Flashback Friday

Trevor really is a smart kid, really he is. Sometimes the things he chooses to do, however, really makes me wonder! Like giving a cat a bath, really? Especially the black cat! The black cat has been known too get a little mean, really it has.

Little Kitty checking things out and then promptly going to hide!

The cat couldn't get out of the tub, so every time it would get a little snarly Trevor would just get out of the way until he could get a little more scrubbing in.

For some strange reason, Trevor decided to put the cat in the shower for the rinse off.

Cat has had enough! There will be no more at home bath's for the cat. We all survived this one without a scratch (amazing I know)! Not one of Trevor's shining moments!

Another First for Me!

Thanks to our oldest son, Trevor, today I got to go to a prison. I must say I never thought I'd have a child in prison but I do and life does go on. So today we set out to go visit with him. This is the road the prison is on, at least the mountains are pretty.This is the prison, behind all the cars.

Here is the sign that let's us visitors know where to go.

Yep, must be in the right place! Look at that there sign.

These are some of the other people waiting to go visit.

I might add that it was kind of sad that Kevin knew exactly what to do. He knew were to sit and wait to be called in, where to sign in at, how to raise his hands when being searched (another first for me), where to stand and wait for me, to wait until the door buzzed to go through, to turn right to get to the visiting area and after giving his brother a quick hug what side of the table to sit on. I almost forgot . . . he knew where the vending machines were and what Trevor wanted to snack on.

Now some of you might be wondering what a prison visit might be like, well, first off let me say it's something I hope none of you ever have to experience! You wait outside of the building until you are called, you then proceed to check in where you sign in and give permission to be searched. After you are searched you check your keys in, then are buzz through the first set of doors. Then you walk through this enclosed tunnel like thing, although it is outside and bright
it feels very dismal and grey. You are then buzzed into another small area like you'd see on TV, the doors slide open, you step in and wait for them to close then another set slide open and you walk into the hallway that takes you to the visitor area. Once in the visitor area it's not too bad the visitor's are free to move around ie go get stuff from the vending machines use the bathroom some even chase kids, the inmates however have to stay on their side of the table and cannot get up without permission. Families play cards or games, eat together, some read books to their children (sad), or just talk and catch up with each other.

I did have a nice visit with him (I know some of you are SHOCKED). Hope he is seeing why he needs to change behaviour. I know it's not something that I have any control over any more (not that I probably ever did). I just pray that one day he becomes the man I know he can be, one that would not only make his parents proud, but one that would have put a smile on his grandpa's face too!

Here is the view as we leave the prison.

Every time I think of Trevor in prison this old Johnnie Cash song comes to mind . . .

Mama tried to raise me better,

but her pleading I denied,

that leaves only me to blame,

cuz mama tried!

Trevor, you're going to make me proud when you're released! It may kill us both, but you WILL make this mama proud! And please, NO MORE first's I'm to old for this $#!)

We love you!

First Christmas

Looky here! It's Trevor and Zach's first Christmas. This picture was taken at Yeager's Sporting Good's, were my mother, worked for many, many years and so did many other member's of the family!

How I remember this picture too. Martha had taken Zach back to Missouri for an early Christmas with her family. Little did we all know what the weather had in store for us after they left . . . fog. Now fog doesn't seem that bad, however, it closed the airport for days! They were diverting flights to Portland some had to land in other places far away, oh the stress that caused daddy Mike! We lived in Seattle area at the time so I was to pick her up from the airport, I think Mike was phoning me every half hour the day before she came home and the day of their arrival! Their plane did get to circle several times before a small patch of air cleared enough for them to land at Boeing Field, what a relief! Prays were answered that day.

The following weekend we took the boys in for their first Santa pictures!See Nicole and Heather eagerly waiting their turns?

My Baby is Turning 30!!

WHERE DID ALL THE TIME GO?!! I can't believe it's been 30 years since we welcomed you into our family! What a glorious day that was.

All the things we did in your first year:

The first time your grandma Alice got to hold you(babies weren't allowed in the room with visitors back then). She was so excited to finally "get her hands on you". Then we flew off to IL when you were three months old to meet up with my mom, and you to be introduced to the great-grandma's.The first time you met your grandma and grandpa Rutter. We went over to the island for a few days so you had your first ferry ride also! The picture of you sleeping has all your favorite things: cabbage patch doll, your favorite outgrown nightgown (on her), your blanket, care bear sheets.
Love these shots! Remember, we didn't have digital in the 80's so we didn't always get pictures of everything like we do now. Your daddy never missed a chance to throw you onto someones bike. The only one however that I would allow you to ride was the little one in grandma's backyard!

