A few quotes I love & have shamelessly stolen...

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” -

“My imperfections and failures are as much a blessing from God as my successes and my talents and I lay them both at his feet.”

Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”  (See "Johnny the Bagger" below!)

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”

“Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”

"Just as the body cannot exist without blood, so the soul needs the matchless and pure strength of faith."

"The law of love could be best understood and learned through little children”

AND I SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST...

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” Ha!

I also have a MySpace page...http://www.myspace.com/blueberrykarianne 
 

THE 3 MINUTES THAT  SHOULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

 I didn't really know where to stick this link, but I guess here is as good-a place as any. My friend, Cheryl forwarded this VIDEO LINK to me. Her husband, Bruce Bessler, managed our local Safeway for years before he passed away from a heart attack at about 55. He was such a kind and wonderful man. He made every person he came into contact with feel like a special honored guest in his store. It was amazing. He would have LOVED this video. It moved me to tears. It's called "Johnny the Bagger".  WATCH IT!
 

The Chili Cookoff

Ok, so as some of you "locals" know, this winter I was involved in my very first "Chili Cook Off" for our local "Fire & Ice Festival". I didn't do so bad for a "chili novice"... and placed 3rd out of 66 entrants. When I got this e-mail from a friend -- I laughed so hard I cried.   READ the story below!

-------------

Beware of Free Beer

Notes From An Inexperienced Chili Taster Named Ed Griffin, who was visiting Texas from the East Coast:

"Recently I was honored to be selected as a judge at a chili cook-off. The original judge called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table asking directions to the beer wagon when the call came. I was assured by the other two judges (Native Texans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy, and besides, they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted."

Here are the score cards from the event:

Chili #1: Mikes Maniac Mobster Monster Chili
JUDGE ONE: A little too heavy on tomato. Amusing kick.
JUDGE TWO: Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.
Ed Griffin: Holy shit, what the hell is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the flames out. I hope that's the worst one. These Texans are crazy.

Chili #2: Arthur's Afterburner Chili
JUDGE ONE: Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight Jalapeno tang.
JUDGE TWO: Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.
Ed Griffin: Keep this out of reach of children! I'm not sure what I am supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when they saw the look on my face.

Chili #3: Fred's Famous Burn Down the Barn Chili
JUDGE ONE: Excellent firehouse chili! Great kick. Needs more beans.
JUDGE TWO: A beanless chili, a bit salty, good use of red peppers.
Ed Griffin: Call the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now, get me more beer before I ignite. The barmaid pounded me on the back; now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting shitfaced from all the beer.

Chili #4: Bubba's Black Magic
JUDGE ONE: Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.
JUDGE TWO: Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili.
Ed Griffin: I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it; is it possible to burn-out taste buds? Sally, the barmaid, was standing behind me with fresh refills; that 300 pound bitch is starting to look HOT, just like this nuclear waste I'm eating. Is chili an aphrodisiac?

Chili #5: Linda's Legal Lip Remover
JUDGE ONE: Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.
JUDGE TWO: chili using shredded beef; could use more tomato. Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.
Ed Griffin: My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it. I wonder if I'm burning my lips off? It really pisses me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw those rednecks!

Chili #6: Verbs Very Vegetarian Variety
JUDGE ONE: Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spice and peppers.
JUDGE TWO: The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, and garlic. Superb.
Ed Griffin: I'm starting to shit lava! My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulphuric flames. I shit on myself when I farted and I'm worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that slut Sally, she must be kinkier than I thought. Can't feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my ass with a snow cone!

Chili #7: Susan's Screaming Sensation Chili
JUDGE ONE: A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.
JUDGE TWO: Ho Hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili peppers at the last moment. I should note that I am worried about Judge Number 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress; a vein in his forehead is starting to throb and he is cursing uncontrollably.
Ed Griffin: You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a damn thing. I've lost the sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava-like shit to match my damn shirt. At least during the autopsy they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing, its too painful. Screw it, I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4 inch hole in my stomach. Are those flames shooting out of my ass?

