a really great grandpa

On January 26th my great grandpa passed away at the age of 99 1/2. He was such a wonderful man and mentor. I loved listening to his stories of life and love. He led such a fulfilled and interesting life. From serving in the army to med school and raising 5 wonderful children, it was such a celebration of his life. I have some great memories of chasing jack rabbits with him through mud, getting our shoes stuck, and spending hours on the front porch digging all the mud out. He always took the time to tell you how special you were to him and never did you have a conversation that wasnt full of laughter and jokes. He loved a good practical joke and had a great sense of humor. Never once did he complain about his aches and pains, and he always wanted you to think he was doing better than before. Last time I talked to him before we went to Australia, he told me he gained 30 lbs and was feeling much better. He had made it to great great grandpa status with my niece and just barely missed our little guy. I would have loved to have a picture of them together, but I know we will all be together again some day. May he rest in peace along side his beautiful wife Ruth and we are all so glad for their reunion.

It is so much fun when all the Armstrongs get together, but it is not nearly often enough.

justin playing with my cute niece.

train of thought

Since justin is all responsible and got himself a job, i am now at home getting lots of time to myself. my mind tends to wander too much when i have long periods of undisturbed thought, and this was what today held. it started off as what i wanted for breakfast, and ended on the things i love and dont love about daily life. ill spare you the middle. but thought i would share non the less.

things i love:

• sees candy- a wonderful mom of one of our missionaries lives in LA and sent us a box of see's candies. oh so divine! justin made fun of me that i didnt even wait till we got home (or even out of the church parking lot)before diving into the box. apparently i take after my mother who once bought us a box and ate them before we got there and had to go buy another box.
• mail/comments- email, blog comments, you name it, i love it. i usually feel so isolated here especially while justin is at work. i love knowing how everyone is doing, and what the heck is going on back home! thank you those who send me something weekly (to C and chix) it totally makes my day!
• fresh fruit and veggie stands- i go to this great local grower stand in town and stock up on wonderful produce. i dont think i have ever eaten so many great veg's ever!
• running on the beach- i love after a run, just sitting on one of the many benches overlooking the ocean. and if i have to work out alone (im a social worker-outer, i like to go with someone else) this is the way to go. best part of my day.

things i dont really like:

• expensive groceries- WinCo spoiled me! i get so revolted by $7 for cereal that essentially only gives you 4 bowls! wheres my big bag of krispie rice when i need it.
• expensive nuts- a little snack size bag is $7. you can buy 2 lbs. at costco for like $14. i really miss my snack of walnuts, pecans, almonds, you name it.
• lack of sweet cereal- i have such a soft spot for sugar cereals. give me a good bowl of lucky charms, fruit loops, captin crunch, honeycomb, cocoa crispies, ect. and i am a happy girl. those dont exist here. which is really great for my back end but still leaves me missing an occasional pick me up.

this week

i love the sound of: the crashing waves as they roll onto shore after a beautiful dayi love the sight of: an amazing sunset. as the colors fade through the cloudless sky, this simple pleasure of soaking the last days rays makes my day complete. i love the feel of: riding the tram with my hubby as we close our wonderful day in the city. seeing museums, eating at our favorite restaurant. taking an evening to attend the temple.

i love the taste of: a delicious meal for the missionaries. we have been honored to have them in our home weekly and love the company and spirit they bring.

i love the smell of: the earth after it rains

i love our newest activity of playing my sweet hubby in tennis, and occasionally winning

awaiting

a brown cardboard box. packed tightly to perfection. closed securely and neatly. postmarked to australia. soon, my beloved breaking dawn will arive.

one world, one dream

we love love love love love the Olympics!!! every 4 years the world comes together to compete for their home pride. what a wonderful time of year. as the athletes walk through the opening ceremonies, waving their countries flag, no matter how big or how small the team is, the coming together on the world stage is a beautiful thing. these amazing athletes, the worlds elite, put life, politics, religion, and everything else aside to stand shoulder to shoulder with their those whose also have earned a right to compete. oh, how i long to be there. to meet the wonderful people from all corners of the earth. what could i possibly make it in...