The Kofford Family relocates to Colorado after 40 years as Californians. In December of 2007, Grandma Lorraine is diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer. Sadly, she passed away on Dec. 26th, 2008 after a year long courageous battle. Follow our journey as we keep Lorraine's memory alive, and as we learn to appreciate that each day we are given, is a gift to be enjoyed!

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
~Maria Robertson

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Another walk down "Memory Lane"

Enjoying the beach in sunny southern california...
My dad and I...
Learning to walk with the neighbor boys nearby...

Just a few more photos remembering my parents and my childhood back in the 1960's. I smile thinking about those happy times, and how innocent life was when there wasn't a single care in the world as a child. Remembering those times helps me realize just how important it is that we too provide a happy and joyful childhood for our children.

I am trying to remain as cheerful and upbeat as possible during this next phase of my mom's journey, but there are times when I feel such a wave of sadness. I realize that my parents will not be able to see my children's graduations, or watch them marry. They won't be at any more birthdays, recitals, or important life events. I know many others have also gone through these difficult days ahead, but it doesn't ease the sadness when I think of that void in our lives.

So, Ashlyn and I will fly out to California again shortly, and make as many memories as possible with Grandma Lorraine. We may not have much time, but we'll take whatever time we do have, so that three generations of mothers and daughters, will always know how loved they were!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Mother/Daughter Duo Ü

Baby Denise with Mom, aka Grandma Lorraine
The Johnson Family: Denise, Lorraine, Harry, and Sargeant; circa 1966 Ü

Doing well...

Thank you so much for your kind comments and prayers for my mother! She so appreciates your thoughtfulness, and we both feel encouraged knowing we are being supported by our friends, family, and blog readers! My mom is doing well today. Her nail gal is making a house call so she can get her nails done and have a beauty treatment at home! Hospice is coming by today to take an initial assessment, and give recommendations on how to proceed with "palliative care." My mom continues to amaze me with her awesome attitude, peace with her situation, and grace despite losing mobility and various congnitive abilities. She just compensates how she needs to, and moves forward one day at time! Mom, I'm so proud to be your daughter! I love you! Be watching a little later today of photos from long ago...hint hint...a happy family with someone born in 1966! Ü

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Grandma Lorraine at home!

Here she is! The two of us together out on the front walkway. My mom looks so good!

Scrapbooking in process! Creative Memories has a new EASY album to complete and this is the photo of the whole process, or at least how I do it! My mom supervised and helped me with dates and places while I spread out over her living room floor one night!

I arrived home in Colorado a few hours ago, and had such a wonderful time with my mom! Although the news about her cancer was not what we had wanted to hear, we didn't let that get in the way of enjoying our time together. It was so nice to have this time with my mom to visit, work together, share stories, and appreciate one another! Take time today to enjoy your family, and I will continue to update you in the days to come!

Monday, August 25, 2008

Grandma Lorraine Update

Hello from Sunny California!

We have just returned from a nice lunch at the famous California, "In N Out Burger" in Chico! My mom was feeling up for one of their delicious cheeesburgers, so we battled the long lines and had a deliciosu meal! Her caregiver Gayle, graciously joined us on her day off to attend the meeting with the doctor earlier. Despite everything happening to my mom, we actually all enjoyed visiting and laughing over stories after her doctor's appointment with the oncologist. Our meeting with him went very well, considering all the circumstances my mom is facing.

He reviewed all of her possible treatment options, and what they each meant in terms of prolonging survival. ALL would be very difficult for her body to endure, and would ultimately affect her quality of life, without curing the disease. Since we are aware of the terminal nature of this aggressive form of cancer, she has chosen not to pursue any additional treatments. Instead, she would like to enjoy the time she has remaining, and live it as fully as she is able.

Her doctor was encouraged by how well she has responded to her recent medication of the steroid, Decadron. It is reducing the swelling in her brain caused by the tumor and is enabling her to be more steady on her feet, reduce the tingling and numbness in her fingers and legs, and clearing some of that "fuzzy" and confused thinking. This medication will be used in combination with other methods to help her remain as comfortable as possible.

He suggested we call, "Hospice" and have them involved in her case as soon as possible. They will serve as a medical liason with her day time, and night time caregivers. Their assistance will be valuable to us as her wish is to remain at home, and with their help, this will be possible.

Later today, we are going to work on some scrapbooking, and continue to enjoy our time together! Rather than getting worried and frightened over the unkowns in her future, we have agreed to take each day as it comes, and are appreciating each moment we have!

