Wow!! What a wonderful session of conference. Absolutely loved President Eyring's talk. Cried and laughed through most of it:) Did you hear President Packer talk about Peru? specifically Cozco?? Chris should have flown out of Cozco this morning and headed to Lima. He took about 70 pencils with him to give out to the Peruvian children. Broke my heart to think of children all around the world going hungry and cold. Can't wait for the next session of conference:) My brother-in-law (Jim) is taking Tay, and two of his friends to the Priesthood session and then out to eat. I sssooo appreciate it. Little does he know that he is also helping other young men who don't have fathers around to take them (usually Chris would have). Thanks Jim:) Rye has to work. I feel bad. I've got to start looking a month a head so that he can ask for time off in advance.
Today, Chris was flying out of Cuzco to Lima where he will do who knows what. His itinerary says "Caral? Magic Waters? Circuit? Larco Museo?" Hopefully he finds a converter and gets to rest. I'm hoping that he is tired from hiking down Machu Picchu. Tomorrow he is in Lima also. He was hoping to attend a ward building to watch conference. He wrote down some names of wards and their addresses. Monday, he flies to Iquitos City where he will go to the Amazon Rain forest lodge and stay for two days.
Yesterday, was the toughest day so far without Chris. I did a lot of running people around. Trying to juggle my schedule and theirs. Hard to be in two places at once. Jacob and Tay did a great job watching Katie at different times of the day/evening. Worst thing was I dropped my keys in the TOILET!! I had key pads to both cars on my key chain. Grrrr. Glad I had Chris leave me his keys. I used his while mine sat in a bowl of rice.
Today, and tomorrow should be uneventful - hopefully:) I do have to think about what to do for dinner tomorrow - darn it. And yell at people to get their chores done today -right now. lol.
Enjoy conference. I always feel so good afterwards - but sad when it's over.

How funny, just finished blog - went to face book and there, there....... is a picture of my CHRISSSSIIIEEE at Machu Picchu and he looks WONDERFUL!!!:) Did anyone else laugh at the caption on the top of his picture???!!! And now I am crying - what a wonderful sight to see my best friend and know he saw Machu Picchu and that he looks great. The day couldn't get any better - conference and a picture of my best friend:):):):)
Love, Ricki

Soo sad, today I didn't get to skype with anyone:( Chris' batteries are all dead (only talked to him Wed. morning) and I usually talk to Meg every morning but she is on her 25 hour train ride to her "spring break" destination in China. Who knows when I will get to talk to her. I just keep reminding myself that in the "olden days" people went on vacation and you didn't talk to them until they came home (what 15 years ago? or less?).
Yesterday, was pretty quiet. I worked in Jacob's classroom helping kids learn their parts for the play that the whole 4th grade is putting on next Tuesday. We ate dinner at home - one of are favorites but one that makes Chris extremely sick when he eats it, and he will eat it and then be mad at me for making it:). I don't know how to make it without fat. LOL. I took Rye to the gym and Tay to CAP. We did homework, played outside and then I made the rounds to pick up Rye from the gym and Tay from CAP - Tay is just about to earn his first stripe - very exciting, he just has to pass Drill next week. Came home and had people bathe, read books and scriptures, family prayer and off to bed. Not to stressful. Rye said in the car "It's going to suck when dad dies." I agreed.
Today, Chris is in Machu Picchu (hopefully - just following his itinerary:) he has to take the train up because before he left there were no more tickets left to hike up the trail. Chris decided that it must be a "sign":) He was planning on riding the train up and then walking down. I hope he gets to. He tried tons of times to purchase tickets on line but the sight just wouldn't accept the credit card payment. He called the bank etc. etc. but it wouldn't work so he was suppose to get help in Lima as soon as he flew in to buy the tickets. Who knows. It would be terrible to get all the way there and not get to see it. They only give out a few tickets (114) a day. Chris kept watching the numbers dwindle. He figured that they were selling 14 a day and he would count down the days and numbers to see how many would be left by today. Sooooo hoping he is playing in Machu Picchu!!!!!!!!!! After that they will head to Cusco.
Love, Ricki

