My Grandma Jo

I was so blessed to be able to spend a few days with my Grandmother in early December. My family is planning a trip home to Washington this summer but I felt that I really needed to spend a few days with my grandmother. Her mind isn’t as sharp as it used to be so I’m not sure if she’ll even remember the time I spend with her but I’ll never forget.
It had only been a year since I last saw here and I couldn’t believe how much she had aged. Her eyes told me how hard the last year had been on her little frail body. When I first saw her, we hugged tight and we both cried. No words were exchanged but I could feel of her love wrapped around me.
It was hard to see her just sitting and resting in her chair. My grandmother, the woman who always waited one others has to depend on others to wait and serve her. We spend our time talking about the kids and family. I had to watcher her slowly use her walker to get to the kitchen table where she watched me make Almond Roca. We told stories as my best friend and cousin Mindy sat at the table. I had to tell my favorite Grandma Jo memory. When she was decorating cakes, in a very stern voice, she would say, “Hold out your finger” and with hesitation I’d hold out my finger. She would pipe on a big glob of frosting onto my finger and then she’d whisper, “ Eat that and don’t tell your mother”. We all giggled.
I took Grandma and Grandpa out for lunch and then the next day we just relaxed and hung out at the house. I made cookies and then supper. We enjoyed a short visit with my Auntie Susie and her family. Next thing I knew it was time to say good-bye. I knew what I wanted to say and knew if I didn’t say what was on my mind I would forever regret it. I waited until we were alone and then I kneeled in front of her and held her hands. I told her that I was sorry that I didn’t live closer because if I did I would be there to help her and Grandpa out more. Then I asked her how many grandchildren she had. She told me she would have to think about it so I had to remind her that she had 26. Then I told her out of those 26 grandkids, I was the luckiest of them all, did she know why? She told me because I was first and I told her that’s right, I had her first. Then after some more tears I told her it was really important to me that she stays strong until next summer so I can bring my boys home to meet her. We hugged one last time and I told her that I loved her. Hugged and kissed Grandpa goodbye and out the door I went. I sat in my car and had a little break down, not knowing if that I’d see my grandmother alive again. It was bitter-sweet visit but I am so thankful for the time I was able to send with her.
I love you Grandma Jo!

My Running Poem

Today I did something I never thought possible. I reached another running goal. My goal was to run 365 miles (a mile a day) and today I beat that goal by 200 miles. That's right 200 miles. I guess I inspired myself and I wrote this poem today. I hope you enjoy it


"My Morning Run"
by Callie-ann Helgeson
I put on my Under Amour
I lace up my shoes
Ear buds in, ipod set
I adjust my eyes to the darkness, take a deep breath as I shut the door behind me
That first miles is always the hardest as I mentally prepare for another run
I struggle with my breathing until I finally find my pace
Now, I’m in the zone, in my safe place
As my feet start to race so does my mind
I think about my family that is tucked in their warm beds
I think about the woman who help mold me
I think about my past and dream about my future
I talk to Jesus and pray for my friends and family
I shed tears
The sun is rising, my run is almost done
One last hill and I see my home
Stop the ipod, open the door
Kick off my shoes, rest on the couch
Quiet……………for just a minute
Then I hear ……………”Mommy?!”
Now, its time to the real "running" to begin

Planting seeds

Tis the season for planting and since both boys brought home vegi's from school, we thought we'd planted them in the garden tonight. Matt planted beans and Kevin corn, both started from seeds. I can't wait for the boys to watch them grow.

No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth

Wow, has its really been over four months since my last blog? I am honestly going to try harder be blog more often. So, I'll try to catch you up on my family.
Thomas - he's such a wonderful man, I'm still not sure how I got so luck and married such a great guy. He is such a hard worker and I'm proud of what he does. He may not wear a green suit to work everyday but he is my hero and I'm feel honored that my husband helps take care of our military men and woman.
Me - well, I spent the first few months of 2010 sick and I mean very sick. I had some issues with my LapBand and was throwing up to 30 times a day. Twice I had to be hooked up to IV fluids to rehydrate myself. But once I started throwing up blood, a upper GI was done and we found out that I could keep nothing down, so the decisions was made to take all the fluid out of my band. It was really hard because I've had to start over again but I'm working it out. Work is awesome, I love my job and my co-workers and feel so blessed to be employee of CPAC. My mommy came to visit at the the end of March and we had a wonderful visit.
Makenna - Oh, the joys of raising a teenager, one minute she's on top of the earth and the next she's down in the lowest valley. So, lets go with the high lights. Makenna made it to State for Speech and placed 3rd in her category. It's official, she has a boyfriend, I'm not sure how I feel about that?! But, Joe is a very nice boy, but it just feel strange for her to be dated. She enrolled in Driver's Ed and finished her classroom time and now is working on her behind the wheel. She got a car and I know she's just itching to get out and drive.
Kevin - What a sweet little boy. My family in Washington doesn't know my boys but Kevin has a of Standley in him. He'd fit in perfectly with all the other Standley men, very loving and very funny! He seems to enjoy school and really taken a liken to math, which of course, his father loves. He loves to do anything with paper; cut, color, fold, ect. Oh and his imagination is just amazing.
Matthew - Oh, this little boy is going to be a handful for many, many years to come. He is always so busy and when he gets bored, he gets into trouble. Matthew also spend the beginning of 2010 sick but his was ear infections, so 4 days before his 3rd birthday, he had his second set of tubes put in and also had his tonsils and adenoids removed. Since then, he's been well and has been talking non-stop.
So, that's my family update and I promise to be better about posting more often.

