The day after Emily's graduation, Ron made us a delightful breakfast of homemade whole wheat waffles AND homemade whole wheat pancakes AND reconstituted frozen orange juice.
What, it wasn't fresh squeezed?
Served with these delightful breakfast foods was maple syrup and HOMEMADE strawberry freezer jam that Ron also made. Because he is awesome like that. The Saturday we made it, I came down with a bug and in the interest of not polluting the delicious jam, we decided I should stay out of the strawberries and take a nap instead.
Which I did.
After breakfast, Jennifer spent some quality time with her high school friend Robyn and Robyn's good friend Kip. (They also joined us for breakfast.) Once Jennifer's friends left, we piled into our cars and drove to Santa Cruz to check out the Boardwalk.
Doesn't that sound like fun on a June afternoon?
Did I mention that it was raining? I heard that we received RECORD rain that day. Some areas of the Bay Area received over an inch of rain. Is that crazy, or what?
But, Dustin, our beloved son-in-law and wonderful husband to Heather and hopefully the father-to-be of future grandchildren that we will LOVE and ADORE and SPOIL rotten and then send back to their parents (no pressure Heather and Dustin--REALLY!) wanted to see the Pacific Ocean. He's from Arizona you see and he was returning to Utah the following night.
OH, Dustin had SEEN the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii, (poor thing) but he wanted to see it from the California perspective. I mean which Pacific Ocean would you rather see? The view from California on a rainy, stormy day or the view from Hawaii--a tropical paradise?
Me, too.
But, we wanted to make Dustin's dreams come true so we drove to Santa Cruz on a very rainy afternoon and brought a picnic lunch.
The drive over was somewhat scary. There is a wall that divides the highway. My family knows how I am absolutely terrified of "THE WALL" as I call it. Ron drove next to the wall until we had a scary incident and I convinced him to pull over to the slow lane and follow chugging, slow-moving semi-trucks instead.
When we arrived in Santa Cruz, the rain was more of a drizzle, but the wind was biting cold. We stood around a bench eating our picnic lunch because it was too. cold. to. sit. down. We needed to keep moving to keep our blood going.
We were having a GREAT time!
After putting the remnants of our picnic lunch back in our car, we took a long walk across the sands and watched the angry, churning, grey ocean. We watched the seagulls fighting over a fish. We walked down the Santa Cruz pier and made the acquaintances of a large group of sea lions. They began barking. Jacob, Ron, and Dustin barked back. It was quite a conversation they had and we enjoyed watching them close up--but not so close that they could actually bite.
After 10 to 15 minutes of delightfully conversing and watching the sea lions it was time to return home and so we walked another mile or so back to our cars. Emily decided to return with Heather and Dustin. Jennifer and Jacob joined us in our car.
As we got back on the highway with the scary wall, the rain picked up again. The rain was rather soothing and for a few minutes, I forgot about my dread of THE WALL and dozed off. Suddenly, I could feel our car sliding. I quickly opened my eyes and (Yes, I am admitting this in public) screamed. Ron was braking but we were coming closer and closer to the car in front of us.
THE WALL was to our left. Other cars were whizzing by on our right. I was sure we were going to hit the car in front of us as it got quickly closer and closer. Then, Ron remembered something he had been taught. When your brakes lock up, pump them gently. He did this over and over for what seemed like forever (but was only a few seconds) and we stopped within a quarter inch from the stopped car in front of us. Once it was safe, the car in front of us went into the right lane and then we saw the problem. The driver in front of them had lost control and had gone into a 180 degree spin. The front of the car was facing oncoming traffic and the woman driver was outside her car calling 911.
That didn't seem like such a safe thing to do. If we had hit the car in front of us, their car would have hit the first car and she would have been hit as well.
As safely as possible, we moved over into the right lane and there we remained--away from THE WALL until we got off that treacherous mountain highway.
