January 2010 - Daul, Rob & Wendy & Family

Dear Family,

I apologize for not keeping in touch for the past few months. We had to turn off our cable, phone and internet due to finances, so my Comcast email is no longer valid. I intend to add my part to the family newsletter this month, but I couldn't wait to email this pix. This is the first pix of Stephanie and Santa, EVER, because previous years she was too scared of Santa to approach him (see the Picture of the Month).

I hung out with the picture lady so that Santa and Steph could chat privately and when they finished their discussion I went to retrieve Steph from Santa's lap. Before I walked away, Santa asked if he could speak to me privately. He pulled me aside and quietly said to me, "Your daughter has to be the sweetest little girl I've encountered in quite a while." Flustered and taken aback, I thanked him profusely for the wonderful compliment he had bestowed on Steph. Santa replied back, "I call them like I see them. She asked for nothing except that I also have a Merry Xmas and to please be safe driving my sleigh at night. Keep up the good work - I wish there were more mothers like you."

If Santa says it's so, then it is so. Kevin dropping me on my head the day of my blessing didn't damage me as badly as Dad has always contended.

Love to you all! Hope your Xmas was Merry and may the upcoming year be full of blessings for us all.

Wendy,
Mother of the Year (jk, jk, sorta)

Daul, Rob & Wendy & Family

Well, I haven't written in over a year - really has it been over a year? Hmmmm, maybe not quite that long but long enough! Yes, Aunt Wendy is still alive and kicking - barely. 41 has been easier for me to accept than 40 was - mainly because people are sweet and tell me I don't look 40 yet. Those people have only seen me at night or in a poor-lighted area, however. The double chin that I inherited kills it for me - no matter how small I get it always hangs there, like a turkey's waddle-thingy on it's chin - what are those thingamajigs called again? 10 points to the first person to email me with the answer - and I promise that I won't fix it so my Mommy wins by default. *clears throat* Right there, Splaaron??

Speaking of Splaaron - I understand congratulations are due to Adam & Erica, Aaron & Mindy, Torrie & Levi, Todd & Sarah - anyone else pop out a kid in 2008? If I didn't mention you and you had a little one this year - I apologize. I can barely keep track of my own children.

OK, enough about everyone else. Let's get back to me. Me me me beautiful me. I had a lithotripsy in August and thought I was done with the kidney stones this time around - until I had to drive myself to the ER about 2 weeks later. My urologist, Dr. Roger Low (no relation to us), tells me that the “lithotripsy was not as successful as we had hoped.” I still had a 6mm fragment in my kidney they had missed. So they put me on Flomax - yes, my prostate was hurting - and scheduled me for a stent insertion/lithotripsy for one month later. By the morning of my surgery I had passed the stone but they still put me under and “explored.”

I DO however finally have a Dx and a name for the condition I have that causes me stones almost every 2-3 years. I've been told I have Renal Tubular Acidosis and take 6 Uricet-K every day now. They are salty-tasting HUMONGOUS pills and sure fill up my tummy. It could be hereditary so If you wanna learn more about RTA, check out this site:

http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/tubularacidosis/#what

I must be checked regularly now to catch early kidney failure - may happen, may not. Good luck in me finding regular medical benefits aside from Medi-Cal now - “pre-existing condition” and all. Actually, on second thought, forget I mentioned anything about it - if anyone asks, you know nothing!

Robert and Stephanie are doing just fine. It is hard for me to watch the Doo grow up - next year she may start Kindergarten, but I will see how she is socially - remember how Splaaron had “Pre-Kindergarten”? May be a solution for the Doo - right now she is sooooo antagonistic to her playmates “Neener neener neener - I am a winner and you are a loser. *points at self* Winner! *points at me* Looooooser!” And she tortures our poor cats. Vixxi has finally learned it is better to just drop to the floor when the Doo grabs her tail. Tigger isn't so bright - pray for him, please. Actually, pray for us all. When she is a good girl she is a very sweet, loving good girl, but when she's bad - she WILL be my penance to pay for the ill-behavior of my teenage years.

Well, this is much longer than I attended it to be and I apologize. I'll try to be better about writing monthly more often. LOVE to you ALL, and may we ALL have a fantastic Christmas holiday this year.

