So many changes...

Many changes going on in the Rhineheart family...Tanner is now in High School and playing football. His first game is tonight and I am so excited to go and watch. He will also be turning 15 very soon. Malori and Jon have been married for two years as of the 11th, live in a GREAT new apt, and in the last year of Law School. Laney is now living in Florida, working for Disney World, and doing an internship taking business courses through Disney. Wow! Our kids are growing up.
So different from having them all home...I am so excited for these new adventures for them and the great things they are all accomplishing. I am not a perfect parent but I am truley the proud parent.

Just some cute pics...

Not many things in life as good as Mother's Day...

I was a little spoiled for Mother's day. Tony started the week before, by getting me a few clothes (that actually fit) he also cooked me breakfast, and did laundry, and cleaned the house.
Laney planned a mommy/daughter night. We had the best time. We laughed and talked and gossiped a little. We shopped and ate dinner and ice cream.
Tanner helped clean the house and did laundry, we read our book, and talked.

Mal got me a coursage and called me in the morning.

After church, we went and had family dinner at Grams' house, The boys cooked and cleaned. We sat outside and talked while the little kids played in the grass.

I love time with family...it is the best gift!

Not many things in life as good as Mother's day.

Let Me Clarify...

Ok...so I didn't mean "end of life" like end as in final. I meant "end of life" like the other end or side. A different place...maybe that is what I should have written??? I am not really that old, and don't think that my time is short. It is just a different feeling when your nest is getting emptier. That is all I meant...

I guess I am to old...

Ok so I messed up in my last blog...it is not a PS2 that Tanner wants, he already has that one. It is a PS3 that he wants. They are apparently way better ya know...(I didn't either) but they are. I guess I better start saving now because with only a few weeks left, he is doing it. He has at least 100% in each course, including his high level gifted classes. Holy monkeys...where did he get this? Oh, I know, from his dad who is one of the most brilliant people I have ever known! All of my kids were blessed to get their dad's smarts.

He is such a great kid! I could not have asked for a better son who loves his mommy still. He will be an "only" child for awhile with Laney moving and Malori married. I am sure he will be so busy next year that all will be fine.

It is very weird, Malori's sister-in-law is having her first baby. They are so excited and cute. Some day Mal and Jon will have their first. It is such an exciting time and seems like you will have them forever. I am now entering that time in my life where my kids are leaving. It is altogether a different feeling to be at this end of life.

Hello Again...

Ok, so it's not like many people (if anyone) read my little blog, but I am back. I have not posted for a very long time (according to Laney) but in my defense there has been much goings on. Let us go back a ways to one of my earlier posts...Laney got the job!!!!! She is so happy! How could they not want her? She is cute, tiny, talented, smart, I could go on and on! Plus, this is a validation to her of what I already knew and a reward for all of her hard work.
On to a not fun subject, work. The state has cut funding for schools, and even more from Distance Learning programs. This makes it very hard for educators to do their jobs and give our children the best education. It also puts more pressure on us and way more responsibility. So this is where much of my time gets eaten up and I am tired because I can't sleep at night because I am worrying about our children and our future and my job.
The weather has been making me a bit crazy...I am ready for warmth, I need the sun, and I need to thaw. The wind has been amazing (for lack of a better word) and I don't mean that in a good way. We have been trying to finish a landscaping project, our first in the new house, and the weather has really made it hard to focus and finish. I am afraid if we don't finish soon, our HOA may have words with us.
Another plug for my wonderful kids...
Jon is finishing up his second year of Law school!! Is is really doing a great job of juggling school, his externship, and being a good husband to Mal and a great example for Tanner. Mal is still working hard at her job. They are really impressed with her and have recently given her more responsibilities. This says a lot about her if they are willing to trust her with more. Laney is finishing up her second year at NPC taking business courses. She will probably leave in June, after her dance recital, for her College internship and new job in Florida at Disney World. Tanner is now finishing up his 8th grade year. He is student body president, and will be the valedictorian of his 8th grade graduating class. Last quarter his goal was to earn at least 95% in every class (including his high school level gifted classes) He did that with only one class having 95% all others were well above. This quarter he has made the goal of achieving at least 100% in each course. He is requesting that if he does this, Tony and I buy him a PS2. I think that if anyone can make that goal and achieve it, they deserve a PS2!!!!
Well, I better end for today...I hope it will not take this long again to post.

