Playdate with Addie

Last week Alissa brought Addie to Woodland to have a playdate with the girls. Allie was so excited for Addie to come. She kept saying "is it time for them to get here mom?" They played with all kinds of stuff and had lunch together at Allie's little table. Addie found the perfect hat to wear to lunch! Paige slept during most of the playdate but when she woke up she was happy to see visitors and sister Als. We had a fun time and can't believe how big all of the girls are getting. Many more fun times ahead with Miss Addie Girl.

Missing Gram

I am not sure why I am missing my Grandma so much tonight but for some reason when I was rocking Paige tonight it hit me.....hard. At Gram's funeral the opening song was Amazing Grace and I have been singing that to Paige since August. When I rock her she loves that song,and I can usually get through it, but for some reason tonight I just couldn't. I don't know if it because I used to talk to Gram EVERY day and now I can't, if it is the upcoming family weddings that she will miss, if it is getting close to spring...her favorite time to plant flowers, if it that I can't tell her about our daily life and what the girls are up to, or if it just because I miss her like crazy! I think it is a little of all of it. My grandma was just diagnosed with cancer this month last year and now she is gone. I am glad she is not suffering anymore but I sure wish she was still here. This was the Eulogy Geoff wrote and read at her funeral...bless his heart. I can't even read through it some days and he delivered it so well. My grandma Rosie would have been so proud of him.

Rosalie Anne Rise

I’d like to start by saying how blessed I have been to join a great and loving family.

And I have been honored to speak on behalf Grandpa Ron, and Rosie’s children: Rhonda, Jim, Charlotte, and David, her 12 grandchildren, her 9 great-grandchildren, her brothers and sisters, and her countless friends to convey thoughts, memories, and thanks for Rosie and the lives we’ve lived together with her.

Rosalie Anne Rise was born April 7, 1938 to John and Alverda Hoke in Clintonville, West Virgina. She’s one of ten children; four boys: Shirley, Condol, Leroy and Dick; and six girls: Treva, Janet, Jean, Lois, Rosalie and Carol.

Rosie was 13 when she met Ronnie, who was 15, in 1951, at the Tualitin Crawfish Festival Dance. Five years later, after Ronnie got out of the service, they married in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. During their 54-year marriage, they lived briefly in California, then returned to Oregon (so their children could live closer to their cousins), and they lived in North Portland, then Springfield, then, for the last eight years, they have enjoyed retirement together living in Scappoose.

Grandma Rosie is a model of joy, peace, and kindness, and a model of patience, love, and acceptance. Although I’m not sure if these were the traits that brought her to work for 30 years at the Department of Motor Vehicles or if that was the place where she learned and developed her notorious patience.

She has a miraculous way of listening, validating, and making you feel heard and cared for. To her family and close friends, she was the most loyal, forgiving, and concerned person we knew. She, often thought and worried, more about us and our troubles than we cared about them ourselves. Even in the worst days of cancer, she’d ask about her sister’s blood sugar, her grandchildrens’ activities, and her sons’ and daughters’ daily grinds. To ask, in return, how she felt, she’d reply, “I’m doing OK”, or if it was really bad, “Well, I’m not my best today” . . . and leave it at that.

Rosalie cherished the simple pleasures of life . . . things like Bob Seger’s Old Time Rock and Roll, a train ride on the Polar Express, a cigarette and a cup of coffee, a “spin” won on the Wheel of Fortune machine.

Some of her family’s best memories include:

· The way she related to children, and the love she has for them - especially her own children, her grandchildren, and by God’s grace and good fortune, her great grandchildren.

· Christmas, and decorating for Christmas.

· Hallmark ornaments for each of her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren

· 70% off Hallmark ornaments for each of her grandchildren

· Doing taxes by hand even in the 21^st century – there’s an amazing story from a few years back, where Jen and I raved to the Rises and the Durans about Turbo Tax and the refund we got. Grandma Rosie was, let’s just say, a little hesitant, to trust a computer to come up with the biggest refund. So for fun, she did her taxes, by hand; then after she was all finished, her forms complete and her refund calculated, she sat with Jen and ran the numbers and deductions with her at the computer, a second time, but using Turbo Tax, and when it was finished, and it spit out the exact same number, to the penny for the refund, she said . . . “Well . . . !!!”

