Anyone been to a high school football game lately? I took the kids to see the Hawks vs the Wild Cats last night. It was raining when we got there so as we huddled under the umbrella I got a chance to observe.
I was curious. I probably haven't been to a high school game in about 20 years. With all the talk of gangs and the violence in schools, I was a little nervous when we arrived and had to go through a metal detector. Once upon a time when kids walked around the track they would stop and chat and visit with others as they made the loop. Not anymore. Now there are security/sheriffs/cops that remind all to keep moving. Like a momma lion I kept my little cubs close.
The game began with the band playing the Star Spangled Banner and I forgot my fears. The kids here were like any other. They talked and cheered, the team played hard and the bands performed. The air was filled with the smell of hot dogs and popcorn and if I hadn't had my own kids with me, it could have been a scene from 20 years ago.
The kids loved it. The local news had a helicopter that landed behind the field, the dance squad performed, the cheerleaders cheered and the band had a great show. It was a live football game and we all yelled and stomped along with everyone else!
It may have been a little more cautious than what I remember, but I saw nothing to fear. No gang colors, no fights among rival students and I didn't even hear a bad word. I am sure this stuff goes on, but I can happily report I saw none of it here.
My children loved the excitement, I loved that they enjoyed it and we will happily return!!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
It's all in the details...
Anyone recognize the picture above? Maybe not "recognize" but I am sure you understand that it is a picture depicting Hawaii. Let me explain it as told to me by Tara. (Picasso she is not so the explanation was needed- and a little surprising!)The structure is not a basic house- it is an ancient Hawaiian thatched hut. The grey area is Tapa cloth covering the doorway and the square is a woven welcome mat.
The big tree is just as it appears. A large palm that Daddy is climbing to retrieve the coconuts.
The other tree is hanging low with bananas about to be picked.
The person to the far left is a marine biologist collecting samples of marine life to study the stability of the ocean. (I am not making this up people!)
The person under the house has collected fronds and is making Tapa cloth like the ancients.
The people fishing are trying to catch Mahi and Ahi.
The 2 girls are sitting and waiting for the coconuts so they can crack them for milk and fresh coconut meat.
Do you think she misses Hawaii? Just a little bit? Maybe she's feeling a little displaced?
Just when I think were all a little better, I get a very detailed reminder of what we lost.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Jamestown
The second graders here have a field trip each year to Jamestown. Tara missed out on this so we are doing our part to help her catch up. I don't want to admit it, but I don't remember ever going myself.
Last Saturday we loaded our van and made the drive to Williamsburg. The weather was perfect. We sat through the introductory movie and we all got our history lesson for the day.
We spent a couple of hours roaming the grounds and I kept my fingers crossed that the Furey kids wouldn't destroy any National Landmarks.
They climbed across ruins, stared into old wells, and really wanted to dig in the current archaeological dig site. We wandered through the museums and got a feel for what life was like for the first settlers. The kids sampled Brunswick Stew and declared it "yummy". They watched the fairy go back and forth across the river and spotted (and stalked) lots of deer. Tara was amazed at the pictures of Pocahontas after she married John Rolf and went back to England. Tyler wondered how all those people traveled on the little boats in the display case. Trey was just happy to get out of the stroller and run free.
Kevin and I enjoyed the awesome weather and watching the kids happy and carefree. I took advantage and snapped some pics. Look for those on the Photo page.
Fall
September is almost over and October is approaching. I have succumbed to my urges and have gleefully been cooking pots of pinto beans rich with ham and potatoes, chili with black beans, kidney beans and chunks of beef, and cornbread baked in a cast iron skillet. Yes, I have embraced my southern roots and have been enjoying my journey through the seasons and the approaching crisp and coolness that is fall.
My house has been filled with the wonderful aroma of baking bread. A friend from work gave me a starter for Amish Friendship Bread. I have now been baking bread every 10 days. My freezer will soon be full and my neighbors will reap the rewards during the holidays. I have been experimenting so now the basic recipe has expanded to include cranberry, blueberry and pumpkin. Pumpkin you say? Yes, pumpkin- blame it on fall, y'all!!
I have even been able to dig through my closet and find clothes that aren't specifically designed for island life. I am adjusting well. When it really gets cold- check back. I may recess back into the depths of my brain and remain comatose till spring. Hibernation I think they call it. But for now I am okay.
I am looking forward to driving through the mountains to gather apples in the orchards and play in the fallen leaves. My brain will get a visual boost of adrenaline while I stare mesmerized at the beauty the trees display as the leaves change from green to fall's assorted color palette. Hopefully the kids will stop watching that DVD of Tom & Jerry long enough to notice too and if I am not interrupting an important NFL game schedule it may be a good day for all!!!
Tara and Kevin both share my enthusiasm. Sort of.
Tara wakes each morning and asks "Is it cold?" I think it has more to do with the boots she's not allowed to wear yet, but I can interpret any way I want.
Kevin asks the same as he bundles sweats over shorts. His daily question and answer come from anxiety over the cold ride he knows is coming in his Jeep- with no back window.
