TWO More Sleeps!

Pamplona to Burgos

TWO more sleeps til I leave! My old backpacking days are returning....only this time with a real adult instead of incarcerated juvenile delinquents. (I used to teach mountain climbing at Echo Glen Children's Center - LOVED it)

Only a pack on my back - all I can think of is "The Rain in Spain Stays Mainly In The Plain" and that we are NOT taking rain gear - if it rains, we will hang out on a Spanish bar (coffee) until it stops. Andrea is my training buddy and Camino Pilgrim - she has done this 3 times before so I am in good hands....maybe

Made these pins for our backpacks - there is a story to these - will share someday!

I HOPE to get a few wifi times to post from my cell - that cell will be my only wifi and camera.

WATCH OUT SPAIN .......................................

I COMETH!!!!

LAST but certainly not least - hubs bought me a red light headlamp...LOL!!!!!

Camino Santiago Packing List - Rev 1

Only FOUR days until departure! SO ready for this! I think this is a Social Butterfly's DREAM trip

PACKING LIST FOR CAMINO

Backpack – Water Bottle - sleeping bag liner (for Albergue's)

Plastic Airbags that air squeezes out

medical kit - Contacts – Epi Pen

Sunglasses/visor

ear plugs (sleeping in same room with up to 150 people - will need these)

credit card/passport

Adapter for 220/charger, Phone for Camera and WiFi when possible, Spare Phone Battery,  ipod - charger

Tracts/Labels

Down Vest

3 pairs Smartwool socks(incl worn pair)

4 pair underwear (incl. worn pair)

3 shirts (incl. worn, short sleeve quick dry, and 1 Long sleeve thinsulate with thumb holes for cold mornings)

2 pair lightweight Lucy hiking pants, one pair Northface hiking shorts

2 sports bras

Running Shoes (Walking shoes)

Shammy towel

Flip Flops for showering

Downloaded Oswald Chamber's "My Utmost for His Highest" on phone for devotions

Sunscreen, soap (Dr. Bronner's Lavender ~ use it for clothes and body)

To Dream The Impossible Dream

Haha - life is grand. Last April my friend Andrea challenged me to start walking again - well to START walking. I WAS on a running program - until I broke my hip in October. After emergency total hip replacement, recovering from that - I just did NOT want to WALK. Boring. Slow. UGH...so I took her challenge.

The challenge: walk 200 miles in Spain. We booked our tickets to Spain to walk the Camino Santiago - only 200 miles of the 458 mile pilgrimage. THIS would motivate me to WALK.

I began in April - ever so slowly and boringly. Then, it became fun and I was determined not to let this young-27-year-old-active-girl be a lot faster than me. I determined that I would train for this - endurance and speed - in order to keep up with her. I even googled it.

We would go 20 miles per day. Lofty high goal.People said that is unrealistic.

Everywhere I went I walked - San Juan Islands, Maui, Puerto Rico, California, etc. I worked hard and broke in my new shoes in preparation for this trip.

Yesterday, one week before our departure, we came to our senses. We are changing our route - 135 miles, 13 miles per day average. It was a difficult decision, but she convinced me by telling me that there is a free wine fountain on this route. OK. I can do this

I am handing out gospel tracts "The Narrow Road That Leads to Life" - people will have plenty of time to read these.

Work Travel

Travel for work is brutal - 9 hours on planes, 4 hours layovers, stop in Florida, then on to Puerto Rico......etc. BUT I squeezed one full day in Puerto Rico for play. We rented a convertible and drove from 6AM to 7:30PM in search for the famous deep fried pork chop called Chuletas Can Can. We had them last visit there - but THIS place was where they originated. After hours and hours of amazing driving - we got there!

I call the day "Grand Prix Racing in Jurassic Park". If you could SEE the roads....amazing...they fork every mile with no signs. Everyone drives 89 MPH and use no turn signals. I am glad my brave nephew/boss drove while I snapped pictures all day. My arms were sore.

God is good - I am tired. I am home for 6 days until I go off again.

