I Took Nike (my grandson) To The "Walking With Dinosaurs"

At this time Nike was a not quite 2 months from being 5 years old. On January 8th. 2009 the awesome show "Walking With Dinosaurs- The Arena Spectacular Show" was at the Idaho Center here in Nampa, Idaho. My husband had bought tickets for this show for Nike and I. This was our birthday present for our little guy! The NEATEST THING EVER!
I had Amanda Rae (my youngest daughter) ride over with me. Nike has never gone anywhere with me before. I knew that it would be easier for him if she was with me. When I picked her up a light came on my dash (my thoughts was CRAP now what). Off to Boise we went to get Nike.
When we got there, we loaded Nike and his seat into my car and a way we went. Nike and I were just so excited.
BUT......at the first light we got to....a couple of blocks from my sons place, and yes, with cars behind me....MY CAR DIED! OMG
I started to cry. This was a dream come true that just turned into a nightmare! NO! This couldn't be happening. There was a lady behind me and a gentleman behind her. They jumped out of their cars to help push me out of the middle of the road.
They lady gave a Amanda a ride back to Jeremy's house. I was still crying like crazy when my daughter-in-law came to pick Nike and I up. Dreams shattered into billions of pieces. On our way back to the house we past Jeremy and Amanda on their way to get us. So we pulled over and they had pulled in to the same parking lot as us.
Then I hear the story how my son (bless his soul) had farted in the car and wouldn't let Amanda roll her window down. Poor girl she was dying in there.
But.....my son...I Love My Son, took Nike and I to the Idaho Center and dropped us off.
Nike and I was just in ahhhhhhhhhh with the whole show. When the Dino's roared the building shook. The long necks were the nearest of all they were all life size and so real to life. The show was amazing. Nike got scared a couple of times when there was such a roar Nike would be up in my lap but he Loved Every Minute of this show. Together we made a memory that will last our life times!

Poem I Wrote For My Dearest Uncle Corky (Cortez Pike)

Life has handed me some rotten roads....
But...Uncle Corky, you have given me so many beautiful cross roads....
Life has handed me roses with many thorns....
But... Uncle Corky, every rose you have given me has no thorns....
Life has given me rivers that could not be crossed without drowning....
But... Uncle Corky, you've built me bridges so that I can go over them safely....
Life for me has but one angel.... she is my mom....
But... Uncle Corky, You are My Hero....
Life has given to me Love....
Uncle Corky that Love is You!

Rewards Of A Job... That I Love So Well

I work for Southside Floral in Nampa, Idaho. I'm the one who drives to peoples homes to deliver to them flowers, fruit baskets or what ever was sent to them. I have worked here since the end of March of 2009...wow, almost a year now!
Last summer, there was a delivery in Middleton, Idaho that I remember so well. This house was huge and sitting on the highest hill around in that area. You can see for miles and miles. Absolutely beautiful.
Friday (January 29th. 2010), Tammy (one of our designers) took a call while I was out in Middleton delivering. This call was from the lady on the hill. The lady told Tammy that this was the day of her sister's birthday who had died last summer. This sister was the reason why I had gone there in the first place. A sympathy delivery.
The lady on the hill loved the flowers she got back then, that they lasted a very long time. She wanted to send flowers now to her 2 sisters and her mom because it was her sister that had past, birthday. She was crying while talking to Tammy.
The lady on the hill then asked if the lady that delivered to her this past summer still worked for Southside Floral. Yes! Tammy told her. This lady then told Tammy that it was me that she wanted to deliver these deliveries. She absolutely loved me! Tammy also made a delivery for the lady on the hill...So I deliver to her too! She gave me a huge hug. Not only did I make her day...she made mine! I REALLY LOVE MY JOB!

NIKE TOOK 2nd. PLACE IN THE WASHINGTON SPEED SKATING RACES'....I'm A Proud Grandma!

Here is the photo finish that was taken in Auburn, Washington when my Grandson, Nike rolled into 2nd place. He was so close to taking 1st place. This was his very first Speed Skating race Ever!!! Nike is 5 years old, this little boy is amazing on skates and only has been skating for a year and a half... not to forget to mention he broke his leg in September. This little boy will be going to the Olympics someday!!!

IN LOVING MEMORY OF "Annie" Waltman....My Best Friend Forever!