Feeling a little Melancholy

mel⋅an⋅chol⋅y 
–noun 1. a gloomy state of mind, esp. when habitual or prolonged; depression.
Synonyms:
1. sadness, dejection, despondency. 2. seriousness. 4. gloomy, despondent, blue, dispirited, sorrowful, dismal, doleful, glum, downcast. 6. serious.

I consider myself a pretty up beat person however, the past few weeks I've really been struggling. Don't worry, I'll be fine just feeling a little melancholy tonight.

Thomas is once again on travel and its never easy running a household when your partner is out of town. Travel is a normal part of his job and I'm so proud of him and what he does to support our soldiers. While I miss him when he's gone I totally support the mission. However, there are some night that I miss him more then others, kind of like tonight. Usually he's home for the weekend but he'll be gone until 1/14. I've planned extra activites to stay busy but weekends aren't the same without Thomas around.

For those of you that don't know my brother Joe and his family were involved in a house fire. Joe, Connie, Josh, Jack and Joelle all got out of the house safely but almost everything in the house was destroyed. I feel so helpless and wish there was something I could do to help. I'm so thankful for their safety and the support system they have from family and friends.

I went home in October and was able to see my Grandmother after 3 very long years. I cried when I saw her, I think because I don't see her on a regular basis, I see her differently that the family that surrounds her. I loved that she dressed in skirt and looked extra pretty for me. I love her so very much and fear that I'll lose another Grandmother. She fell and hit her head shortly after Christmas and was in the hospital for a couple of days. She now needs 24/7 care and I feel really bad that I'm not there to help out more.

My friend Jen was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and right now she is cancer free. Praise God!! However, she is very heavy on my mind, so Jen if you are reading this, I miss you and think about you all the time.

Then a family from old our church in Minnesota, is near the end of their battle with cancer. My heart breaks for their family. My thoughts and prayers are with Matt, Lacey , Gabe and Grace tonight. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/laceychambers Take a minute to look at their beautiful family. http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#/album.php?page=1&aid=133349&id=751124964

So as today comes to an end, I am thankful for for all the gifts that I have been given. For the husband who loves me both at home and from far away. For the three children that make me a better person and some how love me unconditionally. For the home that I live in and the car that I drive. For the jobs that support our family. For our families that live in Minnesota, Washington and Oregon. For the selfless sacrifices of our soldiers and for my salvation. Thank you Lord!!!

Thankful for safety of my brothers family

Today I got one of those phone calls. A phone call that left a hole in my heart and a horrible feeling in my stomach! It was my brother Michael, he called with the news that our brother Joe's was involved in a house fire. Of course the first thing I wanted to know, if everyone got out safe and thank goodness that Joe, Connie, Josh, Jack & Joelle are all safe and in a hotel tonight!!
The fire started about 2 or 3 am in the living room. The fire alarm and the dog barking woke up Joe; the whole living room was on fire and he had enough time to grabbed the dog and Josh, Connie grabbed Jack and Joelle, they all crawled out Joe and Connie's bedroom window since both of the doors were blocked by the fire.
By the time the fire department was there a broke down the door, the fire was out. It was a flash fire and since there was no more oxygen in the house, it went out. The inside of the house is totalled. The outside structure is okay but they don't know what will happen until they meet with an insurance adjustment.
So, tonight I'm thankful for the safety of my brother Joe and his family. I'm glad they are safe and have one another. Love you guys!

My 2010 wishes

As I sit in the quiet of my living room, my blanket wrapped around me and a the warmth from the fireplace in front of me, I can't help but think of what I wish for in the year 2010.

I have three beautiful and amazing children and I wish to give them love, faith, stability, a good education and a strong, firm foundation. I wish for them to have the opportunities that I didn't have as a child. I wish for them to work at their full potential and to shine brightly for Jesus! I wish for them to remain healthy and strong. I wish that their hopes and dreams come true. I wish they knew how much they are loved!!

I wish for my husband safe travels as he travels from state to state and then back home again. I wish to make many more years of memories with the man I was so blessed to have married. I wish for an answer to his knee problems as I would like him to be pain free. I wish for him to continue to grow into his role as a manager. I wish for him to remain strong and be the ROCK for our family. I wish he knew how much I love him and depend of him!

I wish to never move from Wisconsin, I love it here and consider it my home! I wish to make wise decision that I'm proud of. I wish to be more financially responsible. I wish to be more patient with my children. I wish to be a model employee and work to my full potential. I wish to be more organized and keep my house cleaner. I wish for the strength to wake up and work out to become more healthily. I wish (hope and pray) that we can find a church to call home. I wish to be the best wife and mother I can be.

I wish that in 2010 all of those who are facing cancer and illness, that their loved ones will be blessed with a renewal of spirit and hope to carry them through this part of their journey.

For you, my friends and family as 2010 blossoms, may the journey of your life be blessed with new opportunities, your days be bright with new hopes and your heart be happy with love! When you’re lonely, I wish you Love! When you’re down, I wish you Joy! When you’re troubled, I wish you Peace! When things seem empty, I wish you Hope!

Have a blessed year in 2010!!