Wendy, Rob and Stephanie - The Daul Family

March 2008

Dearest Family,

It has been nearly a year since I last wrote a contribution to our family's newsletter, and a lot has happened. I'm sure many of you have heard from others about our welfare, but for those who have not, allow me to do an abridged version. We lost our court case last May - Goodyear was found negligent but the jury did not award us a cent. That was very devastating. But it also triggered some other events that currently I'm not sure how to view them - blessings, trials, necessary hardships or just some dumb thing I need to go through.

Through my new medical insurance, I have been trying to catch up on medical care that I should have received from Kaiser years ago. I have been diagnosed as a mild agoraphobic with extreme anxiety, depression, OCD; I was given Clomipramine today to help with my eyelash pulling and I sure hope it works.

I have at least 3 kidney stones and a mass on my left kidney that needs to be biopsied to see if it is benign or a solid neoplasm. Basically, I have been sick as usual except now I feel as if I am headed the right direction, finally.

Stephanie turned 3 last September and was potty-trained within 2 wks. HOORAY! No more diapers! She also says a very nice prayer at mealtime and bedtime. She had an audiology exam Friday and has normal hearing, but somehow I got her an appt with the very pediatrician that Kristy, and I tried to get the boys in with for over a year. At least I have an “in” now and maybe I can get Kaiser to look closer at the boys. If not, I am switching them to my new insurance!

Rob began a new job today. Well, love to all and we always keep you in our prayers.

Wendy, Rob & Stephanie

April 2007

Dear Family,

Tuesday night was the pack meeting when Zachari and Joshua both got not only their Bear badges, but 1 Gold Arrow and 7 Silver Arrows each. I was so proud and looking forward to standing next to them as they received their badges of accomplishment, which they would have never earned without the help, love, creativity and support of their mother, who would herself receive a pin for each scout she had mentored. Rob, Stephanie, Zack, Josh and myself arrived early and got the wonderful back-row seats we so enjoy when we have our lovely two-year old with us. I also liked the seats because I got to sit and chat with our Primary President, Anna Juarez, who some of you know (maiden name is Peterson), and her daughter, Shayla. Shayla's husband is one of my boy's den leader and their eldest son is also the same age as my boys. The boys other den leader is Chris Swain, whose eldest son is also a Bear and in Zack's class at school.

The pack meeting began and so did Doo, loudly. Knowing that I am more effective in quieting her and seeing that they had not begun handing out awards and that when they did they would not begin with the Bears, I volunteered to be the one to remove our young sonic-boom. I took her into the mother's lounge and after 5 minutes had succeeded in my quest and she and I headed back to the auditorium. As we approached the big heavy double doors I allowed Doo to run ahead of me back to our seats.

As I got closer to my family, I saw each boy holding up something for me to see. I squinted my eyes and saw light reflect off what they held . . . .a plastic bag. A plastic bag containing . . . I squinted harder . . .containing . . their badges - their badges and arrows?!?

“Look, Mom, look!” they both whispered loudly, and everything around me stopped suddenly. “You mean they did it without me?” I whispered back, having sat down between Zack and Rob by now. “You mean, they didn't wait for me to come back? They saw me here. Why didn't they wait? Where are my pins?” I looked at Rob in horror, tears welling up in my eyes.

“They pinned them on me instead.” “But, they are Mother's pins. I am their mother.” “Well,” Rob whispered, not grasping the gravity of what just happened here, “they called them 'Mentor's Pin' instead and pinned them on me. I am their stepfather.” “But, no! “ I whispered in his ear this time, “With your back surgery and stuff, I've done it all. I whittled my hands raw and spray-painted my fingers numb on those stupid Pinewood cars. Everyone knows I did it all this last year! I came in 2nd place in the Rain gutter Regatta - not you!”

I could not help it - tears were just gushing out my eyes. As I looked ahead of me toward the front, I noticed how suddenly every woman in the room turned her head and avoided looking at me the rest of the meeting, understanding how I felt and not knowing what to say. Every man in the room looked at me as if they had never seen a woman cry before. I hugged each boy, told them how proud I was of them, explained that they did nothing wrong themselves, that the adults screwed up this time, then excused myself and returned back to the bathroom I had just left to compose myself, which I did after a short pity-bawl. The rest of the meeting went fine, with the boys showing great concern for me, although at this point I was focused on their accomplishment and giving them great praise.