I've known Annie seems like all my life! But it was not long before my son, Jeremy was born. We spend all theses years as the BEST of friends.
Before Christmas of 2006 Annie disappeared off the face of the earth to reappear in January of 2007. But I never saw her until February. Unknown to me until much later that she had returned home with bruises to her head until things started happening. She always told me of everything until now! We were the BEST OF SISTERS. I was so much closer to her than I ever was to my real sisters Debbie and Lillian, but I am this close with my dear sister Patty.
Anyhow....Annie started having seizures. The more time past, the worst they got and the more they came.
At the time even though she was having them, I didn't know that she didn't have a clue that she was having these seizures. I even spent much time with her talking about all this. Later I learned, all she knew is she would find herself laying on the floor. She'd all of a sudden be wearing her coffee her food etc. but didn't understand why. I didn't know that she didn't understand she was having these seizures. In March I tried to convince her it was doctor time. She kept denying that she was broken. But I knew and I wanted her fixed. It broke my heart. Finally I just made an appointment for her with my doctor (I paid every cent of these visits). Dr Penny, she was great. Dr. Penny knew what Annie meant to me. She started running all kinds of test, blood work etc.... One of the things Annie was lacking was Vitamin D. So I was taking Annie in every single day for a Vitamin D shot. She was getting a little better.
In May I was going over to see her every day. I took her these special drinks to her that I was buying her at Wal-Mart (I can't remember what it's called...My Ginkgo Biloba doesn't work that far back I guess LOL!)
Annie's boyfriend Lynn, of 10 years could get Annie to eat much. She was still having many seizures she was loosing weight, so these drinks helped a little. Dr Penny even set Annie up with a MRI at Mercy Hospital, Annie's seizures were getting worse. I stayed right by her side through it all. They put this thing on her head in hopes she could remain very still. But her seizures wouldn't stop, the MRI was cancelled. Dr. Penny, bless her heart, the MRI was on her. So we had to come up with money for a visit to a place that had a special machine $175.00. It is now May and still not a clue of what is happening to my BEST, BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD. I got the money together for this special test that was set up for the week and a half after Mother's Day.
The Thursday before Mother's Day I went to check on Annie, and tell Lynn that the next day (which was Friday) she had to go to Dr. Penny for her last Vitamin D shot. He promised to take her in.
She was up playing on the computer and seemed like all of a sudden she was much better that day. I was excited. My husband and I left for Twin Falls, to visit with
some friends for the weekend.
We returned home on Mothers Day. I went to see how Annie was doing as soon as we hit the driveway. I was horrified of what I found!
Lynn was sound asleep next to Annie as she laid there in a constant seizure, foaming at the mouth in a coma. I woke his ass up and told him was to get her dressed immediately so I can take her to the Emergency Room at St Luke's in Meridian. I ran home to tell my husband what I found, (I only lived 3 blocks from Annie) I called St Luke's told them I was coming and told them that they couldn't put Annie in a wheel chair. They didn't listen to me either. They wanted to send a ambulance but I knew that would be too late! I immediately got back, Lynn was waiting outside with Annie's Lifeless body and put her in my car, I was so mad at him at this point!!!! As soon as I got to the hospital they were waiting with a wheelchair...I told the guy that there was no way a wheel chair would work. He told me different. He took her out of the car tried to put her in the wheel chair and couldn't, she was in constant seizures and stiff as a board!!! He jumped in my car and drove her to a different door and ran her in himself.
MY friend, my friend, my friend....what was happening this isn't happening to my best friend, my sister, my buddy, my world. Annie...Annie. They stuck her in an Ambulance and off to Boise, fast we went. I was following in my car, flashers on speeding in hopes she would make it that far. She did. I called her sister, and they tried to blame me. But later they realized it was because of me that she didn't die sooner. But they blocked me from seeing her just family they said. My heart was broken in million of peices. They day she died I was allowed to go see her. I send several hours with her. I whispered to her, that it is okay go, she didn't need to suffer any more, that I will always love her.
That evening at 9:00 on June 29th I was at home sitting on my my front porch no wind at all, beautiful sunset I looked into the sunset and said "Annie are you okay?" and then there was a breeze and a chill on my skin and I knew that it was her telling me she was okay. She died at 3 minutes after nine. Every day I miss my best friend I LOVE YOU ALWAYS!!!!

NIKE TOOK 2nd. PLACE IN THE WASHINGTON SPEED SKATING RACES'....I'm A Proud Grandma!

I'm so EXCITED for my Grand-son "NIKE", My Son "JEREMY and my Daughter-In-Law STEVANIE....NIKE GOT 2nd. PLACE in his first SPEED SKATE...RACE in Washington State. We are all glowing for you NIKE! CONGRADULATIONS NIKE. GRAND MA IS SO PROUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am SOOOOOOO PROUD OF MY SON (Jeremy) AND MY GRANDSON (Nike) who is only 5 years old..........

My Dear, Dear Friend Glena

Just want to say Thank You, for today....
Just want to say Thank You, for giving me songs....
Just want to say Thank You, for yesterday....
Just want to say Thank You, for tomorrow....
Just want to say Thank You, for being you....
Just want to say THANK YOU, My Dear, Dear Friend!

Today I'm Happy....Everyday I"m Happy....

I have endured some pretty rough roads through out my life. Just about every single job I have ever worked someone or more has asked "Are you always this happy?" My thoughts are... Why Not?
I grew up in my childhood getting beat by my dad so much that Welfare threatened to take me away from my family, I was 15 years old. I swear everywhere we ever lived was a willow tree. My dad had this process for me (just last year I found out why) but this was not with my sister Debbie. She got away with murder...SHE WAS DADDY's LITTLE GIRL! She had him wrapped around her pinkie.
Anyway back to the willow tree. When my dad wanted to beat me, I had to go out and cut my own willow switch. This switch had to have the right withe and the right length. If it wasn't, right back out I had to go! Then I had to soak it in the bath tub for 10 minutes in hot salt water. Take the switch out into the living room where my dad waited patiently. My job, then was to bend over with out a single word, grab my ankles. Then 3 slashes (never more, never less) but they were the hardest that he could give. My poor mama couldn't help me cause if she said a single word he'd beat the crap out of her. And I didn't want her to say a word either. We, both would be scared. His idea was that I would think about whatever I had done through out this process that I wouldn't do it ever again. The thing is sometimes I didn't do anything.
It was a school policy that girls had to wear dresses or skirts, no higher than the knees. Apparently... My dad hit me below the knee. Someone from the school made a phone call. That's when Welfare people came to the school, talked to my teacher's, etc. and me. Then they went to the Weippe Library where my mom worked.Told my mom what has to be done. Get me out of that house or they would take me out themselves.
But oddly as it seems, I Love My Dad. I couldn't hurt him this way...Why? I have no clue. But, I hated him, too. The main reason was the way he had beat my mom all these years. It wasn't all the time you see. But when he did they were bad! It's because of her beatings that I hated him the most. I would rather that he beat on me... NOT MY MOM!!!
This was when my mom and I had to come up with a plan. I had been dating Frank Joiner since I was 14 years old. I Love Him... I married him when I was 16 in 1973. But my mom was still there. A year later he beat my mom one last time. She left and never returned!
My life will never be saddened again. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE LIFE TO IT'S FULLEST!!!!!