I tried calling BYU yesterday to help Meg out but because of all the laws they wouldn't let me change her major or do anything. I gave them Meg's email address and the man on the phone said that he would email her (which as of this morning he hadn't -grrrr). So, I get to call them later to see about emailing her again.
Katie hit a boy at school so the teacher, Katie and I had a "talk." The boy said her drawing was "ugly." So, she let him have it:) Jacob and Tay had ortho appointments to do a retainer check. Grateful once again that Taylor's retainer was found. Jacob had a tooth pulled without any anesthesia!!! Dentist told me to come and look at his molar how it was pink and had a cavity. Said it had to come out. Next thing I know he's taking his tool and digging it out!!!! Poooooorrrrr Jacccccoooobbb! I sure hate that snapping sound when the tooth comes out of the gum!!! It bleed for awhile but he hasn't complained once about it hurting. Tooth fairy came last night and left $5. After the ortho Jacob asked for Noodles & Company for dinner (how could I say no, also that is another place we don't get to eat at because. . . .Chris ate there after every chemo appointment so.... he hates the place - brings back bad memories). Tay, Jacob and I ate there. Rye, worked last night at Chick fil a. Katie and I went and bothered him (so did his aunt, cousins and grandma:) It was Princess and Pirate night at Chick fil a last night. Katie and Lillee (her cousin) had tons of fun. They even had the cow in a pirate outfit. He looked cute:)
Long weird story - the lady that cuts are families hair, her daughter broke her leg a couple of weeks ago. Chris signed her cast and drew a Mickey Mouse on it. I asked her if when she had her daughters cast taken off if I could have that little square (I know I'm sooo dumb:) so last night she brought it to me. sooo nice:)
I spoke with Meg this morning on Skype. We can't talk with Chris again until he gets a new converter. His broke !!!!! Already!!!!!!!! He emailed me last night and told me that the camera battery, laptop battery, video camera battery and cell phone battery were pretty much dead:( I hope he can find one I'd hate to miss all the pictures of the things that he is seeing. Meg leaves in a couple of hours for her 25 hour train ride - she told me that the place they are going is like the "spring break hangout" for the Chinese.
Today, Chris is headed to the Sacred Valley, Pisca Ollantaytambo and "other tourist locations" (according to his itinerary).:)
Well, that's pretty much all that happened yesterday hee, hee. I'm now headed to work in Jacob's classroom.
Love, Ricki

One day down and eight more to go:) Yesterday was my first day without Chris in 14 months. It was a rough day worrying about Chris and not having had enough sleep:) I went to Jacob's science fair exhibit which was crazy because the Governor was coming to are school so security was everywhere and you had to park down the hill from the school. For lunch Katie and I had cheddar cheese grilled cheese sandwiches. Soooo exciting!! Chris can't eat cheddar cheese so we usually don't have any in the house because it either makes him sad because he can't eat it or he eats it and makes himself sick (which makes me sad). Made cookies for the ym/yw activity (which Tay told me about late last night). At about 3 pm I'm thinking "Hey, we're doing pretty good, I can do this alone (for nine days:)" then the phone rings. It's Tay from school. He missed the bus. Because. . . . . . . he had thrown his RETAINER (hasn't even had it for a month!!!!!!!!!!!) in the GARBAGE at lunch (accidentally of course:) He realized it in 5th period. After class he ran to the office for help. Poor boy told me he was crying - that he couldn't stop (I'd cry to if I had a mom like me to answer tooo:):) The very kind, wonderful, amazing custodian and his assistant went "Dumpster Diving" and found it!!!!! When I went in to pick up Tay from school I brought them each a box of Girl Scout cookies - only the best:) (hard to share my last boxes - hee, hee but cheaper then a new retainer:) In the car Tay asked "What he would have needed to do if the retainer hadn't been found." I just told him he was verrrryyy verrrryy blessed and that he needed to thank the custodians tomorrow and thank Heavenly Father again and again for finding it. Lol.
Came home did homework and then headed out to Cafe Rio for dinner (another place that Chris can't eat because it makes him sick). On the way home dropped off Tay and Rye at the church for combined ym/yw activity. Later bathing, scriptures and bed. Ahhh.
How cool is this??!!! Just got off a conference call with Megan in China and Chris (and pa) in Peru!!!!!!!!!!!! We couldn't see each other just hear one another - soooo cool!!!! Chris sounded exhausted. I did see him for a second till we turned off the video because it cost money. He looked exhausted. I am actually grateful that we had to turn it off, I didn't think he looked well. He said he was very thirsty. They are one hour a head of us and Meg is 15 hours a head of us. Meg was on one of her "highs" she couldn't stop talking - or singing:) They are going to be putting on a show soon with all the kids so she was singing the songs to us that they will be performing:) Oh, and Meg and Katie got in a yelling match about "who's daddy's girl" and "who loved him more/most." "How old are you Meg?" Poor Katie not getting that Meg was playing. What a stinker. Did I mention how cool Skype is?!!!:) hee, hee. Meg, once again has changed her major, she needs me to call BYU (because the sight isn't working) and change it to Elementary Education (she also wants me to register her classes for her because she will be on her 25 hour train ride when it's time to register- Ahhh, what would she do without a mother??!!). Chris was getting ready to get on a plane (with chickens - lol who knows we've just been joking about that) to Cusco after the hotel brings him his breakfast.
Saturday, March 24th we went to Rodizio Grill to "celebrate nothing":) had lots of fun eating and eating and making ourselves sick. Later the boys got together and played Dungeons and Dragons.
Monday, March 26th Tay and Rye didn't have school so I pulled Jacob out of school at noon and we went down to the new mall City Creek. It was beeeaauutiful! We went into Tiffany's Jewelry store. Chris told the kids before we went in "put your hands in your pockets and don't touch anything." Disney store was fun and we had lunch. Didn't stay to long because Chris was tired (and hadn't even started packing!!) For FHE we watched home videos of us at Disney World (ones from 3 years ago - wow everyone has grown!) and more recent ones of us on are trip and Chris playing ward ball (just last month). We were emptying the video camera onto are external hard drive so Chris could take the video camera with him. He told me this morning he video taped his hotel room for me:) Hee, hee what a goof!;) We also discussed Chris dieing in Peru. Ahhh.
I will try to write when I hear something from Chris.
Love, Ricki

