn't been easy. (Nothing ever goes easy for us but that's life)

The majority of the 2 x 6 's were wet and I made him keep digging through the stacks of wood looking for a piece that was dry and straight. Not an easy task. He was very tolorable and a good sport with my pickiness. (I think we'll keep him)

Latest Pics of My TT

2009-01-15T16:52:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of me and Maria. She is such a sweetheart. She took care of me during my last surgery too. She works for my dr. and was by my side during both surgery's as she is an operating room nurse. She also calls me several times a day to check on how I am doing.

I now have a hole in my side. I have to keep it clean so I don't get an infection!The nurse at my Drs. office, Maria, cutting the stitches that were holding the drainage tube in. Yes, it did hurt a bit.

This is a close up of what my scar looks like 6 days post op.

This is my nurse, Dan, who was assigned to me at the surgery center. He wouldn't let me leave until he personally watched me pee! But it's okay, he was an Offpring and Korn fan!

Couple More Pictures from my TT/MR

2009-01-09T19:46:00.001-08:00

Flashback Friday

2009-01-09T19:43:00.001-08:00

This picture was taken at Beth's high school graduation in June of 2001! Can you believe it? Look how young I look. I guess I'll be getting a face lift next! hehehe

Tummy Tuck Muscle Repair

2009-01-08T14:21:00.000-08:00

Heather wanted to see some pictures. I have drains and she wanted to see them! I'm so tired I have go back and lay down. I'm doing very well, just some pain but they gave me great drugs.

Remember . . . . . drugs NOT hugs! Thank you all for your prayers.

xxoo

TT/MR

2009-01-07T21:48:00.001-08:00

Well tomorrow is my big day! I go in for my Tummy Tuck/Muscle Repair. I'm excited and aprehensive all at the same time. Please keep me in your prayers. I'd like to live to see another day, Lord willing! If I die, remember how much you all meant to me! I love you all!

Beth & Hal got engaged!

2008-12-31T09:17:00.000-08:00

Beth & Hal got engaged last night! He took her on a date to Disneyland. (How appropriate for them) He proposed in front of the huge Christmas tree. He got down on one knee and presented her with a ring. There was quite a large group of people gathered around them. Hal stood up and shouted to the crowd, "She said YES!" Then everyone cheered and took pictures of them. After that he took her over to Club 33 where they celebrated, ate dinner, sipped champagne and watched Fantasmic from the balcony. Sandford and I are very happy for both of them! PTL!

Tidewater Mommy's Christmas Get-Together

2008-12-30T16:06:00.000-08:00

Sondra and Pam are finally back from Seattle, and Florida, respectively. Sondra graciously opened up her home for quesadillas and gifts! Who could Kim possibly be talking too? We're all here!

Here's a picture of Pam & Jackie relaxing on the couch!

Heather with her awesome friend Sondra!

Thank you all for a good time!

December 28, 2008

2008-12-28T20:20:00.001-08:00

Today we all piled in the car and went up to have lunch with Chris' aunt and uncle. She made lasagna and the kids ate pizza. It's about a 2 hour drive from Heather's house. The drive up there was beautiful. Lots and lots of green trees and lots of rivers and ponds too. I have to say, when it comes to gorgeous highways, Virginia has California beat, hands down! At around 4:30 p.m. we packed up the kids and drove another 15 minutes down the road to have dinner at Chris' grandparents house. What a wonderful cook she is. We feasted on pork loin roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh broccoli, fresh corn and homemade rolls. I'm afraid to step on the scale tomorrow! They live about 15 miles outside of Washington D.C. It took us almost 3 hours to get back home. Ryder screamed the last 50 minutes of the trip and Summer and I almost couldn't take one second more. Tyler kept his composure and I was very proud of him. We finally walked in the door at 9:55 p.m. The kids changed into their p.j.'s and went right to bed. It was an exhausting day. I can't wait to see what tomorrow has in store for all of us!

Shopping on 12/26/08

2008-12-28T20:08:00.000-08:00

After getting about 2 hours of sleep on Christmas night, Heather and I got up early (4:30 a.m.) to go meet Kim so we could hit all the "after Christmas" sales. We were at Penny's for the 5:30 a.m. opening, 6:00 a.m. for the Kohl's opening and at Target at 7:00 a.m. Our best deals at were found at Target. Nina called me from Texas @ 7:30 a.m. to tell me her and Rachel were on their way to their local Target store. Shopping the day after Christmas is a Skadsem - Mother/Daughter - tradition that I started years ago. She got her best deals at Target too! (go check out her blog for Christmas pics and for the deals she got) Check out all this loot that Kim and Heather got:

Christmas Day in Virginia 2008

2008-12-26T16:52:00.000-08:00

Ryder, Summer & Tyler with their stash of gifts!

