How the Big Randoon and I Met

So, my daughters have been writing about how they met their spouses, so I thought I'd write how I met Randy. Since it was almost 32 years ago, I think things have probably gotten a little foggy but I think I still remember the gyst of it.

Okay, so I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 25, 1977. That event kind of set off a series of circumstances which made me want to move with my folks when they decided to move back to Idaho. I wanted to start out fresh in the church and, hopefully, make some new friends. The last year had been a little difficult what with joining a new church and trying to fit in, and also feeling slightly alienated from my old friends and my old life. So, when the chance came to move to Idaho and make a whole new life for myself, it sounded like a great idea!

So, the day I graduated from the U. of I. Lawyer's Assistant program (I mean, THE DAY) my mom and I left for Idaho. My dad and bro were already up there waiting for us. I think it took 2 days to get up here. The night I arrived, my folks took me on a tour of Coeur d'Alene. It was pretty awesome. I envisioned myself as Mary Tyler Moore where she's the single career woman, striding across the City Park and living in one of those cool big homes that were turned into apartments on Sherman Avenue. Only old people like me will truly understand that and know how weird I was! l0l

Anyway, I'm not one to wallow in loneliness and I was feeling a little lonely, but I knew what to do. I had been a member of the church long enough to know that I could find new friends by getting involved in the Young Single Adults program. So, I made a couple of calls and hooked up with Leslie Parsons, the young single adults rep, and she told me about a service project at the NIC Institute building that night. The NIC Institute building was just an old house right by NIC that they were converting into a branch for the young singles. It has since returned to being just an old house.

So, I decided to be courageous and headed out to the service project. I met some new people and felt my usual awkward and shy but I knew that I had to make the effort. Sometime during that evening I noticed a boy - he was wearing a red and white checked shirt, jeans and a tool belt. He didn't notice me at all. He was busy - they were in the process of moving the staircase and he was doing all of the nailing. I had NEVER seen anyone who could hammer in nails like him. He would hold the nail in one hand, and in a 3 step thing he would tap the nail into place and with two (and sometimes even one!) pounds of his hammer the nail was completely pounded in. I was so impressed!!! I have always been a sucker for someone with a tool belt.

Plus I liked his eyes, and I also liked his nose (which might make people laugh because it is rather prominent, but I have a small nose myself so it seemed kind of manly!). But, as I said, he didn't even notice me. By the end of the evening I knew his name and I think I even wrote about meeting him in my journal.

So, the next evening the young singles were playing baseball at McEuen Field and so I went there. I felt kind of out of place and a little depressed - it's so hard to meet people and feel comfortable, so when they asked if I was going to go to Pappy's Pizza afterward, I just went on home. I didn't realize then that Randy had noticed me and had even had a conversation with his friend, Bruce Hunter, about me. Bruce had made some gross boy comment about running into me when I was trying to catch a ball at home plate and tag him out. He just barreled me over and actually picked me up and ran with me so he wouldn't knock me down. So, anyway, Randy was a little bummed that I didn't go for pizza.

After that, I went to church at the little singles branch at NIC. It was like I was the new "fresh meat" so to speak. All of the boys wanted to talk to me and ask me out, which was probably why the girls weren't overly friendly! One of the boys that was talking to me was John Anderson, who had recently returned from his mission to San Diego and actually had been missionary companions with Elder Anderson, who had baptized me. So, we had that in common and he was not shy and was easy to talk to. But, I still had this crush-thing going on with Randy. Unfortunately, though, we were both extremely shy. So, we'd kind of just glance at each other. John had asked me to the Gold & Green Ball at church, which was coming up in a couple of weeks, and I had accepted. In the meantime, the next Wednesday I believe, at an evening Institute Class, Randy finally got up enough nerve to come over and start talking to me. It was pathetic! We were both so shy but we really had this "thing" for each other so we forced ourselves to keep talking. Every time the young singles would do something, like hang at McDonalds or something like that, we'd flirt with each other. Then one evening, outside of McDonalds, Randy asked me to go to dinner with him - the young adults were going to be singing at the Adult meeting of Stake Conference, and after that we were going to go out to dinner.

One time I remember that Randy took me on a tour of Coeur d'Alene and we drove out to his dad's house so he could show me his dad's horse, Cappy. I thought it was super cool how he could whistle for Cappy through his teeth (isn't it weird the stuff you find really attractive?), and then we drove out to Kelso Lake (which is about 12 miles or more north of Coeur d'Alene). While we were driving along the dirt roads in the dark I started to get just a little creeped out, thinking hmm, I really don't know this boy very well - maybe he's driving me out in the boonies to kill me or something! l0l

Okay, so the Gold & GreenBall came up and of course I was already committed to go with John Anderson (who was also a really nice, really great guy). I felt really torn and I found out later that the night that John and I went out Randy was really upset and actually went to the Cotton Club (which was a bar in Hayden at the time) and drowned his sorrows in Cokes all night!! (you thought I was going to say Rum & Cokes, didn't you? - but no, it was just Cokes!).

