Well, so much for my drama-free, child-free week I had been looking forward to. On Monday, Ed drove Joey up to scout camp to help him get on task, then after he arrived home, we drove to the mall to pick up Michael's pocket watch from the jeweler. Michael loves the pocket watch we bought him last year for graduation, but a spring had sprung and had to be replaced. Unfortunately, it was not fixed until after he had left and now we will have to mail it to him as soon as we get his new address. After stopping at the jeweler, Ed and I went out to dinner at Quiznos. We had planned on a quiet evening; however, not long after we had both crawled into bed, the phone rings. Sigh. . . there are some nights were I feel like we are Lee and Amanda, always being interrupted. Anyway, it was my mom calling. I guess my dad was sick and the camp medic felt he should be seen by a doctor right away. We drove out to pick him up and take him to an after-hours clinic, but could not find anything open that late at night and my dad did not want to go to the ER, so I drove him home. 

The next day, my mom drove my dad to their local clinic and the doctor poked and plodded a little and took some blood, and then sent him home with directions of bed rest and drinking lots of Gadorade to stay hydrated. While, my parents were at the clinic, I received a frantic call from my middle son. He was in a lot of pain, as the wire on his braces was poking him in the cheek and wax was not helping. I had him call the orthodontist and they scheduled an emergency visit for the following day. However, this required a trip to camp to pick him up, a drive to Olympia to see the orthodontist, and then a drive back to camp - 3 hours!!

While sitting at the orthodontist, my mom called saying they were on their way to Olympia to go to the Group Health clinic there, because the clinic called back with the blood test results and were concerned because he had elevated liver enzymes. They wanted him to come to the hospital for more blood work and an ultrasound. They drive all the way to the Group Death. . . urr, rather the clinic in Olympia where they were told to come back the following day for the ultrasound. Grrrrr!! They scheduled it for Thursday evening, but late enough that I will have to drive, since my mom can not drive at night. I had plans for Thursday night, as I had been invited to my friend Gwen's Thrive party. 

Yep, best laid plans. . . 

Our trip to Idaho this weekend afforded us the opportunity to do some family history research and we spent Saturday morning at the Grangeville Centennial Library. I'm sorry we did not have more time, as we barely scraped the surface in the reference room, with books and books of obits, scrapbooks, and databases on funeral records, marriage records, and more. We had been told there was a book released recently 150 Years: Our Story - Cottonwood, Ferdinand, Greencreek, Keuterville and Surrounding Areas, providing histories of the families who had settled the Camas Prairie and we were thrilled there was a copy available at the library for us to peruse. I have to admit though I was a little disappointed as there really wan't too much information on the Riener family and more of the histories seemed to be more current then past. However, we did discover the two volume set is available for purchase at the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude in Cottonwood for $55. We were also informed that there was to be a third volume available soon. 

Life's been pretty hectic the last few weeks, but filled with lots of family time and lots of mileage on my truck. It all started just after school was out for the summer, we took our two younger boys and my niece, who has been staying with us, camping at Cape Disappointment. The following week, both Steffen and Sarah, along with their grandfather, attended a staff training week at a Boys Scouts of America camp - Camp Habobas. Sarah is the camp photographer and teaches photography. Steffen teaches Environmental Science, Reptiles and Amphibians, and Chess. This was also the week we received Michael's mission call. The following week was pure chaos, as we tried to squeeze in summer doctor, dentist, and orthodontic appointments. Steffen finally received his bottom braces, which he is happy about and the orthodontist informed us that Joey's adult teeth are all in and he can start orthodontia as soon as possible. Of course, a week before furloughs start and have no clue where we are going to come up with the down payment. Sigh. Ed and I also celebrated our 21st Anniversary. We went out to dinner and a movie.  