Sooo.... Chris and my dad are on their way to Peru!!! I took them to the airport at 4:30 AM (you know me I am not a morning person - yuck). They land in Atlanta and hang out for four hours and then head to Peru. They arrive around 11 pm in Lima. Chris has lots and lots of things planned - he has quite the itinerary:) Katie put cute love notes in Chris' bags and this morning when he kissed her good bye she said "Bye, have a safe trip." sooo cute:)
Meg, is headed to Yangshuo this weekend it is a 25 hour train ride!! (yuck) The school has a break so they are headed to play and see the Three Gorges they will also stop in Guilin for awhile. For all of you that got to hear Meg's story on face book about her getting into the shower and a boy seeing her naked. Here's the rest of the story - of course I emailed, skyped etc to get the story. You can't say stuff like that and not tell the whole story:) They went to Shanghai to go to District Conference. They stayed at a hostel. 3 boys (they didn't know) and Kenzie, Tressa and Megan all in the same room. One bathroom, no lock. Kenzie had just showered, Meg stood guard at the door while she showered. Kenzie was suppose to guard the door for Meg - - mmmmm. Poor Meg. It was quite the adventure. He was from Russia, he didn't say or look at Meg the rest of the weekend. Akward!! Meg also got her hair cut for free - the salon wanted to touch her hair and they gave her a great deal on a perm. If you've seen the pictures it looks scary!! The rollers heat up to 130 degrees!! My friend who cuts hair says that we stopped using that method in the 70's because to many women had their hair catch on fire!!!! While she was sitting there processing two men had hair dryers set on cold air to cool her head!! (only men work in salons).
Funny story - about a week ago the phone rings. Chris looks at caller ID and sees it says Cancer Center. He answers it extra cheery. The person on the other end says "Well I guess that answers my question!" It was are oncologist Dr. Whisenant he had called to check up on Chris. Sooo nice of him. He asked Chris if he had played ward ball and how he was doing. What a nice guy:)
Love, Ricki