I hope you, are doing the same today!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

The snake saga continues...





Mr. Snake has taken up residence and doesn't want to leave! Here's the view from outside, and in. As you can see, the cat is very intrigued! The cat has been waiting for me to open the window, but I will not, for fear the snake will slither into the unfinished part of the basement where we would never find him! ICK!

On a more serious note, I will be flying out today for California. Tomorrow is my mom's oncologist appointment, so I will update you further once I arrive and we know more facts about her tumor regrowth. Thank you again for keeping my mom in your prayers. There are many decisions to make and we appreciate your support in the process.

*If your computer is like mine, the current colors on the blog may seem odd, but my mom's computer is not able to read my previous choices and this combo seems to be easier to view from that computer. So, bear with us through sky blue and black, and I will be doing some tweaking once I get there.

Friday, August 22, 2008

A Hibiscus for you Mom!




For anyone who didn't know, my mom was born and raised on the island of Maui! She is a "real" island girl! Thanks to her, I know how to hula, and was lucky enough to spend every summer of my childhood years on Maui! Today, when I went to drop off Ashlyn at her friend's house for a play date, this HUGE hibiscus was growing at the neighbor's place! It was incredible! I have NEVER seen a hibiscus this size...it was as big as Ashlyn's head! (I also never knew that they could grow in Colorado! We're home of the aspens, not tropical flowers! Or so I thought!) :-) So, Mom, I had to post these photos as I knew you, of all people, would truly appreciate their magnificence! Ü

Snakes, School, and Trees

Ashlyn ready to catch the bus...
The poor broken tree...another major limb had broken when we were in CA a few weeks ago. This is the 3rd big branch to go.


Well, it is the last day, of the first week of school! Ashlyn was cheerfully off to school this morning, and Kyle is lucky enough to get out of school early to attend a special 7th Grade school sponsored swim event.

Our one good shade tree was damaged by the high winds we had the other day and the kids are so disappointed. It was a perfectly calm day, but for 15 min. the wind blew hard and this is what we were left with. It reminds us of the last high wind when our trampoline blew away!

We have had a visitor to one of our basement windows the other day. A snake had woven himself in and out of the screen, and is now trapped inbetween the window and screen. The screen faces outside, so I am afraid to open the window to get him out...if I scream he will slither into the house! Yikes!

I'll be off for California this weekend and will let you know how things are going with my mom, appointments, and where we go from here. Thanks again to everyone who has offered to help! We SO appreciate your kindness!

P.S. Red Bluff friends, let me know if the light blue background and black lettering is easier for my mom to read. I can easily find a combination that is best.The tree from the garage view.
Our "sneaky snake", Hmmm..how to rescue him?

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Testing...

Mom, Gayle, and Annette...I removed the apple background hoping the black lettering would be easier to read. Let me know if your computer mom is showing this better...I can keep making changes if it is still difficult to view. Thanks!

Just checking in...

Hello friends!

I noticed that we had more "hits" on our blog today than usual, so I am assuming it is all of my mom's wonderful friends in CA checking in to see how she is! Thank you Sheri, and Antelope School, (where my used to teach 2nd grade!) for your support and kind e-mail! I spoke with my mom today, and she is doing OK. Her oncologist is going to have her start back up on, "Decadron" which is a medication used to lessen the swelling around the brain. This medication will ease her discomfort and help in the coming days ahead. She is still getting around the house, and doing a few more "laps" with her walker around her circular drive and fountain. She is going to head out for an outing with, "Gayle" her caregiver this afternoon. Another friend is visiting right now, and last night she and her evening caregiver sat and did scrapbooking together!

You know, all any of us can do, is what my mom is doing now...making the best of each day. There is no need getting upset or fretting about the future...what happens will happen, and we will deal with it day by day. Each day my mom is noticing that her thought process is changing, and making decisions is becoming much more dififcult. I believe that the tumor is accountable for that. We'll find out more on Monday's oncologist appointment. Until then, we wish my mom pleasure and happiness in each day, in the smallest of moments.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Thank you friends near and far!

Thank you for your kind response to my last post. All of you who left blog comments, e-mails, and phone calls; we so appreciate your thoughts and prayers knowing you are supporting us during this challenging time.