At the end when everyone was mingling and eating treats, Chris Swain approached me, looking a bit sheepish and probably wondering what his wife Darla-the-Relief-Society-President may say if this gets out. “Wendy, I'm so sorry that we didn't wait for you before we gave the boys their badges.” That right there made everything ok in my book. That right there taught them to never do this again to another mother if they know she is in attendance but dealing with another child. They now knew to wait. Before I could say a word to accept his apology, Joshua said loudly, “Yeah, it made my mom cry.” D'uh. What do I say? “Oh, it's ok. I was there for the Tiger cub and Wolf. And there will be others, too.” “Well, you've done a great job with them this year, you really have.” he said as we parted ways.

Everyone else I have relayed this story to totally understood my position and verbally said so without my asking. But still, Rob doesn't get it. That's ok. I just remember how proud Mom would be of Kevin when he got his badges, especially his Eagle. I vividly remember a younger Boy Scout Kevin and a younger Mom beaming, standing there receiving her Mother's pin from the Scout Leader, her chest just puffed up full of pride.

I ask you all - am I behind the times? Has things changed so much that the Mother's contribution to the family is no longer honored? First Aaron burns me on my “points.” Yeah. And now this. Whatever.

Oh, and for their b-day the boys each got their go-kart driver's license at RPM Indoor Kart Racing. I sat there for like four hours total waiting time. I'm so glad that is over, the licensing part never needed again. Now we can all go and have fun, minus Doo.

March 2007

Dear Family,

I have this "friend" who found herself in quite a quandary this last month, and I wish to share her story with you. To protect her anonymity, I shall refer to her as "Splendy" during the story.

Splendy's family circulates a monthly newsletter, and last month one of Splendy's nephews presented the family with a challenge. He wrote:

"Before, and in anticipation of, the verbal berating my family will take for missing last months newswire I would like to offer the following as excuses for missing said newswire.
1) There was an earthquake
2) A terrible flood
3) An old friend came in from out of town
4) My tux didn't come back from the cleaners
5) I couldn't get a cab
6) It wasn't my fault
(10 points to anyone not named [another nephew] who can name the movie.)" . . .

Well, Splendy was all a-titter when she read this, for she knew the name of the movie. She immediately emailed the nephew who issued the challenge:

Subject : "The Blues Brothers" is my final answer, however . . .
why in the world would I want points? what does one do with points? how does one use them? I'm not violent so forget arrows. I'm not stupid nor is anyone I know so forget pointy hats. I do not want ten severed fingers nor two severed hands, thank you. and I can't figure out how one would give 10 points on a map or 10 points in time; 10 points of view or 10 points in the right direction? honestly, I do not see the points.
that being said, I will accept cash because I could use that cashier's check is also acceptable. my understanding is that one point is equal to ten dollars, but since you are family . . . I am willing to settle for $50. .. .I am sending [other nephew] a copy. . . .so that I have a witness. since he is not allowed to participate I felt him impartial. . . . .it's been nice doing business with you, - Splendy

After sending that email, Splendy was filled with great pride and high hopes, envisioning her nephew sending her $50 just out of appreciation for her quick wit and odd humor alone. The next day she received:

Subject: Re: The Blues Brothers is my final answer. however.....
Who is this? :)

"WHO IS THIS?" Splendy just couldn't believe her eyes! Her nephew was feigning ignorance, trying to get out of sending Splendy her just and earned reward! Could he have done it in any more of an insulting manner??? Splendy was absolutely indignant. Her nephew could have just said, "It's in the mail" instead of this lame, unoriginal and dumb excuse. But NO, he had to play the Stupid Card. So Splendy responded:

Subject: The Blues Brothers is my final answer. however.....
this is ur conscience. telling u that u shouldn't burn ur family. that u should fulfill all challenges u make. therefore. . . .pls make the cashier's check out to cash . . don't renig on your offer, [nephew's name].that is wrong. I'm sure your [family patriarch] . . . would love to see this correspondence in next month's newsletter. but surely ur aunt would shut up for, um, let's say 75 dolla now? thank u, ur conscience.

