A year in review (2009)

What a year it has been. Most of the memories in my head are things I would rather had not happened. Isn't it funny how your mind sometimes tends to remember the bad parts instead of the good. It is also funny how one bad even can overshadow and make the good memories not so good anymore. Here is highlights from my year...

February 1: My Grandma Semple suddenly passed away at the age of 83, one month and 14 days before her 84 birthday. It was also the Super Bowl...funny, I to this day I cannot remember who won it. My Grandma was one of my best friends. I could tell her anything and she did not judge. Writing that reminds me of the last time I saw her alive...the week before she passed. She seemed so good...I picked on her as usual and she picked back. Sitting here and writing this I can feel the hug I got from her that day.

March: Grandpa had a small stroke. It was so hard to deal with so close to losing Grandma. However, he is doing well, maybe taking things a little slower but he is 81 after all.

June: Shawn moved into a group home in Bath. It was hard for Mom and Dad to get him to the home that night but he quickly settled in. Now he doesn't like to be away for long periods. He is doing amazingly well...Praise the Lord!

June 26: I finished my I finished my 11th complete year of being a Special Education teacher. Where does time go? It seems I only graduated a few years ago but in reality it has been 11.

July 3: I started my 4th summer working in Day Treatment for summer school. It proved to be the best "year" in summer school yet. My best memory from summer school this year was going to Roseland Water Park with my students. They had so much fun and I did too.

June 28: Dustin turned 30. I had a surprise party for him...it was a success and a very nice day.

August 21: The day I found out my husband was having an affair. At first I thought it had only been going on for a few months. Later I was to find out that it had been taking place almost a year. Devastation set in and I didn't know what to do. Eventually he moved out. Towards the end of September we began talking again and got back together soon after. Our relationship has changed so much since August. We are whole again, not broken as we once were. That is not to say our marriage is perfect but it has come a long way. Amazing that I can sit here and say praise the Lord for letting this happen but had it not happened I don't know where we or our marriage would be right now.

October 8: We celebrated our 4th anniversary. For our anniversary we went to Ralph Wilson Stadium to watch the Bills play the Cleveland Browns. I was excited because the Browns had a worse record than the Bills so I thought they would win. Nope, that didn't happen. While it was a terrible game it was a fund day. We had a hotel room that night complete with a jacuzzi in our room. Dinner was Applebee's take out. The next day we stopped to get apples, pumpkins, gourds and did a little shopping at the outlet mall. It was a wonderful weekend, one I hated to see end but a good memory.

November 8: Dustin had a heart attack and a catheterization and stent put in the following day. Who would have thought at the young age of 30 my husband would have a heart attack? Not me or him that is for sure. We also both had the Swine Flu before his heart attack. Mine was accompanied with pneumonia. After his heart attack I had bronchitis and pink eye. The events of November resulted in my only working 6 complete days that month.

Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving was nice although we all missed my Grandma. Mom, Dad, Shawn, Uncle Jamie and Grandpa spent the day with us.

December 15: This day marked my one year anniversary of my breast reduction. I am still in awe at how much the surgery changed my life and so very happy I had it done!

Christmas: It was a beautiful Christmas this year. Dustin and I spent Christmas Eve at his parents' with Dawna, Alaina and Erik. Christmas morning we opened gifts and had breakfast at our house. We then traveled to Lindley then Bath to spend time with my parents, Shawn, Uncle Jamie and Grandpa. Our time was cut short because of the weather which I was very disappointed about but I am blessed I was able to spend, even a short time, with my family. I think my most memorable gift this year came from Dustin. It was a stocking, actually from Augge, Zoey, Gucci and Zeke. The tag said "Someone in heaven wanted us to get this for you from her". Obviously the someone was my Grandma. Oh how I missed her Christmas Day. Dustin and I visited her grave because I felt I needed to do that. Grandpa seemed to be doing as well as could be expected and loved the digital frame we got him with pictures and messages in it.