I spoke with my mom tonight and she is trying her best to be upbeat and cheerful with me. What a lady! I will go with her to the oncologist appointment on Monday and we will hear all the options available to her. She is leaning in one direction, and needs to make tough decisions before the brain tumor/cancer cells further affect her thought process. She said tonight that she is feeling increasingly more confused, foggy, and frustrated with her thinking. I can only imagine how disconcerting this must be! We talked about her wishes so that I will know exactly what she wants when she is no longer able to speak for herself. Until then, I hope she will share all her thoughts, feelings, fears, and wishes that she can.

BIG thanks to Annette, Gayle, and Sherry for being there with my mom during this recent hospital stay. The three of you are amazing friends, and we wouldn't be able to honor my mom's wishes of remaining at home without your support. Thank you Gayle from Interim Healthcare for taking such great care of my mom during the days, and Sarah for the evenings! What angels you all are!

I'll be leaving for California this weekend and returning on Wednesday. I'm so blessed to have a supportive husband who is willing to do anything to support us during this time, new friends in Colorado who are waiting to help, and friends and extended family in California who are there for us however we may need. ALL of you encourage my mom in many ways, and make the challenges of being an only child so much easier for me. Your advice, assistance, and awesome attitude are the best! Whew, that is a lot of "A's!"

I will update the blog as we learn more, and share your wishes with my mom. I know your kind comments are such a comfort to her!

Quick Test

Mom, is this easier to read than the white font? Just a test! Love you!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

News from home...

Tonight I got a call from my mom, and heard the news we had been fearing. Further tests revealed that indeed her cancer has returned, and a 'signficant growth' can be seen. Tomorrow she will schedule an appointment with her oncologist and discuss what options are available. How fortunate we were that she had 6 months cancer free.

Now some difficult decisions need to be made. Stage 4 brain cancer grows quickly and tends to return after treatment due to it's aggressiveness. My mom will need to decide if she should pursue further treatment, or not. Of course both options leave many questions about remaining at home, quality of life, caregiving needs, etc...I will fly out within the next few days and stay through the weekend so we can look at all the options together regarding the future.

Please keep my mom in your prayers that she might enter this next phase of her journey with a minimum of pain and confusion. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers that we might make wise decisions regarding her care, and have strength and grace during the surely difficult months to come. I know your support will ease our burden tremendously. Thank you! Special thanks to Tom, who will take over as Mr. Mom until I return...what would we do without you?!? I love you!

First Day of 7th Grade!

Kyle, the song playing is just for you...Enjoy these middle school years, they will pass more quickly than you can imagine! Just ask us old timers! :-)

Here is our first born off to a new school year in 7th Grade! We snapped a few photos and then had to play it cool with the "boarding the bus" photos! Thus Ashlyn and I snapped away and waved from a bedroom window, avoiding any embarrassment of anyone seeing the picture taking mother! hee hee
Kyle ready to go to school at 7:15 a.m! So early! For night owls like us, this is a tough feat!
The cool shoes we've been saving for the first day! :-)
Off he goes...
Getting on the bus, as seen from the zoom feature in a bedroom window!

Happy First Day Kyle!

Monday, August 18, 2008

Back to School in 2nd Grade


Whew...we have one of these rare windows where the computer is allowing me to work on line. I must hurry before it boots me off! :-/ Good news of the day, is that my mom is home! She is still feeling a lot of confusion and has that same sense of a loss for words, etc...as she did right before she was diagnosed here in CO. This is all very troublesome, and worries me, but hopefully her appointment with the neurologist this week will provide some answers. Until then, she is home and resting well!

Other news of the day is that Ashlyn was very happy with her teacher, and her first day of 2nd grade! It's a long day for her as she doesn't get home until 4 p.m. (School dismisses at 3:35 p.m. here. What a change from our previous 2:05 release in CA!) She ran off the bus saying, "I love my teacher, I love 2nd grade, I love my life Mom!" :-) The morning started off with a few wardrobe malfunctions, and a few tears, "This day is supposed to be perfect Mom...help me fix this skirt!" We got the outfit all figured out (the skirt didn't make the cut) and here she is off to school!
Check out the fancy rhinestone shoes and beaded socks...Ashlyn knows what she likes! (Even if that means combining crocs with socks!) :-)
Ashlyn and Daddy Ü
Ashlyn with Mommy Ü
Ashlyn with our outstanding bus driver Dan! This driver is fantastic! I'll save more about Dan for another time as his story is a good one!
After the bus picked up Ashlyn, we hopped in our cars and as Tom drove to work, I stopped at school to capture a few moments!
What a fun year in 2nd grade it will be!