Miles and Miles

Gotta get in the miles of walking this month - breaking in new shoes, getting so close for the Spain trip and walking 200 miles in 10 days!

Everywhere I go, I walk walk walk. My hip hurts but WHO CARES? I will win.

Trips coming up: In Maui now, then Florida, Puerto Rico, San Diego, Spain, San Diego again, New York, Texas. THEN I will rest....or go to Maui.

Cannot Keep Up

Life - SUPER busy and crazy!

Since February, I have been to Arizona 3 times, Vegas, New York, and Maui. Leaving on a boat trip tomorrow, Lake Roosevelt coming up, Maui again, then on and on and on.

This makes me not know what day or season it is. Coming back to Seattle for pit stops always confuses me since I need a sweater!

Things are POPPING for Jordan musically. Too much to write - but let's just say "Stay Tuned".

Happy Fathers Day!

One of my favorite memories is you teaching my boys how to fish - and boy, did they fish! It isn't nearly as much fun now that WE have to put the bait, weight, and thingys on the the pole. We also can never find the dang fish - how did you DO that?

Thank you for putting so much of your self into all of us - if you see any things that you don't like in any of us, blame yourself. If you see things you DO like, then take credit for it ;)

We love you and are thankful for you Dad!

SPECIAL DAY TODAY!!!

SO a while back, Tony Orlando heard Jordan sing, went up and said "I have never heard anything like this - I want to be the one to discover you", gave him his information, etc. Jordan did not know who he was.

They texted back and forth - finally talked on the phone. Tony LOVES Jordan. Jordan told him I will be in Washington June 9 when he performs here - Tony told him to give me his phone number and call him.

THIS is all making a long story short.....

Today was THE day. Jophus (hubs) and I came down early in case we could get together with Tony before. Turns out he has strep throat! I said REST and we will see you later. We went to the band's rehearsal and it was awesome.

Concert comes. Tony went to introduce his guitarist, but first, talked about this guy he heard in Maui. ...that he had NEVER heard anyone like him. He called Clive Davis last week and said he will gets some tracks for him. He told the audience to watch - Jordan T will be a super star. Then he asked for me to stand up....he said thank you etc...etc.....

WELL, another time in the concert, he spoke directly to me - telling me all about Jordan's amazing talent and how he will do everything he can, in the witness of these 1,000 people, to help Jordan be heard.

After the concert, I was talking to a lady who was trying to get his autograph on an old 8 Track Tape, but he left the stage - so I told her to give it to me because we were supposed to see him later. I guess I missed something when I was talking to her.

Jophus was standing near where the staging security were standing, and watching something hysterical happening with security and the back stage area. There was a lady and her husband trying to get in saying she is Mrs. T! They told her she cannot come in. So her husband tried another route, saying she is Mrs. T. He came and told me that I am supposed to be going backstage! I guess everyone else heard Tony say that from the stage but me! HAHAHA So others were trying to say they were me, but the security all knew who I was! (Joseph said Tony asked a lady at the stage if she is Mrs. T, and the lady said yes! and he told her to come around backstage) hahaha

We go back there, and sit on a couch with Tony - he goes on and on about Jordan. The entire band said he has been bragging about Jordan ever since he heard him. The drummer said he has never heard a performer talk about another performer at their own performances in his 31 year career. Toni Wine (look her up - she is big) came in (she plays with Tony) and said Jordan is all he talks about.

Super sweet people.....we said goodbye after almost forgetting to get a picture - which turned out awful.

Tony asked me to send him a CD to send to Clive Davis. I may....if I get around to it.

When Jophus and I got in elevator at end of night, there were three men in there, and said "It is Mrs. T and Mr. T!" They were stage hands :)

The end.

Arizona - last of the Richards married

Josh and Kayley are married now! I loved my angle of seeing Josh through his parents :)

Met Jody and family for first time - amazing...


We had way too much fun!

Shirley Vanderhoff - Happy Lilac Day

My mom - what can I say? She is amazing. The cutest little thing ever when she was little.
All she wanted to do is grow up and be a mother.
Her wishes and dreams came true. She married the same man that she is still with!