As I was typing this I realized there are more happy memories than I first thought. I am sure I forgot something but I guess I will save that for another time. All in all I am ready to leave 2009 behind and see what 2010 has in store for us. It may bring more sad memories but some of the best memories could be coming in 2010. Wishing you all a Happy 2010 with God, your family and friends at your side.

The last 2 weeks...

have been crazy in the Roach household to say the least. Let me fill you in. I am going to use phrases and dates to make it easier for me to write since so much has gone on.

Sunday, November 1
- 4:00pm went to Buffalo Wild Wings to watch part of the Viking-Green Bay game
- Got home around 6:00pm
- 7:00pm Dustin starts to feel sick

Monday, November 2
- Dustin wakes up very ill, he goes to the doctors and finds out he has swine flu

Tuesday, November 3
- Stephanie wakes up achy but goes to work. Within 45 minutes of being there she is sick so she goes to the nurse. The nurse sends her home.
- 11:45 Stephanie goes to the doctor's and is much sicker, can barely move, fever and a lot of breathing difficulties; swine flu and pneumonia

Wednesday, November 4
- Stephanie is so sick she cannot move or talk. She is very achy but cannot catch her breathe even if she only rolls over in bed. Thank God Dustin is feeling a little better because Stephanie is prescribed a nebulizer and someone had to go pick up the medicine. Dustin is also able to meet the man bringing the nebulizer and learn how to use it.

Thursday, November 5
- Dustin returns to work even though he is not 100%.
- Stephanie still very sick.

Friday, November 6
- Dustin works.
- Stephanie is still very sick.

Saturday, November 7
- Dustin is feeling well.
- Stephanie still in bed all day.

Sunday, November 8
- A lazy day watching football. Stephanie is able to get out of bed and do a few chores.
- 10:45pm Stephanie is in bed trying to get some sleep because she needs to go to work the next day. Dustin calls her down and tells her his left side and arm are numb. He also has tingling in his neck and jaw. Stephanie tells him he needs to go to the hospital because it sounds like a heart attack. Dustin refuses.
- 11:15pm Dustin calls Stephanie downstairs again. He says he is having chest pains. Stephanie tries to get him to go to ER, he refuses. They argue and she goes back to bed but can't sleep because she is worried.
- 11:45pm Dustin calls Stephanie back down. He is at the bottom of the stairs on his knees holding his chest. He calls Mike (the Chief at the fire department, a friend and an EMT). Mike tells Dustin he needs to call 911. Dustin gets off the phone and tells Stephanie Mike said he needs to go to the hospital (doesn't mention ambulance even though that is what Stephanie was thinking. She listened to him because he was so nasty. Never again...she will call 911.)
- The ride to the Auburn ER was terrible. Dustin was yelling at Stephanie for how fast she was driving and for stopping at red lights then going through them. Alternating from yelling he is saying he is having a heart attack.

Monday, November 9
- 12:10am We arrived at the hospital. They immediately take Dustin in, hook him up to EKG (one of his fellow firemen was working the EKG machine), put 2 IVs in him and other machines. The give him nitroglycerin and some other pills. His chest pains start to subside.
- 12:30am The ER doctor says Dustin is going to Upstate Hospital in Syracuse because they think he had a heart attack. He will go by ambulance; lights and siren. The plan is for Dustin to have a heart cath as soon as he arrives in Syracuse.
- 12:50am TLC takes Dustin.
- 2:00am Stephanie arrives at Upstate with Dustin's Mom. They are greeted by the doctor called in. He said the EKG and echo-cardiogram doesn't show anything wrong with Dustin's heart so they are not going to do the cath. However, he is being admitted. They believe he might have fluid around his heart from the flu.
- 6:00am The first set of blood work comes back. There is high level of an enzyme that signifies damage to the heart. If it continues to increase a cath will need to be done.
- 8:00am The doctor comes to see Dustin. They decision is made, a cath will be done. They estimate it will be done at 11 or a little after.
- 10:30am Dustin is headed to the cath lab. His second set of blood work comes back with an increase in the enzyme signifying something damaged his heart. They say that is everything is fine the cath should take about 45 minutes. However, if they are going to repair something it will take more like 1 1/2 hours.
- 11:35am Dustin and Stephanie's friend, Jen arrives at the hospital. In her heart Stephanie knows the cath has taken too long and there is something wrong but her head won't believe it.
- 11:50am The doctor comes out. He bluntly states that Dustin had a heart attack last night. Stephanie loses it, hyperventilating and sobbing. The doctor does not have very good bedside manners. He told her she needs to concentrate and listen, not giving her any time to compose herself. Thank God for Jen who helps Stephanie calm down.
- Noon Dustin comes out of the cath, looks drained and just keeps saying "I had a heart attack".
- The rest of the day is fairly uneventful compared to the last 12 hours. Stephanie has to leave at 8pm because of state laws regarding spread of H1N1. At 8:20 she leaves a sobbing mess. Her parents are still there so they go out to dinner. Jen is spending the night with her so she doesn't have to be alone.
- 11:45pm Stephanie finally gets to bed for the first time since Sunday morning.