Each morning I decide on what the kids are going to wear and leave it on the sofa. Tyler came down one morning and sleepily grabbed his clothes. I was in the kitchen preparing lunches and not really noticing his struggle.
"Ma!" His tone was that of a question so I was still making a PB&J.
"Ma!!!!" This one got my attention. I looked up to see my boy with one hand on the waist band of his pants practically to his armpits. The other hand was yanking on his pant leg trying in vain to make it stay above his knee.
"Ma!!! Why I got to wear these long shorts???!!!"
While I yanked on the adjustable tabs at the waistband I tried to explain the concept of shorts vs pants. He continued to call them "long shorts" for days. He is still asking on a regular basis if we can go to the pool. I should take him and throw him in. Then he might realize it's just a little too cold for the pool but I doubt the good people at the Y would understand the lesson I would be trying to instill in his pee brain. That's my boy!!
The AC is now switched to OFF. The windows are open. There's a scarecrow on the porch and a pumpkin in the flowerbed under the little garden flag that says "Welcome Fall". There is a bird feeder hanging under the eaves of the porch next to a window so the kids can watch. Grass is beginning to grow in the dust bowl of my backyard. The kids are looking forward to a Friday night high school football game. The geese honk as they fly over and we are anticipating a visit to the pumpkin patch.
Shhhhh!!! Don't tell anyone! I love this time of year!!
My house has been filled with the wonderful aroma of baking bread. A friend from work gave me a starter for Amish Friendship Bread. I have now been baking bread every 10 days. My freezer will soon be full and my neighbors will reap the rewards during the holidays. I have been experimenting so now the basic recipe has expanded to include cranberry, blueberry and pumpkin. Pumpkin you say? Yes, pumpkin- blame it on fall, y'all!!
I have even been able to dig through my closet and find clothes that aren't specifically designed for island life. I am adjusting well. When it really gets cold- check back. I may recess back into the depths of my brain and remain comatose till spring. Hibernation I think they call it. But for now I am okay.
I am looking forward to driving through the mountains to gather apples in the orchards and play in the fallen leaves. My brain will get a visual boost of adrenaline while I stare mesmerized at the beauty the trees display as the leaves change from green to fall's assorted color palette. Hopefully the kids will stop watching that DVD of Tom & Jerry long enough to notice too and if I am not interrupting an important NFL game schedule it may be a good day for all!!!
Tara and Kevin both share my enthusiasm. Sort of.
Tara wakes each morning and asks "Is it cold?" I think it has more to do with the boots she's not allowed to wear yet, but I can interpret any way I want.
Kevin asks the same as he bundles sweats over shorts. His daily question and answer come from anxiety over the cold ride he knows is coming in his Jeep- with no back window.
Each morning I decide on what the kids are going to wear and leave it on the sofa. Tyler came down one morning and sleepily grabbed his clothes. I was in the kitchen preparing lunches and not really noticing his struggle.
"Ma!" His tone was that of a question so I was still making a PB&J.
"Ma!!!!" This one got my attention. I looked up to see my boy with one hand on the waist band of his pants practically to his armpits. The other hand was yanking on his pant leg trying in vain to make it stay above his knee.
"Ma!!! Why I got to wear these long shorts???!!!"
While I yanked on the adjustable tabs at the waistband I tried to explain the concept of shorts vs pants. He continued to call them "long shorts" for days. He is still asking on a regular basis if we can go to the pool. I should take him and throw him in. Then he might realize it's just a little too cold for the pool but I doubt the good people at the Y would understand the lesson I would be trying to instill in his pee brain. That's my boy!!
The AC is now switched to OFF. The windows are open. There's a scarecrow on the porch and a pumpkin in the flowerbed under the little garden flag that says "Welcome Fall". There is a bird feeder hanging under the eaves of the porch next to a window so the kids can watch. Grass is beginning to grow in the dust bowl of my backyard. The kids are looking forward to a Friday night high school football game. The geese honk as they fly over and we are anticipating a visit to the pumpkin patch.
Shhhhh!!! Don't tell anyone! I love this time of year!!
Friday, September 05, 2008
First Week Down
The first week is coming to a close and we have adjusted well.
Big Guy says he likes his new school and he loves being able to ride the bus. He has computers in the classroom and he is meeting friends. He gets a stamp daily if he has had good behavior and he has one everyday. He hasn't forgotten his name tag so he gets a new sticker each afternoon also. The play ground is apparently nicer than the one at Mokapu so that is a huge bonus.
Tara is very happy. She has been to the library, kids do morning announcements, and they have a real gym. She has no worries of ants attacking her lunch and she loves the air conditioned classrooms. But most of all she says her teacher is fun!!!
Tyler is to play AYSO soccer this year. We have team assignments and practice starts next week unless Hanna or Ike cause too many problems. The teams are done by area so it will most likely be full of kids from BRP.
Tara got a call from her troop leader and she will be involved in Brownies. Hiking, camping, ice skating, crafts and general "do-gooder" stuff is right up her alley.