Chili #8: Helen's Mount Saint Chili
JUDGE ONE: A perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili, safe for all, Not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.
JUDGE TWO: This final entry is a good, balanced chili, neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when the vein in Judge Number 3's head burst; he passed out, fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor Yank, wonder how he'd have reacted to a really hot chili?
Ed Griffin: -------- (editors note: Judge #3 was unable to report)

"Official" Survival Guide for Pooping At Work

CROP DUSTING
When farting, you walk briskly around the office so the smell is not in your area and everyone else gets a whiff but doesn't know where it came from. Be careful when you do this. Do not stop until the full fart has been expelled. Walk an extra 30 feet to make sure the smell has left your pants.

FLY BY
The act of scouting out a bathroom before pooping. Walk in and check for other poopers. If there are others in the bathroom, leave and come back again. (Maybe switch shoes.) Be careful not to become a FREQUENT FLYER. People may become suspicious if they catch you constantly going into the bathroom.

ESCAPEE
A fart that slips out while taking a leak at the urinal or forcing a poop in a stall. This is usually accompanied by a sudden wave of embarrassment. If you release an escapee, do not acknowledge it. Pretend it did not happen. If you are standing next to the farter in the urinal, pretend you did not hear it. Maybe whistle. No one likes an escapee. It is uncomfortable for all involved. Making a joke or laughing only makes both parties feel uneasy.

JAILBREAK
When forcing a poop, several farts slip out at a machine gun pace. This is usually a side effect of diarrhea or a hangover. If this should happen, do not panic. Remain in the stall until everyone has left the bathroom to spare everyone the awkwardness of what just occurred.

COURTESY FLUSH
The act of flushing the toilet the instant the poop hits the water. This reduces the amount of air time the poop has to stink up the bathroom. This can help you avoid being caught doing the WALK OF SHAME.

WALK OF SHAME
Walking from the stall, to the sink, to the door after you have just stunk up the bathroom. This can be a very uncomfortable moment if someone walks in and busts you. As with farts, it is best to pretend that the smell does not exist. Can be avoided with the use of the COURTESY FLUSH.

OUT OF THE CLOSET POOPER
A colleague who poops at work and is damn proud of it. You will often see an Out Of The Closet Pooper enter the bathroom with a newspaper or magazine under his or her arm. Always look around the office for the Out Of The Closet Pooper before entering the bathroom.

THE POOPING FRIENDS NETWORK (P.F.N)
A group of co-workers who band together to ensure emergency pooping goes off without incident. This group can help you to monitor the whereabouts of Out Of The Closet Poopers, and identify SAFE HAVENS.

SAFE HAVENS
A seldom used bathroom somewhere in the building where you can least expect visitors. Try floors that are predominantly of the opposite sex. This will reduce the odds of a pooper of your sex entering the bathroom.

TURD BURGLAR
Someone who does not realize that you are in the stall and tries to force the door open. This is one of the most shocking and vulnerable moments that can occur when taking a poop at work. If this occurs, remain in the stall until the Turd Burglar leaves. This way you will avoid all uncomfortable eye contact.

CAMO-COUGH
A phony cough that alerts all new entrants into the bathroom that you are in a stall. This can be used to cover-up a WATERMELON, or to alert potential Turd Burglars. Very effective when used in conjunction with an ASTAIRE.

ASTAIRE
A subtle toe-tap that is used to alert potential Turd Burglars that you are occupying a stall. This will remove all doubt that the stall is occupied. If you hear an Astaire, leave the bathroom immediately so the pooper can poop in peace.

WATERMELON
A poop that creates a loud splash when hitting the toilet water. This is also an embarrassing incident. If you feel a Watermelon coming on, create a diversion. See CAMO-COUGH.

HAVANA OMELET
A case of diarrhea that creates a series of loud splashes in the toilet water. Often accompanied by an Escapee. Try using a Camo-Cough with an Astaire.