Soooo the big news for this week is . . .. . Chris is going to Peru for nine days with my dad!!!!!!!!! They leave March 27th and return home April 5th!!! Chris has always wanted to see Machu Picchu. It is a FOUR day HIKE!!! A donkey will carry some of the weight for you but anything over you have to carry yourself. WOW, huh? Lots of mixed emotions. I probably won't be eating for at least nine days ( I already feel sick thinking about it). One in China, one in Peru. I've decided that this is are "trial run" to see how we do without Chris. We've been together for 13 months 24/7. Looking forward to sleeping in the middle of the bed and not having to figure out no-fat meals and feeling bad if it's not right and Chris gets sick. Chris asked the kids last night "if they would be OK if he died in Peru?" DUHHHHHH! I want him to go, he's dieing he won't have another opportunity to do this and yet I am scared to death that he will die there. I already had a hard time with Chris saying "good bye" to Meg at the airport knowing that could be her last time seeing Chris alive now we have to say 'good bye" knowing that it could be are last time seeing Chris alive. Call me Negative Nellie. I told you I needed a vacation!!!! And yes you maybe wondering why I'm not going - Chris is dieing. I feel the urgency to make sure that I am safe that nothing is going to happen to me. I take better care of myself, take less chances because I can't afford to be hurt or die. I love the people that would raise are kids if we both die but I'd rather stay here on earth and screw them up myself (hee, hee) and yes still I'd rather die and be with my best friend but my heart is toooo attached to my five wonderful children that I brought into this world. Think of all the things I would miss!!!!!!!!!:) Ha, ha I'm laughing wondering what the family in are Will is thinking right now reading this:):):) (you can thank me with a Dr. Pepper- lol). It is fun to watch Chris. He is soooo excited. He spends alot of time on Google Earth looking at everything, planning it all out - all the things he wants to see. He's trying to talk my dad into flying around the country instead of driving. It's faster and since they only have actually 8 days (travel day) to see everything they need to save time. I wish he had time and money to go into Brazil - it's right next door (that's where Chris served his mission). My heart is heavy knowing that Chris will miss taking the boys to the Priesthood session of General Conference (March 31), Jacob's play and his science fair exhibit (I told Chris he couldn't go unless he had that project done!!;) Like I said "this is a trial run" for when he is really gone. I know with the Lord's help nothing is impossible but boy is my heart heavy. I told Chris that he needs to understand that at times before he leaves I might be "crabby." It's not that I don't want him to go, it's not that I'm mad at him for going. It's that I am a complete mess inside of emotions - excited and happy for him, worried, sad, exhausted, hoping that I can handle my emotions and the kids - I know they will feel anxious inside just as I am. Now that I've made my mascara run and my stomach upset will go on and talk about the rest of are adventures:) Sorry, nothing like last week - thank goodness;)
Friday, I decided that I wanted to film Donuts with Dad in Katie's class. I told Chris to pretend that I wasn't there. He's getting soooo much better at just letting me film him without giving me grief:) I filmed for an hour. Katie will watch it over and over again someday. When the teacher first announced this at the beginning of the year I was worried - "what if Chris died before this?" At one point he did get sick and leave for a few minutes, I was soo glad I was there so that I could play the game with Katie instead of her sitting alone waiting for Chris to come back. I felt soo blessed to have Chris be able to attend Katie's special day.
Saturday, Rye and his group for Prom went to Provo to go flowriding (surfing indoors), lunch and then home for the girls to get ready. I was an emotional mess with the whole tux thing. Chris helping Rye and me video taping and taking pictures - Chris won't be there for Rye's wedding to help him get ready - this is the closest thing. Boys thought I was dumb but "one day" that video will mean a whole lot!! At 4 his date (Kenzie) and her parents came over and we took pictures. I drove the couple to Tepanyaki where they were to meet up with the rest of the group. They ate and went to the dance at the State Capitol. After the dance they went out for ice cream and then to a friends house to watch a movie. Rye wore his tux to church Sunday - he looked sooo handsome:) The "boys" played Dungeons and Dragons and my mother, sister and a friend took Katie and my niece Lillee to Disney on Ice. Katie had sooo much fun. While everyone was busy I went and ran errands - not soo fun but you always feel better when things are done. I even took the car to the car wash and vacuumed it out. Felt pretty spiffy. Good to know everyone was having fun wherever they where.
Sunday, Chris taught Gospel doctrine and then came and helped me in my primary class. Katie sat on his lap most of class with her arms around his neck. Verrryyy cute.
Spoke with Megan and she told us all about her weekend. She ended up going with one of her students named Jason and his family and . . . another teacher:) (good girl). She said it went ok but the parents didn't speak any English so it was veryy difficult to know what was expected, she didn't want to offend them. They took her to an amusement park and out to eat at an "American restaurant" for "American" food (hee, hee) she and Jason had a steak (she said their "steak" is different). The waiter brought out a knife and fork. Jason didn't know how to use either so Megan showed him:) She also told us a funny story about how she came out of a bakery with a ham and cheese sandwich (she had been craving cheese - no cheese in China - very expensive) just about to eat it and an elderly Chinese lady took it out of her hands and ATE it!!!!!!! she let it go and went back in and bought another one!!:) They went to church - late again because of transportation system. It was at a different house this time but afterwards they still fed them. Meg is suppose to go with a different student and their family this weekend. Last week she had us send her pictures of "family." This week she is having us send her pictures of "holidays" for her ELE class that she teaches once a week. she says that she is going to do a lesson on "hygiene":):) and smoking - how bad it is for you. she says everyone smokes and that the kids think it's cool. (she is tired of smelling like an ash tray:).
Monday, Tay and Chris went to the Jazz game (Tay's Jr. Jazz tickets). Jacob, Katie and I (Rye didn't want to go) went out for a greasy hamburger (can't have one of those with Chris around) and then to Baskin Robbins for ice cream (can't eat that around Chris either). Ahhh it felt good:)
It's Tuesday and for this week - I work in Jacob's classroom helping with the play today and Thursday. Rye works.
Wednesday, Jacob scouts and orchestra, Rye scouts, Rye works, and I have a PTSA meeting.
Thursday, CAP, Jacob's classroom and Rye (or I) donate blood at school - it's at 9 am will see what happens. I will show up and either watch Rye donate blood or I will cry as they poke me:):) Friday, Rye has a camp out for young men's.
Found this cute quote. "Heaven gives its favorites - early death."
Love ya, Ricki