Work has been crazy. I have been pulling some extra hours but when it's 4 hrs at a time and it's only 5 min away it's easy! (And when they pay me time and half it's way worth it!!) Kevin has been doing some late flights so when he's around in the morning I can do these little extras. I am hoping these night flights continue so I can get up to the school and do a little volunteering. When the kids jump on the bus each day and I never see their teacher I am feeling a little detached. Communication seems to be okay though because both emails I have sent have been almost instantly answered.
My job has truly been a blessing. I get to be home all day with the kids and I am only gone 3 evenings a week and then Gramma or Daddy is with them. If you haven't been updated I did turn down the GS position. They were very nice and said when I have more time they will pass my resume around if I am interested. I hear they are supposed to make L&D nurses a GS12 next year so maybe then.....
Kevin says he will be leaving in October rather than January. He'll be gone for 4 months and miss the holidays and Tyler's birthday. I can't complain, in 9 years he has never missed a Christmas. He is loving being back in helos. He attended a reunion of the Vietnam H-6o guys in Nashville recently. I have never heard Kevin so humbled by any event in his life. He was inspired and awed by the stories, lives and medals these guys had attained. What an awesome experience for him and the rest of the guys that attended this event!
The weather gurus say we are in few a rough few days. Hopefully nothing too serious. I have battened down the hatches though (plants off the front porch, umbrella off the table, and I had to save the bamboo chimes!) in preparation for the wind I am sure we will have. Not too many worries since we took all the trees down! The kids are excited by their first storm. I am just hoping not to be sitting around in the dark for a couple of days!!
I hear Gramma Judy is coming in October! You'll have to send me your itinerary. We can't wait to see you!
Big Guy says he likes his new school and he loves being able to ride the bus. He has computers in the classroom and he is meeting friends. He gets a stamp daily if he has had good behavior and he has one everyday. He hasn't forgotten his name tag so he gets a new sticker each afternoon also. The play ground is apparently nicer than the one at Mokapu so that is a huge bonus.
Tara is very happy. She has been to the library, kids do morning announcements, and they have a real gym. She has no worries of ants attacking her lunch and she loves the air conditioned classrooms. But most of all she says her teacher is fun!!!
Tyler is to play AYSO soccer this year. We have team assignments and practice starts next week unless Hanna or Ike cause too many problems. The teams are done by area so it will most likely be full of kids from BRP.
Tara got a call from her troop leader and she will be involved in Brownies. Hiking, camping, ice skating, crafts and general "do-gooder" stuff is right up her alley.
Work has been crazy. I have been pulling some extra hours but when it's 4 hrs at a time and it's only 5 min away it's easy! (And when they pay me time and half it's way worth it!!) Kevin has been doing some late flights so when he's around in the morning I can do these little extras. I am hoping these night flights continue so I can get up to the school and do a little volunteering. When the kids jump on the bus each day and I never see their teacher I am feeling a little detached. Communication seems to be okay though because both emails I have sent have been almost instantly answered.
My job has truly been a blessing. I get to be home all day with the kids and I am only gone 3 evenings a week and then Gramma or Daddy is with them. If you haven't been updated I did turn down the GS position. They were very nice and said when I have more time they will pass my resume around if I am interested. I hear they are supposed to make L&D nurses a GS12 next year so maybe then.....
Kevin says he will be leaving in October rather than January. He'll be gone for 4 months and miss the holidays and Tyler's birthday. I can't complain, in 9 years he has never missed a Christmas. He is loving being back in helos. He attended a reunion of the Vietnam H-6o guys in Nashville recently. I have never heard Kevin so humbled by any event in his life. He was inspired and awed by the stories, lives and medals these guys had attained. What an awesome experience for him and the rest of the guys that attended this event!
The weather gurus say we are in few a rough few days. Hopefully nothing too serious. I have battened down the hatches though (plants off the front porch, umbrella off the table, and I had to save the bamboo chimes!) in preparation for the wind I am sure we will have. Not too many worries since we took all the trees down! The kids are excited by their first storm. I am just hoping not to be sitting around in the dark for a couple of days!!
I hear Gramma Judy is coming in October! You'll have to send me your itinerary. We can't wait to see you!
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
First Day of School!!
Woohoo! Yeah! First day back to school! Mom was sooooo excited! The kids? Well, yeah, they were excited too!
Tara had me drive her since that is what we did on her first day in Hawaii. Tyler skipped all that and jumped right on the bus.
Trey was a little disappointed that he didn't get to go to school. So when Big Guy waved good-bye Trey and I went inside to pack his backpack. We fixed a snack, added a sipee of chocolate milk and threw in a diaper and a few wipes just in case. He put his little shoes on the correct feet and loaded himself into the van. I was explaining how much fun he would have in his "classroom" at the Y (okay it's just daycare for the length of time I work out but what does he know?) and he was genuinely excited.
I drove all of 3 blocks before he fell soundly asleep.
My plans are normally veered off their desired course so I easily found things to keep me occupied in the van for an hour of nap time. I found my way to the gym and a very rested boy had a great time playing with others and new toys too!
Tara and Tyler ran off the buses with smiles on their faces and wonderful stories of their first day. Yeeaaa! I so hope they stay this happy!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Crabbing
When I was little I remember going to the Lesner Bridge, throwing out a line and catching crabs. We would stay all day and go home and spread newspaper on a picnic table and pick crabs for hours. It was yummy and delicious and most of all it was fun!