Tuesday, November 10
- 5:15am Stephanie is up. Jen and Stephanie clean the house and prepare a bed for Dustin.
- 9:00am Stephanie arrives at the hospital.
- 10:15am Dustin is released. On the way home they stop to get his prescriptions and some healthy food.
- 12:15pm Finally home but it was very rough and emotional for Dustin. They both settle in for a nap.

Wednesday, November 11
- Another emotional day. Stephanie is feeling sick again but Dustin is doing well physically.

Thursday, November 12
- Stephanie tries to go to work but goes home because she is so sick. Dustin is doing ok. Keith comes to spend a few hours with him.

Friday, November 13
- Stephanie goes to the doctor. She has bronchitis deep in her lungs and is put on prednisone. Dustin spends part of the day with Keith.
- 9:45pm Stephanie is at Auburn Hospital for her sleep study.

Saturday, November 14
- 5:40am Stephanie returns home from her sleep study (she is told she snores like a truck driver :D )and goes back to bed. She sleeps late, goes and gets groceries then takes a nap. Dustin and Stephanie spend the evening together. Dustin is feeling better physically and emotionally although his emotions come out every once in a while.

Sunday, November 15
- Stephanie continues to feel better. Her parents and brother come for lunch. Dustin goes to hang out with one of his friends.

The last 2 weeks have been insane, especially Dustin's heart attack. Nobody ever would have guessed that he would have one at the age of 30 and appearing to be healthy. We did find out today that his Grandfather does of a heart attack at 40 and his Grandma's brother died of a heart attack at 21.

I am so thankful that God has carried us through the last 2 weeks. We wouldn't have made it through without Him. I am thankful he spared Dustin and is allowing him more time on earth. I am thankful for all my friends and family that rallied around us, prayed for us and helped us through. Cherish each moment you have with your family and friends. Don't take anything for granted. Life is short. Love God and praise Him for all the blessings he has given you!

Edward Hugh Lundgren

This past weekend I attended the memorial service of my Uncle. His name was Eddie. I knew him my entire life.

He was born on August 10, 1968. He went to live with my Grandparents, Hugh and Marie Lundgren when he was 5 weeks old. He was adopted by my Grandparents. Eddie lived his life with cerebral palsy. He enjoyed many things during his all too short, 40 years in this earth. He enjoyed Boxcar Willie, playing the guitar and the harmonica, Nascar and many other things. He enjoyed listening to medical books on the computer and learned a great deal about his disability. He laughed, as others described, from the tip of his toes to the top of his head. He was very intelligent. About 6-7 years ago he moved to Williamsport, Pennsylvania to make a life by himself. Up until that point he had lived with my Grandma. He learned the city and got around well thanks to his motorized wheelchair. About 6 months ago he made the decision to move back to Corning. On April 14 he passed away only a few months before his 41st birthday. He had a reunion with the parents that loved him unconditionally even though they were not blood related. Love overcomes blood.