Over and over I told Ron the remainder of the weekend, "Thank you for being a good driver."
Isn't he amazing? He not ONLY makes homemade whole wheat waffles AND pancakes AND strawberry freezer jam, he saved us from a possibly horrible accident (and possibly saved the life of a stranger) as well. No wonder that I love him.
Showing posts with label Ron. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ron. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Remember the Good Old Days?
This evening we enjoyed a lovely Valentine's Dinner. Ron BBQ-ed tri-tip that I had lovingly marinated earlier in the day. We had re-stuffed baked potatoes. A delightful salad. Red Jell-O served in pretty goblets. Martinelli's. Garlic Bread. (For nothing says Valentine's Day BETTER than garlic bread AND garlic breath.) And for dessert. Chocolate. Lots of chocolate. Rich dark chocolate. Sweet milk chocolate. Decadent white chocolate. It wouldn't be Valentine's Day without chocolate.
As we were eating our tasty tri-tip I asked Ron, "Do you remember the good old days when you used to cut up our meat for us?"
When our four darling daughters were young, he would cut up their meat so it would be easier for them to eat. Many times, he would cut mine up as well. Because it is so. much. work. cutting. up. meat.
He said, "I remember." And he continued to eat his meat.
Emily and I looked at each other. Clearly, he had not taken the hint.
We continued to eat our delicious dinner but our meat sat untouched.
A few minutes later I said, "Emily, do you remember the good old days when Dad used to cut up our meat?"
"Yes," she replied. "Those were GOOD times!"
"Uh, is this a hint?" he asked.
He then proceeded to cut up Emily's meat. Then mine.
Of course Emily and I COULD have cut up our meat. For clearly, we are women! But Ron had the ONLY steak knife (somehow in our move several things have disappeared including the ice cube trays and steak knifes.) But that my friends, is what Valentine's Day is all about--showing someone you love them with simple acts of kindness--whether it is making a special dinner for those you love or cutting up their meat. And the bonus? We relived the good old days for just a few minutes.
As we were eating our tasty tri-tip I asked Ron, "Do you remember the good old days when you used to cut up our meat for us?"
When our four darling daughters were young, he would cut up their meat so it would be easier for them to eat. Many times, he would cut mine up as well. Because it is so. much. work. cutting. up. meat.
He said, "I remember." And he continued to eat his meat.
Emily and I looked at each other. Clearly, he had not taken the hint.
We continued to eat our delicious dinner but our meat sat untouched.
A few minutes later I said, "Emily, do you remember the good old days when Dad used to cut up our meat?"
"Yes," she replied. "Those were GOOD times!"
"Uh, is this a hint?" he asked.
He then proceeded to cut up Emily's meat. Then mine.
Of course Emily and I COULD have cut up our meat. For clearly, we are women! But Ron had the ONLY steak knife (somehow in our move several things have disappeared including the ice cube trays and steak knifes.) But that my friends, is what Valentine's Day is all about--showing someone you love them with simple acts of kindness--whether it is making a special dinner for those you love or cutting up their meat. And the bonus? We relived the good old days for just a few minutes.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Thirty Reasons
Thirty reasons why I love Ron.
1. He tells me he loves me every day.
2. He doesn't mind if I put my icy cold feet on HIS feet when we go to bed at night.
3. He gives great back rubs.
4. He is a hard worker.
5. He does the dinner dishes nearly every night.
6. He mops the kitchen floor because he knows this is the one household task I despise--with a passion!
7. He listens to me even if I do ramble at times.
8. He buys me milkshakes because he's thinking of me.
9. He makes great peanut clusters.
10. He doesn't mind my vast Christmas music collection--in fact he asks if I need another CD.
11. He is patient and kind.
12. When I ask him to do something, he is always happy to help.
13. He compliments me on my cooking and when something isn't so good-well, he isn't the one to mention it. Because HE knows that I know it, too. And I will NEVER make it again.