Kev and I did this years ago but the kids were too young to remember. So we have re-introduced this little activity and they are fascinated, as is my DH. Fortunately for us, the area is riddled with waterways and we are able to go about 5 miles from the house to the Inter-Coastal Waterway and we have been in crab heaven.
The kids get to thread chicken on a line, throw the line in the water and then pull it out and net a crab. Crab is also an absolute favorite meal for them all, so they have the added advantage of knowing they get to eat them.
Tara was sitting next to our 5 gallon bucket explaining, very matter-of-factly, to the crabs how very soon they were going to meet a big black pot just before they were dinner.
Big Guy goes from line to line and pulls them in and each time he is yelling
"I got one! I got one!". Sometimes he does, sometimes he doesn't.
Trey just stumbles across the deck and points out the ducks, waves to the boats and yells with enthusiasm when the draw bridge begins to open. I am just thankful he hasn't yet fallen into the water.
I, being the type "Z" person that I have been dubbed, am just happy my kids are outside enjoying the day, making family memories and not sitting in front of the TV. They don't care if we catch 1 crab or 10 crabs, it's just fun!
Kevin, on the other hand, has taken this to a whole new level. His competitive spirit has taken over and he is thinking and rethinking and buying new and better equipment. No crab should escape him! He shall be the crab master! Okay, maybe not the master but definitely a wanna-be. We have gone from chicken on a string to this clever little pot that opens on the bottom and then closes as you pull it up.
Poor crabs! It used to be game to see if the crabs would notice being gently lifted out of the water while they nibbled at our offering and then scooped into a net. Now they are just rudely trapped in a cage and yanked out of the water. Added to their torture is a little drooling girl telling them about a black pot, boiling water and being dinner!
Oh what fun it is!!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Moving on...
Alright already! I am done whining about that place. Time to move on.
School starts Tuesday. Tara will be in Intermediate school and Big Guy will be at the Primary school. Neither seems to share my concern that they won't be together. We have open house tonight and in the morning.
I am hoping they will find lots of friends. Adjusting to not living on base has been the hardest for them strictly due to the lack of kids. Don't get me wrong. There are a ton of kids in the neighborhood but only one lives on our court. They are used to a steady flow of kids coming in and out of the house all day. Big adjustment. They have basically had just each other.
I got guilted into Tara getting her ears pierced. She barely flinched and is very excited to add another element to her wardrobe.
Speaking of clothes, the school shopping has been maddening. We began as street urchins. They had nothing suitable for school. Slippers, or flip flops, aren't allowed and my children didn't even own a long sleeve shirt. Tara always had one pair of jeans each year but she had long ago outgrown those. We now have shoes. Real shoes. And multiple pairs for each child. Long pants seemed a good idea so they have those now too. The principle, who once moved here from that place, suggested a sweater since they will now have air conditioning, so those too have been purchased. The school supply list here is much shorter so that was a nice change. Apparently Virginia schools have enough money for teachers' supplies, toilet paper and paper towels so that will make for a less cumbersome first day. Tick tick tick! Almost time!
Tyler will begin soccer with AYSO. He is most excited. Tara, my dear dear daughter, has said she would like to pass on sports this year so that she "can focus on her studies". (what is that crap and from where does it come????) I did talk her into Brownies/Girl Scouts so I guess she will be out hocking cookies this year. If you forget to order, no worries, call me. I am sure I will have a freezer full!
Trey will be hanging out with Mom for one last year. I hope to head to the Y each day and put his little butt in their childwatch program. I am hoping to eradicate the phrase "Mommy do it" from his vocabulary. It is not spoken to me as a command. It is spoken to everyone else who would make an attempt to do something for him. The phrase would be "No! Please don't bother doing that for me! My mother will do it!"
If Tara gets his clothes- "No! Mommy do it!"
If Daddy wants to make chocolate milk- "No! Mommy do it!"
If Grandma wants to get him out of the car- "No! Mommy do it!"
Mommy is done and hoping that a little stranger time will help him cut the cord and move on.
That's all for now! Check back later....
School starts Tuesday. Tara will be in Intermediate school and Big Guy will be at the Primary school. Neither seems to share my concern that they won't be together. We have open house tonight and in the morning.
I am hoping they will find lots of friends. Adjusting to not living on base has been the hardest for them strictly due to the lack of kids. Don't get me wrong. There are a ton of kids in the neighborhood but only one lives on our court. They are used to a steady flow of kids coming in and out of the house all day. Big adjustment. They have basically had just each other.
I got guilted into Tara getting her ears pierced. She barely flinched and is very excited to add another element to her wardrobe.
Speaking of clothes, the school shopping has been maddening. We began as street urchins. They had nothing suitable for school. Slippers, or flip flops, aren't allowed and my children didn't even own a long sleeve shirt. Tara always had one pair of jeans each year but she had long ago outgrown those. We now have shoes. Real shoes. And multiple pairs for each child. Long pants seemed a good idea so they have those now too. The principle, who once moved here from that place, suggested a sweater since they will now have air conditioning, so those too have been purchased. The school supply list here is much shorter so that was a nice change. Apparently Virginia schools have enough money for teachers' supplies, toilet paper and paper towels so that will make for a less cumbersome first day. Tick tick tick! Almost time!