Well, here it is March and, of course, Splendy received nothing - no cash, no "correct answer," no pat on the back, not even the invisible worthless points her nephew had offered - NOTHING, NADA!!. Splendy was crushed by her nephew's inaction, and confided in me that she had learned two things from the whole situation; one- don't try to extort a smart-aleck, and two - don't try to trick a smart-aleck by saying you are their conscience, for the joke is on you because they have none. She added, "It sure is a good thing that he isn't my favorite nephew to begin with or I would have been completely devastated by the whole ordeal." I am so glad I'm not in her shoes, poor thing. To be deceived, betrayed and unacknowledged in such a way by a family member - can you imagine???

Oh yeah, the twins turn 10 this month and will receive their earned Bear badges; Stephanie has definitely hit THE TWOs. She is more of a handful then the boys were together at this age. I guess what goes around comes around, and I'm so thankful that I was able to apologize to Mom before she passed for all the horrid years I gave her. I really do miss her, and I wish that I still had a mother to confide in and cry to and love to pieces. Well . . .

Love to you all,
Everyone's (minus one) Favorite Aunt,
Wendy

February 2007

Dear Family -
Due to fatigue, instead of typing an original letter this month I have decided to share intimate entries of my journal. I am feeling much more optimistic now and emerging from what I shall fondly remember as My Great Depression of 2007. I hope it is the only one this year.
What is in brackets I added to help clarify.
12/27/06 - En route home [from dropping Rob off at the hospital] I get pulled over and given a fix-it ticket for having no front license plate [on the 1992 Buick that Dad handed on to us last year]. I told the officer that I don't ever recall there ever being a license plate on the front of the car - ever. He looked closely at the bumper and told me that I was correct, that it did not have a mount and no drill holes. I explained that my father had driven this car for 13 years and cross-country or partially and never was cited. The officer, very jovial and exchanging jokes with me at this point (I'm a people-person) said, “Well, your father must be one lucky guy” and hands me the ticket to sign. “Yes,” I said, “and I inherited NONE of it.” [The car barely passed smog in November.]. . . .01/02/07 - Brought Robert home today. Stephanie has the flu and had 4 diarrhea fits today, one at the hospital. . . .01/03/07 - The way the bedroom furniture is set up, Rob has to sleep on MY side for about, oohhh,, 6 weeks or so. I cannot sleep on his side. The couch has a big “Rob” dip in it. Ironic how the man who can fall asleep anywhere has to sleep the only place that I can fall asleep and stay asleep. I want a pay raise. . . .01/05/07 - Why didn't anyone tell me how hard caring for Rob all by myself would be?? I keep getting the run around from his attorney and the Dr/hospital that did the surgery about respite. Kaiser Hospital will send a message to Home Health and someone will contact me. I'm freaking out! . . 01/08/07 - I am so mad! Kaiser sent someone over from Home Health - like 2 days ago! But I didn't KNOW they were coming nor did I find out they came until today when I ask Rob where that new cane came from. I missed my chance to leave the house and get to the dentist because I was dead exhausted and asleep! . . .I'm so depressed that I have not showered in 3 days. I will today though - Tiggi jumped up to snuggle with me and then backed up and refused - that's pretty bad. . . 01/11/07 - What a bittersweet day. I overheard Doo count to 15 all by herself in the tub tonight - Keeeeewwl. On the other hand, it was 10 years ago today that Gary passed, and I am sad that my children never got to know him. One year ago today Mom was dying and I am sad that Doo will not remember her as she gets older, although we point to Grandma's pix all the time and say we love her. . . 01/21/07 - Woohoooo! I think I can actually go grocery shopping tomorrow. We have gone almost a month with no grocery store visits. . . .Rob slept HARD for 2 days and it really helped him heal. Sitting is still very hard but he is moving around a lot better. I now see a light at the end of the tunnel. Oops! Better get on that fix-it ticket! . . 01/30/07 - Well, neither boys' car won the Derby. Joshua's shark car took me almost 4 days to whittle. Zachari's truck took me a day total to do. The boys decorated their cars and as we headed out the door I accidentally snapped off the back part of the shark and the whole axle and wheel went with it. Thank goodness for Super Glue but I got some in the axle so when the first race for Josh came, that shark went flying down the track and then just seized up, not even making it across the finish line. The other mother's and I cracked up at that but Joshua didn't find it funny. With a little help from the Pit Crew, we got the car in good running condition and the second heat we lost by a hair.