Ok, so you can see that it was a very busy week last week. I never even got to finish last weeks blog. Sooo first read Feb. 21st blog or you'll be lost (like me - lol).

Thurs, (March 1st) I worked in Jacob's classroom helping kids memorize lines for a play that they are going to be putting on in April. We attended Rye's parent teacher conferences. They did them differently this year, instead of in the gym you went to each teachers classroom. Made for a long walk for Chris but he did well. Met with all the teachers - found out a few things!!! Rye ditching seminary (14 times!!!) and a funny story (kind of). Now remember back to your youth - did you ever cheat? I did once - got caught and never did it again, scared me. Well, found out that's what Rye did also. He had a substitute teacher and a test - decided to cheat. Three kids told on him. Next day teacher asks him if he cheated. He says "yes." Now back up to parent teacher conferences. Her line was long, Chris wanted to go and Rye was saying "let's go we don't need to visit her." So we go home so that Chris can play his last ward ball game and I can get Tay to CAP. At home Rye confesses to me about cheating. After I drop Tay off at CAP Rye and I head back to the school so we can talk to teacher (he's NOT a happy camper). We speak with her and she is very kind. She tells Rye how proud she is of him for not lieing, tells me that he was very humble, and that he promised never to do it again. I'm sooo glad that we went back. The teacher really helped reinforce that he did the right thing, (by telling the truth- not cheating lol) etc. She handled it beautifully - I couldn't have asked for it to go better (well, ok no cheating in the first place - lol). It was a crazy parent/teacher conference. Oh, and Rye promised his seminary teacher he wouldn't ditch anymore. Not sure how it works, we receive phone calls on missing other classes.

Soooo, then I get home after picking Tay up from CAP (I had planned on going to Chris' game but felt like talking to the teacher and making sure that she knew I knew was more important) and Chris can HARDLY move!!!!!!!!!!! He hurt his back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is now Monday and he is still having trouble!!!! I will remain calm!!!! HA HA HA HA

Friday, Tay and Rye didn't have any school. The boys had haircuts and we took them out to lunch to celebrate their good grades (mmmm). Later they played Dungeons and Dragons. Chris' back was really hurting him so they quit early. We are still waiting to hear back from the girl that Rye asked to Prom. I have no idea about 'the guy thing" I've only done the "girl thing."

Saturday, we went and rented Rye a tux and opened a checking account for him (he's had a savings account for years). I was very proud of him he took out cash for his tithing and then put the rest in savings. I asked him if he wanted any to "play with" and he said "no, he'd rather save it." Took him to work. I went and ran errands - trying to get everything we need for Jacob's science fair project (can't find ph strips - stores are all out thanks to everyone else doing projects!!) Picked up Tay, Jacob and friends from the pool and headed back to Chick fil a to pick up Rye. Found out poor Rye had had a hard evening. It was snowing outside so this was his first time being inside for two hours. It gets VERY hot inside the costume. James a guy that works there told me that Rye got really dizzy and sick from being so hot. James got him a drink and put him in the walk in freezer. Door closed. Poor, poor Rye didn't know you could push it open from the inside since there is no door handle so he sat in the freezer til someone opened the door:) Rye learned a lot that evening - lol (poor , poor Rye).