My mom taught me how to eat, spoonful by spoonful. Now, I still struggle with that dang spoon, it doesn't know how to stop. I kind of miss the airplane sounds. Today, mom struggles to eat, has to work harder to swallow and keep the food in her mouth. I will eat for you.


My mom taught me to speak. Sometimes I wonder if she worked a little too hard at that. Now, my mom can barely speak - no volume, and the words don't come out right all the time. It doesn't matter to me - I really care about what she wants to say and will work extra hard to listen. I will keep speaking as long as I can.

My mom taught me how to walk. I love walking. In fact, I am going to walk 200 miles in Spain come October. Now, she is unable to walk like she taught me how. I will walk for you.

My mom potty trained me, only to realize that we wet our pants together so many many times because we could not stop laughing. Now, my mom has to take extra measures to not have accidents. I will keep wetting my pants for you from laughter. I promise.

My mom taught me how to drive - now I drive people crazy sometimes. It is my mom's fault.

Mom - we have shared so many wonderful events together! Maui many times, Palm Springs a zillion times, Brown's Bay, Leavenworth, BUDAPEST, California to Jordan's Opera, I could go on and on.

Today,as I prepare for our annual church BBQ on Mothers Day - I remember that our very first one was in honor of you! The lilacs bloom on this day - for you! I want to call today Lilac Day - your and mine favorite flower.

I love you to death and fully in life.

The most precious gift you gave me is introducing me to your best friend Jesus.

21!

A sweet friend is turning 21 tomorrow. I asked her what it means to her - and asked her to write it to me. This will serve to document her momentous occasion. I was telling her that when I turned 21, drinking was not even on my mind at all! For me, it just felt like I was really on my own now and need to be adult.......(I promise to go wine tasting with you...instead of me tasting while you take pictures - haha) Love you Kelly!

She said, "Turning 21 means more than just being able to drink legally. It's not all about drinking, it's a starting point of a new responsibility. It's also a way to learn how to control yourself.

A lot of people depend on alcohol for coping reasons. Now that I will be able to buy alcohol at anytime, I'm going to try to remain strong and put my trust in the Lord and to never turn to alcohol for the wrong reasons.

I look forward to being able to sip on a beer with my dad, mom, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends whenever I want to. It's a way to bond, and to feel closer with them.

Turning 21 is a privilege and alcohol should not be taken advantage of. I've already gone down that path, and it didn't make me happy at all. It helped nothing, and created memories and rumors that I am not proud of.

I will also be able to rent a car from Enterprise without being charged for being under the age of 21 haha.

Becoming 21 is a whole new responsibility that I believe I am ready to tackle.

I look forward to buying my first bottle of wine all by myself. I love drinking a small glass of wine after dinner or before bed. It's good for you, it's delicious, and it's just a way to wind down from the day and get ready for the next one. I can't wait to go wine tasting and go to breweries! Learning about what you consume is important, and I feel like if you learn about it, you will have more respect for it."

Easter Song - Nothing More Need Be Said

Hear the bells ringing
They're singing that you can be born again
Hear the bells ringing
They're singing Christ is risen from the dead

The angel up on the tombstone
Said He has risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah

Hear the bells ringing
They're singing that you can be healed right now
Hear the bells ringing, they're singing
Christ, He will reveal it now

The angels, they all surround us
And they are ministering Jesus' power
Quickly now, reach out and receive it
For this could be your glorious hour

Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah

The angel up on the tombstone
Said He has risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
Hallelujah

Happy Birthday Jason, and his requested Chinese Food

NOW I remember why I stopped cooking Chinese food - it takes FOREVER to prepare:
I have always been one to peel mushrooms - yes, peel mushrooms. Some Chinese chef told me this when I was learning to cook like this (in Maui when we were first married) I curse that day and that suggestion - but ya gotta admit, they look amazing peeled.
Jason requested Beef Tomato for his birthday dinner. He has always loved this. None of us could remember the last time I made it.....at all...they all think I have not cooked it in this house that we have lived in for nearly 15 years!
No Tolentino birthday is complete without a special ice cream cake (from my sister Janice's recipe) - they get to choose what kind of ice cream...Jason said "As always, chocolate chip mint"
I HATE pictures with ugly Safeway bags in the background...really I do.