14. He is not only willing, but happy to serve others.
15. He is a great father to our four darling daughters.
16. He is willing to watch a chick-flick movie with me.
17. He LIKES the Hallmark channel and their "feel-good" movies.
18. He is usually the one who drives Emily to early morning seminary. Thank you! Thank you!
19. He laughs at my jokes--even the lame ones.
20. He enjoys going on walks with me. Even when it's dark and it's hard to see the dips in the sidewalk.
21. He encourages me to do hard things--like go back to school.
22. He tells me when I look nice.
23. He loves my family and enjoys being around them. I mean--who wouldn't? They are GREAT!
24. He likes the same music I do.
25. He supports and encourages me to attend Women's Conference.
26. He is kind, loving, and patient with older people. Which is good. Because someday we are going to be those older people.
27. If I have a big job, he always asks "How can I help?"
28. He turns on the heater first thing in the morning so I can get up to a warm house.
29. He makes great whole wheat waffles.
30. He always treats me with respect--always.
Happy 30th Anniversary, Ron! I love you!
1. He tells me he loves me every day.2. He doesn't mind if I put my icy cold feet on HIS feet when we go to bed at night.
3. He gives great back rubs.
4. He is a hard worker.
5. He does the dinner dishes nearly every night.
6. He mops the kitchen floor because he knows this is the one household task I despise--with a passion!
7. He listens to me even if I do ramble at times.
8. He buys me milkshakes because he's thinking of me.
9. He makes great peanut clusters.
10. He doesn't mind my vast Christmas music collection--in fact he asks if I need another CD.
11. He is patient and kind.
12. When I ask him to do something, he is always happy to help.
13. He compliments me on my cooking and when something isn't so good-well, he isn't the one to mention it. Because HE knows that I know it, too. And I will NEVER make it again.
14. He is not only willing, but happy to serve others.
15. He is a great father to our four darling daughters.
16. He is willing to watch a chick-flick movie with me.
17. He LIKES the Hallmark channel and their "feel-good" movies.
18. He is usually the one who drives Emily to early morning seminary. Thank you! Thank you!
19. He laughs at my jokes--even the lame ones.
20. He enjoys going on walks with me. Even when it's dark and it's hard to see the dips in the sidewalk.
21. He encourages me to do hard things--like go back to school.
22. He tells me when I look nice.
23. He loves my family and enjoys being around them. I mean--who wouldn't? They are GREAT!
24. He likes the same music I do.
25. He supports and encourages me to attend Women's Conference.
26. He is kind, loving, and patient with older people. Which is good. Because someday we are going to be those older people.
27. If I have a big job, he always asks "How can I help?"
28. He turns on the heater first thing in the morning so I can get up to a warm house.
29. He makes great whole wheat waffles.
30. He always treats me with respect--always.
Happy 30th Anniversary, Ron! I love you!
Monday, December 13, 2010
"I Need to Find a Man!"
Last night at the end of family home evening, the subject of weddings came up. Emily had received a coral rose Saturday night. I commented on its lovely color and she told me that coral was one of her hoped for wedding colors. The other one is turquoise. I mentioned that those colors might not be popular when she gets married and that it might be difficult to find dresses for her bridesmaids and MY dress. (Clearly, the most important one.) She shrugged her shoulders and said,
"Christie chose navy blue for her August wedding. That wasn't an easy color to find either."
Thanks Christie for setting a precedent.
Then, taking some pity on me, Emily said, "Don't worry, Mother." (Why does she ALWAYS call me mother?) "I'll wait for those colors to become fashionable and then I'll find myself a man."
I was shocked. It was like I was listening to myself speak many years ago.
(Fade to the ancient past.....)
When I was finishing my 1st semester at BYU, I was unexpectedly dumped by a young man. I thought everything was going swimmingly. He had taken me to meet his family for Thanksgiving. We had not had one argument. I wasn't in love with him by any means, but I was enjoying getting to know him. Then one night, he didn't show up for our date. I waited.