A Call That Makes My Day

At 8:30am. this morning the phone rang. The caller ID read "Terry Anderson". First thought is what has happened?
My dear, dearest brother, Terry just decided to give me a call and talk a while. WOW...my day will be the BEST. Thank You "Terry", to recieve a call from you will ALWAYS BRING SUNSHINE EVEN ON A RAINY DAY!!!!
To have a brother as you is the BEST GIFT I've EVER HAVE!!!
And Thank You, my DEAREST Sis-in-law, "MIDGE" for giving Terry that moon as you headed to the bathroom. That was fun. I MISS and LOVE YOU ALL SO, SO VERY MUCH!

The Things That Are Wrong In My Dad's Obituary

The 1st. thing that comes to mind in writing an obituary, get the facts right! Who ever wrote dad's didn't.
Dad only went to the 4th. grade in Little Rock, Arkansas. That was the end of his schooling. He never went to High School in Washington, either!
Dad had 2 wives before ever moving to Idaho after he was out of the Military. They all lived in Washington. He didn't move to Idaho until 1956 after he was dating my mom. Never married until after I was born in 1957. Some of his children weren't mention and this isn't right. So I'm making it right now with this blog!
Children not mentioned is Terry Dean Anderson (his adopted name) and Stephen (Steve) Leroy Anderson (his adopted name) and Danny and Donny (Twins) they were his by marriage not by his blood. They use to carry the Kannada name when they were little. That is why I found adoption papers in dads file box for them along with the others! They are now Riedels. I LOVE THEM ALL! They deserve to be known just as much as the ones who lived with him!!!! THEY WILL ALWAYS BE PART OF MY FAMILY EVEN AFTER DEATH!!!
I LOVE YOU GUYS!

Clearwater County, Idaho Obituary of My Dad: Leroy Kannada

Leroy Kannada, 79
Leroy Kannada of White Bird died Monday, July 7 at St. Mary's Hospital in Cottonwood. Leroy was born Jan. 4, 1924 at Little Rock, Ark. He started school in Arkansas and then the family moved to Wenatchee, Wash., where he graduated from high school. After high school he served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII as a pilot flying B-24 bombers. Following his discharge he moved to Idaho, where he worked as a heavy equipment operator and logger in the Weippe, Pierce and White Bird areas. He married Bonnie Brumley Oct. 9, 1992. He retired in 1999. Leroy enjoyed fishing, hunting and doing mechanics. Survivors include his wife Bonnie at the family home; daughters Debbie Haskins of Cascade, Lillian Scott of Caldwell, Toni Campbell of Clear Lake, Calif. and Patty Hosman of Des Moines, IA; stepsons John Brumley of Coeur d'Alene, Nathan Brumley of Meridian and Bonner Brumley of White Bird; 11 grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; a brother William Tidmore of Oklahoma and three sisters, Lillian Hatcher of Okla., Cortez Pike and Lavada McCarthy, both of Wash. A graveside inurnment service will be held Friday, July 11 at the White Bird Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home of Grangeville.

"Poem To Mom" ....That I Got In My Email, Pretty Good If You Ask Me!

Poem to MOM

My son came home from school one day,
With a smirk upon his face.
He decided he was smart enough,
To put me in my place.

'Guess what I learned in Civics Two,
that's taught by Mr. Wright?
It's all about the laws today,
The 'Children's Bill of Rights.'

It says I need not clean my room,
Don't have to cut my hair
No one can tell me what to think,
Or speak, or what to wear.

I have freedom from religion,
And regardless what you say,
I don't have to bow my head,
And I sure don't have to pray.

I can wear earrings if I want,
And pierce my tongue & nose.
I can read & watch just what I like,
Get tattoos from head to toe.

And if you ever spank me,
I'll charge you with a crime.
I'll back up all my charges,
With the marks on my behind.

Don't you ever touch me,
My body's only for my use,
Not for your hugs and kisses,
that's just more child abuse.

Don't preach about your morals,
Like your Mama did to you.
That's nothing more than mind control,
And it's illegal too!

Mom, I have these children's rights,
So you can't influence me,
Or I'll call Children's Services Division,
Better known as C.S.D.'

Mom's Reply and Thoughts

Of course my first instinct was
To toss him out the door.
But the chance to teach him a lesson
Made me think a little more.

I mulled it over carefully,
I couldn't let this go.
A smile crept upon my face,
he's messing with a pro.

Next day I took him shopping
At the local Goodwill Store..
I told him, 'Pick out all you want,
there's shirts & pants galore.

I've called and checked with C.S.D .
Who said they didn't care
If I bought you K-Mart shoes
Instead of those Nike Airs.

I've canceled that appointment
To take your driver's test.
The C.S.D. Is unconcerned
So I'll decide what's best. '

I said 'No time to stop and eat,
Or pick up stuff to munch.
And tomorrow you can start to learn
To make your own sack lunch.

Just save the raging appetite,
And wait till dinner time.
We're having liver and onions,
A favorite dish of mine.'

He asked 'Can I please rent a movie,
To watch on my VCR?'
'Sorry, but I sold your TV,
For new tires on my car.
I also rented out your room,
You'll take the couch instead.
The C .S.D. Requires
Just a roof over your head.

Your clothing won't be trendy now,
I'll choose what we eat.
That allowance that you used to get,
Will buy me something neat.

I'm selling off your jet ski,
Dirt-bike & roller blades.
Check out the 'Parents Bill of Rights',
It's in effect today!

Hey hot shot, are you crying,
Why are you on your knees?
Are you asking God to help you out,
Instead of C.S.D..?'

MOM (Mean Old Mother.)

How A Mistake Of A Phone Call Brought the Police To Our Front Door Today!