So I have been wondering which Disney Character Laney most resembles... Tanner keeps calling her Dopey, but you know how brothers are. How can you look at Laney and not see Tinker Bell...right? She is little, has the shape, and the attitude. I think she would be perfect as Tinker Bell and this would her her wildest dream come true!! I am so happy for her!!

Spring Break...

Do I really need to say more?? When you work in education, these two words are like chocolate. This is a happy time in the education world. As a parent, I always loved the breaks so that I had my family home with me.
We (Tony,Tanner,Laney and I) are going to the house boat for the break...YEA!!! We will soak in the sun and fish and jet ski and be lazy. I am sooooo looking forward to it.
Continuing on a happy note...Laney got an audition to be a Disney Character for Disney World. I KNOW RIGHT!!!! How super is this. I am so happy for her and proud of her! She did this all on her own. She applied, she interviewed, she made this opportunity for herself! She wants this pretty badly so please send good thought her way!

Very sad!

So I am so sad tonight. Malori and I had a horrible miscomunication today which turned into very hurt feelings. I do not ever like to fight with my kids nor do I like to hurt their feelings. I love my kids more than I can ever express...as shown in previous posts on this blog.

Nothing to say really...

I don't really have anything earth moving to write today. I just had some time so I thought I would just write about stuff. You can go to someone else's blog now and I will not be offended.
So you know that feeling that you just know something is not going to turn out well? Like, when you see a baby about to touch something hot, or someone about to get into a wreck...you get the idea. You get that sensation in your gut and you want to scream out, but you know it won't be in time. You have to let it happen because you can't get there fast enough, but you can't look away either. So add that feeling to the feeling you get when you talk to someone who just doesn't get it. No matter how you explain something...or how many time you explain something...it's like you just spent that time and energy talking to yourself. The eyes are looking at you..the head is nodding...you are sure you made progress...then you realize, nope, they didn't get it. It usually comes in the form of a question. And you have to really concentrate to not stare right at them with a face that says..."Really? Are you serious? I am so freakin done with you!!"
Well, that was my meeting today.
On a happier note...the weather is fine in the Valley, and that is where I get to be tomorrow. Well, my meeting in the morning may end up reminding me much of my meeting today, but the weather is fine!
The sun will be shining, it will be warm, I don't have to wear layers. I am going to soak up enough happiness to last me through the rest of this weather up here.
AND...my kids are great! I am loved! Life is pretty sweet!

Very Important information....

Contact: Jinny Perron, President 602- 285-0063
For Immediate Release
Democrat-led Congress quietly introducing FOCA by piecemealArizona Right to Life asks delegates to sign letter seeking to prevent abortion-on-demand

Phoenix, AZ - February 12, 2009--After over 667,000 protesters signed a petition decrying the "Freedom of Choice Act" (FOCA), Congressional Democrats are introducing the main tenets of FOCA in separate bills. Arizona Right to Life is calling on all congressional delegates in Arizona to sign a bipartisan letter drafted by North Carolina Democrat Rep. Heath Schuler and Ohio Republican Rep. Jim Jordan asking Speaker Pelosi to prevent the repeal of "pro-life riders"--measures added to bills that prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to "promote or perform abortion, protect the consciences of health care professionals, and prevent funding for unethical human embryo experiments," the letter states. Already signed by 130 Republicans and 15 Democrats nationwide, the letter specifically asks to safeguard the 32 year-old Hyde Amendment, among others."Enacted under a Democratic Congress," the letter says, "the Hyde Amendment has been renewed by administrations and congresses regardless of party control. Members of both parties have expressed strong support for these measures, which reflect the moral concerns of many Americans who do not wish to see their tax dollars used for any organization that provides abortion services."The letter also requests that any deleted riders be put to a vote on the House floor, a practice that favors government transparency and holds House members accountable to the public.The letter arrives on the heels of the Jan. 6 introduction of Sen. Harry Reid's bill outlining the first goal of FOCA--to eliminate existing restrictions on abortion. Section 402 of the "Title X Family Planning Services Act of 2009" also known as the "Protection First Act" compels every hospital--regardless of First Amendment rights of refusal--to dole out free "emergency contraception" including the abortion-inducing drug Mifeprex (RU-486) to "any woman," regardless of age, "who presents at the hospital and states that she is a victim of sexual assault, or is accompanied by someone who states she is a victim of sexual assault."The FDA has confirmed eight deaths and over 600 medical injuries due to Mifeprex.
URGE YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES TO SIGN THE JORDAN/SCHULER LETTER PROTECTING LIFE###