Tyler will begin soccer with AYSO. He is most excited. Tara, my dear dear daughter, has said she would like to pass on sports this year so that she "can focus on her studies". (what is that crap and from where does it come????) I did talk her into Brownies/Girl Scouts so I guess she will be out hocking cookies this year. If you forget to order, no worries, call me. I am sure I will have a freezer full!
Trey will be hanging out with Mom for one last year. I hope to head to the Y each day and put his little butt in their childwatch program. I am hoping to eradicate the phrase "Mommy do it" from his vocabulary. It is not spoken to me as a command. It is spoken to everyone else who would make an attempt to do something for him. The phrase would be "No! Please don't bother doing that for me! My mother will do it!"
If Tara gets his clothes- "No! Mommy do it!"
If Daddy wants to make chocolate milk- "No! Mommy do it!"
If Grandma wants to get him out of the car- "No! Mommy do it!"
Mommy is done and hoping that a little stranger time will help him cut the cord and move on.
That's all for now! Check back later....
The Beach
I have a confession. I haven't wanted to go to the beach.
Yes, I said that.
How could the beaches here even slightly compare with those in Hawaii? I hadn't been able to muster up the courage to set myself up for such disappointment.
My children proved me wrong.
We found ourselves at Sandbridge running an errand for Gramma Judy. How could I possibly go to Sandbridge and not go to the beach? I knew where I was headed that morning and had mentioned it to the kids so they were suited up beneath their clothes but their lack of enthusiasm for hittin' the beach fueled my uncertianty. We parked and trudged through the sand without even taking towels 'cause everyone said they weren't getting in the water.
We got to the top of the last berm and saw the waves crashing into the shore.
Tara took a deep breath and surveyed the scene.
"Ahhhh! The smell of the ocean! Mom, I have missed that!!"
At that moment Tara and Big Guy began ripping off their clothes and disappeared into the murky water. How right she was. Later they came out splashing and happy and collapsed into the sand to begin digging in their continuous efforts to create a hot tub from a mere hole and the water that sneaks in.
I, too, had that wonderful feeling of calmness that washes over me in the presence of the ocean. The beautiful hues of blue dotted with black rocks and reef, palms and the glorious backdrop of the mountains was not there but the ocean remains a constant.
How could I have been so foolish?
Yes, I said that.
How could the beaches here even slightly compare with those in Hawaii? I hadn't been able to muster up the courage to set myself up for such disappointment.
My children proved me wrong.
We found ourselves at Sandbridge running an errand for Gramma Judy. How could I possibly go to Sandbridge and not go to the beach? I knew where I was headed that morning and had mentioned it to the kids so they were suited up beneath their clothes but their lack of enthusiasm for hittin' the beach fueled my uncertianty. We parked and trudged through the sand without even taking towels 'cause everyone said they weren't getting in the water.
We got to the top of the last berm and saw the waves crashing into the shore.
Tara took a deep breath and surveyed the scene.
"Ahhhh! The smell of the ocean! Mom, I have missed that!!"
At that moment Tara and Big Guy began ripping off their clothes and disappeared into the murky water. How right she was. Later they came out splashing and happy and collapsed into the sand to begin digging in their continuous efforts to create a hot tub from a mere hole and the water that sneaks in.
I, too, had that wonderful feeling of calmness that washes over me in the presence of the ocean. The beautiful hues of blue dotted with black rocks and reef, palms and the glorious backdrop of the mountains was not there but the ocean remains a constant.
How could I have been so foolish?
Monday, August 11, 2008
The Pics
We made the big move and we have been busy. If you remember, the house was very white with lots of stained wooden trim. There is still painting to be finished on the steps and I haven't begun the upstairs. Appliances were mismatched, there was a lack of ceiling fans, the lights were outdated, there were huge boxwoods in the front and there were 34 trees in the backyard. We still have a bathroom we would like to redo and the yard we will hit hard in the fall. The back is a huge dust bowl now but with 3 truckloads of topsoil grass will grow. Kevin and my dear Dad built a fence around the entire backyard. It's a 6 ft privacy fence except next to the yard where city ordinance required it to be a 4 ft fence. We found a huge play set on Craigslist and we need to mulch around it. The garage is still a wreck but we have furniture that needs to be sold/trashed and when that happens we'll have more room.
We love our new home. The neighbors are wonderful and we have received muffins, cookies brownies and one even made us a lasagna. These people are awesome!
Judy has been wanting pics so here are some and the rest will be on the photo page.
Saying Goodbye
The following obit was copied from the KC Star. Mike was a great man, one of the absolute best and will be missed by many. The sadness is suffered by those he left behind but there is comfort in knowing that one day they will all be together. Another blow to the family was that a long-time good friend, died one week later. I know Mike secured his place in heaven long ago. I know he is surrounded by friends and family in heaven and I have a feeling that when Mr. Myer joined him in passing, Mike was seated at a big table shuffling cards. I can hear his big booming voice greeting his old friend- "I always said cream rises to the top! Are we going to play cards or what??"