The following excerpt from Hallelujah Square written by Ray Overholt was in the bulletin from Eddie's funeral:

"Now I saw a cripple dragging his feet,
He couldn't walk like we do down the street,
I said, "My friend, I feel sorry for you."
But he said, "Up in heaven I am going to walk just like you."
"I'll see all my friends in Hallelujah Square,
What a wonderful time we'll have up there.
We'll sing and praise Jesus His glory to share
And you will not see one cripple in Hallelujah Sqaure."

Eddie...I hope you are enjoying your new legs and the celebration with the parents you were so close to and missed do much.

One Life to Love by 33 Miles

A great reminder for all of us...

One Life to Love by 33 Miles

He never thought he cared so much about the minute hand
Until he started praying for, a second chance
If he could only do it all again
He'd trade the long nights that he spent behind his desk
For all he missed

He tells his wife, "I wish that this moment in this room was not me dying, but just spending a little time with you."

You only get just one time around
You only get one shot at this
One chance, to find out
The one thing that you don't wanna miss
One day when it's all said and done
I hope you see that it was enough, this
One ride, one try, one life...
To love....

She never thought she cared so much about those little hands
That held on tight the day she left
Til she was scared to death
Sitting all alone on a hotel bed, the end of the road
The sun had set on her big plans
To feel young again

She picks up the phone, dials the number, hears that little voice
That's haunted every single mile, since she made that choice

You only get just one time around
You only get one shot at this
One chance, to find out
The one thing that you don't wanna miss
One day when it's all said and done
I hope you see that it was enough, this
One ride, one try, one life...
To love............

You only get just one time around
Only get one shot at this
One chance, to find out
The one thing that you don't wanna miss
One day when it's all said and done
I hope you see that it was enough, this
One ride, one try, one life........
One ride, one try, one life........
To love....
To love....

My Bucket List

1. Be a Mom
2. Travel to Germany
3. Travel to the Western side of the United States
4. Take a cruise to Alaska
5. Lose weight and keep it off
6. Live in the country where I have no neighbors
7. Run a race...any "real" race
8. Read the Bible in a year


I guess that is it, for now at least. I thought it would be longer. Is that because I am happy with life? Is it because I am a simple person? Is it because I have experienced a lot in life already? Who knows? I am sure the people that really know me can answer that question better than I.

Life goes on, Stephanie, life goes on

A wise woman use to say to me often, Life goes on, Stephanie, life goes on. Who was that wise woman? My Grandma Semple. No matter what the problem she or I had she would say life goes on. Life truly does go on. However, there are those trying times when it seems life won't go on. The night we lost my Grandma Lundgren or Semple I could not even imagine life going on but it did. We had another loss in the family yesterday. My adopted Uncle Eddie passed away. So young but gone in an instant. Why does life go on? How do we get through the tough times, the times we don't think we can get through...let me tell you...God. I cannot imagine how unbelievers get through these times. The same wise woman who use to say life goes on also use to say another phrase...but by God.

Back by popular demand :D

Not really but I know I have not posted in a long time. I have thought of so many things to post but haven't done it. Thanks, Aunt Linda, for motivating me to get back into it. Love you!

So sad

My Grandma passed away last night. She was 83. On March 15 she would have been 84. I was close to Grandma. I talked to her 1-2 times each week and always on Monday evening around 7:00. She was one of my best friends. She listened, gave great advice and never judged. Although I knew we would not have her for another 15-20 years I did not think she would go Home this soon. Heaven gained an angel but I lost a Grandma and a best friend.

This is a picture of my Grandma and Grandpa in May 2007. It is one of my favorites.