UNCLE TED
A bathroom user who seems to linger around forever. Could spend extended lengths of time in front of the mirror or sitting on the pot. An Uncle Ted makes it difficult to relax while on the crapper, as you should always wait to poop when the bathroom is empty. This benefits you as well as the other bathroom attendees.

7/9/07
You know what really BUGS me?
The way we, as a society, treat our old folks. Here they are -- the ones that persevered through the depression, just for starters. They know what it means to be really hungry. They know about doing without. They know about saving things--because there's always some good left in it. They know about sacrificing. They know about doing what they said they were going to do. They know about "doing business on a handshake." They know about valuing time and people. They know about the true sense of living in a "Norman Rockwell-esque" society - and truly caring about other people and TAKING CARE OF EACH OTHER and their families. Taking time to build a lifelong friendship that will withstand time.  Think about it. How many GOOD SOLID FRIENDSHIPS DO YOU HAVE?  It's hard too -- because of all the moving around we do. I knew my neighbors when I lived in the Seattle area after high school. I was only over there about 8 years. Yep. I knew my neighbors -- because they'd park in my spot. And I had these great friends. Great friends I worked with and when I didn't work with them anymore -- they weren't my friends anymore. We all "moved on". There were other jobs - with other friends. No time. No commitments. We're just crashing through life to get through it. Honestly, if you look at it (I thought about this the other day)...we're just living our lives...processing through day by day...to (get this) GET OLD. Rush, rush!! Hurry up! We're part of the "Hey! Look - there's a line! I have no idea what it's for, but it must be good so get in it" Generation. My thoughts? Frankly, screw "Gen X". What does that even mean?! I'll tell you what it means. It means NOTHING. Because we stand for NOTHING. Everything and everyone in our lives are disposable. Nothing really means anything anymore. We don't do business on a handshake because we don't do what we say we're going to do. That's the bottom line. Spouses are disposable. Like toasters. Apparently you can pick up a new one of each at WalMart. And that's not WalMart's fault.  I blame it all on China. (Just kidding.) I blame a lot of it on the "globalization of Society" that's come about due to the internet. We don't even have to leave the house to "touch" each other anymore. We don't have to come together so support each other. There's online support groups for that. Or to talk out a problem. Or to find a date. E-Harmony or Match.com. Or to complain to a company - they have websites for that now. Or to buy a bed. Shoes. Furniture. I love Overstock.com. Cars? Amazon or E-bay, I hear.  Empty. Relationships are being left EMPTY. We don't need each other for anything. There's no coming together in "community" ... no networking, supporting, enjoying, laughing, RELATIONSHIP-ING (for lack of a better term). And our kids are watching. Better yet - they're typing. They're surfing. They are thinking instead of talking. Everything going on is internal. They're not developing or practicing verbal communication skills and they're DEFINITELY not learning to LISTEN and PROCESS. They're not learning to...RELATE. They don't know HOW. These are future husbands. Wives. Parents. Community business leaders. Presidents. Directors of social change. These kids are our future. These are the ones to decide on which retirement home we go into. Gads. There's a scary thought. (Maybe Johnny doesn't HAVE to eat his spinach...just a thought. ;)

So, what DO WE know? It's simple. We know how annoying it is to get behind slow old folks. On the road. In the grocery store. We roll our eyes and try to cut them off and get past them. We are on a very important mission and time is money, folks! We are very important and have somewhere to be! We know that they talk endlessly about "meaningless" things like (yawn) "what things were like when I was a kid..." and we look for every exit and reason to dash off. Folks, they're trying to teach us something. They know that holding us down and preaching to us doesn't work (we'll eventually learn that too as we get grayer) and what they're really doing is: teaching us by quiet example. We just need to pay attention. And that's tough when the whole world around us is screaming for more. More time. More money. More everything we want but don't have.