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Michael J. Furey
Michael J. Furey, 68, of Kansas City, Mo., passed away Monday, July 21, 2008. A Rosary will be said at 6 p.m. followed by visitation at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Road, on Wednesday, July 23. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, with burial following in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family requests no flowers, but memorial contributions may be made to The Cristina Furey Heart Foundation, or St. Thomas More Building Fund, or a charity of your choice. Mike was born on Nov. 7, 1939, and spent his entire life in Kansas City, Mo. He graduated from Hogan High School in 1956. After attending college, Mike worked for Melody McGilley Eiler Funeral Home for 10 years. He then went to work for Allied Concrete Products which he and his wife Judy purchased from Barney and Rosemarie Maguire and then headed the business for 30 years. Mike and Judy are also co-owners of Residential Sewage Treatment Company. In 2002, Mike and Judy retired to pursue their love of travel, the Lake of the Ozarks, relaxation and family. Mike was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus, the National Precast Concrete Association, Missouri Concrete Association and the Missouri Concrete Industry Board. Mike was a very active participant in parish life at Coronation of Our Lady Catholic Church, Grandview, Mo., for 28 years. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Norris and Mabel Furey; brother, Joseph Furey; sisters, Betty Lutz and Martha Stoerman. Also preceding Mike in death are his children, Mickey Furey and Amy Furey; and his granddaughter, Cristina Furey. Mike is survived by his wife, Judy, of 50 years; his children, Bernie Furey (Kristi), Pete Furey (Amparo), Tammy Beatty, Pam Thurman (Doug), Kevin Furey (Maria); 15 wonderful grandchildren, which he cherished; sisters, Sister Jane Ellen Furey, SCL, Leavenworth, Kan., Mrs. Norrine Baggett (Frank), Shreveport, La., Sister Roberta Furey, SCL, Denver, Colo.; and sister-in-law, Faye Furey- Comeaux, Houston, Texas; mother and father-in-law, Barney and Rosemarie Maguire. Arr.: McGilley State Line Chapel (816) 942-6180.
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Michael J. Furey
Michael J. Furey, 68, of Kansas City, Mo., passed away Monday, July 21, 2008. A Rosary will be said at 6 p.m. followed by visitation at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Road, on Wednesday, July 23. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, with burial following in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family requests no flowers, but memorial contributions may be made to The Cristina Furey Heart Foundation, or St. Thomas More Building Fund, or a charity of your choice. Mike was born on Nov. 7, 1939, and spent his entire life in Kansas City, Mo. He graduated from Hogan High School in 1956. After attending college, Mike worked for Melody McGilley Eiler Funeral Home for 10 years. He then went to work for Allied Concrete Products which he and his wife Judy purchased from Barney and Rosemarie Maguire and then headed the business for 30 years. Mike and Judy are also co-owners of Residential Sewage Treatment Company. In 2002, Mike and Judy retired to pursue their love of travel, the Lake of the Ozarks, relaxation and family. Mike was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus, the National Precast Concrete Association, Missouri Concrete Association and the Missouri Concrete Industry Board. Mike was a very active participant in parish life at Coronation of Our Lady Catholic Church, Grandview, Mo., for 28 years. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Norris and Mabel Furey; brother, Joseph Furey; sisters, Betty Lutz and Martha Stoerman. Also preceding Mike in death are his children, Mickey Furey and Amy Furey; and his granddaughter, Cristina Furey. Mike is survived by his wife, Judy, of 50 years; his children, Bernie Furey (Kristi), Pete Furey (Amparo), Tammy Beatty, Pam Thurman (Doug), Kevin Furey (Maria); 15 wonderful grandchildren, which he cherished; sisters, Sister Jane Ellen Furey, SCL, Leavenworth, Kan., Mrs. Norrine Baggett (Frank), Shreveport, La., Sister Roberta Furey, SCL, Denver, Colo.; and sister-in-law, Faye Furey- Comeaux, Houston, Texas; mother and father-in-law, Barney and Rosemarie Maguire. Arr.: McGilley State Line Chapel (816) 942-6180.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Our first night in the new house!
"The children were all nestled all snug in their beds while visions..."
Wait!! It's not Christmas! It just feels like it!
We stayed at the new house as a family! All of us! The boys stayed in their room, Tara was in hers and we stayed in ours! The dog and cat were in heaven because they didn't know which bed to crawl into. I probably shouldn't say bed. We still haven't received any shipments yet but we purchased another air mattress and Tara made a pallet on the floor. (For all you city people a pallett is a country word for layering blankets and sheets on the floor to provide comfort while sleeping.)
What prompted the big move from all the comforts and conveniences of Mom's house? Nothin' really. We just felt like it was time. Tara and Tyler have made some friends and I really want to finish this painting marathon I started. Monday our express pack should arrive which means the WII can be moved from Grandma's house too. The kids have been watching movies on the computer and Kev and I have been pilfering some one's WIFI so I feel no need to connect cable just yet. I may change my mind quickly but it's been nice without the idiot box always on.
