Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Hand-fed Kitty! 12-2-09

Maddie to Spencer:

"Look at me!"

"If you eat all your dinner, you can have dessert!"

"Good boy!"

Apple Picking Time 12-2-09

My friend, Jan & her husband HA, invited us to pick apples at their place. As you can tell by the look on her face! she loved it! Lots more yummy apples! Thanks Jan & Ha!

Paper Chase 3AM 12-1-09

On our newspaper delivery route, we make several stops along O’Connor Way – a narrow country road in rural San Luis Obispo. We usually make those stops around 3:00 a.m., and while the road is almost always deserted, we occasionally see some rather unsavory characters and vehicles at roadside. We’ve been told that O’Connor Way is a popular spot for drug deals because it’s so remote, so we’re always a little nervous making that drive – even more so this morning, as the light of the full moon was diffused by thick fog. Got the picture?

Our drive was uneventful until Michael pulled into a driveway and dropped off a newspaper. Backing out onto the roadway, we noticed a car coming toward us and decided to let it pass. But instead of passing, the driver slowed down and pulled up immediately behind us, obviously intending to block us in. A wave of panic shot through us, and because the driveway was wide, Michael managed to crank the steering wheel and pull out behind the mystery car.

As we sped away (as fast as the fog would allow, anyway) we noticed that the other car had quickly spun around and was now pursuing us. He was rapidly gaining on us, flashing his high beams repeatedly, and we quickly concluded that he thought we were his drug connection and was angry that we were ditching the deal!

Fearing for our safety, we gave up on any notion of continuing with our newspaper deliveries, and focused instead on escaping the lunatic who was chasing us down. When we turned right onto Foothill, so did he. When we turned right again on Los Osos Valley Road, so did he, racing up on us and making it clear he wanted us to pull over. I suggested we call the Sheriff’s Office, but Michael wanted to make it clear to the guy that we were just delivering newspapers (instead of heroin) and that he was chasing the wrong people. So we pulled over at one of our scheduled stops and Michael waved the newspaper to show our intentions to the driver behind us. This seemed only to make the fellow more aggressive, as he followed us even more closely when we pulled back onto the road.

Enough was enough! I whipped out my cell phone and dialed the Sheriff’s Office while Michael stayed just ahead of our pursuer. When I told the dispatcher about our ordeal – how we had been aggressively followed starting on O’Connor Way and were unable to shake the attacker as we sped down Los Osos Valley Road – she got very excited. Not because of the chase…but because she was on the other line TALKING TO THE DRIVER BEHIND US!

As it turns out, our “attacker” was actually a law enforcement officer driving an unmarked County vehicle. He and his fellow officers were on high alert because an inmate from the nearby prison had escaped and was thought to be near O’Connor Way. The dispatcher advised us to pull over, which we did, and soon we were enjoying a good, long laugh with the officer over the whole thing. He was very sympathetic, and understood exactly why we had reacted the way we did. He just happened to be speaking with the Sheriff’s Office when I called, and the dispatcher quickly put the story together.

Will we pull over for the next crazed driver that chases us down? I hope we never find out!

11-16-09 Parent Participation Thanksgiving Feast

Maddie's hand print turkey!

Teacher Julie reading a story.

Maddie's feast!

Notice her favorite thing? Peppermint patties!

11-11-09 Rugby game at Cal Poly

Our nephew, Keith, who plays rugby for Fresno State, invited us to watch him play at Cal Poly. This was the first time any of us had been to a rugby game. (STILL don't understand the game!) It was a very chilly night. Maddie enjoyed using her "binoculars"-I think she was just checking out all "the boys"! ha ha

Unfortunately, Fresno lost. But we can now say we have been to a rugby game!

Nanaw

Marnette Annie Waddle Rose

Ma, Mother, Nanaw, Sugar (our Grandmother!)
2/16/1916 - 10/5/2009

Nanaw finally got her final wish-

On 10/5/2009 about 2:30am, she passed peacefully from this world into the arms of our Heavenly Father. For the past several years, that has all she has been wanting to do.

On 10/10/2009, we all gathered to celebrate Nanaw's life in Fresno, CA. it was great to see family we haven't seen in years & to meet new spouses & their children.

There were tears but also the laughter at the joy Nanaw brought into our lives. We all have so many wonderful memories of her & it was neat to hear how she all touched us & helped to mold us who we are today. The incredible example that she set for us as a Christian...some big shoes to fill.

I love you Nanaw & miss you.

Thank you for the unconditional love you gave me.

Thank you for helping me with my love of baking.

Thank you for taking the time to do crafts with me.

Thank you for playing Aggravation, Flinch & Pit with us as much as we could ever want to!

And thank you for your amazing hot fudge recipe! :)

Finally Home by L.E. Singer

When engulfed by the terror of the tempestuous sea,

Unknown waves before you roll;

At the end of doubt and peril is eternity,

Though fear and conflict seize your soul.

But just think of stepping on shore-And finding it Heaven!

Of touching a hand-And finding it God's!

Of breathing new air-And finding it celestial!

Of waking up in glory-And finding it home!

When surrounded by the blackness of the darkest night,

O how lonely death can be;

At the end of this long tunnel is a shining light,

For death is swallowed up in victory!

But just think of stepping on shore-And finding it Heaven!

Of touching a hand-And finding it God's!

Of breathing new air-And finding it celestial!

Of waking up in glory-And finding it home!

PawPaw & Nanaw 25th wedding anniversary

Paul Rose, Nanaw & Freddie Ream

Michael playing Amazing Grace on the bagpipes

Paul Rose, Mike Rose

Greg Ream, Gary Ream

Karen Phillips, Darlene Ream

Most of the Rose/Ream Family. Some of the families had to leave early because of the very long drive back home, with little kids.

Rose Hills Cemetery, Whittier, CA

Nanaw & Lindsay, Nanaw & Matt

The birthday kids-Feb 16, Lindsay, Nanaw & Darren Ream

Nanaw & Karen in the LA Times!

Our last visit with Nanaw...I am SO grateful that God allowed us the chance to go see her one last time. She had not been doing well, but God blessed us with a wonderful visit with her.

I love you Nanaw! Until we meet again in Heaven...

Possum's Harvest Moon Parent Participation 11-09-09

Today's theme: Possum's Harvest Moon

musical dancing soiree...

horn of plenty...

horn of plenty snack...

harvest moon craft...

leaf book, with leaf rubbings...

Another job well done teacher Julie! You are an amazing woman! Thanks for all you do!