All our travels!! Let me think, you've been to Niagara Falls three time now! Many trips to Disneyland and most recently, Disney World! What great times and now we are even adding some with our grandchildren, priceless memories!! I'm also thinking of a song by Trace Adkins . . .(wonder were you get that from)

Then they're fightin' in the backseat, and I'm playing referee. And someones got to go, the moment that we leave. And everybody's late, I swear that I can't wait till they grow up.

Then they do, and that's how it is. It's just quiet in the mornin', can't believe how much you miss. All they do and all they did. You want all the dreams they dreamed of to come true: and they do.

Happy Birthday

How well we remember the day you officially became a member of the family, and are thankful for how happy you make our daughter and grandchildren . . .

. . . not to mention how much fun the rest of us have with you!!

Remember this one? Target practice with you BIL all over Bin Laden. I'll never forget when you guys came back to the hotel room all smiles cuz you "got him".Then of course there is your destructive side, you and Brian seemed to have enjoyed your time spent together tearing down your house (at least part of it). There's also the patient side of you that I really appreciate, especially after the trip to the Grand Canon that I assured you two was only a couple of hours. You could still manage a little smile for me (unlike someone else).

The way you are almost always willing to humor Kevin. Here you all are learning songs and moves from LLD. You do know that he thinks you walk on water, don't you?

I'm still amazed at your many talents, like building this boat!

Taking time to stop and smell the cactus.

Now, here is one of my favorite memories, you getting to play sheriff at Bonnie Springs. It was so much fun to watch you squirm with embarrassment. Although I still feel bad for the guy you had hanged!

Then of course there is the time we took you to Fremont Street and we had to carry you home after this drink . . . after all you finished Nicole's too! Now you know I'm just kidding right? I would never carry you home after too much partying . . . I just left you laying in the street;)

Of course I was just kidding about the drink! However I'm not kidding about how much we enjoy the time spent with you. We are blessed you are a member of the family and hope to "celebrate" many more birthdays with you!

Have a happy birthday, Mark.

A New Ornament

Every year that our children lived at home I would try to get them a new Christmas ornament. The ornaments I purchased were usually of something exciting they'd done, trip to Disney, Skiing for the first time, playing basketball. Sometimes it was of a favorite item such as a Rainbow Brite doll, TMNT turtles in a half shell, or a movie they'd really liked. This year Kevin got a HSM3 one that is musical and a Toy Story one. Then what to get Trevor. Now technically he does not live at home, I imagine he will for a short time at some other time. What should I get him that would show how his year was spent, hmmm. . . . Well have a gander at what I spotted at the Hallmark store. You can click on it to see all the fine detail.Isn't it nice there is a tree upstairs? Notice what is downstairs in the left corner . . .
MERRY CHRISTMAS
TREVOR

Happy Birthday Trevor!!

One of my favorite picures of our boy.

Stay out of trouble today and have a little fun, see you in a few days.Love,

Mom, dad and kevin

Does a Mama's Heart Good

Kevin gets out of school at 10:45 for the rest of the week. To my surprise Trevor was waiting for him today so they could play Wii together!!!Look how happy it made this boy.

Can you believe the smile on his face?

Here is Trevor deciding which side of the alley he'll throw the "ball" down.

Here comes dad wondering what is going on.

You can't see it very well but across the screen it says STRIKE, Kevin bowled four in a row, go Kevin.

Calvin getting in on the action, he's got a long way too go. Kevin is already at pro level.

Some Christmas Pictures

Well blogger is doing it's own thing today. Here are some Christmas morning shots, again blogger doing it's own thing as half of them won't show up.

Kevin doing his thing with his new Wii. He really go into it a enjoyed the bowling and M&M racing the most. He hasn't perfected it yet as there were alot of things to do today and he still hasn't checked them all out. Hope everyone had a great day!

Looky See

Yesterday we spent putting up the Christmas tree.

Calvin had to do all the high stuff b/c my foot isn't heeled all the way yet.Doesn't he look thrilled?


Once again Trevor is thrilled about getting his picture taken.

Kevin is very precise about how the ornaments should be hung!

I'm getting Trevor to smile even though he's trying very hard not too.

Looky See

Well, today was the day, the day that Trevor became an United States citizen on paper!!!

Although he doesn't look happy, he is. He'll get his social security card in the mail in two weeks!!He's already got a job lined up. WOO HOO

Praise God!

In case you don't know what this is it's the letter we take to Homeland Security! As of October 14, at 7:30 am Trevor should have all he needs to get a real job and move on out - - WOOHOO!