And waited.
And waited.
Finally, in great confusion, I went to bed. What had just happened?
The next morning, I spoke to Sacrament meeting. Said young man (who shall remain nameless) was sitting on the front row. That was awkward! He listened attentively to my message. He smiled during the funny parts and looked thoughtful during the serious parts. What was going on?
I mustered up all my courage and asked if we could go on a walk. Later that afternoon as we walked the frigid streets of Provo, he told me that I hadn't done anything wrong, but he was interested in dating others. What can you say to that?
I somehow got through finals and went home for Christmas vacation, nursing my semi-broken heart.
After arriving back in Provo a couple of weeks later, I was talking to my best friend and roommate Melinda.
"Melinda, I need to find a man!"
We made plans to attend the dance the next evening in the Wilkinson Center. A nice young man named Jerry (he CAN be named) gave us a ride. Soon after arriving, I met Ron and we danced the rest of the evening. Ron took me home and our first date occurred a couple of nights later.
So, when Emily said, "Mom, I'll wait for turquoise and coral to become fashionable and then I'll find a man" it was the weirdest experience. It brought back memories of college days, great roommates, and meeting a wonderful man.
All I can say is that I hope turquoise and coral are not in fashion for at least 5 years.
"Christie chose navy blue for her August wedding. That wasn't an easy color to find either."
Thanks Christie for setting a precedent.
Then, taking some pity on me, Emily said, "Don't worry, Mother." (Why does she ALWAYS call me mother?) "I'll wait for those colors to become fashionable and then I'll find myself a man."
I was shocked. It was like I was listening to myself speak many years ago.
(Fade to the ancient past.....)
When I was finishing my 1st semester at BYU, I was unexpectedly dumped by a young man. I thought everything was going swimmingly. He had taken me to meet his family for Thanksgiving. We had not had one argument. I wasn't in love with him by any means, but I was enjoying getting to know him. Then one night, he didn't show up for our date. I waited.
And waited.
And waited.
Finally, in great confusion, I went to bed. What had just happened?
The next morning, I spoke to Sacrament meeting. Said young man (who shall remain nameless) was sitting on the front row. That was awkward! He listened attentively to my message. He smiled during the funny parts and looked thoughtful during the serious parts. What was going on?
I mustered up all my courage and asked if we could go on a walk. Later that afternoon as we walked the frigid streets of Provo, he told me that I hadn't done anything wrong, but he was interested in dating others. What can you say to that?
I somehow got through finals and went home for Christmas vacation, nursing my semi-broken heart.
After arriving back in Provo a couple of weeks later, I was talking to my best friend and roommate Melinda.
"Melinda, I need to find a man!"
We made plans to attend the dance the next evening in the Wilkinson Center. A nice young man named Jerry (he CAN be named) gave us a ride. Soon after arriving, I met Ron and we danced the rest of the evening. Ron took me home and our first date occurred a couple of nights later.
So, when Emily said, "Mom, I'll wait for turquoise and coral to become fashionable and then I'll find a man" it was the weirdest experience. It brought back memories of college days, great roommates, and meeting a wonderful man.
All I can say is that I hope turquoise and coral are not in fashion for at least 5 years.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Ron-The Card Shark
Family Home Evening follows a predictable pattern in our home.
The person conducting ALWAYS says,
If we aren't smiling when they say that line, they repeat it until we are ALL smiling.
Aren't families great?
Then we have an:
The person conducting ALWAYS says,
Welcome to Family Home Evening. It's so NICE to see your bright and shining faces.
If we aren't smiling when they say that line, they repeat it until we are ALL smiling.
Aren't families great?
Then we have an:
Opening Song.
Opening Prayer.
Family business.
Opening Prayer.
Family business.
We always sing a special song for family business. I admit it. I made the song up. It's so catchy that you might want to try it in your home.