Hello from the public library!

Hello friends! I have much to share with you...my mom is being released from the hospital today, Ashlyn is at her first day of 2nd grade, and our computer is down! Until we get the computer issues solved, I may be reporting to you for a few days from the library. Unfortunately there is no port to post pictures, and a LONG line of people waiting! Who would have known that free internet is so popular! Anyway, I must be quick! The doctor's are still unsure of what is happening with my mom, but they feel it is safe to have her go home today. We will have 24 hour care with her for a week at least until she is strong enough to get around on her own. What a relief to be at home though! Ashlyn was so excited for the first day of school, and I have some cute stories and pictures to share with you. But, I must go so the next person can use the computer. Hopefully, ours will be working again soon! Keep your fingers crossed! Hope all is well, and I will write again soon! Love, Denise

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Happy Birthday Darby!

Our special friend Darby (on the right)and her family have been so welcoming to us since moving to Colorado. Tonight the kids were invited to Darby's night time pool party, and what a great time they had!
Darby's sister Taylor (on the right) and friend. Taylor will hopefully be sitting for us in a few weeks so we can go out to dinner for our upcoming anniversary!
Victoria (on the left) invited Kyle to her swim party last week. It was fun to see many of the kids again tonight.
Kyle and Ashlyn having a great time! What a fun way to end the last night of summer vacation!
Thanks for including us all in your awesome birthday bash Darby! The kids had a great time, and of course getting to enjoy the rec center privately was so much fun! Did you see Ashlyn had the smaller kids pool all to herself?! Kyle had a lot of fun with all of the 7th graders and we especially enjoyed getting to spend time with you and your family! We wish you a fantastic first week of school, and a very Happy 12th Birthday friend!

P.S. I didn't know you and your sister were loyal blog readers until tonight! Thanks for following our story on the blog, and special thanks for being a part of the "real life" story! :-)

Smiles!

I spoke with my mom tonight and was encouraged to hear how good her voice sounded. Her two friends Annette and Sherry were in the hospital room with her, and I could hear how happy she was to have them there. She has also been able to eat this evening, and was feeling pretty good! Hooray! I just wanted to leave you with that bit of good news, since in my earlier post I had been quite worried about her. I will keep you posted as to tomorrow's test results as well.

Tonight we are off to a birthday party, and then to bed early for Ashlyn's first day of school tomorrow! She wanted to take the school bus, (It's a social gathering I have found!) but have me meet her at school to see her classroom, and meet her teacher. Tom will go into work late to be a part of all the activity, and Kyle will take advantage of sleeping in one last time before his first day on Tuesday!

By the way, what do you think of the new blog makeover? If you hadn't noticed, apples are my thing...several stories go along with why that is! Just a coincidence, but I bet you didn't know I was born on Johnny Appleseed's birthday! Just a litte bit of trivia for you fellow autumn/apples/back-to-school lovers! hee hee

Thank you again for your kind posts regarding my mom...I will share them with her and I know they will keep her spirits high tomorrow as she awaits the next round of tests. Your friendship means so much to us both!!! Thank you! Ü

Today's Update

Hello friends~

I had wanted to update you several times yesterday, but we are having some challenging computer issues that prevented me from logging on the rest of the day. I spoke with my mom throughout the day yesterday and again this morning. She is not feeling well and they are running several tests to determine what is causing her symptoms. She was sick to her stomach all day, and has been unable to keep any food down. She is experiencing numbness and tingling in her hands and arms, and is having much difficulty walking. They believe she broke her tail bone during the fall, and that is causing her pain as well.

The doctors are still unsure of why she has been so weak and experiencing such difficulty walking. More tests will be given tomorrow so I will hopefully have more news at that time. My mom has always been such a pillar of strength, and such an optimistic person even through her battle with cancer 20 years ago, and during my dad's passing a year and a half ago. It saddens me to hear that optimism leaving her, and how frightened, and unsure she is of the future. She is struggling with how much life she has left, and how to approach her uncertain future. I feel very helpless being so far away, but I know her strong support system of friends in California are getting her through these trying days in the hospital. BIG thanks to Annette for spending the past few days in the hospital with my mom...your presence is so reassuring to her.

Thank you friends for stopping by to see her, for your phone calls, and for your prayer support. It means so much to her, and we consider ourselves blessed to have so many friends that care!

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Lorraine is in the hospital...

