31May2010
Posted by stephyc under: Uncategorized.
Monday, May 31, 2010 We could only find one Memorial Day event in the Verde Valley and it was at Montezuma Castle National Monument.
They arranged to have one of the remaining “Navajo Code Talkers” come and tell of his experiences during World War 2. He told of his time at Iwo Jima and how each “talker” was assigned a Marine who if anything should happen they were to shoot the “talker” and then himself. The “talkers” could never be captured.
He told us of his 12 children and 100+ grandchildren and how he is 88 years old. He explained how the code worked they would give a Navajo word, translate it into English, and then take the first letter of the English word to make it complete. He said, “We could do in minutes, what it would take hours to do with the technology of that time period.” He emphasized how young he was when he was over there just 19 years old.
For his service during WWII as a “Navajo Code Talker” he was awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor. His name is Sgt. Major Dan Akee. Quite an amazingly humble man. It was a pleasure and an honor to meet this fine gentleman. Even when he was getting a picture with our girls he was very grandfatherly with our girls. Lizzi was going to stand next to Nikki and he moved her to his other side. If you look closely he has his hand on Lizzi’s shoulder.
I was very impressed with his family too. Many of his children and grandchildren were there. The ones I had an opportunity to talk with had many kind words to say about their father/grandfather. The young man holding the umbrella is one of his grandchildren and he held it for over an hour without complaining.
Another incredible adventure on our journey through life. Meeting a “Navajo Code Talker” and listening to his stories is a day I won’t soon forget! Another day spent with my wonderful family….
31May2010
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The last full day of school was Field Day (20 May 2010). When I was a kid that meant running and jumping. For today’s kids it means water slides, games, and popsicles. Since I worked in the same class that Lizzi was in I got to spend the day with her and had fun too!
The kids played water games and toward the end Lizzi’s teacher and I decided it was time for us to join the fun! So we went down the waterslide….
As I’m going down the slide I’m thinking, “This is fun.” Then the water from the hose hit me and I’m thinking, “Wow, that’s cold.” Next, I look down at the water and I’m thinking, “Ewwwww, that’s dirty.” I think, “Alright I will put my feet down and I won’t get too wet.” Nice theory, until my feet hit the slippery bottom and I went down. I didn’t get my head wet, but I had wet clothes!
Lizzi and I thought it would be fun to go down together. It was and we got even more wet!
It was a fun, wet Field Day at school!
9May2010
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On this Mother’s Day I would like to thank my Mom for showing me love! Over the years she has shown me how to love my family, friends, and neighbors. She has been an example of love in her jobs; as Teacher, Realtor, Secretary, Librarian, and most especially MOM. She has taught me how to love even when it’s difficult or painful. She has shown that loving someone doesn’t mean you have to love what they do (Love the person, not the action). She is a wonderful example of love even when things get overwhelming. I Love You Mom and always will!!! Happy Mother’s Day to you!
28March2010
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Our 10th Anniversary was yesterday March 27th. For our anniversary (the night before) Jason got a hotel suite in Payson, Arizona. It had a fireplace, a jacuzzi tub, and a king size bed. We went to an Italian place for dinner. It was really good. The service was excellent and we had left overs. Jason had an Italian Mac and Cheese. I had the Chicken Parmigiana. We got cheesecake to share for dessert. We enjoyed the quiet time we got to share together.
In Pine, Arizona we stopped for breakfast at a small cafe. Who also had wonderful food. When we got home the girls came home from Grandma’s house. The girls and I wrapped up the presents we had for Jason/Daddy. Then Nikki and I went shopping for a few things and groceries to make dinner. Jason and I had a wonderful time making dinner together. Then we sent the girls to bed and watched a couple shows.
A couple weeks ago Jason bought me the stuff to organize our living room and make a it craft central. He also got me a book.
We didn’t do a lot, but it was a wonderful day spent together. A wonderful addition to our journey together!
28February2010
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Yesterday I was talking to my mom on the phone and she informed me that Grandpa’s headstone had been placed on his grave site. I asked her to please send me a picture. Here is Grandpa’s headstone in place at the Turlock Memorial Park in Turlock, California…
I’m so glad that he has a headstone for his final resting place. I look forward to one day going and seeing it myself in person. My grandpa felt very strongly about visiting your loved ones grave sites. I want to honor him in this way. I love you Grandpa!!!
28February2010
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Here is a photo of our new home….
27February2010
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Yesterday Friday, February 26, 2010 we closed escrow on our home. We are officially homeowners now! We are excited about this new journey that we are taking. We are so happy to have this opportunity. We are especially happy to know that we don’t have to move again. I look forward to raising my children in this home.
17February2010
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Yesterday Nikki turned 9, but we celebrated her birthday on Friday. She invited friends from school, church, and of course her family. We started the party with those scratch and reveal pictures that everyone got to make their own design. Then the kids decorated dog bones.
Uncle Kevin showed everyone how to make a beautiful bone. Nice work Kev!
Her theme was “puppies” which was very hard to find decorations. Lucky for me I have a very talented sister who made the cake for Nikki’s party. Emily did a wonderful job and everyone loved it….
Auntie Em even added dog food to the cake…Nikki took a big bite of “dog food” and she liked it!!!
We are so thankful for all the wonderful gifts that everyone gave Nikki!
10February2010
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This morning Lizzi’s teacher informed me that she was going to send Lizzi to the school nurse to have her eye checked out. Sure enough the nurse thought she has pink eye and asked that she go home. I called the doctor’s office to see if they could get her in and they set up an appointment within 20 minutes. Jason came and picked her up from school. I then learned that pink eye is so bad in our area that some doctor’s aren’t even requiring patients to come in for a visit. They are sending prescriptions to the pharmacies for the families….
Well, the doctor couldn’t say she for sure has pink eye, because the test to determine if she has it takes so long to get back that they don’t bother giving it. She would be over it before the results came back. They did prescribe drops for her eyes since they believe if she does have it….it’s in both eyes. She will be missing school tomorrow since she has to be out for 24 hours. Life is fun and incredible!
We love you Lizzi! We also hope your eye feels better soon!!!!!!!
18January2010
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On January 8, 2010 Our daughter Nikki received two awards at her school. For the Second Quarter she received an award for….
Perfect Attendance! We are so glad she has been able to receive this award. No more for Third Grade though….
She also received an award for Subtraction Facts. I have been told this is not an easy one to get, because it’s harder to learn subtraction at his age….
wonderful job in school Nikki! Way to learn those subtraction facts!!!
We are so proud of all the hard work you are doing in school this year! Keep it up! We love you so much!