I was sitting here playing with my farmville on FaceBook. There was a loud knock on the front door. Nobody that we know ever knocks on the door, they use the door bell.
I looked out the window expecting to see a car. No car or cars in the driveway.
My husband had been on the phone for the past little while trying to get info on his new Health Insurance that he now has.
I got up and opened my front door. Wow......3 Police Officer's standing there. Immediately...my heart went into fear. That's my biggest fear is someday an Officer will come to my door with bad news of one of my children.
One of the Officers asked if our address was "2620", I said "Yes". Then he asked if "Gerald Wright was home", immediately...fear that something happened to one of his kids! I may not of given them birth...but they are mine, too!
I invited these Officers in.
That same Officer then asked "Has someone used this phone in the last 10 to 12 minutes?" I thought to myself, that no one has been here a borrowed our phone. Only my husband had been on it.
To my surprise, my husband started apologizing. He got out his card and showed the Officer that he started dialing what he thought was the phone number for his Health Insurance. Once he dialed the 911 he hung up immediately, realizing that couldn't be right. He thought he hung up in time. BUT...with in 5 minutes after he had made that mistake, we had 3 Officers standing in my living room. Then when I looked towards the front door, we had a 4th. Officer. It's a GOOD FEELING to know that even though it was a mistake they will be at our front door in full force in 5 minutes if that day ever comes. By the time they left, they were all laughing at the mistake of a members number. My poor handsome husband............Gotta Love Him! And I DO!

Amanda Rae, My Little One Is A "Idaho Miracle Baby", The 6th. One Born Under Water In The State Of Idaho

My baby girl, "Amanda Rae" is my last baby born. We was living on Indiana Avenue, in Caldwell, Idaho in April of 1989.
Jeremy will turn 12 years old this year in June. Stephanie would turn 3 years old in December. So she was almost 2 and a half at this time.
I was living with a boy-friend, Joel (another story)(NO he was not Amanda's dad.) My nephew, Eric was also living at my place.
Just before Mid-night of April 22, 1989 I decided something was happening, I determined I was in LABOR. You see with every single one of my 3 babies, Jeremy was the only one that I had, mind you...just 1 contraction. Why was this like this for me? NOT A CLUE!
My son, Jeremy was exactly 2 weeks early to the day. Stephanie was exactly 2 weeks plus 1 day early. And my Amanda ended up being 1 day short of being 2 weeks early. And everyone of my babies came really fast. Dr. Carlson said I should move into the Birthing Center to be on the safe side. He was just joking.
Jeremy wanted to be there when this little baby was born too. And he was right there again through the whole thing to see his baby sister be born! These girls are the luckiest girls in the world to have Jeremy as their brother.
Dr. Carlson was out of town at this time. There was a replacement just in case I went early. That doctor didn't make it in time either. Mind you we had to go to Nampa where the New Birthing Center was. This baby was going to be born in a BATH TUB! Yes, it was new to the State of Idaho, "Water Birth".
My mom, oh my gosh, freaked out when she learned what I was going to do! She told me that it was too new to take that chance. But I was doing it anyway.
Nurse Hazel was there to meet me. Joel stayed home with Stephanie. Eric drove me and Jeremy there. He stayed in the waiting area. This is not a hospital. It was after mid-night, in the early, early morning of April 23, 1989.
Nurse Hazel helped me into the tub of nice warm water with jets. Ah... it was so nice and smoothing. She had called the replacement doctor, thinking there would be time for him to get there. This doctor didn't arrive until every thing was said and done. This beautiful Nurse Hazel was the one who delivered this baby. Under water...is the BEST!!!
Nurse hazel brought this new little girl into the world. Placed her on my chest. Finished doing the rest of the rest. Then she hand her to Jeremy. And again... his eyes sparkled and his face was aglow. Big brother and the best there was! This baby girl was the 6th. one in the State of Idaho born under water. The first 10 babies got a letter and a certificate from Idaho Governor Cecil Andrus. And those 10 babies also got plaques placed at the Idaho Capital Building with there names as being "Idaho Miracle Babies".
We had not come up with a name for this new little girl. We didn't know if she was going to be a girl or a boy. Jeremy never got a brother. But he is the best brother these 2 little girls could every have! I was so afraid that she couldn't come home yet, with out a name! But she did. We were back home by 6:00 that same morning. A new little girl with out a name. Searching for the prefect name was not easy. My sister stoled the names I had picked out years before, Brandi and Desirae.
My nephew, Eric is the one who named her....it was the PERFECT NAME.
She was 3 DAYS OLD WHEN SHE GOT HER NAME
"AMANDA RAE", MY LITTLE ONE.