We love you all and wish EVERYONE a successful, satisfying New Year.

January 2007

Dear Family,

We hope everyone had as wonderful a Christmas and New Years as we did. Zachari spent Christmas Eve with us and Joshua stayed with Grandpa. From what I understand, Joshua was up at 6:00 am and tore through his presents. Zachari, on the other hand, woke me up at 8:45 am and we casually opened gifts throughout the morning. Zack opened a gift, went and played with it for a while, then came back for his next gift. When we first put up the tree, Stephanie (and to be fair, our kitties) would pull off the ornaments; when we started putting gifts under the tree she kept pulling the bows and tags off. So by Christmas morning she had been scolded enough with "No! No! No touch the tree! No touch the presents!" that she waited until I gave her the gifts and tore the paper to help her unwrap it. With the boys now knowing the truth about Santa and Stephanie still not quite understanding, it had to be the most stress-free Christmas morning I've had since having children.
Speaking of the boys knowing the truth (some of you may know the story but some of you may not) - Well, money was very tight and Mother was either dying or had just passed, so Christmas 2005 and Easter 2006 were holidays I just couldn't afford to do as previously done, plus I just wasn't in the spirit. Anyway, Easter 2006 both boys were at Dad's house so around 11:00 pm I went over and set up the baskets with candy and small toys and probably didn't leave until after midnight. The next morning Zack looked at his basket and with great disdain said, "That's it?" Boy, did that irritate Dad. Supposedly Dad scolded him and said "Your mother spent a lot of time and was up quite late doing this" and essentially told Zack that he should have more respect. Zack replied, "My mother??!!??" I'm not sure what else took place but later that day both boys asked me if it was true there was no Santa, Easter Bunny or Tooth Fairy. At first I was a little upset that Dad had told them instead of me telling them, but when I thought about it later I realized he had broken the ice for me and had made "The Talk" go a lot smoother. Zack cried for a bit; Joshua was totally cool with it. They crack me up. Whew! Fortunately I never told them for sure there was a Santa so that they could not later accuse me of lying to them like I had done to Mom and Dad when I learned the truth. In fact I had always told them up front that the "Santas" at the mall was not the real Santa. I told him that they were his "helpers" - they are smart kids so I knew they would figure out someday that every mall in the area had a Santa and I didn't want them to wonder what was up with that. Well, anyway, long story but let me end with a "thank you" to Dad.
Rob checked into the hospital on 12/27 and had back surgery that day. Then on 12/29 he had surgery on his neck. I am just hoping this is the end of one sad story and the beginning of a wonderful story instead of just another chapter of our sad story. This lawsuit has been going on for 2 ½ years so we hope we can settle with Goodyear soon. I am so tired of "just getting by."
I got into contact with Nathan Doyle (now Dr. Doyle) recently. To jog memories, he dated Missy Christiansen (Veronica and Bill's daughter) and because of her he joined the church, went on a mission and attended BYU. I went to high school with him and he dated my best friend Becky freshman year.
If any of the Cannons (or anyone who might have known him) would like to get in touch with him, email me at iggidoll@msn.com. or our new addy at robrtnwndy@surewest.com.
Well, I am writing this prior to New Year's Eve so I will have to cover that in a future newsletter. We love you all and wish everyone a wonderful upcoming year.

Wendy

December 2006

We hope this finds everyone healthy and well. We, here at the Shubin-Daul household, have been doing very well. We enjoyed Zachari's company the entire week of Thanksgiving vacation and he did not want to go home when he needed to. Joshua, on the other hand, blew us off entirely and hung out with Grandpa except when Grandpa had social engagements.

Speaking of social engagements, Anna Mae Lowe (she will always be "Amma Nae" to me) joined us for Thanksgiving as Dad's guest and it was wonderful to see her again. Tina did not join her which did sadden me, her having been my first best friend. I spent the night at the Lowe's every other weekend from the ages of 3-10. I did speak with Tina on the phone and we had a nice 1 ½ hour long chat and it just seems to me that she suffers from extreme phobias and other issues.