You know what we REALLY know? NOTHING. Because WE know nothing of self sacrifice. We know nothing of taking TIME to perform even a simple kindness without expectation of return. I'll give you an example. When was the last time you TOOK THE TIME to hand write a thank you card and send it to a friend for doing something thoughtful--or maybe experiencing a tough time lately? Actually FIND a piece of paper (not from the printer) (and NOT a pre-printed greeting card you sign mindlessly) an envelope - no not one you just received the CD of the month in - get a new one) a stamp (how much IS postage, anyway?!) a pen (there has to be one around here somewhere that actually works) and (the biggest challenge) put together some rational, kind and meaningful thoughts that you are going to commit to paper and ink that you can't erase mindlessly to make it "just a bit better". We are so "e-mail" engrained. We type mindlessly just to type and send it off. We don't even have to really MEAN what we type -- we can just "vent", because we can just erase it and start over. And if it's really mean - who cares! We don't ever have to actually FACE anyone.  What I find is that type of "erase and start over" is happening in relationships too. We talk before we really think about whether we really meant it. Folks, there's no "delete" in real life. We are so busy crashing through life, mindlessly, numb beyond reason because we're tired, overworked, overstressed, over our heads financially. OVERWHELMED.

I don't want to miss the lesson that these folks are trying to quietly teach us. I don't want to act as though this part of our society is invisible. In the way. Nothing to offer. They are filled with so much life experience! Take the time to LISTEN. Better yet - take the time to FEEL.

I have another example and then I'll quit. I had a gal, (Olesya) come to work for us at Blueberry Hills in summer '06 to be part of an INS Exchange Program. She was from far East Russia (can't pronounce or spell the town)...just above China (yes Russia goes that far). Russia is sending there "up and coming youth with promise to make Russia a viable country again" to other countries to learn how to NETWORK businesses and people. Russia is floundering because -- get this -- they've been under Communist rule for so long that there are NO OLD PEOPLE THAT REMEMBER HOW THINGS WORK WITHOUT THE GOVERNMENT MAKING EVERYTHING WORK. I know that sounds strange, but let me give a specific so this makes sense. There is a town close to where Olesya lives. They have beautiful fruit that they've decided to make into all sorts of wine. Apple wine, pear wine, peach wine, grape wine, plums -- all sorts of fruit. And fantastic wines, so I hear. But they have a problem. Since the Communist government is "no longer"...they can produce this fantastic wine, but they can't market it. Sounds like a "marketing issue" right? Well. Sort of. They have been doing well production wise, but here's the deal. They can't figure out where to go to get wine bottles. Corks. Labels. They have no concept and no infrastructure of who to contact (not the government anymore). AND anyone that's old enough to actually REMEMBER how to go about it -- they're gone. This town has actually been making the best of it by putting their wine in plastic bags and taking it to the next village over and trading it for other things; meat, bread, etc.  Back to the old fashioned "bartering system". It's working...but they're struggling.

So let me bring this full circle. Let's celebrate and embrace the fact that we live in this small, Norman Rockwell-esque kind of town, nestled on the banks of paradise, just shy of heaven. (By the way, if you agree with that last statement - thank one of our founding community members. You can find a few of 'em left up at the Chelan Senior Center. You know - the one that's fallin' down around them. Yep. That one.) Let's bask in our differences. Our similarities. Take time to get to know each other and take time to care of each other. Not because we're earning something. Because we're LEARNING something. Quietly. And the kids are watching.

My point to ponder in all of this: What do YOU want to be remembered for?

Just a thought. K

MARTHA STEWART'S TIPS FOR REDNECKS (I LOVE THIS)

GENERAL Never take a beer to a job interview. Always identify people in your yard before shooting at them. It's considered tacky to take a cooler to church. If you have to vacuum the bed, it is time to change the sheets. Even if you're certain that you are included in the will, it is still considered tacky to drive a U-Haul to the funeral home. 

DINING OUT When decanting wine, make sure that you tilt the paper cup, and pour slowly so as not to "bruise" the fruit of the wine. If drinking directly from the bottle, always hold it with your fingers covering the label. 

ENTERTAINING IN YOUR HOME A centerpiece for the table should never be anything prepared by a taxidermist. Do not allow the dog to eat at the table...no matter how good his manners are. 