Sunday, Chris taught Gospel Doctrine, I heard he did a great job. I would love to hear him teach one of these days:) Chris and I also realized that Chris (a dieing man:) has FOUR callings, hee, hee. He is a home teacher (with Ryan), gospel doctrine teacher, scout committee chair and a ward missionary. It's good, he's been bored. He is able to spend a lot of time preparing for his lesson. During Priesthood Tay was set apart as the Deacons President. He is very, very excited and nervous - he keeps talking about how wonderful the president before him was and how he wants to be just as good. Rye, didn't attend church because he was soooo sick. This weekend he has been eating and eating and eating. He is trying to gain 5 pounds so that he can donate blood for extra credit for the class he cheated in. ARUP comes to the school and you can sign up to give blood. If you remember (how can I forget) last year Meg donated blood and passed out at school in one of her classes. The teacher did tell Rye that he could find someone to donate for him and receive extra credit (I told him I would) but he wants to do it himself. I keep telling him he better not pass out:) The day he gives blood if they won't let him I'll do it - I hate needles, I probably will pass out:) We had the missionaries over for dinner. Chris' back still hurts and he threw up after dinner. Don't know why. All I can say is "this family!!!!!" (I need a vacation:)

Monday, I finally finished last weeks blog (ha, ha). The missionaries asked us to drive them to a couple of places - one of them being Chick fil a (ahhh) because they give missionaries a discount. Chris didn't eat anything (makes him verrryyyy sick). Ran their errands and the day was pretty much over:) For FHE we went to see Tin Tin at the dollar movie. It was that or either a lesson (hee, hee) when Chris doesn't feel well he always picks a movie. The kids wanted to go swimming for activity but swimming is to hard on Chris - it's also verry cold. Sometimes they have a hard time remembering that "dad" can't do everything he used to. We end up eating where dad wants to so he doesn't get sick or where he has a craving and we do what dad wants to do because he knows how he is feeling and what his body can handle. Going from a dad that was verryy active to a dad that doesn't do much is hard on all of us. But we are soo grateful that he is still here. He can still do plenty of things - yelling (hee, hee).

Tuesday, I ran my errands. Feeding the teachers Wednesday. (It's now Wednesday:) Took Rye to school at noon, they had late start due to juniors taking the ACT test. Chris had Rye practice driving to work - Chris came back with a lot more gray hair:) He said "Rye, needs a lot more practice." Tay had scouts. Picked up Rye from work (took 22 minutes due to the snow storm) an took him to young men's (another 22 minutes home). It was quite the storm.

I tried shoveling this morning but then gave up because it just kept blowing back in my face.

Just came from the gym where I saw a man hit two parked cars in the parking lot! He parked in a spot where there was mostly snow (so it was really only half a parking stall) he hit the back bumper of the car next to him hard and then hit the gas instead of the brake and hit the car in front of him. He got out of the car and seemed unconcerned. I went inside and told security. He just walked into the gym like no big deal!!! What a jerk!!

So today, I feed the teachers, Rye works, Jacob has pack meeting, PTA meeting, homework, science fair project etc. etc.:)

Tomorrow (ahhh, if I make it through today:), I work in Katie's classroom, Jacob and Katie have their Parent/teacher conferences and Tay has a band concert - which not only are we going to but I am chaperoning (no big deal they were well behaved last time:), and at some point in time we need to order a corsage for Saturday's dance.

Friday, Katie and Chris get to go to the Donuts with Dad party at school (just for kindergarten), and will pick up Rye's tux and whatever else he hasn't gotten done.

Saturday is Prom:)

Yesterday morning Meg and I got into a "little tiff" on skype. ILP teachers are going to be spending the weekend with one of their students at their home - - ALONE!!! They should be going in TWO's!!!! We got into the China is no safer then America thing. Bad people both places. I reminded her how when someone needs to use the public restroom we go in two's, missionaries go in two's AND..... are family does not do sleep overs -- to protect everyone. I'm sure she wasn't happy about having this discussion with her roommate in the room but come to find out her roommates parents called ILP and said that she couldn't go by herself:):):) (I'm glad I'm not the only mean mom). As Chris pointed out she is 19 and in China she'll do what she wants. Ahhhh. Meg did say that I could fly over and go with her. Lol. Later she said it was now just a day event - ALONE! Yeah, no!!! Later. .. . she said that she went and talked with her head teacher (who thinks parents are obnoxious:) and she is now going to go with her. I just hope someday Meg has an adventurous kid:) Thanks to her I have to get my hair colored more often!!:) Tuesday was the one month mark of her being gone. She is really enjoying herself. She has learned a lot and loves the snack foods that you can buy = she's not crazy about the schools food.

Oh, and Chris' back is still "sore." (it's Wednesday).

So many fun things going on at r house:)

Love ya, Ricki