I later posed the question to Dad whether he found me, who at least functions in the world, or Tina, a recluse, a more desirable daughter to have. I immediately realized I had not thoroughly thought out my question before I verbalized it. I anticipated his answer almost verbatim, " You mean, given the choice?" Oh ho ho, what a jokester, that Dad! That was almost as good as the ol' "I often wonder if Wendy would have turned out differently if Kevin hadn't dropped her on her head," quip. At the podium. At Stephanie's blessing. Of course the entire congregation, which overflowed our chapel that particular Fast Sunday because it was the first Sunday of the New Year. . .oh, how they laughed and laughed and laughed. Why do I set myself up for these things? On the bright side, Dad did compliment me and noted that Zachari seemed to be much more mature after the week's time he spent with us. Naturally, I clarified that he was complimenting me as opposed to just commenting on some growth spurt. Oh what great fun we have!

We also have new additions to the Shubin-Daul Family that joined us in October - Disco, Tigger and Vixen. We love them very much and it has been a GREAT experience for the boys having these sweet kitties. I couldn't have asked for more patient, friendly, understanding felines for my boys with their issues and my 24 month old. They are cared for by me of course, but I don't mind. I feel it is important to have them and in time turn it over to the boys. Joshua LOVES to have them in his room, just not really holding them...petting them sometimes is done with apprehension. But the boys are learning to trust the animals won't hurt them if treated properly.

Well, Happy Holidays to all and a very Merry New Year.
Tigger & Vixen
Disco

October 2006

Dear Family,

Not much to add this month. Stephanie's birthday was Friday and we had a wonderful day. Zachari was very gracious and excited for his sister. Joshua was....well, let's just say he wasn't. But it was still fun. So, yes, she is now officially 2, although she has acted as though she has been 2 for a couple of months now. She is really starting to expand her vocabulary, which just shows she is a Condie girl for sure. My Permanent Official Nickname for her now is “Doo.” I'll explain someday, maybe.

The boys are back into my household, almost. After school they come to me until bedtime, and they spend the weekends with me also. The plan is to have them in the home full-time by New Years. It has just been wonderful the past few weeks being able to be the main parent to them again. Rob is really doing well and has surprised me by the about-face - he really is trying to be a good father and husband now, and that was all I was asking for before the split. I must say my need for anti-depressants is not as vital lately.

Well, I guess I did have much to add this month after all . Our love to all the family. We include you in our prayers every night.

Wendy, Rob, Ri-Guy, Squash & Doo

September 2006

Hello Family. I hope everyone is doing well. We are quite busy in the Shubin-Daul household. The past two months have been filled with government obligations and now the main focus is moving the boys back into my household. Stephanie is just cute as can be - she will 2 on Sept. 29th..... where did the time go? Robert is attempting to make reparations with myself and the kids - I have made it clear to him, however, that the boys returning to me is my top priority right now.
Further medical opinions regarding the boys will be forthcoming.. The Sensory Integration Disorder is obvious, but we aren't convinced by the original Dx that the boys are NOT on the Autistic Spectrum. Kaiser has a new Autistic Spectrum Disorder clinic and, with Kristy's help, we were able to convince Kaiser that the boys need to be evaluated again thru this clinic. It's a time-consuming process but a necessary one.
Emily's reception in CA was wonderful, and of course Miss Stephanie had a great time there. I have attached pictures of her in her party dress. Yes, finally, I have saved enough to invest in a very nice camera - the Sanyo Xacti VPC-C40. Video/still/web cam....I'm very happy with it so far except I am still trying to figure out the options on it still. So some of my pix still get the red-eye effect. I'll figure it out.
Well, that's about it for now - maybe I'll have more to report on next time. Love to you all!
Wendy