(Sung to Hallelujah Chorus.)
(Sung to Hallelujah Chorus.)
Family Business!
Family Business!
(sung slightly faster) Family Business, Family Business
(sung much slower) Family Buuuuisnessss!
Family Business!
(sung slightly faster) Family Business, Family Business
(sung much slower) Family Buuuuisnessss!
After a lengthy discussion on "family business" it's time to move onto the scripture. Following the scripture is the lesson. Usually a pretty short lesson. You would think we had a short attention span or something.
Then it's time to
Then it's time to
Sing the closing song.
Say the closing prayer.
Have the activity.
Eat a treat.
Say the closing prayer.
Have the activity.
Eat a treat.
For it wouldn't be family home evening without the treat!
Tonight, our family home evening went pretty much to pattern. Long family business. Short lesson.
Then, it was time to play Phase 10.
Let me tell you. We are COMPETITIVE in this family! Of course, it doesn't compare to my ruthless brother-in-law Dan and his game of Monopoly. I haven't played Dan in a game of Monopoly in over 21 years! That's how competitive he is.
Back to Phase 10. Ron deals the cards. He ALWAYS deals the cards. That is how Emily and I prefer it. I am not very good at shuffling. You can ask my daughters. They will agree with me.
I think, just between you and me, that Ron would make a great card shark! I think he keeps extra WILDS and SKIPS up his sleeve. It seems like he has a plethora of WILDS when I barely get any. Do I sound bitter? Perhaps. Just a little.
Tonight, during the first "phase" Ron SKIPPED me. He really did. I had not done ONE mean thing to him. I had not skipped him. I did not have a plethora of WILD cards. Yet he skipped me. You know what this means?
Yes, I threatened him with sleeping on the couch.
Five or six minutes and a couple of phases later, he SKIPPED Emily.
She was not pleased.
She threatened to take away the pillow and blanket he would be using on the couch.
Ron was scared. But did it stop him from skipping us? No, it did not!
Emily soon threatened him with sleeping outside. If we had a doghouse, he would be in it.
The game ended. Ron won. Not that Emily or I are bitter or anything.
He made up for his card shark ways with a delicious bowl of ice cream.
All is forgiven.
There is "beauty all around" once again because Phase 10 is over for a few more weeks and once again, there is "Love at Home."
Tonight, our family home evening went pretty much to pattern. Long family business. Short lesson.
Then, it was time to play Phase 10.
Let me tell you. We are COMPETITIVE in this family! Of course, it doesn't compare to my ruthless brother-in-law Dan and his game of Monopoly. I haven't played Dan in a game of Monopoly in over 21 years! That's how competitive he is.
Back to Phase 10. Ron deals the cards. He ALWAYS deals the cards. That is how Emily and I prefer it. I am not very good at shuffling. You can ask my daughters. They will agree with me.
I think, just between you and me, that Ron would make a great card shark! I think he keeps extra WILDS and SKIPS up his sleeve. It seems like he has a plethora of WILDS when I barely get any. Do I sound bitter? Perhaps. Just a little.
Tonight, during the first "phase" Ron SKIPPED me. He really did. I had not done ONE mean thing to him. I had not skipped him. I did not have a plethora of WILD cards. Yet he skipped me. You know what this means?
Yes, I threatened him with sleeping on the couch.
Five or six minutes and a couple of phases later, he SKIPPED Emily.
She was not pleased.
She threatened to take away the pillow and blanket he would be using on the couch.
Ron was scared. But did it stop him from skipping us? No, it did not!
Emily soon threatened him with sleeping outside. If we had a doghouse, he would be in it.
The game ended. Ron won. Not that Emily or I are bitter or anything.
He made up for his card shark ways with a delicious bowl of ice cream.
All is forgiven.
There is "beauty all around" once again because Phase 10 is over for a few more weeks and once again, there is "Love at Home."
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend?