Arizona Right to Life is a non-sectarian, non-partisan, non-profit, 501(c)4 organization committed to articulating and protecting the right to life of all innocent human beings, born and unborn. We are the oldest, largest and strongest pro-life organization in Arizona.Click here to register for the 5th Annual Arizona Right to Life Banquet & Silent Auction Fundraiser.


Arizona Right to Life 602-285-0063 azrtl@azrtl.org www.azrtl.org

Tony Loves Terra Day!

Let me explain the title, I do not really care for Valentine's day much. I never really have. I think it is a day more for heart aches than anything else. When you are younger and that party is coming near and you try really hard to pick the perfect card for certain people...then you see that they don't really care what the card says, they like the ones with candy. When you get older, like high school age, then it seems like a lot of pressure to be a girl on Valentine's day. If you are not carrying something around (flowers, stuffed something, etc) are you a loser who does not have a boy friend? Or do you have a loser boy friend who doesn't care enough? What if you are carrying something around, but it is from someone you just can't see yourself ever dating? Sad right?

Anyway, Tony and I (who met when I was 12 and he was 15 and were best friends in high school so he knew my feelings about this subject) would sometimes joke about this. Tony has always been able to make me laugh! We would get together on Valentine's Day, for a little while, just to make the day more fun which his girlfriends would hate me for. While we were in High school, there was a song that said "a penny for your thoughts, a nickle for a kiss, and a dime if you tell me that you love me" We would always say a penny for your thoughts to each other and decided that was "our song". He even took me on my very first date, it was to a movie during Prom week. Then, he took me to his Senior Prom (again the girlfriend was not happy)

Well, Tony left on his mission and I had no one to dislike the day with because let's face it there are not many who really dislike Valentine's day. Don't get me wrong, I did have boy friends who would give me flowers, candy, and the stuffed things. And Tony would send me "I hate Valentine's day" cards...that was great!

Now, I want to tell you a true love story. I am getting to the title...I promise!

When Tony came home from his mission, we only saw each other a few times. He moved to Mesa right away, and I was living in Safford at the time. We both came home for Christmas break, me single, but Tony had a girlfriend from Utah who happened to be visiting him. We saw each other at the town Christmas dance and we danced a few times, ok more than a few, and decided we would go out on New Years for ol' times sake. Again, I had made an enemy out of the girl friend.

We had the best time on New Years! We remembered why we liked to hang out with each other so much. At mid-night we even cashed in one of those nickles mentioned above.

After Christmas break, we would write. I even invited him to come visit me, which he did...a lot! We had a great time together. One time, we were going to Mesa for some reason I can't remember, and we were getting gas when Tony hands me a small white box as he is getting out of the truck. Now, for this part you have to remember the above mentioned song, the box was full of dimes! WOW! I was shocked because I knew how I felt about him, but I was not sure how he felt about me. This told me for sure... I was a very happy girl.

We continued to date, and write, and visit when we could. We didn't have cell phones and I didn't have a phone in my apt. then so we could not talk much, this was hard!

One weekend, I was visiting Tony and staying at my Aunt Susan's house. Tony was over (Susan has always loved Tony) and we were joking and laughing, having a great time as usual. Susan's family all went to bed, but Tony and I were still in the living room, joking. In the middle of telling me jokes, he says "you are so pretty, wanna marry me" and I laughed! I couldn't help it, but he was serious.

The next day, we decided to visit the families so that Tony could ask my dad...and we could make the announcement.

I am lucky to be married to my best friend!

So...back to the title of this blog...Tony decided that because I didn't really care for Valentine's day, we would change the name. Now, it is known, to us, as Tony loves Terra day!

What more does a girl need?

I am waiting on the Sunshine...