One thing I have always loved is thunderstorms. Due to the temperate climate of Hawaii that is one thing that I dearly missed. This week Mother Nature has welcomed me home with some wonderful storms with lightening that turns night into day and thunder so loud you can feel it rattle your bones. It is very nice to swing on the screen porch and watch and feel the storms blow through the neighborhood. One more thing to love about this house that is still not ours.
The YMCA is becoming a daily adventure. I even got my parents to join. They have a super cool splash pad around the pool for the kids to enjoy and they are all of age now where I can leave them in one of their childwatch areas and work out. Some one else will watch my kids for 2 hrs so that I can do nothing but work out! How awesome IS that? The church that we used to drive from Virginia Beach to get to is just around the corner. We really need to make a conscious effort to get back into the habit but it has been difficult with the lack of routine. Some semblance of a family with a routine or schedule is what I am hoping for now that we, and our few belongings, are all under one roof.
I think we are settling in....just a little bit.
Wait!! It's not Christmas! It just feels like it!
We stayed at the new house as a family! All of us! The boys stayed in their room, Tara was in hers and we stayed in ours! The dog and cat were in heaven because they didn't know which bed to crawl into. I probably shouldn't say bed. We still haven't received any shipments yet but we purchased another air mattress and Tara made a pallet on the floor. (For all you city people a pallett is a country word for layering blankets and sheets on the floor to provide comfort while sleeping.)
What prompted the big move from all the comforts and conveniences of Mom's house? Nothin' really. We just felt like it was time. Tara and Tyler have made some friends and I really want to finish this painting marathon I started. Monday our express pack should arrive which means the WII can be moved from Grandma's house too. The kids have been watching movies on the computer and Kev and I have been pilfering some one's WIFI so I feel no need to connect cable just yet. I may change my mind quickly but it's been nice without the idiot box always on.
One thing I have always loved is thunderstorms. Due to the temperate climate of Hawaii that is one thing that I dearly missed. This week Mother Nature has welcomed me home with some wonderful storms with lightening that turns night into day and thunder so loud you can feel it rattle your bones. It is very nice to swing on the screen porch and watch and feel the storms blow through the neighborhood. One more thing to love about this house that is still not ours.
The YMCA is becoming a daily adventure. I even got my parents to join. They have a super cool splash pad around the pool for the kids to enjoy and they are all of age now where I can leave them in one of their childwatch areas and work out. Some one else will watch my kids for 2 hrs so that I can do nothing but work out! How awesome IS that? The church that we used to drive from Virginia Beach to get to is just around the corner. We really need to make a conscious effort to get back into the habit but it has been difficult with the lack of routine. Some semblance of a family with a routine or schedule is what I am hoping for now that we, and our few belongings, are all under one roof.
I think we are settling in....just a little bit.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
We are here!! Sort of....
Okay so for a brief explanation of what's been happening.
We stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village for our last days on island. They now accept pets and since it was right next door to the Hale Koa it was fabulous. What better way to spend our last days in Paradise. (I do so miss it and would have stayed forever!!)
I have 2 great jobs.
One is a GS at Portsmouth Naval doing the same job that I did in Hawaii in the OB Clinic. The hours are M-F 0745-1600. The hospital is 15 miles away and through a tunnel which means a half hour to 45 min commute.
The other is a L&D position at a hospital in Chesapeake. Hours are 3p-11p 3x a week and it is less than 5 miles away. No traffic and no commute time.
As much as I want the GS I would be foolish to turn down the other. Believe it or not I still haven't decided. I am currently working in Chesapeake (had to have a job to make the mortgage people happy) but my paperwork is processing for the other position also. Decisions! Decisions!
The house on Dolph is a short sale (Ha! That's an oxymoron!). We have been pursuing this short sale since May. We have painted the entire downstairs, added a light and a ceiling fan, cut down trees and we still don't now if it is ours. The sellers 1st mortgage paperwork has gone through. We are waiting on the second. Our furniture should arrive next week along with the Jeep.
We have been living in the house since we arrived. (Sort of, my mom lives around the corner.) The kicker is that until the house goes into closing we pay nothing for rent. Zip, zero, nadda dime! I have talked to people that have said a short sale can take up to 7 months. I say bring it on!! I am just pocketing cash that I can use to do more to the house later. So for now we are just waiting.... and painting. But hey! Paint is cheap and it's just a little sweat equity on my part!!
Kevin and the kids are in KC. They stayed busy there as always. They went to a Royals game, took a train ride and the kids have spent lots of time with all their cousins. They went to the lake for a few days and the kids (Tara and Tyler) learned to water ski. Baby Trey learned the joys of a life jacket and spent his days jumping from the the dock into the water and climbing out to do it again! I flew in last Thursday to celebrate Mike and Judy's 50th wedding anniversary. It was a wonderful event and I hope to be able to go back in October to celebrate Barney and Rose's 75th wedding anniversary. Wow! I am in awe and very proud to be a part of the family.