The kids all got way more presents than they needed! Every year we say we're going to cut down, but we don't. For sure next year we will! Chris' grandparents came over to spend the day with us as did the Windle Family. Good food and good times were shared by all. Summer has been sick and won't leave my side. (You know I love it)

Christmas Eve with the Windles

2008-12-24T18:05:00.000-08:00

Kim and Natalie came over to spend the day with us. We had a lite breakfast and then Kim drove us over to the base for a special gift. Chris had set up a video conference. This was the first time in months that Chris got to "see" his family. It was just like you see on T.V., except that where we were was a very high clearance area. They confiscated our phones and my camera. We were taken into a locked room with a private escort. The room was set up with two very large plasa screen t.v.'s, a huge cherrywood conference table and lots of comfortable leather chairs. The escort assumed responsibility for all five of us. (quite an undertaking) He had to stay in the room with us the entire time.

The kids were able to see their daddy face-to-face. They were so excited. We were able to stay and talk to him, via web-cam, for about 30 minutes. God Bless the U.S. Air Force and Master Sgt. Alward for the time and effort that it took to co-ordinate it all.

Later this evening we went over to Kim and Ryan's for a crock-pot lasagna dinner. It was really yummy! (got to remember to get the recipe from her) After that we all piled into their van, stopped to get hot chocolate and then drove over to the Newport News Christmas light display.

When we were done with that, it was back to the Windles for the Christmas gift exchange!

Words of Wisdom (I stole from a friends mom)

2008-12-24T07:21:00.000-08:00

I feel the Lord would like us to remember about why we celebrate this season. Over 2,000 years ago there was an announcement made to mankind. That announcement was one of "Good News" The angels split the sky and proclaimed that "Behold!" they were bringing tidings of great joy. I don't know about you, but I am sure we all could use some good news about now. This year has been one unlike any we've experienced in a long time. One trouble upon another is the norm these days. We have heard of wars, rumors of wars, starvation, earthquakes, violence in the streets, world wide economic failures. These are just to name a few. Personal trials in many lives have been heartbreaking. Many have lost a job, lost a home, or maybe the worst loss of all, the loss of a loved one. Through it all one thing that has and will never change is God's love for us. He is still announcing to us the greatest message the world has ever heard that God so loved the world that He sent His only Son to earth to be our Savior. He is what Christmas is all about whether the world gets it or not. God does bring us great joy and gives us many things to be thankful for.

Sandford and I are thankful for 2 new grand babies born this year. Rachel Faith Bailey, born on 3/11/08 and Ryder James Perry, born on 4/7/08. We now have 3 grandsons ages 9, 2, and 8mo. And 2 granddaughters ages 5, and 9 mo. We cannot be more blessed. In many ways life can be overwhelming, but one thing is for sure, there is a God who loves us and cares very much about all that we are going through. In this day and age we are all aware of the term "Bail Out", and everyone is looking for one. Remember one thing that the Creator of the Universe stepped out of the Heaven and came to earth and provided the most costly "Bail Out" of all time. All the money in the world could not have bailed us out of our mess. We were lost and without hope. The price of our salvation was costly to Jesus. He longs for us to accept the greatest gift one could ever receive, His love! We pray you have a blessed Christmas as you reflect on all He has done for you and all that He longs to.

God sits on the thone!

More Christmas Pictures!

2008-12-20T22:01:00.000-08:00

I had this shirt made just for Beth! Hal's Gal! How cute is this?

Hal got a new drill!

Christmas Celebration

2008-12-20T21:42:00.001-08:00

Tonight we celebrated Christmas. We tried to make it memorable. I even got out the Christmas plates and set the table with the "good" stuff. No paper plates for the Skadsems tonight! Sandford and Hal "made fire" in the fireplace. (Hal was a huge help to me all day.) We had our traditional Christmas dinner of prime rib. It just wasn't the same without ALL my family here to share. I NEED (not want) to be surrounded by my family. I miss Nina and Heather so much! And like they say, it just doesn't seem like Christmas without kids running around and the look of joy on their little faces when they open up a gift. I am very happy that I will be flying out to Virginia in the morning to be with Heather and her family for the holiday's. But part of me feels so guilty not seeing Nina and her family and also for abandoning my mommy, my husband and Beth. Please keep me in your prayers.

2008-12-13T13:21:00.000-08:00

We are going to see Dexter and Noodles tonight at the Universal Amphitheater! It's been soooo long since I've seen them in concert. STP, Three Days Grace and Staind are the other bands that I want to see. We have seats in the mezziane (upper balcony) in row E. Not the best seats BUT there really isn't a bad seat at this venue. I'm really excited! This is my Christmas present! I'm dragging Sandford along because Beth said she didn't want to go! Rock on my friends! Merry Christmas!

Flash Back Friday

2008-12-12T06:01:00.000-08:00

After years of begging and pleading, Heather FINALLY let me and Beth take Tyler to Disneyland all by ourselves! What a fun day we had. I guess it helps if you know the "Head Mouse". hehehe Tyler got special treatment from everyone all day! Boy is he going to be disappointed when he goes to an amusement park one day with out his "Fun Aunt Beth" .

Trying to get in the mood . . .

2008-12-08T20:42:00.000-08:00

FOR CHRISTMAS! So yesterday Hal tells me he will decorate my house for Christmas. I hadn't been planning on doing anything since I'll be in Virginia with Tall, Tiny and Tough. But he said he would really like Beth to have a Christmas tree and all. He asked so nice, how could I refuse. They are so cute together that it gives me a cavity!