When My Baby Girl, Stephanie Michele Was Born

On Thanksgiving of 1986, I bought a 1973 Plymouth Duster, dark green for $100.00. You sure can't find good deals like that any more. I loved this car. The back seats laid down. Like a hatch back. The heater didn't work in it, but the car ran like a champ!
On December 5th. Mark, a friend of mine said that after he closed his shop, I could bring my car in and blow out the heater core. It was a used car dealership. All I needed would be there.
I always did my own work on my cars. (There's a story for later) I took my heater core out. That was a little bit hard than normal and the reason being, I was 9 months pregnant. I got my biggest with this baby. By the time she was born I weighed150 lbs. This was the only time I ever weighed more than my sister, Debbie. Sorry, Debbie.
The heater core was so plugged up. I tried flushing it out, etc. I was working with an air hose, trying to blow it out.
At mid-night, my ex-husband, Mike and a dear friend Randy (R-bandy...he got that name when Jeremy was little, he couldn't say Randy). Anyway back to my story...they showed up at the shop on their motorcycles. They told me, I needed to take a break. So I got on the bike with Randy. We rode to his house cause they knew I wouldn't stop working and take a break if I stayed there. I needed the heater working before my baby was born.
Oh yeah...Jeremy is 9 years old at this time. No, he wasn't with me, little boys need to be in bed this time of night. NO, he wasn't home alone either. He had spent the night at his Uncle Tony and Aunt Debbie Berrelez's with his cousins.
About a half hour later they took me back to the shop. I was back with the air hose on the tubing of the heater core. Going from one tube to the other, back and forth. Someone said something to me, I had been bent over the core. I looked up just in time cause the core clog broke loose and hit the ceiling with a lot of force. Good thing I wasn't still leaning over it. Scared the day light out of all of us. Now, I had to put it back in and that's what I did.
I was home by 3:00am. and in bed, proud of myself, I got the job done all by myself! My back began to hurt. Thinking it was because I was bent over the core a lot. By 6:00this morning of December 6th. 1986, my back pain was so back. The only thing, I thought it could be...I'M IN LABOR!
Jeremy wanted to watch this baby be born. Dr. Carlson from the Birthing Center had it all worked out for this to happen. By 8:00 that morning I was in my car, got to Tony and Debbie's place to use their phone and tell Jeremy it's time to go. I kept calling a number (I thought was Carlson's home phone cause he wrote it on here. Didn't realize he wrote it on the front.) on the back of the business card I had for Dr. Carlson. The number on the back was actually my ex-husbands pager number. Then I realized that I had the wrong number. Dialed the right one. Dr Carlson answered.
Dr. Carlson said it still had two weeks before my due date but he would meet me at the Birthing Center as soon as he could get there. So off to the Birthing Center with my son, Jeremy. Yes I drove myself. The Birthing Center was in a little tiny house. Not a hospital! Jeremy is the only one that was born in a hospital. And that hospital is no more, tore down and rebuilt.
Dr. Carlson and Nurse Hazel had just arrived. Nurse Hazel was there for both of my baby girls birth. In fact, I have such FAST BIRTHS that the doctor didn't get there in time for Amanda's birth, Nurse Hazel delivered her by herself (that's another story next!)
Dr. Carlson checked me and said "Yes, we are about to have a baby!" Jeremy in the months before this decided he wanted a baby brother cause he has a half-sister "Stacy" that loved to tease him and he want a little brother instead of a sister, he's had enough of girls! LOL. He had asked me that if it was a girl... can we put it back and get him a brother? Not possible I told him Sorry!!
About 10:30 Dr. Carlson asked if I would like for him to break my water, my response was "Can you do that?" He said "Yes, and the baby would come faster". So he broke my water, shortly later around 11:00 and yes....Jeremy was right there to watch his new sister being born...he was the first to see her and he was the first one to hold this little girl, Yes... his new sister. First thing he said, "She's all wrinkly" with a smile on his face. I asked him, as he's holding her and smiling so big "Well, Jeremy she's a girl, do you still want to put her back?" He looked at me, with his loving brown eyes and said "We can keep her for now". I have the most amazing kids!
I drove myself here and I was going to drive myself home. Dr. Carlson wasn't caring for that idea but I was totally fine fine with it. By 1:00 that very afternoon my happy son and our new baby girl was on our way home and YES I drove us home. Nurse Hazel followed us home to make sure we was safe. She check on us daily.
I was the HAPPIEST MOMMY IN THE WORLD, I had the best of both worlds...My Son "Jeremy" and a baby Girl, Stephanie. I'm was a PROUD, PROUD MOM AND I STILL AM!!!!

How I Found Out That I Had A Sister and Brothers, That I Never Knew I Had!

My dad had a medal file box that us girls (my sister, Debbie and I) weren't allowed to get into. There are many stories that will be the results of what I found in the tab-boo medal box.
No one was home on the day that I decided I wanted to find out what we weren't suppose to know about. I knew there was something big. I didn't know it was going to be as Hugh as it was.
My dad also had a photo album, that had photo's that he never would tell us who these kids were. After looking in this secret box I knew just who they were! OMG!
I was about 14 maybe 15 years old when this all happened. We lived in a small little logging town in Northern Idaho, "Weippe", population 713 people.
I knew that my dad was married before he married my mom. I only knew of once, mind you. His first wife died when my oldest sister, "Lillian" was 3 months old. That will be a story later. I grew up knowing Lillian as my big sister. She was raised with her moms parents in Grangeville, Idaho. I always thought of her grandparents as mine also. I never knew that they weren't until I got older. They always loved us just as they loved Lillian. They will always be my grandparents!
BUT....In this medal box I found adoption papers for a little girl and 4 little boys. WHAT....I HAVE ANOTHER SISTER AND BROTHERS?????
Do you know how hard this secret was to keep??? My dad would kill me (just a matter of speaking) but for sure I would have been beat to a pulp! Yes... my dad was mean to me (more stories there too!)
At the age of 16 I got married to Frank Joiner. (that story ends here!) Got divorced 1 year later. Now was the time of my search for my sister, Patricia (Patty), and brothers...Danny and Donny (Twins), Stephen Leroy ( he was named after dad), and the youngest Terry. They were really hard to find because there names had changed to the names of adoptions. They were adopted out to family members of their mom. Nothing was going to stop me now!!!
All I knew was they were adopted out in Iowa. Phone calls after phone calls. First I found Steve. The Red Cross in Orofino, Idaho is where I got my first lead on Steve. He was in a Veterans Hospital in Iowa. My parents had NO idea still what I was doing. That lead also took me to finding my sister Patty. I don't remember all my details now that was so, sooooo many years ago.
This search brought Patty and Steve home. Patty was at this time married and had a little boy "David".
By this time my parents KNEW and SHIT HIT THE FAN!!!! And yes, I got beat... he told me that it wasn't any of my "F@#!in' business.
Well, later dad found Donny. Donny came up to Weippe and lived at dad's for awhile.
By this time there was a bad situation that happened between my parents and the got a divorce. I went to Oregon with my mom. I watched my dad beat for all my life and I was glad that he wasn't going to do it any more! Sorry I hated my dad. But that's okay he hated me too! Just last year my sister Lillian finally explained to me WHY ( another story...later).
Years later, not long after my son Jeremy was born I was sitting at my kitchen table in Caldwell, Idaho. Making phone calls to all the Terry Anderson's I could find in Des Moines, Iowa. And I found my dearest brother "Terry" we sat and talked for hours.
Then I lost touch and couldn't find him again until Christmas of 2008. (another story later). This past July of 2009 I went to Des Moines and got to met my brother "Terry" for the first time and my Favorite sis-in-law "Midge" and my nephew "Ryan" and my niece "Kara" and spent a week with them. A DREAM COME TRUE!!! To be in my life FOREVER FROM NOW ON!!! (More stories to come) Terry and his family also took me to see Steve again (a story to come)
Then I spent the next week with my sissy "Patty" and saw "David" my nephew, again (he's all grown up now) with a beautiful wife "Christina". Then I got to meet my niece "Jenny" who I never got to see before and my great niece "Amber" and my great nephew "Alex". My life is Great. I have absolutely no REGRETS. I found my sister and my brothers. Danny I have only talked to on the phone, but someday I will get to meet him and his family also. But I HAVE FOUND THEM ALL!!!!