Christmas 2008

I love Christmas! What do I love most about Christmas? Family!!! I love my family. I love that we are close. I love that we get along. Christmas is the day Jesus was born which makes it very special. Family adds to it. This year we were blessed to be back at the home I ate Christmas breakfast at for years and years. We did not have Christmas breakfast there in 2006 or 2007. Instead, we had family at my parents' house. That was nice but not the same. The home was my Grandma Lundgren's home. She passed away in November 2006. Her house was purchased and remodeled by my cousin, Tara. This year she continued the tradition of having breakfast there. We had the same menu and it was a wonderful morning. Dustin, my Mom, Dad, brother, uncle, aunt, cousin, her daughter and boyfriend, my other cousin, her husband and their two kids were there. It was a wonderful time of food, family and laughter. We also went to my Grandparents house for lunch. We have done this as long as I can remember. Dustin, my mom, dad, brother, uncle, grandma and grandpa were there. Again, food, family and laughter. We were also able to spend time with my Aunt Linda and Uncle Harold, Aunt Shirley and Uncle Harry, Aunt Karen, Uncle David and their family, also my Aunt Jean. The day after Christmas we spent with my mother-in-law, Diana, my father-in-law, Darrel, my sister-in-law, Dawna, her boyfriend Erik and my niece, Alaina. I am so thankful for this Christmas. I don't know what the next year will bring but I am glad I will have the memory of this Christmas to hold in my heart forever.

I saw on another blog Christmas favorites so I thought I would post some of mine.

Movie...It's a Wonderful Life

Tradition...spending the day with family, hearing the Christmas story read

Food...creamed potatoes my Grandma Lundgren made for years and years, now my Aunt or I does the honor

Lights...all one color, white, blue or green

Ornament...the ones my Mom and Dad have given me...they all have meaning

Memory...times with family

I hope you all felt blessed this Christmas season because we truly are. I know life is not perfect but remember if God brought you to it he will bring you through it!

My New Phone

It might be pathetic when a blogger turns to talking about her new phone but hey, I am in love with my new phone so I wanted to share. This is in no way a plug for Verizon or LG. :)

I got the EnV2 on Wednesday and I can barely make myself put it down! In case you don't know what it looks like, here is a picture.

I know, I know, it is beautiful! What a piece of craftsmanship! ;)

So in honor of the new phone, who I just might name (seriously, hey I am 32 have no kids and I kiss my dog on the mouth, I can name my phone!), I will be having Tales of the New Phone throughout the next few days...or maybe longer.

Sick and Rambling

Of course, wouldn't you know it...I am sick. I have 15 days left until my surgery and I am sick! Of course sickness comes at the most inconvenient of times...when you have a ton of things you need to do. Instead of worrying about not getting things done, I am resting so I get better quicker. All too often in the past I have pushed myself and gotten bronchitis. I certainly don't want it now! I have also decided not to stress...what happens if I don't get everything done? I will survive and I will make due. I am sure my Mom will be more than happy to wrap her Christmas gifts when she comes to stay with me after surgery :D Just kidding, hers will be done.

Speaking of Christmas...there is only 26 days left so if you haven't even thought about it you had better get going. Remember, time goes faster the older you get and you are a year old than you were last year! :D

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Check out my new...

counter. I saw a counter in another blog and thought it would be cool to have one. Of course, it could be very depressing too...seeing that I am really writing for not very many people. :D Oh well, as long as someone reads it besides me!

Nothing New

I have not posted in so long. Why, you ask? Because there really is not much to post about.

As you can tell there is 22 days left until my breast reduction. I am excited yet nervous. I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow to get cleared for surgery. On Tuesday I have an appointment with my plastic surgeon on Ithaca. I am looking forward to this appointment because I know it will give me a lot more information. On December 3 I have an appointment at the hospital for pre-admissions stuff. December 15 is the big day.

Dustin and I are hosting Thanksgiving. This will be out third year having Thanksgiving here. I am looking forward to it but wish I had more than me, myself and I to get the house and food ready. Oh well, at least it helps me get the house cleaned, one less thing I need to do before surgery.

We have had a ton of snow for November, well at least I think. Total we have probably had a foot of snow. However, now there is probably only 6 inches or less on the ground. The sun has been out and has melted a lot of it. Supposedly we are suppose to have more Monday night into Tuesday. I don't really know.

I guess that is it...as I said, really nothing new, just some rambling. :)

My quick change act

I went to a wedding on Saturday. After the wedding I got in my Jeep and decided to take a drink of the pumpkin cappuccino in there from earlier that day (I love cold coffee and cappuccino). Well as I tipped the cup back I felt something cold run down the front of me. Yep, you guessed it, PUMPKIN CAPPUCCINO! Boy was I mad, it was on my pants, shirt and the seat. Thank goodness I was only about 12 minutes from home because I was able to get home, change and get to the reception before the bride and groom!