Both Steffen and Joey's dental checkups did not go very well. Steffen had two cavities and Joey had one. Of course, Steffen's cavities had to be on opposite sides of the mouth and would require two appointments. I was able to squeeze one appointment in before camp, but the second appointment will have to wait until after camp. Also, when teeth are being cleaned the wire for the braces is removed, so this required a trip to the orthodontist to remove the wire, a trip to the dentist for cleaning, and then a trip back to the orthodontist to put the wires back on. In addition, the orthodontist and the dentist are on opposite sides of the peninsula. Run, run, run. 

I also took Joey to see the optometrist for a yearly eye exam. Steffen has already had his earlier in the school year, after his glasses had broke and we had to replace them. As far back as Kindergarten, I have been saying that I thought Joey was color blind, but was dismissed. What does it take for school districts to listen to mother's when it comes to their children? Mother's are always right! He failed the color test at his last appointment. The doctor believes he has a blue-green deficiency. Not sure yet, if anything, we can do about his color blindness, but good to finally have a diagnosis.  

My sister, Elizabeth and her family arrived Friday evening and stayed with us until Monday, when they boarded a plane, heading to Alaska for a few days in Anchorage and Denali, followed by an Alaskan cruise. 

The following week, I picked up Michael from his mini-mission in Tacoma. The week was filled with shopping, shopping, and more shopping, but first he had to be released as a missionary for the Washington - Tacoma mission, then he had an interview with the Bishop, followed by an interview with the Stake President and was found to be worthy to go to the temple and receive his endowments. My sister, Cathy had arrived a few days prior with her youngest son, Spencer, and because my mother has night blindness and can not drive at night, I went to the airport to pick her up. It was a very long evening, as her flight had been delayed and did not arrive until 2:00 am. I had also squeezed in an appointment with my cardiologist. I have been very, very fatigued and not just because of all the running around. I just don't seem to have any energy at all and several friends and family members have made the comment how tired I look. He's not very happy with how fast my heart rate is and upped the dosage of my medication, but one of the side effects is tiredness. I think it's more than that. With being in consent a-fib, my heart and lungs are working harder and it's just hard to find stamina to do housework or enjoy a quick hike. He's scheduled a echocardiogram for me in late October. 

I have to give a huge shout-out to Bartels and CTR Clothing in Chehalis, Washington. Joe again delivered for us. He was able to find Michael another suit in a very timely matter, was able to squeeze us in for a fitting and hemmed the pants while we ate lunch. We also purchased more white shirts and blacks socks. I highly recommend CTR Clothing for those seeking missionary attire. Then it was a trip to Wal-Mart to buy a couple new suitcases and a stop at Famous Footwear for a new pair of dress shoes. My sister could not believe how long it took us to go shopping, but when we live in the boonies - anywhere is a drive. 

On Saturday, Michael went to the temple with Grandma and Grandpa and his aunt Cathy. Ed and I went for a nice drive and ended up visiting the Seattle Japanese Garden. We had a wonderful stroll through the gardens on a beautiful Seattle summer day. Then we took Michael out to a celebration dinner. On Sunday, he gave a wonderful talk in Sacrament meeting and several friends remarked how mature he had become in just three short months. It was also a day of miracles, as some church members gave both him and us money to help him on his mission. Praise Him! On Tuesday evening, we met with President Fields, so Michael could be set apart as a full-time missionary for the Utah - Salt Lake City mission. It was a very moving prayer and the Spirit was very strong in that room. We were all moved. Our time with Michael was too short, and after driving him to the airport early Wednesday morning, we tearfully said good-bye to him. Boy, do I miss that kid! 

Unfortunately, this was the same weekend as Ed's mother's 80th birthday celebration (even through her birthday is July 30th). All his brothers and sisters and their families attended, but we were unable to make the trip to Idaho. However, this past weekend, because Ed had a four-day weekend because of his furlough, and we made the 7 1/2 hour drive to Grangeville, Idaho to spend a few days with his mother and to work on some family history research. We had a great visit and then even was able to stop and visit his sister, Carleen before heading home. The drive home was pretty uneventful, say for a funny story about a large bug that flew through an open window and being in ugly stop and go traffic between Cle Elem and Easton, Washington. Now I remember why I avoid Snoqualmie Pass - traffic is just ugly on the weekends coming over the mountains. Yet another example why this state NEEDS more lanes!! We also saw thick billowing clouds from a huge wildfire burning near Wenatchee. Fire danger is extreme as it has been a very dry summer. 