June 2006

Dear Family,
It has been a busy month for me. As I emailed earlier, Robert is no longer living in the home. I’m not sure what is going to happen from here, so I am going to just leave it at that for now.
Last night the boys had their Cub Scout Raingutter Regatta and Zachari got 2nd place. I was quite proud of that because I am the one who basically built the boat with a little assistance from him. Plus, it was the first time I have built such a model. I couldn’t resist - I asked my Daddy if he was proud of me. Zachari and Joshua had their first official sleepover with a school friend here at my house last wkend. Up until now they hadn't been ready but all went well and we had a great time so I hope this ups their social skills which have been somewhat lacking until now.
I have a new hobby - I have joined Perverted Justice.com and am slowly learning how to become a Human Shield. If you are not aware of the organization, they are adults posing as teenagers to help catch Internet Predators. Dateline, in conjunction with PeeJ, has done quite a few specials/stings with law enforcement. Somedays I am so sick by some of what I read/encounter that I have to take a break from it, but I feel good about what they do and what I am learning to do. I have yet to do any work myself but in time I will hopefully be ready. I feel it is very important to protect our children anyway I can.
Stephanie is as cute as ever and so smart it actually scares me at times. At 20 mo we are now entering the terrible-2s. Wish me luck.
We love you all,
Wendy, Stephanie, Zachari and Joshua

February/March 2006 (Special Edition)

In her final years, when it was hard to get up and down or around, she still managed to create games she could play with Zachari and Joshua from her favorite recliner. “Hide-and-Go-Seek” became “Hide-and-I’ll-Holler-Out-Where-I-Think-You-Are” and those two boys were just as eager to play it that way and come out if she guessed right then as if she had actually gone and found them.

When I was around the age of four, I remember her helping me exact revenge on my torturous older brother by holding him down and letting me tickle him unmercifully.

She was the type of mother who always volunteered for the school field trips or to be a “room mother,” active in the Young Women’s, Girl Scouts, Blue Birds, Campfire Girls. My teenage friends would often call her “Mom,” and when they became struggling, starving “first-time-on-my-own” young adults she would be the first one to send food from her refrigerator and home storage out the door with them.

I have strong memories of her quilting, sometimes all day long, so that her children and grandchildren would have wonderful handmade items from her. From the age of 8-18, if I needed to enter or exit the Family Room, I would have to crawl under her large quilting frame. Eventually I just put my large sleeping bag under it and that way I could slide instead of crawling. I think I even had some sleepovers under those quilts suspended in their frames – we just pretended they were large “forts.”

If you are wondering which side of the family some of us inherited our “lead foots” from, it definitely was not from Dad. When Dad was not in the car with her, Mom was known to drive anywhere from 5-25 miles over the speed limit on the surface streets, chatting the whole time and oblivious to the speedometer. I’m amazed she didn’t get more speeding tickets than she did.

Wendy

January 2006

Dearest Family -

I am sorry that I have not contributed sooner to the newsletter, but time just keeps getting away from me. December has definitely been advantageous. As you may already know, Mom spent Christmas Day in the hospital so this year Christmas morning was just not the same. In fact, Zachari let me know that it definitely was not his best Christmas.

I now have the official diagnosis regarding the boys – Sensory Integration Disorder. Last summer they had been tentatively dx with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, but this month we went to the “specialist” and she said they were waaaaaaaaaaay too social and wanting to please to be anywhere near the autistic spectrum. It sounds as if they have what Todd and Craig had as children – it just manifests itself differently with each child, and it is not all that uncommon, either.

The boys are ¾ of the way toward earning their Wolf badges in Cub Scouts – we hope to have them by their 9th birthday.

Stephanie turned 1 in September and is quite the little singer and dancer – move over Brittney Spears!! She babbles non-stop at times – too bad we don’t understand a word she is saying. The boys still treat her as if she is an infectious germ, but that doesn’t faze her at all – she drops everything in a heartbeat to be near them.

Rob sees the neurosurgeon on Dec 30th so perhaps he will have back surgery in January. If you didn’t already know this, June 2004 the wheel came off of Rob’s little Mercedes convertible (which we have since sold). He was about ½ mile away from leaving Goodyear after having tubes put into his tires when the accident happened so they are most definitely liable (they forgot to torque the lug nuts).

We hope to have a digital camera soon so that we can send you all pictures of our family.
We love you all and wish you all a great New Year. Take care,

Wendy, Rob, Zachari, Joshua and Stephanie