PERSONAL HYGIENE While ears need to be cleaned regularly, this is a job that should be done in private using one's OWN truck keys. Proper use of toiletries can forestall bathing for several days. However, if you live alone, deodorant is a waste of good money. Dirt and grease under the fingernails is a social no-no, as they tend to detract from a woman's jewelry and alter the taste of finger foods.

DATING (outside the family) Always offer to bait your date's hook, especially on the first date. Be aggressive. Let her know you're interested: "I've been wanting to go out with you since I read that stuff on the bathroom wall two years ago." Establish with her parents what time she is expected back. Some will say 10:00 PM ; Others might say "Monday." If the latter is the answer, it is the man's responsibility to get her to school on time. 

THEATER ETIQUETTE Crying babies should be taken to the lobby and picked up immediately after the movie has ended. Refrain from talking to characters on the screen. Tests have proven they can't hear you.

WEDDINGS Livestock, usually, is a poor choice for a wedding gift. Kissing the bride for more than 5 seconds may get you shot. For the groom, at least, rent a tux. A leisure suit with a cummerbund and a clean bowling shirt can create a tacky appearance. Though uncomfortable, say "yes" to socks and shoes for this special occasion.

DRIVING ETIQUETTE Dim your headlights for approaching vehicles; Even if the gun is loaded, and the deer is in sight. When approaching a four-way stop, the vehicle with the largest tires always has the right of way. Never tow another car using panty hose and duct tape. When sending your wife down the road with a gas can, it is impolite to ask her to bring back beer. Do not lay rubber while traveling in a funeral procession. 

20 ways to maintain your sanity:

1.  At lunch time, sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing cars.  See if they slow down.
2.  Page yourself over the intercom.  Don't disguise your voice.
3.  Every time someone asks you to do something, ask if they want fries with that.
4.  Put your garbage can on your desk and label it "IN".
5.  Put decaf in the coffee maker for 3 weeks.  Once everyone has gotten over their caffeine addictions, switch to espresso.
6.  In the memo field of all your checks, write "for smuggling diamonds".
7.  Finish all your sentences with "in accordance with the prophecy".
8.  Don't use any punctuation.
9.  As often as possible, skip rather than walk.
10.  Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat - with a serious face.
11.  Specify that your drive-through order is "to go".
12.  Sing along at the opera.
13.  Put mosquito netting around your work area and play tropical sounds all day at work.
14.  Go to a poetry recital and ask why the poems don't rhyme.
15.  Five days in advance, tell your friends you can't attend their party because you're not in the mood.
16.  Have your coworkers address you by your wrestling name, Rock Bottom.
17.  When the money comes out the ATM, scream "I won!  I won!"
18.  When leaving the zoo, start running towards the parking lot yelling, "run for your lives, they're loose!!
19.  Tell your children over dinner "due to the economy, we are going to have to let one of you go."
20.  And the final way to keep a healthy level of insanity .... Grasp the concept that the radio is NOT talking to you. (ahem.)

I LOVE THE RED GREEN SHOW* ON PBS! It's hysterical!
If you haven't ever seen it, they end every show with a Men's Lodge Meeting where they open the meeting with
"The Mans' Prayer". It goes like this: (Men -- you'll recognize it even if you've never seen the show!)

"The Man's Prayer"
I am a man.
But I can change.
If I have to.
I guess.

(*It rates right up there for me with Mr. Bean & my favorite author, Patrick McManus!)

GOOSEBUMPS!

You've been moved by people singing our "National Anthem" before,
but you've never experienced anything like this 7 YEAR OLD BOY'S version.
It's PHENOMENAL.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR2rvxSUr7w
 

With my friend, Olesya from Russia. We miss her!

With Bella. Yes. It's embarrassing.

 (L/R) Snickers, CryBaby, Bella & Sissy. My kids ;)
Sissy & CryBaby just had a batch'a 4 puppies that I'll be finding good homes for soon too.