So, I am now back in the house we don't own and Kevin and the kids are driving back as we speak. I may take the kids to the Outer Banks for a few days and Kevin finally has to report in to his new command. He is very excited to be back in a functioning command that serves a real purpose and back amongst longtime friends. For both of us, it's like coming home. I'll post pics later and I hope to get some from their KC adventures.
We stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village for our last days on island. They now accept pets and since it was right next door to the Hale Koa it was fabulous. What better way to spend our last days in Paradise. (I do so miss it and would have stayed forever!!)
I have 2 great jobs.
One is a GS at Portsmouth Naval doing the same job that I did in Hawaii in the OB Clinic. The hours are M-F 0745-1600. The hospital is 15 miles away and through a tunnel which means a half hour to 45 min commute.
The other is a L&D position at a hospital in Chesapeake. Hours are 3p-11p 3x a week and it is less than 5 miles away. No traffic and no commute time.
As much as I want the GS I would be foolish to turn down the other. Believe it or not I still haven't decided. I am currently working in Chesapeake (had to have a job to make the mortgage people happy) but my paperwork is processing for the other position also. Decisions! Decisions!
The house on Dolph is a short sale (Ha! That's an oxymoron!). We have been pursuing this short sale since May. We have painted the entire downstairs, added a light and a ceiling fan, cut down trees and we still don't now if it is ours. The sellers 1st mortgage paperwork has gone through. We are waiting on the second. Our furniture should arrive next week along with the Jeep.
We have been living in the house since we arrived. (Sort of, my mom lives around the corner.) The kicker is that until the house goes into closing we pay nothing for rent. Zip, zero, nadda dime! I have talked to people that have said a short sale can take up to 7 months. I say bring it on!! I am just pocketing cash that I can use to do more to the house later. So for now we are just waiting.... and painting. But hey! Paint is cheap and it's just a little sweat equity on my part!!
Kevin and the kids are in KC. They stayed busy there as always. They went to a Royals game, took a train ride and the kids have spent lots of time with all their cousins. They went to the lake for a few days and the kids (Tara and Tyler) learned to water ski. Baby Trey learned the joys of a life jacket and spent his days jumping from the the dock into the water and climbing out to do it again! I flew in last Thursday to celebrate Mike and Judy's 50th wedding anniversary. It was a wonderful event and I hope to be able to go back in October to celebrate Barney and Rose's 75th wedding anniversary. Wow! I am in awe and very proud to be a part of the family.
So, I am now back in the house we don't own and Kevin and the kids are driving back as we speak. I may take the kids to the Outer Banks for a few days and Kevin finally has to report in to his new command. He is very excited to be back in a functioning command that serves a real purpose and back amongst longtime friends. For both of us, it's like coming home. I'll post pics later and I hope to get some from their KC adventures.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Monday, April 07, 2008
Kalua Pig
I've had several ask and I am finally gettin to it! Here is the recipe for Kalua Pig.
2 Tbsp Hawaiian salt
1 (1/2 inch) slice ginger, crushed
1/4 C Soy
1 Tbsp liquid smoke
1 tsp Worcestershire
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 4-5 lb pork butt
Ti or banana leaves (opt)
Mix together first 6 ingredients. Place pork on leaves, rub with seasonings and let stand one hour. Fold leaves around pork. Wrap in foil. Place in baking pan and bake at 325 for 4-5 hours. Unwrap, shred, serve.
-Best of the Best From Hawaii
When I do the Kalua Pig I use a crock pot with or without Ti leaves. When the roast is done I remove the meat and leave the juice. Skim the fat off the top of the juice and add sliced cabbage. As I shred the meat I add it back in and allow to sit for 15 min or until the cabbage is crisp-tender, not soggy. Serve with white rice!!
2 Tbsp Hawaiian salt
1 (1/2 inch) slice ginger, crushed
1/4 C Soy
1 Tbsp liquid smoke
1 tsp Worcestershire
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 4-5 lb pork butt
Ti or banana leaves (opt)
Mix together first 6 ingredients. Place pork on leaves, rub with seasonings and let stand one hour. Fold leaves around pork. Wrap in foil. Place in baking pan and bake at 325 for 4-5 hours. Unwrap, shred, serve.
-Best of the Best From Hawaii
When I do the Kalua Pig I use a crock pot with or without Ti leaves. When the roast is done I remove the meat and leave the juice. Skim the fat off the top of the juice and add sliced cabbage. As I shred the meat I add it back in and allow to sit for 15 min or until the cabbage is crisp-tender, not soggy. Serve with white rice!!
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Big Guy up to Bat
Big Guy is playing T-ball but the rules are a little different this year. The league is allowing a coach to pitch to the kids. After three tries they can hit off the tee. Tyler hit the first pitch each time up to bat. After this swing the coach high-fived Big Guy for almost knocking him in the head!!
Aloha Spirit!
Tara participated in the International Aloha Spirit Cheer Comp at the Waikiki Shell. They competed for 2 days and their score was based on both days of competition. The MCBH D Dogs took first place in their division. This video is day 2!
Da' Flowrider!
Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park has this cool ride that creates this continuous wave so you can surf or boogy board. If you watch till the end you may appreciate how much control Big Guy has during the ride, by the force that spins and spits him out at the end!
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