♥ The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you ♥

You all must remember about our dear neighbors the Spencer's - Nov. 2010 Joe was diagnosed with rare cancer. He was granted much longer than the doctors predicted - but it appears the end may be near.

Please pray for Joe, Valerie, Chynna and Paxton. So thankful that Joe's mom and family from Hawaii have been here with him for a month (and were able to see snow!) Chynna is able to leave her studies for a few days to be home, and Paxton is doing a wonderful job of taking care of his dad. and Valerie remains a positively wonderful caregiver.

We love you ~

♥ The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you ♥

Dear Daddy

Dad,

I know you never planned to have anyone but yourself take care of you and mom. You have been a strong, brave, wise, gentle, and generous man all my life.

You have put the needs of your family in the forefront of your hard work. You have planned and planned and planned again for your future.

You have done everything right.

You did not plan mom's stroke, nor your Alzheimer's. Try as you may, there are things that cannot be changed.

After her stroke left her unable to do most things herself, you cared for mom for three years all by yourself. It is time to allow others to do that now, and I know how hard that is for you.

You struggled that I would go to the doctor with you - after-all, YOU once drove with me on your lap to the emergency room with a chicken bone stuck in my throat. Things are different now - only slightly. I HAD to go because you don't remember things, and Del (brother-in-charge) doesn't hear well. Remember at lunch? I explained one more time that you don't remember things too well, and Del doesn't hear well. We were talking about the soup of the day right after this conversation: and you asked Del "What kind is it?" and he replied "11:45". Yes - true story! We laughed. Please keep laughing.

I admire you so much for graciously accepting the doctor's diagnosis like the true hero you have always been to me. After way too long waiting to get a blood draw, we came home slightly exhausted and had a glass of wine. Life is STILL good and we can still celebrate life..

I want you to know, believe and embrace - that you will never ever be a burden to any of us. WE were the burden - raising FIVE strong-willed Vanderhoff children had to have been the hugest burden of history! (We won't even go there at this letter)

Knowing how strong, proud and stubborn you are - makes it even more difficult for you to allow us to help. Having been raised in a loving family, always knowing I was safe with you and that you would do anything to ensure my well being, I lovingly and openly commit to caring for you when you become unable to.

It is a PLEASURE and complete HONOR that you would allow me to do ANYTHING for you. Please bury this deep in your heart and hold it close at all times - I love you and want to help in any way that I can. To deny that is to deny my love for you.

I ask just one thing if it be possible - please do not lose the ability to laugh at my jokes. Please?

I love you Dad ~ so much.

Two by Two

Posting no pictures today. Capturing memories - holding on to yesterdays.

Since her 2 strokes, my beautiful believing mom has a hard time speaking, yet she keeps talking. She can barely walk, yet she keeps on going. (She can do the computer)

My generous and very stubborn dad has now joined the citizenship of Alzheimer's sufferers.

Talk about a deadly duo - my head is spinning and my heart is churning.

Sermon at my mom's church this morning: Faith is multiplied by His people. This is one true fruit of the spirit - faith. By His work in our lives, His faith is multiplied - to those whom our lives touch.

My sweet mom sang "Jesus Loves Me" on videos today on Facebook - in spite of how her voice and words sound.

God bless my mom.......so much......and please, save my dad so he can know this same faith and peace. (He cannot do the computer)

Snow Time

Jordan came from Maui to join us for some snow time. We stayed in Leavenworth. View from our condo

The kids went snowmobiling on a 60 mile adventure. Julianne said "take my picture! I love my brothers!"


While the kids had their fun, we went to Squirrel Tree Inn for a quick lunch.



We tried Snowshoeing for the first time while kids were on their adventure - hiked up to see panoramic view of Beaver Valley. Beautiful.

Old Dog New Tricks

You CAN teach an old dog new tricks. Super beautiful, quiet, peaceful....