So, I forgot to mention that I had met Randy's family and they all knew that Randy really really liked me. So at the Gold & Green Ball, who happened to be there but Randy's ENTIRE family. They watched me the entire time - it was so uncomfortable!!! I had a great time with Jon but the minute I got home I called Randy (I think I was a gonner then!).

So, then Randy and I went on our first date. His step mom, Judy, worked at The Cedars and Randy arranged for a window seat. He showed up at the house with 6 long stemmed red roses. They were beautiful but I felt just a little, um, weirded out. I thought, wow, this guy really likes me and I didn't know if I was ready for that yet. I was having too much fun being the "fresh meat"! But, the dinner was great and afterward Randy drove me up on Canfield to the top so that I could see Coeur d'Alene Lake.

So, anyway, I was in a dilemma. Both Randy and John wanted me to be exclusive only to them. I was so torn. They were both really great guys and I new that any decision I made at this point in my life would probably be an "eternal" decision because I would probably end up marrying the one that I chose. So, it was a very difficult few days and I remember crying one day and talking to my mom about it, and she said something about how John was cool and had a flashy car and was a great dresser, etc. and a really great guy, but Randy was more like me. And she was right!

So, I finally decided that I would be with Randy, and I wrote a letter to John explaining my decision. That evening at the Institute class he slipped me a note that just said simply, I got your letter. I understand. Friends forever." Or something like that - I think I still have it in my journal. Anyway, the finality of my decision weighed upon me and I spent that evening crying in Randy's truck and of course that probably didn't make him feel that great! :-D

But after that, we were together all the time. We did lots of fun things - we loved to drive around in his pickup singing songs. I was new to Idaho so everything was fresh and fun. I loved it when he'd sing "Heard it in a Love Song" - it was the ONLY song he could sing in tune!!! It was kind of our unofficial song. We also spent a lot of time on Tubbs Hill and in the little private beaches there, and also a lot of time with his family, and a lot of time just hanging at Randy's apartment, which was a nasty little place in the attic of a house on Sherman.

After about 2 months we started to talk about marriage, and Randy asked me to pick out a wedding set. He was so embarassed when he found out that the set I chose only cost $115.00 for BOTH RINGS! He thought it made him look cheap or something! l0l

So, the evening that Randy was going to talk to my dad and ask for my hand in marriage, he wanted to officially propose to me on Tubbs Hill at sunset. But I was thinking that the reason we kept hanging around on Tubbs Hill was because he was too chicken to talk to my dad so I kept riding him about going over there. So, the romantic proposal on Tubbs Hill didn't happen (bad me!) and instead we went over to my folks and he asked my dad for permission to marry me. Later on he proposed officially standing by his truck in the street. I've kicked myself ever since for that! :-D

So, three months after than, on October 14, 1978, we were married in the Cardston, Alberta Temple. My folks were not able to attend, of course, so it was just Randy and I, his dad and his step-mom, Judy. It was a wonderful experience, but also sad at the same time because there was no one from my family there. I don't regret it, but it was very hard and I am so grateful for my parents for supporting me - I know how hard it was for them.

So, that's the story of the Big Randy and me. 31 years and 4 kids later, it still doesn't feel like it was that long ago!

Flashback Friday - Josh

Our son, Joshua, is going to be home soon - he has been serving in the Army for the past almost 4 1/2 years - and served two deployments to Iraq. It is strange to think that my son left as a young and foolish kid, and is coming back a man. Don't get me wrong, he's still Josh! But, alot has changed and I am proud of him and for his service to our country. Here is a picture of Josh and his friend Xavier from boot camp graduation - looks a lot younger, AND skinnier, don't you think! Anyway, enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday

Sermon Sunday

Okay, so I thought I'd get creative and make up my own day of the week theme. I have chosen Sermon Sunday. My kids like to call me the "church lady" (you know, from the character that Dana Carvey used to play on Saturday Night Live). Ouch, I know. But, I thought I'd use my Sundays to post a little thought for my kids (and anyone else who might be interested). I have a couple today.