This Is The Site of David DeVries from the Broadway Show "Wicked"

http://web.me.com/daviddevries/OnlyConnect!/Welcome.html

momsrose: Copy of a Blog That Has My Brother, Terry Anderson it from the Famous Broadway Show "Wicked"

momsrose: Copy of a Blog That Has My Brother, Terry Anderson it from the Famous Broadway Show "Wicked"

http://web.me.com/daviddevries/OnlyConnect!/Welcome.html

The Story Below About My Brother Terry

David DeVries is an actor in the famous Broadway Show "Wicked". I would so love to meet this man and tell him thank you for being a friend to my dearest brother Terry. Terry deserves verything GOOD in his life! This happened this summer when "Wicked" was in Des Moines, Iowa. Thank You David! This was such a neat piece that was written in the second paragraph about Terry by this Actor David DeVries

Copy of a Blog That Has My Brother, Terry Anderson it from the Famous Broadway Show "Wicked"

Friday, October 16, 2009 (This is from a blog that was written by the main actor David in the Broadway Show "Wicked". The second paragraph is about my brother Terry!

We begin this entry in the great State of Iowa with a continuation of a little road talk. I had mentioned in my last post, that an internet connection and a volume knob in the dressing room were sine qua nons of “the good life” for an actor on the road. [please note: dangerous capacity for hyperbole] Another to add to that list: a good dresser. I’m not referring to those boxy clothes hampers in your bedroom, but the men and women who toil by helping actors with the most execrable part of their job - putting clothes on and taking them off. Changing clothes makes up a disproportionate amount of one’s time as a stage actor. I have done many multiple-role gigs, where it’s all about changing clothes and I robe and disrobe with an ugh and a heavy sigh. It’s one of those chop wood/carry water things that I should find some spiritual comfort in, but...come on, man... it’s boring. I have counted myself lucky when I can put a tux on at the beginning of the evening and leave it on until the end. Heaven!

Having a competent, accommodating dresser can make the backstage experience easier and a lot more pleasant. I have been blessed with many great dressers through the years and this tour has been no exception. Everybody has been, for the most part, just great. There is a preference list for dressers that I generally think holds true, and if you will pardon my reckless stereotyping, I will say that it is most preferable to have a woman dresser, next best is a gay man and at the very bottom of the totem is a straight man. Why? Well, frankly I think a woman generally has a more nurturing nature (hmm interesting turn of phrase) and that quality declines somewhat down the list. Granted, I am making gross generalizations and stereotypes are always thwarted by someone. That someone is my dresser here in Des Moines - Terry Anderson. Being dressed by Terry is a bit like being dressed by Merle Haggard. He’s a crusty old bear, who usually works the running crew up on the deck, but is not too proud to come on down and throw clothes on actors, if that’s where the paycheck lies. He’s an odd fit, making his living as an odd jobber - siding, plowing, whatever needs doing - but I have to say, he’s a damn good dresser. We’ve had a wonderful time. So much for my theory.

The State Capitol here in Des Moines is worth the trip. Quite the edifice. I learned all about a technique of creating a faux marble called scaglioso, which was brought over from - you guessed it - Italy, and is used throughout the building, but can’t remember any of the details. It’s some kind of paste that hardens and is then carved. You honestly cannot tell the difference between the scaglioso marble and the real thing. It seems to be stronger too. Iowans are rightly proud of their gorgeous hall of government. They really don’t make them like that anymore. I’ve talked about this before, but given the tenor of the times, where people only want to think of tearing down our government, seeing a beautiful symbol of civic pride is rare. Other than the capitol tour I didn’t do a lot, besides my homework. Wow! PowerPoint is really kinda cool when you start messing around with it - geek that I am. The fact is, there isn’t a lot to do here in Des Moines. That may be part of its charm. Anne Brummel, one of my cast mates, recalled that in a lot of cities, there is a subtle sense of obligation to see the sights, do the town - and here, it’s possible to be very quiet and not feel guilty. I think that a lot of us have been laying low, partly because the weather has already turned winterish. And that’s...okay.

The people in Iowa may just be the nicest people in America. There must be something to the notion of midwestern friendliness. Another one of those oddities of life on the road is that you are constantly going into unfamiliar grocery stores with each new stop, and it’s dizzying to have to figure out where the microwave popcorn is in 14 different stores. So when I found myself spinning around endlessly with my shopping cart on my first visit to the Hy Vee, I finally gave in and asked a clerk if he could tell me. “Oh here let me show you!”, he said, and proceeded to escort me to the motherlode of microwave popcorn. This personal escort service happened on another occasion and I mentioned it by way of saying how doggone nice everyone was here, and I was informed that it is a company policy at Hy Vee to escort anyone who asks where something is.

The Hy Vee is not just an ordinary grocery store. Several of us were actually contemplating moving in to the store if we could. Hy Vee is located in eight states and headquartered about a mile from our hotel. It’s employee owned and a fine place to work, according to Mike Johnson, an assistant manager with whom I spoke, while he stacked Colgate Toothpaste on an aisle end. When the weather turns nasty here - and it already has - the Hy Vee is the place to go because contained therein is a post office, a dry cleaners, a pharmacy, a Starbucks, a liquor store, a restaurant - and lots and lots of food. Oh...and lots of nice people.