I got a call this morning from my mom's friend Annette, letting me know that my mom is being admitted into the hospital today. She fell last night around 4 a.m. and said her "legs didn't work." She couldn't get up or reach the phone, so fortunately she was wearing her safety button around her neck to call for help. An MRI showed no new tumors or swelling in her brain, so they are uncertain as to why she is having so much leg weakness.

Now that it is the weekend, and there are no technicians available, they are not able to do another MRI of her spine until Monday. There may be lesions or a tumor on her spine attributing to the weakness she is experiencing, but she will need to wait until Monday to find out. Until then, she will spend the weekend in the hospital. Annette and her caregiver Gayle are with her now; we are so fortunate to have them close by. I will keep you posted as we learn more in the coming days.

It has been a few days since I last posted an entry as our computer is having trouble, and is very S-L-O-W. On Monday we are getting a new service so we are hoping that solves the problem. As more is known with my mom, I will keep you posted. In the meantime, it is RAINY here in Colorado with highs in the low 50's. We've been wearing long pants and sweatshirts! There are flood warnings popping up on our computer every few minutes. Due to the bad weather we did not go camping with Girl Scouts last night, and are now hoping for a sunny first day of school on Monday.

Thank you for keeping my mom in your thoughts and prayers today.

Until next time,
Denise

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Grandma Lorraine's doing great!



Here she is...my mom, Grandma Lorraine!

I know many of you have been waiting to hear how my mom is doing! I was saving "the best for last", from our California posts! We had such a nice time with my mom; visiting, sharing meals, shopping, and spending time together while we were "home" in California!

My mom is such a strong lady, and despite the poor prognosis she was given with her type of brain tumor, she is living well, and looking great! She will not be able to drive again, and this is a hard lifestyle change since she was so independent, and "on the go" previous to her tumor. She also doesn't have the leg strength or stamina that she once did.

Other than those inconveniences, her cancer has remained GONE since her last Feb. chemo treatment! She will have an MRI every 3 months, and we continue to hope and pray that her scans come back clean. She has help with errands, the house, and yardwork, but is able to do most things and is still going to meetings, church, and outings with friends!

It is truly remarkable that with only one round of chemo, the cancer is in remission! Each 3 month marker will be a time of anxiety, but so far, ALL is looking good! Thank you for your prayers, thoughts, e-mails, and well wishes! It is because of my mom's strength and attitude, and your support, that she is doing so well!

Live well Grandma Lorraine!

We love you!

P.S. If you were at my mom's Celebration of Life Luau, you may recognize the next two songs playing as those on her memory DVD. So fitting for celebrating each day, and each moment in our lives!

Hilarious! Just for fun...

I have read this fun story before, and thought you too would get a kick out of it. Thanks Lyla for sharing it with me! It's a riot! Ü

THE NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES

Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and
3 kids each for six weeks.

Each kid will play
two sports
and either take music
or dance classes.

There is no fast food.

Each man must
take care of his 3 kids;
keep his assigned house clean,
correct all homework,
and complete science projects,
cook, do laundry,
and pay a list of 'pretend' bills
with not enough money.

In addition, each man
will have to budget in money
for groceries each week.

Each man
must remember the birthdays
of all their friends and relatives,
and send cards out
on time--no emailing.

Each man must also
take each child to a doctor's appointment,
a dentist appointment
and a haircut appointment.

He must make
one unscheduled and inconvenient
visit per child
to the Urgent Care.

He must also
make cookies or cupcakes
for a social function.

Each man will be responsible for
decorating his own assigned house,
planting flowers outside
and keeping it presentable
at all times.

The men will only
have access to television
when the kids are asleep
and all chores are done.

The men must
shave their legs,
wear makeup daily,
adorn himself with jewelry,
wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes,
keep fingernails polished
and eyebrows groomed.

During one of the six weeks,
the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps, back aches,
and have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain or
slow down from other duties.

They must attend
weekly school meetings,
church, and find time
at least once to spend the afternoon
at the park or a similar setting.

They will need to
read a book to the kids
each night and in the morning,
feed them, dress them,
brush their teeth and
comb their hair by 7:00 am.

A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required
to know all of the following information:
each child's birthday,
height, weight,
shoe size, clothes size
and doctor's name.
Also the child's weight at birth,
length, time of birth,
and length of labor,
each child's favorite color,
middle name,
favorite snack,
favorite song,
favorite drink,
favorite toy,
biggest fear and
what they want to be when they grow up.