First, I was thinking about that recent news story about how the mom had crashed her minivan into a tree and the minivan burst into flames. The mom and the little baby were able to get out, but her four year old son was still strapped into his car seat. The video was all over the news. People came swarming to their aid. A couple of guys had something and they were just bashing the heck out of the window so they could get at the boy, who was on fire!! Ohmygosh, I can even imagine the horror! But anyway, after they bashed the window, another guy had a pocket knife and he reached in and cut the little boy out of the car seat and they were able to get him out. He has burns over 20% of his body, but they saved his life, and in the process risked their own and received some injuries too. They are heroes!!!

But, I got to thinking. How many of us would have done the same thing. I would venture to say that ALL OF US would have risked our lives in that same situation to save that little boy. But, how much harder is it sometimes to do the little things - to go out of our way to do something kind, or to serve each other. I don't know why that is - maybe because it's not dramatic and life-saving? But, what I think we will find some day is that maybe some little thing that we have done might have saved someone's life (in a spiritual sense). It is just as important.

Next thought, I heard the most wonderful quote (or I guess it was a loose quote) from one of the speakers at church today. He was quoting a philosopher whose name he couldn't remember, and the quote he couldn't quite remember, but it went something like this: "People don't choose evil because it is evil. They choose evil because they think it will make them happy." I will remember this one. It puts things into perspective and helps me to understand why some people do the things they do. Of course, when people choose evil, they don't find happyness, but to think that for the most part that is all they are trying to do somehow makes the evil somehow less onerous, don't you think? Anyway, it just gave me something to think about!!!

There, I'm done! Now just picture me with a silly little pursed up expression like the Church lady, saying "Well, isn't that SPECIAL!" :-D

Flashback Friday

Okay, I'll do a Flashback.

I'm thinking about my new little grandbaby who's going to be born this Wednesday and it made me think about my first little grandbaby, Jordan. What a treasure my grandchildren are - pure joy! I read a quote awhile back that said that grandchildren "add color to a life that's gone a little gray." I can totally relate to that - they make you feel young again. When you get older things just aren't as exciting or as wonderful as you used to remember them and sometimes you wonder what there is to look forward to anymore. Little children bring back the fun. They make you see the world the way you used to see it. I am grateful for all of my beautiful grandchildren, and my wonderful children who had them for me! Tabitha, Jordan, Jace, Jayden, Lillie, Emilee, and ? - I love you!!

'Tis the Season

'Tis the Season to be....


1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I liked wrapped presents with pretty foil paper and beautiful big bows and ribbon, but I HATE wrapping presents - ohmygosh I think that's probably about the worst thing about Christmas!

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial, they're pretty, and they never die, and they are much less messy and you always know what you're going to get! You can buy them just specifically the size you need for your space and you always know they are going to fit!

3. When do you put up the tree? The day after Thanksgiving! Yep, me too Shan!

4. When do you take the tree down? New Years Day (while dad is watching football)

5. Do you like eggnog? No, it's funky!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I got a beautiful guitar and case from my folks! It had a beautiful golden wood front with a painted design around the hole. I loved it so much I was afraid something would happen to it and sure enough I think the very first day I had it I accidentally hit it on a door or something and put a little dent in it! :-D

7. Hardest person to buy for? The Big Randy. Everything he wants is really expensive, and he doesn't like anything that isn't fun for Christmas - so no clothes, socks or anything else he actually needs. He's still a little boy, just wants the toys!

8. Easiest person to buy for? Girls are always easy!

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yep, I love it - it has touches of gold sparkly paint on it and little jewels. But, Shan, if you want a pretty nativity or something go to a Hallmark store - they have awesome stuff! I picked up the most beautiful ornament today at the Hallmark store for this sister in our ward that is really struggling with fibromyalgia and depression etc. and I heard that she collects nativity sets, so I found a nativity set ornament that is white porcelain and it's really kind of modern and beautiful! Hallmark has great things like that!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? None, actually. I think Christmas cards are one of those commercial things that people do that add so much stress to their lives and pressure. And I figure, hey, just keep in touch via email all through the year and then you won't feel the pressure of sending out cards! I never do!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Dad and I still laugh about the AWFUL silver and black party dress that he bought me our second Christmas. It was so awful I actually laughed and hurt dad's feelings!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I love the grinch movie, but I also love the Charlie Brown Christmas one with the little stick tree - I think the music is nice!

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? If I shop for Christmas earlier than November I always end up giving the gifts away before Christmas! I can't wait. So, unfortunately I'm stuck shopping the end of November 1st part of December and feeling all stressed!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Hmm, not really - I have occasionaly recycled a gift, but not often!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Amish Caramel Corn! I've been making batch after batch this weekend for gifts and actually made myself sick gorging on it yesterday so I think I'm done for awhile! Sheesh, don't know when I'll stop that binging thing I do once in awhile!!