So not to be Johnny Raincloud, but this has been an extremely sad week for me. Actually, the start of this New Year has been a little stressful.
Issue #1
The year started with Tony's sister upset at us for a decision we had to make for our family. Won't say anymore about that right now.
Issue #2
The state is cutting budgets everywhere, but education is really being hit hard. I worry for our students, our teachers, our jobs, but most importantly for our future. These kids are going to be my leaders someday. If we cut out so many things, how do we expect to have good people who want to teach, or can afford to teach our children. What if our children do not get quality educations, what are we going to do? These children will be making decisions for us someday.
Issue #3
You have seen from the earlier post that Bev passed away...I don't think I need to say more about that one.
Issue #4
Last night, Tony and I went to visit a friend, who used to work with us and has been fighting cancer. She has been in Tuscon for months in the hospital. She is not married, her children are grown and live away from her with families of their own. So now she is here, alone, fighting to get strength back. She was one of the most vivacious people, with so many things she wanted to accomplish. A truly good and faithful person. She now is so small, no hair, no eyelashes, no strength, and her faith is a little wobbly right now. Not only is she fighting this illness, but is also forced to fight with insurance people to get bills paid.
I could go on with other "issues"...
All of this, and other things, have really weighed me down this week. Ya know that feeling of being in a heavy, dark down pour?
So...I made the decision today that I need to look for the sunshine. Sunshine always makes me happier! This will be my new motto...anytime I am feeling sad or upset or stressed, I need to look for the Sunshine in each situation. I will see what I can do to make things better, knowing that I cannot change some things. I do not want to be in a down pour. Maybe this sounds a bit corny or cheesy...but it will work for me. It will bring me back to the happy me, I will be happy about the things I have.
I will be happy about the BLESSINGS I have.

It Happened...

It happened this morning...Bev passed away. I know she is happy and free from pain! Please pray for her family, friends, and dancers. Please also pray for Laney!

Goodbye to a special lady

Since Laney was very young, she has danced. She is beautiful when she dances and has a confidance on stage that you don't always see in her everywhere else. We have to give much of the credit for this to Beverly Greis. SHe was the owner and master teacher of The Dance Academy in Show Low. She took Laney with her on a dance cruize last summer. They got even closer as Laney was Bev's assistant and stayed in her cabin. Bev was a breast cancer survivor. She danced her way through the treatments and was brave when she lost her long beautiful hair. Bev has touched many people in the White Mountains not only with dance, but with her faith and love. She was a proud, loud, fiesty, and truely happy woman in a little tiny body. Well, that body cannot fight anymore. Her cancer returned and is now spreading throughout her body. We believe she will not be with us much longer...and we are all truely sad.

Bev, we know you will be watching down on us as you teach the angles to "point their toes!"

Much Love!

2009...Already?

Can you believe that it is really 2009? I gave myself a goal at the beginning of summer "08 that I WOULD lose weight before 2009 and I did. We were watching some show, and they did a story about Demi Moore, the actress, and how when she was going to turn 40 she decided she wanted to be a "Hot 40 year old woman". Well, I totally missed that boat, but wanted to at least try to be a somewhat smaller 40-ish year old woman. Woo Hoo!!!! I have lost about 36 LBS and believe me I had it to lose. I still have some to go until I am at my goal weight (which did not happen by "09) but I am still very happy with my progress at becoming the somewhat smaller 40-ish year old woman.

Ok, weight loss commercial over...

Let's talk about the best holiday ever...Christmas is such a great time of year, even if it does snow. I love Christmas. Being with family and friends. Seeing the "spirit" that people seem to naturally have during Christmas. I love the stories of people helping others have a happy season. I love the traditions. One of my favorites...every year on Christmas eve we all get new PJ's from my parents. We change into our new comfy duds and have a program. The smaller kids are the Nativity complete with costumes while Gramps reads the story from the Bible. Malori usually plays Silent Night softly in the background. It is super! Then we sing carols and open our gifts from our drawn names. We started a great tradition with my mom. All of us girls, even the little ones, get together to bake goodies (which I also love). We leave some for the times we are together and take plates to others.

Here are a few pics of our fun day... and yes, to my two readers, they are the same ones that Mal has...but she never sent me more.