Made in the USA: Spoiled Brats

This article is old but still very relevant.

Made in the USA: Spoiled brats
Posted: November 20, 20061:00 am Eastern
By Craig R. Smith© 2008

The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The same magazine that employs Michael (Qurans in the toilets at Gitmo) Isikoff. Here I promised myself this week I would be nice and I start off in this way. Oh what a mean man I am.
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3s of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.
So being the knuckle dragger I am, I starting thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?''
Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all involved. Whether you are rich or poor they treat your wounds and even, if necessary, send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home, you may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of having a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes; an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.
Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells. Just ask why they are going to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book and do a TV special about how he didn't kill his wife but if he did … insane!
Stop buying the negative venom you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.
I close with one of my favorite quotes from B.C. Forbes in 1953:
''What have Americans to be thankful for? More than any other people on the earth, we enjoy complete religious freedom, political freedom, social freedom. Our liberties are sacredly safeguarded by the Constitution of the United States, 'the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man.' Yes, we Americans of today have been bequeathed a noble heritage. Let us pray that we may hand it down unsullied to our children and theirs.''
I suggest this Thanksgiving we sit back and count our blessings for all we have. If we don't, what we have will be taken away. Then we will have to explain to future generations why we squandered such blessing and abundance. If we are not careful this generation will be known as the ''greediest and most ungrateful generation.'' A far cry from the proud Americans of the ''greatest generation'' who left us an untarnished legacy.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=53028

The only thing I have to say right now is...

GO VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Rough Weekend for BOCES

Wow, I went to work today to find out about 4 incidents that happened to people associated with the BOCES I work at.

#1 - Steve, who graduated from BOCES 2 years ago was killed in the car accident. He was also a volunteer fireman with Dustin.

#2 - Heather, a current student, was in an accident and was life flighted to a Syracuse hospital. She has head injuries, broken bones in her back and a few other things. She is currently in critical condition.

#3 - A former teacher from BOCES passed away.

#4 - Chris (55), a former secretary at BOCES, died in her sleep.

I guess it is another reminder that we never know what tomorrow brings, or even what the next hour brings. God takes loved one when He is ready for them. Make today count. Help someone. Let someone know you love them. Write that letter or email you have been putting off. Treasure what you have because you don't know how long you will have it.

I want to thank all of you regular readers. You have all been a great source of encouragement to me. You are all a very important part of my life! I love you all!

Please pray for The injured girl and the families of all of the mentioned.

Fort Stanwix National Monument

After we left the campsite on Monday we stopped in Rome, NY at Fort Stanwix National Monument. I love US History so this was more my idea but Dustin obliged me. I learned about the history and really enjoyed visiting it. I would love to go to the reenactment either Novebmer 8 or 9 but I am not sure Dustin is into that. I guess I need to find someone who would enjoy it as much as I would. Here are some pictures.

Pictures from Delta Lake

We are back. We did not want to come back because we had a great time and we did not want it to end. But all good things must end...eventually. Here are some pictures from our weekend.

Our campsite


The view of the lake from our campsite


Dustin sleeping in.


Dustin and Augge


From my kayak...if you look carefully you can see a crane in flight. At one point I was close enough to see his throat ripple when he was eating.


Dustin and Augge playing fetch.


Part of our kayaking trip.


Augge and Myself


Sunset from the woods when we were hiking


Sunset from the shore


Foliage


Augge swimming


Augge after swimming


Moon and foliage (a little blurry because it was getting dark and I had to use a special setting)


Augge exhausted from our trip

Please check this out!

Please read "You Decide..." a post in one of my friends' blogs. It is a post for those who cannot speak for themselves. It is a very important and thought provoking post. Read and share it with others! Lets get the word out!

http://sixdayswithtyler.blogspot.com/2008/10/womens-rights-really.html