Fun stuff

I have to tell you about Chris and Kathy and Katy and Buddy Chambers. I've known Chris since he was in high school. Used to spend a week or two at a time with the Chambers kids when their folks went south on vacation. I thoroughly enjoyed Chris and still do. We had lots of enjoyable, upbeat conversations during my stays at their home.

Later, Chris played a significant role in what could have turned into a disaster when one of our horses, with our daughter Annie aboard, got his feet stuck in the railroad crossing. We've never forgotten his help on that scary day when it took several men, a veterinarian and big crow bars to get the young horse unstuck from the tracks.

Chris also married well. His wife Kathy is one of my favorite people. She lights up a room, she's very caring, involved, smart and much loved by all who know her. My mother admires her like no other because Kathy has been one of Mother's very special friends over the past few years.

I've known both of Chris and Kathy's children since they were born. Notable images that I can conjure up in my mind of those two kids include their absolute enjoyment while dancing at our son and daughter-in-law's wedding reception AND the first and last-ever Chic-o-Stick eat-a-thon at Bonner Mall about three or four years ago on Janurary 31.

The event was my way of celebrating the end of January. We had fun, ate Chic-o-Sticks and raised money for overseas troops. Mr. Buddy showed up that day and almost took first place in the speed event---that meant whoever downed their Chic-o-Stick first. Like his mom, Buddy lit up the event.

These kids embrace life like few others I've seen. Both are leaders admired by their peers. If there's something positive going on among the youth in Sandpoint, you can expect to see Buddy or Katy in the middle of it. Look out for them as they turn into adults. I have a feeling they'll have a significant impact on the future of this world.

In the meantime, watch for them on TV. The following note from their mother Kathy explains:

Hi family and friends,

As some of you may know, our kids love to make home videos.some turn out better than others and a few are really funny, especially those bloopers that happen when they aren't TRYING to be funny. Well, they sent one into America's Funniest Home Videos in the hopes of winning some money and basking in the glory of fame.

We got the call today that their video was chosen as one of the top 3 finalists, and we will be flying to LA next weekend for the show's taping on February 2nd! The kids are beyond excited and can't wait to see the set and walk the streets of Hollywood. We will be sure to let you all know when the show will air so you can tune in!

Love,

Kat
PS. For making it into the top 3, the kids have won a $2000 prize, which will go straight into their savings account for college! Woo hoo!

On another note, there's another young person, who actually spent time at the Chambers house years ago when her mom and dad went out of town on a short vacation. She was young at the time, less than a year old. Her name is Annie Love, and I must tell you about her latest adventure. Well, it's not latest---it's upcoming, and you can follow her along the way.

This is our child (she's 29 now, going to be 30 this fall) who, as a youngster, made life totally miserable for Mom, Dad and older brother every time we went hiking in the mountains. Annie's M-O during those days of her youth included a lot of whining or just plain sleeping emphatically in the car whenever we would set off on a hiking trail. If she did follow us along the trail, she did so unwillingly, hanging far back and complaining every step of the way.

I was astounded back in those days that any child of ours (two outdoors fanatics) could be so unappreciative of the natural world around her. Our pep talks about enjoying the wonders of the outdoors fell on deaf ears-----at least, we thought that at the time.

Well, this is the same child who, several years later, cajoled, coerced and encouraged her mother on the most difficult hike of my life in far-off New Zealand. This is the same child who, last summer, climbed to the top of Mount Pilchuck in the North Cascades and sent us a photo while we were hiking in the Cabinets. This is the same child who also, last summer, climbed to the 10,000-foot level of Mount Rainier and thought to herself------why not the top?

And, this child of almost 30 plans to do just that this summer in late June. She wants folks to know about it so that she feels more responsible for reaching the goal. She has started a blog called (www.rainiergirl.blogspot.com), and she figures on a long road ahead, raising money, getting in shape, assembling the necessities, etc.

Anyway, our Annie wants others to enjoy her experience, so she'll be posting on the blog fairly regularly and would love to have you read how she's doing. If you've ever viewed her photography (www.nnlove.blogspot.com), I think you're in for a treat as her adventure unfolds. So, with no further adieu, I'll send you off to check out her new blog---address above.

Definitely some fun stuff to look forward to as we end another month of January, and I'm thinkin' Buddy's appearance on national TV, along with his sister Katy, will far outdo our Bonner Mall Chic-o-Stick event a few January's ago. All the sudden, January doesn't seem so bad.