Other memories of Rosie:

· Playing piano, guitar and flute

· Rosalie finally finding a use for the computer . . . Skype

· Outlet malls, discount racks, and Meier and Frank and Macy’s coupons

· Reminiscing with Grandpa Ron about games, friends, neighbors, and relationships that were born from Little League, wrestling, and high school sports.

· The smart shop, garage sale deals, and the endless pursuit of better discounts.

· Family birthdays, graduations, weddings, the annual family reunion, and, really, family and friends gathering together for any reason to celebrate

· Spring planting, hanging flower baskets, and gardening

· Driver’s licenses issued to most of the adults in North Portland, and big rig behind-the-wheel driving examinations

· Thanksgiving dinner – I remember my first Rise family Thanksgiving and Joe telling me to watch Grandma Rosie eat, he told me I wouldn’t believe what I’d see . . . he’d swear she has a hollow leg . . . that there’s no other way she could eat that much and stay her size.

· Rosalie’s expression the day Grandpa Ron won $25K on a scratcher he got for his birthday as a present from Aunt Carol and Uncle Wayne

· The daily phone calls from her daughters and granddaughters – I know for us that was a big reason we went with the Family Share Plan and the 2500 minutes.

· Uncontrollable and contagious fits of laughing and giggling.

· Her fear of flying, but her eagerness to be first to climb into the van for a two-week drive that went from Scappoose, to Eugene, to Canyonville, to Redding, to Woodland, to Reno, to Concord, to Phoenix, and back . . . Yet another example of her love of family, fun, and adventure, and a testimony to her . . . patience . . . as a passenger.

And some last memories . . .

· Rosalie’s joy for the births into the family and her joy for our journeys in our own marriages, families, and friendships

· Her support and love as we have and raise our children

· Grandma Rosie’s longing to be surrounded by people, and to have company

· Her compassion as we’ve dealt with tragedies and sorrows

· Rosie’s appreciation and love for those of you, her angels – especially her sister Carol – and all of those who were able to be with her in last months and days as she battled cancer and treatment.

. . . now, that’s a list to name just a few of our best days and memories with Rosalie.

In her conversations with Carol, Charlotte, David, Jim, Rhonda, Ron and others over the last months, Rosalie conceded all the things she’ll miss, many on the horizon in the near future: births, weddings, achievements . . . parties . . . Thanksgiving . . . shopping the day after Thanksgiving . . . . . Christmas.

In closing . . . it’s impossible to deny the sadness and loss. Rosie meant the world to many people here today. Remember, though, as we’ve joined together to celebrate Rosalie’s life, we’re better people from seeing her model how to love.

We should each pray to take in a sliver of her heart, and be, in many ways, more like her. Have her model and guide the way we convey our loyalty, our love, our patience and acceptance, and our forgiveness as each of us go forward and try our best to make her proud.

Cinderella & Lil Sis

On Monday, Allie transformed into Cinderella to go to the Disney on Ice show. When we bought the tickets Allie said she wanted to dress up like a princess and she decided to be Belle at first but then decided to be Cinderella. Paige doesn't have a princess dress but she didn't seem to mind. She enjoyed the show too! She clapped and screeched and bounced during the entire show. It was so cool to be so close to the action. We were in the 8th row so it was awesome. Allie loved waving to the characters. Next time we go to the show, both girls will be able to dress up!!

Clapping and Reading

Paige loves to read books...especially ones with babies and animals! Today she was so excited to be reading and was clapping. I had to snap a few pics. Not sure why she is half naked but she was a happy little monkey!

Got Ticks?

I sure hope not... but Geoff had one yesterday. I don't have any pictures from our little hike yesterday but I want to document the day in case we need information for later. It was a pretty nice day so we decided to head to Lake Solano for a picnic and little hike around the park. Allie loves to be outdoors so we thought we would have a fun little adventure. We saw lots of geese wondering around and every time they came close Paige would say "duck, duck" she is close...no need to correct her! She loves animals! I am surprised she didn't say "Jack, Go" when she saw them! Grandma and Paka came along with us and we had a nice little lunch by the water and hiked around. Allie skipped rocks, found sticks and loved exploring. Geoff said he felt like he had a sticker or something poking him when we got home so he pulled down his pants to check it out and it was a TICK!!! YUCK!!! I said let's call Kaiser, don't pull it yet, and sure enough Geoff pulled it out. He got the whole thing (it hadn't been in too long) and Kaiser says he should be fine but to watch it. So of course I googled "tick bite" in every way shape and form and worry about Lyme Disease but the nurse said they couldn't test for that for 30 days. So we will see. We have the little tick in a zip lock baggy so I called the Yolo County & Solano County Health Departments and the UCD Entomology department. Don't know if anyone will return a call but we will see. I am sure all is fine but pretty gross feeling. I felt like I had bugs on me all day! Don't know when our next hike will be :o)

We are off to see the Wizard.....