The big news of the last week was the marriage of one of our cast members to his longtime partner here in Iowa. Apparently their now legal conjugation marks the end of an arduous journey to make their partnership legitimate in the eyes of the law. Daniel and Matthew are NY residents who tried to get married in Massachusetts, only to be told they had to be residents of the Bay State. But here in Iowa, of all places, they are now pronounced husband and - husband. Don’t worry - no diatribes here. Isn’t it enough to say that love is all - that impeding it is the true sin, and for those who might not understand the motivations or the mechanics of homosexual love - “there are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” (Hamlet Act I, Scene 5) Lest it be forgotten, kudos to Iowans, for their compassion and common sense. Let’s hope you lead a path for others to follow.

Sadly though, we mark the passing of Tom McGowan’s mother who died earlier this week. Tom, of course, plays our Wizard, and is one of the class acts of our business. He will be leaving us soon to join the San Francisco company, which is great for him, since he is a resident of LA and will be able to fly home and see his family every weekend from there. But we shall miss him. He really is one of those special guys who is nice to everyone and makes a huge contribution to the vibe of our company.

He got a flight out as soon as he could, but I know how hard must have been for Tom to not be with his Mom when she passed. I was on tour when my own mother passed away. It does seem intrinsically wrong not to be with the people we love for their entrances and exits. Why do we separate ourselves? Loss is a long and winding road that is hard enough to trod. How does one hold tight when one is so far away? It’s a question I have been asking myself for too long.

Tom and I frequently rode into the theatre together here in Des Moines and one evening we drove into a driving rainstorm with the setting sun to our backs. Visible from end to end - like the Gateway Arch in St. Louis - was the most wondrous rainbow that I have ever seen. “Okay”, I said to Tom as I tried to hold this mind boggling phenomenon in my view as long as I could, “I’m good.” There were no pots of gold to be found - but it was a beautiful reminder that there really are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in our philosophy.

4 Comments


Patricia Middleton (patriciamiddleton@email.com)
Hello, I've been following your blog for a few months now and I wanted to tell you that I enjoy the insights into the different places you visit. There have been mentions of quite a few cities that I have yet to see and I appreciate your insights into the culture and history of each place. I currently reside in Wichita, KS, and I hope you are able to find my town just as friendly and authentic as we can be. If there's any particular sight you'd care to see, I'd love to play tour guide. When people visit I often recommend seeing the zoo, the art museum, and the county museum.
Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 12:46 PM



David
I just might take you up on that. We arrive next week, which will be crazy, but when the dust settles...
Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 07:23 PM



Patricia Middleton
I ran into a woman at Barnes & Noble on Thursday who raved over your presentation at the go Wichita lunch. She was quite impressed with all the details you shared. You are definitely creating fans wherever you go, it seems!
Saturday, October 31, 2009 - 12:50 PM



Tonie Campbell
Hi David, my name is Tonie Campbell, I live in Idaho. Terry Anderson that you speak of in Des Moines, Iowa... aka your dresser... is my awesome Brother. I do know that he enjoyed working this show "Wicked" and he even told me about you. Thank You David for what you did for Terry. He is a Good, Good Man and a very hard worker. I would love to see this show if you ever come to the Nampa Idaho area .Love Tonie from Idaho.
Sunday, November 22, 2009 - 12:05 PM

The Naming of my Son "Jeremy"

I wanted to name my son after my heart throb on my fravorite tv show. "Here Comes the Brides", oh.....my dream was "Jeremy" played by Bobby Sherman. My heart throb was not Bobby but the character that he played "Jeremy". Then for his middle name, I wanted him to be named after my step dad, "Bill". So this is where one of Jeremy's middle name came in. But...I didn't want to hurt my real dad's feelings (even though I hated him...more stories here too!) so "Leroy" came to be another middle name for my little baby boy Jeremy Leroy William. I started something when I did this, cause my son, now has a little boy of his own, Nike Jeremy Steven Campbell. So my son, Jeremy, this is how your name came to be!

The Birth of My First Child...My Son, "Jeremy Leroy William Campbell"

I was working at a bar called "Merle's" in Caldwell, Idaho. I got pregnant with my son (I was living with his dad!) about the first part of September of 1976. Jeremy's dad and I were no more in January of 1977.
Back then you didn't get to know the sex of the baby, but I got just what I wanted!
The day before he was born, this would be June 6th. 1977. I took some caster oil, my mom had done this when she was pregnant with me. It worked for her! At 4:00 in the afternoon I drank the caster oil and orange juice. It supposedly puts you into labor. By 6:00 that evening of the 6th. nothing happened. My friend, Gloria Sauls and I decided to go out to the lake and swim. This we did. I got home at 11:00 that evening and went to bed. At midnight my water had broke. This was scary, I ran and woke up my mom, (Beverly) and my Favorite Step Dad in the world (there will be stories written about this man, too!) Any how, my mom explain to me what had just happened. But I did not have any pain or contractions. So... my mom and I sat at the kitchen table, she was going crazy! Asking me every few moments if I was ready to go to the hospital yet? Nothing was happening, so why go yet?! 3:00 that morning of June 7th. 1977 my mom and I went to the Caldwell Memorial Hospital (this hospital no longer exists, it was torn down and a new one was built). They put me in my own little labor room, hooked this machine to my little belly. It was little and so was he! They prepped me, check me! The nurse told my mom and I that I was at 3, (I had no clue what that meant...remember I'm from Weippe!) The nurse told me I would be here for a while. Then she left the room.
The nurse got down the hall a ways. The monitor went nuts and that was the first and ONLY contraction that I felt. I went fully natural with ALL my babies. No shots...what ever they are call! My poor mom... she went flying out into the hall screaming for the nurse to hurry, something just happened. The nurse came running back. Once the nurse realized what had happened, started laughing, trying to help my mom to understand that I was okay and so was the baby. It was just a contraction. My beautiful mom, was not excepting that statement and made the nurse check me again. Guess what...... My baby's head was right there... in one contraction. The nurse than ran out of the room to get help, also yelling "Get that doctor in here NOW!!!" That totally sent my poor mom into a tail spin but an excited one! They rushed me into the delivery room. Mom ran down stairs to call my step dad "Bill" to tell him his New Grand-baby was on the way. Then she ran back upstairs 'cause she didn't want to miss being there. She got back to the Nurse's Station just in time to hear that I just had a baby boy! So, my mom ran back down stairs to call my dad "Bill" (I worship the ground this man walked on! If every child out there had a step parent as good as this man was...may he Rest in Peace... this world would be the greatest place to be!) Anyhow, mom, being out of breath told him about his new grandson, that the doctor got there just in time to deliver this new little baby boy at a little after 4 am. Didn't even have time to put on his gloves! Yes, my beautiful little baby boy weighed 6Lbs. 7oz. 19" little. My Brand New Baby Boy "Jeremy"