As the postlude music was playing at the end of Sacrament meeting last Sunday, I glanced down at my left hand and saw my engagement ring sparkle.
Whispering to Ron I said, "Don't you think my left ring finger would be more attractive if I had a one carat diamond on it?"
As he looked down at my left hand he whispered, "Yes. Would you like me to buy you a larger one?"
Surprised, I whispered back, "That's OK. We need a new roof a lot more."
Man, I hate being practical!
Whispering to Ron I said, "Don't you think my left ring finger would be more attractive if I had a one carat diamond on it?"
As he looked down at my left hand he whispered, "Yes. Would you like me to buy you a larger one?"
Surprised, I whispered back, "That's OK. We need a new roof a lot more."
Man, I hate being practical!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Ron
Once upon a time there was a young girl who had just completed her third semester of college. She had been dating one young man steadily and then one evening, he never showed up for their date. No phone call, no explanation, no nothing. When she saw him at church the following Sunday, she asked him what happened and he hemmed and hawed and didn't make any sense. She wasn't terribly thick-headed so she knew that this relationship was over.
During the two week Christmas break, she nursed her semi-broken heart. The entire trip back to Utah she thought about the upcoming semester and planned how she would stay so busy that she would forget her "old boyfriend."
The first Friday night back, she was talking to her friend and roommate during a late night gab session. "Melinda," she said in a semi-serious voice, "I need to find a man!" They decided to attend the Saturday night Wilkinson Center dance. One of their Family Home Evening "brothers" also wanted to attend the dance so the three of them went together. They were having a good time and then this young girl saw "him." He stood out from all the rest of the young men and she hoped that he would ask her to dance. Less than a minute passed before he approached her, asked if she would like to dance and of course she said, "yes." They spent the rest of the evening together, laughing and talking. She couldn't remember ever having so much fun and feeling so comfortable with someone so quickly. He took her home, asked for her phone number and made plans for a date a few nights later.
This is how I met Ron. For my second item on my "virtual gratitude poster" I would write in large letters, Ron!
I am so grateful for his love and support. He is a wonderful husband, loving father, great provider, and terrific companion. I am so grateful that my roommate supported me in my quest to "find a man" and that we met that wonderful January evening. He has brought me great joy and happiness.
And now will you indulge me when I ask him out on a date?
Deeeeeear Ron,
How would you like to go to brunch with me Saturday morning to Mimi's Cafe? They have delicious omlettes and tasty muffins. I know it will be very, very fun!
Loooooooove,
Loralee
During the two week Christmas break, she nursed her semi-broken heart. The entire trip back to Utah she thought about the upcoming semester and planned how she would stay so busy that she would forget her "old boyfriend."
The first Friday night back, she was talking to her friend and roommate during a late night gab session. "Melinda," she said in a semi-serious voice, "I need to find a man!" They decided to attend the Saturday night Wilkinson Center dance. One of their Family Home Evening "brothers" also wanted to attend the dance so the three of them went together. They were having a good time and then this young girl saw "him." He stood out from all the rest of the young men and she hoped that he would ask her to dance. Less than a minute passed before he approached her, asked if she would like to dance and of course she said, "yes." They spent the rest of the evening together, laughing and talking. She couldn't remember ever having so much fun and feeling so comfortable with someone so quickly. He took her home, asked for her phone number and made plans for a date a few nights later.
This is how I met Ron. For my second item on my "virtual gratitude poster" I would write in large letters, Ron!
I am so grateful for his love and support. He is a wonderful husband, loving father, great provider, and terrific companion. I am so grateful that my roommate supported me in my quest to "find a man" and that we met that wonderful January evening. He has brought me great joy and happiness.
And now will you indulge me when I ask him out on a date?
Deeeeeear Ron,
How would you like to go to brunch with me Saturday morning to Mimi's Cafe? They have delicious omlettes and tasty muffins. I know it will be very, very fun!
Loooooooove,
Loralee
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