16. Lights on the tree? Does anyone not do lights on their trees? White for sure. I definitely don't like colored lights. I think they are kind of tacky (but that's just me!)

17. Favorite Christmas song? Chelsea, I think the song you were trying to think of is "Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant. It is a gorgeous song. I also love "Mary Did You Know" but I like the Kenny Rogers version better.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? Normally I like to stay home because at least one or more of the kids come home for Christmas, but this year there won't be anyone home except dad and I and I was telling dad that if that is the way it's going to be from now on, we might want to think about maybe going to visit one of our kids for Christmas next year! I don't know if I can convince dad of that, though, because he likes to save all of his vacation for beaches (sheesh!) :-D I think it would be AWESOME though! This year dad and I are going to start some of our own traditions so we won't be too sad (even dad has been saying he feels a little sad that no one is coming home this year!). So, we are going to wake up Christmas Day and make a nice big breakfast, with pancakes, bacon, whatever, and then open our prsents, and maybe either watch a new DVD or go to the movies or something like that and I said that we should also get out and visit Granny and Grumpy and maybe some other people like us that are alone on Christmas! Of course, Lacey and Kelbs and the kiddies will come over, but they want to have Christmas morning with just their family, which is understandable!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen. Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen. And of course Rudolph.


20. Angel on the treetop or a star? Gotta have an angel, heralding the birth of our Savior! I love my Angel but all of the lights have burned out. Still can't get rid of it though!

21. . Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? I don't like opening a present onChristmas Eve but every year dad forces me to let everyone open a present! I pefer to open everything on Christmas Day!

22. what do you find annoying thing about this time of the year? I hate all of the rushing and stress and worry. I would love a peaceful Christmas and I know that half of the stress I cause myself! I mean why do I have to make stuff for 50 gazillion people every year! I could just as easily, and probably more cheaply spent a couple bucks a person and buy them a candle or ornament or something - yeah, maybe next year that's what I'll do!

23. What theme or color are you using? My tree is always white lights, blues and cranberrys and pinks, and silver. Matches my livingroom!

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? We do the noshing all day long, mini sandwiches thing. Gotta have cukes on my sammies though or it isn't as good! :-D

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I would love to have all of my family home this year, or at least close by so we could at least see you on Christmas. I miss everyone. I wish my little Jacemeister could be here - I miss him so much!

Here's my 8 things . . .

8 Shows I Watch
1. ABC News
2. Headline News with Robin Meade (in the mornings)
3. Glenn Beck (when he used to be on television!)
4. Miscellaneous movies
5. Whatever happens to come on when I'm finkling with my 'puter
6. That's it!
7.
8.
8 Things that Happened Yesterday
1. Worked
2. Had burritos with Lacey and the grandkiddies
3. Laid around sick at home
4. Took a two hour nap on the couch!
5. Ate subway that the Big Randy bought for me!
6. Cleaned house
7. Finkled on the computer
8. Ordered Lacey's Christmas Present!
8 Favorite Places to Eat
1. Umm, Taco Bell!
2. McDonald's
3. Olive Garden
4. Pizza Hut (I love the new baked meaty marinara pasta!)
5. Panda Express (only the chow mein)
6. Elmer's (they have a great salad bar and potato and pasta salads
7. Cedar's
8. Rob's Seafood
8 Things I'm Looking forward to
1. Spending my 50 gift card at Macey's!
2. Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving Day Holiday!
3. Paying off bills! 500 to go on our Visa, and then it's on to dad's truck! I'm obsessed!
4. Seeing my Jacie again - I miss him so!
5. Seeing my Chelsea, Shanny and Joshie again - I miss them so!
6. Anytime we can all be together is something I look forward to!
7. Springtime - I don't like fall
8. Amish caramel corn - ooo, I have a craving!
8 Things on My Wish list
1. Not having to work and being able to do crafts and things again - I miss it!
2. Having all my kids living nearby
3. I wish my dad would feel better and be 100% again!
4. I wish I could ease my mom's burdens a little bit - I wish I was more sensitive and compassionate
5. I would like a new speedier laptop
6. Okay, since this is just a wish list, I wish for someone to put me up in a nice condo or something for a couple of months while they came in and completely redid my house, new carpeting, wood floors, paint, granite counter tops, et. etc., with all new furniture, plus new siding and river rock on the outside of my house, new roof, new landscaping, and maybe a new mom and pop living quarters out back so granny and grampy could live with us when they need to!
7. I would like to have less wrinkles, and less gray hair, or not to care about it anymore!
8. New clothes - yeah!