We arrived home late evening and then I turned right back around to drive my sister Cathy, her husband, Tristen, and son, Spencer to the airport for a late red-eye flight and their flight had been delayed an hour before we even arrived. 

The previous week, all the families made a long day trip to Mt. Rainier. Again the weather did not disappoint. It was gorgeous at Paradise and we enjoyed hiking a couple short waterfall trails. Elizabeth and family had to dash off in the early afternoon, so Ted could start his new job and they could close on their new house. The rest of the family continued puttering around the mountain and we even visited a few sights we had not seen before, then a drive to the Ohanapecosh visitor center (which was closed because of sequester) and Cathy and family headed towards Wenatchee for week of family camping and Ed and I with Grandma and Joey headed home. 

This week, Joey is attending Boy Scout camp at Camp Habobas. This will be his first year, although he wasn't exactly thrilled about going, I hope he has a great time. Ed went with him yesterday, to help him get registered, set-up his tent, and get him signed up for classes. He will be taking a pathway to Tenderfoot class, Environmental Science, Chess, and Fishing. I know, he's always begging us to take him fishing, but neither Ed nor I fish, so I am sure he's going to have fun. 

I was looking forward to some time alone this week. To catch up on writing and housework; however, last night my dad got really sick and we had to pick him up from camp. Unfortunately, we could not find an after hours clinic open late last night on the peninsula and he didn't want to go to the emergency room, so I drove him home. Him and my mom went to see his primary doctor this morning. I don't know anything else, yet. Makes me mad, that several years ago, before congress shoved the Unaffordable Healthcare Act down our throats, we were assured we could keep the same doctors, could keep the same coverage and insurance providers. Well, here in Mason county, where we live, all insurers have left and are not offering coverage, except Group Health, and there isn't a Group Health clinic in the county!! My parents did not have a choice, but to switch to Group Health. Ugh! 

Steffen and Sarah have another week of working at scout camp and then Sarah flies home to Florida. Steffen will be attending band camp the following week. Joey has asked for swimming lessons, so I need to look into who offers them in August - I think the Navy base does. Tomorrow, Michael leaves the MTC and heads off to Utah-Salt Lake City Mission. On top of everything else going on, my laptop stopped holding a charge. Now waiting for a new battery. Hoping it arrives soon. I am going through withdrawals! 

Lots of exciting things happening for Bruce Boxleitner this month. To begin with, the first season of How the West Was Won was released on July 9th. According to tvshowsondvd.com the "2-disc set's first season actually consists of the 3-part miniseries and the TV movie, "The Macahans." I saw the DVD set on the shelf at Walmart this morning for $14.99. 

Also, Lantern City - a steampunk-themed television series concept project will be releasing "RISE: A Lantern City Illustrated Novel" tomorrow, unveiling it at San Diego Comic-Con International. Bruce will be signing copies of the book all weekend. For more information on "RISE," and Lantern City, visit www.lanterncitytv.com, then like on Facebook, and/or follow on Twitter. 

Finally, Cedar Cove based on Debbie Macomber "Cedar Cove" books premieres this weekend on the Hallmark Channel, Saturday July 20th. The pilot episode does not include Bruce Boxleitner's character, Bob Beldon; however, he does appear in later episodes. 

Waving goodbye to our oldest son as he stepped into the security line at SeaTac International Airport this morning, I had to take several deep breaths in an attempt to keep myself composed at the airport terminal. However, tears stung my eyes and a few burned as they ran down my cheeks. Standing next to me, I gave a sideways glance at my husband and could see he too was fighting to keep his composure. He took my hand into his and we both waved one more time to Michael. We are incredibly blessed to have a son who is so willingly wanting and is excited to be serving the Lord. We are happy for him and know he will have a successful mission, but how we are going to miss him. 