How I Met My Husband

In 2006 I was Floor Maintenance at Wal-Mart here in Nampa. I did everything from sweeping, moping, waxing, buffing and the only one who did floor tile replacing. What ever needing done... I did!
GD would come in there late at night or early in the morning to do his shopping. He doesn't do crowds well. He always stopped and wanted to talk. He kept asking me out for coffee. I didn't have time for any relationship. I worked and I slept my life away. I had even told him at one time shortly before this situation what I'm about to tell you about had happened, that I would met him for coffee. I got off work early and totally forgot about the coffee date. I went home to bed...
Then early one morning, I was running "Big Blue" (a 300 pound floor scrubber). GD stopped me, handed me an envelope. He said to me that he knew I was busy doing my job, so he wrote me a note. Interesting...this guy hadn't given up yet! But I'm so glad he hadn't.
So, on my break I had gone out to my car. Opened the envelope and thought to myself 'Wow, this is not a note. This was a letter'. He wrote a little bit about himself. It was a nice letter, well put together. In this letter he invited me out to breakfast or dinner (my choice, because of my work hours). This date was for September the 9th. It would be his birthday. I thought to myself...that yes, I can do this. No one should spend their birthday alone.
I called the phone number that he added in this note. I said "Yes". We went to dinner at "Apple Bees" on the blvd.
I got for his birthday... how funny this is! "A styraform Airplane" but also one for me. My plan was, after dinner that the two of us would go to Lakeview Park. There is a nice hill there to stand on top and throw the planes off. We had fun and that really broke the ice. We have been together EVERY SINCE. I Love This Man With ALL MY HEART. And have to say he treats me like a Queen!
I'm so glad that he never gave up that one last time...He wrote me a "NOTE". To this day that so called Note is in my wallet and it will always be!!!

A Beautiful Feeling

I deliver flowers for a living. I have put smiles on thousands of faces and a few happy tears, but what happened this past Friday was the BEST of all. It was a redelivery. Was 11 miles out of town.
When I got there a sweet little old lady answered the door. The day before was her 90th. Birthday. (That was the first day for this delivery, but no one was home) I had a beautiful fruit basket for her. I offered to put it on the table for her, because I knew it would not be easy for her. She asked me who sent it, I read the card to her.
Her husband was sitting in a big chair beside the door. In front of him was a wheel chair, he was on oxygen. I couldn't help noticing he didn't have his pants on, they were trapped over the wheel chair.
Irene (the little old lady) was asking him if he knew the phone number of someone. He did. She got a phone out of her pocket. She was struggling. I asked her, if she'd like me to dial the number for her? She says to me, "Could you please dial the number for me? I can't see the numbers." So, I did and I was proud to help!
Who ever she was talking to, she asked if that person was going to be out to help her? Apparently that person wasn't. This sadden my heat. I could tell she was disappointed.
So....I asked this darling little old lady, Irene, if there was anything I can help her with before I left. She was almost in tears. She asked me if could help her husband get his pants on. Absolutely! I could see that he was just a little embarrass. I let him know that it was okay, that I have done this for others in my life. He told me "Thank You for Helping my Wife!"
So very carefully, I put his pants on. Irene did her best to help me lift him once I got his pants on both legs so I could slide them under him and up to his waist. When I was leaving we were joking a bit and I knew this was one of those days that will Never Be Forgotten!!!
When I got back to our shop, I told my bosses what had happened. They were proud of me. They told me that Irene's husband had just got home from the hospital. That there was suppose to be a care-taker there. There was not! That must have been the one Irene was talking to on the phone.
What a Beautiful Ending to My Deliveries that day!!!

My Friend...Glena

I grew up in a small little logging town in Northern Idaho, a place called Weippe. From grade school through to my 10th. I left Weippe not long after. I went to Timberline High School that held High School students from Weippe, Pierce and Headquarters, Idaho. Through out the past several years I would find an ol' friend or two. But this year, during the Christmas Holidays I learned that one of the girls who I went to school with at Timberline High lives here in the same town as I. We went to lunch on New Years Day. Started this New Year with a New Friendship. She is Glena.
Today...we went out to lunch again along with her son, such a nice young man...a gentle soul! Then after we were done with lunch I took them down to the Roller Drome to introduce them to my handsome son, Jeremy and to my grandson, Nike. Yes....Nike like the tennis shoe. Then from there we went back to Glena's and we put together this blog. I have so much of my life to tell. This will take me back to the times of my life. And a place that when I am gone... my children can come to and read so they too, can touch me again. Thank You My Friend, Glena!

This Is Not A New Beginning For I am Happy With This One

Here I will share my life with those who care to read. The roads have been very many. And I wish so to share with you.