......the Wonderful Wizard of Oz!

Last year we introduced Allie to the Wizard of Oz. I have fond memories as a kid, watching the Wizard of Oz every year around my childhood friend Angie's birthday (in March). I knew Allie would love it, but I was afraid she might be scared of the flying monkeys or the wicked witch of the West! But when she watched it the first time she loved it! She loves all of the characters and the music. When Grandma Ganne and Paka saw that the play was going to be at the Woodland Opera House, they asked if we would like to go and of course we said for sure we would go! It is also kinda cool Grandma and Paka's old neighbor is the music director for the play. When we told Allie about it, she said she wanted to wear a "Dorothy" dress and ruby red slippers just like Dorothy. So...of course we found a costume and ruby red slippers. The ruby red slippers actually came from Kansas. Amazon truly amazes me. I ordered them 2 days ago and they are already here! Grandma Ganne even found a pair of Dorothy shoes for Paige. Allie has been anxious to go to the play all week. This morning when she woke up she said "today is the play...today is the play"....so tonight we are going to be in Oz! Allie go all dressed up said now I need a dog in a basket...hmm....well we were able to make something work...even though it was not a true Toto dog, Allie was happy with what we had.

We had a great time at the play. We went with Grandma and Paka. Allie was so excited to be all dressed up just like Dorothy! Geoff and I said we wished our Grandmas could have seen her all dressed up! She sat through the whole 3 hour play and did perfect. She sang along and yelled out to the Wicked Witch of the West "I will get you, you pickle-nose and put you in that oil can". Too funny. Paige was awesome too. She loved the music and clapped along. She also yelled out "Jack, go" every time Toto was on stage. We got to meet the cast after the play and Allie talked with Dorothy and took her picture with her. We will have to get the picture from Grandma Ganne.

Sweet Paige is 9 months old!

When people ask how old Paige is, it is hard for me to say she is really 9 months old. I was looking at old pictures and this time last year we were just getting things in order for her arrival...and now she is growing like a little weed. She is still a great baby and loves her big sister and Jack. Now she says "Jack, go" to Jack and to every other dog she sees. She also says "ball", "uh-oh", and "sissa" when she sees Allie. Sissa is the best way to write it, but she pronounces it really cute. She also says "nuh-nuh" when she wants to nurse. When you ask her what a cow says or say the word cow she says "mooo"...not every time but most of the time! Too fun to see her little mind working. She is almost crawling, just not quite there. But don't worry she gets wherever she wants to go by scooting and rolling. We have to be extra careful because she is on the move! She also growls when you tell her no-no. She has a little mind of her own and knows what she wants. Paige also started clapping a week and a half ago and is very proud of herself. She loves to clap!! She still loves pear yogurt and teething biscuits. We just stared giving her fish crackers and she likes those too. She would prefer vanilla ice cream over any food but we just give her a little taste here and there. Poor Allie had to wait until she was a year old to eat ice cream! I don't know why I am so hesitant to give her food because she does have 8 teeth and her 9th one is going to pop through any day here! Crazy how many teeth she has already! We love our baby girl and know that she will continue to grow and change in to her own little person. I really can not believe we will be celebrating her first birthday soon.
We love our sweet Paigee girl!

Pre School Party

This morning Allie woke up at 7:00 ready for her party at school! She has been excited all week waiting for her Valentine's Day party. Since she is in the Tu/Th class they got to celebrate a little early! I got to work in the class for the party and it was a lot of fun. All of the kids were so excited to deliver their valentines to their friends. I love just being there and observing and listening to all of the sweet little voices. You never know what they are going to do or say! Every day at morning circle they start their day with a cute little prayer that goes like this: Dear God, be with me today, in all I do and think and say...Amen. When we were finished with the prayer Allie turned to me and said "Good job Mom, you did it!" I guess she was worried I might make a mistake ;o) The energy was high in the classroom and they did lots of fun crafts and got to decorate (and eat) special heart shaped cookies. They also got to decorate the play yard with hearts so the M/W/F class can have a festive party! I am so thankful that Allie has great teachers and loves going to school.