On Friday evening we had the opportunity to be with Michael when he opened his mission call letter. He will be serving in the Utah - Salt Lake City Mission. Funny side story, his cousin, Bryce, who lives in Florida, received his mission call two weeks ago, and he will also been serving in the Utah - Salt Lake City Mission. What are the odds? 

Michael will be released from the Washington - Tacoma Mission on July 9th and needs to report to the MTC on July 17th. He will be spending two weeks at the Missionary Training Center, before reporting to his new mission home for the next 21 months. I believe Salt Lake City will be a great mission for him. 

Congratulations, Michael!

I've always been a pickup gal. A redneck woman. Even in my teenage years, when my dad asked if money was not an object what kind of car would I buy - I answered, without hesitation, "A pickup."  I just love how a pickup drives and handles and I love my baby, although I know she is getting a little long in the tooth, and I wish we were in a better financial position to purchase a newer truck. However, for now we just make sure she gets the maintenance she needs at least until the wheels come off. 

We used to do all the trucks maintenance at Firestone, but have been very disappointed with them the last couple of years. Basically, they stopped being competitive and once upon a time, we could enter our local Firestone and they knew us by name and treated us right. Now their prices are higher then even the dealership on many items and the turn around on employees has lead us to feel like we are a number instead of a person. A few months ago, I went to Firestone and asked about the cost of replacing the fuel filter and they weren't just a few dollars more, they were close to $30 more then other shops I had called. Plus, I dislike how I have to spend half the day there just to get an oil change. Not too long away, they were the cheapest place to get an oil change, especially if I had a coupon - not anymore. My biggest frustration is we have lifetime brake replacement on our truck through Firestone and I had an emergency brake light that stayed on and I took the truck to Firestone, but they could not find anything wrong with the truck. 

Fast forward a few months later, they brake light is still on (we assumed it was just a bad sensor) and I had stopped at the local dealership to get an oil change done on the truck. By the way, Gillis Auto Center in Shelton, Washington, I really like their shop, especially for oil changes now. Their price is reasonable and they wash my truck when they are done. When they had my truck up on the rack, they did an inspection on the truck and discovered I had a rear axle leak, which was dripping grease onto my emergency brake and had coated it. No wonder why my emergency brake was not working. They gave me a price quote and I almost swallowed my tongue. They also asked me who had replaced my fuel filter last time. I had to think about it and then remembered it had been Oil Can Henry's. Gillis told me they had put the fuel filter on backwards. What? Was that even possible? The Ford dealership wanted to replace the filter for me, but I shook my head and said, "No, I'll take it back to Oil Can Henry's and have them fix it right." As I was waiting for the truck to be washed and brought up front, I tweeted - How on earth could Oil Can Henry's put on a fuel filter backwards? 

After I finished up at the dealership, I drove over to Oil Can Henry's, which was on the other side of the county, unfortunately. I pulled up the the large rolled doors and before I even had a chance to finish asking the question, they were fixing the problem. Had to chuckle, they said they were waiting for me because corporate had sent out an email to the local Oil Can Henry's that someone was going to come to the store to replace a fuel filter. So we are not only being spied on by the NSA, but Oil Can Henry's is spying on us, too. All kidding aside, thanks, Oil Can Henry's taking the time to make it right. 

I love my husband with all my heart, but a mechanic, he is not. But thank goodness for neighbors who are. One of our neighbors worked on my truck a couple weekends ago and replaced both axle seals. He thought it was better to do both of them at the same time, since when one fails, the second is usually not far behind and with replacing a rear axle seal, everything on the rear end needs to be taken apart - the tires removed the brakes, etc. And of course, while he was taking things apart, he found more damage. He was able to replace those seals and he replaced the rear brake pads, rotors, and emergency brake shoe. However, the stupid emergency brake light is still on.