The kids vote them off the island
based on performance.
The last man wins only if...
he still has enough energy
to be intimate with his spouse
at a moment's notice.

If the last man does win,
he can play the game over and over
and over again for the next 18-25 years
eventually earning the right...

To be called Mother!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Hogs and Horses

On our last day in California we stopped by Tom's sister's home in Chico. They have two pigs, one of which will be shown by our nephew Ryan at the fair next week. Here is a photo of the potential fair contestant! Cindy and her husband also have Western Pleasure Horses. We got to ride Ryan's horse, "Goody". Aunt Cindy was a wonderful instructor, and thanks to our fine training from our friend Kate here in Colorado, we felt comfortable in the saddle. I was excited to learn how to "lope" which is a faster gait than a "trot or jog." Here are a few photos of all the action. BIG thanks Ron and Billie for driving us to Chico, and thank you Cindy and Ryan for driving us to the airport afterwards!Pig goes for a walk!
Kyle poses with "Goody."
The tack room, filled with saddles, bridles, and bits.
Ashlyn with Gus in the paddock.
Ashlyn rides Goody.Kyle rides Goody.
I learn how to "lope!"

Monday, August 11, 2008

Happy 55th Anniversary Ron and Billie!

PhotobucketTom's parents celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on Aug. 8, 2008! How many people do you know who have been married as long? What an awesome example they are to their children and grandchildren, on what love is through sickness and in health, through richer and poorer, no matter what! Happy Anniversary Ron and Billie...here's to you! Enjoy your special get away this week! We love you!

Happy Birthday Aunt Beth! Ü

PhotobucketHappy Birthday Aunt Beth! We wish you a wonderful day filled with every happiness! I so wish we could be there to celebrate with you today. Thank you for giving me years of awesome memories, experiences, and happy childhood memories! BIG thanks for being a part of our children's lives now too. I love you and wish you the best today, and always!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

California Friends!

When we were back visiting in our hometown, we had the chance to see many friends; some dating as far back as elementary school! A few are pictured below, and for several we didn't have our camera with us, or missed the opportunity to take a photo! Thanks Jim, Warren, Troi, Wileys, Pitres, and Kim L. for getting together over our visit! (I so appreciated your warm hospitality Kim...and the wine-a-ritas were delicious!) Our first visitors were Judy and Sofia! They drove 3 hours from Dublin to visit us bearing gifts and homemade cookies! This photo is taken in my mom's gorgeous backyard. Grandma Lorraine is doing great, and I will be saving a nice long post to fill you in on her 6 month cancer free remission!
Kim Faires lives in Redding and treated me to a delicious lunch at the "Rivers Restaurant" located right on the beautiful Sacramento River.
Kim is one of those special friends that I can never get enough of! She is a rarity as she would do anything for her friends, and is one of those people who listens, truly listens, and gives you her complete attention when you visit with her. She isn't anxious to jump in with her story, but instead wants to know, hear, and understand the things that are on your heart. She is a true friend indeed! This is my oldest friend from Red Bluff named Bob Stone that we ran into at church on Sunday! Bob and I spent years of summers together in elementary school; swimming, talking, and playing day after long summer day. His parents both recently passed away, and we found ourselves 30 years later facing similar issues. Thanks Bob for taking the time to visit with us, and for always offering your time, help, and friendship!

Thanks everyone for taking time out of your busy days to reconnect with us! We have missed you all dearly!

The Kofford Family

On our first full day in California, Tom's brother Mitch, hosted a family get together. He BBQ'd a full feast and we all enjoyed getting to visit and catch up with one another on Mitch and Tami's beautiful property. There were games, lots of good food, and plenty of time to get reaquainted with everyone. It was fun for us to see cousins from Billie's side of the family, and for the kids to see their aunts and uncles. Afterwards, I drove the kids to a half way point, and met our friends the Wiley's who graciously hosted a kids sleep over at their home in our old community of Dublin. Kyle also got to stay over at his best friend Tom's house, so the kids had a wonderful first 2 days.While we were in Northern California, we also got to watch our nephew Blaine at a "ropin." (Yes, it is "ropin", not "roping" as you might think!) It was so exciting to see the horses take off at a full run from the gates, and to hear the rider's rope swishing in the air. You can see how fast the action is due to my inability to capture the riders!
We stood right behind the gates where they drove the cattle to the chutes. It was a first for us all! More California posts to come!