Not Me Monday

2008-12-08T14:18:00.000-08:00

Apparantly I need to participate in "Not me! Mondays" So here goes . . .

I did not call my p.s. and schedule a t.t. for Thursday, January 8th. Nope, not me . . . I’m not insane. Why would I want to go through all that pain (and more) so soon after my lipo?

I did not go back on my word to Vikki that one of the girls b.f. could live in my house because he has no place to go and I can’t let him not have a roof over his head.

I did not beg, pled, and threaten Sandford to go and get a job and stop being a drain to society. Nope, not me! I would NEVER be the kind of wife that wasn’t loving and supporting at all times.

I did not eat six (count ‘em) six, Skinny Cow mint flavored ice cream sandwiches for dinner one night. And the next night I did not have an entire can of whipped cream (enjoyed every last drop too!) I would not do these things, ever!

I did not take the vacuum cleaner completely apart, clean it and then not have a clue as to how to put it back together! And then go and buy a new one just in case Sandford was unable to fix my mess. I would never do that! Not me!

I think that's enough for one day . . . look me up next Monday!

Flashback Friday

2008-12-05T23:23:00.001-08:00

It's Flashback Friday time! When the children still lived at home we had a family tradition of going to the L.A. County Fair every year. This picture was taken years ago. See how much thinner I was? Notice the long hair? Looking at these pictures brings back so many good memories.

Thank You Tina!

2008-12-02T19:33:00.000-08:00

This is my princess, Tina! We work together. Well, if you can call it work. She makes the job seem like fun every day! I just wanted to let everyone know how awesome she is! My water heater (hot water heater, hehehe) broke and we've been without hot water for days. Tina let me go over to her house and take a shower! (no, not with her) It was the best shower I've ever had! She is a friend that can always be counted on!

Happy Birthday Tyler

2008-11-28T20:00:00.000-08:00

It was November 29, 1999 and my life was forever changed! This is the day that Tyler Andrew Perry entered my life. What a lot of joy he has brought to me. All of a sudden it wasn't just "this is the world, and it revolves around me". Now it was "this is Tyler, and my world revolves around him.

Tag You're It - 7 things

2008-11-27T20:39:00.000-08:00

Following in my daughters footsteps:

Seven things I always say-

1. Where are you?
2. Am I fired yet?
3. What's for dinner?
4. Miiiiieeeer! (When calling my cat to come in for the night.)
5. Seriously!?! (things the parents at my school do!)
6. Get a job! (to Sandford)
7. I miss you and want you to come home - to Heather and Nina

Seven things I love to eat-

1. Peanut butter pretzels
2. Carne asada tacos
3. Black licorice
4. Thighs from El Pollo Loco
5. My famous baked beans
6. Ice Cream
7. Grapes

Seven things I can do-
1. Lay tile
2. Type 70 wpm.
3. Use a miter saw
4. Do a darn good job of proofing.
5. Fly and go to the dentist.
6. Make people laugh
7. Drive for 11 hours straight if it means getting to my daughter.

Seven things I can't do-
1. Be sane
2. Be away from my kids.
3. Put the vacuum cleaner back together after I took it all apart!
4. Go more than one day without talking to either Nina or Heather.
5. Drive under 80 mph on the freeway
6. Get to work on time!
7. Make Chris come home from Iraq or Brian move to Colorado with the rest of us!

Now I tag you...feel free to do your own and leave me a comment so I can check out your 7 things.

Things I am thankful for . . . .

2008-11-27T19:23:00.000-08:00

1. Jesus (without Him I would have no future)
2. Nina, Heather & Beth
3. That even though we live so far apart from each other, Nina and Heather make sure that I am included in their daily life.
4. That Chris and Brian are wonderful husbands AND fathers.
5. Tyler, Summer, Joshua, Rachel & Ryder - no one can bring a smile quicker to my face.
6. That I finally have less thighs to try and cover up.
7. That I am in relatively good health.
8. That I drive a Honda CRV that is all paid for.
9. That I have the BEST neighbors in the world. (they are friends too!)
10. That I have just enough. Just enough food, just enough money . . .

Thanksgiving 08

2008-11-27T19:08:00.000-08:00

This is the first Thanksgiving in 29 years, that I haven't spent with Nina, Heather or Beth. Nina is in Texas preparing a feast for her mother-in-law, Heather is in Virginia at her husband's grandparents house, and Beth is in Arizona with Hal. There was no need, or time, for me to cook a full course meal, so Sandford and I met my mom at Mimi's Cafe in Rancho Cucamonga. The food was just okay. But we did have lots of left overs to bring home so I'm still not gonna cook! Sandford says the only time I cook anymore anyways is if one of my sons-in-law is visiting. Most moms are lucky to get one great son-in-law, but I have TWO. I may be getting a 3rd one in the not so distant future. And can you believe it ? ? ? He is awesome too! How could I get so blessed? All any mother wants for her children is for them to be happy. God provided the perfect mate for each of them. Now if I can just get Sandford to go look for a job, I would be truly happy. (hahaha)