Bella, Snickers, CryBaby & Sissy. Yep. They got to see Santa too. Now I know why new moms always complain about never being able to take time for themselves. Take a look at my hair! Gads! It was all I could do to corral them all and get their jackets on them. (Except for Bella, who was too FAT to wear hers!) Yep! She's "Momma's little corn dog". She has funny teeth too. I tease her about her "big buckers".  Poor Bella!

HERE'S A SIGN I WROTE THAT'S POSTED IN THE BARN:
I also call this section of my webpage "Signs my Mom says -- "you can't say THAT" to:

THOSE YOOOUR PIGS? Jest ‘cause we’re in a barn don’t mean   yer kids git'ta act like animals! In other words, if you think yer kids are bein’ loud & obnoxious, we’d rightly agree with ‘ya!  Let’s put it frankly: Those people starin’ ain’t admiring’ yer hair, Honey! Tie those brats to the nearest chair & do it quickly! Better yet, leave’em in the car & member ’da crack the ‘winder! And while we’re at it—if they make a mess—land sakes! CLEAN IT UP! What’cha even thinkin’! We ain’t THAT far out in the country ‘n they wouldn’t act that way at Gramma’s house! A nice country’way’a puttin’ it... Unruly children will simply be shot. So there. We used to make ‘em do the dishes, but we got Child Labor Laws ‘round these parts. Shucks.

Here's one I put on the FRONT DOOR on 8/23/07: I think I've given out 100 copies of this thing... Ok, Folks. It’s official. On August 23, 2007 we officially reached our quota of MEAN people for the rest of the summer! Gads! Folks--if you ain’t interested in bein’ nice to our staff–go eat in town! We work HARD to make this a fun & positive experience day-in & day-out all summer long and it really blows if you’re mean to us. By the way - they make pills for that.    blueberrykari@nwi.net

After you read the below article, you'll know why it was simply IMPOSSIBLE for me to not put this on my page. Some things just MUST be shared ;)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KARI !
October 16 2007 - KOZI Radio's Guest Host "2nd Cup of Coffee Program"
 Kari Sorensen, Blueberry Hills

Snicker's baby pictures

Annelise and I.
She turned 10 yesterday ( 3/5) and I missed it. Sorry!
These girls are growing so FAST.

Me with one of Snickers' litter mates.

Can you really EVER get enough of PUPPIES?!

I think NOT!

Tiny little puppy breath!

Yes. This was actually me a couple years ago.
I'm not blonde anymore. I gave it up when I bought a house.
I decided to put the money in my house instead of my head! 
Now that's thinkin'!

Can you TELL my good friend, Karen, is a hairdresser?!
Yep. She's great! She works at Simply Chic in Chelan.

Kimberly Kay & Kari Anne. SEE! I WAS blonde! :)
AND my sister, Kim, IS WAAAY older!

This is what I looked like in those days. Yes. It was the same "Marge Simpson" hairdo I had since junior high (20 years ago!) Gads. It would get so high that it would finally start leaning to one side...then I knew it was time to get it cut. A girl has'ta have a hobby!

This is one of my favorite pictures. It was the first time I ever got to see & hold my niece, Larissa (oldest of 3).
I didn't even know how to hold her. I was SOOO nervous!

She's 14 now & just gave me her latest school picture---------->.
Isn't she cute?!

Larissa Goodall / 2007

Math is COOL in Omak!

This is my niece, Shaylyn (purple jacket & braids) and her teammates! They just got 2nd place in the STATE!

Here's what the OMAK CHRONICLE says...

"Omak’s Math is Cool seventh-grade team returned with a third-place trophy late last month from Des Moines High School near Seattle. The team, which was a half point behind second place, included (Shaylyn Goodall, Kayla Good, Brian Pecha and Ryan Thompason. Coach Randy Langseth is in back."

By the way, Shay...isn't that your "Lifeline Ambulance" t-shirt?! Give it up already! Can't you see through it by now?! I've seen your bedroom -- and I know you have other shirts! Don't you ever take it off long enough to wash it?! Gads! Retire that baby already! :)